Hanging By a Thread

Hygge: Embracing the Season & Chicken Tortilla Soup {Recipe}

I love the winter! I know…people don't often say that, but it's true, I do! And I live in Minnesota where we get the full brunt of winter weather. So, I understand what minus 30 feels like on the bare skin of your face. I know how beautiful and peaceful it is to stand outside and in the middle of a good snow listening to the quiet snowflakes fall. I know the thrill of waking to a fresh, bright winter wonderland and going out to play or ski or skate or snowshoe or sled in it and then come inside with numb fingers and toes and noses to mugs of hot chocolate and bowls of warm buttery popcorn and thick, cozy socks!

I love to make big pots of hot, soothing soups and bake comforting cakes and breads and muffins and cookies. We certainly enjoy game nights under the warm glow of our dining room light, huddling around our table as the cold swirls and howls outside. Sometimes we declare a whole day dedicated to watching movies, covered in blankets and squeezed onto one big bed.

In a nutshell, we embrace this season and all that it offers outside in nature and we love to get cozy inside too. It turns out there's a name for that. The Danish call this, "Hygge." Now, the pronunciation is a bit of conundrum. I have seen the pronunciation written out and spoken several different ways. In fact, how to say it has become an inside joke in our home, but regardless of how you say it, it's a great thing to learn and put into practice in your own life!

Hygge is the Danish term for coziness, but really it's much more than that. Here's how VisitDenmark.com explains what "hygge" means:

"In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that's hygge too. There's nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are the happiest people in the world?"

While winter is the high season of hygge, you can actually hygge any time really. And the more I learn about hygge, the more I realize that the Twin Citians do a really good job of hygge(ing) all year round.

We get out and do things in every season: picnics and outdoor movies and concerts and sports and walks and playing at parks and boating in the warmer months and skiing, snowshoeing and sledding and dinners with friends, and cozy coffee chats and marathon game nights and snuggly movie nights and boot hockey and relaxed brunches, winter hikes and hot chocolate and warm croissants and coffee shops on every corner, laughing, soaking up the beauty of the season, spending time with friends and family in the colder months.

So, embrace each season in your life, both the beauty of nature and the people surrounding you and the warmth of your own home, no matter how big or small it is.

Now, since the high season of hygge is upon us, I have a super tasty and ultra-easy soup recipe for you:

Anna's Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

1 13 ounce can of chicken breast or 1.5 cup of shredded cooked chicken

½ cup of frozen corn or fresh from the cob

1 15 ounce can of black beans

2 cups chicken broth

¾ cup cream of tomato soup (I have made this with tomato sauce too for a dairy free version, but I like the cream of tomato much better)

¾ cup salsa

Salt & pepper to taste

Get pot hot, add olive oil, then garlic, chopped onion and pepper and corn. Sauté on medium for about 5 minutes until onion is translucent.

Add chicken, breaking up any big chunks. Then, add chicken broth, black beans, tomato soup and salsa. Stir all together.

Taste and add salt and pepper or a dash of hot sauce to taste. Simmer for about 20 minutes on medium high to thicken soup and meld flavors.

This soup is not very thick though. And I like this because that means my pickier son will eat it.

We top our soup with shredded cheese, a dash of hot sauce, sliced avocado and a dollop of sour cream and serve with corn tortilla strips that I bake with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper or corn chips from the bag.

For the tortilla strips. Use pizza cutter to cut a stack of corn tortillas into wedges or strips. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and back on 375 for about 20 minutes, use spatula to move them around and separate strips. Then, cook another 10 to 20 minutes or until crispy. YUM!

Here's to a merry and bright hygge high season! Over and out…

Anna

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Muddled {Note to Self}

I start to write, but then I come to an abrupt halt. The words don't string together right. I doubt my point. I wonder at the direction the words take. Everything feels jumbled.

This time of year is hard for me. The change from summer to fall and into winter. It always takes me by surprise. Shorter days and changes in weather. I struggle to accomplish tasks. I feel sleepy and groggy and out of focus. I wake up tired and panicky, warily starting the day.

I push myself to check off the tasks…do laundry, send an email, make a phone call, walk at Lake Harriet, pick tomatoes, paint the dresser, pick up boy #1, pick up boy #2, run to activities and to the store, make dinner, work towards deadline, make lunches for next day….slogging through the to-dos and then realizing how little I actually accomplished each day and feeling the guilt of sluggishness.

I must remember to be gentle with myself. I must remember to take my Vitamin D and get outside as much as I can to soak up the sunny daylight and push myself to walk fast in the cool, crisp air around Lake Harriet, willing by brain to clear away the fog. I must remember it doesn't last forever.

One day the words will come more easily again…my eyelids won't feel so heavy and my head so unfocused. I will return to my normal more alert and driven self…one day…

But right now it's time to get out the sun lamp and let the stories swirl around inside my head. They'll keep.

Do you feel this way this time of year? What do you do to get through the fog? Last year, the higher dose of Vitamin D made a huge difference for me….working on that now. Over and out…

Anna

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5 Things {To Save World}

OK….So, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when it comes to saving the world, but still, hear me out.

Plastic is a big problem for our Earth. As in, it takes years and years and years and years to break down. Some sources say it may takes plastic containers, bottles and bags 100s or even 1000s of years to break down. The truth is, we don't actually know how long it will take. Plastic bags have been around only 50 years….and they're all still piling up in landfills, etc.

So, our family has been trying our darndest to greatly reduce the amount of plastic we use. I know what you're thinking, "Your one little family not using so much plastic isn't going to save the world or make any great impact." And you're right. That's why each of us should be doing our part in "saving the world" whether it's reducing plastic usage, using fewer or no harmful chemicals in our homes, reducing our overall all carbon footprints, etc.

And did you know if you used just 3 reusable produce bags a week, you'd reduce your plastic bag usage by 150 in just one year? And did you further know that the average family goes through about 500 plastic baggies a year just for school and work lunches?

The way I see it is that if we choose to do things that reduce the waste and the harmful chemicals released into our air and leave our world a purer place for our kids and their kids or at the very least slow the damage to our planet and our people, then it's worth it.

And really these 5 things are EASY…there's just one I have trouble with….

1. Norwex Snack Bags/Sandwich Wraps. We NEVER send plastic baggies in school lunches. We also opt for reusable spoons and forks and travel sized enviro cloths for lunch napkins for waste free lunches. These bags are also great for small toys, crayons, pacifiers, etc. even makeup or nail files and polishes, etc., etc.
2. Reusable Bags for Shopping. Here's the one I have trouble with. I have them in my car, and I usually remember to take them in at Trader Joe's and my co-op, but often forget them when running into Target or a clothing store or shoe store, etc. I'm working on this one. And when I forget I do take my plastic bags to Target to recycle….I hope they actually recycle them!
3. Norwex Mesh Produce Bags. I use these at the grocery stores for fruits and veggies and for picking tomatoes and peppers in our garden – we have had a huge tomato crop and these bags are great for this job. My son even took one to school to store his headphones in. I use one in the freezer for the bananas that go mushy before they are eaten and get used in muffins, breads and pancakes. They are also great for washing grapes so that you don't lose them down the drain or for washing and/or storing Legos bath toys or Barbies and so many other things!
4. Compostable Trash Bags. I feel good about using these. I found 2 different brands at Lakewinds Co-op. They aren't too pricey and there are several sizes, depending on your needs. We have found them to be pretty strong and to work well.
5. Norwex Stainless Steel Straws. Think about how many millions of straws are tossed out each day….staggering isn't it? Well, if you use them in your own home or often stop for a carbonated beverage or shake or smoothie, then these stainless steel straws will serve you well. There's even a handy brush to clean them well! Again, I am working out a system to keep them in my car and remember to grab these and not the plastic version when we stop for a refreshing drink. My boys love to use them with milk.

OK, OK….I actually have 7 points for you, not 5….

1. Silicone Lids. I have been using these for about a year or so now. Norwex just launched a version too – work just the same and they are fantastic! The lids are safe for stovetops, ovens, microwaves and the fridge. There are so many reasons to love them. I don't even use metal lids for my pots now. The silicone lids make perfect rice, make the pasta water boil faster, keep food warm and still good for hours, steams veggies to perfection, keep baked good fresh and moist AND no more plastic wrap! Plus fewer dishes to wash since you can go from stove to fridge in the same container. Oh, and they don't stain or retain odor.
2. Beeswax & Cloth Wrap. I found this at my Lakewinds Co-op too, and they are great! They come in several sizes and even a variety pack. I use them to wrap cheese, bread, fruits, veggies, whatever and, again, NO PLASTIC WRAP or BAGGIES! You simply rinse it with cool water and dry it off and then wrap up the food. The warmth of your hand will mold and seal the beeswax and cloth wrap.

And this is what we're doing, along with removing all harmful chemicals from our home and recycling tons of plastic, paper and glass. Of course, there are always more things we can do…and we will. What are you focusing on changing in your home? Over and out….

Anna

**Full Disclosure: one of the many hats I wear is that of Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. However, none of these products were given to me and no company sponsored this post. This is simply my opinion based on experience using these products in my home.

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Roasting {in the Kitchen}

I've been on a roll in the kitchen lately, and it's been a tasty ride. Now this may sound like bragging, but my daddy always says, "It ain't braggin' if you really did it." So, I think it's alright, because boy, I'm tellin' you what, I've made some really great dishes with a bit of this and a little of that and a lot of inspiration.

One of the things inspiring me and driving my appetite lately has been roasting. I've been a roasting fool. This week I made a beautiful, flavorful roasted stir fry chock full of veggies. My family loved it.

Here's what I did.

I chopped up a purple cabbage, an onion, several varieties of sweet peppers, a zucchini, carrots, mushrooms and beets (everything but the mushrooms and carrots came from our crop share or our garden). You can use whatever you have on hand.

Next, I mixed up some good olive oil and some apricot fruit spread (mostly fruit – no sugar added – I got it at my co-op). Then, I poured it over my veggies and then proceeded to use my hands to massage the oil and apricot mixture onto the veggies to be sure all got covered with this sticky concoction. I added some salt (my favorite is Himalayan Pink Salt from Trader Joe's) and pepper. I then divided up the large amount of veggies on to two parchment lines jelly roll pans and roasted them on 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. You can taste the veggies at this point and decide if they need more roasting or more S & P or apricot or whatever you're putting on your veggies.

Now, generally, once I roast the veggies I put them over rice or mix them into pasta or just serve them up on their own, but this time I threw the whole mixture into a hot wok glazed with olive oil. Then, I added some gluten free soy sauce (tamari) and more apricot fruit spread and stirred the veggies. I let that cook for a few minutes and then served it atop Jasmine rice. DELISH and popping with gorgeous veggie colors! The best part? My family loves my stir fries! But this one was especially good.

Now, you'll notice I did not tell you any measurements and that's because I never think to measure it out when cooking, but really this is all to taste. So, always start out small and keep adding until you get the taste you want.

You don't have apricot fruit spread on hand? No worries. You can also use honey or maple syrup or orange juice or lemon juice or just olive oil or coconut oil or walnut oil or whatever your flavor preferences are. The point is to experiment, have fun with it and don't worry if it doesn't turn out exactly how you hoped it would; try something different the next time.

Another roasting combination that is fabulous is cauliflower and rosemary ham. Maybe I'll share that one with you too. It has become a staple meal around here.

Oh, and I turned the leftover veggies and rice from this meal into a Fall Harvest Cheesy Vegetable Soup! SOOOOO good!

Enjoy and have fun in the kitchen! Over and out…

Anna

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Happiness {Overrated and Over-Hyped}

I think happiness is overrated and over-hyped.

Yep. I said it.

Now, hold on, let me explain where I'm coming from with this. Even my husband gave me a weird look when I told him this, but I think he sees my point now.

There are loads of articles, books and blog posts on how to be happy and tips for leading a happy life and reminders of things that we can be happy about, even Pope Francis has weighed in on this topic. There are plaques for our homes and offices that tell us why we should be happy and help us remember what makes us happy.

We're told we need to seek happiness. We buy into this idea that we should be happy always. We're convinced we deserve to be happy at all costs. We measure our lives by our degree of happiness. We're told we're missing out on something if we aren't happy.

Being happy is great, but sometimes being frustrated, angry, stuck, passionate, jumbled, low, apprehensive, conflicted or inspired is better. This broad range of emotions can be beneficial allowing for growth and reflection and creativity and variety and truth.

Happiness comes and goes and changes and flows through us and around us, but I don't think it's something you can find by reading a book on how to be happy or flipping through pages of things to be happy about. True happiness is deeper than that.

I think this quest for constant happiness is a result of our culture of instant gratification. We have become a society that always wants more and better without delay. We look for the shortcuts and the conveniences in life.

We move on from good and nice homes to bigger and grander homes; we upgrade to newer and faster phones and tablets and computers with each new model introduced; we outfit our kids with all the best toys, clothes and electronics; we have a continual wish list that never runs out of entries. We are controlled by consumerism. We look to things to make us happy.

The quest for a never-ending amount of stuff can lead to depression and sadness and frustration. We can't always get that instant gratification we crave and believe will fulfill us. We can't always have what the neighbors have or go on the trips our friends do on a constant and immediate basis. And this is where the quest to be happy often comes into play…I deserve to be happy…I'm supposed to be happy…why am I not happy?

This, of course, leads to more consumerism. "What can I buy to read or follow or do to be happier?" Well, the marketing departments and publishers everywhere have answered this call for help.

And yet, we are told we can't buy happiness….so, where does that leave the person who buys the books and plaques on finding happiness and leading a happy life?

Here are my thoughts on the subject: Happiness is something that comes about through introspection and reflection. Happiness is something that builds inside of us through self-confidence and self-reliance and friendships and faith and love and joy and peace and age. Happiness is not something that happens instantly or constantly for all people all the time.

Happiness may come and go. Happiness may elude us at times. Happiness is something we can choose to accept or something we can choose to reject. Happiness is not hidden, waiting for us to find it and then hold on to it, grasping at it with two hands for fear of losing it again.

Once we have figured out who we are and what makes us tick and can fully grasp all of life's blessings and can embrace those difficult lessons learned along the way and can have patience with ourselves and others and lean back and let go with full faith, we can be happy…truly happy.

There is no magic formula for this. There is no instant, go-to-the-front-of-the-line-for-your-happy-pill answer. There is only time and life and choice.

So, choose wisely and have patience and love and forgiveness at the ready…for yourself and others…and know that it's OK not to be happy sometimes. Heck, I've gone whole years without being happy. These were soul searching years that have resulted in great fruitfulness and eventual true happiness. Over and out…

Anna

Please note I am not at any point talking about clinical depression. I am merely referring to the obsession that people seem to have about being happy, as if it's a trendy fashion accessory or new herbal cure-all remedy that has just been discovered. Depression is a completely different beast altogether and professional help should be sought.

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Connected in Thought and Feeling

I am forever connected to my children through invisible lines that stretch endless distances carrying various emotions to and fro. I feel what they feel. I hurt when they hurt. I sigh when they are placid and happy. I cheer when they are excited. I itch with nervous energy when they are on edge.

We are like E.T. and Elliot; our lifeblood runs as one.

And so it is that I am a ball of nerves and stress lately. I am frustrated and let down and irritated with the public education system in general. I am done with this school year; I am tired; I have a single focus.

These feelings are siphoned from my son and fed into my veins. I hate that he feels these things, but I am without a plan to change these circumstances of the last four weeks of school.

In a Land Far, Far Away

It's silly really. It's not as if I got to see her terribly often and it's not as if this should change how often I talk to her, but still, I feel the added distance and it makes me miss her. My best friend from college; the one I have seen the most and talked to the most over the years just moved from Texas to Idaho.

In Texas, I had the chance to see her, stay with her, get to know her boys as I traveled there for work and family visits. I have reason to travel to Texas. I know the route well. It's all familiar.

Idaho is far, far away from me. It's all unfamiliar. I don't know the way there. I can't picture where she is or know anything about the place. I feel sad for me; I don't know when I will see her again.

But I feel happy for her and her family as they begin a new adventure in this far away corner of the country. And I envision a long road trip with my boys, along new terrain, on our way to visit my friend. And then, once again, I will know the way to her and what her house looks like and where she has settled and she won't feel so far away when I talk to her and think of her.

In the meantime, we'll make a point to call each other more often.

Life After Loss

Life from day to day has no certainty for any of us. And yet, we keep going without thinking much about our own mortality or that of our loved ones until we are forced to. It's best this way. For if we dwell on such matters for long we'll be consumed by the questions for which we cannot know the answers.

But when there is a sudden loss; loss without reason, without preparation, without last sentiments exchanged, without time to think through, it's hard to know where to begin again. It's hard not to think on those dark questions of which we cannot know the answers. And yet, we must not.

We must go on living and doing and laughing and loving and working through all the lovely and momentous and unpleasant and insignificant and bright and dark moments of life. And that realization is both terrifying and reassuring all at the same time.

It's terrifying to think that life must simply go on with this gaping hole in life's cast. And it's reassuring, that eventually, this will be the new normal and life will resume again, altered and not so shiny, but still full of hope.

Starting up again is never easy, whether it's losing a spouse or child or parent or grandparent or sibling or beloved pet. It's just isn't. And that's OK, but know that one day the tears won't come so easily and the sun will seem a little brighter and your smile will feel a bit more familiar and then you'll know it's all going to be alright.

Over and out…

Anna

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5 Things {Favorite Kitchen Hacks…from just regular ol’ me}

I have the world's smallest kitchen. The kitchen also serves as the pathway between the rest of the house and the breezeway, garage and back doors. Often during this time of year while I'm cooking dinner in the evening my children are in and out, traipsing through with another gun or a ninja sword or a football helmet or a sleeping bag or spy kits or any number of items that they need for playing whatever they are playing outside with their friends. Cooking in my kitchen is usually fairly complicated due the tiny size and the heavy foot traffic. However, I power through it all, producing fresh, tasty, nutritious meals that my kids either love or hate (one can never tell which it will be); my husband eats it all.

I do spend a large amount on our food each month, but it's important to me that we eat as much fresh, organic and local food as I can possibly get. I take our food seriously, as in I care about what we put into our bodies, but I think planning meals and cooking should be fun. So, I do employ a few hacks to help me make my meals better or easier to prep or clean up.

1. {For the love of all that's good and holy} Refuse to Use Cooking Spray. Seriously, cooking sprays are simply not necessary. When you're baking or roasting, simply use a parchment or foil or a silicone baking sheet liner. And then when it's done, you're baking sheet is still clean (for the most part) and nothing sticks to the parchment, foil or silicone baking sheet.
2. Preserve Herbs. This was the best of use of my herbs ever. I simply chopped up my herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage) last fall and put them in an ice cube tray and filled each compartment with melted butter or olive oil. Then, I froze the cubes. I just take out a cube and use it when I need it for stir fries, sauces, sautés, cornbread, etc. The flavor is abundant and fresh.
3. Hold the Dressing. Make your own. It's easy, it's cheaper and it's better for you. All you need is some oil - I most often use olive oil and walnut oil – and your favorite vinegar or some lemon or lime or orange juice, maybe some honey or maple syrup and mustard, add some spices or herbs, if you like. Start with some oil and vinegar and add what you'd like, small amounts at a time. You can always add more. Just keep whisking and tasting until you get the flavor you want. Same with marinades and sauces. You can do it yourself without all the preservatives and artificial colors, etc. and without extra cost. I recently visited my favorite oil and vinegar shop, Vinaigrette, and stocked up on some infused oils and vinegars; my favorite for summer is Basil Olive Oil.
4. Raid the Pantry. Sometimes everything else takes precedence over going to the grocery store. OK, so, this happens quite frequently at our house. But that's OK because I like this challenge of making a meal from the bits of this and the last of that and combining flavors and testing out ideas and theories. It's fun to take the Pantry/Fridge Meal Challenge; try it yourself sometime.
5. Eat Your Inspiration. I love cookbooks, but I rarely follow recipes. I get inspiration and ideas from reading through recipes and find information about a particular ingredient or flavor and then create my own version, based on what I have on hand or how I like to prepare a dish or my favorite flavor combinations. While I do make meals and treats from scratch and enjoy it, I don't have patience for complicated recipes with lots of ingredients; there's just no need for complication.

Just remember KISS…Keep It Simple, Sista! Simple is good and quick and fun.

I also have a few kitchen tools that I love and that make my time in the kitchen even more enjoyable. Maybe I'll share those another time. For now, I hope you feel inspired to get your creative juices flowing. And don't forget to save your compostable scraps for your garden. Over and out…

Anna

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Be Kind and Do the Right Thing {It’s Really That Simple, Isn’t it?}

What if we made decisions based on reason and good sense and because it was in the best interest for all or at least most? What then?

What would our world look like? What would we think of our leaders then? How would we feel about mankind? How would we feel about ourselves?

There are a few things that have really bothered me over the last few weeks; items from news headlines and articles. Here they are {in brief} and my thoughts on them {in brief…as brief as I can be}:

All Parents have Challenges

Gwyneth says moms with "regular" jobs working 9 to 5 have it easier than "movie stars" working 14 hours on location.

My Take: Don't compare yourself to others and their situations. You have no idea the challenges, burdens and sacrifices that another has faced or is facing. Simply be kind to others and live your own life. And if you don't like your life, take steps to change that – this goes for "movie stars" too.

I have no doubt it is challenging to be a celebrity and a mom, but it is also challenging to be "regular" mom working 9 to 5 in an office or working from home or working shifts or whatever a mom's situation is. Can we just agree it's challenging to be a mom?

Government could Save $400 Million with One Simple Change

Fourteen year-old boy comes up with a simple (& proven) way to save the federal and state governments $400 million dollars each year by changing the font in which they use for printing purposes; Times New Roman uses more ink than Garamond. By printing in Garamond, the governments would save this astronomical (to me) amount in ink costs.

My Take: This is remarkable. And yet, will the branches of government even consider such a change; a change that could mean closing the gap in other areas of their budgets or that this money could go towards more important things than ink? I doubt it. It seems that the government (federal and state) and the politicians running them are rarely interested in ways to truly be economical or do what is safer, healthier or smarter with our money. It is almost always about spending money in their districts or with their constituents or something that will benefit them personally, I am sorry to say.

But wouldn't it be great to see the government truly working with this 14 year-old and implementing this simple change?

If the government was run like a household budget, the government would most certainly try this money-saving plan.

Watch YourSELF! Don't be a Bully!

Self Magazine published a photo of two women running in a marathon wearing superhero-inspired tutus…and featured it in their BS Meter, Legit or Lame segment, calling it lame and making fun of them for wearing the tutus…one of the runners in the photo has cancer, ran while doing chemo and makes and sells the tutus to help fund a youth development program for girls…

My Take: This whole thing really smells to high heaven. They asked permission to use this photo and then proceeded to make fun of her and her friend… that's bad enough. But then, they find out she has cancer and was going through chemotherapy during the time she ran and she does good with the money she makes in selling these tutus….wow!

So, editors at Self, clearly you failed miserably on this photo, but I think you have failed overall with this whole segment. Who are you to poke fun at anyone? Even if she and her friend were simply runners, no cancer or nonprofits involved, it's not OK to make rude comments about someone. That is bullying behavior. I say ditch your BS Meter altogether.

I applaud the self-expression, and you can call me lame if you like, but anything superhero-inspired is cool in our household. And seriously, these two women were RUNNING A MARATHON! They ROCK…period!

Privacy Issues in School Bathrooms

There was a recent incident in a St. Paul school when a janitor was inappropriate in a boys bathroom.

My Take: As a mom to boys, I have often thought this is a bad idea for the men on staff to share a bathroom with the boys in the school, considering there are urinals and not just stalls. I think both boys and the male teachers/staff should have privacy in a bathroom at school. And having separate bathrooms for students and personnel affords protection from such instances, for both the adults and students. Of course, the same can be said for the girls bathrooms too, but there are at least stalls and doors, giving more privacy. And really, I'm not sure urinals without enclosures have a place in schools.

Suing Your Parents is NOT a Good Idea…EVER

A high school student sued her parents, trying to force them to pay for her college expenses. The suit was dropped and the girl moved home, fortunately.

My Take: Don't bite the hand that feeds you. Clearly, this girl had lost her way somewhere and has hopefully found her path again now. There was little basis to her lawsuit. There was no evidence of abuse or neglect. Instead, it appeared to be a case of a girl not wanting to follow her parents' rules (which by reports from her parents were not terribly restricting) and leaving home on her own accord to live with a friend's family once she turned 18, but wanting her parents to continue to fund her life.

This friend's father was an attorney. It sounds like he talked her into suing her parents for her Catholic high school tuition payment and college living expenses for the next year. This is very unfortunate, it not only put attorneys in a bad light yet again, it also makes the girl look like a spoiled rotten, greedy brat (which may not have been the case at all) and these shenanigans cost all involved a great deal of expense and energy and heartache….all for nothing.

Usually simply talking out a problem is a good and cheap solution to most familial issues.

These are the headlines that have been knocking around in my head lately. And now you know my take on them. Over and out…

Anna

 

 

 

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News Flash: Cancer is Killing Us {but we can Fight back}

The question we continually ask is "Why? How could this have happened?" When I have begun to ask, "Why not? How have some escaped this catastrophic disease?"

I am talking about cancer.

Today is World Cancer Day.

The World Health Organization has issued a jaw-dropping report on cancer. This report predicts new cancer cases will increase from an estimated 14 million in 2012 to 22 million annually within the next twenty years.

Christopher Wild, director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is quoted as saying,

"We cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally."

At this point, most of the resources are spent on reacting to the staggering number of diagnoses and treating cancer, often to no avail.

However, the report indicates that half of the cancers are preventable if we take action to change our lifestyles, such as addressing smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and exercise, if we promote cancer screenings better, use vaccines more aggressively in order to prevent infectious types of cancer and consider the environmental impacts.

How often do you hear from a friend or family member that cancer is now affecting someone close to you? How often do you hear from a friend or family member that someone near to him or her is being affected by cancer?

For me, the answers to both of those questions is this: FAR TOO OFTEN.

It's not difficult for me to name at least 10 people who have recently been affected by cancer. I could easily go higher than 10. That is FAR TOO MANY.

It has not always been this way. It does not have to continue in this ever-upward moving line.

WE CAN CHANGE these numbers. WE CAN ALTER these predictions.

How?

Start making changes today.

1. Get regular exams, including any relevant cancer screenings. I also think there is a limit as to how much trust we should put in our medical system. I often find that doctors just try to throw medications at the problem, rather than treat the body as a whole and find the real issues that are often treated by a change of diet and/or lifestyle rather than with medications. So, think holistic approach when getting exams, etc. Check out the American Cancer Society's Cancer Screening Guidelines.

    

2. Take a good hard look at your diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Cut out meats and fats and processed foods and sugary drinks. In the last 60 years our diets have been increasingly bombarded with processed and refined "foods." This is not a good thing. Eat more fresh and real food. You will feel a huge difference, just by making a few changes. You or your kids don't like vegetables; try again. Change the way you prepare it and try more kinds of veggies; there are lots of veggies out there. I am willing to bet you haven't tried them all. Try growing a garden. Participate in a crop share program. Visit a Farmers' Market. Do these things as a family and try new food together. And, No, French Fries don't count as a veggie. Here are some helpful tips for healthy eating and food pyramids to help you on your way.

    

3. STOP smoking or if you are not the one smoking in your home, help that person find the support and best method for quitting. Stopping smoking can be done. I have never smoked and therefore never had to quit, but if you really want to change your health and that of your family, STOP. Need somewhere to start? Check out SmokeFree.gov.

    

4. Limit alcohol or completely eliminate it. We, as a society, drink a lot these days. It's what we do we when gather together at home or at a restaurant in celebration of a birthday, anniversary, a Friday, a rough week, a date out without the kiddos, etc. There are reports that tell us that wine can be a health benefit, but overall, there are a lot of reason to limit or eliminate alcohol from your life. Click to see what the American Cancer Society has to say about alcohol and risk of cancer.

    

5. Stop being a couch potato. If you sit in your car on the way to work, sit at your desk all day, sit on your way home again, sit in front of the TV and then get into bed to sleep it's time to make a change. You don't have to train to run a marathon {although you could}, but it's important to be active for you and for the example of your kids. Stand to work; clean your house; do laundry; go for a walk; play in the backyard with your kids or pets or both; scoop the snow from your drive rather than use your snow blower; sign up for a class or a team sport; or play Just Dance on the Wii with your kids; whatever it is, Just Move. Here are some really great tips on getting moving; you don't have to go to the gym to get some exercise into your daily routine!

    

6. Change what you are using to clean your home. You don't have to use cleansers filled with chemicals. It's making you sick and exposing you to really awful (MANY CANCER-CAUSING) chemicals. You could use just water and microfiber! Two years ago, we completely changed how our home is cleaned, how our laundry is cleaned and what we put on our skin. It has made a world of difference for us and our allergies, headaches, etc. I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant, just one of the hats I wear, and you can find out more about this easy change here: annaberend.norwex.biz or contact me directly.

    

We need to start responding to the cancer epidemic, instead of reacting. There is a difference. If we respond to these reports, we can take a firm stand and start making changes before it's too late. When it's too late, meaning there is already a cancer diagnosis or these predictions have come true, we are merely reacting by then treating the ill and often untreatable.

So, read the WHO cancer report, make a list of changes you and your family need to make, talk to friends and family about making these changes too. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We don't have to live based on these predictions, ensuring that these prophecies will be true.

Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for all of those people who you know and love that have been affected by cancer already. And if you are looking to get educated on cancer prevention or looking for support for you or a loved one fighting cancer now this site is really great with lots of information: F*@% Cancer.

The report indicates that in the next two decades, cancer deaths are predicted to go from 8.2 million a year to 13 million annually. These numbers are not acceptable. Over and out…

Anna

Shades of Youth {Tanning and Teens and Cancer}

Shallow Reasoning

It's no secret; I am very pale. When I was a teenager and into my early twenties I spent some time in a tanning bed. It started with my junior prom. I wanted a bit of color on my arms and shoulders when I wore my hot pink and black strapless number.

My youthful rationale in continuing into my college years was that at least I wouldn't be the color of a corpse when it was time to put on a swimsuit, and perhaps, I wouldn't burn so quickly out in the sun.

Altogether, I went only a handful of times in the late spring for about four years. Not that it matters, statistics and studies show that my chance of skin cancer is dramatically higher for having done this, especially since I did so before the age of 30.

I was not concerned about skin cancer or wrinkles or creases or spots or aging. It was the here and now I was thinking about; watching the skin beneath the little heart-shaped sticker I affixed to my hip during the tanning sessions look less and less like my true shade.

Honestly, I never got very tan in my short stints in the tanning booth. I doubt others even realized that I was tanning, but that's not the point. Damage could still be done.

I soon changed my ways, wearing hats and sunscreen and taking care of the porcelain shell.

Well, Texas now has a law, in effect since September of 2013, banning minors from using tanning devices. So, I would have been stopped from adding color to my shoulders for junior and senior prom. I am sure there were a number of teenage girls in Texas who took an interest in new state laws for the first time last August.

Money Talks    

I found a list of 2013 legislation on the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) website listing the results of such legislation. The list contained legislation from 30 states, many of them were noted to have died in committee.

Who knew there was such an association, which must have some kind of influence, considering that 25 bills died in committee or were defeated or vetoed (note some states had multiple bills).

In fact, only 7 bills pertaining to limiting or banning minors from using tanning devices were passed and enacted into law in 2013.

Minor Restrictions

Now, I am not one who likes to limit choices, but when it comes to protecting our minors I think the adults should take a firm stance. Seriously, we are talking about the right to get a tan in a box emitting dangerous UV rays; an action that could lead to skin cancer and will most definitely lead to skin damage.

We know a lot more about the risks and hazards of using tanning devices than we did 22 years ago. If I had known all the risks, as a 17 year old, I probably still would have tanned for a few months, but I doubt my mother would have allowed me to do so, with a full understanding of the future repercussions.

Teenagers are much more likely to take risks that could occur in the future than an adult who can fully appreciate the risks of cancer and the advantages of having healthy skin for many years.

So, why shouldn't we limit the ages of who can enter these coffin-shaped boxes of blindingly bright, damaging light?

More than likely the answer comes down to revenue. For the most part, it's the young and beautiful and skinny who plan to don cute, short dresses for school dances and parties and bare {almost} all in itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie yellow polka-dot bikinis who clamor to the tanning salons. Those youngsters can spend a lot of mom's and dad's money getting toasty. And those same 16, 17 and 18 year olds will more than likely continue to use these facilities as 19, 20, 21 year-olds too.

So, enter the ITA lobbyists. Clearly, they were effective.

Putting Their Future at Risk

And yet, in the end, what it comes down to is parents being educated and teaching their kids the risks of getting tanned and burned, whether it's from the sun or from artificial means. Regardless of the laws, parents should refuse to allow their minors to use tanning devices.

But is it really such a big deal; letting your 17 year-old spend a few weeks sunning in the ultraviolet rays of a tanning bed?

Well, consider this:

"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a working group of the World Health Organization, report cited research showing that tanning is especially hazardous to young people; those who use sunbeds before age 30 increase their lifetime risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent. The authors also pointed to studies showing a link between UV radiation from indoor tanning devices and melanomas of the skin and eyes. Melanoma will kill an estimated 8,650 people in the US this year alone. And melanoma isn't the only problem: people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma kills an estimated 2,500 Americans a year."

    From skincancer.org

Pretty frightening stuff, no?

Now this report indicates that the IARC has recently added ultraviolet (UV) radiation-emitting tanning devices, including tanning beds and lamps, to the list of the most dangerous forms of cancer-causing radiation. Interestingly, other hazardous entries on this list include plutonium and certain types of radium, as well as radiation from the sun.

As I was writing this post, I accidentally stumbled upon a blog post from City Pages regarding Minnesota 11^th graders and the rate at which they are using tanning beds. It is actually quite shocking.

In the land of snow and negative temps, 34% of white 11^th graders admit to using tanning beds, even during the winter months; looking at 17 year-old girls across the country that percentage is even higher at 39.3%. These findings come from the Minnesota Student Survey. This was the first year this survey, targeting teens in Minnesota, asked about tanning habits. These questions were added after noticing the rate of melanoma among young women has been increasing about 5% every year for the past 15 years; an alarming rate.

The Scoop

We protect our minors against the harmful of effects of using tobacco and alcohol. We allow minors to operate vehicles, but put limits and restrictions on right.

So, why not regulate minors' participation in an activity that can cause disease and even death?

Adults get to have that prerogative to choose substances and actions that could be dangerous to their own health, but minors should not be given that choice.

We don't even trust minors to vote.

Note: If you have used tanning devices in the past (or perhaps you still do) or spend time exposed outside in the sun or have in the past, be ever vigilant in checking your skin for any abnormal moles or spots. If you notice any, get them checked out. Skin Cancer is serious business!

Over and out…

Anna

Hospitality {Searching for Meaning}

Just a Word

Hospitality…. A word that is often used, but rarely contemplated.

The word "hospitality" has been bumping around in my head for several months. I tried to write something on this subject several times, but the words did not come; they just weren't there.

It all started one Sunday, as I sat in a pew at the Basilica of St. Mary. Father Bauer was speaking. I always enjoy Father Bauer's homilies. They are short and sweet; just enough to give you comprehension, but lacking just enough to make you think; make you want more and seek clarification within yourself.

His words get stuck there, like a burr in your sock that keeps rubbing against your skin, irritating you until you do something about it.

Well, that's exactly what happened with this homily and the word "hospitality."

Searching for Meaning

I looked up the dictionary meaning; the root word and their meanings; I explored my thoughts, but there was nothing there to expand on.

And yet, still I heard the word echoing through my mind day after day, week after week.

Last week, I got the Basilica magazine, as I flipped through it, a word caught my attention…. Hospitality. There was an article on The Hospitality of St. Julian and a piece of art with that title that hangs in the room of the Basilica that welcomes those in great need each day, offering aid in many forms.

I took this as a sign that I was not to give up on this word and this piece I had tried to write.

I have the words now.

The article says, "Hospitality is defined as the reception and entertainment of strangers or guests without hope of reward."

We associate hospitality with free refreshments at a gathering, a service rendered for no fee, opening up our home to our guests for a dinner party or holiday perhaps. These are hospitable acts that is true, but I think it's more than that.

The 13^th Midcentury meaning from Old French means a place for the needy, a charitable institution.

We can be needy in many ways; sometimes we need the basics for getting from day to day; nourishment and shelter; sometimes we are in need of being lifted up spiritually; sometimes we fall into a deep, dark hole and need help to climb back out.

Acts of Love

Hospitality.

As I thought about this word, I recalled several acts of hospitality that has been bestowed upon me. Oddly enough, the first three that came to mind involve food. And yet, food or nourishment of the body and soul do have a lot to do with hospitality.

I remember several years ago, after my friend had read a post I wrote on feeling numb and sad and lost, she showed up at my door with a smile, a hug and big loaf of chocolate babka bread, it was the day before Christmas Eve and she had just arrived home from a trip; she had a jillion other things to do that day. She didn't say a word about the post or that she was worried about me, but I knew what she was doing. It warmed my heart and helped me start climbing out of that hole. That was hospitality.

That same year, right before Thanksgiving our adored Saint Bernard suddenly died, absolutely breaking our hearts. My friends started showing up with meals for our family, understanding how devastated we were to lose this member of our family. That was hospitality.

During a hard time, several years ago, I opened the door to find a big box with a ham and bacon and pancake mix and cheese and more that my dad had ordered from his favorite Vermont ham vendor. That food fed us for a while, nourishing our bodies and spirit. That was hospitality.

A friend who hears your worries, your pain, your needs in your voice, in your silence, in your outbursts and quietly, simply offers you aid in whatever form she or he can. That is hospitality.

A stranger who reaches out to help another who is in need; asking no questions and never thinking about what's in it for himself. That is hospitality.

The Scoop

At this time of year, the needs of others seems to be most apparent. Spirits and temperatures fall; needs rise, in all forms.

Often, I find myself pausing before I offer aid. Will the person be offended? Perhaps I don't understand the situation? Should I put myself out there and help this person? Sometimes I just step up and do what needs to be done; simply offer what I can. I should do that more often; we all should. 

So, as you bustle about getting Thanksgiving dinner ready, greeting guests, going about with "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" on your lips, I hope the word "Hospitality" will echo through your mind, irritating your little gray cells until you stop to consider this apt holiday term.

May you have a most Happy Thanksgiving! Over and out….

Anna

Sleeping with the Enemy {Kids and PJs}

Empting out the Drawers

I just threw out all my kids' pajamas; all the fleecy, fuzzy Mario Bros, Angry Birds, Avengers, Ninja Turtles and snowmen playing football. No, I wasn't having a mommy tantrum. It wasn't a brain dead mommy moment either. Nope, I was lucid and calm, but not happy about it.

The reason I tossed my kids PJs is because they were flame resistant; said so right on the tags. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it's not.

No, I certainly don't want my kids to catch on fire while wearing their jammies. But you know what concerns me more? Toxic chemicals.

Missing the Forest for the Trees

Here's what the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission says about kids pajamas,

To protect children from burns, these rules require that children's sleepwear must be flame resistant and self- extinguish if a flame from a candle, match, lighter or a similar item causes it to catch fire. The rules cover all children's sleepwear above size 9 months and up to size 14 and require that

(1) the fabric and garments must pass certain flammability tests; or

(2) be "tight fitting" as defined by specified dimensions.

What this means is that the majority of kids' pajamas are treated to be made flame resistant, especially synthetic or fleece materials.

The Danger of Flame Retardants

Mothering Magazine reports, "the most common chemicals used on pajamas are halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), antimony oxides, and phosphate based compounds. These offgas into the air kids breathe and are skin irritants."

HealthyChild.org found that "While flame retardant chemicals like chlorinated TRIS and PBDE have been phased out due to toxicity concerns, others remain, like tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride, a.k.a. "Proban" or "Securest." This popular treatment has been linked to a variety of health effects including genetic changes, cancer promotion, and liver and nervous system damage."

And yet, PracticallyGreen.com says that "One carcinogenic chemical, chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was removed from children's pajamas back in the 1970s was recently found by The Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States in 80 percent of new baby and children's products!"

Why This Bothers Me

I watch what we put in our bodies, avoiding processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fat, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, etc. I am careful about what we put on our skin; lotions, shampoo, sunscreen, makeup, skin creams, etc. I don't buy harmful chemical cleaners; we use Norwex, of course, cleaning mostly with microfiber and water (ask me how). We don't use products with harmful chemicals in our laundry room; we use Norwex there too.

I am careful to watch for other areas that chemicals could make their way into our home, but chemicals in the kids' pajamas, leaching out into the air, being inhaled, as my darlings sleep; that makes me mad!

Check the Labels

There's a remedy. Not all kids' pajamas are flame resistant. It's not necessarily easy to find them and they probably aren't covered in your kids' favorite characters and they aren't necessarily cheap, but you can find them. Look for snug-fitting, long-underwear style jammies. You can always get them at Hanna Andersson and Gap Kids has some styles that are not flame resistant online. The tags must say whether they are flame resistant or not; so always check there to be sure.

The CPSC requires all sleepwear that is not flame-resistant to bear a label saying, "For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire." Look for this bright yellow tag attached to the jammies; this is what you want to see. This means it is free of toxic flame retardant treatments.

The Scoop

This is important to me. I care what goes into my kids bodies. Kids are effected much more than we, as adults, are when it comes to chemical levels in our bodies. The rate of cancer and other conditions related to toxic chemicals is astounding and on the rise. The question I have begun to ask is not why did so-and-so get cancer, but why do we all not have cancer.

This post is not meant to frighten you, but to arm you with information. If you have information, you can make informed choices and make a difference for your family. And if we all make informed choices, we could change our communities, our country, our world.

Now is the time to start taking a stand against harmful chemicals; it's not too late, but we must stand up and DO something.

And please note that the federal regulations require kids' sleepwear to be flame-resistant because of external heat sources that a child might come in contact with, such as a fire in a fireplace, a candle, an electric heater, a lighter, etc. This requirement is not in place in order to protect a child from a house fire.

Therefore, if you choose to clothe your children in pajamas that are not flame resistant, do exercise extra caution around any open flames/heat sources, as I would hope you would do regardless of whether their pajamas are treated with toxic chemicals.

And I have more to say on several related topics too….coming soon.

So, are you tossing out your kids' pajamas? Over and out…

Anna

When You Give a Mom a Sick Day

Yesterday I had a sick day. Well, really it was the second sick day; so, more of the recovery day when you are still moving slowly and tiring easily from being really sick the day before.

I decided to make a cup of coffee…but then I forgot about it and it got cold {This part happens frequently}.

So, I heated up the cup of coffee in the microwave.

As I waited the 20 seconds, I noticed that the cabinet door above the microwave was not shutting all the way.

I opened the cabinet door and found that the muffin pan was sticking out.

So, I got the step stool and climbed up to fix the problem.

I found that the cabinet contents had become a jumbled mess from the husband randomly jamming items in after washing dishes {This part happens frequently too}.

So, I endeavored to fix the issue, taking everything out and re-arranging them in an orderly fashion.

In doing this, I found the 6 birthday candle, which belonged in a different cabinet.

When I went to put the 6 candle away, I noticed some empty vinegar bottles and a mostly empty honey jar on the shelf below.

So, I re-arranged those bottles and jars and small appliances there.

Then, I rinsed out the old or mostly empty bottles and jars and took them to the recycling bin in the garage.

When I was putting them in the bin, I dropped one small bottle.

The bottle shattered on the garage floor.

So, I went down to the basement to get the hand vacuum to clean up the glass.

That's when I noticed the piles of laundry (I had been sick for several days).

So, I unloaded the contents from the dryer into a basket, put the laundry from the washer into the dryer, and started another load of laundry.

Then, I got the hand vacuum and went upstairs to the garage.

I picked up the glass pieces and then went back downstairs to put the hand vacuum away.

I noticed that there was litter on the floor that had been pushed out of the cat boxes, and vacuumed that up too.

I put away the vacuum and carried the laundry upstairs.

I was completely and uttering exhausted and went to sit down.

Then, I realized my coffee was still in the microwave.

{Oh, for crying out loud.}

And that's what happens when a Mom gets a sick day; she ends up doing all kinds of random things around the house.

I never did finish that cup of coffee. I ended up re-heating it a couple of times and then finally giving up on it. Over and out…

Anna

No Need to Find a "Good Reason" to Formula Feed {I doubt we will all agree on this}

This is a First

I have written about a lot of topics. I have turned my heart and head inside out and bared many of my deepest thoughts and stories and memories. And yet, there is one topic I have not written about. There is one topic I thought was my business and not yours. There is one topic that I thought would attract rude and mean and destructive attacks.

This one topic that I have not written about is often written about in fervent and heavy handed tones. Anyone who dares to offer up alternatives is pushed down and threatened and despised.

What topic am I talking about?

Breast Feeding v. Formula Feeding

It's a hot button issue among moms. It has been for many years.

I've left it alone. I haven't said a word.

But then, I saw an article on The Stir, a part of CafeMom.com entitled, 15 Good Reasons for Formula Feeding Every Mom Can Agree On and it stirred something inside of me alright….anger!

The title alone made me cringe….as if there are only certain good reasons that we can agree are acceptable reasons for formula feeding.

My Decision

Let me start out by saying this…. I formula fed my two strong and healthy boys. I NEVER attempted to breastfeed them; not ever. I knew before I ever got pregnant that it was not something I was going to do. And, this may shock you, I did not have any of these "15 good reasons" which to base my decision on.

I was confident and comfortable with this decision. I stood firm when telling my doctors…they supported me, but warned me the hospital nurses might not. I stood firm when spelling this out in my birth plans and then confirming this information once my babes were birthed…no one argued with me. I stood firm when all the other moms in my mom groups and circle of friends talked about their breastfeeding issues and even when a few pointed remarks regarding formula feeding were hurled at me by one particular friend.

I have NEVER regretted this decision. First of all, it was personal. And honestly, there is no need for me to explain the why, but since I am baring all once again, I will briefly explain my reason why.

I contemplated whether motherhood was for me at all. Will and I were married 7.5 years before having kids. I was almost 32 when my first child was born. There were several points that we waivered back and forth about it for quite some time. Then, when we finally decided that yes, we wanted to have children, I also knew for certain I would never breastfeed.

I knew that it was simply not something I am personally comfortable with. I knew that I would be a better mom for making this decision and sticking with it. And I still feel certain about this.

Our experience as brand new parents was relatively easy. Will and I took it in stride, for the most part. We shared responsibilities of changing and feeding and getting up and sleeping. It worked well for our family. We had our system for making formula and washing bottles and keeping our babies fed.

Darling 1, our feisty, strong, smart, first-born rolled over at 1 week, started speaking at 5 months and walked at 10.5 months. Darling 2 our stubborn, strong, charming second baby followed closely behind his brother's stats rolling over at 1 week and pulling himself up at 6 months, etc., etc. They are healthy, strong and smart and always have been.

I have No regrets and wouldn't change my decision if given the chance. It was right for us.

It is my firm stance that each mom must determine what is best for her and her baby and her family, whether to breastfeed, formula feed or some combination of both. Period. It is not anyone else's decision.

15 Good Reasons to "Fail"?

Now, back to this article….at first glance it appears that the author is actually giving some validity to my point…each mom has the right to choose what is best for her, but then it becomes quite apparent that this article is just like all the rest. This article, like all the others, takes a jab at those women who decided that breast was not best for their children.

Before I even got to the "15 good reasons" the author's statement regarding her own experience made me cringe and tingle with irritation. She states, and I quote, "And I'll admit my failure as a breastfeeding mom changed me. It made me more open. It made me more understanding."

Her FAILURE. As if by not being able to breastfeed her child made her a bad mom; a failed mom. And that by falling into this category she was able to see why other mom's might fail in this attempt or have to find an escape route that was deemed "a good reason" to feed their babies formula.

I read those "15 good reasons" and every one either had a health issue and mentioned that their doctors had warned against breastfeeding or started out breastfeeding, but then decided to pump or couldn't keep it up due to twins or demanding work situations, etc. or had adopted her babies.

Not one of the moms with the "good reasons" said because I chose to do it….because I knew it was the best decision for me and my child…. Each of the moms given a "free pass" to formula feed based on her "good reason" provided detail reasoning, as if she had to explain herself and be justified by the high court of other moms.

A Mother's Right to Choose

A mom should not have to explain herself to anyone when making a decision about what is best for her child and her, as long as the child is not being put in danger….and formula feeding is not.

Those on the verge of becoming parents must make many decisions from the moment those little lines appear on the stick. Most of us, don't take those decisions lightly.

And I certainly didn't take parenthood lightly. I read and studied and ate well and made informed choices. Our choices were based on research and personal experience. It's hard enough becoming a parent for the first time. It's an emotional time. It's a beautiful, exhausted, fish-out-of-water, everything-is-new experience.

We must trust moms to choose what is best for herself and her child. We must not push our standards and our choices and our reasoning onto other new moms.

The Scoop

The author actually stated that none of the 15 moms said it was because she was lazy or because she wanted to poison her child. Seriously…of course not. But again, this statement is stigmatizing those who do choose to formula feed…belittling formula feeding moms without "good reasons" for choosing this option.

Our track records as parents are not based on anyone else's decisions and experiences. We must make our own way.

Some make the choice to breastfeed and others choose formula and bottles; some decide to make their own baby food and others buy jars and packages; some co-sleep and others strictly forbid it; some use disposable diapers and others use cloth; some use pacifiers and others like thumbs or nothing at all; some let their babies cry it out and others respond right away; some insist on top of the line everything and others use hand-me-downs…and the list goes on and on. These choices don't make one person a more superior parent and another a lesser parent.

I don't have regret about my decision. I was not swayed by other moms. I was confident and definite. But not all moms who decide for whatever reason that they will feed their babies with formula are as strong and resolute and confident in her decisions.

Do not bully that mom with your ideals and your reasonings and your arguments and your judgments whatever they are rooted in; instead, support that mom in her choices. As we all know, a new mom always needs a supportive and loving friend. Over and out…

Anna

 

Conclusion: The Trouble with the World is Complacency

The difference between complacency and living on purpose is a matter of ignorance.

If you don't know (or care about) the dangers or the concerns or the repercussions of what you are eating, where you are living, activities you are engaged in, people you are hanging out with, habits you are forming, products you are buying or using or leaders and causes you are supporting, then you're complacent; satisfied with the ways things are regardless of whether it's a positive or negative effect.

Not so bad, you say? Well, that all depends. Do you want to live in the shadows or do you want to be out in the light? Do you want to be fully informed or just another drone going through the motions? Do you want to be living life to the fullest and teaching your kids to do this as well or do you shrug your shoulders and think, whatever happens, happens; I have no control over things.

Complacency: the reluctance to take charge of your life and the outcome of situations concerning you and your family.

Have you ever noticed that some people are continually surrounded and caught up in the swirling vortex of drama; things just happen to them and the people around them....constantly. And yet, I have noticed that generally these people never formulate a plan or stand up to the architect of the drama or announce a call to action. No, instead they merely shrug and say, "Why do these things keep happening to me/my family/my friends?" But instead of a stand down or a decision or a plan, they simply say, "Oh well."

I say take the bull by the horns. Do not live with complacency. Live with purpose.

Educate yourself; stay informed; surround yourself with positive, supportive, well-informed people.

Do not simply accept that something must be your fate...do something.

Life is an action word. Life is about using our senses (including common sense) and putting our little gray cells in our heads to work and standing upright and going headfirst. Life is about purposely doing and not doing.

So, are you complacent? Are you just going to sit there and take it? Are you watching from the sidelines and taking the knocks that come your way? Or are you actively participating in this thing we call Life...leaving a positive legacy, doing your part, taking part and stepping up? It's your choice....really. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {On the Secret to Being Happy in Life}

This list just came to me one afternoon. As I age and become more comfortable in my skin, these are the "rules" I try to adhere to, in general.

Of course, there more to each of these succinct statements and these few words are not the be all and end all of a happy life, but I have been reading a lot about happiness v. joy and what makes us happy, etc.

And when it comes down to it, it's pretty simple. These points say nothing about work or faith or economic status or age or stage of life. These 5 (really 6) statements can apply to anyone and everyone, regardless of the level of ease of comfort of one's life.

 

1. Say No when you need to
2. Say Yes when you want to
3. Be present in the moment as much as possible
4. Don't feel guilty when you need to retreat from the world around you and be alone with your thoughts
5. Embrace where you are now and where you have come from, who you are now and who you are becoming, what you are doing and how you are getting where you are headed by refusing to give up or give-in, learning from your mistakes, continuing to move forward step by step, day by day and always offering a smile to everyone you meet.

Oh, and indulge a bit here and there! These moments are the cherries on top; shiny and sweet.

 Life is simple if we learn to travel lightly and ride the waves. This is not always an easy task, but one worth striving for. Over and out... {now humming "Don't Worry, Be Happy"}

Anna

Related articles

5 Things You Should Know {New Moms}

Gut Feeling {A Gluten Free Update}

Clear Answers

"If it wasn't so easy, this would be hard." Sounds like a Yogism, doesn't it? But it's not. Nope. I said it. And Will laughed. But I meant what I said.

Three months ago, we, as a family, went gluten free. It was a trial. Would it make a difference with the increasingly bothersome symptoms? Would it be too difficult to give up the gluten-laden foods? Would we have trouble sticking to a limited diet? We now have answers to those questions.

It has made a remarkable difference. It has not been hard at all. We don't feel as if we are giving up anything. And if I'd known I'd feel this good and it would be this easy, I'd have gone gluten free years ago.

One of the best and most unexpected results is no more migraines, which I've experienced since I was a teen. A few other added bonuses; I've dropped a pants size and I'm not always craving food. But the reason it became necessary to try a gluten free diet was the joint pain, the painful skin rash and the painful bloating after every meal; that's a lot of pain.

Gluten Free Trends

Interestingly, I have begun to see articles online, in parenting magazines and in news magazines discussing the pros and cons of being gluten free. Many of the articles I've read are clearly written by people who have not experienced distressing medical issues and found relief by eliminating gluten from their diets. Some of the articles seem to think that going gluten free means withholding all whole grains; which is unhealthy. Many of the articles are written in the tone that I used to have about the idea of gluten free; that is, slightly hostile.

The hostility stems from a feeling of "Do you think you're better than I am since you aren't eating gluten?" "I mean we all have some digestive issues, aches and pains, skin conditions, etc., but that doesn't mean I have to stop eating baguettes and croissants and pasta and pastries full of gluten-based flour." "You do whatever you want, but I'm just as healthy as you are with my gluten!" "And really, is that kind of diet even healthy – whole wheat is healthy!"

I know this because these are the hostile, defensive feelings and thoughts I had about a gluten free diet for several years prior to throwing in the towel when my health issues continued and intensified.

The truth is that our diet has actually improved since giving gluten the old heave ho. While we always avoided artificial colors and flavors and processed foods and ate fresh veggies and fruits and whole grains and limited meat, we had become stuck in a rut with meals and snacks.

We now eat even more fresh and varied (and mostly organic) fruits and veggies, and we eat other types of nutritious whole grains. We read labels with renewed vigilance. We eat flavorful and delicious foods. We have given up only ill effects caused by gluten.

Another common thread in these articles is that there are so few choices at the grocery store that it will mean giving up whole grains or making everything from scratch with a complicated blend of non-gluten flours. Here's the truth: there are a plethora of gluten free choices out there.

I do live in a large metropolis with lots of grocery store and restaurant options, including a variety of natural food co-ops, Whole Foods and Trader Joes which all offer lots of choices, but more and more companies are offering gluten free options. I can get my hands on muffins, breads, cookies, pizza, pasta, bars, cakes, basically anything my gluten free heart desires. There are flour blends and mixes and pre-made options galore.

Many of those pre-made gluten free "junk" food choices are expensive and not necessary for a healthy diet. So, we opt for fresh and from scratch most of the time and splurge every so often, just as we would if we were eating foods with gluten.

A Lesson in Gluten

I'm certainly not advocating for everyone to go gluten free, but if you are experiencing digestive issues, unexplained aches and pains in the joints or skin conditions, even migraines, problems focusing, then you may want to talk to a doctor and/or try ditching the gluten. There are even some articles citing studies that show that going gluten free may also help those who have ADHD/ADD or autism.

Now the thing is that with gluten free you either go big or go home! There is no wiggle room; no just taking one bite here and there; no cheating for one night; even a little can wreak havoc on your sensitive system. It can take several months for your gut to heal. So, give it a fair trial of 3 to 6 months and DON'T even think about cheating! But my guess is if gluten is your problem, after a few weeks you'll feel so much better that you won't want to cheat; it won't be worth it!

So, what is gluten? Where do you find it? What symptoms might tip you off that you should give this a try? What should you avoid? What is gluten sensitivity? What is celiac disease? What's the difference? Check out these sites:

http://www.celiac.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

The Scoop

So, if it wasn't so easy, this would be difficult! I do wonder what kind of difference it would have made if I would have tried this several years ago, but the simple fact is I wasn't ready then. In January, in the throes of my influenza induced fevers I had a gut feeling. I was ready to give it go. And I'm so glad I did.

What does your gut tell you? Over and out...

Anna

The Killing Fields {Out of the Mouths of Babes}

Why are We so Stupid?

My six year-old loves honeybees and everything to do with them. When I mentioned to him that many were dying or getting sick and weak and explained why this was happening this was his response.

"Don't people know that we need the earth to survive? I mean, it's the only planet we have to live on. So, if we are doing things to destroy our earth, we are basically destroying ourselves. Why do people do things like that?"

Man, I love this kid. He is so witty, so smart and so perceptive on issues so far beyond his 6 years on this earth! And he's right; it's that simple....if we are doing things that destroy our earth and the living, growing, working organisms on our earth, we are destroying ourselves.

The Need for Bees

In the last few years, I have read several articles on our dwindling population of honeybees and the concern over this issue. In the last few months, I have read and seen a continual flow of articles on this topic.

The concern is growing. Some say this may be the worst year on record for honey production, but honey is not the only issue. Honeybees are needed to pollinate over 95 different fruits and vegetables crops, including almonds, berries, avocados, apples, pumpkins and pears, to name just a few.

Since 2006, honeybee numbers have been closely watched, with beekeepers losing approximately 30 % of their bees a year; however, this winter keepers are reporting a 70 to 90 percent loss. This spells trouble for all of us who eat food.

The Killing Fields

So, what is sickening our honeybees? Well, the buzz word, if you'll pardon the pun, is pesticide, and not just any pesticides, but a certain class.

Scientists have linked this Colony Collapse Disorder to neonicotinoids. Included in this class are clothiandin, thiamethoxam, imidicloprid and sulfoxaflor, which are currently under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Neonicotinoids are applied before planting to coat seeds. The pesticide is then taken up through the vascular system of the plant and expressed through the pollen and nectar, which bees rely on for food," according to Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Apparently, these pesticides linger in the soil affecting the next crop, as well.

Consider this, "In the United States, such neonicotinoids are routinely used on more than 100 million acres of corn, wheat, soy and cotton and are in some home gardening products." Thomson Reuters

It's not just bee populations being destroyed; it's also bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals. They too, play a large role in pollinating our plants. According, to North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, some species have seen a 90 percent decline in their numbers just in the past decade.

Taking Action

A couple of weeks ago, four professional beekeepers and five environmental and consumer groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA. In the lawsuit, the groups claim , "the U.S. environmental regulators are failing to protect honeybees and their role in pollinating important food crops, and should immediately suspend use of some toxic insecticides tied to the widespread deaths of the bees." science.ncbnews.com

"Despite our best efforts to warn the agency about the problems posed by neonicotinoids, the EPA continued to ignore the clear warning signs of an ag system in trouble," says Paul Tower of PAN. It's also worth noting that in Europe, the European Commission has proposed a ban on neonicotinoids because the European Food Safety Authority found that there is a high risk to the health of the honeybees when this class of pesticide is used.

The Scoop

We all eat food. If our crops fail here and/or abroad because there are no honeybees to pollinate them, then prices go up, food is scarce and we are all adversely affected.

There is an ever mounting pile of crap that leads to companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer and other companies manufacturing pesticides and manipulating seeds and plants. Believe it or not, it was just a few years ago that such pesticides from the neonicotinoids class began being used widespread to grow stronger, disease/pest resistant crops. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of health of humans and animals. I believe we are only starting to see the repercussions of the use of such strong and harmful chemicals.

So, why should we care about this issue? Because it matters to all of us; that is, all of us who eat food. More to come on this and other food issues. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Current Events}

I have been strapped to my computer for weeks now working on my projects for which I get paid; and every once in a while I would reward myself with surfing Facebook or news sites for stories to read. I bookmarked quite a few for future posts, but I thought I'd share a few that make me think, shake my head or put a smile on my face.

Here are 5 such headlines:

1. This one got to me because I can see myself in these parents' shoes. I tried to think what should they have done differently? What would I have done differently? But I think what they did was reasonable and something I could have done myself: Captain Diverted Plane because Parents Make Complaint about In-flight Movie.
2. Although I'm not personally touched by autism, I am fascinated by the research and treatment regarding autism. This is an important piece of legislation to watch if you are in Georgia or any of the other 17 states that don't provide that insurance must cover treatment for autism. Plus the treatments described in this article are encouraging and the stories uplifting: Mothers Fight to Pass Ava's Law for Autism Coverage.
3. I'm OK with this trend. I'm not a fan of tobacco. It stinks; it's unhealthy; and I'm sorry if that is offensive to you, but this is my opinion, and I wouldn't hire someone who smelled like cigarettes if put in such a position: Smoking Harmful to Your Employment.
4. I love A Farmgirl's Dabbles. Brenda's recipes and photos are amazing. I always pause and click when I see Brenda post a recipe link on Facebook. And when I came across this recipe. Ohhhhhh, my mouth watered... I may have even drooled a bit. I will be making this: Sweet-and-Salty Honey- Cheese Spread!
5. Lastly, I found this article interesting considering how often I see these henna tattoo vendors at local fairs and festivals and other events. This temporary body art can be quite beautiful and the lines are usually long and full of children. But beware and think twice before you or your child gets in this line: Temporary Black Henna Tattoos Could Leave Permanent Scarring.

Have a wonderful weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits {Food; What’s Fit to Eat?}

I love to eat. I love to eat really good food. I love to cook food in. I love to get food out. I read labels. I read articles. And lately, everywhere I look I see issues with food; food full chemicals; food genetically modified; dirty food; mislabeled food; food with hidden additives, preservatives and ingredients; food that could make you sick.

Is it that hard to nourish a body without ingesting something harmful? The simple answer appears to be yes.

It's almost enough to make one move to the wilderness, live off the grid and produce all of one's own food. Almost.

It just shouldn't be this difficult to eat healthy, fresh, clean, nutritious food.

In the last few weeks, I have been collecting articles involving food issues. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Reusable Grocery Bags Could be Harboring Bacteria! A number of cities are going "green" by banning all plastic and paper bags at stores via city ordinances. The consumers are to supply their own reusable bags instead. An admirable move it would seem, but a recent study by the American Chemistry Council shows that the reusable bags often left in hot cars and rarely washed are harboring a multitude of bacteria, including E. coli. Fortunately, more than likely this won't make you sick according to at least one report. Washing them isn't a bad idea though.
2. Shrimp Fed on Pig Poop! Now that's appetizing. About a third of our seafood is coming from China and the surrounding areas. Pig, human and goose feces is often used to feed the shrimp and tilapia, etc., the tap water used to make ice to put on the seafood is contaminated and the conditions of the farms producing the fish and shellfish are downright disgusting and dangerous to our health. Only a small percentage is inspected, and much of what is inspected is rejected.
3. Looks Like Tuna, Sold as Tuna, Often Not Tuna. The Los Angeles Times reports Oceana found in its study that nearly 60% of tuna sold to consumers, at both restaurants and grocery stores, is not tuna. In fact, most of the mislabeled tuna was the extremely oily fish escolar, which can cause explosive diarrhea. Of course, this issue is not exclusive to tuna, mislabeling is quite common with many fish.
4. Aspartame a Part of Milk? The National Milk Producers Federation has asked FDA to change the definition of milk. They wish to have artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose included in the definition of milk. This way they can sneak these ingredients in without having to list them.

Many of these issues involve the food industry powers that be trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumers so they can sell more and make more money. I like to think that we, as consumers, are savvier than ever and are more conscious of what we are putting into our mouths, but then again, I'm not so sure that enough of the consumers are paying attention to these issues to force the hand of those producers and brokers and growers and marketers to make a difference...yet. Over and out...

Anna