Morningside Farm

I picked up my first order from a new (to me) co-op today. I've long been a fan of this one but I was sorely lacking a source for bulk organic butter and cheeses. Enter Morningside...

Not only do they have dairy products but a much wider selection of products in general. Plus, their website is a bit easier to use and their ordering schedule is easier to understand. 

We ordered...oats, baking powder, peanut butter, almond butter, Veganaise, black beans, my super-favorite olive oil, butter, chips (for our beloved Mexican nights), carob chips and cocoa powder as well as pepper jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. 

In A Time of Need...

If you've ever been blessed by friends bringing your family food after a major life event, you know what a tremendous load that can take off your family. Organizing people for this is pretty easy but there are some great websites that can make it even easier.

Check out a couple here and here.

Great Guides for Parents

Every parent knows the uncomfortable feelings of indecision when a child wants to read a book or watch a movie or TV show that you haven't read or seen yourself, especially when the child is feeling pressure from friends. There are two great sites that I use to maintain a good balance between our family's values and cultural and peer pressures. 

Common Sense Media covers all types of media -- books, movies, TV, video games, apps and more. You can find both objective and subjective information. It's rating system covers messages, violence, sex, language, consumerism and drinking, drugs & smoking. Any time I'm told a show is appropriate for my kids, I'll check it out here. If there is something I object to, I still may let them watch it but at least I'm able to talk with them afterward and provide balance with our beliefs. To me, those discussions are the foundation of teaching them how to make good decisions in the difficult, high-pressure situations that lie ahead for them.

The Internet Movie Database covers film and TV episodes. This one is less parent-oriented but it does have  notes for parents and stresses that its reviews be factual and not generalize with comments like 'not too much violence.' Like CSM, it provides great details so that you can determine if 'potty language' is okay but stronger four-letter words are not or how prevalent kissing scenes are.

Food Co-op

A local CSA farmer introduced me to this natural food cooperative for Middle Tennessee. In addition to listing sources for local farmers, they offer some non-local products as well. Check out their selection of grains, nuts, oils, fermented/sprouted baked goods, seasonal fruit and much, much more!

House Decorating and Design

I recently came across Houzz. It's similar to looking through design magazines minus the paper waste. After creating an account, you can save photos to your 'ideabook' and add comments on what you like about the pictured space. It's provided lots of interesting ideas on how to use our new space.

Great Resource!

Yesterday, I stopped by a store recommended to me by Carrie called The Green Wagon. If you're local to Nashville or to shop online, look them up here!

They carry a wide variety of earth-friendly products, some of which I haven't seen elsewhere. Most products are local but everything else is made in the U.S. There is a singular exception to the U.S. rule which I purchased and will blog about very soon. (oooh, suspense!)

One of the coolest features is the Filling Station where you can purchase products such as shampoo, conditioner, body oil and more by bringing in your own container or buying one of theirs (for use and re-use). They have many home cleaning products as well. The selection was so unique that I was a bit overwhelmed trying to take in so many new options. I bought a few and you'll be hearing about them soon!

Normally, I'm a bit hesitant to 'bother' store help. I like to understand new things, especially when I'm spending money and some employees just don't care to educate. Well, that is certainly not the case at the Green Wagon. I had a very inspiring conversation with Jonathan who owns the store with his wife, Jennifer. For every product I looked at, he was able to give me personal recommendations and ideas. I must say that that is my favorite reason to shop at small businesses -- you come in contact with people who make a living at something they are truly passionate about.

I must admit, I care a lot about the 'green' movement but find that my mind can be spinning with ways to do things better and 'greener' while my kids try to break through my musings with pleas for food and clean clothes. Not good...

And this is where Jonathan, thus the attitude of the store, really impressed me. I didn't feel like there was any lack of knowledge which I could express that would bring an incredulous "how could you not have made that change seven years ago?" look to his face.

And isn't that what the willingness to teach that will truly change the world?