Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t do chemicals if I can help it. After years of smoking (I quit in 2006!), cleaning with harsh chemicals, and using countless perfumed personal care and household products, I developed allergies to most of my environments. Everywhere I went, I was bothered by all the “smell-goods” – detergents, air fresheners, perfumes, lotions, candles. If it was scented, I reacted with a stuffy nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, itching, and anxiety attack symptoms. This is why I gravitated toward companies that took a more natural approach to cleaning & personal care products.
A Change Is Gonna Come
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Apr•
26•11
The Change has been coming.
We’ve been riding the little waves, making little Changes along the way.
Turning Back to the First Cheek
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Apr•
10•11
Matthew 5:39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
Missing the MOM gene
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Mar•
29•11
I’ve often said that I was missing the mom gene. You know, the one that makes your 
child(ren) the center of your very existence, that makes you remember every little detail of their lives, that causes you to lose sleep and have an aching heart when they aren’t around.
Ironing Hankies
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Mar•
14•11
Since making the switch to almost no paper for personal use 
(more to come on that in other posts!) I understand why women used to iron everything. I am used to ironing shirts, pants, and dresses, and have even ironed a few tablecloths in my day. But ironing hankies is a tedious task, especially considering how many I go through with my allergies.
3-Second Rule, and dogs
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Mar•
14•11
So I’m sitting in our office working, with an orange SlenderPOP in my mouth when I decide to start typing something. I take the pop out of my mouth and set it next to my laptop. Only it doesn’t stay where it is supposed to, but takes a flying leap onto the carpeted floor. I’m caught in one of those slow-mo movie moments, where several things happen all at once with excruciating clarity 
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Oh My! TMI
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Mar•
01•11
There are certain subjects the genteel class do not discuss, but I happen to come from somewhat coarser stock. I am one of those who wonders aloud at the whys and wherefores, and just HAVE to know the answers. I know for a fact that I am not alone, that there are others in this crazy, mixed up world who go against the grain (and sometimes better judgment) in their quest for answers. I encourage you to participate and respond to these topics. Some of you may wish to remain anonymous should you choose to reply to any of these posts, and I’m fine with that.
Coupon Printing Problems
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
25•11
Coupon Mania is a hit across America. Modern couponing goes far beyond clipping the Sunday newspaper inserts & mailing in rebate forms. Now coupons can be delivered straight to a store loyalty card, your cell phone, or you can print them out for yourself. But have you ever visited a website for a highly coveted coupon and – GASP! – it wasn’t available? This and other coupon printing problems are common, and I have two solutions to help you get the coupons you covet.
Hooray for Hubby
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
16•11
I wasn’t feeling well today, and wanted “something” that we just didn’t have in the house. Not knowing what I wanted but craving “something” himself, my DH asked me to go with him to the store. Willing to sit in the car while he picked up some cereal & candy (marked down from V-day!) I agreed.
Jessica Simpson needs to say, “Get lost!”
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
12•11
As anyone who knows me can attest that I don’t follow the tabloid celebrity rumor mill. I don’t watch much television at home or listen to the radio unless I’m in the car. I much prefer my reality to the so-called glamorous lifestyles played out on reality tv shows. That being said, the story of Eric Johnson handing out an ultimatum to girlfriend Jessica Simpson about her weight caught my attention this morning.If what was reported is in fact true, he is a bona fide jerk & should be kicked to the curb.
Tortillas
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
10•11
I’ve always wanted to make my own tortillas. As a girl growing up in Texas, I had Mexican friends who had the most delicious food. I loved to watch my friends’ moms, aunts, & sisters in the kitchen, all speaking quickly in Spanish (which I didn’t understand) while tending to their assigned task.
Hummus
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
10•11
I post all the time on Facebook about eating hummus, because it’s one of the easiest things to make. Hummus makes a great snack or quick lunch with carrot, celery, or other veggies. It fills me up with loads of protein, even if it does nothing for my breath (sorry, honey), and leaves me satisfied until my next meal.
I <3 saving $ Feb 8, 2011
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
08•11
After two days of feeling crummy, I got myself cleaned up and overdressed for my day and went out for a few sale items. Armed with the $20 from hubby’s pocket (given willingly), $7 left over from last week, a few coupons & my (green!) reusable shopping bags, I headed out.
Looking Back: Quiet the Noise
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
04•11
I sat in the office working quietly. Our visiting daughter came in & got on the other computer. After a while, she started playing music. In a short amount of time I was feeling on edge.
No Soap
Written By: Bernadette Cooper
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Feb•
04•11
I’ve never been a big fan of body washes or scented soaps, and have always opted for the least intrusive scents. As I became more sensitive to fragrances, I was quickly running out of options. So in addition to my No ‘Poo experiment, I decided to try another one – No Soap.