PVC: Quite Possibly The Most Hazardous Toxin in Your Home

Moms, if you haven't researched PVC, you need to.  When I first had Akepa, I went on a rampage removing items in the house that were either questionable or indefinitely contained the toxin.  You should do the same.  It doesn't take long (maybe a little money, however) but in the end, you will feel much better about the home you live in.  (I'll tell you why in the next paragraph).  PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is used in a ton of common household products.  To make it easy, if it's plastic- check it.  I also listed a few of the top offenders.   When checking your house, here's something to remember: if the plastic doesn't say PVC-free or Phthalate-Free, you should probably consider getting rid of it!

• Shower curtains (buy a fabric one instead)
• Plastic tupperware (Buy glass, and please God tell me you don't mircrowave these things) 
• Plastic toys (Phthalates have now been banned in toys but I still try to choose toys made from natural materials when possible)
• Artificial leather upholstery (vinyl) 
• Air fresheners (Just don't use them.. seriously they're obnoxious anyway.)
• Dryer sheets (I live without them. They're really not that necessary.) 
• Baby formula packaging (breastfeeding will eliminate this concern, however if you aren't able to  breastfeed, go for a formula in a metal tin (Earth's Best makes one)
• Cleaning products (choose natural or make your own)
• PVC piping (obviously!)
• Cosmetics (Choose brands like Tarte, Bare Minerals, Zoya, etc.) 

Here's why I made the switch... The side effects of PVC should make you want to make the switch too.  

1. PVC is an endocrine disruptor.  It is also linked to breast cancer & fibroid tumors, reproductive impairment, neurotoxicity, birth defects, and immune system repression.  
2. Read this... I pulled it directly off of the United States' FDA website.  http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PublicHealthNotifications/ucm062182.htm
3. "A similarly dangerous compound, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is found in countless items children encounter: backpacks, lunch boxes, raincoats, even the vinyl flooring of your home. Not only has PVC flooring been linked to higher rates of autism, but PVC exposure is also associated with cancer, kidney damage, and development of the reproductive system. Look for products labeled PVC-free, and be wary of the word “vinyl.” "
   Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/17/keeping-children-safe-from-everyday-toxins/#ixzz280yLzqPA
4. "... [There is] direct evidence that the presence of phthalates prolongs the survival of white blood cells, which supports the idea that they are contributing to damage and to inflammation ... phthalates encourage cells to produce hydrogen peroxide, which ... can kill cells and damage tissue." http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/10/phthalates-cause-inflammation-in-atrisk-babies.aspx
5. "As EHHI reported, studies have shown women of childbearing age have significantly higher phthalate exposures than other adults (could this be because they also use the most cosmetics?), and the chemical has been detected in 100 percent of pregnant women tested. It's known that fetal exposure to phthalates is closely related to maternal exposure, according to EHHI, so many, if not all, babies are starting out with exposure in the womb." http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/10/phthalates-cause-inflammation-in-atrisk-babies.aspx

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate?

I was unpacking boxes yesterday and I found all of the books I read while I was pregnant.  Among these were my vaccination books.  I purchased them because during my child development studies, we touched on the rising rate of Autism and the suggested link between vaccinations & Autism.  The pharmaceutical companies deny any link of course but I think we can all list several instances where pharmaceuticals have gone very wrong.

When I tell people that Akepa is not fully vaccinated, some people look at me like I'm crazy.  (I really could less, but it's just a nice reminder that the majority of people buy into everything their doctors tell them).  When I approached Akepa's pediatrician about only partially vaccinating her, he was surprisingly accepting.  He told me that it was ultimately my decision as the parent and he was especially understanding when I declined the MMR.  He confirmed that the MMR vaccine had indeed received a great deal of controversy and gladly accepted my decision to pass on it.

If you are looking for a new read, looking to have babies, are pregnant now, or just want to educate yourself on vaccinations, take a look at a couple of these books.  One was written by pediatrician Dr. Sears, another by Jenny McCarthy who's son is autistic, and the last is written by Dr. Stephanie Cave, Practitioner and Vaccination Expert.

Being a "Natural" Parent

Look at this fabulous website full of wonderful information and resources for moms, pregnant women, and women who are trying to get pregnant.  It is full of amazing stuff like information on breastfeeding, natural cosmetics for Mommy, natural products for babies, nutrition, birthing styles, exercising, and homeopathy. 

I'm so happy to see a website for women that approaches all different factors of "Natural Parenting".  To me, natural parenting is about not being lazy.  It's about taking the extra effort to choose better options because it's healthier for your baby.  Too many people don't take the time to look up what they are putting into their bodies or their babies' bodies.  Too many women make excuses for why they can't breastfeed when in reality, many of them see formula as an easier route, thus giving them no incentive to push through the tough stages of nursing.  This is not true with all women, but I feel like I hear this all too often these days.  I can tell you that I typically see about 3 out 10 women who breastfed their baby.  Most mainstream formula is made with cow's milk, and unless you're buying organic formula, you're baby is taking in RBGH (growth hormone pumped into cows). Wanna know a fact? Average age of puberty in girls worldwide is 16.  In America, it's 12.  Yes, 12. 

Too many people don't want to give cloth diapers a try, which are a lot better for your baby's newborn butt and a lot better for our environment.  Why? Because of the extra effort it takes.   Many people don't take the time to research the vaccinations that they allow the nurses to administer into their baby's body.  Why? Because most people are too lazy to do that or they simply trust that the doctors are always choosing the best option for your child.  That is absolutely false or their wouldn't be so many class-action lawsuits against "bad drugs".  My point is that natural parenting is not about being a "hippie".  It's about taking the time to choose the BEST options for your baby, no matter what the measures! 

http://www.wholepregnancy.org/index.php

Enough Said...

 

The 9 Nastiest Things in Your Supermarket.. Yuck!

Check out this article.. maybe you'll think twice before feeding your kiddos this stuff!

http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/the-9-nastiest-things-in-your-supermarket

Cattle Deaths Caused By Cyanide Grass Mutation

Y'all have already seen the article on my Facebook a few weeks back, but here is the news report.  This farmer says in this clip that he is NOT feeding his cattle this GM Bermuda (Tifton 85) anymore.. he says he's been feeding it to them for 15 years and all of a sudden it started producing cyanide.  What's going to happen to us in 15 years when the USDA comes out saying that they were terribly wrong and that GM crops and GMO-fed livestock are causing many of our health problems today?

Akepa's 2!

We have now officially hit the 2's.  And if you're a mom, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Independence, constant chatter, and of course... the fits!  In an effort to keep her from getting hyped up on sugar (which happened anyway after her cupcake), I decided to make some "healthier" alternatives to candy and cookies.  We went with a pool party since  Pool + Kids = Good Naps!  Akepa loves Strawberry Shortcake so of course we went with that theme.  I did some organic snacks for the kids and even something special for the adults.  Here are some of the things I served.. feel free to steal them :) 

Organic Strawberry Lemonade with Agave   

2 cups organic strawberries (hulled & cut)  

1/3 cup organic agave nectar

Juice of 4-5 lemons

3 1/2 cups cold water

Puree first three ingredients in a blender or food processor.  Pour into a pitcher and add the water.  Chill for at least 1 hour.  Garnish with strawberries and lemon slices.  Stir and serve over ice.  

Organic Berries with Greek Yogurt

1 package organic blueberries

1 package organic raspberries

1 package organic strawberries 

3/4 cup organic plain greek yogurt

2 Tbsp honey

Melting chocolate (if desired) 

Mix honey and greek yogurt in a small bowl and place near the mixed berries so people have a dipping sauce.  The honey adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the berries.  Take strawberries and dip in melted chocolate (melt according to package) and place on wax paper to harden.  I used green chocolate because it matched her colors.  (You can find the colored chocolate at Michael's/ Party City/ etc.) 

Strawberry-Lime Sangria

1 1/2 cups strawberry simple syrup

1 bottle of crisp white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio) 

1 bottle of rose or blush wine 

1 1/2 cups soda/ sparkling water

1 lime, sliced
1 orange, sliced

Strawberries for garnish

Make simple syrup and set aside.  Simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar to water.  Add Strawberries and bring to boil.  As soon as it boils, remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes.  Remove strawberries with slotted spoon.  In a pitcher, add 2 bottles of wine, sliced limes and oranges, and strawberry simple syrup.  Refrigerate at least 5 hours.  Add soda water and serve in a glass over ice.  Garnish with a strawberry.    

Here is a picture of the cupcakes my sister made as well.  I also served salted and smoked almonds for the adults and organic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes