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Here's to Your Health:  How "natural" are you?  |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 28 2008 : 12:23:52 PM
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I guess I really don't care if I am considered "abnormal." I march to the beat of my own drum! I do some things that are probably not the norm, but they work great for me. I make most things from scratch, do not use anything with aluminum, which eliminates commercial deodorants, all baking powder except Rumfords, aluminum foil and aluminum cookware and bakeware. I am still in the midst of switching over all my bakeware. So I make my own deodorant from coconut oil and baking soda. I also wash my hair with baking soda and do an applecider vinegar rinse. Make my own hair gel from gelatin and water, wash my face in honey, make my own laundry, dishwasher and cleaning supplies and do everything I can to eliminate trash. We are planning to purchase the "Gladiator" which is a free standing trash compactor we will put in the garage. It makes your trash 1/4 of its normal volume. My husband likes it because it has that diamond steel plating so it has a cool look! LOL! I am in the midst of researching "homemade make-up," but as of yet, have not made the switch. We also recently purchased a Toyota Prius, which is a hybrid so it runs on electricity as well as gas. Right now, with the cold weather, we are only getting about 40 mpg but are told to expect about 60 in the summer! So saving gas seems like a natural or "green" thing to me. Also, we keep our heat down and just wear sweaters. Fun to hear what the rest of you are doing.
Hugs & blessings,
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 9:38:01 PM
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After reading the other posts I guess I would say we are 70/30 also.
The one thing that I'm going to be very diligent about this year is taking my own cloth shopping bags to stores so I don't have to use plastic. If I'm only buying one or two things I wont get a bag at all, but for larger trips they will come in handy.
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 07:25:03 AM
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Jennifer,
When I was in Arizona, I went to IKEA and found out after the fact I had accidently stolen a 5 cent plastic bag. They actually charge for the bags, because they want everyone to do the cloth bags. I am going to start doing cloth shopping bags too. It is simple and why not do what we can to help reduce the landfills.
Hugs & blessings,
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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Canadian farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Lori
Ontario
Canada
482 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 08:05:04 AM
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I'm getting better every day, but would estimate I'm with the 70/30 crowd.
We:
raise our own beef
heat with wood
use cloth bags
make our own yogurt
make our cleaning products (not the laundry yet, but thinking of trying that next)
buy local or organic as much as possible
used cloth diapers when kids were small
use a clothesline or rack
use handmade soap for bathing
use cloth napkins and very few paper towels
use real dishes and cutlery for get-togethers
can and grow veggies
bake from scratch
bought a smaller car for gas economy
compost
and probably more things I can't think of right now!
I too, get the highlights done. Not ready for the grey yet!
Lori
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 10:03:13 AM
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I would like to start using the cloth bags also. I hate plastic bags. I do recyle them but they are a pain in the bottom. Also half the time when I lift them out of the back of my truck the groceries go through the bottom of the bag because they are so thin and I end up with cans and groceries all over the ground. Is there any place in particular to purchase them??
Also when you shop at the grocery store and they have those plastic bag holders they spin around as they load your groceries do you just hang them up on those or just manually do it yourself. I have never done this before and wonder how well the lady at the check out will feel about fooling with them. I don't mind doing it myself but wonder how they will feel about holding them up a little. I have a huge load when I grocery shop. Since the store is not close I make the trip worth my while. Anyway I would love a good resource to buy these bags. I have not checked to see if the store carries them or not. I guess I should start there. There aren't many stores where I live to check on this. All we have is Wally World ( my name for Walmart) and a very small IGA store they are about 30 minutes from me. If I want to drive an hour there is a kroger. But the money on diesel gas is not worth it. I make one trip a week out and try to cover it all.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 1:16:18 PM
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I try to buy organic food and am careful about reading labels. I also try to buy local food from area farmers. I'm with the 70/30 group....30 being 'au natural'. I am slowly changing. When I change light bulbs, I replace them with the cool energy-efficient bulbs that last for years. They're great! I try to recycle, and am more aware of my environment inside and out. I do shave the pits daily, but forgo the legs a little during the winter. lol!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 1:19:14 PM
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I do have some cloth grocery bags, but most of the time I forget them. I know.....like I said, I am slowly changing!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 1:45:48 PM
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Linda,
I would try to purchase your bags at a thrift store if possible, don't buy new if you don't have to. You don't have to buy anything fancy either. Just make sure they are washable, put your name on them with a permanent marker or something to that effect.
I purchased some at Trader Joes for smaller trips, and have a couple of large ones I had laying around. Originally, I purchased those at Target on clearance.
I leave all of these in my trunk, and have incorporated throwing them into my trunk as part of my put-away-the-grocery routine, so they are always in there.
Also, I think if you just hand the bags to the clerk right away, she should be happy to use your bags. It is becoming more common now-a-days. If the clerk refuses to use them, I would chat with the manager.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 1:53:03 PM
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I bought some bags at the thrift store, washed in really hot water and detergent and then fused on flowers and initials to customize it. It costs me only a few dollars.
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 2:11:21 PM
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Thank you for the info and tips !!
I don't know of any thift stores where I live. There's just not much to choose from out here. I will check out a good will next time I am in the "big city". Otherwise I will maybe check out online sources to get started. Its hard to find things in my area that are green. Most people think I am "different" or comments like are you "amish" or even been called Laura Ingles, just because I have dairy goats,spin and make everything just about from scratch. Sometimes it makes one feel like an outcast but decided I will take it as a compliment. Thats why I was worried about taking the bags to the grocery store. I do live in the country but its not like I thought it would be. But I hope to meet more people where I live (been here for 16 years) that enjoy the same things. But for now will be happy for what I have. Well time for chores. Take care.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 2:13:53 PM
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Heather,
That sounds very cute!!!!
I threw my name on mine so the store would know I already purchased them, and in case they got lost.
I purhcased the ones a Trader Joe's due to their size and they were cheaper than buying them at the local thrift store.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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La Patite Ferme
True Blue Farmgirl
623 Posts
Jenn
CA
USA
623 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2008 : 6:50:09 PM
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I have a few cloth bags that were given to me, but I wanted a few more for large trips so I'm making them from fabric I bought when a Joann's went out of business. I just measured a regular paperbag, will use scrap denim to strengthen the bottom and use fabric rather than nylon web for the handles. Don't want to put much into them.
My goal is to keep them in my car so I don't forget them when I go to the store. |
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Canadian farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Lori
Ontario
Canada
482 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 09:13:48 AM
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If you can get to a fabric store, check out the discount upholstery fabrics--they're so strong for making into cloth bags, and really attractive and unique, too. There are lots of free patterns on the Internet, and I agree, if you don't want to use webbing for handles, just make your own from fabric. Also, upholstery fabric tends to be wider, so you get more to work with. I made some for gift bags, and even buying webbing, the bags only cost me around $5, since I got the fabric really cheap!
Lori |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 09:56:27 AM
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I'm not nearly as natural as a lot of you, but I'm trying.
*some organic cotton clothing
*crystal deodorant
*buy organic food when I can, and when I can afford it
*buy stuff at my local farmers market where it is all grown by the local producers
*drive a small old car that gets great gas mileage and very low emissions
*avoid as much processed food as I can
*trans fat and high fructose corn syrup? eeeeeew.
*wash clothes in cold water whenever possible
*have a thermostat that turns the temp way up in summer at night, and way low in winter
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com
groovy stuff 2 buy...http://www.alittlesplurge.etsy.com |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 3:14:07 PM
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Sherri,
I started using the crystal deoderant about 15 years ago. Regular antiperspirants would make my underarms sore and sometimes I would have lumps. It got so bad that I tried just plain deoderant like toms of main. It did stop the pain under the arms but now I started to have underarm odor mixed with herb smell. I decided to try the crystal after a friend of mine told me she used it. She told me that for a few months I would sweat because my body was use to not being able too. But she said slowly my body would adjust. And sure enough I did sweat. I would just wash and re apply half way through the day. But I did adjust and most of the time I have no problems. In the summer if its pretty hot and I am working in the heat I will sweat all over but not horrible under the arms. But I do notice a breakthough on odor and will just wash and reapply and go on. Not to big of a deal. Thats only in the summer outside working in the heat and believe me in Ohio the heat and humidity is horrible.
But I will never go back. My pits don't hurt anymore. The crystal works by keeping bacteria from growing naturally. All you do is make sure you put a little water on it and apply. I just make sure after getting out of the shower that I don't dry my underarms and just rub it on. My crystal usually last about 2 years unless I drop it. Then it breaks and becomes very sharp. IF this happens I just rub it under water or sand it to smooth it off. I only do this if I didn't break it down to far. Believe me I have done that.
The main thing is it does take a little time to adjust. I don't even think about it anymore. I am so use to using it. One time I forgot my crystal deoderant and used my moms antiperspirant when I stayed at her house. I could not believe how bad my underarms hurt the next day. And I think it didn't do that great of a job on odor either.
Hope this helps..........good luck.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2008 : 9:00:31 PM
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I am going to try my crystal again too. I didn't know about the time lag either. (wish they would tell you that)
At the very least I only wear real deodorant (dove) when I am going to be in our heat and humidity. It feels weird when you put it on, after wearing natural deodorant.
I don't know about the summertime here and using the crystal. My friends and family may have objections.  But, now is the time to try it, if I want to give it a few months to get it balance out correctly.
Thanks, Linda for the little tidbit of info!!!!
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
Edited by - kissmekate on Jan 31 2008 9:03:57 PM |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2008 : 03:50:40 AM
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Several people have mentioned Trader Joes
Happy to report I know of 2 here in NC and try to shop at those when I visit my parents.
All their food is so tasty
It's refreshing to read the labels and know exactally what's in it
When I lived in Southern California there was one there. Pity I discovered all this cool stuff (organic, all natural, wholistic bla bla bla) when I was back here here in the mid-west where access is a bit of a challenge and not so "mainstream" and just a part of the culture.
And on a bit of a side note, ever notice how most companies are eitehr in California or the extreme East coast? |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2008 : 05:41:04 AM
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Your welcome Kate.
I doh't know what other people have experienced with the crystal but the getting adjusted is definatly a factor. At least it was for me. I have ask my family members if I am offending in anyway and they told me absoltely not. My mother was surprised when I told her that I was using it. She works in an office and said when she retires she is going to try it herself. She is afraid to take the chance since she works so close to people.
The main thing is not to panick when you sweat a little. Its really normal and good for your body. Companies like to convince us that we all must be micro clean or we are offending everyone. I use to use all this unatural products and I was always breaking out in rashes or hives. Sometimes lumps under the arms. I was using scope all the time and had mouth sores from it. Too much can be really bad. Now I brush with natural tooth paste and my mouth is great. I use my own homemade soap and feel fine. I mix 3 oils(castor,olive, peanut) and essential oils together for my lotion. My skin has improved allot. I have red hair and have very sensative skin. And of course the crystal deoderant. Experiment a little and find out what works for you. Its kinda fun to check new natural things out.
Linda
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2008 : 07:15:50 AM
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| Wooliespinner, I live in an east coast city, but in a poorer part of town. I think I am the only one who takes cloth bags to the store in my neighborhood too. It's kind of awkward to have to stop the cashier as they start to put the groceries in plastic (they don't even ask). But nobody has ever made a fuss about it. At my old store, the cashiers got to know me by sight and would always ask if I had my bags with me. Boy, didn't that make me feel guilty on the days when I forgot them! Good luck finding bags. I used to use ordinary canvas totes, but Wegmans has started offering a reusable cloth bag for sale at their registers. They are shaped like a paper bag, so they hold a lot more than an ordinary tote. I think Wegmans has expanded into Ohio, so if you ever get the chance to go to one maybe you can pick up some bags. |
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Georgia Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
212 Posts
Denise
Atlanta
GA
USA
212 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2008 : 4:08:54 PM
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We have so many new people, I thought I would bump this post back up
~Denise~
Proud Farmgirl Sister #113
http://mybigcityfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 12:42:21 PM
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| I would say that I'm mostly natural. I take cloth bags for the groceries, cook and bake from scratch, compost, knit, sew, walk, grow veggies that I freeze for the winter, and I do use natural body and hair and skin products from Melaleuca. I use no paper towels or napkins. Thanks to you wonderful ladies I'm even making little rice heating pads now! I make sun tea and have always been a stickler for all my kids and grandbabies eating their veggies and fruits. All my laundry is dried on the line or the wooden racks my Amish neighbor made me. He even made me a little "whirlygig" with clothespins on it to hang socks and underthings from! I buy all my clothes from goodwill/salvation army stores and thrift stores. But, I've always been this way. I cannot begin to tell you when the last time was I bought something to wear from a store. Brand new. I even buy second hand purses! Even if I were to win a big lottery tomorrow it is not very likely that I would change the way I am. This is me. Susan |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 12:47:55 PM
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| Oh yeah! And I drive a 1994 Subaru wagon which gets really great gas mileage! Doesn't look like much....but I love it! Susan |
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Montrose Girl
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm
1360 Posts
Laurie
Montrose
CO
1360 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2008 : 1:15:29 PM
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Anna, Pizza recipe for you.... Use tortillas!. Everyone can have their own, that's the best part. A young lady from the coffee shop I visit has adopted me as her "aunt". She came over and we had homemade pizza. She just loved it. Really easy. Ok the tortilla isn't handmade, I struggle with that, but hey. oven to about 410-425, I go a bit lower if I am using frozen spinach so the tortilla doesn't burn. lay it out, spread out some pizza sauce (sometimes I do pesto!), add topping (lots of veggies for me), spread cheese, ( I use parmesian) and bake for 12-14 minutes. viola, you have your own pizza.
Best Growing |
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Here's to Your Health: How "natural" are you? |
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How "natural" are you?
