Lists

I didn't think that I would be reduced to writing lists, seemed so generic, as if I could not construct a full sentence so I decided to write lists instead.  But as we celebrate World Water Day today I thought that maybe I could write a list for all that I am thankful for.  Today.

1.  Access to good quality, potable water at least five times per week

2. Good health

3. Access to good sanitation

4. Ability to absorb sunshine everyday.  No lacking of Vitamin D for me

5. Free access to books via the local library.

Maybe everyday we can focus on three things that we are thankful for.  It would help us move away from negative thoughts that can be so energy-sapping and time-wasting.  So the next time we are hanging out with friends, let's dedicate only 10 minutes to complaining and the rest of time to celebrating!

Hurrah for Sunday Shopping

Today I digress from my usual musings to discuss shopping.  Not exactly a favourite pastime of mine but I do like nice things.  Problem is that I don't like traffic, fighting for a park and then guess what.  I still don't get what I want.  That's why I am all for online shopping.  But that can be expensive and wasteful and we really do need to support our local economy.  So no more online shopping (except for dvds because it is impossible to get reasonably priced original dvds here).  But have you ever been to the supermarket on an evening?  It's like it is month-end every day!  And the traffic and parking nightmare.  That brings me to my point of Sunday shopping.  My new routine on Sunday morning is heading to the market, then supermarket and any other shopping I may have.  Not much traffic, not many people.  Just great.  Very little stress.  In fact what is not available on Sunday I have decided not to buy.  There may be many detractors to Sunday shopping for a lot of reasons.  But I am not one of them.

Back to the Compost Heap

Naturally my yard now looks like a desert with no chance of an oasis.  I do try to water the plants but it seems as if nature is definitely conspiring against me now.  Which then reminded me that I had been neglecting my compost heap.  That is to say I have stopped cooking.  How can I cook when we are officially in drought?  Ok so no excuses because I still eat fruits and the skins etc belong in my heap.  As the lady who helps me clean my house threw out my compost bin that I have in my kitchen, I used it as a good reminder to re-start.  So I am back to a clean bin.  Will now resolve to drink lots of coffee (for the coffee grinds), eat lots of fruit and maybe even cook.  Will also use the newspapers for the compost heap.  Am thinking that every one who gets my juicy mangoes when they come in season will be thankful that I did!

Natural Cosmetics

Having not been blessed with skin that could be washed with soap and water and look camera ready, I have subjected my skin to anti0biotics overload (terrible teenage acne), salicylic acid (same reason) and a host of other chemical concoctions.

Time has been rather benevolent to my skin (problems notwithstanding) but with age comes wisdom, as they say.  However, more and more I am looking at natural solutions to skin care as well as makeup.  Masks are now a combination of paw-paw skin (when in season), sour cream, plain yoghurt and honey.  Perhaps not best suited to my skin type but I love the cooling effect of these ingredients on my skin and I love how my skin feels afterwards.  I am also into mineral makeup, which goes on like powder but does not exaggerate my pores.  When I do use other commercial products, I look at all the ingredients and look for labels like natural, mineral, organic, not tested on animals, hypoallergenic.  I also like to patronise companies that are socially responsible and contribute to the communities that provide the ingredients.  I am also using cold-pressed home-made coconut oil faithfully on my hair as I love the scent and the deep conditioning effect it brings.

This topic requires a lot more research and experimentation on my part but I am not complaining!

Using laundry water

I think we have now forgotten what rain looks like here in Trinidad.  It is so parch, scary for early March and the poui trees are already in full bloom.  Rather early if my memory serves me correctly.  Got water yesterday so I decided to do some laundry.  Usually this is a task that is performed whilst I am elsewhere.  I decided to monitor the washing machine and I was actually collecting some of the rinse in my trusted watering can.  I was able to water plants that I usually ignored with the slightly soapy water.  I am not too worried though as I use environmentally friendly detergent so am hoping that there is no damage to my plants as a result.  I must say that I am quite pleased with my efforts even though it did require frequent monitoring of the machine when I had actually preferred to be watching the pre-Oscar fashion parade.  The sacrifices one must make.  I am now waiting patiently on Dr Ecologist to design my rain-garden.  Stay tuned.