The Blue and Green Book

I recently had the pleasure of talking to Tania Rodríguez-Arias about her lovely children’s book, The Blue and Green Book. When I read it myself, I knew it was going to definitely be a favorite in our house. The Green and Blue book is a collection of 9 short stories about spirituality and environmentalism, all told in a way that even a young child will appreciate it. My personal favorite was the story “Tomatoes Meet at the Market Stall” in which an organic tomato meets a genetically modified one. In a very basic and amusing way the author illustrates to children the difference between GMO and organic food.

Tania is a naturopath practitioner with a specialization in pediatric care.  I recommend checking out her website if you get a chance. She provides sessions on natural home healthcare, herbal remedies, vegetarian nutrition and all sorts of other information.

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*copy of The Blue and Green Book c/o Tania Rodríguez-Arias

Got Coconut Oil?

Someone revoke my hippie mama card for this but for a long time I didn't get the hype over coconut oil.  I had read lots of people raving about how it serves so many purposes and even friends in real life had told me to try it. Eventually I said why not and gave it a shot as a deep conditioner for my thick hair...and it rocked! So I became a believer after that.

Recently I found another use for it too. We were completely out of butt paste and Rosie had a wicked bad diaper rash. I remembered people recommending coconut oil as a diaper cream alternative so I tried it and the very next morning the rash was gone completely. Plus, that coconut smell is pretty nice.

And for those who want to see more uses, I found this cool page with 101 Uses for Coconut Oil.

Being a Crunchy Mom is Not A Competition

...Although I have noticed a lot of women treat it that way. For those who don't know the term "crunchy" ain't just a word to describe granola, but the the kinda people who eat it too. I'm talking about, as Stephen puts it, "those filthy hippies" ---a term he lovingly uses to describe me on a daily business. Thanks hun!

 I am reluctant to claim the label of being a hippie though. I feel uncomfortable, don't like the pressure of following the unwritten rules of "natural parenting".

Competition isn't limited to just eco-minded mothers, of course, but it definitely is something that has caught my attention. I've seen grown women sit around and try to one-up each other. Swapping epidural-free bathtub birth stories, trying to prove themselves. Prove what I'm not exactly sure. That they are worthy of being called "crunchy"?  There is even a quiz floating around the net which some moms use to rank themselves. It isn't meant to be taken too serious but I know some women do.

Honestly, I think some women go overboard and I know I'm bound to offend someone by saying that. But at the end of the day, who gives a care if you only serve your family organic food? If you cloth diaper? If you let your child play with "green toys" exclusively? Or how about breastfed your child till they were three?

Being environmentally conscious is great, I think everyone should reflect on their impact on the world. But walking around shaming other mothers who vaccinate their kids or turning one's nose up at anything that doesn't say green on the label...well.. That kind of smug superiority is just downright annoying. Do right by your family and community by being crunchy is awesome but do it for the right reasons and not for bragging points.