Category Archives: videos

Neti pot investment

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I became “neti pot curious” a few years ago, when my Twin Sis’ friend was advised to use a neti pot for chronic sinus issues. 

What is Neti Pot? For those still wondering what this is, the basic explanation is that you fill with warm water with a pinch of salt, and then pour into one nostril and out the other side.  If you are stuffed up, it might take a moment to drain, but you will feel immediate relief!

Thankfully, I’ve never had really painful sinus issues, but I was perpetually plagued with an on/off snuffy nose during the winter, and allergies in the spring. I had learned to live with it, but it was an annoying nuisance. So, I took the plunge and bought a ceramic neti pot at New Season’s for about $10 (or available on Amazon) My sis has an enviable cute blue one, (it is prettier than the picture!).  I also know others who have found a cute small Asian tea pot, but it would have to be the right design.


I’m happy to say, that in the past two years, minus a couple flu bugs, I’ve been able to breath clearly all winter with regular use on my neti pot. It only takes a couple of minutes, but the small time investment always pays back. I swear employers should give out neti pots as part of health benefits 😉


Even after two years, Hubby doesn’t quite get the whole neti pot idea (oddly since lately he’s been battling a true sinus infection and refuses to try it!) For the most part I try to do it while he’s walking the dog or already in bed, but when he does “catch” dripping salt water out my nose, he can’t help but give me a funny sideways look. But I refuse to let his taunting get interfere with my health…I don’t care how funny I look!


I do plan on teaching the kids to use the neti pot once they are big enough, and hopefully it will help them stay healthy for more of the year and avoid some of the childhood bugs.


EnviroMom covered this topic a few years back, and the reader comments reminded me that I use my neti pot in the spring to clean out pollen and prevent allergies.


Before trying my neti pot, I wanted a demonstration. So, I found this fun video of a furry guy with ginormous nostrils. If nothing else, I’m pretty sure you won’t look as funny as this dude using your neti pot 🙂





PS The last ten seconds shows a non-family friendly example of what you “shouldn’t attempt at home!”


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Economics of Happiness

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The Economics of Happiness is a new documentary film with virtually all of my favorite social/environmental/economic revolutionaries (…minus Paul Hawken;-)


While we haven’t seen a total about face, I truly think that the lasting impact of the economic crisis will be a cultural shift away from materialism and toward sustainability. It may not happen over night, but the pendulum is shifting.


The film isn’t on Netflix yet, but I’ll post a comment when it’s available.


Here’s quick blog post on the film from a parents perspective.


Here’s the trailer to The Economics of Happiness:





What do you think of the Economics of Happiness?


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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.



Portlandia Bubble

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We live in the “green bubble” of Portland on purpose. 


Hubby grew up outside of Philly, and after discovering his environmental/city planning passion, he moved to Portland without knowing a sole…over 12 years ago before that was popular! I happened to grow up in rural Southern Oregon, but as far as cultural geography goes, it’s a different world. We intentionally chose to settle down in Portland, largely because we see it’s potential for creating a sustainable urban society…or at least having fun while trying.


So that’s why I can’t help but share Portlandia, a new IFC comedy TV series that makes fun of all thing “Portland.” I’ve only checked out a few short promos, and it’s hilarious! I don’t know if all the inside jokes will translates to viewers outside the proverbial bubble, but I think the entertainment value is pretty universal.


I know that sometimes I can take myself too seriously, and the show provided me with some good belly laughs. I hope you’ll get a laugh too:





What do you think of the Portlandia bubble?


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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Conflict-free Camera

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In follow-up to my post yesterday about the Story of Electronics, I’ve been searching for a conflict-free camera to replace our obsolete one. 


While the demand is growing, there are currently no actual verified conflict-free cameras on the market (or laptops, phones, ipods, etc).  There’s only camera one that I managed to find that is so-called “ eco-green ,” but I couldn’t find any information about what makes it’s design environmentally benign.  


I’m aware of the extreme  atrocities  in the Congo, because my Twin Sis was there for most the past six months. She was there helping rape victims who are being threatened from their villages which may hold more conflict minerals. Here’s a quick video from the Raise Hope for the Congo campaign, which mocks the feud between Macs and PCs while spelling out the conflict in seriously simple terms.



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Sustainable Family Finances
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.

Story of Electronics

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I’ve felt empty-handed in past few months, ever since my digital camera went kaput. First the flash started going, then the digital screen died, and it was clear that our camera was terminal. 


We bought our digital camera as our first “family” gift for the holidays right before our Big Guy was born. It’s become part of the family, always at all our special occasions. It even helped me earn my pet name of “Mamarazzi”. But with our 5 year anniversary around the corner, it seems like camera manufacturers planned on our camera’s demise.  


Unfortunately “planned obsolescence” appears to be unavoidable. Yet, it wreaks havoc on our environment and breaks the bank when you suddenly have to replace your electronics every few years.


Today the brilliant folks at the Story of Stuff are debuting the “Story of Electronics.” They will no doubt explain how planned obsolescence came to be the modern-day norm, and hopefully they’ll provide some tips about how we can shift the consumer demand.


How much does planned obsolescence costs your family?


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Sustainable Family Finances 
The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.