Did you know that if you recycling your water bottle with the lid attached, it will more than likely be tossed directly into the trash? It's a shameful secret you might not know. The time it takes to remove the cap - no, the cap isn't always made of recyclable material - is time "wasted" by the sorters so the entire bottle is put into a pile on the way to the dump. From now on remember to separate the bottle and lid, or better yet, cut back on your use of plastic water bottles. There are so many conflicting reports out there and the levels of plastic recycling have gotten even more confusing. Try to find a BPA-free (Bisphenol-A is the plastic that degrades right into your beverage or food with overuse) until the dust settles over the use of plastics in reusable containers. We like this CamelBak version available at rei.com.

I like to keep this site and its content on the light side, but allow me this rant, I believe it needs to be said. I was watching an early morning chat show and became outraged. The host was interviewing several women of various ages about the candidates and the issues. There was a middle aged woman who actually said, "I don't like either candidate so I will not be voting." What? Not voting? What planet was she from? Voting is not only our right as a woman but our duty as a citizen. What kind of example is she setting for her kids? Women, in this country, were only granted the full right to vote less than 90 years ago and there are women alive today who were refused the opportunity to vote in even local politics. There are other countries today that still do not allow women their voting rights. Not vote? Get your head out!

There is no excuse to not vote. You can vote in the comfort of your own home with an absentee ballot. You can register online for free at Justvote.org

Well, bums that get diaper changes on a regular basis. Tired of trying to imagine how many wipes end up in the landfills? We just found these great little cloths by Bummas. These are so great because they can either take the place of a wet disposable wipe or they can dry off babies bottom after using a wet wipe. This cuts down on diaper rash without creams or ointments-another bonus for delicate skin! They are re-usable, eco-friendly, highly absorbent and chemical free. They are perfectly sized and the pack comes with enough to always have one handy. We use them as bath time wash cloths and at meal time as well. Stop using a wipe (that comes with perfumes and dyes) every time and try these little Bummas. For more info: bummas.com

We've recently gone somewhat dairy free in our house. For allergy reasons, of course, but we also decided to try some new products that we normally wouldn't consider a staple in our kitchen. To replace our cereal milk, we tried Almond Breeze® from Blue Diamond (don't get me started on why we don't have soy-based products in our stash either). This replacement is lactose, gluten and cholesterol free. While nothing can replace the actual flavor and texture of true cow's milk, these products received four out of four thumbs up. The chocolate was the big favorite-surprised?

We also decided to try the Blue Diamond Nut Thins® crackers in our snack bag for Kindergarten. They are tiny but packed with taste. Made with natural California almonds and nuts, they are wheat-free and gluten free. We really enjoy the variety and flavors and anything that makes "snack time" selection easier for me wins my vote!

Find out more: Blue Diamond Growers

Ok, so it is a Bon Jovi song...but I did go home recently and I agree, you CAN go home. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't go to my parent's house, but to the city where I spent 13 of my 18 years at home. I live in a large city now and the town I visited is extremely small. Only a few of my close friends still live there and going back brought a flood of memories. My house (our last and favorite historic military housing) was in between tenants so I got to wonder through it and look for my initials in the closet which no doubt has been painted over several times by now. Of course, anywhere we moved my mom was able to make it a design home, but it looked smaller and the yard would've made my dad cringe.

The town was a refreshing change from the craziness of LA. Things moved at a drastically different clip and progress has come slowly. I rather enjoyed it that way. If you are planning a trip "home" consider yourself lucky to have lived there no matter what. A town's personality is a reflection of the people and if you lived there, embrace the past.