Terra Cycle

During my search to create a healthier diet for my family I have found another cause that is equally important... saving our planet.  Even though I am trying to get us away from packaged and prepared foods I am still looking for the easiest way to get it.  Being a stay at home mom to two beautiful boys I need some things to be easy.

Honest Kids has juice pouches similar to Capri Sun's but they are organic, contain no high fructose corn syrup and are delicious.  When trying to get my "points" so I can earn free rewards I found... TerraCycle.  This company is the best thing since sliced bread.

How much trash do you throw away that can be reused... or upcycled?  How about... a lot... When you sign up they send you free postage paid envelopes to include your "trash" and they will in turn donate money to a charity of your choice.  How can this not be great.  Then you can purchase the items made from your "trash" and feel good about your purchases.

Check it out for yourself... TerraCycle and their blog... do your part!!!

Food Rules

After all the documentaries that I have watched I am starting to think that becoming a vegan and fully aware of where my food comes from is a daunting task.  I found a book online a while ago and saved it at my local library... Food Rules by Michael Pollan.

This book outlines food rules that he has researched having to do with cultural rules and our Western diet.  I recommend it to everyone who is looking to improve their diet and the diet of their family.  He illustrates how our cheap, quick food is killing us.  Which is true... people who eat a traditional Japanese, French, or Italian diet have 50% less chance of getting cancer.

This book is not extreme... like many others I have found.  He lists some rules that are smart, make sense and are easy to follow.  The book only costs $11 and is a great investment.  Get it... Live it.

Farmers Market

I completely forgot to go to the Farmers Market last week... but I think I have the hang of things now.  Two kids in tow we hit the ground with such excitement.  My 2 year old loves to go... mostly because he gets to visit the reptile store.

I think I have my method down.

1. Bring your own bags... nothing cancels out a trip to the Farmers Market then a plastic bag.
2. Take a lap.  I always take one lap to see who has the best prices... and taste a few samples.
3. Start to shop.
4. Try something new.  I tried turnips for the first time and loved them.  You just never know.

I was able to spend $16 dollars this week and I got... a huge head of cabbage, beets, turnips, cucumbers and strawberries.  I know that it may seem like a lot but I am only taking $20 out of my weekly grocery budget to shop there.

I also found a great paperback book store and got my son 3 books for $3... not a bad day.

I also have a few tiny tomatoes in my garden and was able to enjoy some radishes... yummy!!

Happy Shopping...!!!