Should You Be Raising Chickens?

My best friend’s niece raises chickens in her backyard. Now, this may not seem too abnormal, but to me it is – she lives in the middle of Memphis. But, even city folks are starting to appreciate raising their own chickens. Having your own chickens helps not only feed your belly (and in a fresh way too!), but can reduce your impact on the environment. Plus, the chicken manure is great for composting. Before you rush out and purchase all you need for chickens, you first need to make sure it is legal. If you live in the city, there … Continue reading →

Is Your Sofa Safe?

I often worry about the chemicals I use in my house. I worry about what exactly is in the air freshener I use. I freak out when my husband buys a Teflon skillet. But, I just read that another real threat in my house may be my sofa. My sofa? A threat? Yes. Since 1975, California has required that all furniture with foam such as sofas and baby products such as car seats be treated with flame retardant chemicals. That standard, maybe because California is so large a state, became the standard for most other states. The problem is while … Continue reading →

Bad News for Reusable Shopping Bags

For a couple of years now, we have been pushed to say goodbye to both plastic and paper bags at the store. Instead, it has been suggested we use reusable bags. This means less waste and less plastic in landfills. But now, there is bad news for reusable shopping bag fans and it may have everyone rethinking the whole bag thing again. One thing that appears to be important with the reusable bags that wasn’t with paper or plastic bags is washing. Yes, your reusable bag may be a haven for germs which can make your family sick. In fact, … Continue reading →

Is America Still Racially Divided?

Today is the day we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. King was known as the leader of the Civil Rights movement in the ‘60s and you could say, he gave his life for his convictions. At the young age of 39, he was gunned down on April 4, 1968 in my hometown of Memphis by James Earl Ray. He had come here to support the African American city sanitation workers who were on strike for higher wages. It’s also the day that our first African American President is being inaugurated for his second term in office. But, have things … Continue reading →