NaHCO3 (Baking Soda)

Who would have known that baking soda would have so many uses. You can use it as a non-toxic and very effective cleaning agent to help scrub bathtubs, sinks and floors, it is a great detoxifying agent for your skin when used as a soak with Epsom salts in a warm bath, and it makes for a useful ingredient when baking to react with an acidic medium such as cream of tarter, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cacao, vinegar, etc. to release carbon dioxide and help bread rise. Medical uses include use as an anti-fungal against dandruff, as an antacid, and as a paste to relieve insect stings and to absorb the poison.

I've been using this stuff for years and never realized the vastness of its powers until now. Guess I know what will be on my grocery list for tomorrow.

Home is where you call home

I'm back home today. That is, I'm back in California. I have lived in CA for 6 years now, almost to the day. But hovering in the plane looking over San Francisco as we descended today was the first time I ever muttered the words, "I am so glad to be home", at least in reference to California. So, if you are wondering where home is...just ask yourself that very question. Your heart will know the answer. And yes, Mom and Dad, it is possible to feel "at home" in two places at the same time :)

Going back to my roots

Day 4 visiting my parents in MN. I love going home to spend time with my family, although sometimes it can be stressful, I end up learning a lot about myself, my relationship with my parents, and how I have become the person I have become. Some interesting things I learned on this trip:

1. I know where I get my need to have sweets in the house! My mom always has the most delectable chocolates and baked goods on hand. We always used to get to have a "treat" after dinner. Boy, has it taken be a long time to break that habit. It also makes a difference to be "out of sight, out of mind". Note to self: if there are sweets out in plain sight, I will eat them.
   
2. You cannot push your loved ones to change their diet and their lifestyle just because you know (or think!) it is in their best interest. The more you push, the more they will push back. If you really love someone and want to help them, be gentle with your suggestions and give them time and space to change. Note to my husband: I know you are my sounding board and hear more than you care to! Thanks for understanding it is all out of love!
3. Californians (at least those who live in the Bay Area) should be so grateful for the variety and abundance of fresh, organic, seasonal and local produce we have at our fingertips. Grocery shopping in Minnesota was an internal battle of increasing my carbon footprint from buying organic produce from long distances or buying a very limited choice of non-organic local produce. I would have had to drive quite a bit to go to a Farmer's Market or shop within a couple miles at Target Greatland!?! Boy, do I miss the Sunday Farmer's Market in Walnut Creek! Note to Minnesotans: keep voting for fresh, local, seasonal, organic produce with your wallets! Seek out the Farmer's Markets, Co-ops or Health Stores that can provide these items. Change will happen.