miessence

Soil provides nutrients to plants. Plants provide nutrients to humans. Now doesn’t that make it more clear on why we should be supporting sustainable agriculture?

This is an awesome recipe! Same texture as Mickey D’s but with REAL chicken…can you believe it?  I use Panko Japanese bread crumbs instead of the flour.  I make an extra big batch so I have some to keep in the freezer for a quick reheat later.  Click here for the recipe.

Happy eating!

I must admit a quick run thru McDonald’s was a frequent event about one year ago when I over scheduled the day and realized the kids needed lunch.  I knew in my heart this was not good nutritional teaching to my then 3 and 2 year old.  After reading the ingredients list on what chicken nuggets actually are, well it really grossed me out!  I did find a great homemade nugget recipe that the kids love just as much.

Food Matters.tv has a great artilce on why we should avoid those 4 for a $1 chunks of –chicken?

Happy eating!

Choose better personal products.  Just because a label says ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s kidsafe.
Spy before you buy at www.ewg.org/healthyhome
Eat fresh plant-based foods: Opt for organic fruits and vegies.  Choose milk and meat without added growth hormones. Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings may contain bisphenol A (BPA).
Pick plastics carefully: Some plastics contain BPA, which is linked to cancer. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles and choose baby bottles made from glass or BPA-free plastic. Don’t microwave plastic containers.
Filter your tap water: Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter to reduce your family’s exposure to impurities in water. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.
Wash little hands: Frequent hand washing reduces kids’ exposure to chemicals. Skip anti-bacterial soaps, since they can contain pesticides that are absorbed through the skin.
Skip non-stick: When overheated, non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes. Cook with cast iron or stainless steel instead.
Use a HEPA-filter vacuum: Kids spend lots of time on the floor and household dust contains contaminants. HEPA-filter vacuums capture the widest range of particles and get rid of allergens. Leave your shoes at the door for obvious reasons.

FAQ: What is a HEPA filter?
HEPA stands for ‘High Efficiency Particulate Air’.
A HEPA filter that can trap the majority of tiny particles that slip through a regular filter and simply recirculate back into the air of your bedroom, kitchen, car etc.

Source: MiTime 005 ONE Group

Check out these Green Products for your personal care and home cleaning needs.

Yep! Going “green” is for the dogs and other furry critters we love so dearly. It’s flea and tick season and I am perplexed on how to help my golden retriever’s  stave off the itchy-scratchy or blood-sucking pests.  I have used in the past various topical concoctions, however when I began to put gloves on myself to apply the poisonous liquid I took a step back.  Our pets are part of our family, and if I am so passionate about protecting my human kids from the nastiest of chemical laden products, then why do my fur-babies deserve anything less?  A quick online search led me to www.greenpaws.org.

Make Safer Choices for You and Your Pet Flea and tick treatments may contain toxic chemicals that can poison pets and harm people. Many products contain organophosphates and carbamates, two classes of chemicals that have been linked to nervous system disorders and other health problems in people. Even when applied as instructed on the box, these chemicals are not safe, either for pets or humans.  To avoid the most toxic chemicals, choose flea- and tick-fighting products with ingredients from the green or yellow columns.  Source: Green Paws Pocket Guide

Many of us allow our pets to sleep in our homes and some may even share your bed OR your chidren’s bed.  We pet them, we cuddle with them, we just plain love them.  Not only are our pets exposed to the toxins, humans are as well through the direct contact with our pets.  I hope you find the information at Green Paws helpful and that it offers you some additional choices when making decisions regarding protecting your pet from fleas and ticks.

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