But I don’t want plastic bags! Really, I don’t

So the plastic bag saga at my local grocery store continues.
This time, I brought plenty of bags with me to contain all my groceries. I put them all in the bagging area and was busily bagging my own groceries when the bagger strolled over. I let him finish up the bagging while I went to [...]

Good News: Americans Return to the Garden

We’ve been having a lot of fun in our garden this year, which occupies two vegetable boxes in our side front yard and a large herb circle in our front yard. We have gotten all our plants either at the farmers market or our local nursery, since this year we are boycotting Home Depot. Why? [...]

Fight Indoor Air Pollution! Air Out Your House

Here’s another thing to add to our list of things to worry about: indoor air pollution. Apparently, all sorts of things emit dangerous fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including paint, cleaners, vinyl shower curtains and materials used in building wood furniture. You can recognize VOCs by their smell — that chemically “new car” smell. [...]

Everything You Do Is Bad for You, Your Kids & the Planet

As I read around the Interwebs, it seems I discover more and more aspects of everyday modern American life that we think is necessary and good for us but actually is unhealthy for us and hurting our environment. It all seems to tie into the disconnect we have created from the simplest and most natural [...]

Slept Through the Night!

IMG_2284.JPG, originally uploaded by dylan555.
We interrupt this blog for an exciting announcement. Sean slept through the night for the first time last night, 10:30-7:30! Mommy and Daddy are so proud, but more importantly, they’re well rested.

A Buying Guide for Seafood That’s Safe for You & the Environment

It is not easy eating seafood these days. There are a number of health concerns, mercury being the number-one issue that has been in the news lately. Beyond that, you also have to worry about PCBs, pollutants and chemicals in your seafood. And if you care at all about the environment, there are a host [...]

I Hate This Commercial!

I hate this commercial for Dixie paper plates. Basically, it’s a bunch of moms saying that because they use disposable plates, they can spend more time with their family, which makes them better moms than me, I guess.
Why do I hate this commercial so much? Let me count the ways:

It promotes throwing even more trash [...]

The Farmers Market: A New Family Tradition?

So far this year we have gotten up and gotten down to the farmers market every Saturday morning. Why am I excited about this? Well, I’ve always intended to go to the farmers market, but most Saturdays I couldn’t be bothered. We would sleep in or laze around in PJs all morning or get distracted [...]

Warning! New Baby Danger Identified

I recently learned about a new source of mortal danger for my baby: the wind. Apparently, according to a family member who will not be named, the wind will steal my baby’s breath away. I learned this while we were sitting outside enjoying a beautiful spring day, and the family member holding the baby was [...]

Family Dinners to the Rescue

The absolute best baby gift we received was a gift certificate for a week’s worth of family dinners from a local favorite, Foster’s Market. (Those of you who don’t live around here may be familiar with Sara Foster’s cookbooks.) Everyone who has a newborn knows that early evening is their fussiest time, and so it’s [...]