Kicking the Q-Tip Habit

As I've been thinking about simplification, consumerism, consumption and green living, I've realized that there is a very small single-use item that I use everyday ... the Q-Tip.  Using Q-Tips is not going to fill the world's landfills. It isn't going to break the bank. I won't go thru withdrawal without them, or suffer physical harm if I use them or I don't (unless I'm the kind of wax pusher that doctors warn us about!). So what's the big deal?

Well, either I'm committed to all the baby steps leading to a sustainable, minimal carbon-footprint life or I'm not.  Seeing as I am ... Q-Tips.  I googled "green alternatives to Q-Tips" and found very little. No one seems too concerned. But I've been determined, and I've kicked the Q-Tip Habit!

A few facts (probably relevant only to me):

My little finger fits in my ear plenty far enough to take the place of a Q-Tip.

I only used Q-Tips because I wanted to dry my ears, not to "clean" them ... that happens in the shower!

Towels are too thick, when wrapped around my pinkie finger, to do the job.

However ... a cotton men's handkerchief is perfect!  So, there's my green alternative.  Using the size of a dime for each ear, it takes many days before I need to wash it. The hankie is small, and doesn't add to my laundry burden. It is soft cotton, which makes my ears happy.  And in my life, another single-use item bites the dust!

Okay, now is your chance to comment. I expect most of your thoughts to be about me having way too much time on my hands to think about irrelevant things! That's okay ... keeps me happy :-)

"You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die."

I think it was my granny who used to say this ... "You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die."  I always thought it was metaphorical, but maybe it has a literal application as well.  However, it is a bit hard to swallow in today's hyper-clean, germ phobic, civilized world. But what if our phobias about dirt and germs have robbed our children of developing a basic love for the stuff of this planet of ours?

Simple Mom posted a blog today about letting our kids get dirty!  Jump on over and check it out, and enjoy a playful, dirty-filled day!

And just in case you were wondering ... just how much is a peck anyway?  It is the dry measure of 2 gallons.  That's a lot of dirt!

Good Advice ... No Workaholics Here!

I ... am a workaholic.  There.  I've said it. 

No, I'm not a workaholic where my paid job is concerned.  I can draw boundaries there. But I'm an "at home" workaholic.  I can't ever sit still and relax without forcing myself to do it.  I ... am a human doing, not a human being!  Today, I came across a new article about 11 Creative Ways to Avoid Becoming a Workaholic.  The article addresses the workplace, but is SO applicable to my life.  Take a look, and tell me how you avoid overworking yourself during your "free" time.

A Wish List

Interesting fact about me … if you ask me what I would like to have, I can never think of anything. I’m rarely interested in stuff, and usually pretty content with what I have. Lately, however, I’ve realized that I do have a wish list. Problem is, the list contains things that are expensive. That’s why I never share the list when someone asks what I would like.

So here goes … my wish list. Maybe, after looking at it, you will add some of these wonderful products to your wish list. Maybe, after looking at it, you will wish you had never come across my blog because now you have a pricey wish list. Maybe …



1. Vita Mix

About a year ago, when reading one of my favorite blogs April's Raw Food Passion, I came across the Vita-Mixer. It seems that the best way to move away from processed food and into the world of raw food is to have a way to crush it, mix it, turn it into butter, or blend it into a delicious smoothy.

Doesn’t this picture just make you feel more healthy?  Vitamix


2. “Barefoot” shoes

Barefoot + Shoes = Feet as they were intended in a world full of man-made dangers. About 6 months ago, I saw these shoes via REI. Years of researching Yoga has shown me one thing for sure, your feet work at their best when your toes are not shoved into a small, sometimes pointy (if you’re a woman) prison. Set them free!

“To the man who clads his feet in shoe leather, the whole world feels like leather.” Taoist Proverb

For some interesting reading about a barefoot life … visit the economads

Until we live in a place where bare feet are permissible everywhere (like New Zealand!), the five fingers are the next best thing. Spread those toes!  Love those Five Finger Shoes.

Slate/Palm upper, if you please.


3. Goodbye to the Nasties

In our family, we have two water filters, both Brita. One is a large, counter-top container with a tap for our smaller family member, and one is attached to the kitchen faucet. Although the Brita does clean many of the impurities, I often wonder how well it really does. And what about the times when the water is really dirty (like stream water). We wouldn’t want to filter that through the Brita. And when you think about a weekend in the popup, or in a tent, the hand pump water purifier that David has seems like a lot of work for a little return.

This Big Berkey filter is gravity based, therefore not requiring electricity. It is portable … not exactly the type you would put in a backpack, but it would work for a longer family-camping outing. And it cleans out all the gunk! They have a filtering shower attachment as well. If I don’t want my family drinking it, I also don’t want them absorbing it through their skin.

Thanks to Sara for the introduction (Check it out on their counter in their rv home).


4. The Portable Read

I tend to be a bit of a book hound. I love to read, and often have 3 or 4 books going at the same time. Add an obsession with researching anything and everything on the internet, and I guess I’d have to admit that I love to learn. (That’s a bit of a shock for my parents, I bet!) The thing is, I can’t possibly carry all the books I’m reading at one time with me everywhere I go. Especially all the reference books, like a dictionary, concordance, and Bible Greek dictionary. There are all those lost moments when there is no one around to talk to, and I find myself waiting. All you taxi mom’s know exactly what I’m talking about. But I’m not always in the mood to read the book I thought to bring. Bummer. Solution ... The Kindle

Of course, I would want it loaded with all my favorites! Not asking for too much, is it?


5. Time for a Photo Shoot

This baby is not one I’ve researched enough to tell you exactly what I want. Suggestions? I’m tired of the point-and-click that delivers great pictures sometimes, and lousy ones at other times. Yes, I’ve learned to use the features. It just doesn’t like alternative lighting, fast movement, or close-ups … red-eye is always a problem.

Add to a great camera the latest and greatest Photo editor … voila! Camera happy me!


Wow … I don’t ask for much, do I? As I was making this list, I was thinking about photo storage, old home video storage, document organization, etc. The process of simplification means looking for better, more efficient ways to do old things. Leave any suggestions as a comment below. Your thoughts are appreciated.

And tell me ... what's on your wish list?

Meanwhile, I’m content, I’m dreaming, and I’m seeing the world again after a long time in the haze.