LIVING LIFE IN BALANCE

I would like to take a minute to introduce myself and explain a bit about the choices I make in my life. This has a direct relation to my love of essential oils, as well as other holistic modalities (homeopathy, herbs, nutrition, etc). 

I try to live life as "natural" as possible. I realize that this means many different things to different folks, so I am sharing here the places that have come to be of value to me. I hope that at the very least someone learns something new or finds a new way to address an issue in their life. 

All of the choices I make in my life are done in conjunction with my wonderful husband, Liam. Together we are learning, growing and have two sons; Connor (11/20/98) and Owen (4/15/02).

• We eat only organic fruits and vegetables, eliminating SO very many toxins and pesticides from our daily life. What types of pesticides are you eating? Here's a site to help figure it out. FOOD NEWS Also, check out WHOLE FOODS/FRESH FIELDS HEALTH FOOD SUPERMARKET it's the only place we do our shopping. See if there is one near you or order online.

 
• We buy only recycled paper products. Not only to conserve precious resources but also to avoid exposure to deadly dioxins. Try Whole Foods or REAL GOODS or Harmony..Products in Harmony with the Earth at (800)869-3446 for recycled paper products.

 
• We use MESSAGE!CHECKS to supply our checkbook needs. A portion of the profits go to the organizations you choose to appear on your checks and they are printed on recycled paper. 

• We recycle ALL the paper, plastic, cans, glass, cardboard, etc. we use in our home. Including all food and beverage packages. See your local recycling plant, while there are many items that some towns will not pick up..those same items can usually be dropped off. Visit EARTH'S 911to find out about your state recycling programs and local recycling centers and drop offs. There is some good information on this site...like the store Mailboxes takes in those packaging peanuts.

 
• We have filters on all our faucets and shower heads to eliminate the absorption of chlorine, flouride and other organic compounds by our largest organ...our skin. 

• We use personal care products that do not contain chemicals, such as Propylene Glycol (antifreeze) and Sodium Laurel Sulphate, as well as other harsh and abrasive chemicals and dyes.

• We don't eat read meat and limit our intake of fish, dairy and eggs. What we do eat is organic.

 
• We subscribe to attachment parenting methods. Attachment parenting encourages recognizing your child for the person he/she is. Respecting that person even in early childhood and even in discipline. Some ideas that are encouraged are co-sleeping, baby-wearing, and the fact that you can not spoil an infant by giving them the love they need. To learn more, visit THE NATURAL CHILD PROJECT, ALTERNATIVE PARENTING, Children Believe, and, Child Friendly. We love these publications as well; MOTHERING MAGAZINE, NURTURING MAGAZINE, and Attachment Parenting International.

 
• We used the BRADLEY METHOD to bring our son into the world drug free and naturally. It was the most informative and educational thing we've ever done. These are the "goals" of the Bradley Method; 
1. Natural Childbirth
2. Active participation of the husband as coach
3. Excellent nutrition, the foundation of a healthy pregnancy.
4. Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary.
5. Training "early bird" classes followed my weekly classes starting in the 6th month, continuing until birth.
6. Relaxation and NATURAL breathing
7. "Tuning-in" to your own body
8. Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby
9. Breastfeeding beginning at birth
10. Consumerism and positive communications
11. Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth place, procedures, attendants, and emergency back up
12. Parents prepared for unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth, and cesarean sections.
• We used to use WALD (Working Assets Long Distance) as our long distance phone service. Our bills were printed on recycled paper with soy based inks. Each bill contains political, environmental, social issues in which we, the people can make our voices heard. WALD, among other things allows you to call your politicians for FREE. I was a member for years and actually enjoy getting my bill. Unfortunately, we needed a pay one rate phone service for all the long distance we do and WALD can't compete with the bigger name carriers.

• We used cloth diaper on our first son (first 6 months), so as not to contribute to the overflowing landfills AND for our baby's comfort and exposure to toxins and chemicals. At 5 months he has so far had only one diaper rash (during his first month) and that was my fault (while using cloth baby wipes, I was leaving too much water on his behind....it cleared up in one day). Check out WEEBEES ESSENTIAL BABY PRODUCTS for all your diapering needs. I have also ordered from Simple Alternatives (800)735-2083 or EMAIL for baby products and needs. Both companies have excellent customer service and are very knowledgeable. 

• We subscribe to publications that support our beliefs, such as;

A Real Life - a reminder of how good it can be (802)893-7040
Alternative Medicine Digest
As well as Mothering and Nurturing, mentioned above.

 We feel that trying to live our lives as naturally as possible does make a difference in the world. Many of us are at one degree or another of trying to incorporate good things in our lives. I believe it is a life long process and we should all be accepting of not only our place on the path, but of others' as well. 

Please feel free to EMAIL ME if you have questions about my experiences with any of the companies or products listed above.