Be a STAR

I believe we define and shape our children. Now, I am not saying we are 100% responsible as I would like to believe that the Colorado Shooters parents didn't raise a child to kill people.  However, how we speak about things in our home does affect our children. If you spew hate, racist language, intolerance etc...your children are more likely to continue that on in their lives. Children are taught hate. They don't come out of the womb hating. So it is up to us to be the voice to help stop bullying. We can't protect our kids every day but we can educate them and give them good resources.

I had dinner with a friend last night and had to listen to her talk about her son, in elementary school, who is bullied by another kid in the locker room. Her son told her about it and asked for help. It takes a lot to ask for help. It did break my heart to hear though...I get teared up just typing this out. Where does a 8 year old learn to me mean? 

Have you been bullied?

I was bullied when I was in high school. Nothing horrible but I was always teased for my last name, DeBuse, kids would ask if I abused my parents. I remember kids telling me to go back to my own culture, etc... While it didn't define me I do remember it. Bullying has always been around...maybe you were the one doing the bullying...change can start today. I hear from friends and family about their children being bullied and as young as elementary school. It is up to us parents and educators to make a change.  STOP THE HATE.

Personally, I really just don't understand why we have to hate. It is so easy to either not say anything at all or be nice to one another. So it is our responsibility to teach tolerance. Don't be a bully, be a Star...Show Tolerance and Respect

Be the Change you Want to See in The World!

Be a STAR!

The Ally Coalition

There are very few things that I feel very strongly about, however one of the biggest things that I am passionate about is Gay Rights.  As we enter 2013 I am shocked and appalled by the ignorance in our society everyday. As my husband has stated, this is our generations civil rights movement. It is time to be an Ally.

When I was young AIDS was just coming on the scene. I remember (even in elementary school) how the media made us in fear.  I was fortunate enough to be raised by a mother who supports Gay Rights and always taught me that everyone is equal. That even if you don't like someone you treat them with respect. As I grew up I had friends of different backgrounds, religious beliefs and sexual orientation. I never looked at someone as "My gay friend Todd," he was just Todd. Or that is my Jewish friend Kelly, just Kelly.  It truly believe what makes us amazing is our diversity.

After bringing my son home my whole world changed. It was no longer the world that I lived in, it was the world he was going to live in. My husband and I are supporters of the Gay Rights Movement and do our best to donate and make our voice heard as "straight" people who support Gay Rights. I want my son raised in a house that teaches love and equality. To understand that no one is better then the other. This is an every day movement. Take a look around people, kids are killing themselves! Why? Because they are bullied for her they are; gay or straight. It is not the time to be silent...it is the time to stand up and make your voice heard!

Here is the link to The Ally Coalition JOIN TODAY!

So from my family to yours, "Be the Change You Want to See in the World" - Ghandi

Juice Train

I do have to say January hit our house hard with colds and stomach bugs. As we enter February I do feel that it is time to get back on the juice train.

I have an Omega Juicer 8006 and here are some fun recipes to share. Since there is a spinach shortage in the States right now I would definitely sub Kale or Chard.

Here are some of my favorite concoctions!  I don't tell you how many as it is all desired on your own personal taste. You will see that I use similar ingredients in a lot of mine and that is do to funding. Juicing can be expensive, until you can plant your garden. I found sticking to some basics made it affordable.

• Carrots, Beets, Spinach (sub other green), Blueberries, Apple
• Carrots, Beets, Cucumber, Apple
• Carrots, Spinach, Kale, Cucumber, Apple
• Apple, Kale, Cucumber
• Beets, Strawberries, Kale, Carrots
• Cucumbers, Apples, Kale, Celery, Ginger
• Mango, Watermelon, Blueberries (Cy loves this one)
• Tomato, Celery, Spinach (sub other green), Carrots, Garlic, Onion, Lemon and a little hot sauce -- you have yourself a yummy Tomato Juice!

 Please share with me some of your favorite juicing concoctions as I am a HUGE fan of new juices!

Peace and Love and may 2013 bring everyone health, adventure and prosperity!