Humans have hunted and eaten meats since the beginning of time. Unless you can do the same and give the creature the respect it deserves, refrain, or at least purchase meats from organic farmers. Organic farmers, raise their animals with lots of fresh air and room to run around, with their friends thereby, continuing the healthy circle of a natural animal social structure. Organic farmers respect the animals; they don’t use pesticides, hormone injections, anti-biotic treatment or mistreat and confine the creatures inhumanly.

In the end the animals must die, but I feels somewhat better knowing they led happier lives. The best choice, would be for us to omit meat from the table altogether. Did you know that Vitamin B12, which so many ardent meat eaters argue, is only found in meat, is actually made by bacteria that grows in almost all animal’s bodies?!

I prefer to take a B12 supplement or eat plenty of fortified cereals and soymilk products. The plant kingdom, alone, simply cannot offer that a vitamin due to the fact that they produce no known internal bacterium.

Meat is DEAD and fresh raw vegetables and fruits are ALIVE with healthy nutrients. Another funny argument is the fact that we have k-nines or incisors…or whatever people call these teeth. Well, my husband for example, does not have sharp ones at all. They are perfectly flat like that of horse teeth. He jokes and says he was raised on whole grains like horses do and never developed the sharpness most humans have. I don’t think it’s very humorous. Who’s to say that an evolution in no meat consumption could eventually bring us back to flat teeth (just a thought).

And keep in mind that every time you eat a bird of any kind, you’re actually eating a biological reptile…I never even knew that.

I’m not knocking meat-eaters at all and I myself ingest some sort of meat product several times a month, but I do make sure it’s organically raised and virtually fat free. I could easily do without it and have done so many times int my life.

My son eats no meat but at times enjoys filleted fish sticks. He takes his organic multivitamin/multimineral supplements daily and always gets an A plus at annual check-ups. His blood counts are above average and rarely gets sick.

My daughter is definitely a meat lover and I don’t deny her meat, nor do I give her a speech every time she decides to eat some. I try to limit her intake and only feed her organically grown cow flesh and bacon.

My husband can go either way. If I cook a meat-less meal, he enjoys it just the same. Get to know where your meat comes from and how it got to your plate. Once you have read, studied, investigated and even visited meat preparation factory/modern corporate farm, make your own decision. With less meat consumption, there would be plenty of food to go around…a healthier environment and healthier happy people. Teach your children and leave behind a better world for them to live in.

………………………………………….

“Chickens exist in stable social groups. They canrecognize each otherby their facial features.They have 24 distinct cries that communicatea wealth of informationto one another….They are good at solving problems. As a trick at conferences I sometimeslist these attributes,without mentioning chickens, and peoplethink I’m talking about monkeys.”

“Pigs have the cognitiveability to be quitesophisticated. Even more so than dogs….”

…………………………………………..

“In industrial agriculture, this link between productivityand well-being is severed. When productivity as an economic metricis applied to thewhole operation, the welfare of the individual animal is ignored.”

…………………………………………..

The National Restaurant Association reports that 8 out of 10 restaurants-from fast food to gourmet-are responding to the growing demand for animal-friendly fare by serving vegetarian entrees.

…………………………………………..

Meat is now injected with water and spiced up with chemicals. Meat has it’s own natural particular flavor…whatever happened to that?!

Unless you’re purchasing organic milk, you’re actually drinking a glass of pus, antibiotics, blood and pesticides.

Beware:

• The fishing industry promote eating fish as a high source of omega three fatty acids, which are great for the heart, but they fail to tell us that virtually every fish carries abnormally high levels of deadly mercury. We now have to measure our intake by deciding which fish has the least contamination of mercury. Salmon happens to be the best by far. I’d like some mercury-free please!

 

• The poultry industry feeds arsenic to chickens to make them grow faster!

 

• Chicken actually contains higher fat and cholesterol levels than meat.

 

Almonds, black beans, brown rice, cashews, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, peanut butter, pinto beans, quinoa, soybeans, soymilk, sunflower seeds, textured vegetable protein, tofu, and veggie meats.

 

Black beans, bran flakes, cashews, cream of wheat, garbanzo beans, grape-nuts, kidney beans, lentils, navy beans, oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, raisins, soybeans, soymilk, spinach, sunflower seeds, tofu, tomato juice, whole wheat bread.

 

Almonds, black beans, broccoli, collard greens, calcium fortified juice drinks, great northern beans, kale, kidney beans, mustard greens, navy beans, pinto beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, soymilk and tofu.

 

Breakfast:

Whole wheat toast with peanut butter or jam.
Cereal with rice milk or soy milk.
Oatmeal with honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple sugar or molasses.

Lunch:

Pasta with tomato and vegetables.
Lentil or black bean soup with a side of wheat bread or wheat crackers.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Dinner:

Pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables.
Veggie burgers or veggie hot dogs with a side of sweet potato chips and.
Rice and vegetables.Vegetarian Chili with toasted bread.

 

Suggested Reading:

The Vegetarian Epicure books one and two by: Anna Thomas

The Farm Vegetarian Cookbook by members of the commune…visit www.thefarm.org or www.alibris.com

The Encyclopedia of Country Living by: Carla Emery (has an entire section on vegetarian and raw food eating)

Living on the Earth by: Alicia bay Laurel

Simple Tips for Pregnant Women: These tips are beneficial before, during and following child birth.

1) Make sure you treat yourself and pamper yourself. Schedule alone time to just get away for a massage, manicure or pedicure (if you’re into that) or even a relaxing weekend at the beach or park retreat. My favorite was a nice foot massage, light walking or simply sitting back for the weekend and let other household members do all the work without being interrupted. I also kept on working throughout both pregnancies; keeping active is important for your health, emotional and mental well-being. Avoid just sitting around and eating. You’ll need to build up strength and lounging around, will only lead to weak muscles. try keeping your feet elevated as much as possible especially your last trimester; this will help to reduce swelling especially in warmer climates.

2) Take your supplements until the very end. I actually took prenatal vitamins and minerals before, during and after pregnancy. This makes for healthier babies and moms. there are lots of homeopathic treatments to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with pregnancy such as nausea, body aches, swelling and chronic fatigue. Check with your midwife, doctor or even childbirth class coordinator. Although you should follow a healthy eating and exercise plan, give into cravings once in a while. With my daughter I had to have everything orange like…orange juice, orange sherbert, orange jelly candies and orange popsicles. Although some of it would be considered unhealthy, I tried for the healthiest when I could, which was the orange juice and that satisfied my orange craving just fine. Do everything in moderation and listen to your body at all times.

3) Have all the sex you desire. It is now known that a man’s sperm contains a hormone called prostoglandins which will actually help to soften the woman’s cervix. Try out different positions and find which one is most comfortable for tummy, baby and mom. There are lots of books covering pregnancy sex and some of the most comfortable positions I’ve read about are those of the Chinese. Your midwife should be able to answer these questions as well as your childbirth coach. If you’re over due – HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF SEX! And remember, you can’t hurt the baby.

4) Make sure you have family and friends that will support you through your highs and lows. Your hormones are constantly changing and you need a real support system of people that care and understand. If you’re alone, look inside yourself for that support.

5) A positive attitude is important for both you and baby. Don’t let yourself stress out and read lots; learn information that in the long run will make you wiser and stronger. If you believe you can have a wonderful natural childbirth experience then you will! Stay away from negative energy and people.

6) When choosing a childbirth class, make sure it’s one that’s both informative as well as allows you to have choices. Allow yourself to connect with other expectant mothers and learn and share from one another.

7) Sleep as much as possible as you won’t be getting much of it once the baby arrives. Take 10 or 15 minute power naps throughout the day. They’ll refresh you and give you a burst of energy without causing you to be over tired in the middle of the day. If you sleep during the day, you won’t be able to have a productive sleep come night.

Don’t forget to exercise at least three times a week. Investigate safe exercise routines during pregnancy. After giving birth, take time to enjoy and feel free to not resume an exercise routing until your six week check up. Your body needs to heal slowly and the weight will automatically start coming off while you’re breastfeeding anyway.

9) Make sure you feel totally comfortable with those that will be with you throughout your delivery.

10) Drink lots and lots of fluids – especially water!!! Urinary tract infections can occur more during pregnancy.

11) And most importantly, concentrate on you, your baby and family. Once the baby arrives enjoy him or her and don’t let petty things get in the way. Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly clean and organized; just what makes you all comfortable. Sleep when your baby sleeps and do dishes another time and definitely get others to help while you’re going through the process of breastfeeding. Friends and family should not be judgmental and should not give advice unless asked. Life is too short and your babies grow up too fast. Spend time doing what’s really important and create memories you all will remember forever.

12) And one more thing…DRESS COMFORTABLE and wear comfortable shoes.

Suggested Reading for Pregnant Women:

Wilderness Mother by: Deanna Kawatski ( this is a great book about a mother who gives birth in the Canadian wilderness and raises her babies)

Living Poor With Style by: Ernest Callenbach ( has a section on pregnancy, childbirth and bringing up children)

Encyclopedia of Country Living by: Calrla Emery ( has some great information on childbirth and raising children)

The Farm Cookbook by: members of The Farm Community – has healthy tips on vegetarian recipes for babies and children.

The Holistic Health Handbook by: Berkely Holistic Health Center ( they published a bk. 1 and bk. 2 – I like the first book the best – good information on healthy pregnancy and childbirth along with holistic medicinal tips.

Midwifery and Herbs by: Willa Shaffer

Spiritual Midwifery by: Ina May Gaskin – simply the best!

Heart and Hands by: Elizabeth Davis

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

Primitive Simple Living is an entirely different animal, although, for those who have already chosen to simplify, it can be a much easier transition and can be a totally unique and satisfying experience. Primitive is just what the name says, being totally self reliant and self-sufficient, ready for any emergencies and or dangers that may come your way.

This way of life certainly speaks to a chosen few men and women who’s heart and soul carry a sense of adventure, hard work ethics and essential pioneering skills. Loving nature is not enough.

Don’t try to go out there without any knowledge of wilderness survival skills and expect to make it. Country living or even living on a farm is pretty much self-sufficiency in action, but… wilderness living doesn’t offer much in ready-made supplies.

Before you try and set off on this new and exciting adventure watch as many documentaries as possible. Take a few wilderness courses and read lots of books. Alibris.com has one of the largest selections of wilderness books, stories and training manuals.

If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’ll find it! Get familiar with a few catalogs that offer survival gear and remember. Nowadays you don’t have to walk into the wilderness alone without training or supplies – be smart.

The web has lots of information as well and you could even sign up for the more popular courses. Mother Earth News offers information on schools and businesses related to wilderness survival.

You can also go to www.motherearthnewsmagazine.com. Earth Knack offers classes in stone-age skills. For further information you can go to www.earthknack.com or get in touch with Bart or Robin Blankenship at: PO Box 508, Crestone, CO 81131 or call – 719-256-4909.

This next school is actually the one I would like to sign up for myself. It’s reasonably priced and teaches everything from tanning hides to plant identification.

They actually take you on wilderness treks, with training and testing on site. They are Hollowtop Outdoor Primitive School located at: 12 Quartz St., Pony, MT 59747 You can visit their website at – www.hollowtop.com.

It has some great links to other schools and reading and learning materials. If you’re really into primitive training, join The Society of Primitive Technology. I did and I’m glad I did. I have now met quite a few people through the society’s networking. Upon joining, you’re automatically signed up to receive

The Bulletin of Primitive Technology twice a year and special editions. The Bulletin offers a way to meet others with similar interests and offers information on upcoming classes and workshops. You’ll also be able to obtain information on shopping for much needed tools and supplies. The book, Primitive Technology: A book of Earth Skills had published articles by society members and editor, David Wescott. I just ordered the book and can’t wait to get it.

More books before you trek:

There are tons of wilderness books out there but here are a few of my favorites. Some of these are fiction stories but still an interesting and educating read.

Primitive Wilderness Living and Survival Skills by: John McPherson and Geri McPherson

One Winter in the Wilderness by: Pat Cary Peek

You Can’t Wallpaper My Igloo by: Katherine Norberg

How to Live in the Woods on Pennies a Day by: Bradford Angier

The Final Fontiersman by: James Campbell (I am so upset I did not pick up the last copy they had on the shelf at a nearby store. The first time I met Haimo and his family was through a National Geographic Documentary called Braving Alaska. The documentary also contains the story of other families that have chosen to brave the Alaskan Bush. The book is about Haimo and his family years later. They were known to be one of the most isolated families in the world.)

Wilderness Wife by: Bradford Angier – loved it!

Alaska’s Wilderness Medicines by: Eleanor Viereck

Living with Nature by: Art Ludwig (this guy has a very strong argument on living primitively) I really enjoyed what he had to say.

***The Emergency Disaster Survival Handbook by: Doug King available from ABC Preparedness, PO Box 795, Sandy, UT 84091(free shipping)*** EVERYONE NEEDS TO HAVE ONE OF THESE WITH THE WAY THE WORLD IS BEHAVING NOWADAYS!!!***

In my opinion, the simpler you know how to exist and the more you know about survival skills, the better off you’ll be in case of an emergency or disaster. Disasters and primitive living have many similarities! Think about it, if you could live in the wilderness, those disasters might not affect you like those living in cities.

If I could get rid of Cable, I would… but my husband and kids would not be very supportive. I do understand there are certain educational shows that are good for them, but I’m happy with news and public television. Anyway, www.pbs.org offers shows, documentaries and books.

Two of my favorite documentaries take families back to both the 1600’s and 1800’s. The names of these two projects are Colonial House and Frontier House. You get to see how people live without electricity, running water and grocery stores. A few people actually wanted to remain living in the Project.

Another documentary offered through pbs.org is Alone in the Wilderness – my favorite by far.

It’s about a man named Dick Prinoeke (I think I spelled his last name correctly, if not…you can find it through the title name). There’s also a book out based on the journal he kept while living for MANY years in the Alaskan Wilderness!

He was in his 50s when he decided to leave civilization and the rat-race and set off to the wilderness to build a log cabin all by himself, fished and hunted for food, had a fresh water source and prepared animal hides for warmth and clothing. Except for a bush plane that came a couple of times a year, leaving much needed supplies, everything he needed was built by hand using only what the land had to offer. Alibris.com offers used copies at really cheap prices (as they do all there books). You can still visit Dick’s cabin if you’re ever in Alaska.

There’s a really interesting show on the Discovery Network called Survivorman – www.discoverchanel.com. This guy gets dropped of in different locations and climates all over the world, with little to no survival tools or gear. He teaches as he goes,showing the basic survival techniques applicable to the different situations.

Construction Ideas and Building Materials:

Environmental Housing Ideas – get in touch with Robert Bolman 541-344-7196; 888 Almaden St., Eugene, OR 97402.

A man named Ole and his wife built a totally sustainable house in Portland Oregon – www.rdrop.com/users/krishna. They specialize in low-impact living such as harvesting rainwater, building a home out of straw bale, toilets that don’t use water, heating your home with compost. growing plants and crops on your roof. Pretty amazing and I think if you get in touch with them, you can drop by for a visit.

www.hhinst.com – This site offers information on creating natural and environmentally safe dwellings.

www.homeenergy.org – they offer you ways to drastically reduce home energy bills.

www.buildinggreen.com – Lots of articles and links to alternative housing and building materials. They have a directory called GreenSpec Product Directory. This directory is loaded with information on cheap, yet safe building products!

The Fox Maple School of Traditional Building, specializes in teaching people about all kinds of building methods like straw bale, clay/adobe, earth plaster, corncob, and daub and wattle. They’re located at – Corn Hill Road, PO Box 249 Brownfield, ME 04010 – 207-935-3720 – fax: 207-935-4574.

This lady Charmaine Taylor is amazing! She publishes and produces The Dirt Cheap Builder’s Catalog and wrote The Dirt Cheap Houses Guidebook on Disk…she covers lime building, paper construction, ancient earth dwellings, collecting rainwater and even building your own cooking units. She has her own mail order business and offers an interesting and useful selection of books and videos. On these she covers building the cheap and natural way, living off the grid, earth dwellings, underground homes and my favorite – travel-trailer homesteading. There’s another section on simple and sustainable living right where you live…you don’t have to leave everything behind and buy a piece of land in the middle of nowhere to live off the grid and be totally self sufficient! You can contact her by writing to: PO Box 6985, Eureka, CA 95502 – fax and phone: 888-441-1632 or see what it’s all about at: www.dirtcheapbuilder.com.

Building With Wood:

Shelters, Shacks and Shanties by: D.C. Beard – This is a classic and the best in my opinion. Written in 1914 by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts, he’ll show you how to build primitive shelters just by using an ax and a knife.

www.logbuilding.org – shows you tons of information on building your own log home.

www.yurts.com – Yurts are tent-type dwellings that can easily be moved around. They can be used as temporary dwelling or be made into a sturdy permanent house. It originates from the Mongolian Nomadic People. They even make some now that can withstand around 100 mile an hour winds as well as 100 lb/sq ft. of snow! I’ve seen some really big and beautiful ones. They’re probably one of the cheapest dwellings around and come in an assortment of sizes and styles.

www.castearth.com – teaches all about different types of natural earth dwellings.

www.strawhomes.com – Building with straw.

For papercrete building write to Laura and Gordon Solbert: earth@zianet.com

For thatched roof information (one of my favorites) go to – www.thatching.com – he’s an Irishman that is a master roofer specializing in these ancient type roofs!

I’d like to end with some tips on living on a farm if you’re interested in more of a homesteading direction rather than a bare-bones primitive lifestyle. The cheapest way to go, nowadays, with modern conveniences is buy a cheap travel trailer and pay lot rent. Take your time choosing trailer communities especially if you have children.

1. Save as much money as you can and try not to buy on credit.
2. Keep a diary of every single expense and how you can continuously trim down.
3. Don’t be late on credit payments. This way, when you need car repairs or animal feed, the stores will know you’re trustworthy.
4. Re-invest money made from crops back to growing more crops.
5. Choose crops that sell easily and are in high demand.
6. Sell your crop when the demand is high and no one else has that particular crop. Grow crops no one else has but don’t grow strange crops that people don’t normally consume.
7. Don’t forget it’s a business like any other and you’ll have to know certain market and advertising strategies!
8. Avoid selling wholesale.
9. Your local county extension agent can furnish you with much valuable information, if you’re ever in doubt about producing and selling.
10. Buy cheap, when purchasing anything to do with operational support – save the difference.
11. Buy animals and land during off-season when others don’t have the money or are simply not in the market to buy.
12. Try to buy animals that are pregnant and never buy an animal without inspecting it your self.
13. Keep yourself updated with the latest farming information. Go to the library, attend workshops and classes, subscribe to helpful periodicals and attend any meetings, conventions or product demonstrations offered through your local product associations.
14. And most of all remember your land and animals are very much a spiritual responsibility. You will only get out of them what you put into them.
15. Live with family or friends when saving to purchase your farm.
16. Look around for land that has potential for growth and livability. For example, you don’t want swampland or land without water sources. Make sure you can get electricity and indoor running water. Will the mailman deliver or will the bus be able to pick up your children for school? Make sure you write down all of your needs and wants before you buy. Never buy land that sounds too good to be true without seeing it first. Nearly all of the time it is too good to be true.!!
17. Learn as much about any poisonous critters that might be indigenous to the area and learn first aid in case of bites.
18. An ideal place might be some isolation but not too isolated. Buy far enough from your neighbor or the nearest city but make sure helicopter service is available in case of extreme emergencies.
19. You have to have some wilderness training even when homesteading on a not so wilderness area.
20. Most of all make sure this is really what you want. You might even want to try and work on a farm or ranch environment before having your own. Farm life can at times be lonely, especially for mothers and wives. You have to be able to handle everything around the home front, especially if your husband still has to maintain and outside job…but in the end you will see the fruit of your work through your family, children, land and animals, Everything you put into this beautiful way of life will come back tri-fold.

A LITTLE BIT OF LAND
A little bit of land is all I ask, Just a small place to call my own,
Where I can put down roots so deep So deep,
That great-grandchildren still will Call it home.
Is it so much to ask? A lane of trees,
Bringing birdsong and covered leaves,
Sweet lilacs holding in their arms,
The lawn. Tulips and yellow daffodil,
Spattered up and down the cellar hill,
Sweet gurgling brook, fresh and cool,
The brush beyond
Sheltering grouse and sage,
And shy sweet deer.
Oh aching heart, hungry hungry soul.
What little bit to make a grateful
Whole.
Is there no spot in all this universe/
A little valley, with a cabin home,
A bit of garden I can call my own,
I would not bruise the land, or tear
It apart,
But keep it beating with a happy
Blooming heart.
Each bit of soil, which God had
Surely blessed,
Would be a cozy home for seeds to
Rest,
And grow and nourish, comforting
All men,
With fruit and shade, and food for
Every soul.
A little bit of land, to call my own,
Within its small confines, a loving
Home,
And fertile soil
No matter the toil,
I would so grateful be
If God would take a little chance on
Me
And give me a small plot of lonely
Sod
That needs a gentle hand, and God.
Written by: Jennie Senrud Hutton

Just a note: One of the people not affected by the Great Depression were the Amish, Conservative Mennonites and The Hutterites (plain people of the plains).

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we
simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the
gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or
those of your fellow reader. **

MAMA’S MAMA

Mama’s Mama, on a winter’s day,
Milked the cows and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
And got the children off to school,
Did the washing, mopped the floors,
Washed the windows and did some chores,
Cooked a dish of home-dried fruit,
Pressed her husband’s Sunday suit,
Swept the parlor, made the bed,
Baked a dozen loaves of bread,
Split some wood and lugged it in,
Enough to fill the kitchen bin,
Cleaned the lamps and put in oil,
Stewed some apples she thought might spoil,
Churned the butter, baked a cake,
Then exclaimed: “For Mercy’s sake,
The calves have got out of the pen!”
Went out and chased them in again,
Gathered the eggs and locked the stable,
Returned to the house and set the table,
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
And afterwards washed all the dishes,
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
Mended a basket full of hose,
Then opened the organ and began to play,
“When You Come To The End Of A Perfect Day.”

This poem was written by a lady named Anna Rees Henton in 1953 – she was 85 years old.

The home-front is the foundation of life and all you do. I’d like to offer some information on creating a more peaceful, simpler and healthier home environment. What happens at home affects not only our state of being but the environment as well.

I’d like to begin by giving you a simple list of helpful hints…this is especially helpful for stay at home moms and dads or if you’re simply a home-keeper.

After my second child was born I went through many dark periods of depression…not so much after my first born. It was a big let down for me that both of my babies had to be born by c-section. I somehow felt, as most women do, that to really given birth, a vaginal delivery was the only way to go…I soon got over that and realized no matter how children come into this world (even if adopted), you have given birth.

As mothers, we somehow feel our maternal instincts immediately kick in; or at least that’s what we’re told. I felt guilty that mine took a while but once it did kick in, I was totally in love with my babies.

Many women I’ve spoken to feel a c-section birth takes longer before you truly bond with that baby. It’s o.k. and very normal and because of the guilt, lots of women suffer in silence. Staying home with children is the hardest job, and yet; sometimes it’s work that goes unnoticed.

I call it the invisible mom syndrome. We do little things everyday like picking dirty clothes up off the floor, putting out fresh towels, making sure dishes are cleaned and ready for use, clothes are washed and ready to wear, you drive everyone around and get them to where they need to be and so on and so forth.

The list goes on and on. It’s almost as though we, as parents, stand still and stop our lives so our children can have a solid foundation to grow and move on. I believe more mothers groups should be available so we don’t feel so alone.

I think most care-takers suffer through this and they need to know there are ways to make these active parenting years a bit easier. No parent is perfect no matter what a family looks like on the outside. It’s o.k. to feel inadequate and insecure.

Anyway, I’d like to give you a few tips on how I made it easier to stay home. I hope some of these helpful hints will encourage you because you’re not alone. I love my daughter and son with all of my being.

I know that when the time comes for them to fly away, they will carry with them happiness, love, peace as well as a deep sense for helping those in need. It will be all worth it and they will always remember me and keep me in their hearts forever.

A paycheck can never give you a feeling like that…. and in those quiet and unexpected times when they look into your eyes and say “I Love You Mommy,” …you know you’re doing everything right!

C-SECTION BLUES

My belly was big
It went way out to there.
So they put it under a machine and then they shaved off
all the hair.
Honey , let me tell you about those c-section blues.
didn’t dilate too wide
So they tried to induce.
Blood pressure went sky high and I thought” what the
hell’s the use.”
Honey, I’ve got those high blood pressure c-section blues.
So they gave me a bikini cut
But they cut it too high.
I can’t wear a bikini now I think I’m gonna die.
Honey, I’ve got those changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Now I’ve got a big scar.
It runs from here to there.
I can’t sit-up without assistance, so I ain’t goin’
nowhere.
Honey, I’ve got those can’t sit up, changing body image,
high blood pressure c-section blues.
Then they sewed up the bikini cut.
And they stapled it shut.
As soon as I can move without pain, I plan to kick some
butt.
Honey, I’ve got those mean enough to kick butt, can’t-sit-up, changing body image, high blood pressure c-section blues.
Yes, you heard me right.
I’ve got those natural childbirth classes amounted to
nothing, mean enough to kick butt, can’t sit up, changing
body image, high blood pressure, caesarian section blues.

Written by: Karen and Clark Iverson

Gigi’s Helpful Home Hints: These are some of the things that I found help me through the day.

1) As soon as I wake up I jump in the shower and get dressed. Don’t stay in your night clothes all day, as this will not give you a sense of purpose and makes you feel sluggish through out the day; this was part of my own depression. You want to be ready for anything.

2) I didn’t realize I had let myself go until my daughter pointed it out one day. She really did not feel comfortable for mom to be seen by friends and she was absolutely right. Take care of your appearance everyday. You’ll feel much better all the way around and everyone else will be happier.

3) I have a calendar book that I update almost every night. I look to see what’s going on for the next day and write down any errands I may need to do. I save my shopping for Sunday mornings when I can go alone and relax. Get as many things done around the weekend so that during the week you only have to be concerned about school and extracurricular activities; I even try to schedule any doctor’s appointments on Sat. mornings. Some doctors and dentists offer that service.

4) Find a good friend you can talk to about your feelings and share helpful ideas with. It certainly takes a village of mothers and fathers to raise all of our children. I find although I can share many things with my husband and he certainly tries to be understanding and appreciates all that I do, I feel at times it’s a bit more beneficial for me to have that close girl friend who’s also a mother. They understand…they’ve been there and done that.

5) Find and join groups that address your particular needs and interests. We are more than mothers and fathers. We are individuals that didn’t just die after we had children. Keep your interests alive and do little things to get out of the house and feel like a real person again. You don’t work 8 hours a day(although some corporations do this) without a break; you shouldn’t go all week without having some personal alone time. I go for long walks, do research and write. I also take some time in the early morning to center myself and get some very needed alone time. Pray, chant, meditate, read or do some yoga before staring your day.

6) Try and keep a positive attitude.

7) Replace negative thinking and habits with things that bring you happiness such as happy family and friends and getting yourself involved with interests that bring you joy.

Don’t spread yourself thin especially during the holidays. You can’t please everybody all of the time. Don’t feel bad about being a little selfish and do what makes you comfortable whether it’s spending less for gifts or simply choosing to stay in your own home and celebrate.

9) Make sure your friends and family understand your time with yourself and your children is precious to you. Set boundaries in a kind way. I do most of my writing between 10am and 1pm. Everyone pretty much knows I won’t be answering the phone unless it’s an emergency; after all, no one calls people at their regular jobs to chat.

10) Get your husband and children to help around the house. My kids clean up their rooms and pick up after themselves and my husband is in charge of trash and lawn. You’re not Super Mom or Super Dad; you can’t do it all or you won’t have any quality time left over to spend with your family.

11) Avoid drugs, coffee, sugary drinks and soda pop, tobacco and/or chewing snooze. Drink plenty of fluids, walk and eat healthier…don’t over eat!

12) Don’t talk about what you have to do, just do it.

13) Turn off your television or simply throw a blanket over it; if you’re able, get rid of it altogether.

14) Do one task at a time.

15) Keep active and use less heat during the winter months.

16) Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

17) Home school your little ones.

18) Keep up with the cleaning and picking up. It’s a whole lot easier to maintain than to try to do it all in one day. I wipe down the toilet and kitchen everyday. These areas tend to be the most active and harbor the most germs.

19) Set aside time to do NOTHING AT ALL!

20) And finally…STOP WORRYING; the dirty dishes will still be there tomorrow and so will the dirty laundry. Make the most of each and everyday and be thankful. Worrying will resolve nothing!

***For all of you stay at home dads, I commend you. You also have many of the same worries and needs. I hope the above information can be of some help. Good luck to you and enjoy each and every moment; know you hold the most important job you you’ll ever have and we thank you.***

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

Related Books:

Spiritual Midwifery by: Ina May Gaskin (you can also read more on Ina and her way of life at- thefarm.org – this may be the best book ever written on natural child birth)

Heart and Hands by: Elizabeth Davis

The Complete Book of Midwifery by: Barbara Brennan

Diary of a Midwife by: Juliana Van O Phen-Fehr (I could not put this one down – great read as well as valuable information)

Midwifery and Herbs by: Willa Shaffer

A Simple Choice by: Deborah Taylor Hough

Simplicity is Genius by: Criswell Freeman (a must-have on your bookshelf)

Simple Living by: Frank Levering

Resources for Living: A Plain Man’s Philosophy by: Gains G. Atkins (a must have)

Coping With Life by: Merritt W. Borden

Websites:

www.thefarm.org

www.freenclearstuff.com (offers a vast array of really totally free stuff…good selection for babies and children) you can also get a fee subscription to parenting a baby magazines!

www.mennonitemaidens.com (they offer a nice selection of home-made plain and simple children’s toys as well as baby blankets, environmentally safe baby and adult diapers and baby wipes)

www.motherhood.com (great pregnancy apparel at modest prices)

www.wendysmodestdress.com ( home-made comfortable attire and lots of very low priced gentle used clothing)

www.Alibris.com (they carry every book known to man covering parenthood, children, cooking, cleaning and care-taking) I think they’re the best!

www.blair.com (comfortable dress at amazingly low prices!)

www.butterflymama.com (fair-trade store…beautiful, sexy and flowing tops)

www.soul-flower.com (some cool plus size apparel)

Backwoods Home Magazine – write to editor@backwoodshome

Common Sense at Home Newsletter and Books – write to cash@lakeozarknet

These last two websites and newsletters deal with everything from home- to alternative home energy sources…perfect for anyone staying home with kids, working from home or interested in home tips and alternative living.

www.lalecheleague.org (help with breastfeeding)

There are also many websites that offer a wealth of information to dads as well as connecting them to other stay-at-home dads.

Life is a series of tests; but if you pass

your tests, you look back upon them as good

experiences.

Peace Pilgrim

Gigi’s simple and cheap eating:

Try to buy as many organic products as you can afford. It’s important we support organic farmers; they use no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or genetically altered crops. This is extremely important to our children’s health in the future. There is an alarming growth in childhood cancers and obesity.

Since I can’t afford to purchase everything organically grown, foods my family consumes the most, are always purchased with the organic label (milk, eggs, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, some fruits and vegetables, cereals on sale, and cream cheese). My local supermarket also carries naturally made generic products, such as: natural peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt, natural jams and jellies with no added sugar or preservatives, natural juices, breads, and an array of snacks and drinks.

My daughter is the meat lover in the family and although I tend to limit her intake of flesh, I make sure any meat she consumes come from organic farmers.

Look for sale ads on organic products or even buy one get one free offfers. I have to be careful though, because once I walk down that organic isle, the temptation to purchase non-food items (lotions and potions, fragrance oils and body and hair care products)begins. Try and limit these purchases to a minimum.

-Oh, there’s also a variety of organic canned chili made with soy protein that my daughter just can’t get enough of. She never even realized it was meat-less until I told her and even then she couldn’t stop eating it. Nutrition can be a simple process…buy cheap, natural and organic whenever possible. Limit your intake of refined sugar, white flour, candy, chips and soda pops. Try baking your own bread, pastries and cookies and look for ways to make more foods from scratch in bulk amounts. Drink plenty of water, take a daily vitamin and don’t forget that apple a day. Simplicity in food shopping can save you plenty of money, not to mention helping to avoid visits to the doctor.

Eat to live
Don’t live to eat

Anonymous

Some advice from some older folks on living a long life:
drink plenty of water
eat whole foods
cook with lots of olive oil
don’t eat red meat
butter is better than margarine
don’t over eat
no junk food
if you can’t read the label, don’t eat it
keep active
and always look at life in a positive way

Gigi’s frugal food ideas:

Your favorite beans on whole grain toast with melted soy or regular cheese. You can mash and re-fry the beans from the night before.

Your favorite beans and rice dish. We love black beans over steamed white rice topped off with chopped green onions and a strong drizzle of extra virgin olive oil!

Natural peanut butter and jelly with sliced banana. Makes a good sweet treat.

Boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs over your choice of steamed rice…top this with sardines and olive oil, sliced onions and your favorite spices. Tastes even better the next day!

Cream cheese sandwiches or cream cheese on toast. Cream cheese is cheaper than regular cheese and goes with a variety of toppings…also very useful in home-made desserts.

Potato and onion sandwiches. This one came from my ex-husband, Jeff…something he ate lots of while traveling as a hippie.

Mayonnaise, miracle whip or butter sandwiches. Something I ate quite a bit of as a kid when hard times hit. Oh, and let me not forget, when I got real creative and mixed the butter with the sugar!

Peanut Butter and sliced banana sandwiches. I think it was Elvis’s favorite – except the bananas were fried.

Peanut Butter and mayonnaise sandwich. One of my husband’s favorite.

Ramen noodles with chopped celery and green onion. From my husband’s bachelor days.

Onion sandwich. Another one of my ex-husband’s.

And who could forget the famous ketchup and pasta or on bread combination.!

Fried bologne and eggs or fried bologne sandwiches. A country favorite. You could even try some fried canned spam.

Chopped celery, green onion, mushroom and tomato on cuban bread with some homemade salad dressing on top. I make my homemade dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and water. I then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper(black and red), and add mustard and honey when I feel like adding some sweetness. This combination of vegetables and dressing make a great side dish on hot summer days and celery and green onions are about the cheapest vegetables around. Green vegetables are the healthiest.

Try having breakfast for dinner like: Jiffy blueberry pancakes with a side of turkey bacon or even some fried hot dogs with sliced onion. Jiffy is the cheapest baking mix.

I buy good quality hot dogs without preservatives or fillers and fry them up. I add them to pasta dishes, rice, potatoes, salads, toast, and have even stuffed them in my oven baked green peppers. My mom used to stuff fried hotdogs in her home-made potato balls.

When I’m really pressed for time, we’ve been known to have cold cereal and milk for dinner.

Trash salad: I often make this one as a main dish with my home-made dressing as the end of the month approaches and funds are running low. Just like my garbage soup which incorporates bits and pieces here and there that are not enough for one serving, I do the same with this salad. I get some lettuce and whatever vegetable and fruit that’s laying around, chop these up, add peanuts, grated cheese, left over turkey bacon bits, sliced cheese, crunched up saltine crackers or triscuits (even old bread that I baked in the oven with garlic), hard-boiled eggs, raisins, and if you really want to be bad some crunched up potato chips. Chop, slice or crunch your ingredients all up and mix with your lettuce in a big bowl. Top with my home-made dressing and it’s more than a complete meal! It tastes even better the next day for lunch on some toasted cuban bread.

A bowl of warm oatmeal with raisins, honey, brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon. My favorite anytime as a meal or sweet snack. A healthy snack when you’re pre-menstraul and craving sugar!

The kids favorite is our family night buffet. I make small portions of the following: pasta and sauce, fried hot dogs or bologne, trash salad and garbage soup, hard boiled eggs, fried potatoes, cream cheese on crackers, peanut butter and jelly squares, home-made rice krispies, popcorn and your choice of drinks. It’s cheaper and more fun than going out to a sit down buffet.

Well, I could go on and on but will leave more food ideas for the near future. My whole point is food doesn’t have to be expensive and complicated to be good or good for you. Make simple dishes that are both healthy and cheap. I know lots of the foods I mentioned are not the healthiest but eat them on a moderate basis or as a special treat. Omit the meat if you’re a vegetarian(meat is expensive and unhealthy). Simple cooking allows you more time with family and friends and in the end you won’t break the bank and feel healthier.

***don’t forget to take a walk after dinner***

***it takes lots more land to raise the animal for slaughter than to grow fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains…less meat consumption means more food to go around…don’t forget your vitamin B-12 supplement if you’re going meat-less – and that includes fish***

I don’t preach vegetarianism more because
we haven’t learned not to kill each other yet. I
realize we’re probably far from a step like this.

Peace Pilgrim

Here are some of my favorite cookbooks:

More – with – Less Cookbook by: Doris J. Longacre (simply one of the best)
The Vegetarian Epicure by: Anna Thomas
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by: Carla Emery (my favorite author and book of all times…although Carla is no longer with us, she will forever remain in my heart…it was because of her and her book that I fell in love with simple living and self sufficiency; thanks Carla, your book was a constant friend and companion through both happy and sad times. There’ll never be another one quite like you)!
An Amish Table by: Phyllis Pellman Good

For more great cookbooks go to:

www.mennonitemaidens.com
goodbks.com
Lehman’s.com
Alibris.com

Order the GVS Catalog: PO Box 310 Versailles, MO 65084

There are many periodicals that contain book order information or simply some great recipes and tips on simple living:

www.countrylivingmagazine.com
www.backhomemagazine.com
Wisdom’s Gate PO Box 374 Covert, MI 49043
Keepers at Home Magazine
Country Woman Magazine
www.motherearthnews.com

you can also find free recipes, brochures, books and magazines at: www.freenclearstuff.com

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

Financial Simplicity:

I really can’t think of anyone who is debt-free. The way things are going, many people don’t have much choice, but to fall deeper and deeper into the trap. It seems more people these days are taking out high interest loans and some even use home equity loans to finance car titles; some even for survival.

Pay off your credit cards, school loans and anything preventing you from saving monthly. Don’t use one credit card to pay another and if you find yourself buying food and medicine on credit that should be an immediate sign you need to budget and simplify.

Try public assistance and medical assistance if need be. There are tons of free services offered for the disabled and veterans of war. Most states offer food, medical, money and housing for mothers with young children.

If you really need the help, take it and don’t feel ashamed…it’s better than getting yourself into debt you might never be able to get out of. We pay taxes and should accept the benefits when we’re really in need.

When you finish paying off your credit cards, don’t charge again! I keep a few cards around for emergencies. You no longer need a credit card to rent a car. Some rental car places will let you use a debit card. Sometimes I treat myself to a small purchase but make sure I pay it off immediately.

Late payments and high interests rates will get you in the end. If you don’t pay it off immediately, you end up paying more for each product purchased.

Keep away from home shopping channels and television. Don’t allow the advertisers to tell you what you need. Once you’ve established the difference between your wants and needs you should have no problem controlling desires to purchase unneeded material possessions.

If you can’t pay off your credit card balances every month, definitely try 10% and no less. Be careful with some of those companies offering consolidation loans; there usually seems to be a catch. Research anything and everything!

One method I use for keeping my finances under control is the CHEAP and NECESSARY METHOD. When I go through my checkbook, every month, I try and make sure that all purchases were cheap and or necessary. Sometimes you can’t go cheap , still, think about alternatives before purchasing.

No matter what, treat yourself and your family from time to time; and remember, there’s lots of fun and free activities out there. If you don’t have the cash, try to do without – but don’t charge! Buy used and save the difference.

Investigate financial institutions before going with just any bank. I bank at a credit union. I find they offer more services than banks and pay higher interest on savings. They’re more about membership then catering to the rich. There was a time anyone could get into a credit union but nowadays they might check your credit and won’t offer you a checking account upon joining…it’s worth the wait though.

Fashion Simplicity:

The fashion bug has affected all of us at some point; for the most part females. We are constantly made to feel we must have a certain product or we won’t fit in and be beautiful enough. Too often, we think we’re fat and need to buy membership at the nearest gym, or call a weight loss center and purchase their expensive, unhealthy meal packages to end up looking like something we’re not – and there goes more money.

For exercise, I walk as much as my time allows. It’s free, healthy for almost any age and helps maintain a healthier weight. I don’t live on a diet but rather incorporate regular mild exercise, drink lots of water and choose more natural foods. I don’t feel deprived at all and I still enjoy Peanut M&M’S every once in a while.

A healthier diet can reduce your grocery bill as well.

Cosmetic and fashion companies know just how to make you feel less of a person; as do some of the new TV shows that make people feel like they have absolutely no sense of dress or make-up application. Sometimes I think after people are made over on some of these ridiculous shows, they actually end up looking worse.

I wear very little or no make-up at all. I don’t wash my face with soap every day as that will tend to dry out your skin. Women spend so much money on creams and cleansers that actually remove the ph balance from skin. Sometimes plain water is all that’s necessary. I’m 41 and at times still get carded.

If I want to smell extra special other than just a soap and water scent, I use natural perfume oils or naturally scented lotions. I find lotions last longer on the skin and have a moisturizing benefit.

I can’t see paying hundreds of dollars on ladies fragrances mostly containing drying alcohol and other ingredients I can’t even pronounce. I love the fragrance and body products from http://soul-flower.com.

They’re reasonably priced, great customer service and most items are handmade…great soaps! Another great site for homemade soap, modest dresses, self-sufficiency products and books is http:/mennonitemaidens.com.

Jewelry: well, lots of women love it and it’s another way of wasting your hard earned money. Lately, I stopped wearing much jewelry at all and even my wedding band seems to get in the way.

I don’t feel as free to move and work when I am wearing it. I recently found that sterling silver contains a natural antibiotic element. Gold contains elements which may cause certain skin allergies.

I prefer 999 pure silver as opposed to 925 silver. Organic jewelry is cheaper and generally looks more beautiful than over-priced items being sold at most jewelry stores.

I am lucky enough to have a free clothes store nearby. I simply walk in and pick out whatever I want for free. I usually trade out clothes that no longer fit. They also have free books, games and accessories; a local church runs it and their only rule is you limit your visits to once a month.

My children and I have gotten the nicest outfits there and no one would ever guess they were used and free. Wear what you feel comfortable in and what you like, although you can’t go wrong with a good pair of sandals or tennis shoes… That I don’t skimp on. Your feet carry your whole body and having just one pair of good shoes that last (like my Birkenstocks or Doc Martens) is worth paying more. I have a friend that wears her comfy sandals even to weddings and dressy affairs. Hippyshop.com has some great comfy sandals.

Simple Transportation:

Most of us have no choice but to own a vehicle. I don’t like monthly car payments so I’ve always driven older Volvos. Try to buy used and save the difference. This buy used and save the difference is a concept that could work for almost every single aspect of living.

There are some benefits to leasing but you will always have payments without owning (unless you have a lease to own option) so read the fine print. Many companies such as Honda and Toyota are leading the way in alternative, more efficiently run cars. Lots of people are switching to engines run on hempseed oil or veggie oil. Honda is experimenting on cars run by oxygenated water.

Look around for lowest cost auto insurance and keep up with oil and fluid changes as well as tires, etc. Learn as much about your car as possible and learn to buy used parts and fix it yourself. Try to find a job close to home and carpool whenever possible.

Working at home is your best bet and with your new simplification you might very well have the extra time, money and energy to start your own business. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving and take full advantage of public transportation.

Education:

Some of the smartest self-made business people I’ve met never went to college. I’m not against a college education but be smart about it. Don’t go on credit. Work and pay as you go or investigate different options such as grants and/or scholarships. There are many payment programs that never have to be paid back.

As far as educating children goes, there are many more special programs offered through the public school system than that of private schools so investigate before choosing an expensive private education that’s not worth it. You can save that money for college or helping you child in the future for self-employment. My daughter is in the gifted program at public school and I found most of the private schools in the area did not offer anything close to it.

Also, home-schooling is another option when schools in your area are simply not good enough. Look for families of home-schooled children in your area and start a school of your own. There are home-school summer camps and conventions throughout the nation…simply sign up and go.

Just remember, expensive, private education is not always the way to go… lots of these institutions simply want your money; make sure you get what you’re paying for! As far as religious private schools go, I’ve always wondered why they wouldn’t offer FREE tuition!

Entertainment: Tips for fun…

Have a weekly movie or game night.
Go camping in your backyard.
Public libraries offer many fun summer events.
Look in your local paper for free concerts and events.
Go on a one-tank trip.
Take a vacation in your own home.
Go on picnics, window shop or walk on the beach.
Buy a travel-trailer and live on the road…you’ll have hours of travel and entertainment every day of your life.

Be creative about having fun. Try everything at least once, no matter how silly it may sound. There’s a lot to do out there for free or low cost. It’s not always where you go or what you do but rather spending that very needed quality time with family and friends.

Remember…buy used and save the difference and no the difference between your actual wants and needs. Try the cheap and necessary method.

Create a sensible budget and stick to it. Try saving a percentage of any money earned; you need to have money in case of emergencies.

Think of different ways to make more money; maybe you have a service to offer…think about what you’re good at or simply enjoy doing.

Talk to friends and family and figure out ways to trade services. Clean someone’s home, mow their grass, run errands or walk someone’s dog.

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

We limit ourselves by thinking that
Things can’t be done. It’s the one who doesn’t
Know it can’t be done who does it.

Peace Pilgrim

The simple life is not all that simple. Self sufficiency or living off the land takes lots of work, commitment and self discipline.A rural life could be a means towards a simpler existence, but for most of us, making the drastic changes involved in relocation would be virtually impossible; so, for those people, begin simplification right where you are.

I have seen many try to simplify their lives and actually end up creating more complications. Many books describe this process with rituals and procedures, and make it sound as though it could all be done in a day.

Simplifying all aspects of your life has no set time line. Each person is different. Some can achieve both an inner and outer need level immediately, and some may take years. Once you’ve made the choice to simplify, start from within. Listen to your inner voice, and use that as your guide.

I began about 5 years ago and am still learning and growing every day! For me it was about seeking a more peaceful existence and obtaining more freedom to enjoy the REAL important things in my life. I began by bringing my total existence to my own personal need level.

We all have different need levels but once you’ve found yours you’ll soon experience a sense of freedom and tranquility, leading you towards a more meaningful way of life. You’ll no longer feel as though you’re spreading yourself thin.

Without a cluttered mind and the added responsibilities of unnecessary material possessions, you’ll have more time to concentrate on family and friends or even begin and finish projects you had no time for.

Our material world does not and cannot fulfill us. It can, at best, provide a temporary bandaid, that leads to debt, stress and health problems. So many of us are enslaved and we don’t even realize it. We’re caught up in credit cards, new car payments, fashion, expensive homes, driving really long distances to work, high insurance payments and expensive vacation traps. All of this soon leads to a weary mind and lots of health problems.

People won’t remember what you had, but rather what you did. The choice to live a simpler existence positvely effects family, friends, our environment as well as your children’s future. People will notice the difference in you and will begin to ask questions. Use this as your opportunity to share, leaving behind a very important legacy.

A few first steps:

After you’ve made the choice to simplify your life, clean out your mind, body and environment. You can begin by cleaning out closets. Donate or simply give away as many items as possible. This will give you a good feeling, knowing that others will benefit from STUFF that no longer has use to you.

Clean out your car and follow up with your work space(whether at home or away). Once you’ve uncluttered all areas of your environment, you can then begin to simplify yourself from within. Start by getting rid of any bad habits that affect your finances as well as your overall health and well being.

Remove negative thought patterns, eat healthier and stay clear of any negative influences such as people, places and temptations that might cause you to overspend. You’ll soon learn that self simplification has a domino affect in all areas of your life. Take your time and enjoy the trip.

The simplified life…
Much more calm, much more life
The realness is unveiled
Projects move forward which in the past failed
What beauty and serenity it’s given me
Beautiful Simplicity

Anonymous

Suggested Reading:

1) The Joy of Simple Living by: Jeffrey P. Davidson
2) Simple Gifts by: June Sprigg
3) Simple Living by: Jose Hobday
4) Your Money or your Life by: Joe and Vicki Dominguez (one of the best for financial freedom)

Catalogs:

GVS – PO Box 310 Versailles, MO 65084 (takes you back to a simpler time; good quality products and shoes)

Gohn Brothers – Box 1110 Middlebury, IN 465401110 ( family owned; large amount of simple products)

Yoder Dept. Store – State Road 5 PO Box 245 Shipshewana, IN 46565 (lots of simple home made items and great quality garments)

Write to the above addresses and they will send you a free catalog. Businesses listed above use no phone or internet service…snail mail only. They walk their talk and have superb customer service!

Websites:

http://lehman’s.com – (one of my favorites for a huge array of simple, natural and self- sufficiency products; excellent customer service and great books) you can also sign up for Lehman’s Life…folks share information on simple living.

http://goodbks.com – some great gift giving books on the plain life as well as beautiful stationery.

http://www.thefarm.org – a walk through communal and self-sufficient living…began as a dream and still lives on… doing some great work from midwifery to helping communities in need; interesting handmade products.

Periodicals:

1) http://www.backhomemagazine.com ( great farm companion)
2) http://www.motherearthnews.com (the original magazine for self-sufficiency)

Products:

1)Tom’s of Maine – family run, natural/safe products…love their deodorant!
2)Kirk’s – has been around for a VERY long time…great castile soap and hair products.

These companies sell all natural products safe for you and the environment. They are lower in cost than most of your organic products and can easily be found in almost all supermarkets around the US. I purchase mine at SweetBay Supermarkets.

Till next time – Peace Always, Gigi

This first step to simplification involves clearing out your own personal stuff, home, car, job front and odds and ends. Odds and ends can be anywhere from where and how to shop all the way to how you choose to spend your quality time.

You may even include decisions about family vacations and whether or not to participate at holiday time. This last bit of simplification may take some getting used to for family and friends. They will soon learn to understand, appreciate, as well as, respect your decisions.

Start out by clearing out your entire home of UNWANTED possessions. Divide your stuff into three separate piles: THROW OUT, DONATE and KEEP. Be cautious with that KEEP pile; if you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it.

CLOSETS:

Go through your own closet and clear out clothes you haven’t worn in a long time. This also includes shoes, handbags, hats etc…do the same with your kids or other family members. Have your kids share in this responsibility. Hopefully you’ll be able to donate all items to those in need.

I do this clearing out twice a year. Once right before school starts and once at the beginning of summer. I have a clear rule that applies to all: With something new, something old must go. Don’t forget your drawers as well.

MEDICINE CABINETS:

Clear and update your medicine cabinet at least once a year. This is especially important if you have children. Try to keep only very basic medications. I keep aspirin and honey with some baking soda for the adults and fever reducer for the kids.

I always try to treat with healthy homemade recipes first. Always keep your medications and vitamins out of the reach of little ones. Even an overdose of an iron vitamin can be fatal to very young ones.

KITCHEN DRAWERS AND PANTRY:

Keep in the kitchen only what you and your family need. You can donate a lot of your kitchen gadgets as well.

Try to keep items that are multipurpose. Keeping plates, cups and utensils to a minimum will in turn prompt you to keep your sink free and clear of dishes.

Scale down on your spice rack. Try purchasing spices that are all purpose as well.

The same goes for cleaning supplies and dish liquid. Automatic dish liquid contains phosphates; which is not only extremely unhealthy to your nasal passages, but is really harmful to the environment. And yes, your electric bill can go up to as much as $60.00 by using your dishwasher.

I use an all purpose non-toxic spray cleaner for the whole house.

Your pantry should contain basic starters such as for soups, canned foods for emergencies and maybe even water, grains, canned or dried milk, etc…foods that will stay fresh and dry. Purchasing these in bulk will save you money and time in the long run.

Once you’ve cleared out cabinet and drawer space, you will most likely have more counter space to really be able to enjoy your kitchen. And don’t forget, if you have children, arranging foods and drinks safely and with easy access will give the children a sense of independence and free you up for important things.

The kitchen has always been my favorite room in the house. Oh, and don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator and ice- box as well! Over filling your ice- box can cause your energy bill to rise as well.

You get the idea…do this clearing out in every room and hidden space in your home including garage, attic, basement, washroom and even your storage unit if you have one. This is so important as many people pay monthly to keep stuff they never use in storage. Get rid of your storage unit and sell the stuff. Keep only what’s absolutely necessary and store it in neat containers in your own home for free…I did.

Not only did we close down our $80.00 a month storage space; we ended up making hundreds of dollars on items other people wanted. The stuff we did decide to keep is now stored in neat plastic containers which I’ve covered with a pretty cotton blanket and use it under my bedroom window as a table.

All of this home simplification will with no doubt lead you to releasing yourself from unnecessary items that take your money and time. For example: once you clear out your bathroom cabinets you may want to reduce your beauty and hygiene rituals to a bare minimum. Use a simple bath soap and shampoo. Avoid tons of hair products, face products and those for body. It used to take me an hour to get ready.

Now, I shower and maybe apply some all in one face and body lotion and move on, some underarm deodorant if I feel in the mood and I’m done- ready to get going with what’s really important in my life. One big step for women is getting rid or at least toning down the make-up. I feel so free and beautiful now. I don’t need make-up all the time…my sense of freedom and happiness shine through!

After you have cleared out your own personal home stuff as well as household stuff, it is now time to go outside those boundaries and clear out your car. After this you may want to clean out the area where you work or your office if you work outside your home.

You will see how much more productive you will be and happier doing it.

The last bit is odds and ends. This is really different for everyone. You may want to start by getting rid of unnecessary rituals such as birthdays or anniversaries. Maybe you might want to do such gatherings every other year.

Choose how you want to spend your quality time with your family rather than feeling you have to do the same thing year in year out. Maybe you could go away for a specific holiday and enjoy doing what you really want to do rather than what you feel you have to do. Your family and friends will deserve an explanation of your choices to change and I’m sure if they really love you they will understand.

There is a sense of liberation in not keeping up with what everyone else does on certain days of the year. Who says I can’t go on a Bahamian retreat at Christmas time?!

UNNECESSARY POSSESSIONS ARE UNNECESSARY BURDENS. MANY LIVES ARE CLUTTERED NOT ONLYWITH UNNECESSARY POSSESSIONS BUT ALSO WITH MEANINGLESS ACTIVITIES. CLUTTERED LIVES ARE OUT-OF-HARMONY LIVES AND REQUIRE SIMPLIFICATION. WANTS AND NEEDS CAN BECOME THE SAME IN A HUMAN LIFE AND, WHEN THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED, THERE WILL BE A SENSE OF HARMONY BETWEEN INNER AND OUTER WELL-BEING. SUCH HARMONY IS NEEDFUL NOT ONLY IN THE INDIVIDUAL LIFE BUT IN THE COLLECTIVE LIFE TOO.

From: STEPS TOWARD INNER PEACE
By: Peace Pilgrim 1908-1981 **The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **

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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **

“Simplicity is perfect truth, allowing the light within to illuminate a path to inner peace and total freedom.” Gigi

Simplification is a choice that can only bring good to your life. When we choose to simplify all aspects of our lives we soon begin to live with purpose and truth. The realness of our lives appears and not only can we get on with doing what’s really important but receive answers on what we are truly meant to do.

It’s like getting a second chance. No longer are we burdened with a sense of hurriedness and overwhelming responsibility to outside “STUFF”. Soon we begin to receive some of the free gifts from simplicity: inner peace, harmony with our environment and freedom.

Our new state of being will in turn affect our relationships with children, family and friends in a more positive way. People will begin to notice the difference and will want to know what you are up to; so not only will simplifying affect you, you will be put in the wonderful position of being an example through which others may undergo the same process.

When you simplify you are in a sense purifying, which in turn leads to clarity. You are suddenly free from negative thought patterns, habits and unnecessary rituals, which consume your time and money. The more outer and intrusive inner “STUFF” you have, the less freedom you have.

When we simplify we attain the gift of being able to give of ourselves more, as well as gaining the time to do it.

Simplicity will not only affect you as a whole individual but your spiritual, environmental, and financial areas as well. Once you have brought your living to your own “basic need level” you can begin your journey.

I hope I am able to give you some insight and help as you begin your process of voluntary simplification.

Choose freedom over enslavement. Choose to experience life in the now for harmony and happiness. Don’t worry about the past – it’s gone…and don’t worry about tomorrow – we can’t dam the future. We all have a purpose – like cells in this great body called Humanity. Let’s work together for the good of the whole collectively.

“We are not what we have but what we do.”
Gigi

I’ve always had the simplicity bug in me; from creating my own toys as a child to, as a teen, trying to copy fashion magazine models’ beautiful and expensive clothes by shopping for similar looks at thrift stores.

When I was younger and worked outside the home, I worked in professional environments that required elegant clothing, shoes and handbags. No one could ever tell that most of my wardrobe was purchased second hand or handmade.

As I got older my love of simplicity branched out into other aspects of my life and grew into more specific areas. Now saving time and money, being self-sufficient, is secone-nature. I can’t imagine being any other way.

The truth is, I really did most of my growing after my children were born. It is very important to me to set this example of simplicity for them so that they may one day live their lives to the fullest and do what they love to do and are meant to do while gaining inner peace, freedom and happiness…something money can never buy.

I still keep growing every single day and am looking forward to what life holds for me and loved ones.

SIMPLIFY, CLARIFY and ECONOMIZE.

MATERIAL THINGS MUST BE PUT INTO THEIR PROPER PLACE. THEY ARE THERE FOR USE. IT’S ALL RIGHT TO USE THEM; THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE THERE FOR. BUT WHEN THEY’VE OULIVED THEIR USEFULLNESS, BE READY TO RELIQUISH THEM AND PERHAPS PASS THEM ON TO SOMEONE WHO DOES NEED THEM. ANYTHING THAT YOU CANNOT RELIQUISH WHEN IT HAS OUTLIVED ITS USEFULLNESS POSSESSES YOU, AND IN THIS MATERIALISTIC AGE A GREAT MANY OF US ARE POSSESSED BY OUR POSSESSIONS. WE ARE NOT FREE!

From STEPS TOWARD INNER PEACE
By: Peace Pilgrim 1908-1981

It has now been proven that vitamins and minerals can help prevent certain types of cancer, heart disease, birth defects and reduce your chances of simply catching the common cold! For just pennies a day you can have real health insurance and feel better.

Doctors are now recommending children as well as adults take one multi-vitamin multi-mineral supplement daily. Here I’ve compiled vitamins and minerals essential for a healthier body. Even if you’re the healthiest eater possible, you can never get all the vitamins and minerals necessary for complete nutrition.

As with any medication or herbal remedies, make sure you don’t have allergies and speak with your health provider first. Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease can be affected by taking certain vitamins and minerals, even herbs.

Make sure your capsule contains very little to no fillers such as starch, sugar or even wheat, soy or milk derivatives. These fillers take away from the potency of the capsule as well as reduce the % of nutrients involved.

There are 2 types of vitamins: water soluble and fat soluble. You don’t want to take much more than suggested daily amount of iron, vitamin a, vitamin e and vitamin d. They are not water soluable, not expelled easily by the body.

You should also take only the necessary daily amount for certain minerals such as Niacin. Too much Niacin can speed up your heart beat and experience flushing episodes throughout the day because it will accelerate your circulatory system.

This is especially dangerous if you’re already taking blood thinners and or heart medication. Overdosing on Iron can be dangerous as well and can lead to strokes, elevated blood pressure and severe headaches. Just keep in mind that fat soluble vitamins don’t metabolize as well as water soluble.

You can’t overdose on water soluble vitamins. All your b vitamins, biotin and c are water soluble. Choline falls between fat and water soluble.

MINERALS:

CALCIUM – (calcium citrate-malate is easier absorbed into the body)
Maintains strong bones and teeth. Found in dairy foods, sardines and green veggies. Helps prevent certain cancers and high blood pressure.

CHROMIUM – If you’re diabetic, speak with your health provider first to see if this mineral is right for your level of diabetes. Found in grains, cereals and dark brews.

COPPER – High in collagen and fights the signs of aging from the inside. Found in lean meats, fish, nuts, beans and grains. Cooking in copper pots will increase the % of this mineral. Neutrogena Cosmetics now adds copper to at least one of their new facial foundations! www.neutrogena.com

IRON – Keeps blood cells healthy and gives you energy. Found in liver and other organ meats, fish, eggs, spinach and iron enriched cereals and grains.

MAGNESIUM – Prevents certain types of birth defects and bruising or blood clots. Found in sunflower and pumpkin seeds, seaweed, black strap molasses, green veggies, lean meats, low fat dairy, seafood and soy products. This mineral helps diminish symptoms of premenstrual syndrome!!

MANGANESE – Helps the body metabolize fats and proteins there by giving you more energy. Found in grains, seaweed, nuts, seeds.

POTASSIUM – Prevents high blood pressure and helps keep sugar levels balanced, especially if you suffer from low blood sugar. Found in bananas and most fruits, low fat dairy foods, seafood and most whole grains.

SELENIUM – Helps prevent formation of cancerous cells. Found in nuts, beer, lean meats, fish and most whole grains and rice.

ZINC – Helps maintain a VERY healthy immune system! Both men and women should increase their zinc intake as it also keeps reproductive organs healthy and can help to increase sperm count.

Fat Soluble Vitamins:

VITAMIN A – or retinal is the best in preventing cancer. It basically helps maintain healthy cellular composition while raising immunity. Found in colorful fruits and veggies, fish oil and lean meats. Only half the recommended amount should be taken by pregnant women. In this case, a prenatal vitamin will give you the correct amount of vitamins and minerals needed for both you and your baby without any harm. Your health provider or mid-wife should suggest which prenatal vitamins to take.
Oh and if you’re a vegetarian, vegan or are on a macro-biotic diet you should definitely look into which vitamins are missing in your diet. These alternative ways of eating can deplete you from vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy survival. Books on such diets will most likely offer you info on which vitamins and minerals to take apart from your daily chosen way of eating.

VITAMIN D – Keeps skeletal system and tooth enamel healthy. Found in Cod liver oil, fish, eggs and low fat dairy products. You can also go out in the sun for your daily intake of this vitamin. Both Cod liver oil and fish oils can be taken in capsule form. These oils help to lubricate stiff joints there by deceasing arthritic pain. Egg Beaters is a wonderful product that gives you all the benefits of eggs but without the fat and cholesterol.

VITAMIN E – or d alpha locopherol and succenate- a synthetic form and not as easily absorbed into the body. Important in preventing heart disease and brain problems. Found in veggie oils, nuts and what cereals and products. If you’re allergic to wheat, you may have to take it in capsule form. Vitamin E oil also lubricates your skin from within and makes a very effective facial line reducer!

VITAMIN K – Helps maintain healthy circulatory system and aids in healing broken bones…especially important to new-borns and older folks. Found in green veggies and green tea. Speak to your health provider before taking this vitamin if you’re taking blood thinning medication.

Water Soluble Vitamins:

VITAMIN B-1 – or thiamine helps you think more clearly and boosts energy levels. Found in rice, eggs, low fat dairy and soybeans. Very beneficial in reduction of PMS symptoms!!

VITAMIN B-2 – or riboflavin – Raises immunity and keeps you active. Found in cheese products, eggs, seafood, poultry, some dairy products and green leafy veggies. Old folks benefit from this vitamin the most.

VITAMIN B3 or niacin is helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood and is also known for nervous system benefits. Found in beer, bright colored veggies, brewer’s yeast, seafood, wheat products and certain nuts.

VITAMIN B5 or pantothenic acid – Maintains a healthy nervous system and provides more energy. Great for PMS symptoms! Found in Whole wheat products, eggs, peas and legumes. Beneficial for people with Lupus and Arthritic diseases.

VITAMIN B6 – or pyridoxine – Responsible for helping with body development and growth ;especially for toddlers and growing children. Found in cereals such as oatmeal, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, bananas, poultry, seafood and brightly colored veggies especially sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Very beneficial for a healthy pregnancy and to increase lactation after delivery.

VITAMIN B9 or Folic Acid – An all around beneficial nutrient for the body! Found in greens, beer, liver, orange juice and certain green veggies. This is the most important vitamin to take during pregnancy as it helps to prevent certain genetic birth defects in utero. Keep taking it during breast feeding as well! Folic Acid is now contained in all prenatal tablets or at least should be…and don’t drink beer while pregnant.

VITAMIN B12 or cobalamin – Helps keep the body balanced mood wise because it interacts positively with the nervous system. Found in animal organs, seafood, eggs and low fat dairy products.

BIOTIN – Important for healthy skin, hair and nails. Found in dairy products, fish, meats, rice and brewer’s yeast.

CHOLINE – not all the way water soluble – helps your body metabolize fat, gives you energy and keeps you calm. Found in grains, lean meats, eggs and legumes (certain beans). Beneficial in preventing neurological diseases.

VITAMIN C – or absorbic acid – This has got to be the king of vitamins! Cancer preventer, energy supplier, cellular healer, immune booster (helps prevent colds and flu), maintains eye health, helps body movement without aches, keeps muscles and bones healthy, helps heal and prevents heart disease. You may take a separate capsule in addition to your multi capsule. Found in citrus and greens. Basically fruits and veggies or juices and veggie drinks and soups. If you don’t care to eat a lot of fruits and veggies, they’re in fruit soups as well.

What I do is take a high quality multi vitamin multi mineral and take separate capsules of vitamin c, biotin, fish oil and brewer’s yeast in addition.

I also like taking prenatal vitamins for short periods to boost up everything all together.

Prenatals also help me with PMS symptoms and should definitely be taken while pregnant and breastfeeding.

We at Simplitudes are not doctors and you should probably check with yours before getting too deeply into suppliments. That said, if you know what you want you might check into our sponsers’ offerings over on the right hand column. Your buying from them enables us to do the same.

**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **