What We're Into

Apple

Mac are far superior to typical PCs, and more beautiful. Also topping the list of awesome Apple products are the iPod and iTunes. I haven't yet tried the iPad and don't have a need for an iPhone although it's sure cool.

Nature Mom's Blog

This funky blog is where I learn about earth-friendly products from a mom who'se like-minded.

GOOD Magazine

The name is true. This cutting edge magazine focuses on current topics that affect our environment, world and culture. My brother recommended it to me, and so far I find myself reaching for that instead of my normal lunchtime reading material (which is usually parenting related, I admit).

Luna Pads

Yes, I'm talking about cloth pads. Don't be scared. If you can do cloth diapers, this is a no-brainer. They are so much more comfortable than disposable pads, more economical in the long run, and there's no waste involved. Plus they come in pretty patterns! They actually do make that time of the month more fun.

Do More Yourself

I feel like that's a better phrase than "self-sufficiency". We shouldn't strive for self-sufficiency because we were created to rely on and help each other. But doing more ourselves, rather than exploiting some poor person in a third world country who's forced to provide something at a far cheaper rate than it's actually worth, is just good sense. This movement is growing, and there's a wealth of information to wade through if you're ready to make some changes to your life. We've been taking it one step at a time, and are excited to dig deeper into doing more things ourselves.

Soap Nuts

I keep talking about how great these are, but it seems like people are reluctant to leave what's familiar. I have been using them for months now and they continue getting our clothes clean. I started using them because they were recommended for cloth diapers...they don't have any harsh chemicals that can damage fabrics, and or any substances that can clinge to clothes and make them smell rank. (I've actually had that problem with fragrance-free detergents.) So far I've been really happy with them, and it reduces my use of plastic, which everyone strive for. A soap nut is a fruit that grows on trees, by the way. Read more about it, because it's truly worth your consideration.

Local Grass-Fed Beef

We are slowly working through the 12-pound sampler pack we purchased from Tussock Sedge, a farm about 40 minutes from us in Blooming Glen. Every cut of meat (except for one, and it had an unusual name) has been absolutely delicious...there's no compromise there. Grass-fed beef has less saturated fat, cholesteral and calories than regular beef, and more vitamins and nutrients. There are so many reasons to find a farm near you to purchase grass-fed beef (it's unlikely you'll find it in the store). We need to support our local farmers so that this trend towards healthier, more responsible farming continues!

Naked Chocolate

It's probably the best chocolate I've ever tasted, and it's local! I can't wait to check out their cafe; so far I've only sampled their boxed chocolate.

Net 10

Are you paying too much for your cell phone? This is a better way to go. We switched our cell phones to Net 10 a couple months ago, and so far we're happy with it. The coverage is just as good as Verizon (even better where I work), there's no contract, and you pay for minutes as you go.

Dr. Who

It's a British TV series about a man who travels through time to combat aliens and other no-good life forms. It's good, clean entertainment.

Buttons

I'm into pushing them, whether it's on a toy, or better yet, something real like a TV or a phone! I am also entertained by pushing mommy's buttons. But that's a different kind of fun.

Balls

I'm really good at throwing these over my head, backwards, and generally anywhere but to another person. I especially like throwing them down stairs, or off balconies. Some balls are soft and don't make noise when I throw them on the wood floor..I find them boring.

Animals

Bring them on...cats, chickens, dogs—they're all great! The best ones let me squeeze them, pull their tails and play hide and seek. I don't like the ones that only want to hide.

Signing Time

These DVDs are so cool to watch, and even Mommy watches with me. We learn signs together, and then we use them during the day to talk to each other. I know lots of signs now: eat, orange, banana, apple, cheese, play, ball, stop, go, all done, and more.

Carl

I love to read, and this book series is one of my favorites. It's all about a dog and a baby, so I can really relate. I just pretend the dog is a cat or a chicken.