I Am Not Perfect

I had a corn dog last weekend.  Let's just get that out there right away.  I try to live my life the healthiest way I know how, but once in a while I do things that I know aren't good for me.  I had cotton candy laden with food coloring and artificial flavoring, as well.  I also ate fried cheese curds.  Worse yet, I let my daughter eat these tasty (oops!  I mean evil!) things, too!  And as long as I'm admitting my faults, I drink pop.  I've tried to quit, even had the habit licked for a while, until one fateful day, I had a sip and off the wagon I went. 
Here are a few other things I'll admit to:

• I've owned a gas-guzzling vehicle
• We have a boat and often take it out and cruise the water just for the thrill of it
• My house is bigger than what we really need
• I own too many clothes
• I forget sometimes and leave the lights on
• I love a McD's chicken nugget once in a while (don't tell anyone!)
• I'm sure there are many more... I'll keep you posted

However, I have been on a green journey for 10+ years, and everyday it seems I learn something new.  This passion in my life started shortly before I became pregnant with my daughter.  I was always interested in eating healthy.  Growing up, my family had a garden, and my mom mostly cooked from scratch and always made us eat our fruits and veggies.  (Thanks, Mom!)  I tried the vegetarian route for a while in high school and while I learned a lot, within a few years I decided it wasn't for me.  I still make vegetarian meals for my family quite often.  
When my daughter was born the adventure really began!  It started with formula.  There wasn't any reason for me to think that I wasn't going to be able to nurse my baby successfully; yet I kept getting all of this advice about formula.  My grandma, God Bless her, was even under the impression that formula was better than breast milk.  So, being the person I am, I started digging.  I chose breast milk, and was able to nurse my little beauty for almost 2 years (to the partial dismay of only a few family members). 
From breast milk it went to making my own baby food out of local, organic produce.  From there it went to researching home and bath products (soaps, shampoos, lotions, household cleaners, etc.)  And from there, it went to grass fed and free-range meat, dairy and eggs.  After all of these years, I've gone a little crazy with all of this "green" stuff, or so my family tells me.  Sometimes, to be honest, it feels a little crazy.  Why are there chemicals in baby shampoo that have been linked directly to reproductive and developmental toxicity?!!?  Who is protecting us?  The answer to that is simple.  You have to.  
So, I wanted to start this blog to document the rest of this road I'm traveling.  To document the time spent trying to protect my family and friends (even when they don't want me too!).  The lessons learned.  So, if you're on the same road as me, great!  Follow along!  If not, that's fine, too.  Happy travels everyone.