Hero in Aisle Six -- A poem to honor our veterans

Hero in Aisle Six

Looking frail,

he walks through the grocery store,

a small red basket filled with meager necessities.

I want to help.

I want to carry his load.

I want to know the cause of his limp…

a bout with arthritis

or an old war injury?

Looking beyond his stooped posture and frail bones,

I imagine a handsome soldier with broad shoulders and curly brown hair.

Envisioning a framed picture, faded with time,

I see the soldier with his lovely bride,

dreams in their eyes,

promise of the future.

No sign of what was to come –

a demure apartment,

sparsely furnished,

growing colder each year as the cost of fuel rises.

And the man,

alone.

Beside the wedding portrait are two more frames –

one housing a yellowed newspaper headline:

Japan Surrenders, End of War!

A Purple Heart safely ensconced in the other.

My cheek is moistened by a lone tear.

“Excuse me,” I say, “but I wanted to thank you.”

He turns his gaze from the floor.

“Miss?”

“For the war. You fought to keep our country free, didn’t you?”

“It was my honor.”

His voice is raspy as his eyes travel to a distant place.

I offer to carry his basket as we head to the checkout counter

and he submits.

I am carrying the basket of a giant.

Hopeful, I ask, “Would you like to join me for lunch?”

I want to hear his stories.

“It’s been a long time

since anyone wanted to know what I have to say,”

he explains without self-pity.

“I want to know,” I tell him,

and he agrees.

Sliding behind the wheel of my car,

I notice his license plate.

There beside the letters and numbers

is the distinguished Purple Heart.

I am having lunch with a hero.

-- Hana Haatainen Caye

Adapted from the short story of the same title

©2012

Weekend Quote -- Government rule

“If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny.” 
 
 

― Thomas Jefferson

Vinegar Friday -- For women only

TGIVF!

A community member sent me a private message last week to let me know what happened when she went to the doctor:

"I had to have a cervical/uterine biopsy yesterday, and one of the first things they do is swab the cervix with a vinegar solution on a big fat cotton swab stick. My doctor's talking me through all this, and she mentions the fact that it's only vinegar, very natural, and I almost busted out laughing. I thought, 'Put THAT in your Vinegar Fridays, Hana!'"

So I took her advice, and there you have it. I knew they were using vinegar to detect cancer in other countries, but I wasn't aware that we'd become so "advanced" here in the States. If you want to read more about it, click here to read my post, "In lieu of a pap smear." 

Since we're already on the subject of women's gynecological health, I thought it was the perfect time to share a report from Women's Voices for the Earth which was released this week. Below are key points of this important report. Click here for the full report and fact sheet. 

Chem Fatale: Potential Health Effects of Toxic Chemicals in Feminine Care Products

I know you're already looking to eliminate hazardous ingredients from your home. But have you given any thought to what is in your feminine care products? Tampons, pads, douches, wipes, and sprays can all contain toxic chemicals which are coming into contact with some of the most absorptive tissue on your body!

In their new report, WVE examines unregulated toxic chemicals in these products that may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, reproductive problems, asthma, and allergic reactions. Chemicals of concern commonly used in feminine care products include cancer-causing chemicals, reproductive toxins, hormone disruptors, and allergens.

Here are some of the shocking highlights of the report:

• While pads and tampons are used almost universally by all women, Black and Latina women use some feminine products like douches, wipes, and sprays in greater numbers than White women, meaning these women are disproportionately impacted by the toxic chemicals in these products.
• Pads and tampons are regulated as medical devices, which means that companies don't have to disclose any ingredients in these products.
• Other feminine care products are regulated as personal care products, which means that companies are legally allowed to keep fragrance ingredients a secret from consumers -- even the toxic ones.
• Test results show dioxins, furans, and pesticide residues in tampons, which have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption.
• Lots of feminine care products contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a potent allergen. 
• The FDA considers common chemicals in feminine washes to be safe "for external use only." However, it is extremely likely that some internal vaginal exposure will occur from regular use.
• Anti-itch creams commonly contain chemicals that are either allergens or irritants, and can actually exacerbate the very symptoms that women are attempting to treat.
• Because of weak regulation, companies do not have to prove the chemicals they are using in these products are safe. That means companies are legally allowed to use ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects, and other chronic diseases.

What WVE Has to Say 

"Feminine care products are not just your average cosmetics, because they are used on an exceptionally sensitive and absorbent part of a woman's body," said Alexandra Scranton, WVE's Director of Science and Research and author of this report. "Greater scrutiny, oversight and research are badly needed to assure the safety of these ingredients for women's health."

So, what's a woman to do? 

Ways to Reduce Exposure

• Avoid Hall of Shame products found here
• Read the labels to avoid chemicals of concern listed here
• Look for brands that disclose all ingredients, including what's in fragrance
• Eliminate use of products that may be unnecessary to a healthy vagina
• Choose unscented products where available (particularly tampons and pads)
• Choose chlorine-free bleached or unbleached cotton tampons and pads
• If you are having allergic symptoms, switch brands! When you do switch -- call the company's 1-800 customer service to tell them why
• Tell the FDA if you've had symptoms that may be from a feminine care product. Call 1-800-332-1088 or fill out a consumer reporting form available here
• Completely eliminate disposable feminine care products altogether by switching to mama cloth reusable pads and panty liners and reusable menstrual cups (Note: this last tip was not included in the report, but is something I personally recommend)

Action: Asking Procter & Gamble to Disclose Ingredients

While we love to pink wash everything for breast cancer awareness, the fact is no one wants to talk about this aspect of women's health. Therefore, it is not getting the attention it needs. 

That's why we're talking about it. Toxic chemicals have no place in feminine care products. PERIOD. And we're going to do something about it!

Join WVE and Green Grandma in asking Proctor & Gamble, makers of Tampax tampons and Always pads, to disclose the ingredients in those products and remove toxic chemicals linked to women's health problems. Click here to take action! 

Thank you for caring, not only for your own health, but for the health of your daughters and granddaughters, and mine! Change is only possible when we start to demand it.

Caring for our health,

Some Canadian goodness

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

 

Photo by Bobby Mikul

More and more companies are "talking green" these days. Why? Because even if they're not attuned to environmental causes, they are in tune with the ever growing environmental movement. That movement translates to consumer dollars . . . enough consumer dollars to shift the tide.

Is that a good thing? I'm not sure, because in many cases it simply involves some game playing on the part of the companies and corporations who are trying to seduce the green-minded customer into shopping with or banking with or vacationing with them. You get the picture. Green washing has become so popular that we really have to be careful who we trust in this matter.

But that's not to say there aren't companies out there that really do want to make a difference. Companies like TD Group Financial Services who have launched an honest-to-greenness environmental organization in Canada called TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The purpose of the foundation is to help environmental causes come to life by working with passionate Canadians who are committed to protecting the environment. Yes. That's the kind of company we're looking for. It's not just about pretty words and enviro-talk. It's about action.

I love how this financial group get others involved by raising money through environmental donations.Through these donations and the countless hours of volunteer work, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation has supported more than 22,000 environmental initiatives across Canada. Like I said, they're not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk.

I appreciate it more and more when I discover companies that are making a difference. TD Group Financial Services is one such company. If you're in Canada, check them out. And let me know if this group has aided you, or someone you know, in your efforts to make Canada a greener place to live.

Just sharing some thoughts,

Naturepedic Bed Event! Enter to win the organic bed of your dreams!p

 

 About Naturepedic

Naturepedic specializes in the design and manufacturing of quality organic mattresses for infants, toddlers, children and adults that promote natural and organic materials, a non-toxic design, fire-safety, and overall health & safety. All Naturepedic natural and organic mattresses have been designed with the help of pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, chemists, and engineers and are constructed by Amish craftsman. Research and design is coordinated by G.E.M. Testing & Engineering Labs in Cleveland, Ohio. All Naturepedic mattresses are manufactured to provide long lasting heirloom quality workmanship. We have done the research and gathered the right materials so that you can focus on what really counts - giving yourself or your child a healthy sleep environment. We believe that Mother Nature provides the best materials for a healthy and comfortable sleep. Life is too valuable to take unnecessary chances. Why not just use more natural products that don't carry the same risks as synthetic and petroleum based ingredients? All of us at Naturepedic invite you to join in our mission of improving our lives and the lives of our children through healthier sleep. In doing so, you are also promoting sustainability and good stewardship. 

So . . . who doesn't want a healthier sleep environment for themselves and for their kids? When you consider how much time we actually spend in our beds, doesn't it make sense that we should be especially selective in the mattress-shopping department? It's something few of us think about when it comes to keeping our lives free of toxins, but we should. Well, here's your reminder, and a chance to win an amazing NaturePedic bed. 

I can almost hear the ahhhhs now.


This giveaway is sponsored by: Naturepedic Co-Host: Mom Blog Society | Budget Earth | Mom to Bed by 8 | Green Grandma One lucky reader will win a Mattress, Foundation and Frame from Naturepedic. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below. US only. GOOD LUCK! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Would you like to have your brand featured in a similar event? Find out how you can increase your social media and get your brand in the forefront! Contact: ladonna@momblogsociety.com 

Disclosure:  Green Grandma did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handled by Naturepedic. 

A different way to pay ... with personality!

Disclosure: I was provided with a free product in exchange for this review. However, all opinions are my own and I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise.

A month or so ago, I was asked to review a different kind of VISA card. Available through CARD.com, this is a prepaid card which allows you to load cash in a variety of ways, including Western Union, Green Dot Money Pak, Direct Deposit, Paypal, or from my bank account. That's convenient.

Additionally, I was able to go onto their site and choose the design that fit my personality best, or that made a statement. The amount of designs on the site is a bit overwhelming . . . thousands . . . and I must admit I spent way too much time perusing the site. The amount of categories alone seems endless and includes Shawn Michael, Star Trek Next Generation, Garfield, Extreme Couponing, Hell's Kitchen, Care Bears . . . well, you get the picture. It seems to include everything.

I settled on a simple design: the flag of Finland.

After I received my card, the company loaded it with $25 for me to use as I chose. However, my first attempt at a purchase did not go so well.

I was out to eat with friends and my bill was $18. Even with a tip added, it was less than the $25 in my account. I was unhappy, not to mention embarrassed, when the waitress returned to the table and told me my card was declined. I'm not sure why that happened, but it did, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I eventually tried it again, but this time it was at a self-checkout line so I could avoid being humiliated if it were to be rejected once again. Then I used it for an online purchase and everything was fine.

At the end of the $25, I chose not to reload the card as I already have a bank debit card and a Paypal debit card. I don't see the need for a third card. Besides, unless you load at least $800 per month on the card through direct deposit, there is a whopping $5.95 monthly maintenance fee. No thank you.

So, I discovered this was not the card for me.

That said, I do think it would be an ideal card for people who do not want to maintain a checking account, as they could keep the money on the card and use it to pay bills, shop, get gas, etc. It can be used anywhere where VISA is accepted. 

It would also be a good way to keep your college kids on a budget. But this is not a gift card and cannot be used as one. You would have to open an account in the name of the person actually using the card. The fact that it's not a use and toss gift card does make it more appealing to those of us who are green minded.

Also, if you don't have/don't want a credit card, this is an good option, provided you have enough money loaded on the card when you go to use it.

Here are some of the features:

• Free to order, activate and load
• Free app and check deposits from your smartphone
• Free direct deposit
• Free card-to-card transfers, any time, anywhere, in seconds
• No overdraft fees -- never goes negative!
• Safer than cash - 24/7 support, Visa fraud protection and 100% FDIC insurance on funds
• No debt, financially responsible, no interest/credit/APRs
• No credit check and approval in seconds
• 22,000 in-network ATMs

Now, don't the above features make it more appealing? Like I said, it's not for me, but I can see its usefulness in so many other situations. Maybe even yours. 

For more information about the VISA prepaid card, visit their website at CARD.com.

Reviewing it for you,

A Very Green Christmas Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the A Very Green Christmas Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and Brittleby's Corner together with the Green Moms Network! I, along with each of the participating blogs, am offering a green Christmas Gift themed giveaway, just in time for the holidays! There’s sure to be something for everyone on your list and I hope you’ll discover some great new brands to add to your Christmas list, too!

When I decided to join the hop, I thought about who to ask to sponsor me. Then I thought about Will Reynolds Young from climbOn. I met Will at the 2012 Allegheny Green & Innovation Festival here in Pittsburgh. At that time, he gave me a couple of products to review the products won me over. I am a true fan. You can read last year's review here. I raved about the deodorant then, and I continue to rave about it now to anyone who will listen. In the 14 months since my husband and I have been using it, we've never had an issue with it. It safely keeps body odor at bay. And it's free of all the toxic crap you really shouldn't be putting on your body.

Will graciously agreed to not only host this giveaway, but also is giving a $25 gift certificate to the winner of the 2013 Christmas Giveaway Bash, which has more prizes than I can count! Additionally, he gave me a couple products to review.

The products include:

 

•  crossFIXE MUSCLE Paste, which comes in a 2 oz. jar made of recycled materials. Here are the Food Grade ingredients: Organic Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) gel, organic oil of Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,  Sesamum Indicum(sesame seed) oil, Coffee Arabica (butter), Cocos neucifera (coconut) oil,organic, organic Camellia sinensis (green tea leaf extract), Vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry fruit extract), organic Rubus idaeus (red raspberry seed oil), Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn oil), organic herbs and spice blend with Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract non-GMO tocopherol (vit E). I found the paste to be creamy, easy to apply, non-greasy, and lightly fragranced. It is perfect for tired or sore muscles and can be applied before or after exercise. While it seems to be a small amount for the money ($24.95), you actually need very little for the product to work its magic. And since there aren't any fillers in the paste, a tiny bit goes far. 

 

• SKINourishment SPA Stimulate & Cleanse Face Wash. With peppermint essential oil, this face wash is perfect for arousing the senses first thing in the morning. It's also an ideal choice to use when shaving. Again, the ingredients are all food grade: Aqua (water), Organic, liquid Castile soap, organic Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) gel, organic oil of Olea europaea (olive) Fruit Oil, Rosa mosqueta (rosehip seed) oil, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn ) berry oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, organic extracts of Equisetum arvense (L) (horsetail), Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Salix nigra (willow bark) and organic essential oils of Cedrus atlantica (cedar wood),  Lavendula angustifolia (lavender), Mentha piperiat (peppermint) with Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract and tocopherol (vit E)/non-GMO. The 8 oz. bottle is just $14.50.

• SKINourishment SPA Youth Serum. This is by far, my favorite product. While I found the name somewhat deceiving (I thought it was a face serum to help rid me of these darned wrinkles!), when Will explained its use, it all made sense to me. The Youth Serum is an oil that you squirt into your palms. Then you rub them together and put them close to your face where you inhale slowly and deeply three times. As the aromatic scents reach the brain, the limbic system responds as it starts to control the involuntary responses of the body (ie, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, hormone levels, etc.). Oh yeah. I'm pretty much addicted to this stuff. My husband and I are constantly reaching for the little 1 oz. bottle! We've each taken our pulse before and after the inhalation therapy, and noticed a rather dramatic slowing down of our heart rates. A bargain at $14/bottle, the food grade ingredients include: Organic Rosa mosqueta (rosehip )seed oil, Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, organic Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla bean extract), organic essential oils of Citrus aurantium (Petitgrain), Citrus limon (Lemon), Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium), Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), Extracts of Stachys officinalis (Wood betony), Centella asiatica (Gotu kola), Panax ginseng (Ginseng), Helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum essential oil), Organic Equisetum arvense (Horsetail extract), Essential oils of Petroselinum sativum (Parsley),   Cananga odorata (Ylang-ylang), organic extracts of Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea root), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), Citrus bergamia (Bergamot essential oil) with non-GMO tocopherol (vit E).

So... why do I keep mentioning "food grade"? 

SKINourishment is a synthetic-free skin care company that uses only food grade ingredients in their products, rather than cosmetic grade. Their ingredients are not refined, bleached, or heavily processed. And they use only Therapeutic grade essential oils, "not cheap, adulterated fragrance oils or essential oils." Their philosophy is that what you put on the outside of your body should be as healthy as what you put on the inside. Makes sense. It's nutrition for the skin.

One thing I was curious about was the difference between arnica lotion and the crossFIXE MUSCLE paste. Here is what Polly Glasse, founder/creator of SKINourishment had to say, "Arnica is just one ingredient. It's anti-inflammatory and increases circulation. BUT our formula has every ingredient that increases circulation and 'soothes' pain, as well as being anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal."

I love this company and its products and I'm thrilled to offer one of you a $25 gift certificate to try some of the products for yourself. Just enter on the Rafflecopter below. While you don't have to click every link, it's always nice when you let my sponsors know you appreciate them as much as I do. So grab some extra entries by liking them on FB or following them on Twitter. Believe me -- they're worth the follow. These are good folks working to make the world a healthier place for all of us.


After entering my giveaway, be sure to hop around and enter all of the other giveaways listed on the linky below the Rafflecopter! 

This contest will run through November 25, 2013 at 8:59 pm PST (11:59 pm EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on Green Grandma. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 The sponsor provided me with free samples of products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Green Grandma and not to Facebook. Please note that Green Grandma, Happy Mothering, the Green Moms Network and the A Very Green Christmas event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

An Ode to I-522

Who us?

Know?
No. 

These are our bodies and those of our friends.
We’re eating what’s fed us.
It doesn’t depend
on whether organic
or mixed with frogs’ genes.

Genetically Modified Blackberries

You’re fussin’ for nothin’.

The modified greens
are healthy, I’m sure
‘cause the big shots don’t lie.
They’re not out to get us.
We’re not gonna die…

We’re not gonna die, right?
This food, it won’t hurt us,
for surely if harmful,
they’d all just desert us.

The labels are silly.
They’re just meant to scare you
Pass this proposition?
Really?
How dare you?

~ Hana Haatainen Caye

originally titled "Ode to Prop 37"

©2013

 

WQ -- Home, the secret of strength

Few things we can do in this world are so well worth doing as the making of a beautiful and happy home. He who does this builds a sanctuary for God and opens a fountain of blessing for men.

Far more than we know, do the strength and beauty of our lives depend upon the home in which we dwell. He who goes forth in the morning from a happy, loving, prayerful home, into the world’s strife, temptation, struggle, and duty, is strong--inspired for noble and victorious living. The children who are brought up in a true home go out trained and equipped for life’s battles and tasks, carrying in their hearts a secret of strength which will make them brave and loyal to God, and will keep them pure in the world’s severest temptations. 

~ J.R. Miller

VF -- When things get a little sticky

TGIVF!

My husband was doing some repairs last weekend which involved using some rather strong cement glue. As he rushed past me, I knew something was wrong. He'd spilled the glue on his hand.

"Quick! Get on your computer and find out what takes CA40 glue off skin." 

He was in a panic. As I heard him run down the stairs to the basement to wash his hands, I powered up my laptop and Googled a solution. Guess what it was -- VINEGAR! Yep. As he was washing with soap,   water, and mineral spirits to no avail, I joined him in the by the laundry tub and told him about the vinegar. He poured some distilled white vinegar over his hands and watched as the glue softened. Using a soft-bristled brush, he scrubbed for a bit, then repeated the process -- vinegar, scrub brush, rinse . . . vinegar, scrub brush, rinse. 

And it worked!

Lesson learned -- the next time someone in your family super glues their fingers together (or anything like that), grab the DWV! It was painless and effective.

Another shout out for SUPER VINEGAR! How's that for a VF post?

Keeping it green, and less sticky, with vinegar,

 

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