Post by Contributing Writer Sherrie Cook

For years prior to 1961, parents used cloth diapers on their children because there was no other option. Since the 60’s, paper diapers have grown with such popularity that many moms now choose them because they, too, think there is no other option.

Ten years ago I began my own personal search for a cloth diapering alternative in our modern world. I hit so many brick walls that I began to wonder if the reason was perhaps because there was something wrong with cloth diapering. Were these diapers unsanitary? Maybe all the extra laundry was too much work. Could it be that moms had finally grown weary of diaper dunking?

It didn’t take me long to decide that diapering babies using cloth must now be an archaic, extinct notion. The days of plastic pants and safety pins had been replaced with the quality and functionality of disposables. We, as a nation, had obviously arrived in diaper utopia.

However, I couldn’t help but wonder…what cost would we now pay for such luxury? It quickly became apparent to me after a few trips to the grocery store. Upon bringing my Tigger & Pooh stamped paper diapers home, I realized exactly the price to be paid – too much!

Just as that package of diapers was walking through my front door, I found myself exchanging it for a garbage bag full of its soiled predecessors. Essentially, I was throwing away my money. How much was I actually wasting? You might be surprised to learn – cloth vs. disposable diapers: a good estimate.

Twenty-two years ago it was estimated that over the course of a single year, 18 billion paper diapers were sold and used in the United States alone.1 For a family with a child in diapers, the diapering portion makes up approximately 50% of their entire household trash content.1 What a waste!

And that waste is willing to stick around for a while, too. It has been predicted that it could take 250 to 500 years for a single disposable diaper to decompose.2 That’s not the legacy I want to leave for my great, great, great grandchildren – ick!

Image by zenac

Steps to switching to cloth diapers for less waste:

1. Research your cloth options. The hardest part can be getting started. Visit forums where moms flock to talk about cloth. I love the Diaper Jungle and Stephanie’s cloth diapering section in her forum!

2. Learn how to wash cloth diapers. (It’s not as hard as you think, I promise.)

3. Pick 1 or 2 diapers to try and let the fun begin! If you can sew, consider making your own diapers. (CAUTION: some moms claim they have developed a cloth diaper addiction.)

4. Enjoy the ride to reducing waste by using cloth diapers regularly.

For those who cloth diaper, what was it that brought you to that decision? For those who don't, what holds you back?

1Lehrburger, Carl. 1988. Diapers in the Waste Stream: A review of waste management and public policy issues. 1988. Sheffield, MA: self-published.

2Link, Ann. Disposable nappies: a case study in waste prevention. April 2003. Women's Environmental Network.

Sherrie is a wife, mother, peer counselor, speaker and author. She enjoys helping fellow moms in their quest for a simple, God-centered home for their natural living families. She notes her (hopefully) helpful hints at The Proverbial Woman.

Our Sponsors:

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• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

More from Keeper of the Home

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• Cutting Down on Waste in the Kitchen: Tossing the Paper
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Everytime I read it, I giggle just a little,

"Thanks for using Eco Nuts- you'd be nuts to use anything else!"

Truth be told, I'm nutty in so many other ways that perhaps the fact that I'm now using dried fruit shells (aka soap nuts) to clean my clothes shouldn't surprise me or anyone else!

Why would you want to choose Eco Nuts soap nuts to clean your clothes?

• They are completely sustainable, renewable, biodegradable and an organic alternative to chemical detergents and more expensive natural laundry detergents
• They are gentle and chemical or allergen free. No concerns for sensitive baby skin, or those with eczema or other skin conditions.
• They are mild and don't leave residue, so they are suitable for washing cloth diapers.
• They have antimicrobial properties, which makes them a great choice for those with septic or grey water systems.

Wondering how soap nuts actually work? They contain saponin, which is a natural cleaner that breaks the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing- a fancy way to say that they are able to life stains and leave the dirt in the water to be washed away. They don't foam up, because they don't contain foaming agents. This was disconcerting to me at first, but I decided to get over it and see whether they worked anyways!

I received my trial of soap nuts from The Baby Bum Store, who recently began carrying Eco Nuts for all their cloth diapering customers in particular. I tried them out this past week and they've actually been worked pretty hard in a short amount of time.

I've used them in both cold and hot, regular loads, heavy blankets, and cloth diapers, all successfully. The real test happened today, with an incredibly yucky load of diapers which contained some toddler explosions. I double rinsed before I washed (even though I usually rinse only once), but was shocked and pleased to see that the diapers came out fresh smelling and clean, even though this was already the 5th wash my soap nuts had been through (and they are generally able to be reused for 5-7 washes).

Final score? Indescribably poopy diapers 0, Eco Nuts 1.

Will soap nuts begin to replace my trusty natural detergents? The jury is still out on that one. I love how small and light they are to carry and store, and the fact that they're entirely sustainable and that I can toss them in my compost. I was impressed with their cleaning ability, despite the lack of bubbles and pretty smells. You just might win me over, little soap nuts.

Would you like to give Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Soap a try?

Courtesy of The Baby Bum Store, I have one package of Eco Nuts, good for 50 hot washes or up to 90 cold washes, to give to one reader with very dirty clothes (because why else would you want to win them?).

To win a package of these little babies, here's what you need to do:

(And remember, please leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Leave me a comment telling me the toughest laundry challenge that you're facing.
2. Visit The Baby Bum Store and tell me your favorite product that they carry (I bought some pocket diapers from them recently that I'm just thrilled with for the best price around!)
3. Become a fan on my new Facebook fan page!
4. Mention this giveaway on Facebook.
5. Follow me on Twitter.
6. Tweet this giveaway (include @keeperhome in your tweet)
7. Subscribe to Keeper of the Home through email or RSS.
8. Become a member of the Forum, or post a new topic or comment.

Someone is going to have some wonderful clean laundry soon. Good luck, all! Giveaway ends Friday, March 19 at 3:00pm.

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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Today is the debut of the first of my new contributing writers here at Keeper of the Home. Over the next 6 weeks or so, you will get a chance to "meet" each contributor, and shortly I will have a contributor's page up with their photos and bios.

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Our first writer, Angela Beery, has created her own pattern for making a homemade, one-size cloth diaper and it looks excellent! Making your own diapers is a wonderful way to use up extra material, and to make diapers that are extremely frugal as well.

Here's a look at the diaper:

Diaper front (size small)

Diaper front (size large)

Diaper side (size small)

Diaper back

Want to try making this diaper yourself? Here's what you'll need:

Diaper Pattern - This is the printable pattern, with tracers for your fabric pieces.

Tiny Tooshie - These are the written instructions for putting together your own "Tiny Tooshie" diaper. One thing to note is that there is an option of either keeping these as simple cloth diapers, which you would put a cover over OR the other option is to use a waterproof fabric on the outside to make them all-in-one diapers.

Note- to download these files, click on the link once. On the page that it brings you to, click on the 2nd link.

Angela's Cloth Wipes "Recipe"

• 3 cups warm water
• 2 T olive oil
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil (or scent of your choice)
• 2 drops Tea Tree Oil
• 2 T baby wash

1.) Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

2.) Soak baby washcloths or other soft cloth in mixture and place in wipes holder. Do not wring out completely. The wipes holder will keep wipes moist until ready for use.

Angela Beery, former So-Cal city girl and world traveler fully embraces her simple, yet abundant, life in a small town at the foothills of the Colorado Rockies. She and her husband love serving the Lord with The Salvation Army - Angela, as a volunteer and her husband as a youth and music pastor. When not chasing around her 18 month old daughter, Angela enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking low-fat meals and crafting of every kind. You can read more about her journey as a homemaker at her blog, Domestic Godliness.

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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Today's guest post from Phoebe of Getting Freedom is on a topic near and dear to my gardener's heart. I am a huge advocate of heirloom seeds, for so many of the reasons that she talks about in this excellent post!

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When we started our debt freedom journey, one thing I noticed rather quickly was our grocery budget was one of the only areas I had the freedom to cut. I didn’t want to sacrifice what we were eating, so I knew I had to be creative in my spending. My husband decided that it was only logical for us to grow as much of our own food as we possibly could, and for as little as possible.

I quickly began researching everything garden related. It didn’t take long for me to realize that seeds cost a lot less than buying plants. When I began looking through seed catalogs, and reading information online about seeds, I found that there was a lot to learn. While I have come a long way, I’m still no where near being an expert.

After many hours of research and catalog reading, we decided that Heirloom Seeds were our most cost effective option. You are able to plant a seed that you purchased one year, grow the plant, consume the fruit, and save the seeds to be planted next year. You have an investment that keeps on giving. This is because an heirloom seed, also known as an open-pollinated seed, has been passed on through the years, unaltered by man. They are a pure form of the original plant.

Before looking into seeds, I always thought a seed was a seed. I had no idea some seeds were genetically altered. Scientists have went into the DNA of seeds and altered them to resist certain diseases and to “enhance” flavor. While that may not sound bad right off the bat, think of it this way. There are certain varieties of tomato that’s DNA has been spliced with a cold water fish gene in order to resist frost. Personally, I’d rather take it the way God intended. Additionally, many heirloom plants are rich in flavor, as the best-tasting seeds were the ones saved. Modern seeds focus more on yield than flavor.

Amazingly, there are endless options when it comes to heirloom seeds. You can grow your average orange carrot, or you can choose a white or purple variety! Last year in our garden, I went with Black Krim Tomatoes, as well as Reverend Morrow LongKeeper Tomatoes which are more of a pink variety. Before finding heirloom seeds, I thought all tomatoes were either yellow, green, or red. While there may be a little more work involved in starting your seeds, and saving them later, the end result is far more rewarding and frugal. I also like knowing that I’m doing my part in preserving the plants of the past.

There are many different places to buy heirloom seeds. Last year we bought ours exclusively from Baker Creek Seed Company, you can see their online catalog here.

Phoebe is an expecting, stay at home mom to 3 children. She chronicles her family’s love for the unconventional life and their journey to debt freedom on her blog, Getting Freedom.

Do you use seeds or plants for your garden? What factors motivate your choice of what you grow, and the source that you get it from?

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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However, in-depth personal study on the topics of herbology and natural remedies certainly isn't for everyone. I know that many moms are looking instead for some sort of easy reference for natural and herbal remedies. The Handbook of Vintage Remedies really fits the bill, with information that is suited to the whole family, including pregnant and breastfeeding moms, infants, children, and the elderly.

It is not only a great go-to guide, but it also spends some time teaching in the early chapters about the concepts of natural and alternative medicine, about herbs, homeopathy, botanicals, nutrition and more. Author Jessie Hawkins, MH, works hard in the beginning of the book to really lay a foundation for why and how a family might want to use these types of remedies and how to pursue good health in a holistic way, and not just by treating symptoms of illness. Jessie is an ideal person to learn from, as she has completed numerous herbal programs herself, and has additional education in midwifery, childbirth education, environmental health, childhood health and modern disorders and birth doula certification. Best of all, she approaches natural health from a Christian perspective, which is so very needed with the vast array of options that are out there today!

The main section of the book works alphabetically through all sorts of common symptoms and conditions, such as Acne, Bed-Wetting, Canker Sores, Colic, Eczema, Gallstones, Pink Eye, Sinus Infection, and Urinary Tract Infections. I didn't count, but there are probably more than 100 ailments included. There are a few more chronic conditions listed as well, like Autism, ADHD, Diabetes and Ulcers. It's honestly hard to try to come up with something that isn't covered in the book!

Following this, Jessie goes into about 30 herbs and botanicals in more detail (focusing on ones that are used repeatedly throughout the remedies in the book), telling you briefly about the history of a herb, how it is usually used, some dosage tips, and when to avoid it. Lastly, there are a couple of short chapters with recipes for non-toxic, homemade cleaning supplies and beauty/skin care, which look wonderful and many of them are quite simple to make.

Now, I am one of those people who has umpteen books on natural remedies, alternative health, nutritional therapy and naturopathic treatments. Most of them are virtual encyclopedias of information, but that's actually part of the problem. When I go to look up a specific illness or complaint, I find pages and pages of information, and often a list of anywhere from 10-40 different supplements and herbs that might be useful. Filtering through it all can be very confusing and daunting, especially to those who are newer to alternative medicine.

What I appreciate about The Handbook of Vintage Remedies is that Jessie, who happens to be a mom herself, has written it specifically for moms. It doesn't bog you down, but succinctly and simply steers you in the right direction!

You may have noticed the advertisement for The Handbook of Vintage Remedies on my sidebar this past month or so. Although I have not received any compensation for writing this review (except for a book to review), I gladly chose to run the ad because this is a book that I would be happy to recommend to other moms. I love tools that give you a good foundation and some confidence in your own ability to make wise, natural choices for treating illnesses in your family. You'll also note that the ad includes a coupon code for free shipping when you buy the book, by using the word "KOTH" when you check out.

I have one copy to give away as well! Who would like to add The Handbook of Vintage Remedies to their own arsenal of tools for keeping their family healthy, naturally?

Here's how you can earn yourself some entries:

1. Leave a comment telling us either why you'd like to win this book, or a favorite natural remedy that you already use.
2. Follow Jessie on Twitter (@VintageRemedies)
3. Become a Facebook fan of Vintage Remedies
4. Follow myself on Twitter (@KeeperHome)
5. Tweet or Facebook the giveaway.
6. Subscribe to Keeper of the Home.
7. Strike up a new topic in the Forum, or join in on a conversation that's already happening (or become a member if you aren't one yet).

*Please remember to leave each entry as a separate comment!

Giveaway will end Saturday, February 20th at 3:00pm. Giveaway has now ended!

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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Image Credit

Guest Post by Louisa

I toilet-trained my first child when she was four-months-old. I thought I would start this guest post with a statement that knocks most people's socks off when they hear it. "Four months old, you are kidding, aren't you?" No, I kid you not.

I had worked extensively in China and seen what mothers did there; always aware of their children's needs, able to listen to the signs that told them when their child wanted to pee and available to help them achieve their own personal hygiene at a very early age, many from birth. In our age of disassociation from our babies, when we wrap them up, place them in prams and car seats and leave then in front of TVs for hours, it seems impossible to be in such harmony with our little ones, but it is absolutely possible and many, many, many people have done it before now.

After reading Jean Liedloff's Continuum Concept before giving birth and then the book Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygieneby Ingrid Bauer, I knew that I wanted to train my baby too, it just seemed the natural thing to do. So this is what I did and you can too, if that is what you decide.

I believe that diaper-free babies are eco-friendly, aware of their bodies at a young age, sociable and under no pressure to perform in any way. They must be 'responded to' from a very early age however, before the feeling of peeing in a diaper gets too natural for them. It all takes time, patience and devotion, something that has to be thought about very carefully indeed before embarking upon as you have to be 100% available. This doesn't mean sitting and watching your baby's every move, it means being there for her when she needs to tell you she wants to pee/poo.

It is very well worth it for the sake of the planet alone, but also for the deep and long-lasting connection you will be forging with your child.

Starting off simply is a good plan. Use one less diaper at night by leaving your baby free from the waist down after her bath in the evening and getting her to sleep on a thick towel. Babies will very rarely wet themselves whilst asleep and will benefit from air circulation around the parts that have been enclosed and wet all day. This I did with my baby and never had an accident in bed, nor diaper rash. It helps if you co-sleep with your baby, (but I figure if you have thought of infant training, then you have probably thought of co-sleeping too) so when she fidgets in her sleep, you can get her up and let her pee into her potty. Making quiet hissing sounds will encourage her to relieve herself straight away, then you may settle her down again.

This routine I was doing pretty soon after birth with my baby, I then graduated onto awareness of her needs during the day. Making the hissing sound whilst holding her in a comfortable position over her potty I found to be a key factor to my success - staying tuned to her cues also was crucial; a young baby will cry to be helped to pee/poo before she gives up and does it in her diaper. Be gentle, understanding and don't get stressed, if you miss it this time, you may very well get it next time, no problem! Having your baby wear diapers during the day is up to you, having the potty in view as the child learns to walk is also up to you. As a rule of thumb, your young baby will pee 20 minutes after drinking fluids, then approximately every half-hour thereafter and once or twice during the night.

This is the start of diaper-free babyhood and it happens like this all over the world. That is why Chinese children have splits in their pants with their bottoms showing and use the gutters regularly, I kid you not.

My first born was a happy, capable and contented baby, we taught her to make a sign for 'pee' long before she could talk and she seemed very capable at managing her own 'toilet matters' as she grew.

She laughs now at seven-years-old when I tell her what she could do at four months old and she thinks it is the most natural thing in the world too.

What do you think... is this an idea that appeals to you? I'd love to hear who else (this is Stephanie speaking now) is intrigued by this idea, and especially if anyone else has tried it!

Louisa has brought her children (7 and 4) up in a natural way, she lives in the mountains of France, home schools and follows the principles of Weston A.Price and Rudolph Steiner. Her first child was potty trained at four months old, both her girls co-slept with her and her husband and were carried until the age of one. She lives in a TV-free house. She believes that when a woman takes on the role of nourisher, (both physically and emotionally) she becomes both hearth and heart of her family. Read her slow-living blog at: constantstateofflux.com or find her on Twitter as @lululovesmilk.

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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Image by vieuxbandit

As I went to write this next post for my Year of Herbs series, I had been thinking of doing comfrey or yarrow. However, I've really been enjoying learning about herbs that we all have right at our fingertips (like garlic and onion, or fennel and dill). Ginger seemed a perfect choice to study up on next!

Truthfully, I had never, ever thought of ginger as a "herb" (or at least, a medicinal one) until I began studying up on herbs. Suddenly I was just floored to realize it's useful qualities and the fact that it was readily available at any old grocery store!

One little caveat- based on my current commitment to spend a bit less time blogging and writing complex posts, this hasn't been nearly as thoroughly researched as my Garlic post. This is just what I was able to come up with in a more reasonable amount of time (and it took me several weeks!) and some of the ways that I have been learning to use it personally. I hope you still find it helpful to encourage you along in your own studies and use of herbs!

History

Ginger originates from tropical Asia but has been used in the West for at least 2000 years. It has traditionally been used as a warming herb, and in the 18th century began to be added to remedies to help reduce irritation on the stomach. It is still sometimes used this way in Chinese medicine, to reduce the toxicity of some of the more harsh herbs.

General Qualities and Uses

Ginger is known to: improve circulation, aid digestion, reduce nausea, help heartburn, reduce aches and pains, increase warmth, decrease congestion. Also known to be anti-inflammatory, relaxing, detoxifying.

Active ingredients in ginger are turpines (yes, similar to turpentine) and oleo-resin compounds called Gingerols. They are antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating, and mild constipation-relieving qualities, and potent perspiration inducing action.

It is also a good "carrier herb" which means it helps to bind several herbs together and help the entire formula to work more deeply and effectively. Great to add in to a combination with other herbs.

So maybe ginger snaps aren't medicinal...

Image by rusvalpauke

Methods of Use

Powder- Ensure that you're using high quality ginger powder (even the stuff from the grocery store is fine if it's actually fresh).  I have a nice big bag of very fresh ginger powder from Oregon Spice Company that works well, and another great place to purchase fresh ginger would be Mountain Rose Herbs.

Fresh ginger root-Buy one that looks particularly fresh from the market or grocery store. It will stay nicely in the fridge for several weeks. Just cut off chunks as needed.

Capsules- These are basically just powdered ginger in a capsule, but some people may find it easier to take. These are available at pretty much any health food or supplement store.

Dried whole or chunks- These can be used similarly to powdered, or could also be boiled just like fresh ginger root.

Ginger Oil- It is also available as an essential oil, though I will confess that I have not tried it in this form and have no found a lot of information on how to safely use it, as oils are much more concentrated than these other forms.

Particular Uses

Low Blood Pressure- Take ginger in any form daily. This is only a temporary help, so underlying issues should definitely still be looked into.

Circulation- Ginger really speeds up circulation, brings warmth and helps to flush different areas of the body. Excellent to use a hot cup of ginger tea for this purpose (with lemon and honey is nice), or a bath is a great option (see bath description under Fevers). I tried this the last time I had some mild fever/chills with a bad cold, and the bath was so soothing and definitely helped to warm me up and relax me enough to go to sleep quickly.

Colds/Flus- Really soothing to symptoms of colds/flu (congestion, chills, fever, aches and pains). With that same cold, I made for myself a "winter sickie tea" as I called it, and it included a heaping dose of ginger. Sipping on my tea throughout the day helped so much to warm and decongest me and allow me to function as well as possible while getting over my cold. You can make a tea like this using any form of ginger (fresh, dried, powdered) by simmering it in boiling water.

Congestion- Ginger helps in two different sort of ways. Very helpful for general congestion within the body, particularly the build up of toxins or when major organs (like the liver or the digestive system) are rather congested and not functioning well. It helps to speed up the circulation, break down congestion and flush toxins to get things working more smoothly again. In regards to congestion from a head cold, it breaks up mucus and helps to flush it out. Whenever I would get too congested with my last head cold, a big mug of tea with ginger would do the trick. Within less than a half hour, I would start to notice that I was blowing my nose more frequently and then within 15-20 minutes, suddenly I began to feel very noticeably less congested.

Constipation- Acts as a stimulant to the digestive system and helps to get things moving, but without the harsh action of a laxative. One option for desperate times is a ginger enema (and quite frankly I have no clue how to administer an enema nor tips for you on how to do so, but have only read that it is helpful!). Taking it orally is generally useful enough, mixing either powdered ginger with water and drinking 2-3 times a day, or simmering fresh ginger to make a tea (and simmering with flax seeds, and also honey or molasses adds to the effectiveness of this brew). This is considered quite safe for children as well as adults (though as always, use a much smaller/weaker dose when giving anything herbal to children).

Digestion- Ginger stimulates the digestive juices which is why it is so helpful for cases of indigestion. It relieves gas, cramping, heartburn. It can be taken either before OR after a meal to improve digestion. If a meal is sitting heavily with you, sipping on a mug of ginger tea afterwords will likely be very helpful. I have used it over and over again in this regard, especially while pregnant, with excellent results.

Fever- Because it increases circulation and stimulates perspiration, it flushes out toxins and can help a fever to leave the body faster. One excellent way to use ginger with a fever is a soothing ginger bath. You can use anywhere from 2-6 Tbsp of ginger  or even up to 1/2 a cup (though you should work up the amount slowly if you are not used to it). Just toss the powdered ginger right in the tub as it's filling up and then soak in the tub while sipping on a glass of water. You will definitely notice the warmth, but will also find that fever and chills will most likely decrease after a while.

Ginger Bath- Described above. Good for fever/chills/aches/pains. Also for detoxifying, increasing circulation of the body in general.

Ginger Poultice- Used externally, over an area of congestion or for inflamed, aching, sprained or stiff skin, muscles or appendages. Mix the powder into a past with water and spread it about 1/8 inch thick on a cloth (like cotton or wool). Put it over something to catch the drips and add enough boiling water to wet and heat the herbs (but not wash them away). When it's cool enough for the skin, apply and secure using a towel, etc. to hold it in place. Can add a hot water bottle or heating pad on top to increase it's effectiveness.

Headaches and Migraines- Often helpful because many headaches apparently have their root cause in poor digestion and circulation (something I'd never heard before until studying ginger!). One great way to use ginger is this case is to soak your feet in a strong ginger bath. Ginger can also be taken in capsule or tea form for a headache, but may take longer to work that way.

Heartburn- Aside from Slippery Elm (which I take in lozenges made by a company called Thayer's), ginger is my go-to herb when I am pregnant and dealing with heartburn. I assume the reason it helps so much is because the heartburn is stemming from indigestion, which is worsened in pregnancy by hormones that slow down digestion and by increasing pressure on the stomach as the uterus expands. Whatever the reason, sipping on ginger tea throughout the day, but especially before and after meals, is sooo helpful for me in keeping the heartburn to a manageable level!

Inflammation- Can be very helpful for things like arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, etc. It is very anti-inflammatory and can be used externally (as a poultice, as mentioned above (Ginger Poultice) or taken internally. One suggested internal dose for inflammation is 1/3 tsp powdered ginger 3 times a day.

Lungs- Ginger can be taken both internally and externally (in a poultice put over the chest) to help with lung irritations (like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia) or any kind of congestion.

Menstruation- Helpful for cramps especially, because of antispasmodic properties and because of the increase circulation and blood-flow. Could use as a tea/capsule, or take a bath or use a warm poultice on lower abdomen.

Mumps (or swollen lymph glands)- Ginger baths are very helpful for relieving the swelling, and can also be used internally.

Nausea- Pregnant women take note! Ginger is your friend if you suffer from morning sickness! Sipping on ginger teas can be very helpful for mild nausea that comes and goes. For more persistent nausea, try taking ginger  either in capsules, or just 1/2 to 1 tsp of powdered ginger with some water. I've also known someone who just ate small chunks of fresh ginger directly and said it really did the trick. Taken directly in the mouth it helps to give much more immediate relief. Sometimes it helps to take several doses 15 minutes apart to soothe extended nausea. If you struggle with motion sickness, taking a dose of ginger before your begin to travel and also while you are traveling can help to keep the nausea at bay. You could also mix the ginger powder with a little honey or molasses to get it down more easily. One book noted that while ginger will help with nausea in about 9/10 people, there are some who don't find it effective. For those people, peppermint may be a more effective nausea remedy.

Skin Issues- A ginger bath can be helpful for rash or other skin irritations. Because it increases the circulation and flushes out toxins, it can clear out what is happening on the inside of the body that is being eliminated through the skin (because often our skin is just showing that there is something happening inside the body- it's a symptom of something else).

Stimulant and Tonic- Ginger can be invigorating, when lacking energy or for those in cold climates during the winter. Something like a ginger tea or bath will icnrase circulation and warmth and act as a pick-me-up.

Sore Throat- One book suggested using a mixture of ginger powder and clove powder in equal parts (ginger for anti-inflammatory properties and clove for pain relief), then take 1 tsp of the mixed powders and stir into 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Use 1/2 tsp of this herbal oil, swallowing slowly to allow it to coat throat. Or gargle with ginger tea, or the ginger/clove mixture in water as a gargle. Could also make small balls with honey and ginger to suck on.

Ok, ok, candied ginger may not be medicinal either, but it's pretty, no?

Image by thedeliciouslife

Warning/Contraindication

*Ginger can sometimes be too stimulating for some people. Start with lower doses, whether orally or in a ginger bath or whatever, and work up if it is well tolerated.

*Because of it's mild laxative-resembling qualities, taking too much can be too stimulating for the intestines in some people. Start slow on doses and work up as your body tolerates it.

*If the stomach is already upset or over-producing acid (or in an ulcerous state) avoid too much ginger as this may cause more irritation.

*Though ginger is safe in pregnancy and useful for nausea, still use it with respect and do not use extremely large doses. If in doubt, ask your midwife or naturopath. Sticking with fresh ginger teas makes it hard to take in too much.

Have you tried using ginger in a medicinal or healing manner? What have you found it to be useful for? Have you ever thought of ginger as a "herb", for that matter?

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Wooden car made by Bajo

Why We Care About the Toys We Choose

It all started a little over two years ago. Recalls on toys (particularly from China) were coming out left, right and center. Our little guy was about 5-6 months old and just starting to put absolutely everything in his mouth. I found a recalled toy among our bunch- a very non-threatening looking set of cloth baby blocks made by Baby Einstein. There was too much lead in the paint designs on it's side. It sort of pushed me over the edge, and thus my search for something better began. No way, no how was I going to let my baby and toddler suck, bite, gnaw, lick (come on, admit it, your kids do the same things!) on highly toxic, junky plastic, phthalate-enriched, heavy-metal laced toys of unknown origins.

Add to that our growing desire as parents to stay away from all of the blinking-light, loud-noise-making, battery-requiring toys, and instead fill our home up with items that truly fostered imagination, rather than encouraging passivity. We decided that we really wanted to avoid toys that simply entertain. Instead, we wanted things that spurred them on to creative play. We also wanted to steer clear of all the tv and movie character toys out there (Dora, Disney princesses, Sponge Bob, and the likes).

Nope, this isn't my son, but he received this gorgeous Haba toy last Christmas

I love the motto at one of my favorite toy stores, Oompa: "No batteries. No blinking lights. No cartoon-themed toys. Period."

Now, I'm the first to admit that we're not purists and we do own a lot of toys (more than I'd like, actually), but we still keep a really close eye on what comes in, and we've been working hard to get rid of toys we're not so keen on. As we get rid of them (donating them to charity or thrift stores), we slowly add in higher-quality toys. We will probably have a few less in the end (which actually sounds great to me), but they will be toys that go the distance through many different children (we're going for 12, remember?) and our children will appreciate what they have more if they aren't inundated with an entire roomful of toys.

What We Look For:

Not battery operated. Toys that don't "perform" for you. Preferably from Canada, USA or Europe (though I know that some toys are responsibly made in other parts of the world, including China, and so this isn't a strict rule). Something that I think will enhance and support my children's natural creativity. Toys that are fun, interesting or appealing somehow (something bright made with non-toxic paints, or a soft and adorable plush doll, or a really unique game or puzzle). Toys that appear to be well-made and that will go the distance and handle lots of childish abuse.

A push-cart from Haba (just might be my favorite toy maker), our son's 1 year birthday present

A few important things to look for:

1. If it's a painted item, you want to specifically see that they've used a non-toxic paint or finish, because even cute wooden toys can be painted with lead-based paints (or other paints that still have a lot of chemicals in them). Water based paints are best. Another option is to purchase unfinished wooden toys and paint or finish them yourself.
2. Check to see if it's certified according to European specifications. They are much stricter than any North American standards for manufacturers. Some excellent European brands to look for: Haba, Kathy Kruse, Vulli, Keptin Jr., Sigikid, Bajo. Plan Toys is another that meets their specifications.

So what kind of toys do we own?

• Building sets- lego, wooden blocks, Wedgits, peg boards.
• Dress up clothes, costumes, hats, purses.
• Kitchen play- We have a wooden play kitchen, plus plenty of dishes, pretend foods, a tea set, etc.
• Dolls- plus carriages, beds, blankets, clothing, and even a little baby doll sling I made for my daughter when I was pregnant with my son.
• Puzzles and games.
• Vehicles- We especially love all things wooden! Trains, cars, planes, emergency vehicles, even wooden animals with wheels.
• Animals- We have both a farm and a zoo and plenty of animals to fill them with. We've just recently fallen in love with the brand Schleich, which makes incredibly detailed, very solidly made animal figurines (and other accessories). German brand, made in China, but they're still high quality, and we're starting to collect them this year.
• For baby- a few simple teething toys suffice. Our little one (though she's not quite there yet at 3 1/2 mths) has a couple of colorful wooden ones, one round wooden teether with a soft bear on it, and an organic cotton soft baby doll.
• Musical instruments- For Christmas, we bought the older kids a wooden drum set made by Plan Toys. Last year Abbie received a child-sized guitar (you know you've got a musician for a father when...). Lots of tambourines, shakers, bells, etc.
• For outdoors- We have a few balls and bikes. That seems to suffice, because there are so many things in nature that are infinitely more interesting than toys!

A wooden teether from Plan Toys, one of the first "natural" baby toys we bought

Where to Get Great Toys:

Oompa- Probably my favorite online toy store, simply because they have such an incredibly large selection of toys, games and puzzles, furniture, decor, dress up, baby stuff, etc. and it's basically all non-toxic, made with natural materials, eco-friendly and adheres to our creativity-enhancing criteria. Prices are reasonable, customer service is good, and I promise you'll have fun looking through what they sell!

Baby Naturopathics- I love this "kid and earth friendly boutique". They carry many of the same types of toys as Oompa, and also have things like organic children's clothing, glass bottles, etc. This store happens to be Canadian! Yay!

Amazon- Yes, surprisingly (or maybe not with how Amazon is expanding these days) they carry a great supply of safe and adorable toys! Furniture, baby teething toys, organic dolls and stuffies, wooden puzzles and blocks. Lots of the big names out there (Haba, Plan Toys, Under the Nile, etc.). We got Johanna's Christmas presents through Amazon (a wooden teether and an organic cloth clutching doll) using our Swagbucks.

Baby Because- I first discovered this store when buying some cloth diapering supplies, but they also have a nice selection of playthings, plus baby feeding supplies, infant carriers, etc.

Tons of small, independent toy makers- Truly, there are just so many of them out there! I realized this year that Etsy is a fabulous place to look, with shops like Small Town Toys and The Wood Garden (both carry handcrafted wooden toys) or BeckyM's shop (with the most adorable play food I may have ever seen!). You can also often find independent toy makers at craft fairs or festivals. Last year our kids received beautiful, hand-crafted and very unique wooden puzzles from a lady my Nana discovered at a craft fair. My parents found someone a few hours north of where we live who makes sturdy wooden vehicles. (So yes, my kids were spoiled last year!)

Waldorf Toys- To learn more about the Waldorf methods and philosophy, read this excellent guest post on my blog. There are many online shops selling absolutely beautiful Waldorf-style toys, such as Waldorf Treasures or Bella Luna Toys.

The doll we bought Johanna for Christmas, in organic cotton by Under the Nile. Similar in style to some Waldorf dolls.

More places to find safe and amazing toys:

The Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide

Safe Mama's 2008 Safe Toy Guide (sorry, but there doesn't appear to be a 2009)

The Daily Green: Safe Toy Watch

And another wonderful option: Making your own toys!

You can make your own Waldorf dolls, or your own teething toys (with organic cloth even). Some friends of ours once made a simple and small set of wooden blocks with our daughter's name carved into them, and they finished the wood by rubbing them with Crisco (ok, so it's not a fat that I would choose to eat-- lard or tallow or butter are much better choices!-- but it's a far cry from varnish or lacquer!). Michele at Frugal Granola has also made play food for her daughter out of felt- so cute!

I'm not the handiest person around, so I don't pretend to know how to make my own toys, but there are so many resources out there (books, websites, etc.) if you just take a look!

One of our daughter's favorite games, Tottering Towers by Haba.

How do you feel about toys and what are the guidelines for the toys that you allow in your home? Any other resources to share with us for purchasing safe and natural toys, or even for making some of our own?

Our Sponsors:

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• Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

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Today's grocery shopping outing was a bit of a disaster. Hungry, upset children, a crying baby and a frazzled mom. By the last store, I was barely looking at prices anymore as I tossed things into the cart that appeared to have at least some semblance to what was written on my trusty list.

I know that I made at least one really good decision this afternoon, though. Nope, it wasn't a frugal decision-- stocking up on some exciting sale or figuring out which 3 lb bag of apples actually contained 1 more apple than the rest.

No, today I chose to spend more money and vote with my dollars.

The item? A simple box of mandarin oranges, a yummy treat for my husband's bag lunches. The decision? Whether to spend $3.99 on a 5 lb box of conventional mandarins, or to spend $4.99 on a 4 lb box of certified organic mandarins. I hemmed and hawed for just a moment before my hand rested on the organic oranges and I knew that I had chosen well.

There are a number of reasons why I could have chosen to buy organic over conventional. Exposure to less pesticides, herbicides and other nasty chemicals, for one. Higher nutrient content in food that has been grown in healthier and more nourished soil. Quite likely, better taste. All good reasons, but none of them the ultimate reason for my decision.

I purchased organic today because (although I value all of those other reasons) I had never seen organic oranges before at the particular produce market where I'm a regular customer. I wanted to cast my vote for more organic produce, showing them that their customers think it's worth it to pay a little bit extra, in hopes that they will continue to pursue carrying more and more organic products. In turn, my vote helps to ensure that more organic farmers are supported for the excellent work that they are doing, bringing high-quality vegetables and fruits to our tables, while better stewarding the earth as well.

Does my vote seem just a tiny bit insignificant to you?

Let's put it in perspective. In Canada (where I live), us Westerners have a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to our nation's Federal elections. You see, the bulk of our country's population does not live in the West, but is much more concentrated in the more Eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec. When we watch the election results roll in every 4 years or so, the election has already been called by the time that they begin to declare any of the winners in our neck of the woods. Ontario and Quebec voters have such a majority that they largely determine who will be the winning party, and our votes simply help to seal the deal, and very rarely turn the tide. I think that this is true for many states in the USA as well. Your state receives so few electoral college seats that your votes seem to be barely a drop in the bucket, when compared to the higher-population states like Texas, California, Florida or New York (see? see? I know a little bit about American politics!

The next time elections roll around, should I decide that voting simply isn't worth it because my vote seems to make such little impact on the outcome? Do I relinquish not only my right, but my responsibility to be an educated, informed and faithful voter in this democratic nation of which I am blessed to be a citizen? No! Absolutely not!

In much the same way, I will not undermine or belittle the importance of the way in which I use my dollars to support good farming pratices, healthy soils, and less toxic-burden in my family's bodies. Every single dollar counts. Every one. Do not allow yourself to feel that the way that you spend your hard earned money is insignificant, because it is not!

In the fantastic documentary "Food, Inc." (which has recently been released as a rental video- a must see!), there is an excellent segment that bears mentioning. Gary Hirshberg, the CEO (or CE-Yo as he likes to be called) of Stonyfield Organic yogurt company discusses his involvement with Walmart and the placement of Stonyfield's products on the shelves of a multi-national store which many die-hard organic and sustainable living proponents have actually boycotted. And yet, Walmart is wisely listening to the demand from consumers and choosing to purchase from organic companies like Stonyfield in the millions each year! I love how Gary describes how many of his activist friends get up in arms at the discussion of whether he has sold-out by keeping company with the likes of Walmart, until the conversation turns to the facts of the billions of tons of pesticides that are prevented each year, through the small organic farms that contribute to a large company like Stonyfield.

Towards the end of the movie, there's a clip of a disillusioned farmer bogged down by the politics and the general mess of conventional farming these days. He passionately tells the camera that people need to demand what they want, because if they truly demand it, farmers will respond and will gladly provide it for them. That's us! If we support organics today, we are assuring the farmers of tomorrow that we will stand behind them, purchase their products and keep them in business.

So you see, my $4.99 box of organic mandarins is not just another way to keep my family a little healthier. It's so much more than that.

This post is part of Fight Back Fridays!

Do you agree with the concept of "voting with our dollars"? How does that impact the decisions that you make as you purchase food (and other products) for your family?

Our Sponsors:

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Ever wished that you could ditch the plastic food storage containers and use something that you didn't worry was going to shatter?

That's what I love about these stainless steel food containers! Safe and toxin-free, not to mention affordable, they just make so much sense. I know that so many of you, like myself, are trying hard to get the toxins out of your home and especially your kitchen. When it comes to products you're putting your food in, you can't really be safe enough, can you?

A particular concern with food and storage is the issue of heat. When hot or even warm food goes into a plastic container, chemicals can leach out of the plastic straight into the food. Not to mention the fact that plastic has no ability to insulate the food and keep it either hot or cold.

That's where this beauty of a container comes in (it really is cool looking, isn't it?). Meet the Tiffin.

Made of double-walled stainless steel, with three different tightly-sealed layers, this makes the ideal lunch box. It keeps food either hot or cold for hours, depending what you're in the mood for. It has a 1.8 L capacity, so there's no way you'll go hungry! If I could be so lucky as to win my own giveaways (if only... shucks!), I would love to use this baby for taking hot food with us on road trips so that we didn't have to bring a cold, bagged lunch or eat out. What would you use it for?

This is just one of the many novel products that Carolyn has to offer over at The Tickle Trunk. As a conscientious mom, she experienced the challenge of trying to find safe alternatives to plastic (nasty chemicals) and glass (because broken glass and children just don't go together- ask me how I know!). Recognizing the lack of truly affordable and quality stainless steel products out on the market, she set out to find the best that she could, with the intent of selling them at prices that won't break the bank. I think she's succeeded!

Here's a sampling of her other products:

Water bottles (we own several and love them!)

Various round and rectangular food storage containers, ranging from baby-food size all the way up to 2, 4 or even 6 litres!

Ice cube trays (see my review)

Straws! (I just discovered this new addition to her site, and let me tell you, I'm a happy woman!)

And more...

With Christmas coming up, these products would be a wonderful (and really, a frugal) way to bless someone with healthier kitchen accessories (I think that I see stainless steel straws in someone's future...). Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a deluxe lunchbox or that pink water bottle they've been dreaming of?

As for today, someone has a chance to win that incredible Tiffin highlighted above. Anyone interested???

To get in on the giveaway:

**Note that to receive each additional entry, you need to leave a separate comment telling me what you've done**

1) Visit the Tickle Trunk and have a look around. Come back and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item in the store.

2) For a second entry, if you already own any of their products tell us what you have and why you love it! Or, give me a suggestion of a product that you don't see in the store, that you wish was available in food-safe stainless steel.

3) Post about this giveaway on your blog (comment with post url)

4) Tweet this giveaway.

Giveaway ends Saturday, Oct.31 at 8pm.

This giveaway has now ended. Thanks to all who entered! Winner will be announced shortly!

Our Sponsors:

• It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
• Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
• hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
• ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
• Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
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