Aquaponics

This is fantastic. Why aren't we all doing this?

http://aquaponics.com/page/home-production

As most of you know, I am a California gal that moved to New York. I live in Manhattan and then Brooklyn, so you may see what I am beyond excited about this taking off. Not only do I think this system is way cool, but I think that it could also be used all over the world where soil is uncultivatable

"Aquaponics is a method of combined fish and vegetable farming that requires no soil," explains Roman Gaus from The Atlantic Cities about the process. "The farmer cultivates freshwater fish (aquaculture) and plants (hydroponics) in a recirculating water system that exchanges nutrients between the two. Wastewater from the fish serves as organic fertilizer for the plants, while the plants clean the water of fish feces and urine."

Growing organic food in almost anywhere.

Because aquaponics is essentially a closed system, with the exception of fish food having to be cultivated or purchased separately, it can function independently, and without many of the normal inputs required for traditional farming. This means that a well-designed aquaponics system can be installed and operated virtually anywhere, including in dense urban environments -- high-rise rooftops, the tops of parking structures, and even basic parking lots are just a few examples of the many locations where high-output aquaponics systems can work.

5 Tips to Tackle Pregnancy Fatigue

1. Get more sleep. Pregnant women battle fatigue from early on in the pregnancy. It's important to listen to your body and get adequate rest when possible. Even going to bed 10-15 earlier or waking up 10-15 minutes later can make a big difference.

2. Exercise. As impossible as it seems, exercise is an excellent way to fight fatigue.  Even as little as 15 minutes a day of aerobic exercise can help to decrease fatigue.

3. Healthy Foods. Foods can act like medicine. Unprocessed, healthy foods can improve stamina and decrease tiredness.

4. Fluids. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids can increase energy.

5. Take vitamins. B complex vitamins boost energy if consumed daily. Also continuing to take a prenatal vitamin or other vitamins that are prescribed can help fight fatigue related to anemia or a vitamin deficency.

Hydrate Naturally

Pregnant women go though several physiological changes during pregnancy. As a result of these changes, they can dehydrate quickly, especially in the summer. Dehydration can happen rapidly in women at any gestation. It can even happen to women who are generally well hydrated and have great diets. A lot of pregnant women will drink water to hydrate, which is great, but if a woman feels dizzy, weak, or is having several bouts of braxton hicks contractions, she may need to drink something containing electrotypes. While Gatorade, Poweraid and Vitamin water offer a great sources of electrolytes, they can also have excess sugars or artificial sugars. Here are some great, natural alternatives to helping women stay hydrated in pregnancy.


Coconut Water: The water found in the center of a coconut is rich in electrolytes and low in sugar. Some like to drink it mixed with other fruit juices likes pineapple or orange.

Mangosteen juice: This fruit comes from Southeast Asia and is very high in antioxidants like xanthones.  It is a popular drink as part of alternative cancer therapies and also has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It's low in calories and sugars.   

Noni Juice: Also low in calories and a bit bitter is high in antioxidants. It comes form the South and North Pacific Islands of Polynesia and Indonesia. It's also been said to boost immunity.

Goji Juice and Acai- Similar to mangosteen, Goji and Acai. They are high in antioxidants and low in sugar. Goji comes from the Himilayas. Since it does not contain carbohydrates, it is low in sugar. It also has chlorophyll that aids the body in cellular production and helps fight anemia.   

Aloe vera - Aloe vera is a long healing ago healing plant that was used for all kinds of treatments. It is great for soothing the digestive tract and aiding in heartburn and indigestion or irritable bowels. It also has cancer fighting and diabetes fighting properties. It is aslo great for the skin, hair, and nails.

 So drink up, gals and hydrate naturally!