Saturday, November 20, 2010

Senate Bill 510

Senate Bill S 510, the "Food Modernization Act" is about to go to the Senate floor.  It would give the FDA complete control over the food you grow IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, as well as on small farms.  Saving seeds, growing organic foods, and selling organic produce at farmer's markets could become ILLEGAL. 

The procedural vote has already PASSED 74-25. So what seems like a ridiculous act, could become law very soon.  I mean, who would have thought that soybeans could be patented, and now look at MONSANTO.

Supporters of the bill are of course major food industry leaders, opponents are small farmers and organic food producers.  Please learn more about this bill at:

http://www.naturalnews.com/030440_Food_Safety_Modernization_Act_Senate.html

To learn more about how so many of our government leaders are in bed, so to speak, with the huge food corporations, please watch Food, Inc.

Please call your senators' offices to oppose this bill.  FYI Californians, Boxer and Feinstein SUPPORT this bill.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Vegan and Gluten Free Marshmallows




I am making candied yams for my son's Thanksgiving Feast - and really did not want to put regular store bought marshmallows on top.  They have gelatin in them, and that does not sound appetizing to me, knowing what gelatin is made from.  Here is some info from the Polymer Science Learning Center's website:


What is gelatin used for?
  • binders for paper money
  • cosmetics
  • bonding for the tip of matches
  • bakery products
  • photographic film
  • whipping agent in dairy products
  • medicine emulsions
  • hardening of jams and jellies
  • treatment of wounds as a sponge
  • marshmallows
Exactly what IS gelatin anyway?
Basically it's a protein substance obtained by boiling animal bones and connective tissue. (Hey, you asked!) But where does the raw material for gelatin come from??? You guessed it! The meat industry where all that's left but the moo is converted to gelatin. The end result is a pale yellow, dry powder. The powder is about 85% protein, 13% water, and 2% mineral salts, free of additives and preservatives. Gelatin contains about 18 different amino acids joined together in a chain. Eventually a polymer in the shape of a triple helix (or triple spiral) is the complex form that gives gelatin its unique ability to, well, "gel" things.
I also did not want to MAKE marshmallows.  I tried a "Martha" recipe years ago, and my little Easter Peeps looked like a big pink glob of sticky goo.  Yuck!  
So, I am happy to say, I found Vegan, Gluten-Free Marshmallows made by Chicago Soydairy called Dandies.  They are made in a peanut/tree-nut free facility on dedicated vegan equipment.  And, they taste really good!  Our local market, Henry's carries them.  Check out your local natural foods grocer and see if they have them.  A great alternative!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Why Montessori?

Why do I raise my son the way I do?

I want him to be compassionate.

I want him to practice a peaceful way of life.

I want to teach him how to be independent.  

I want him to help take care of the Earth, and its people, plants, and animals.

I want to encourage his senses of creativity and spontaneity.

I want him to be able to share the love he has in heart with others.

I want him to see the world.  I want to show him as much of the planet as I can now, so that when he is grown-up, he will continue to explore.

I want him to know diversity.  I want him to have friends of all backgrounds, all races....

I want him to feel good about himself.  I want him to be proud of his actions.  I want him to feel comfortable in his own skin.

I want him to feel brave enough to "do the right thing," even when "doing the right thing" is difficult to do.

These are just a few of the many reasons I have chosen a Montessori education for my son.