Hey Laura, What...?

I’ve been working on my wrap-up to the Emergency Preparedness series for way too long. It occurred to me today that this is actually a very good example of why most people aren’t as prepared as they should be: It’s overwhelming!

I got bogged down - like most of us do - because there are so many scenarios to consider, so many items to research and review, so many things to keep track of.

I really wanted to provide my readers with The Official, Exhaustive HLW Emergency Guide, but I’m just not there yet. I’m still building my own kit! So I want to invite you to come along with me as we take baby steps to getting ourselves and our families more prepared. Here’s what I have so far.

But….I...

Leila asks:

I’ve recently decided to get rid of the yucky chemicals in my life - no more artificial fragrances and no more super toxic cleaning products. Before I buy everything on the shelf at Whole Foods, is there a way to go about this transition more economically?

“My” method
Well, if you’ve read my blog for long, you’ve probably noticed I’m a big fan of method products.

If you’re easing yourself into the world of more natural cleaning products, method is a great start. They are naturally derived, non-toxic, and very effective.

Here are a few method products I love:

- Flushable Tub & Tile wipes. Perfect for a quick swipe of the counters, sink, and toilet surfaces to freshen up...

K writes:

My husband and I have some prescription medications that we no longer need and/or are expired.  What is the best and safest way to get rid of them?

Good news! April 30, 2011 is National Take Back Day!

Collection sites around the US will be joining in the National Take Back Initiative: a DEA-backed effort to reduce the illicit use of improperly disposed of prescription medications.

If there isn’t a Take Back collection site near you, contact your local pharmacy. Sometimes they are equipped to dispose of your unwanted pills. Or you can encourage them to join in the effort of the Take Back program.

To dispose of the pills yourself, read these guidelines. The basic rules of thumb:...continue reading

(This is an unanticipated “half” installment of our Emergency Preparedness series, which also includes Part 1: Heidi’s Earthquake Story and Intro, Part 2:Heidi’s Cupboard, and Part 3: Jack Stowage’s Fully Loaded Getaway Vehicle).

Northern California saw some severe rain and wind storms in the end of March. Since Heidi had the opportunity to “Bug In” while waiting for power to be restored, I asked her to give us a followup on how her Emergency Cupboard served her family. Here’s what she had to say:

Heidi’s Report:

Shortly after Laura posted my thoughts on Emergency Preparedness, a strong storm hit our city that left us without electricity for two days, and without drinkable water for...

Welcome to Part 3 of our Emergency Preparedness series. You can read Part 1 - The Intro - here and Part 2 - Heidi’s Cupboard - here.

My friend, “Jack Stowage,” is one of those larger-than-life characters with tales so tall you wouldn’t believe them if you read them in a book. Thing is, Jack’s got the credentials and is hardcore enough that I’m pretty sure his stories are true.

Here’s the bio he sent for me to publish:

Jack Stowage is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a communicator, close combat instructor, and team leader in a scout/sniper platoon. He has worked as a Weapons and Tactics instructor and a private contractor. He is currently a sworn peace...

We began our Emergency Preparedness series with a brief introduction and Heidi’s incredible childhood earthquake story - the impetus for her work on her disaster kit.

Now, here’s Heidi again, explaining her rationale behind emergency preparedness and showing off her (in progress) 72-hour disaster kit. She is simultaneously posting this on her blog, and graciously allowing me to appropriate it for my own purposes.

Heidi, part 2

There are many different types of situations that can interfere with our basic survival needs.  Contemplate your potential risks. 

Is your city on or close to tens of fault lines (and furthermore, is your house on bedrock or partial landfill/beach and should...

I actually had the groundwork laid for a series on Emergency Preparedness when the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis hit Japan this week. Suddenly, everyone’s minds are clicked in: “What if this happened to me? Would I have what I need and would I know what to do to survive?” So I’m bumping up production and getting it published right away.

I have two guest writers offering their insights and experience. I have some thoughts on the matter as well, which I intend to share, but I’m not nearly as prepared as they are (yet!) and I plan on learning from them right along with you!

Heidi, who has already guest-posted for me about raising adventurous eaters, has been working diligently on her...

Angela writes:

Is there a natural, non-toxic way for me to control weeds both in my grass and in my flower beds? I swear I could spend the next 30 days, 24 hrs a day pulling weeds in my yard and still not have them in control! I hesitate to use poison since I have small children and cats that I would prefer not to poison too! The problem really got out of control after my close relative said to me “You know those wishing flowers? I taught Drake how to blow them!” UGH, DANDELIONS!!!! The problem has only snowballed since. We also have issues w/a local favorite, Knap weed. I tried using strait vinegar in a spray bottle (in the beds only since it can scorch grass) but it really did nothing but...

Kristina writes:

Tonight I was cutting jalapenos, and even though I rinsed and washed my hands afterward, I still got hot jalapeno chemicals on my face, in my eyes, under my nails, and on Tyler’s face!  Ouch!  This has never happened to me before.  What can I do to be more careful next time?

Ah, yes. I’m sure everyone has done this at least once! Capsaicin is a nasty bugger of a chemical!

Probably the best solution for next time is prevention - wear gloves when you do your chopping. What I’ve done in a pinch is to put my hands inside plastic produce bags while I remove the seeds and membranes (that’s where the capsaicin oil is most concentrated).

There are as many home remedies for...

“Beancess” writes:

Hey Laura,
What is the best toothpaste? What ingredients should we avoid, and specifically what do you think about fluoride?

Oh fluoride! I have been totally intimidated by the fluoride debate and have been avoiding the research for my own family out of sheer mental laziness. I already know that it’s going to be one of those murky, “We say X” vs. “They say Y” kind of issues and those are the hardest to get a straight set of facts upon which to base a decision.

But, thank you Beancess for making me a better, more informed parent. I’m going to give you a dissertation on fluoride, then talk about toothpaste options clear down at the end. Don’t be tempted to skip down...

Amy writes:

So, what’s the big deal with putting sunscreen on the kids first thing in the morning…does it really work? I have always done this and know so many others who do, but I know for my kids we have to reapply quite soon after we finally get out in the sun. Does it really help/work to put sunscreen on the kids first thing in the morning, even and esp if you’re not really going to be out in the sun until later in the morning or afternoon?

I honestly had never even heard of this practice until Amy asked the question! Sure, I wear a face lotion with spf 15, but I have never considered putting actual sunblock on myself or my kids unless I’m anticipating some major sun exposure.

So, I...

Michelle asks:

So this is a question that I might not really want to know the answer to, but figured I’d let you do the grunt work! :)

In general, what’s the deal with GMOs?  What are they?  Where are they found?  What are the best ways to avoid them?

And then - are GMOs and veggie meat connected in anyway?  specifically the Worthington/Loma Linda canned goodness and the Morningstar farm stuff.  While I know that all the sodium that is found in veggie meat is not the best, I have begun to hear things about processed soy and didn’t know if that was somehow related to GMOs or if that is a whole other not good thing . . .

thanks!
Veggie Meat Lover who is Trying to Clean Up Her Food Act (aka,...

Doris writes:

Dear Miss Know It All:
What is best security system and company for my house? I really need to get one installed, but I have always heard you need to be more worried once you get it installed because the company employees will then know everything about your house and come back to rob you. Thanks!

Thanks for the compliment, Doris! Funny you should ask a question that I know nothing about, though!

I really, seriously, deeply doubt that if you choose a top-rated, fully vetted security system company, that you would have to worry about the employees coming back to rob you. That sounds like an old wives tale to me. But, let’s see what real experts say. Learn along with me.

I have two kids+dogs questions to tackle today. This should be a long one!

Betty asked:

Hey Laura,

You have BIG dogs and SMALL children together in a household.  My question is 4 part:

1) How did you introduce the babies to the dogs? And vice versa?
2) How did you teach children to be gentle around the dogs? Children don’t know not to make fast movements, tug pull on dogs, not to grab their toys or food….etc. How do you teach them that?
3) Are you ever concerned that the dogs will bite or be aggressive with the children (especially your newborn)?
4) What breeds work best with children? Or is it really about training your dogs not the breed?

And David wonders:

So how do you help a 2 year...