Hanging By a Thread

The Killing Fields {Out of the Mouths of Babes}

Why are We so Stupid?

My six year-old loves honeybees and everything to do with them. When I mentioned to him that many were dying or getting sick and weak and explained why this was happening this was his response.

"Don't people know that we need the earth to survive? I mean, it's the only planet we have to live on. So, if we are doing things to destroy our earth, we are basically destroying ourselves. Why do people do things like that?"

Man, I love this kid. He is so witty, so smart and so perceptive on issues so far beyond his 6 years on this earth! And he's right; it's that simple....if we are doing things that destroy our earth and the living, growing, working organisms on our earth, we are destroying ourselves.

The Need for Bees

In the last few years, I have read several articles on our dwindling population of honeybees and the concern over this issue. In the last few months, I have read and seen a continual flow of articles on this topic.

The concern is growing. Some say this may be the worst year on record for honey production, but honey is not the only issue. Honeybees are needed to pollinate over 95 different fruits and vegetables crops, including almonds, berries, avocados, apples, pumpkins and pears, to name just a few.

Since 2006, honeybee numbers have been closely watched, with beekeepers losing approximately 30 % of their bees a year; however, this winter keepers are reporting a 70 to 90 percent loss. This spells trouble for all of us who eat food.

The Killing Fields

So, what is sickening our honeybees? Well, the buzz word, if you'll pardon the pun, is pesticide, and not just any pesticides, but a certain class.

Scientists have linked this Colony Collapse Disorder to neonicotinoids. Included in this class are clothiandin, thiamethoxam, imidicloprid and sulfoxaflor, which are currently under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Neonicotinoids are applied before planting to coat seeds. The pesticide is then taken up through the vascular system of the plant and expressed through the pollen and nectar, which bees rely on for food," according to Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Apparently, these pesticides linger in the soil affecting the next crop, as well.

Consider this, "In the United States, such neonicotinoids are routinely used on more than 100 million acres of corn, wheat, soy and cotton and are in some home gardening products." Thomson Reuters

It's not just bee populations being destroyed; it's also bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals. They too, play a large role in pollinating our plants. According, to North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, some species have seen a 90 percent decline in their numbers just in the past decade.

Taking Action

A couple of weeks ago, four professional beekeepers and five environmental and consumer groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA. In the lawsuit, the groups claim , "the U.S. environmental regulators are failing to protect honeybees and their role in pollinating important food crops, and should immediately suspend use of some toxic insecticides tied to the widespread deaths of the bees." science.ncbnews.com

"Despite our best efforts to warn the agency about the problems posed by neonicotinoids, the EPA continued to ignore the clear warning signs of an ag system in trouble," says Paul Tower of PAN. It's also worth noting that in Europe, the European Commission has proposed a ban on neonicotinoids because the European Food Safety Authority found that there is a high risk to the health of the honeybees when this class of pesticide is used.

The Scoop

We all eat food. If our crops fail here and/or abroad because there are no honeybees to pollinate them, then prices go up, food is scarce and we are all adversely affected.

There is an ever mounting pile of crap that leads to companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer and other companies manufacturing pesticides and manipulating seeds and plants. Believe it or not, it was just a few years ago that such pesticides from the neonicotinoids class began being used widespread to grow stronger, disease/pest resistant crops. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of health of humans and animals. I believe we are only starting to see the repercussions of the use of such strong and harmful chemicals.

So, why should we care about this issue? Because it matters to all of us; that is, all of us who eat food. More to come on this and other food issues. Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits {Food; What’s Fit to Eat?}

I love to eat. I love to eat really good food. I love to cook food in. I love to get food out. I read labels. I read articles. And lately, everywhere I look I see issues with food; food full chemicals; food genetically modified; dirty food; mislabeled food; food with hidden additives, preservatives and ingredients; food that could make you sick.

Is it that hard to nourish a body without ingesting something harmful? The simple answer appears to be yes.

It's almost enough to make one move to the wilderness, live off the grid and produce all of one's own food. Almost.

It just shouldn't be this difficult to eat healthy, fresh, clean, nutritious food.

In the last few weeks, I have been collecting articles involving food issues. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Reusable Grocery Bags Could be Harboring Bacteria! A number of cities are going "green" by banning all plastic and paper bags at stores via city ordinances. The consumers are to supply their own reusable bags instead. An admirable move it would seem, but a recent study by the American Chemistry Council shows that the reusable bags often left in hot cars and rarely washed are harboring a multitude of bacteria, including E. coli. Fortunately, more than likely this won't make you sick according to at least one report. Washing them isn't a bad idea though.
2. Shrimp Fed on Pig Poop! Now that's appetizing. About a third of our seafood is coming from China and the surrounding areas. Pig, human and goose feces is often used to feed the shrimp and tilapia, etc., the tap water used to make ice to put on the seafood is contaminated and the conditions of the farms producing the fish and shellfish are downright disgusting and dangerous to our health. Only a small percentage is inspected, and much of what is inspected is rejected.
3. Looks Like Tuna, Sold as Tuna, Often Not Tuna. The Los Angeles Times reports Oceana found in its study that nearly 60% of tuna sold to consumers, at both restaurants and grocery stores, is not tuna. In fact, most of the mislabeled tuna was the extremely oily fish escolar, which can cause explosive diarrhea. Of course, this issue is not exclusive to tuna, mislabeling is quite common with many fish.
4. Aspartame a Part of Milk? The National Milk Producers Federation has asked FDA to change the definition of milk. They wish to have artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose included in the definition of milk. This way they can sneak these ingredients in without having to list them.

Many of these issues involve the food industry powers that be trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumers so they can sell more and make more money. I like to think that we, as consumers, are savvier than ever and are more conscious of what we are putting into our mouths, but then again, I'm not so sure that enough of the consumers are paying attention to these issues to force the hand of those producers and brokers and growers and marketers to make a difference...yet. Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

Related articles

God is with Us {Always and Everywhere}

5 Things You Should Know {Disposing of Hazardous Household Materials}

It's true. I have a special affinity for chemical-free cleaning now that I've found Norwex. And it's also true that I think that everyone would be better off switching to Norwex for a cleaner, safer household.

But all that aside, here's what you need to know about disposing of traditional household cleaners containing harmful chemicals whether you're done with them for good {because you're using Norwex} or simply need to dispose of some cleansers.

1. Never pour cleaners with harmful chemicals down your drains, in the yard, in the street or in the trash;
2. Always read the warning labels and instructions for use and disposal on all your household cleaners; you'll probably be surprised by how many containers you shouldn't be throwing in your garbage that you probably have been tossing in the trash bin for years;
3. Never store hazardous products in food containers. Instead keep them in their original containers and never remove labels
4. Find the nearest hazardous waste disposal location in your area. My county, Hennepin County in MN, has 2 facilities available for getting rid of household chemicals, appliances, electronics and other hazardous materials. However, I was sorry, but not surprised, to find that a number of locations I searched in Texas did not have any such facility available. In this case, I suggest calling City Hall to inquire about how you should dispose of hazardous household materials in your area.
5. EPA suggests {and I agree} that you should reduce the use of cleaners containing harmful chemicals.

Note: Many household cleaners have been linked to causes of migraines, asthma, allergies, depression, cancer, central nervous system disorders and more. Remember the real clean is the absence of all odor; not the smell of bleach or pine sol or lemon or fresh scent.

Need more tips on how to reduce and/or eliminate hazardous chemicals? Check the EPA site. Over and out...

Anna

The List: 5 Steps to a More Earth Friendly Household

Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day on Sunday, I thought I'd make a list of simple, yet effective ways for families to be good to our Earth. Change begins with just 1 person {or 1 family}. People follow good examples; especially when the good deeds are simply done, not forced down one's throat.

Be a leader in your family; in your community; in your world. Do it for yourself; your kids; their kids; and all inhabitants everywhere. It may sound corny, but it's true; plus you'll feel better knowing you did your part to be a good resident of our magnificent planet.

The List    

1. Plant a garden and Eat what you grow;
   1. Kids love to get out in the dirt; give them a reason to; and
   2. Kids will love to try the veggies/berries/herbs they grow in their yard; mine do;
   3. Here are some good tips for making your very own backyard garden plot from eartheasy.
2. Create a compost pile for organic waste, recycle what you can and try to create less trash;
   1. Composting is easy to do, but just takes some forethought and preparation; this is something we need to start doing;
   2. Check out these tips at Composting 101;
   3. We have been creating less waste since we started using Norwex cleaning and personal care products in January; I've got lots of tips for how to reduce your waste in this way, including the next 2 points.
3. Start using cloth napkins and stop using paper napkins and/or paper towels;
   1. We use Norwex microfiber kitchen cloths for our napkins; each family member has one; we wash it out after each meal and let it dry for the next;
   2. We send a travel size Enviro Cloth in Darling 1's lunch box;
   3. Norwex cloths don't have to be washed often due to the self-purification qualities of the cloths.
4. Stop using harmful chemicals to clean your home and start using Norwex*;
   1. It is possible to REALLY clean your house with just water and a Norwex microfiber cloth...REALLY.
   2. Your house will be cleaner and you will feel better about it, plus it will take you {or whoever cleans your home} less time to clean, leaving more time for what you'd rather be doing.
5. Pick up trash and place in trash/recycling bin wherever you and your family happen to see it; litter is everyone's problem;
   1. Again, you'll feel good about doing this too;
   2. Wherever you go, look for litter {in parking lots, at the park, in your yard, in your neighbor's yard, etc} and place it in an appropriate receptacle.

The Scoop

I told you these were simple. Use this list or come up with your own list of easy changes to make on this 42^nd Earth Day. Or perhaps you already do these things and more; in that case, give yourself a pat on the back!

*Yes, it's true. I am also a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant, but I fully believe these products will make our family live better lives by helping us to clean better, smarter, safer and faster. And I think once you give it try, you'll love it too! For more information, go to my site annaberend.norwex.biz or contact me with questions.

For more information and history on Earth Day, see my post from April 2010. Have a lovely weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Change Your Whole Lifestyle: The Missing Piece {On a Soapbox}

A Full Picture of Health

How often we talk about changing our eating patterns, buying more locally produced and/or organic groceries, exercising more and having a healthier lifestyle overall. While I think these things are important pieces to the puzzle, I also think that many are missing a large chunk of the picture of health. Until recently I was included in this group.

I'm talking about radically reducing the number of chemicals in your home. Yes, I realize I'm biased now because I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. But, honestly, the reason I'm buying, selling and telling everyone I know about these products is because I have been doing researching, reading and becoming more educated about the number of chemicals we are bringing into our homes under the premise of cleaning our homes and clothes and the harmful effects of these chemicals.

Linking Household Chemicals and Cancer

PreventCancer.org reports, "Approximately 70,000 chemicals are now in commercial production, many of which are used in household products. Many of these chemicals accumulate in the human body and cause cancer and other diseases, yet they have been inadequately tested or remain completely untested for their safety."

When I searched, "connections between cancer and chemicals in household cleaners" I was shocked at the alarming number of articles in the query results on links between chemicals in household cleaners and breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It was expected that in 2011, almost 300,000 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in women. Breast cancer and lung cancer kill more women each year than any other cancer.

The Studies

Interestingly, there was a study done a few years ago by Silent Spring Institute in MA that found a significant link between household cleaners and breast cancer. This study was made up of 1508 women; 787 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer; 721 of the women had not been. The women who reported the highest use of cleaning products had a doubled risk of breast cancer; the use of air fresheners and products for cleaning mold and mildew was associated with the highest increased risk for cancer.

The Silent Spring researchers are the first to admit that the results are imperfect though, considering the data came from surveys. So, that means that women who had been diagnosed with cancer may have been influenced by the belief that the cause of their cancer was something other than a genetic link; or it could mean that women diagnosed with cancer more accurately recall their past product use. Either way, the results of this study show that further research is warranted in this area.

In another study conducted by Silent Spring Institute researchers took air and dust samples from 120 homes on Cape Cod and measured the concentrations of 89 chemicals identified as endocrine disrupting compounds. They identified 67 of these chemicals in these samples, but the most interesting finding of this study was that they identified a number of chemicals that had been banned for years. One such chemical found in dust collected from the homes sampled was DDT. This banned chemical was found in 65% of the homes, even though it was banned 30 years ago. This fact suggests that chemicals don't break down indoors.

Making Healthy Changes

There are a number of hazards concerning the numbers of chemicals contained in household cleaners besides cancer including asthma, allergies, headaches, fatigue, pulmonary issues, depression, conditions involving the nervous system and more. These chemicals are inhaled, absorbed and ingested.

So, should you stop cleaning, fling open the windows and flee your home? No. Well, opening the windows more often might be a good idea, but you can still clean your house. You just have to clean smarter and better. I happen to think the most efficient and smartest way to clean is with Norwex products.

This isn't a shameless plug for my business though; regardless of whether you're interested in buying Norwex products or not, please take a look at these studies listed above and others; do some research for yourself; start reading the labels on the cleaning products you have in your home; evaluate any illnesses or chronic symptoms you or a member of your family is suffering from; notice the reactions you have while cleaning your house or after your house is scrubbed down with potentially toxic chemicals; and I think you will find the missing piece to the whole picture of health.

The Scoop

You can find more of my thoughts on this issue and information on Norwex at State of Clean. I'm a reformed cleaner, a Norwex convert, and I feel better knowing I've made this change for me and my family. Seeing is believing; so, contact me if you want to know more.

We have a choice about our health. Let's take control of it. Here's a good place to start. Over and out...

Anna

 

The List: The Missing Season

Typically, Minnesota has 4 seasons each year. Well, actually, I like to say there are 5 seasons here in the Upper Midwest. In case you live in an area that typically has fewer seasons, I'll name them for you: Winter, Mud, Spring, Summer and Fall. Our reward for making it through the long, dark cold winters is that we get to enjoy the verdant, fresh spring, the forever long, golden days of summer and the jewel toned, crisp autumn.

The only "season" I don't enjoy is the Mud Season, which is sandwiched in between the dark winter and the lush spring. If you have boys and/or dogs, you know precisely what I mean by the "Mud Season."

However, it would appear that winter has skipped right out of Minnesota this year. This January there are signs of spring instead of winter. This is very strange and actually depressing to me {with the exception of the sunshine} because I feel like I am getting ripped off. We live in frigid Minnesota, after all; give me some snow!!!!

But you be the judge; is it winter or spring?

1. This past week a House Finch flew into my window awning and visited her nest. The one that she and her mate return to each spring to rebuild and lay eggs in.
2. Two days ago, a spider descended on its web from the light fixture in the kitchen towards the floor. We, in MN, do not have spiders from about November to March each year. One of the many reasons I love living in MN.
3. So far, in January, the Twin Cities has been above freezing for 6 of the first 8 days. The forecast for the next 10 days shows above freezing temps for 3 of those days and near freezing temps for an additional 3 days.
4. We have no snow to speak of; and haven't had much snow at all for the winter season. The brown grass is exposed. Everything is stark and dreary and dirty.
5. There is no sledding; no snow ball fights; no snow man or snow fort building; no backyard ice hockey; no snowshoeing; no cross-country skiing. You get the idea.
6. There is no hum from snow blowers in the early mornings and evenings; no faint smell of gas fumes in the crisp night air; and no revving of trucks-converted-to-snow-plows engines as they clear driveways.
7. Today we went to the MN Zoo. We typically go year round since we are members and our zoo has three large exhibits housed inside, but today we spent all of our time...OUTSIDE...in JANUARY. And all the animals were out enjoying the mild weather {OK, well, not all of the animals. The grizzly bears were asleep in their "cave"}. Unheard of.

So, tell me; is it winter or is it spring. Have we completely skipped winter this year? Or will winter finally arrive in February? And what does this mean for the rest of our seasons? Over and out....

Anna

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at acberend@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Dirty Little {Hidden} Toxins: Exposure to Lead in Bounce Houses {2012 Reminder}

Dirty Hands

My Darling Boys are always sticking their fingers in the mouths or grabbing a snack with their fingers and eating it after playing at the park or in the dirt before I can clean off their hands or send them to the sink for a thorough washing.

This grosses me out and sends thousands of warnings messages through my neurons. I try to stop them and get their hands clean before it happens, but it invariably does happen. Darling 2 will say, "Why, Ma?" as he sticks little goldfish crackers in his mouth with his filthy little hands. And yet, they have survived and a little dirt is OK, but it's all the chemicals and germs that scare me. And now, another danger to be wary of...

Hidden Bounce House Dangers

We are aware of the threat of lead in old paint, in toys, in jewelry and on strands of Christmas lights, but here's one that might surprise you: beware of dangerous levels of lead in inflatable bounce house vinyl. Last August, the CA attorney general's office filed a lawsuit against 8 bounce house manufacturers claiming there are unsafe levels of lead in the vinyl. In February, a settlement was reached with 2 of the major suppliers to reduce the lead in the vinyl, making it safer for about half of the bounce houses.

The lawsuit was filed after the Center for Environmental Health tested dozens of bounce houses. The advocacy group focused on the vinyl of the structures; the very thing that makes them bouncy. The group used Field Portable XRF analyzers with X-rays to determine the chemical makeup of solid objects. What they found was surprising.

Lead Exposure

The tests revealed that the vinyl tested contained lead in levels of 5,000 parts per million to 29,000 parts per million. These number far exceed the federal limit of 90 to 300 parts per million. These levels are potentially toxic.

Lead is a cumulative poison; every little bit exposed to can make a big difference in the long run, particularly for kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that exposure to lead can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and seizures, coma and even death, in cases of extreme exposure.

Precautions

If you choose not to boycott bounce houses altogether, based on this issue and others, then be sure to wash hands and face after your child is finished in the bounce house and before eating. What happens is the lead dust gets on a child's hands and face and clothes, the child then gets out and grabs a drink or eats some food and ingests the lead dust in the process.

The two manufacturers who agreed to the settlement in California also agreed to test their structures that are already in circulation for rental for parties and events and replace those with dangerous levels. However, the safe assumption is that your child may be exposed to lead when using a bounce house. So, make sure to wipe your child's hands and face after playing in a bounce house.

The Scoop

We can choose to be overly cautious or throw caution to the wind or settle somewhere in the middle. We fall in the middle ground. I'm not a fanatic about washing hands every three minutes; I let me kids play in the dirt; we swim in lakes; and haven't had all of our toys tested for lead or other dangerous chemicals. Yep, we're living on the edge. Over and out...

Anna

Blessed Bikes: Rules of the Road

Blessings

Yesterday was the Blessing of the Bikes at our church. We hauled Darling 1's new early birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa; a two-wheeled red Lightning McQueen beauty with training wheels and Darling 2's new from Craigslist bike; a smaller two-wheeled Space "Rock-it" number with training wheels to church for the donuts and lemonade, bike procession, prayers, blessings and ride, and we came home with two bottles of blessed bike oil, I'm Blessed stickers and added peace of mind.

Silly? Maybe. Groundless? Well, I suppose that depends on your religious beliefs. But the point is safety, and you know I'm all about that. What's the harm in praying for those who ride bikes, are learning to ride bikes and all those on all roadways, whether a bicyclist or a motorist? Any extra help from above can only be a good thing, especially in a city with so many regular bike riders; or anywhere, for that matter.

Commuter Rules

In 2010, Minneapolis was named America's Best Bike City. While I am not a cyclist, nor have I been since 8^th grade, I can appreciate all of the bike trails, the city's bike-rental program and the large numbers of people who take advantage of the ease of commuting, exercising and tooling around town on bikes in the Twin Cities. I know it's a wonderful way to save money on gas, contribute to preserving our environment and stay fit.

What I have noticed in the last several months is that many bikers do not follow the rules of the road; both kids and adults alike. As a motorist, I find this very disturbing. At four-way stops, I don't know whether the cyclist will stop, yield or go right through the intersection without even slowing down {which is most often the case}; I see youngsters riding down the middle of the street who either don't move or swerve over to the edge at the last second; and I've noticed a number of adults on bikes who swerve in and out of traffic regardless of lanes and traffic flow, making it very difficult to predict their actions.

BikeLaws

So, this got me wondering about what the bike laws say about abiding by road rules. Based on my random sampling of states, the laws, both state and local, define bikes as vehicles and require bicyclists to follow the same laws as motorists. This means cyclists must stop at four-way stops, yield at marked intersections and signal when turning or changing lanes, etc.

There are some differences. Each state I examined listed prohibited highways, explained what it means to be slow-moving traffic and how to negotiate certain situations encountered on the roadway. Clearly, a bike is not the same as a motor vehicle, even if they are statutorily defined as a vehicle. Even still, bikers who fail to follow the laws will be ticketed.

Of course, children ride on sidewalks and shoulders of the road and don't ride along with the flow of traffic, etc. And in that case, they must follow the rules of pedestrians, in most instances. Almost every state surveyed had basically the same language regarding minors on bikes: "The parent or guardian of any child shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child to violate any of this article." As has been seen in New York with the Menagh v. Breitman case, kids on bikes colliding with pedestrians can lead to lawsuits.

One website, http://bikelaws.org, complained that bike laws are not uniform from state to state or city to city, making it impossible for cyclists to know the law as they ride from place to place, increasing the risk of injury for bikers. However, in my survey of bike laws, I found the language to be quite uniform. There were, of course, differences regarding particular highways, trails or other city or state specific issues. It's true there are no federal laws regarding bikes or bicyclists, which could provide even more uniformity, but there would still have to be some variation as not all cities are built for bikes as Minneapolis is, for instance.

Know the Law

If you are a cyclist, then you should be knowledgeable about the laws in your state and/or city regarding bikes on the road. This is not only for other's safety, but for your own, as well. If all bicyclists followed the laws and operated in a predictable manner, I would hope that fewer cyclists would be involved in accidents that often end in tragedy. Of course, the onus is not only on the shoulders of the bikers. We must all be clear on what the laws require of us, as motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. You can find your state and/or city laws by running a quick Internet search.

The Scoop

I will leave you with this, The Sending Forth from our Blessing of the Bikes Program:

Go forth journeying souls

On your travel in this world

In the name of God Who is guiding you home.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

Spring Fling: Getting the Proper Fitting Bike Helmet {with Video}

Protecting the Ol' Noggin: Why Your Child Should Wear a Bike Helmet and How to Choose One

A Parent's Credo: Love and Protect