There’s some things I really have to chew on for years, digesting only what my gut is ready for, one phase at a time.

I have a memory of a phone conversation 3 years ago in which I was commiserating on the benefits of an all fruit/veggie detox with my mom-in-law, and remarked, “I guess … wouldn’t it be better to do organic fruits and veggies? I mean, can you really detox with pesticides and everything on your food?” I sincerely wasn’t sure, just suspected the whole organic thing would be imperative to a true detox. At that time, I was all about “The Grocery Game”, clipping coupons, utilizing Walgreens rebates, shopping at the produce stand around the corner from my house (which consisted of extra cheap, extra ripe, extra sprayed produce that the supermarket wouldn’t take!). I had our grocery bill down to less than $40 per week! Everything I ate was cheap and on sale, as the most important factor was frugality. Albeit slightly “well-balanced”, we definitely did NOT try to eat chemical free.

But the little thought I had in that conversation lead me to do a little more research, which caught on like a bug. Over the years I discovered, somewhat organically (pun intended:)) the horrors of drinking cows milk (and wasn’t surprised, since I’m allergic to milk anyway) and then there was this post on the difference between refined vs unrefined eating, and this one when I discovered a local organic farm to pick from in central Florida. I got my hands on organic, raw, and vegan cookbooks to learn a bit more. (This eventually led to rethinking the toys we own and other homemaking thoughts.)

In the process, for this and many other reasons, we packed up and headed to the Pacific NW, where a world of new ways to live awaited me!

In Portland, I was able to embrace things I only dreamed about during Sara Snow shows, like a large farmers market of local and organic produce, co-ops, delivery bins, fresh bakeries, backyard chickens, oh my! It is sooooo fantastic to live in an area like this, (and yes, I know Portland isn’t the only one ). So, slowly, I’ve gotten a bit more comfortable with ever more “radical” ways to eat and live. As I said, these things happen over time; I’m not a Burger King to raw vegan overnight kinda gal. (And neither is Hubby, who still thinks there’s something funny about goat’s milk- though it was around longer than cow’s and is much easier to digest than cows, AND he loves goat cheese– go fig!)

What am I getting at? you ask.

(Good question. Like all my post’s, I don’t format or edit them for more than about 2 minutes so you get what you get.)

My long introduction is to eventually get to my point about new things I am trying, venturing into, and sold on. Things like making my own breads, kefir, and oat milk (info/recipes in the links) like I mentioned in my New Year’s Resolution post. Things that take a bit more time, taste a bit different, but the making of which benefits my family’s nutrition AND pocketbook. Being an upset digestive system (IBS) sufferer, I especially like the idea of furthering the journey towards homemade, organic, beneficial bacteria, whole grain eating.

Now NeoHippieMama’s got me thinking again about making my own soap and lotion, something I invested in waaaaay back when, but had to leave all my bulk supplies in Lakeland. Perhaps after I’ve gotten used to making the food stuff, I’ll tip toe into this other area, including simple, natural homemade laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo and dish soap, so I can buy bulk supplies, mix up batches, and wa-la. (Note: also want to make natural art supplies for me and E.)

Total aside, can I just say: Trader Joe’s – I love you. Let’s have babies. Thank you for supplying me with brownies I can make really fast and don’t have to feel guilty about (No-Pudge Fudge Brownies). I really needed a “treat” tonight. I discovered the lonesome box in the back of the pantry, added 3/4 cup of yogurt and enjoyed 35 minutes later with cinnamon sprinkled on top, accompanied by tea and a good book. Mmmmmm…

(I’ll have to tell you more about the book in this picture, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child. It’s one we began to read 5 months ago but had to focus more on the marriage than parenting at that time. We’ve been reading aloud at night and so far it has been a wonderful resource in recognizing our faulty parenting styles and how to get better. One of the best parenting books I’ve ever read, actually.)

For more ways to embrace natural homemaking (frugally) check out some of my favs:
Sustainable Living on a Budget
Not Milk
No Shampoo Revolution
Passionate Homemaking: Natural Living on a Budget

(and all the links in the post content)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!