hold the poison, please

To go organic or no?  I'm trying so hard to increase the fresh fruits and vegetables my family eats, but then I read about all the horrible pesticides out there on the produce we eat everyday.  The answer?  Some say buy organic, others say organic is a waste of money.  And if you're like me, and live in a small town - organic products are not even offered in most grocery stores.  What's a mom to do?  The best I've been able to figure out for my family is - on some things, it's worth the extra money to buy organic, while others, not so much.  Check out this list for more details http://foodnews.org/EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf.  Also, Why Organic Foods Are Good for You offers a compelling argument!  So, now I have to spend more money on things that are safer "organic".  Great.  Thank goodness for my garden! 

This was taken on one of the super hot days, so it's a little droopy

Researching this gave me renewed purpose to salvage it from the weeds and heat!!  I worked for 2 hours this weekend (and just about had HEAT STROKE) getting the garden back into shape, and making room for whatever I'm going to plant next.  Which I haven't figured out yet.  I need a 'Gardening for Dummies' book. 

However, I'm starting to get

and

                 andYAY ME! 

There is also an interesting "discussion" going on here about buying organic.  A majority who weighed in feel it's a waste of money.  What did surprise me is the number of people who made comments like "if people are that concerned about what they feed their kids...", uhmmm, I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm assuming that folks who make comments like that DON'T HAVE KIDS!  Because, DUH, of course we're THAT concerned.  It's called being a parent.  Anyway, what-evuh.

So, in all honesty, I don't know if "organic" is all it's hyped to be or if things labeled organic are truly organic, so I will continue to research and educate myself on what is best - and maybe this whole gardening thing will continue to work out.  However, on some things (like RAISINS) I'd rather be safe than sorry (my sister said she read they are loaded with pesticides/chemicals, and she's, like, super smart). 

Now, if I could just figure out how to grow cocao beans....i'd be a happy mama.


Other things that make me happy....free stuff!!!  Thanks to Soap & Chocolate for offering a NuNaturals Stevia giveaway, and choosing Mo'Betta as one of the winners!!!  YAY!!  Also, excited to try the Vanilla Stevia liquid in my morning cinnamon-infused coffee.....mmmmmm