Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Earth-Friendly Deep Cleaner

Where to buy: www.amazon.com

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Earth-Friendly Deep Cleaner helps to keep your carpets deep cleaned. I like the fact that the machine is constructed with PVC-free tanks and parts that are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. In addition, the included cleaning liquid is made with eco-friendly materials and doesn?t contain chemicals that other carpet cleaners might have. It doesn?t include any phosphates, dyes or heavy metals that are harmful to your family?s health and the health of our planet.

This device is tough on stains due to its super strong suction and keeps your upholstery and carpets clean and spotless. It deep-cleans and helps to dry spillages and stains in easy steps with the help of the included brush attachment.

To keep with the eco-friendliness: the packaging is made with at least 75% recycled card box materials without the need for Styrofoam.

Overall, if you are looking for a more eco-friendly way of keeping your carpets clean and neat, the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Earth-Friendly Deep Cleaner is certainly a great option and comes at a very competitive price.

Ayurveda: How to Eat Right for Your Type

In the ancient Indian medical system known as Ayurveda, there are three main body types, or doshas. Dietary prescriptions are laid out for each type for optimal health, with the goal being balance. Each type corresponds to a specific element, and foods that are the opposite of that element are emphasized.

Ayruveda recognizes that most people are a blend of these different types, but one usually dominates. Here is a list of the types, and the kinds of foods that work well for them.

1. Vata

People with a lot of Vata are the lean, high-energy individuals who seem to be able to eat tons of food without gaining weight. They often have active minds and can forget to eat. The element that corresponds to Vata is air, so lots of “heavy” food is key to balance. People who have lots of Vata should emphasize foods that are high in healthy fats, and that contain lots of warm spices like ginger and cumin. Some ideas for foods that Vatas should eat are:

* Steamed vegetables
* Fruit cobblers and cooked fruit sauces
* Vegetable casseroles
* Cooked whole grains

Protein is important for Vata types. Vatas do not do well on raw foods diets and should avoid legumes.

2. Pitta

Those with lots of Pitta energy are muscular and strong, and their corresponding element is fire. Thus, cooling foods are emphasized for balance. Pittas may over-exercise, but they have strong constitutions and are able to digest proteins well.
Here are some foods that are emphasized for Pittas.

* Poultry and meats
* Fresh fruits such as watermelon, citrus fruits, and berries
* Fresh vegetables such as green lettuce and kale
* Soft cheeses and milk

People with a lot of Pitta should avoid spicy foods.

3. Kapha

Kapha types tend to gain weight easily and are prone to inactivity. They are stable body types, though, and if they work out can achieve great strength (sumo wrestlers are considered to be Kaphas). The element that goes with Kapha is water. Kapha diets focus on energizing foods, such as:

* Lean protein (poultry, fish, etc.)
* Soy milk
* Legumes
* Popcorn

If you are interested in incorporating the Ayurvedic way of eating into your life, find a qualified practitioner and consultant. He or she can evaluate your type and suggest foods to help you achieve health and balance. There are also many good books on the subject to help you find your dosha and eat accordingly.

Healthy Toys for Healthy Minds

What are some of the things you want your child to learn through play? Many – if not most – parents want for their children’s toys to encourage healthy mental development and motor skills. But many modern toys “spoon feed” entertainment to children without enhancing their individual skills. Rather than encourage creativity, many toys today aim only to entertain, and in a particular way. Here are some problems with today’s toys.

* Toys based on movies limit children to using pre-fabricated characters and plots.

* Electronic toys may claim educational value, but that education may be limited to alphabet letters that light up or speakers that announce the name of an animal when a certain button is pushed.

* There is growing concern over the toxicity of the plastics used to make toys. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is environmentally toxic to produce and contains chemicals (adipates and phthalates) that can leach into foods and, of course, into your child or baby’s mouth.

* Every toy has a life cycle, and when its time is up it usually ends up in the landfill. More and more evidence points to the environmental toxicity of these plastics as they release harmful toxins into the environment.

* There is so much technology today. It’s a digital world, and children get caught up in it. Children can end up viewing the world through a screen.

What Kinds of Toys Enhance Cognitive Development?

Solid, simple toys are consistently shown to be the best for children’s development. Here are some suggestions.

# Wooden blocks put your child literally in touch with her environment. Various shapes, sizes and colors (although plain wood is fine, too) help your child learn how to manipulate his environment, create, and solve problems.

# Marbles have been a favorite of older children for decades. These attractive glass spheres can be used to play the game of marbles. They can also be run down creative chutes.

# Wooden or porcelain dominoes are excellent for teaching and reinforcing math skills. Setting them up carefully and then knocking them down at a prescribed moment enhances fine motor coordination.

# Chess, checkers, and board games are timeless, fun toys for older children.

# Basic wooden toys – also known as “folk toys” – are gaining popularity and are more widely available. A huge variety of wooden toys are available, such as wooden trains, airplanes, marble chutes, trucks, cars, and others. Not associated with any media, children are free to imagine with these toys and create their own world of make-believe.

Next Page »