Welcome to Bugs and Brooms!

Writing this post has been something of a challenge for me.  Honestly, several of my recent posts have been very difficult for me to write because I have tried to stay away from politics and most controversial topics.  But Joyce at Tall Grass Worship stepped out on a limb by posting her personal views on abortion and how they relate to this years historical presidential election.  But her post alone did not cause me to jump off the deep-end.  I was already struggling with many of the issues that we are all facing and I often find myself torn between what is right for me and my beliefs and what is right for the world (at least from my perspective).  But just ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away and Joyce was able to prompt some wonderful discussion with fellow bloggers that I think is necessary.  Avoiding the topics doesn’t really help (though it keeps me from seeming too crazy to my fellow bloggers) and discussing them openly without being judgmental toward each other may help us all understand why we believe the things that we are often passionate about – like abortion.  So, here goes another post that may not be popular with my readers but one that I need to write for my own peace of mind.  And I hope that it will continue to spark discussion and understanding.

I am personally against abortion.  I believe that life begins at conception and that all life is sacred.  There are many liberals that are pro-life and many conservatives that are pro-choice.  And there are many others that straddle the fence and don’t really have an opinion.  Where I get confused is when pro-life people are for the death penalty.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I hate that my tax dollars are used to feed, shelter, and educate a convicted criminal – I think it is horrible especially when there are young people in this country who will never get a college education because they can’t afford it or because they have financial or family obligations that prevent them from pursuing a higher degree – that REALLY irks me.  But I can’t justify ending one life when I so strongly oppose protecting another.  Yes, there is the argument that the unborn are innocent and that those subjected to the death penalty have committed heinous crimes whose victims lives have forever been altered and sometimes ended.  And the victims’ families also have to live with the pain the criminal created.  So, I respect that point of view, but, for me, life is life.

On the other side, there are those that are pro-choice even in the last trimester of pregnancy.  And those choices often involve partial birth abortion and/or allowing a child born from a botched abortion to lay suffering with no medical intervention until the child dies.  Many of these same pro-choice individuals are also pro-wildlife to the point that hunting and predator control are often considered horrible and irresponsible.  Now, I am very much a proponent of wildlife – I believe that all of nature if valuable and important in this world – it is a delicate balance.  What troubles me is that the life of an animal is often more important to these individuals, than the life of a child (unborn and newly born).  But that is just my opinion.

I am not going to get into all of the fine details about laws and opinions on this post – I know that there are folks on both sides of this fence that are not willing to discuss any other options.  There are also the finer points of abortion including incest, rape, and the life of the mother that cause even more hostility between the pro-choice and pro-life groups.  For me, I just wish I could understand how people on both sides are somewhat hypocritical (and I hate using that particular word but I couldn’t think of an alternative that isn’t so harsh) since their views/beliefs are different for differing circumstances – pro-life but pro death penalty, pro-choice but against the death penalty.  It just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

One thing I will note that I think we can all agree on is the fact that there are too many abortions performed in this country.  I know many women who have used abortion as a form of birth control.  These women have had numerous abortions because of their irresponsible sexual behavior.  Having unprotected sex once or being the victim of sexual crime that results in an unwanted pregnancy is one thing, but I think it completely crosses the line when it is used repeatedly as birth control.   Again – my opinion and I know there are many who would disagree with me on this.  But isn’t it wonderful that we are free to have our opinions and beliefs in this country?

Abortion is a major topic in elections.  Many people will choose their candidate based on this one issue as the main focus with all the other issues as an afterthought.  For me, this isn’t the only reason that I will be choosing the conservative candidates but it certainly plays an important role in my decision.  And please don’t get me wrong - I don’t think that anyone wants for abortion to go back to being performed in the back seat of cars or in warehouses by unqualified people.  I just think that there are better ways to deal with unwanted pregnancies including adoption.  There are so many families who want to love and nurture a child that have not been able to have one of their own – what a great way to spare the life of that child and give it an opportunity to be loved and cherished in a home where they are wanted and needed. 

I hope that this post has not offended anyone.  This is just my perspective on this issue and I respect those with a differing opinion. 

Tags: Health, Parenting, Politics, Voting by
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OK.  I am pathetic.  But I really can’t do any better right now.  And so, to explain my lack of existence, I need to let the cat out of the bag.  I am pregnant and have had terrible morning sickness that lasts all day long.  And although that has been terrible, the fatigue and exhaustion have been overwhelming. 

My poor DD has been in front of the TV more in the past few weeks than in her entire life combined!  My house is a complete disaster area (yes, more than normal) and I struggle to even leave the house.  UGH.  But things are starting to improve a little and I hope that I will be able to start posting more routinely very soon. 

I usually write my posts first thing in the morning before DD gets out of bed but I haven’t been able to get out bed very early these days.  So, my blog has had to suffer (along with my housework, home-school activities, and cooking).  I am amazed at how other women handle their pregnancies without any problems, especially those with other children demanding attention. 

But, regardless of the misery that I have been enduring, it is worth it and we are very excited to be on this journey.  And things look great so far.  We have had a couple of ultrasounds and have seen the baby and a strong heartbeat!  Our little bundle of joy is due early March but will probably be here mid to late February.   And now that I am solidly in the 2nd trimester, I am hoping that the nausea will pass and my energy level will improve.  I will keep my fingers crossed anyway….. 

So, until I am back to normal, my posting will be erratic at best.  Not only have my own posts been neglected, but I am way behind on reading my favorite blogs.  Once I can stand to be in front of the computer for more than 5 minutes, I will try to catch up with everyone!  Until then, I am lost as to the happenings in the blog world.  But I will get back to normal, eventually……

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Sorry for the lack of communication.  We have been very busy this week taking DD to the Monroe County Fair - we have gone every day and sometimes twice a day!  DD loves the animals and there are a few kiddie rides that we have let her enjoy.  But the adults are exhausted!  How does a 3 year old manage to have more energy than her parents?

DD also had her 3 year check-up this week.  I still can’t believe she is 3.  It was a good appointment and she really liked her new pediatrician. 

I will give more details on all our activities this week when I get caught up on a few other things.  Lucky for us all, the Fair ends this weekend (not sure how much more DH and I could take anyway).

Tags: 'Farm life', Community, Health, Parenting by
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A while back, Crunchy Chicken wrote a post about a magic deodorant.  I was impressed with her praise of this miracle product and did a little research to check on the toxicity.  It was listed on The Environmental Working Groups Cosmetics Database with a score of 0.  I also checked the individual ingredients and found that they all had a low level of health concern.  Ok - passed my test for an acceptable purchase.

Now, Crunchy gave this little rock so much praise that I was more than a little skeptical.  I personally do not wear any deodorant.  Yes, I know.  You are thinking ‘Ugh! That is so gross!’.  But not for me.  I have never been a big sweater and just haven’t had the need for it.  I might have used deodorant 10 times in my whole life!  Hopefully I don’t actually have BO and people are just too kind to mention it (but my loving, supportive, and often too honest family would have definitely let me know)!  So why would I purchase one of these crystal gems?  Well, my non-sweating gift is made up for by my dear DH.  He is a large man, 6′3″ 210lbs.  He plays basketball with more than a little passion and spends a lot of time outside doing garden work, yard work, or just tinkering with his tools!  He comes inside on a regular basis looking like he just stepped out of the shower - but not smelling very fresh.  His sweat mixes with his unsafe and unhealthy deodorant to make a nice yellow stain on ALL of his undershirts.  I have yet to soak or wash them enough to remove the truly disgusting tinge.  Maybe it is because I don’t use bleach products of any kind?  Too bad.  He will just have to live with the stains.  But I digress…

So, in hopes of helping DH convert to a more healthy underarm smell coveruper (made up word), I picked up the Crystal Rock at one of our local organic grocers.  I had been trying to get DH to convert to something more healthy for a while but I just couldn’t convince him to dab on a little moist baking soda each morning.  He needed something more foulsmell-proof (made-up word)!  Last week, after careful scrutiny and examination of the new rock, he took the plunge!  And the results were more than I ever dreamed of…

HE LOVED IT!  LOVES IT!  Raves about it on a non-stop basis!  Calls it the ‘magic ball’; ‘his little miracle crystal’!  It is too funny to see a grown man get so excited about deo!  He says that he can’t even tell it is there - no odor, no film, no nothing!  He wants me to replace all of his personal care products with the rock (of course, they don’t make rock shampoo, soap, or toothpaste but I am searching)!  And I am thrilled that I might be able to get those nasty stains out of his shirts without worrying that they will only come back the next time he wears it!  And it was just in time for the Keep Yer Cool Challenge since our thermostat is set at 80!  Ye-haw!

His next test of his new best friend will be to use it on his sweaty feet - but that seems to only be a problem for him in the winter (I don’t know - he is just plain weird).  Ah - my man smells great (or at least he doesn’t stink)! 

And another benefit of this little crystal, cost.  We are going to save some money since this gem will last much longer than a regular stick of deodorant!

Thanks for trying out my experiments R - I am proud of you and thrilled that you love the Crystal Rock Deodorant!  Maybe I will give it a try too, just to fit it!  Now, on to getting rid of those underarm stains once and for all…..

Tags: Family and Friends, Gardening, Health, Money Matters by
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I wanted to get this post out over the weekend but I have had a very hectic past few days.  Anyway….

A few days ago, I wrote a quick post about Goods 4 Girls (didn’t do it much justice really), the program organized by Crunchy Chicken to provide feminine hygiene products to girls that, otherwise, would be without (and, most likely, staying isolated during their menstrual cycle each month).  This is a wonderful program and, the more I learn about it, the more important it becomes in my own mind. 

Recently, Green Bean ran a tribute to Crunchy (banner on the sidebar) in an effort to raise more awareness for the G4G program and to get some donations for the cause.  The donations could be monetary or through the purchase of kits for the program, etc.  I joined in the effort and have decided to purchase a kit from Lunapads for the G4G program.  I would LOVE to do more for this very worthy cause and hope to in the near future, but this will have to be my contribution for now.

I hope you can join in on the fun in any way that you can.  It is really easy to get involved (even for those of us who are technically challenged).  You can even contribute pads that you make yourself!  It doesn’t cost a lot and it is such a wonderful way that we can all give back to the world - no disposable products, uninterrupted education for these girls (benefits too many to mention - you can see the specifics on the website), and giving from those with so much (most of us in this country) to those in need!  But act soon - G4G’s is always accepting of donations, etc., but this tribute to the founder and greenest person I have ever read about (she is truly the Crunchiest), ends soon!  Click here or on the banner at right to do your part!

Tags: Community, Give Back, Green Living, Health, Simple and Green by
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I know - what a freaky title!  But it is TRUE!  If you are using regular cosmetics of ANY kind, even the high-end, expensive, department store kind, you are probably applying petroleum to your body.  In fact, the Environmental Working Group found that at least 22% of cosmetics contain 1,4 dioxane, a petroleum derived contaminant.  The EWG also determined from their research that 1,4 dioxane may be present in up to 57% of  baby soaps, and 34% of all body lotions.  But that’s not all for this particular chemical: it can be found in up to 97% of personal care products.  And, in the case of lipstick, you may be eating POUNDS of it during your lifetime!  Now that is a little gross!

1,4-dioxane is just one chemical that is used in our personal care products.  There are many, many more and often, these items are not even listed as an ingredient.  Yep - that is an OK thing to do! 

But back to my gas story: most cosmetics and other personal products like soap and shampoo contain petroleum!  With gas at astronomical prices and continuing to climb upward everyday, plus the fact that petroleum is a probable carcinogen, you might want to consider a new way to make yourself look good!

Hundreds of chemicals are used in the manufacturing of these products that have never had any toxicity testing performed on them.  The chemicals that have been tested have undergone short term studies based on single use or application which probably will not do harm (but who knows for sure since there is no testing documented on some of these ingredients).  But continued use over extended periods of time may be a problem.  The problem with personal care products, including soap, shampoo, deordorant, toothpaste, makeup, lotions, etc., is that there are no regulations that govern them.  The FDA is just too busy trying to protect us from problems in drugs and our food supply that adding personal care products to their load isn’t possible. 

So, we consumers are left to try to figure it all out for ourselves.  Not an easy task considering the enormous amount of products on the market and the wide variety of ingredients they contain.  Have you read the ingredients on some of these things?  You really need a PhD in chemistry to understand what you are using and that isn’t very practical for most of us.  And who is to say if these are really bad for us?  Some of the ingredients are suspected to cause skin irritation, cancer, allergies, immunological diseases, neurological diseases, and reproductive problems to name just a few.  But if they were REALLY a problem, why would they be on the market?  It goes back to the fact that cosmetics and other personal care products are not regulated.  That allows manufacturers to include anything they want in the mix.  That is not good news for us consumers.

I have been doing some research on all of this trying to figure out what personal care products I should use personally but also what is best for DH and, more importantly, DD.  Research has shown that the skin is absorbent and chemicals can pass from the skin into the bloodstream.  There is a lot of information on the internet to help guide you in your purchases but the saying, don’t use it on your skin if you can’t eat it, should be the standard test in selecting your products.

The Green Guide has some great articles that list the top 12 ‘dirty’ ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.  Just to help you with your own shopping, here are those top 12 from the Green Guide (and you can get a wallet size card of this list of bad boys to take with you here:

1. Antibacterials
Overuse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

2. Coal Tar
Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.

4. 1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms “PEG,” “-xynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth” and most other ethoxylated “eth” ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children’s bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.

5. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

6. Fragrance
The catchall term “fragrance” may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.

7. Lead and Mercury
Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men’s hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.

8. Nanoparticles
Tiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels. For a more complete discussion, see Screen Test: Reading the Micro-Fine Print.

9. Parabens
(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.

10. Petroleum Distillates
Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

11. P-Phenylenediamine
Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

12. Hydroquinone
Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there’s limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

 And if you are wondering about the products you are using now, check out the database at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1.  Each product is giving a score based on how hazardous it is - this gives you the opportunity to choose your products based on your own comfort level with all of this research.  You can also view the ingredients that are considered hazardous for each product.  I love this site and have used it numerous times in my own search for shampoo, soap, and most recently, insect repellant for DD! 

Tags: Family and Friends, Green Living, Health, Miscarriage, Parenting, Simple Living, Simple and Green by
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When I first read about the Goods 4 Girls program that Crunchy Chicken started, I was a little confused.  I didn’t understand why Crunchy, in all of her green goodness, was sending reusable feminine hygiene products.  Nor did I understand why this was a project for foreign countries when we probably have the same issues right here in the US.

After reading the information on the official G4G website, I realized that there was a HUGE need for the program.  Here in the US, most schools have feminine hygiene products available to them on site.  The young girls that are benefiting from this program have nothing available to them.  They use whatever materials might be available including newspaper and old rags.  These materials are not exactly reliable and make attending school (or doing any other public activity) while menstruating almost impossible.

The sewn materials that are provided by G4G prevent any issues with religious or cultural beliefs and traditions.  This is very important - I don’t think a Diva Cup for young teenage girls would be accepted in a lot of cultures - similar to the concerns associated with tampons.  The program takes sewn pads from supporters and gets them to the girls in need.  This provides young women the opportunity to function normally, including uninterrupted participation in school.  And, these are reusable products that don’t result in waste! 

So visit the G4G site and get involved.  This is a great program that is changing the world one pad at a time!

Tags: Community, Green Living, Health, Simple Living, Simple and Green by
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Of course, here is another example of not paying attention to what we buy/use and it’s ultimate impact on the environment.  Water filters.  I have 2 Brita water pitchers and I filter ALL of our water used for cooking and washing of food.  In the past, I have also had a Brita filter on the faucet.  Where is that filter now?  A landfill somewhere along with many, many more.

Although there are many green folks who do not filter their water, I choose to do so to reduce the chemicals that I expose myself and my family to.  I am a proponent of buying local and buying organic.  But why buy and eat organic foods if you are just going to take them home and wash or cook them in water that is loaded with chemicals from your own water?  And if you are on well water, don’t think you are safe.  The piping that your water runs through provides plenty of contaminants for you to savor.

So, my desire to avoid unnecessary chemicals and contaminants has led me to buy filtering systems.  And I am so glad that I have made that choice because it fits my goals for healthier living.  But, since I am trying to reduce the amount of trash we generate, I quickly jumped on board the petition for Clorox to Take Back the Filter!  And these guys have taken it to a new level!  In addition to requesting your signature on the petition, they are asking you to SEND THEM your used tap and pitcher filters so they can take them back to Clorox in person!  Can you imagine?  These guys show up at Clorox headquarters with LOADS of filters!  I love it!!

So click on the banner in the sidebar, sign the petition, and mail them your filters!  I am sending mine to them as soon as they need to be replaced!  I hope to see more of these types of push-backs to corporations in the near future!

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For those of you out there who have bottles and sippy cups that contain BPA, you can call your local Babies R Us or Toys R Us store to find out if they are taking these products back.  Although there has been no official recall of products that contain BPA, TRU/BRU are, in my opinion, doing the right thing for their customers! 

If you have been living under a rock and have not heard about BPA, check out the recent post That Water Bottle Contains Toxins for more information.

Not all of the stores are participating in this offer so make sure you call ahead and speak with a manager.  In addition, the stores that are participating are following different procedures; some are offering store credit, others are offering like for like exchanges, etc.  Some stores are not participating at all and have decided to wait until there is an official recall by the FDA - that may or may not happen so take advantage while you can.

I do not have any bottles - DD would never take a bottle so I gave any that I had to friends and family not long after she was born.  BUT, we have a few sippy cups that I would like to exchange at some point. 

For those folks who live in Bloomington, Indiana, the Greenwood Babies R Us (8800 US ROUTE 31 SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46227 Phone:(317)885-7700) is taking back bottles for an exchange - bottles for bottles.  They may also take sippy cups but you may have to speak with the manager on site.  The Greenwood store does not require receipts and items can be used without any original packaging.  Some stores have indicated that they will only be accepting returned bottles for a short period of time, so get your supplies together and get to the store as soon as you can.  This can add up to a lot of money for those with numerous bottles so don’t miss your chance to replace your toxic bottles with those that are BPA free.

Please leave comments here of any problems or successes that you have in your return efforts.  I am curious to know how the stores handle this situation but I am still impressed that they are offering this to their customers without a mandatory recall by the FDA! 

Tags: Frugal Living, Green Living, Health, Miscarriage, Parenting by
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OK - I am a little late getting this post out this week but I don’t have A LOT to report (thank goodness).  We are still really low on trash and quickly approaching week 6 of the No Trash Challenge. 

One thing that I would like to point out this week is my recent conversion to the Diva Cup which has prevented the unnecessary accumulation of garbage in my bathroom this month and, therefore, my main container. 

I still have some things that come pre-packaged but I am working on alternates for those items as well.  After the second month of the challenge is complete, I am going to double (or should I say decrease by half) our efforts and shoot for only one container in 2 months!  Am I getting brave or what?!  Well, at least it will give me some motivation to really improve my on progress.

Anyone want to join me?  If not, how are you doing on the regular challenge?  Just report in so we all know the good and bad and can offer each other some support and ideas for improvement!

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4
• Week 6

Tags: 'Farm life', Frugal Living, Green Living, Health, Parenting, Simple Living, Simple and Green by
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