Spots on My Apples

Could You Live a Zero Waste Life?

2011-03-11T17:52:00.002-06:00

I am fascinated by the idea of producing zero waste in my home, but it seems like a pipe dream right? Not for this family. The Johnsons no longer take out the trash- they have none! And while you're probably already picturing a family of hippies weaving clothing from wheat, the Johnsons are anything but. As soon as I logged on to Bea Johnson's Zero Waste Home blog, her slogan struck an immediate chord with me. "Refuse, Refuse, Refuse. Then reduce, reuse and recycle (and only in that order)."

Refuse is right. How did we become such a junky society? Look around your house right now. How much of your stuff is actually valuable and serves a purpose? I've had to ask myself this question a lot over the last few weeks as I prepare for an international move. The answer for me? Not much. My family of three + two pets could easily move back into the 800 square foot loft that we use to occupy and lose no quality of life whatsoever. (Although the garage and yard are, admittedly, nice to have.)

Purging our home of the useless items and senseless clutter is liberating for sure, but the sense of weightless freedom and uncomplicated living will be short lived if we do not learn to REFUSE. Every day I am assaulted by trash. It seems that somebody everywhere is forcing their rubbish on me. In the mail. In the shops. In my daughter's pre-school. (This is the most heartbreaking, because to a 4 year old every creation is precious and my daughter is a prolific artist.)

The paper waste alone builds up so quickly. Even though it all goes into the recycling bin at our house, it's still such a waste of energy and resources that it often weighs me down. And then I begin to think about the things I cannot recycle. My mind follows the bags into the garbage truck, across the city, to a landfill, into the ground where it joins the millions of other bags of trash that were generated in just that one day by the citizens of this city. If I continue with this line of thinking much longer I give myself a panic attack.

Our national waste is mounting up as quickly as our debt, and these days that says a lot. It seems almost unsurmountable. But, ironically, the answer to the debt crisis is the same as that of our waste crisis, and Bea Johnson pinpoints it so eloquantly. Refuse. Refuse. Refuse. Stop creating the waste. Refuse to participate in this downward spiral.

While I'm eternally optimistic, I am also realistic. I know that at this moment in time a completely zero waste life is unachievable for 99% of society. However, imagine the impact if we could not only stop the bleeding, but reduce our production of waste by even 50%! I have a nagging suspicion that the positive effects would be felt by more than just the envrironment. Perhaps aspiring to a zero waste lifestyle would be just the catalyst society has been waiting for- an unlikely force for real and lasting change. After all, don't all of these problems (unsustainable debt, economic devestation, environmental pillaging, political unrest, waste) stem from the same human conditions of greed and apathy?

Take a quick peek at how the Johnsons transformed their household and their lives, and get inspired! If you wish to inspire others, share how you could or do reduce your household waste.

NaturOli Giveaway Winners!

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

With the help of the random number generator at Random.org, our winners of the NaturOli Soap Nuts Giveaway and the NaturOli Extreme 18x Giveaway have been chosen!

And the winners are... (drum roll please) ....

Jaime P. and Rebecca W. for the Extreme 18X

Vicki and Dinghy S. for the Soap Nuts

Congratulations guys! Please respond to my email within 48 hours so that I can get your addresses to NaturOli. You are going to love these products!

Thanks again to the kind people at NaturOli for sponsoring these great giveaways. You can learn more and shop their fabulous products by clicking the picture below.

Free Winter Organic and Natural Coupon Booklet from Mambo Sprouts

2010-01-19T05:59:00.000-06:00

If you haven't already signed up with Mambo Sprouts, now is the time to do it. Their Winter Organic and Natural Coupon Book is about to be mailed out in February. They only send out these coupon books 3 times a year and this one should be a good one. Go here to sign up for free!

Thanks for the reminder MoneySavingMom!

FREE "Bring Your Own Bag" Static Car Window Cling

2010-01-15T14:53:00.000-06:00

ConservingNow.com is offering a free static window car cling to remind you and others to bring your reusable bags when shopping. They are so cute and an excellent "note to self" if you are like me and always leave your reusable bags in the car! Request yours here.

While you're there, have a look around the site. It's a fun and user friendly place to learn, get inspired and even shop!

Great Savings Right Now on NaturOli Soap Nuts!

2010-01-13T17:01:00.001-06:00

Before Christmas I showed you this adorable Santa bag of NaturOli soap nuts. Well, now that Christmas is behind us these bags are on a special discount! You can grab 4 oz. of soap nuts (40 loads worth) for a bargain price of $6.95, which is $2.00 less than the regular 4 oz. bag just because it's in a holiday themed bag! I'm going to snag a few at this bargain price while I still can. At that price they won't last long so hurry if you want them!

There are also lots of other holiday packaged sets that you can get at a good discount on right now, like this 8 oz. holiday tin of soap nuts. At only $11.95 you get 80 loads! I pay more than that for only 40 loads of 7th Generation or Method detergent, so this is a fabulous bargain!

** Be sure to create a profile before making a purchase with a user name and password so that you can begin accumluating points immediately! For every dollar you spend you get a point which can later be applied towards purchases or shipping. (100 points is worth $5.00.) If you have not signed up though before completing your purchase you won't get to claim the points earned from your purchase!

Save $2 on Method's New Laundry Detergent!

2010-01-13T15:32:00.000-06:00

Method has just released a new line of laundry detergent in a new and innovative container. Click here to read about it and print your $2 off coupon! (You'll find the coupon at the bottom of the page.)

More Savings on Say Yes to Carrots Products at Walgreens!

2010-01-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Say Yes to Carrots, Cucumbers and Tomatoes body products are on a special promotion this month at Walgreens. Not only will you be able to pick up 3 items for a bargain price of $20, but you'll also get back $3 in Register Rewards. (Register Rewards are vouchers that print out at check out with your receipt and can be applied toward the balance of your next purchase.)

Say Yes to Carrots is an all natural product line that smells and feels great on your skin! You may remember me telling you about the deal Walgreens ran on Say Yes to Carrots lip balm just a few weeks ago. I am excited to see that Walgreens is not only offering more natural brands, but also including them in their weekly and monthly promotions.

If you like this brand or have been wanting to give it a try, now is a great time to buy!

My New Year's Eve Nails - Beautifully Non-Toxic

2009-12-31T12:10:00.001-06:00

New Year's Eve has arrived and many of us women are scrambling to get ourselves dolled up for the big celebration. Thanks to Mr. Recession, I am skipping the nail salon and giving myself a manicure. While the experience may not be as fun, it will certainly be better for my health.

I am one of those curious people that loves offensive smells like paint and smoke. At a nail salon I may as well be in heaven. The pungeant aroma of acetone and formaldehyde fills my nostrils, causing a slight tingly burning sensation that I quite like. But wait, did I say formaldehyde? Yes, I did.

And you thought formaldehyde was just for embalming bodies. Nope. Modern ingenuity has ensured this toxic carcinogen endless avenues into our lungs. Pressed wood products (including much modern furniture), tobacco smoke, textiles, insulation, glues and even our nail polish and polish remover serve as vessels, ferrying this toxin to port in our homes and other indoor environments to be inhaled and absorbed.

It has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals and is suspected to do the same in humans. In addition to agravating the respiratory system and triggering asthma, the EPA tells us that it can also bring on severe allergic reaction symptoms as well as wheezing, coughing, fatigue, and skin rash.

You can reduce your exposure immediately by purging your home of formaldehyde carriers. One immediate change you can make is your nail polish and nail polish remover. I have found a fantastic spa brand of nail care products that are free of chemicals and toxins, including formaldehyde, and are 100% natural and cruelty free.

Karma Organics is the the natural product line of Karma Organic Day Spa in New Jersey. They offer an all natural nail polish remover that works and smells great as well as a mix of 50 trendy and classic colors of nail polish. I chose their Twinkle Twinkle Periwinkle for my manicure today and am so happy with the results. I layered it over their fast drying 2 in 1 Base Coat for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Now my nails are an adorable shade of lavendar that will go great with my little black dress, shiney clutch and large right hand ring.

Win It!

Karma Organic is giving one lucky winner a bottle of their lavendar scented Organic Nail Polish Remover, one bottle of their 2 in One Base Coat and one bottle of Twinkle Twinkle Periwinkle Nail Polish! To enter, simply visit their online store and look over their fabulous collection of nail colors and then leave a comment on this post telling which color, aside from the one being given away, that you like. This must be done before any additional entries are accepted.

Additional Entries

For each additional entry, please leave an additional comment. 1 comment = 1 entry Please tell me what you did in your comment to earn the additional entry. Here are a few ways you can get additional entries:

1. Follow my blog

2. Subscribe to my blog

3. Post about this giveaway on your own blog with a direct link back to this post. Be sure to leave the link in your comment!

4. Tell someone about this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter or email!

5. Enter another one of my giveaways. Be sure to tell me which one you entered in your comment!

This giveaway ends on January 25th at 11:59 PM CST and is open to all US Residents.

Good Luck!

4 Ways to Eat Healthy & Get Fit While Helping Out the Planet

2009-12-29T07:00:00.002-06:00

1. Eat Seasonally

Around Thanksgiving I was entertaining and decided to make a special “winter comfort” recipe from one of my holiday cookbooks. The recipe called for red plums. I scurried on down to Kroger to grab a bag. Imagine the shock and horror I felt when the kind little produce man told me that plums were out of season- everywhere- and would not begin to come in from South America for at least two more weeks. What?! The spoiled American consumer in me reared its ugly head. Oh the humanity! Not being able to get the fresh fruit I wanted when I wanted it!? This is America for God sakes!

Silly isn’t it? But this is how most of us are accustomed to thinking. Many of us probably wouldn’t know a winter vegetable from a spring vegetable if it hopped off our plate and slapped us. Mores the pity. Eating out of season fruits and vegetables takes a hefty toll on our environment as they are either grown in hot houses that consume more energy or (as is most often the case) they are shipped in from exotic destinations like… Mexico.

Now a quick word about Mexico. I love Mexico. I spent a lot of time there when I was growing up and even had the privilege of celebrating my quinceañera there. (A quinceañera is a coming of age ceremony in Latin cultures and occurs on a girl’s 15th birthday. It’s a celebration that welcomes her into womanhood.) The people are open and warm and the culture is spirited and almost magical.

There are, however, some things I do not like about Mexico, primarily their lax if not non-existent agricultural regulations. Dangerous pesticides and unsustainable practices that would never be allowed in the United States are prevalent on many Mexican farms, yet we still allow their produce to make its way to our dinner tables and into the mouths of our children.

Eating seasonally promises many nutritional benefits. A seasonal diet ensures that you are able to consume only produce grown in the United States which carries a, somewhat, higher standard. Produce that has a long journey to market is picked prematurely and then ripened with chemicals. Choosing produce that is allowed to mature naturally “on the vine” ensures that you’ll be receiving maximum nutritional value.

2. Be a Local Consumer

Comitting to consume only locally grown produce will turn you into a seasonal eater overnight. It will also offers you the luxury of choosing exactly who you purchase your food from. Use sites like localharvest.org to find farms in your area whose growing practices are in line with your own personal values. In addition to participating in farmers markets, smaller family farms often foster personal relationships with their consumers by opening up the farm for visits a few days a month. This can make for a fun outing with the family and also give you an inside look at where your dinners come from!

Being a local consumer allows you to invest your money back into your area by supporting the family owned establishments that make up the heart of your community. It is an easy and fun way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint (even if the store’s produce is American grown, it still likely had a very long journey on a semi) and empowers you to chose fruits and vegetables that are fresh and nutritionally superior.

3. Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden

Growing some of your own vegetables is not as hard as people imagine and its benefits are far reaching. You don’t need a large plot or even a backyard. Many people find that a container garden is plenty to keep them stocked in their basic veggies and herbs for a full season. If you are limited with space and time or are not yet confident of your gardening skills, start out with a salad garden. For help and ideas in planning your garden, check out these helpful articles and site:

A Beginner's Guide to Organic Gardening from Martha Stewart's Whole Living

Simple Salad-Garden Containers from Better Homes and Gardens

The Gardener's Rake is a blog that is packed with helpful tips and articles on gardening, including a few gems on container gardening.

4. Legs: God’s Plan for Reducing Our Dependency on Oil

All joking aside, how often do you hop in the car when you could walk or ride your bike? True, it’s not always feasible, especially if you have young ones to tote around with you. However, there are some great strollers and bike carriages that make for a better work out for mom, an exciting adventure for the kids, and a much needed respite for Mother Nature. Is your grocery store within biking distance? There are some cute and trendy baskets that fit easily onto a bike to carry your bags. Turn your errand into a workout while also helping to reduce emissions and improve your city’s air quality.

Our bodies are made for the outdoors, yet we modern day humans spend more than 90% of our time inside! The results are often excess weight and a deficiency in vitamin D which our bodies naturally soak up through the sun’s rays. Studies show that the air quality inside many offices and homes is significantly poorer than that of a metropolitan city! The next time you have an errand to run or a nearby friend to visit, go natural and use the legs your mother gave ya.

Another NaturOli Giveaway!

2009-12-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

I have already posted a fabulous giveaway for NaturOli Soap Nuts that is still going on (if you haven't entered yet you can do so here) and now I have the privilege of posting another! The kind people at NaturOli are offering up two bottles of their Extreme 18x laundry detergent. You can read my review of this fabulous detergent here. It is a very strong concentrate of soap nuts and a very powerful, yet gentle cleaner. I love it and I know you will too!

TWO lucky winners will receive their very own 8 oz. bottle (enough for 96 loads) of Extreme 18x!

Entering Is Easy

To enter, just visit NaturOli's site and read over the information on Extreme 18x. Then come back to this giveaway post and leave a comment telling one thing you read about this fabulous detergent that you liked. Easy! This first step must be completed before any additional entries are counted.

Additional Entries

You can receive additional entries for doing any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. Follow my blog.

2. Subscribe to my blog.

3. Join the NaturOli Revolution. It's free and comes with loads of great perks!

4. Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to leave a link to your post in your entry comment.

5. Tell someone about this giveaway. You can spread the word via Twitter or Facebook or simply tell a friend in passing. Doesn't matter! Just be sure to leave a link directly back to this giveaway post if possible and tell me about it in your entry comment.

6. Enter another of my giveaways. Be sure to tell me in your entry comment which giveaway you entered.

This giveaway will run until January 15th 11:59 PM CST and is open to all US Residents.

Winner will be chosen by using the random number generator at random.org and will be announced on January 16th. I will also email the winner so be sure to have my email address (lucky832@gmail.com) as a trusted sender in your email! The winner must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Alabu Giveaway Winner!

2009-12-21T13:23:00.003-06:00

Using the random.org number generator, the winner of the Alabu giveaway has been chosen. And the lucky winner is.....

Comment #11 - DebK!

Congratulations Deb and best of lucky next time to the rest of you! Don't forget to stop by my giveaway page and enter my other giveaways!

**Deb- please make sure you respond to my email coming from lucky832@gmail.com to claim your gift certificate!

NaturOli Soap Nuts Giveaway - Win a 4 oz. Bag of Soap Nuts!

2009-12-15T09:52:00.012-06:00

Over the past two weeks I have shared with you my experiences with NaturOli and their amazing soap nuts, soap bar and Extreme 18x detergent. When I received my NaturOli products in the mail, I thought I was about to discover some fabulous new green products. I didn't realize that I would actually discover a whole world of possibility revolving around this little dried berry. NaturOli's passion for consumer education is evident as soon as you visit their website. If you are interested in learning more, here are some of their articles that I would recommend:

It's Time for Change

The Power of Marketing

Soap Nuts and Soap Nuts Making

Win NaturOli Soap Nuts!

And now for the fun part! NaturOli is generously offering TWO lucky winners a 4 oz. bag of soap nuts. This bag will wash 40 loads of laundry!

To Enter:

Visit NaturOli's site and take a look around. Then come back here and tell me one thing that you learned about soap nuts or NaturOli that you like. This first step is mandatory and must be done before any additional entries are accepted.

For Additional Entries:

1. Join the NaturOli Revolution here and then leave a comment on this post telling me you did. Joining is free and painless and will give you access to their newsletter, special promotions and offers, bulletins and site updates. As a member you'll also be the first to know about special closeouts and discounts!

2. Become a follower of Spots On My Apples and then leave a comment telling me!

3. Subscribe to my blog, then leave a comment telling me you did!

4. Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with your link.

5. Tell someone about this giveaway then leave a comment telling me!

6. Enter another one of my giveaways then leave a comment telling me which one you entered.

This giveaway is open to US residents and will close on January 16th at 11:59 PM CST. The winner will be announced on January 17th and will also receive an email from me that they must reply to by January 19th 11:59 PM CST or another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

NaturOli Extreme 18X Laundry Detergent Review

2009-12-12T09:31:00.007-06:00

Last week I posted about my exciting discovery of soap nuts and NaturOli, the company who has turned them into the rock stars of the green household industry. Since that review I have had the chance to try NaturOli's Extreme 18x laundry detergent. It's a super concentrated solution made from soap nuts and its list of ingredients is not only short but 100% natural. I was so taken by the idea of the soap nut, nature's perfectly packaged laundry detergent, that I was reluctant to try 18x. However, I also realized that not having a more "conventional" form of laundry detergent available in my house would give my husband the perfect excuse to leave that household chore all to me.

After reading the instructions and tips I was a bit skeptical. It called for only 1 teaspoon of the solution for a medium to large laundry load! "Yeah right" was my initial reaction, but then I reminded myself that these are the soap nut missionaries. If they say it only takes a teaspoon then who am I to doubt? I poured the solution into my empty washer and filled it halfway, allowing the solution to mix with the water, before tossing in my load of towels.

An hour or so later my towels were dried and ready for inspection. They were clean, soft and smelled amazingly fresh without having any real scent or perfume. The 18x had done its job! I have used it on three loads since then (we crank out a lot of laundry in this house) and have had wonderful results each time! True the solution is not as green as the nuts in their natural form but it is certainly more eco-friendly than any other laundry detergent I know of. The tiny sample sized bottle seen in the picture is enough to wash 12 HE loads or 6 standards loads! The bottle is 100% recyclable as is all packaging.

What I Love About This Stuff

It's made with only a few simple, all natural ingredients which are given in plain view on the label and on the website
It is super concentrated so one large bottle will last me a long time, reducing the amount of plastic I have to send to the recycling plant and thus reducing my carbon footprint
It does not stink, it does not smell like anything. It just smells clean. This is important as my daughter has respiratory issues that can be aggravated by perfumed detergents.
No need for fabric softener! It softened my laundry naturally.
It works! My white towels even came out brighter.
Competitive price. You can purchase an 8 ounce bottle from NaturOli's site for $16.95. That is enough to wash at least 96 high efficiency (HE) loads and 48 standard loads! It will likely go even further than that as you can get away with using as little as 1/2 a teaspoon with low soil loads!
Easy on your fabrics and on your skin! NaturOli started out initially as a natural skincare company, so they have a strong understanding of how certain ingredients interact with skin. This knowledge was also applied to their Extreme 18x formula. (See my recent review of their soap bar!)
It's a product I can trust. My experience with NaturOli and it's president over the last month have instilled in me a trust in the integrity of their company and the products they offer. They are committed to educating consumers and this is evident in their literature, their website and in all communications I have had with them. Though they are quickly growing into a major contender in the green market, they continue to run the company as they started it- with that personal, hands on approach that demonstrates their commitment to quality and their respect for their customers, products, employees and, above all, our environment.

A Few Tips On Using Extreme 18x

Once you've filled and loaded your washer, leave the laundry to soak for 15 minutes before beginning the cycle. This is not necessary but does allow the detergent to be even more effective. I did this every time with fantastic results. I set my kitchen timer so that I wouldn't forget about it.
Pour the liquid into the water while it's running into your machine. This mixes it up well and even produces a little sudsing. Keep in mind that the presence or absence of suds means nothing. It's just something that we have been trained to look for by conventional soaps and detergents that contain nasty chemical sudsing agents. 18x is low sudsing but very effective.
Don't over pack your machine. The laundry should have room to move around during the cycle. (This is recommended with any detergent.)
Play around with your measurements. As I mentioned earlier, it is not always necessary to use a full teaspoon. Some loads will come out perfectly clean and fresh with only 1/2 a teaspoon! After a few loads you'll be able to judge for yourself how much is needed.

This detergent was a hit with me. I plan on keeping my laundry room well stocked with Extreme 18x and soap nuts.
If you want to give NaturOli this Christmas, visit their site and check out their adorable seasonal gift sets! But hurry. They only have so many of their seasonal soaps left and they won't last long!

Extra Giveaway Entry Today Because I'm Feeling Jolly...

2009-12-10T11:43:00.005-06:00

If you've already entered the $25 Alabu Gift Certificate Giveaway, today you can get one extra entry without having to do a thing! Just leave a comment saying Merry Christmas along with your email address on the giveaway post here. That's it! No work at all.

If you have not already entered the giveaway, what are you waiting for?! Enter here- it only takes a couple of minutes and you could win $25 worth of Alabu products of your choice!

**In order to get the extra Merry Christmas entry you must first complete the initial entry by visiting Alabu's site, picking out a product you really like and leaving it in a comment on the giveaway post. This is required before any additional entries are valid.

Have a wonderful day and, in honor of the season, do something nice for someone!

NaturOli Soap Nuts Soap Bar

2009-12-09T09:03:00.006-06:00

Last week I told you a bit about NaturOli and the little wonders called soap nuts. Until recently I had only used soap nuts to wash my clothes, but yesterday I took them into the shower with me in the form of a soap bar.

NaturOli has a wide range of beautiful, all natural soap bars, but the Soap Nuts Soap Bar is their newest. In addition to ground up soap nuts, the bars contain high quality natural ingredients like almond oil, coconut oil, mango butter and vitamin E. They are proud of their all natural ingredients and list them on the label in plain language for the consumer to see.

The rosemary and tea tree mix with the other ingredients to form a very fresh herbal smell that was vaguely familiar to me. As I lathered the soap bar onto my washcloth I racked my brain trying to put my finger on it. While marveling at the exfoliating effect of the soap nut grains it came to me. Thanksgiving turkey! Boy have I spent too much time in the kitchen lately or what? I'm a foodie, so it is natural that I link aromas to cuisine. Unfortunately it made for an odd shower experience. I enjoyed the soap. It lathered up nicely even without chemical sudsing agents and gave my a gentle exfoliation while infusing it with natural oils. But I couldn't help but feel like a turkey getting rubbed down for the oven.

The quality of this bar was really evident after the shower. I have reviewed many soaps and body washes lately, many of them very gentle and nurturing to my dry skin.

But I have to say hands down that this is the most moisturizing soap I have ever
used.

I honestly did not feel the need to moisturize at all! Knowing the effects that blown heat has on my severely dry skin, I still chose to moisturize. But the soap nuts soap bar had already done the job! It reminded me of how my skin feels after having a massage and then washing off the oil.

Despite the roast turkey association, I used the soap again this morning and will again tomorrow. I love it! The rosemary is the culprit here. Though wonderfully fresh and fragrant, I will always connect this herb with dinner. I would love to try one of these bars with some of their other scents like the candy cane mint or the cinnamon, but until that can happen I will definitely continue to use this one. It will also make a perfect stocking stuffer for the man in my life who appreciates good soaps but is a bit burned out on lavender.

Check out NaturOli's complete line of soaps here if you are looking for green gifts this Christmas. Also, NaturOli's founder has a blog dedicated to the amazing soap nut that you may be interested in visiting. It's packed full of information and tips for harnessing the powers of this little wonder! He has also posted an article on the NaturOli site that will blow your mind. Read about the greatest marketing scam of the 20th century here! It will completely change the way you see your personal care products.

Organic Animals Dolls Giveaway at Organic Girl

2009-12-08T21:19:00.004-06:00

Organic Girl is hosting this adorable green giveaway! I just entered it and, even though it means more competition for me, I thought I'd share it with you. These giant huggable dolls are so cute and 100% organic. The art is adorable (classic child drawings, over sized features and buggy mismatched eyes) and come with funny little notes that sound like my own daughter's messages when she dictates letters to people. Enter here for your chance to win one Animals plush doll of your choice.

Good luck!

Free Recipe eBook from Food & Water Watch!

2009-12-08T08:38:00.007-06:00

Earlier this year, Food and Water Watch held a fish recipe competition. Recipes were judged not just by taste, but also affordability, ease of preparation, and sustainability of ingredients! They assembled the winning recipes into a wonderful recipe book that they have called Fish & Tips on a Budget: The Frugal Fish Edition. All of the recipes look and sound delicious and none of them will cost more than $25 to prepare!

I love fish and appreciate the health benefits they offer, but I only really know one way to prepare it- under the grill. I always end up using simple pepper and lemon because that's all I know to use for seasoning! With this recipe book I can start spicing things up a bit. I can't wait to try the grand prize winning recipe, Spicy BBQ Tilapia with Herb-Roasted Potatoes and Southern Creamy Cole Slaw! Yum.

In addition to the fabulous recipes, this book also offers great tips on choosing the best fish and even offers alternatives if you cannot find a certain type of fish in your area. Download your FREE copy here and get cookin'!

Did you know that less than 2% of seafood in the US are inspected for contamination even though a large portion of fish on our market our harvested in foreign waters where health and environmental standards are low to non-existent? Luckily, Food and Water Watch has also assembled a handy guide to help us make the best decisions when purchasing our seafood. I was surprised at some of the fish that show up on their Dirty Dozen list- many of them I buy often like Orange Roughy, Atlantic Cod and Farm Raised Salmon! You can view or download The Smart Seafood Guide here.

Save $5 on any Weil Baby Purchase of $15 or More!

2009-12-08T08:15:00.009-06:00

If you haven't seen the fantastic baby line by naturopath Dr. Weil, you should check them out. Not only are they specially designed for your baby's mouth and hands, they are also all BPA free, nontoxic, pediatrician recommended and made in the USA!

They are the only major baby bottle brand that is 100% made in America.

This ensures high quality and standards, affordable prices and a smaller carbon footprint. They are now available online and at Babies 'R Us. Print out this high value coupon to save $5 off any Weil Baby purchase of $15 or more! The coupon does not expire until December of 2010 so you have a while to use it! You can also print out lots if you need them!

Organic Printable Coupons at Coupons.com

2009-12-07T15:54:00.004-06:00

Coupons for organic grocery items are rare, but lately I've been seeing more and more pop up. This month on coupons.com you can print coupons for Muir Organics (canned organic tomatoes and pasta sauces), So Delicious coconut milk and deserts, Steaz Organic Iced Tea, Pure & Natural Hand & Body Soap, Burts Bees Skincare and Imagine Organic Soups and Broths! Remember that you are limited in how many you are allowed to print, but if you use your browser's back button you will be able to print off two of each coupon per computer. Once you have reached your limit for a coupon it will not allow to print it again until the site is reset, which I believe happens every month. Check it out! Coupons vary by region so you may even have more than what I have listed!

Boiron Coupon for Homeopathic Children's Cold, Cough and Flu Medicine

2009-12-07T09:36:00.003-06:00

Boiron has a coupon available for print through their website for $1.00 off any one item from their line of homeopathic Children's cold, cough and flu medicines. You can print as many as you need and they don't expire until 2012! Click on the picture above or go here.

Boiron Homeopathic Medicine for Children Review & Deal

2009-12-07T07:03:00.006-06:00

This year has been a difficult one with my toddler. In August she began her first year in "school" which exposed her to every cold and flu virus out there. Her immune system was still untested and weak, so the poor little thing picked up everything that came her way. I try not to give her drugs if I can avoid it and there is little you can give a toddler for colds anyway. Coughs during the night were the worse because the hacking would wake her up repeatedly. One night at 3:30 am she awoke coughing and I climbed into bed next to her to try to soothe her back to sleep. She snuggled into my arms and whimpered, "Mommy please make the coughs not be here anymore." It was like a dagger through my heart. She was miserable and there was little I could do for her. Even so, I had my husband take my place and I headed up to Walgreens on a hunt for something to ease her cough.

I was quite a sight in my sweat pants and bed matted hair as I scoured the shelves for a cough syrup labeled 3 yrs. and up. Of course there were none. No homeopathic medicine either. I went home defeated with a bag of natural honey throat lozenges which she of course would not keep in her mouth. I gave her some honey on a spoon hoping that it would help and thanked God when she finally fell back to sleep at sunrise.

Two weeks after later I received a line of homeopathic cold medicines for children made by French company Boiron. I received Coldcalm Pellets for multi-symptom cold relief, Oscillococcinum for the treatment of flu-like symptoms, and Children's Chestal for coughs. It was a relief just knowing I had them and three weeks later when my daughter developed another nasty cough and cold I was ready.

At the onset of her cold symptoms I began her dosage of Coldcalm. I gave her the recommended 5 pellets to melt in her mouth every twenty minutes for the first hour. The pellets are small and sugary sweet. I had to continually remind her that they were not candy and not to crunch them. The process quickly turned into a game that, combined with the powers of Scooby Doo, distracted her from her stuffy head and sore throat. After the first hour we spread the dosage out to 5 pellets every two hours. Her cold didn't clear up immediately, but it did make a difference in the symptoms and she complained less about her throat and nose hurting. The cold was gone in a matter of days and never became too severe, which I credit to the Coldcalm and regular doses of vitamin C.

At nights I was also prepared should the hacking begin. On the second night it did. She woke up around midnight and couldn't stop coughing long enough to fall back asleep. I swooped in with a dose of Children's Chestal cough syrup. Its honey based formula contains only homeopathic ingredients and is completely safe for children 3 and older. It immediately coated and soothed her throat and she slept the rest of the night through with no interruptions.

From their humble beginnings in 1932 in Lyon, France Boiron has grown into the world leader of homeopathy with a presence in major countries around the world. They are one the main suppliers of homeopathic medicine to American consumers and physicians today. Their US headquarters in Pennsylvania also houses a state of the art manufacturing laboratory, fulfillment center and large warehouse and shipping operations.

Boiron sees their commitment to scientific homeopathy as the most "compassionate, ecological and comprehensive approach" and aim to teach physicians how to integrate it into their every day practice. They have received numerous recognitions and awards including the Vity Award which they won in 2009 for the 8th consecutive year.

It is reassuring to have innovative companies like them striving for natural solutions and as a mom I am glad to have them in my arsenal. I look forward to trying more of their products and highly recommend them!

Unlike other homeopathic brands, Boiron's products are very competitively priced. I have found them to be comparable to major over-the-counter cold and flue drugs like Vicks and Tylenol. Go here to find a store near you that carries the Boiron brand.

Deals

I found some fabulous deals on Boiron children's medicines at Amazon.

Boiron Children's Chestal Honey Homeopathic Cough Syrup 8.45 fl oz (250 ml) Regularly Priced at $12.19 On Sale for $8.07

Boiron - Coldcalm Pellets Children, 160 pellets, Regularly Priced at $16.49 but On Sale Here for $8.41

Boiron Oscillococcinum for Children, Regularly Priced at $11.99 but On Sale here for $9.03

At those prices you may want to stock up. With more cold and flu months ahead of us you'll only be glad you did.

Alabu Goats Milk Body Products Review & Giveaway

2009-12-04T12:07:00.009-06:00

During these cold months you don't have to have sensitive skin to need gentle soaps. Cold air, blown heat, strong winds- everything is against us. The last thing you need is a soap that dries your skin out and leaves it feeling tight and flaky!

In November I had the chance to try out a line of goats milk products from a wonderful, family run company called Alabu. They offer a wide selection of soaps, lotions, balms, scrubs and even shaving products that are all natural.

Because of their moisturizing ingredients and absence of harsh chemicals and
detergents, they are the perfect choice for babies, people with sensitive
skin or simply anyone who hates coming out of the shower feeling tight skinned
and itchy!

I fell in love with their lavender soap bar. The scent is fabulous- subtle wafts of lavender softened by a clean, milky aroma. It leaves my skin literally squeaky clean without drying it out. My husband, who actually has oily skin, also loved it. He had never realized how harsh commercial soaps were until using Alabu! He began using the tea tree soap on his face and likes how it gives him a deep cleanse while still leaving his skin moisturized. The soap bars come beautifully wrapped and have a long "shower life." They will make excellent gifts for the holidays.

I also liked their shea butter and tea tree lotion sticks. While battling a nasty cold, the skin under my nose began to get dry and cracked from all the blowing. I used the tea tree and my skin was instantly soothed. I reapplied several times a day, relieving the chapped skin without causing a breakout! The scent was also soothing, similar to eucalyptus, and seemed to even help clear my congestion! The shea butter stick goes with me everywhere. It's so handy to apply- like a giant lip balm. I like to use it on my knees when I am wearing dresses or skirts. They get so ashy in the winter- not attractive. I can just give them a quick rub with the lotion stick and they're good to go!

I recommend Alabu for anyone, but if you have sensitive skin and are having trouble finding a natural product that works you definitely want to give them a try!

Win Alabu!

The nice family of Alabu are offering one lucky winner a $25 gift certificate redeemable at their website! This is such a generous giveaway and just in time for Christmas!

How to Enter

Entering to win is easy. Simply head over to Alabu's website and check out all of their fantastic products! Then come back to this post and leave a comment telling what you would buy with your gift certificate. Be sure to leave me your email so I can contact you if you win!

Additional Entries

You can increase your chances of winning by doing any of the following for additional entries:

Follow my blog and leave me a comment telling me!

Subscribe to my blog and leave me a comment telling me!

Subscribe to the Alabu Blog and leave a comment here telling me!

Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your post!

Spread the word about this giveaway (complete with link) through Twitter or Facebook and leave a comment telling me about it!

Tell someone about this giveaway and leave me a comment telling me you did!

Enter another one of my giveaways and leave a comment telling me! (Keep checking back as I will be posting a lot of giveaways over the next two weeks!)

**Please remember to post a separate comment for each entry. 1 comment = 1 entry!

This giveaway ends December 19th at 11:59 PM and is open to US residents only.

Good luck!

Say Yes to Carrots Lip Balm Deal at Walgreens!

2009-12-04T10:54:00.003-06:00

If you've been wanting to try some of the Say Yes to Carrots products now is the perfect time! Walgreens has their lip balm on sale this week for only $.99! That is a great deal. These are completely organic and very cute. They'll make perfect stocking stuffers for my toddler as she loves "makeup" but I cringe when I see her putting chemical laden brands on her mouth!! It is also rumored that Walgreens have $1 off coupons which would make this free. Try asking for one at their cosmetics counter!

Thanks to Collin at Hip2Save and Susan over at Organic Deals and Coupons for sharing this great green deal!

Save 20% on Your Green Baby Gifts Today!

2009-12-04T06:30:00.001-06:00

A special offer from giggle, just in time for the holidays! Enjoy 20% off your next online order through December 7. To get your discount, just enter code INSIDER09 at checkout. And the more the merrier, so be sure to spread the word!

Giggle has some adorable organic and eco-friendly baby gifts and gear to fit any budget. If you have some babies or toddlers on your Christmas list this is definitely a promotion worth checking out!

$2 OFF ANY Method Product!

2009-12-03T16:48:00.003-06:00

Method has just posted a new coupon on their website and it's a great one. $2 off any Method product! If you can find any on discount you could easily score a free Method product! Go here to print yours, and don't forget that you are allowed to print 2 per computer! These coupons are good until January 2, 2010.

NaturOli Soap Nuts Review

2009-12-03T13:10:00.012-06:00

I always cringe when my husband does the laundry. I have to leave the room before he measures out the detergent, otherwise I’ll catch myself sounding just like my mother. “That stuff doesn’t grow on trees ya know…” Well, now I can relax because apparently- it does!

I recently stumbled across this amazing product online called soap nuts. They are the dried shells of soapberries that grow on the Sapindus tree in locations around the world. What makes these husks so special is their unique and natural soaping agent called saponin. For thousands of years this substance has been used for laundry detergent and body soaps. As a consumer always on the search for sustainable products, soap nuts definitely rang my bell.

I found a fantastic company called NaturOli that has embraced the soap nut in their line of home and personal care products. Their website is chock full of information that I happily lost myself in for the better part of an hour. When I emerged, it was with a new passion for this tiny nut that is boldly slinging stones at the chemically fueled giants of the home care industry. I had caught the soap nut fever. I couldn't wait to try them and the kind people at NaturOli were happy to send some my way.

Before trying them out on my first load, I made sure to read through the literature. While soap nuts are just as handy (if not more so) than typical detergent, they are a completely different product, so it makes sense that the method of usage would also be quite different. After reviewing the instructions and tips I got started.

I am a cold water washer. I almost NEVER use warm or hot water. I know from experience that not all detergents work well with cold water. I worried that this would put a halt to my soap nut madness as I tied five soap nuts up in the muslin drawstring bag that came with them. I soaked the bag of nuts in a cup of hot water for five minutes as advised in the literature. (This step is only necessary when washing with cold water.) This made a soap nut “tea” that I then poured, along with the bagged nuts, into my washer and filled it with cold water as normal.

The first wash was a load of lightly soiled dark clothes. They came out clean and fresh just as they would have with the other detergents I use.

I decided to test the powers of soap nuts a little further with a load of heavily soiled kitchen towels. My husband has this dreadful habit of using the kitchen towels to wipe up spills on the counter- any spills including the most common, coffee. This does not bode well for our white towels.

I made more tea and started the wash. Thirty minutes later I was eager to see how the soap nuts had done. The towel came out much cleaner. The coffee spills were still visible but it is important to note that 1) no detergent I have ever tried has been able to get them any cleaner 2) I did not use any stain treatment as I would typically have done.

I kept using the soap nuts. They were equally effective on my daughter’s clothes (toddlers create a whole different level of dirty), my clothes, delicate blankets and lightly soiled to medium soiled towels. Out of six loads of laundry I only had one that came out less than clean.

I had opted for warm water on this load as well as a more vigorous wash cycle because it contained a heavily soiled bath mat and towels. Since I was using warm water, I skipped the soaking process and just through the bag of soap nuts into the wash with the towels and mat.

Many of the towels came out fine, but one particularly soiled washcloth (it’s just makeup people) and bath mat (my dog likes to sleep on it when I’m in the shower) were slightly cleaner but not enough to make me want to use them again. This could be because I had already used the soap nuts five times and they had lost some of their effectiveness, or because I did not use the tea method. (This method seems to be most effective with heavily soiled loads.)
Overall, my experience with soap nuts has a positive one. I will definitely be using them more! They are the purest, most natural and earth friendly form of detergent available.

Here’s what I like most about soap nuts:

They are gentle on fabrics and completely fragrance free.

My laundry comes out simply smelling fresh and clean.

There is also no need for fabric softener with soap nuts as they naturally condition and soften fabrics.

They are also hypoallergenic, making them the ideal choice for homes with babies, people with sensitive skin, allergies or asthma.

They are naturally anti-fungal and anti-microbial.

They are a natural odor remover.

They have multiple uses around the house. Make the soap nut tea or grind them into a powder to incorporate them into all your household chores. They are even reported to be effective on your windows!

Are not harmful to pets and are 100% free of animal testing or cruelty!

Endless shelf life

Come from a sustainable resource and require little energy to harvest and process.They are 100% natural, chemical free and biodegradable! They come in reusable bags and are shipped in recyclable packaging.

They are also very affordable. You can purchase an 8 oz. bag of soap nuts online from NaturOli for only $12.75! If you stick to the recommended five loads per five nuts that comes to 80 loads, making it the most affordable natural detergent I have been able to find!

NaturOli’s soap nuts have received the prestigious Green Dot Award and continue to be recognized for their quality and positive impact on the environment. I highly recommend them and will be ordering these cute bags to give with my some of my Christmas presents this year. Visit NaturOli’s site if you’re looking for unique gifts that carry a positive impact this season.

Have you found other uses for soap nuts? If so please share them in a comment below!

Weleda Giveaway Results

2009-12-03T10:44:00.004-06:00

Random.org randomly generated number 16 out of 117 comments. Comment number 16 was left by Elena.

Congratulations Elena! You have won the entire Weleda Pomegranate line!

Thanks to all for participating and don't be down if you didn't win. I have tons of great green giveaways coming up before Christmas! Stay tuned... :)

Last Day for Weleda Giveaway!

2009-12-02T15:46:00.005-06:00

For those of you who have not already entered the newest Weleda giveaway, take a moment to do so now! Entering is easy and the products you could win are amazing!

ENTER HERE!

Act fast. This giveaway closes at 11:59 tonight, CST!

Good luck!

Green Cyber Monday Deals: Klean Kanteen 30% OFF!

2009-11-30T13:42:00.004-06:00

For the outdoor enthusiast on your list you may want to head over to Amazon. They are offering Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottles at 30% off today!

Free Sample of Seventh Generation Dish Soap!

2009-11-23T13:03:00.006-06:00

Seventh Generation is giving out samples of their dish soap for free. Just Login or sign up here to claim yours! If you haven't tried this stuff you should. It smells wonderful and does an excellent job of cleaning your dishes without nasty chemicals!

*Thanks MoneySavingMom for spreading the word!

Are Red Tides on the Rise?

2009-11-18T09:06:00.011-06:00

In September of this year the entire Oregon coast was closed to all mussel and clam harvesting by the state Department of Agriculture. This came on the heels of a long summer closure and lays a heavy blow to the Oregon shellfish industry.

In October, Maine petitioned Congress for assistance for their clamming industry that has suffered significantly from coastal closures over the summer. Other 2009 US closures include Virginia, Maryland and Washington.

What's responsible for these closures? A risk of toxin contamination from red tides.

Red Tides, also known as Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB's), are blooms created by an overgrowth of a microscopic marine algae that can, given the right conditions, produce lethal nerve toxins. When fish absorb these toxins they are paralyzed and die. Fish-eating birds and humans are also at risk. Shellfish contaminated with these toxins will cause severe illness and even death if consumed.

Red Tides are natural occurrences that have been around as long as the algae who create them. However, scientists are concerned that toxic red tides are on the rise and occurring in waters where they never have before. Many scientists believe that this increase in HAB's can be linked to nutrient pollution (nutrient rich bi products of agriculture and waste treatment plants that make it to our waterways through runoff water).

The EPA ranks nutrient pollution, namely phosphorus and nitrogen
pollution, as one of the major causes of water degradation over the past ten
years. So why aren't they doing anything about it?

The Sierra Club has organized a petition to the EPA, asking them to preserve and protect our waters from nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. The request is simple:

• Establish water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus and;

• Establish limits on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be dumped into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico

If nutrient pollution worries you, do something about it. Take action today! Tell the EPA to protect our waters from nitrogen and phosphorous pollution by following this link and signing the petition.

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and Creamy Body Wash Reviews and Giveaway

2009-11-13T07:19:00.012-06:00

Have you ever gone to a shopping mall the day after Christmas? The first thing you might notice is that every woman and girl is walking around in an aromatic cloud. It moves with them everywhere they go, leaving an invisible trail of perfume behind. It's like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown only clean. Perfumed body products are possibly one of the most popular gifts because what girl doesn't enjoy pampering herself with new smelly goodies?

The problem with all those pretty lotions and body washes is that most of them are full of not so pretty ingredients. Dangerous surfactants like the foaming agents Sodium Laryl Sulfate and Sodium Laurel Sulfate and the cleansing agent TEA-Lauryl Sulfate and other scary ingredients like PEGs, PPGs, synthetic dyes and fragrances, silicone, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde abound.

Don't we deserve pamper products that are safe and pose no health risks?

Weleda thinks so. Which is why they continually produce fabulous body products that are all natural, cruelty free and don't contain any synthetic ingredients.

They recently sent me their newest products for me to try. Earlier this week I shared with you my addiction to their new Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream. Well, discovering the other two products in their pomegranate line was just as thrilling.

Lathering up with their Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash will make you feel like the Queen of Sheba. It feels more like a lotion on your skin and hydrates like one too. The exotic smells of the pomegranate (think energizing citrus meets soft floral) inspire strength and femininity. By the time I stepped out of the shower my skin was wonderfully clean without being dried out and I felt like I could conquer the world.

I followed it up with their Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil, massaging it into my skin. This oil is not greasy and has the same empowering fragrance as the hand cream and body wash. My skin drank it up and was left feeling supple and healthy.

The pomegranate and jojoba oils combine in this unique formula to detox the skin, protect it from free radicals and improve it's firmness while enhancing its natural ability to renew itself. According to studies, using this body oil twice a day for two weeks will accelerate natural skin renewal by 50%!

It's difficult to decide what I love most about these products, the smell or the results. They both are phenomenal. I do love how the aroma mixes nicely with my perfume, no matter which scent I choose for the day. Right now I am wearing Obsession a lot, and the two fragrances blend together to form a very unique and delicious aroma!

How Can You Get Your Hands On Some?

You can pick these items up at Whole Foods for a reasonable price. You can also purchase them directly through Weleda's website at $28 for the body oil and $18 for the body wash. The Pomegranate Gift Kit is a great way to try out the entire pomegranate line for only $18 and would also make a wonderful Christmas gift!

WIN THEM! Sorry, this giveaway is now closed. But don't forget to check out my other green giveaways!

Weleda is generously giving one lucky winner the entire Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Line! The winner will receive one Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream, one Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and one Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash!

Entering for your chance to win is easy. Just visit the Weleda's website and find another product (NOT a pomegranate product) that you would like to try. Then leave a comment on this post telling which product you like and your email address.

Additional Entries

You are entitled to one additional entry for each of the following:

*Sign up for Weleda's We Magazine (completely free and comes with fabulous coupons that never expire!)

*Become a Spots On My Apples blog follower.

*Subscribe to Spots On My Apples blog (Simply enter your email address in the box at the top of the page that says "Subscribe" and posts will be delivered straight to your inbox!)

*Blog about this giveaway and be sure to link back to this post!

*Twitter about this giveaway and give a link to this post!

*Share about this giveaway on MySpace or Facebook and provide a link to this post!

***You must leave an additional comment for each entry. In the comment tell me what you did to earn the entry and give your email address.

This giveaway will close on December 2nd at 11:59 PM. The winner will be announced and contacted on December 3rd and must reply to my email by 11:59 PM December 5th or another winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Exclusive Discount On Juara Skincare: Save Money With This Coupon Code!

2009-11-12T21:55:00.007-06:00

You can save 10% on your entire order of Juara Skincare products by simply using coupon code SPECIAL10 at checkout. Also, Juara offers free shipping on orders over $75 and free samples with every order!

Coupon code good until 11/30, just in time for some early Christmas shopping.

Save 40% On Weleda Regenerating Pomegranate Hand Cream!

2009-11-10T18:39:00.003-06:00

This hand cream is already pretty well priced at only $12.50 suggested retail, but I found a fabulous deal on Amazon that will save you 40%!

Click here to snag it for only $7.88 a tube! Of course you have to take shipping into account- $5.41 in this case. If you are only purchasing one you are better off driving to your nearest Target. But if you want to buy a few as gifts or to stock up, this is a fabulous deal!

Weleda Regenerating Pomegranate Hand Cream,size: Ea 1/1.7 Oz

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream Review

2009-11-10T11:55:00.007-06:00

If you've read my blog much at all you've probably figured something out about me. I'm a product junky. I admit it and embrace it. I love new products. The contents of my handbag and bathroom shelves are ever changing. I love finding new creams, powders and potions to indulge in. I love using them and I love telling people about them, but the truth is that today's favorite will very likely be lost in the dark and dusty back recesses of my bathroom cabinet as the new products take the coveted front space.

It's not that I no longer like those "lost products". I just simply forget about them. Shiny new boxes and unsqueezed tubes turn me into a hyperactive child on Christmas morning. My husband will attest to the fact that I am often caught dancing around the house with a UPS delivery in my giddy hands, savoring the moment before my newest favorite is discovered.

But sometimes I come across a product that is unforgettable. One that very
likely could become an addiction and even blossom into a long term love affair.

Weleda's new Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream is just such a product.

Even though one morning application would keep my hands soft and supple throughout the day, I still insist on carrying the tube around with me and reapplying it obsessively. I even convinced my husband to try it, and though the aroma is sweet, slightly floral and wonderfully feminine, he continues to use it.

What is it that has me so taken? It could be the wonderful smell. A little fruity and a little citrus'y (classic Weleda) but also tinged with a soft floral smell that adds a delicate quality to it without overwhelming the senses. It smells so clean and fresh that I often catch myself cupping my hands over my nose and breathing it in. This has turned into a habit of second nature much like biting nails or playing with hair.

But this intoxicating aroma is only the pretty face of the hardworking super ingredients that make this cream so effective. While I'm absent-mindedly "smelling the roses", the healing qualities of pomegranate are busy at work renewing my skin's elasticity and reversing the early signs of aging that my dry skin has brought on prematurely. (I'm only 28 but looking at my hands you would probably guess early forties.)

The pomegranate was a favorite delicacy of the ancient Egyptians. Thousands of years ago they were harnessing the powers of this beautiful fruit to soothe sick stomachs, clear the body of roundworm (ugh!), and even used it's juice as an aphrodisiac. Today it is know to be capable of all these things and more!

Weleda uses organic pomegranates harvested in Turkey to infuse this cream with powerful antioxidants that protect and repair the skin from the damages of environmental toxins, rejuvenating the skin and enhancing its natural radiance.

This cream goes on smoothly and soaks deep into the skin to offer long lasting moisture and protection without being greasy.

I highly recommend it! The small 100% recyclable tube is perfect for tucking into your hand bag and would make an excellent stocking stuffer! You can purchase a tube of Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream directly from Weleda's site for $12.50 or from your local Target.

New Method Coupon Available!

2009-11-10T11:47:00.006-06:00

As you all know, I love love love Method products! But what I love even more? Coupons for money OFF Method products! These are hard to come by which is why I get so excited about it. There's a new one available for print here. Just in time too because their new holiday scents have hit the shelves and they are delicious!

Finding New Green Products Can Be Simple Through Fresh Deals

2009-11-10T10:32:00.006-06:00

Are you considering investing in a juicer? Wondering if steam washers are energy star rated? Want to price shop natural cosmetics?

A new site called Fresh Deals is making this process easier by combining the price shopping aspect of the common search engine with the personal and interactive qualities of a social networking site.

It's like shopping with a million friends who have tried everything!

Shoppers leave item specific questions that can be answered by any member. Rating a product is easy too. No lengthy process of choosing stars and writing reviews. Simply click on the thumbs up if you have tried the product and like it. As soon as you do the counter will increase by one for others to see.

I searched for eco strollers on this site and immediately came up with a selection and a list of competitive prices from various stores around the internet. (I had never even heard of Uppa Strollers before, but they are so cute!) What caught my eye next was something I wasn't shopping for and don't even need but now have to have- the Dante Beatrix Eco Stroller Tote!

The site is still new but will only get better as more people leave their feedback and ask and answer more product specific questions. Take a look around and if there is a product you have tried recently be sure to leave your feedback for others! And if you have a question about a product, ask away!

Be sure to check out the Deals! tab on the top right. This will bring up their best featured deals (that change constantly) and even let you search for specific products. I found some great bargains on Burts Bees products here!

If you find a good deal that you want to share with your friends, you can connect to your facebook account through the site! So cool.

Beware though- just like you can lose yourself in a good shopping mall and emerge five hours later not remembering where you parked, this site too will suck you into shopper's oblivion. I recommend setting some sort of timer! LOL

Another Week of Weleda!

2009-11-09T09:14:00.003-06:00

I enjoyed our Week of Weleda so much last month that when Weleda gave me the chance to host another I jumped on it!

This week I will be reviewing products from Weleda's newest pomegranate line and they are amazing! I'll share information about each product along with my personal experiences, opinions and the sweet deals I've scrounged up.

Stick around because we'll wrap it all up with another fabulous giveaway!

Home Depot Pays You to Recycle Your Old Incandescent Christmas Lights!

2009-11-05T12:11:00.002-06:00

Starting today, Home Depot will give you a $3 coupon per set of old Christmas lights you bring in. The coupon is good towards a new strand of LED lights. They'll give up to 5 coupons, so this is a good time to recycle those strands that no longer work and go green for less! During the promotion period (11/05-11/15) their LED lights are priced at only $5.97. That's just $2.97 after your coupon! What a great incentive to go green for the holidays!

Thanks MoneySavingMadness and Hip2Save for the heads up!

Today's Amazon Deals: Organic Makeup 55% Off!

2009-11-04T09:11:00.007-06:00

They are running some amazing deals at Amazon on organic makeup right now. Here are a few of the most tempting deals I found:

Dr. Hauschka Cover Stick, Natural 01, .07-Ounce Box - Regular Price $21 On Sale for $9.99!

Orglamix Smoke & Mirrors Mineral Eye Color Kit - Reg. $26 On Sale for $12.00!

Honeybee Gardens Mascara Truly Natural - Regular Price $10 On Sale for $7.57

bareMinerals Free to BE Naturally Classic Kit 6 Pc Kit
Regularly Priced at $39.99 On Sale for only $26.99!

It's not too early to start shopping for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers- especially when the savings are this good! Don't forget that you can get free shipping from Amazon whenever your order is $50 or more! I am especially excited about the Bare Minerals kit- the makeup is fabulous and the kits make great gifts! If you want to snag one at this price you'd better hurry- there are only a few left. I'm off to shop some more. If I find any other great deals on natural products I'll be sure to pass them on. You do the same!

FREE Samples of Pristine Skin Care Products!

2009-11-03T11:09:00.001-06:00

Go here and fill out a quick form to get your FREE Pristine Skin Care samples! Pristine Skin Care is an all natural, 4 in 1 skin care system for all skin types. Be sure to reply to the email to confirm shipment. Act fast while supplies last!

Thanks to IndiMoney and Hip2Save for sharing this great freebie!

Weleda Product Giveaway Winner

2009-11-02T09:36:00.005-06:00

The random number generator at random.org picked number 13, Jessica, as the lucky winner of the Weleda Giveaway! Jessica will receive a tube of Weleda Skin Food and a bottle of Weleda Cellulite Oil valued at $37.

Congratulations Jessica!

Demand Refund for Your SIGG Water Bottle

2009-10-23T08:43:00.004-05:00

As consumers became aware of the dangers of BPA in plastic water bottles, the popularity of stainless steel water bottles exploded. One very popular brand that benefitted from the anti-BPA movement is Swiss company SIGG, who sold their trendy bottles on the promise of being BPA free.

In August, SIGG admitted to using BPA in the lining of their bottles until as recent as last summer! They are now offering consumers a free replacement, but seeing as they refuse to disclose what is in their new lining, who can trust them?

The Breast Cancer Fund has once again made it easy for us to speak up. Using their simple form letter, write SIGG CEO Steve Wasik to demand a REFUND and ask that they regain our trust by revealing the ingredients of the lining in their new bottles.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

2009-10-19T09:33:00.006-05:00

This is a good campaign to get behind if you are concerned about the ingredients in personal care products we use every day on ourselves and our children. Their website is a fabulous resource for information, legislative updates, tips and so much more. Check out their video below.

FREE Sample of Seventh Generation Detergent!

2009-10-18T13:46:00.001-05:00

Seventh Generation is giving away free samples of their fabulous laundry detergent! Go here to sign in or sign up for Seventh Generation Nation and then request your free sample! If you haven't already, check out my review of this super green clean detergent! Of all the natural and eco-friendly detergents I have tested, this is still my favorite and what I choose to use in my home. This offer is only good while supplies last so act fast!

Thanks to Hip2Save for spreading the word about this great freebie!

30 Thursday: What Could You Do Without?

2009-10-15T12:25:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since we've had a 30 Thursday, so I'll remind everyone what it's about. I post a topic or question and the first 30 people to reply in a comment can put an additional entry in any current giveaway I am hosting.

Today I am thinking of things that I could do without. What are things I can give up that will make the earth a little bit of a better place? A big thing that comes to mind is my SUV. I love my Acura MDX, but it is much more car than I need. I have one child and never take road trips. It's a pretty big thing to "get rid of" and a little complicated what with loans and all, but I'm working on it. I plan on replacing it with a Mini Cooper Clubman. Maybe I can do it within 6 months, or maybe it will take over a year- but I'm going to do it. In the meantime, I'll try to walk more (unfortunately Houston suburbs make this near impossible) and I'll give up something small for now.

Photo courtesy of cartype.com

Plastic cups. Is it really that much of an inconvenience to wash glasses after a party or large family gathering? Nope. So goodbye plastic cups, and Styrofoam for that matter. I'm not buying them ever again. It's a small thing, true. But I am hopeful that one day these small things will add up to make a big difference.

Tell me something you are willing to give up- big or small! And don't forget to go to the Weleda giveaway and post a comment for your extra entry! (Just put 30 Thursday and your email address in the giveaway comment.)

What Are We Protecting?

2009-10-14T10:45:00.009-05:00

Every now and then I like to remind myself of what it is we are protecting by choosing green over convenience, price or expediency. Here are a few pics of autumn in my great state of Texas.

Guadalupe State Park

Photo by Sandy Powers

Lubbock, TX

Photo by David Kozlowski

McKittrick Canyon (west TX desert)

Photo courtesy of jkenny3

What are you protecting? Tell us in a comment.

CVS Pays Customers To Bring Their Own Bag

2009-10-13T22:26:00.001-05:00

It looks like Target has started a trend. Only weeks after launching their reusable bag campaign, CVS has begun one of their own. The CVS program costs you at first, but pays better in the long run. Here's how it works:

Purchase a "Green Bag Tag" from your CVS store for $0.99 and have your cashier scan it every time you check out using your own bag. Every three visits, you'll receive a $1.00 credit! If you're a serious CVS deal shopper, this incentive could pay for a latter or two a week and imagine all of the plastic bags it will keep from landfills! :)

Picture Courtesy of CouponingToDisney

Thanks to Couponing To Disney and It's Hip 2 Save for posting about this great green incentive program! And by the way, if y'all haven't already, you should pay a visit to Hip 2 Save and watch this girl shop!

Weleda Product Giveaway

2009-10-12T10:31:00.013-05:00

Enter TODAY for your chance to win these fabulous products valued at $37.00!

Of all the Weleda products I tested and reviewed, my favorites were the Skin Food and the Cellulite Oil. So I am giving you all a chance to snag one of each for yourself! On November 1st, one lucky reader will be chosen to receive their very own Skin Food and Cellulite Oil to keep for themselves or re-gift at Christmas! (2.5 oz. tube of Skin Food and 3.4 fl oz bottle of Cellulite Oil)

Entering the giveaway is easy.

First (and this step must be done before any additional entries are counted) tell me (via comment) about a natural, organic or eco-friendly product you would be interested in me reviewing. Maybe something you have considered purchasing but haven't yet heard any consumer feedback on. Please include your email address in your comment so that I have a way to contact you!

Additional Entries:

1. Blog About Spots On My Apples
You can have an additional entry for each blog post about this giveaway or any of my other posts. Please linkback from my post(s) to yours. One entry for each linkback/post. Leave a new comment on this giveaway post and tell me about it!

2. Follow Me on Google
Leave me a comment below to tell me about it!

3. Subscribe to My Blog
Leave another comment below to tell me you did!

4. Tell Someone Else About This Giveaway
Whether you pick up the phone or post it on your Facebook status- it all counts! Be sure to leave another comment below to tell me what you did!

Please leave separate comments for each entry.

1 comment = 1 entry

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end at 11:59 PM on November 1st. Winner will be chosen by random number generator and announced and contacted on November 2nd. Winner must respond to my email by 11:59PM November 3rd or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Arnica Massage Oil Review and Deal Alert

2009-10-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

I had such a wonderful weekend that I did not get a chance to post my last Weleda review. Saturday was spent celebrating my niece's 4th birthday. We painted pottery! It was so fun. (Happy birthday chicken!) And Sunday? Well... I admit. Sunday was a wonderfully overcast, misty cold day and all I wanted was to hole up in my house with my family, baking and watching tv. So that's exactly what I did. No work.

And so our week of Weleda has been extended by a day. I am okay with this. I love these products and now have a valid excuse to go on about them some more. Today I'm reviewing their Arnica Massage Oil.

My husband and I are not big on swapping massages. It's just not something we do really, but I got a chance to test this oil out on myself after a hard week of running. My legs were killing me! I couldn't walk or sit without feeling like they would collapse at any moment! So after my shower I popped the cap on the bottle, drizzled some of the oil over my aching thigh and got to work.

The smell of arnica has a medicinal quality to it but is also quite pleasant and soothing. It even opened up my sinuses a bit as I massaged my leg- an unexpected plus! This oil, like all of Weleda's products is not greasy! I expected it to be- it's massage oil right? But this stuff soaks into your skin, leaving the surface moist by not oily.

The arnica warmed the muscles as I massaged and helped them loosen and relax. The oil also contains rosemary and lavender which help the mind to relax and unwind. By the time I finished massaging both legs my muscles felt better, my senses calmed and my skin was left feeling nourished and supple.

If you are looking for a spa quality massage oil that is 100% pure and natural, I recommend giving this one a try. You can pick it up at Target for about $20.00 or you can order it for only $13.99 through Amazon.com.

*Pictures courtesy of Weleda.com

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash Review and Deal Alert

2009-10-09T14:03:00.005-05:00

If you could use some early morning revitalization of the senses, reach for a tube of Weleda's Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash. This all natural wash comes out of the tube feeling like lotion and smells like paradise. Sea Buckthorn is a powerful antioxidant packed with vitamin A and E to smooth and nourish your skin.

After getting a whif of this stuff in the store, I couldn't wait to try it out. I have a hard time waking up in the mornings. Sometimes even a shower fails to do the trick. But one squirt of this cream onto my shower puff was like being woken up by sun warming my face.

I would recommend not applying this cream to a washcloth. The washcloth will absorb a lot of it and you won't get it to foam up at all. Use a sponge or shower puff to get it to suds up a bit and be prepared to fall in love. Not only will you come out of the shower feeling clean, refreshed and awake but your skin will be left feeling supple and soft- not dry and tight like with other soaps and washes.

The Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash is another home run by Weleda. I highly recommend it as a perfect way to pamper yourself or someone else. You can pick it up at Target for around $16.00 a tube, or you can order it online at Amazon for a steal at only $10!

Birch Cellulite Oil Review and Deal Alert

2009-10-08T12:55:00.008-05:00

When I saw Weleda's Birch Cellulite Oil in the store my mind instantly flashed to those ads in the back of beauty magazines. "Magical pill dissolves cellulite instantly." "Scrub away cellulite with Super Soap!" I always try to keep an open mind when trying a new product but I confess, I was already planning my critical review when I opened the box at home.

The seal on the cap popped as I twisted it off and I could immediately smell the birch and something citrussy. It was nice! My attitude changed as I filled my palm with a puddle of the oil. At the very least I would smell nice.

I massaged the oil into my upper thighs in circular motions as directed by the product literature. It was not as greasy as I expected and like the Skin Food, it soaked right into my skin.

The Results:
I repeated this process every morning and evening. I am not going to post before and after pictures because, trust me, nobody deserves to see that. But I can tell you that after only a few days I noticed a difference. Did it "melt away" my cellulite? No. But it is doing exactly what Weleda said it would. My skin is firmer and has a smoother appearance making my "wobbly bits" look a little tighter. I have only been using it for 11 days and will definitely continue to use it. I am also going to try it out on areas where my skin is a little "loose" like the under side of my arms and and what I call my "chicken wings." I don't have cellulite there, but I think this oil could make a difference.

I'm really excited about this product!

It is not a miracle worker. It is not going to make a fat
butt look skinny. But it will improve the texture and
appearance of your skin.

I've started running again to get back into shape. I look forward to seeing what this oil, a better diet, and running can do with my problem areas in a few months! I'll let you know. In the meantime, my experience so far is enough to earn my thumbs up. I recommend it if you have cellulite or loose skin that could use some firming up. And of course, like all Weleda products, this oil is ALL NATURAL.

You should be able to find this oil at your local Target for about $25.00. A bit pricey but I think the results are worth it, and it should last a while.

Online Deals:
If you don't mind waiting for it for a few days, you won't get a better price than this one at Amazon. This is a 58% savings!! I think I'm going to stock up. :)

All pictures courtesy of Weleda.com

Weleda Skin Food Review & Deals

2009-10-06T08:19:00.013-05:00

I always have issues with dry skin, but going into winter it gets even worse. Blown heat, heavy clothes and dry, cold air will escalate my skin problems from bad to worse. Areas that are dry and rough in the summer run the risk of cracking in the winter. Regular lotions don't do a thing for me. Oils and body butters help, but they tend to be greasy. Once my skin has made the transition from merely dry to rough or cracking, there are few products that can bring it back. Those that can contain synthetic ingredients that I don't relish putting on my body.

Last week I tried Weleda's Skin Food.

This ultra nourishing body cream is packed with powerful natural ingredients
like organic sunflower oil, an excellent source of vitamin E, and organic pansy
which contains antiseptic properties that will soothe cracked or irritated skin.

Perfect. I decided to try this super cream out on my biggest problem area- my heels.

Over the summer I had been maintaining my feet with regular exfoliation (using foot scrubs and my precious ped-egg) and moisturizing nightly with that yummy coconut body butter I told y'all about in May. Unfortunately, I fell down on the job and by late August my heels were so brittle that they were cracking and even bleeding a little on one foot! This made me worry about infection and so I stopped using any scrub or the ped-egg. They had never gotten so bad! Even the coconut butter wasn't helping at this stage. By late September they had healed but still very dry and rough- perfect candidates for my Skin Food trial.

When I applied this cream to my skin I immediately understood the name.

This "Skin Food" was like manna from heaven to my starving skin.

My skin soaked it up greedily and though still on the road to recovery, my heels instantly felt better. They weren't sore when I walked and they no longer felt like the skin would crack at the slightest pull. The cream is not oily so there was no greasy film left to collect dog hairs from my carpet when I walked. (This is a huge pet peeve of mine!) I got excited then and began applying to all my dry patches. My elbows and knees looked so much better without that ashy white and whithered look! They looked young and healthy.

I have continued to use the cream every day for the last week or so. I love it. It is a full body cream and can be used everywhere, but I am being selfish with it and saving it only for my most desperate areas. My feet are thanking me. They aren't perfect yet but they are so much better! They don't snag my socks anymore when I'm getting dressed in the morning which makes me much happier than it should.

I look forward to putting on the cream when I step out of the shower. The subtle citrus smell brightens my mood in the mornings and stays with me all day. I take the trial size with me in my purse and use it as a hand lotion throughout the day. It always makes me feel fresh and clean when I put it on and soothes my cracked cuticles and finger tips.

The packaging is earth friendly and recyclable. The aluminum tube keeps the cream cool and fresh and also makes it easier to squeeze out every last dollop! Weleda Skin Food is 100% natural, 100% effective and 100% addictive. I highly recommend it.

You can find Skin Food at Target for around $17.00 for a 2.5 oz. tube. If you don't mind waiting a few days, you can snag a tube from Amazon.com for only $10.45! (Click here) Weleda also offers great printable coupons to members of their website. Sign up for free here.

Here's another good deal on Amazon if you want to start out with a smaller tube.

All photos courtesy of Weleda.com

If I Needed More Reasons to Love Target...

2009-10-04T16:04:00.007-05:00

Target's ongoing commitment to the environment and the community is providing me with more and more reasons to love this store. (As if I needed more...)

Here's two of my latest and greatest reasons:

Target Offers Discounts to Customers Using Reusable Shopping Bags

Target now offers a discount of $.05 per bag at the register for customers that forgo the plastic Target bags and bring their own reusables. Most stores have already enacted this policy while others will be rolling it out this month. Check with your local store for details.

Recycle Your Batteries and Cell Phones to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of America
In the past I have researched how to recycle my batteries. I go through so many with all these talking and singing toddler toys! All I could find were services that required me to pay for a special box to send in or something equally inconvenient and costly. Well, Target has stepped up yet again and is accepting used batteries for recycling at the Customer Service departments of their local stores. They are also accepting old cell phones. All proceeds will go to support The Boys & Girls Club of America!

With policies like these, am I now justified in feeling like a better person when I'm pushing that beautiful red cart?? I think so. :-)

Week of Weleda

2009-10-04T15:12:00.008-05:00

My newest obsession hails from Australia but, luckily, can be found right down the street at my neighborhood Target. Weleda personal care products are 100% natural and completely free of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, colorants and raw materials derived from mineral oils, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMO's). Some of you may have seen their spa skincare and body products on the shelves of your local store, but they also have a line of men's products, baby products, holistic medicines and various other natural personal care products including deodorant and toothpaste.

I am not lucky enough to live near one of their luxury spas (New York, Tokyo or Paris) but I did get my hands on some of their products to create my own personal, all natural spa experience at home. This week I will be posting reviews of four different Weleda products as well as coupons and great deals for you to take advantage of. And who knows, maybe I'll even throw in a giveaway... ;)

In the meantime, learn more about the company and products by checking out their beautiful, info-packed website.

All pictures courtesy of Weleda

Great Design Ideas for Repurposing Tattered Decorations!

2009-10-02T17:48:00.007-05:00

Wendy over at The Shabby Nest is a master of repurposing. Every Friday she hosts "Frugal Fridays" during which she shows us how to make a great decoration for next to nothing- usually by repurposing things we already have!

Today's Frugal Friday was another gem. Check out her worn Christmas wreath getting an autumn makeover!

Before...

And After...

What a transformation!

I love the thought of bringing new life to something that was headed for a landfill. It's yet another thing that's good for the earth AND good for our budgets!

Check out more of Wendy's cheap yet beautiful ideas here. You might just find a few projects to fill your weekend with!

Shrimpton Couture Makes Vintage Lovers Drool

2009-09-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

When it comes to fashion, you can't get much greener than vintage clothing. Reuse, renew and recycle right? I have been a fan of vintage clothing since I was a teenager. I still wear some of the great finds I scored while rummaging through the back racks of The Red Rose. One of my favorites is my U2 concert t-shirt from the Unforgettable Fire European Tour. I plan on wearing it when I see them live in October!

I wish I could still fit into the great pair of blue corduroy bell bottoms I scored there when I was 14. They were the real deal. When I came across them in 1995, bell bottoms were just starting to come back into fashion and were still a rare site on the streets. I lived in those babies. Just slipping into them sent me back to another era. I could almost hear the music, smell the pot...pourri ;) and feel the warmth of the fire from the bra burnings. Sadly, The Red Rose has been closed for many years now and I'm reduced to Good Will for my thrifting, which has actually become quite pricey in my book.

However, for the snobbier vintage enthusiasts out there I have a favorite site to share. Shrimpton Couture is a fun place to window shop and get great ideas on how to work those vintage gems into a modern wardrobe. Even if you're not into vintage, you should check them out. It's like looking through a fashion museum, only here you can purchase and wear those pieces of history!

If you have a favorite vintage shopping site or tip, share it with us in a comment.

Photos courtesy of Shrimpton Couture

Higher Ground Coffee Winners!

2009-09-26T18:04:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Jay and clemery! You both won a bag of Organic, Fair Trade Coffee!

Numbers 2 and 15 were randomly chosen using the integer generator at Random.org.

Thanks to everyone for participating. We have lots of special giveaways coming up soon- better luck next time!

Enjoy your weekend.

Mambo Sprouts Makes Saving on Natural & Green Products Easy!

2009-09-22T09:36:00.005-05:00

I admit I have caught the coupon fever that is spreading rapidly around the country. With great blogs like Money Saving Mom that make it so easy to save SO much, how can I not get hooked?! I search the Red Plums out of every community paper that hits my sidewalk and even began purchasing the Sunday paper for the coupons. I have a hard time saving as much as the pros (like my sister Rebecca who constantly gets her dog food, cereal and body products for free and pays $.19 for a block of cheese) but I am managing to save about $45 on my Kroger visits. The challenge I face is finding coupons for natural, green, organic and gluten-free products. These items are the most expensive on my list and coupons for them are hard to come by.

But recently my sister turned me on to a great website called Mambo Sprouts. Membership is free and they offer coupons for natural and green products only! A selection of printable coupons is available online and three times a year they send out a coupon book in the mail. I get occasional email alerts to let me know when new coupons are available to print. If you can have these coupons on hand and combine them with store discounts and store coupons as they come, you'll be looking at some serious savings!

If you have a blog dedicated to helping people achieve incredible savings with coupons, feel free to leave your link below in Mr. Linky and share a good deal you've recently posted!

Green Giveaways Around the Blogoshphere

2009-09-18T08:14:00.004-05:00

Good Luck!

eaurganic Shampoo and Conidtioner Giveaway at Sage and Savvy

STL Mommy $50 Target Giftcard Giveaway (ends 10/10)

Alaskan Bargain Hunter $10 Target Giftcard Giveaway (ends 9/28)

Green Smart Bottle and Tote Giveaway at Money Saving Tips for the Keeper at Home (ends 9/25)

KidsKonserve Giveaway from Green Organic Mama (ends 9/20)

Eco-Friendly All Modern Baby Toy at Babies Gotta Have It (ends 9/30)

Clean & Green Carpet Cleaner Giveaway at Momma In Flip Flops2 (ends 9/23)

Don't forget about my current giveaway for Higher Ground Organic, Fair Trade Coffee ending on Spetember 25th!

Sun Crystals Review and Deal Alert

2009-09-17T13:02:00.006-05:00

Anyone who begins a diet will quickly learn that sugar is a no-no. High sugar diets bring extra pounds and dreaded cellulite. This is a problem for me. Hi, my name is Beth... and I'm a sugarholic. I love sugar and sweet things. Sweet tea (true Southern sweet tea), chocolate, candy and sugary baked goods. I woke up this morning thinking about the jumbo bag of candy corn stashed in the cabinet above the refrigerator behind the flower vases. I had to have them. Just one. At least one to start my day off right. Then I would go running. And 7 1/2 candy corns later, I set out for my run smiling to myself.

I've learned to tame my cravings for the most part by completely cutting sugar out where it's not missed. Hot tea was a tough sell but I eventually began to prefer it without sugar. That's a good thing because I drink about four cups a day. Cold sweet tea I began to split and mix with regular tea- a tip I learned from my mom in the Chick-fil-A drive through line. (Thanks mom.)

Many choose to use artificial sweeteners as a way to have their cake and eat it too- guilt free.

Unfortunately, the negative effects of many of these sweeteners are just as
scary as the added cellulite you may achieve with sugar.

With the scariest risk being cancer, there are a slew of other more common side effects to worry about such as severe headaches, skin rashes, breathing difficulties and diarrhea.

So put down the aspartame and saccharin and reach for a new, ALL NATURAL alternative.

Sun Crystals is a new all natural sweetener that mixes pure cane sugar with stevia, a naturally sweet plant native to South America that has been used around the world for centuries, to create a delicious sweetener at only 5 calories per packet! To give it a try, I decided to indulge in my first sweetened cup of hot tea in over four years. The packets are small and I was doubtful that just one would bring much flavor, but I sprinkled the contents into my cup and stirred. The crystals are white and look just like regular table sugar. Turns out, it tastes like it too! I actually thought my tea was too sweet! Half the pack would have done the job.

I look forward to trying it in my lattes and over some strawberries, and at only 5 calories a pop and NO health risks, I can afford to. I highly recommend this product.

For those "try it before you buy it" readers, Sun Crystals will send you a free sample if you sign up at their website. Also, there was a $2 coupon in the recent Red Plum, which would leave a box costing only around $1.75. For those Texan readers, HEB has Sun Crystals on sale for only $1.99 until October 16th. Use your $2 coupon and you'll get it for free with a $.01 overage! If you missed the Red Plum coupon, there are printable coupons available here.

Enjoy!

30 Seconds to Better Milk in Our School Lunch Rooms!

2009-09-16T16:21:00.005-05:00

A few months ago I told you about the hormones in our dairy milk and the negative effects they bring in my post Got Hormones?. (Read post here!) In the post, I also spoke about the need for hormone free and organic milk in school cafeterias and urged you to sign a petition to Congress. Well, now it's time to pick up your phone. The Child Nutrition Act will go before Congress this year for reauthorization, so now is the time to begin contacting our representatives. A phone call will only take 30 seconds or so from your day and could make a huge difference to the health of our children!

Did you know that our milk is not accepted in many countries because it
contains growth hormones? Canada, Britain and others have long
acknowledged the dangers these hormones present and have taken action to protect
their citizens. The least Congress can do is make a move to protect
our children while in the care of the public schools.

Food & Water Watch has organized a call to action on their website. They give numbers and links, and have even provided a script for you to follow if you are among the many who avoid calling Congressional leaders because you don't know what to say. Take a moment and visit their page here and make your call. Every call to a Congressional office is recorded and counted, so your call really does count!

For additional reading, check out these handy fact sheets put out by Food & Water Watch:

School Milk Fact Sheet

rBGH Fact Sheet

Guide to rBGH Free Milk

Dairy 101

Take Action to Protect Roadless Areas in Our National Forests

2009-09-12T14:56:00.009-05:00

Beautiful isn't it?

You can help keep it that way.

The Tongass National Forest in Alaska (pictured) as well as millions of acres of other national forests are in danger of losing their awe inspiring purity. In 2001 President Clinton put a "roadless rule" into effect that banned the construction of roads in areas of national forests that did not already have any roadways in place. This ban, which protected these roadless areas from logging, was reversed during the Bush presidency and has since been a source of much controversy.

President Obama has invited American citizens to submit their comments on how America's roadless areas should be handled. To make your voice heard, simply follow this link. The Sierra Club has created a template letter that you can personalize and send within a matter of minutes. If preserving our most pristine forests is a priority to you, take a moment now to submit your request.

Higher Ground Organic, Fair Trade Coffee Review & Giveaway

2009-09-10T17:05:00.009-05:00

My husband has been a loyal Starbucks consumer for about four years now, so when I gave him the organic, fair trade coffee I had ordered from Higher Ground he was reluctant. He opened one of the bags and in no time the room was filled with that heavenly smell that tempts even non coffee drinkers such as myself. After grinding some beans and brewing them in his French press the moment of truth came. He loved it.

When I explained that the beans are grown organically in the shade of forest canopies by small family farmers throughout South and Central America, he was sold.

What does Fair Trade mean?

By purchasing Fair Trade beans you are supporting small, independent family farmers around the world. You can buy confidently, knowing that these farmers are being fairly compensated for their harvest and that your money is being reinvested into their communities.

Why Shade Grown?

The purest level of shade growing is categorized as "rustic" meaning that the coffee plants are grown under a natural canopy of an existing forest. Typically employed by small independent farmers, rustic shade growth methods coincide with natural vegetation instead of interfering with it, preserving and encouraging the plantation's natural biodiversity. Rustic plantations grow a wide variety of trees, typically averaging 25 species, and boast shade cover of 70-100%.

Shade growth makes it easier to farm the plants organically as it reduces the growth of weeds, encourages cross-pollination and protects from forms of infection.

Bottom line- shade growing promotes biodiversity, preserves the natural
ecosystem, produces healthier plants and, because the beans are allowed to
mature slowly, result in an overall better tasting cup of coffee.

Why Higher Ground?

Investing in quality coffee from Higher Ground roasters means investing in a socially responsible company. Your dollars will not only be reinvested in the communities that produced the coffee, but also communities and local causes around the US. Higher Ground offers many roasts that support certain charities and organizations such as The Mercy Corps Blend or The Appalachian Trail Blend. Higher Ground is also a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning that they have committed to give back at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental charities. They also use 100% recycled materials and biodegradable corn husk plastics wherever possible and donate their waste as compost to local farmers.

Win Higher Ground Coffee!

When The Spotted Apple Store launches in a few months you will be able to purchase Higher Ground Coffee from us on line. Until then you can purchase it directly from them by visiting http://www.highergroundroasters.com/.

But today you have the chance to win a bag!

Two readers will win a 12 oz. bag of Higher Ground's whole bean Mercy Corps Blend. This exotic dark roast is a blend of the best beans South and Central America have to offer resulting in a "bold and nutty, full bodied [taste] with a sweet finish." Our lucky winners will enjoy their morning cup of joe knowing that $0.62 of every bag goes directly to support the Mercy Corps' efforts to alleviate poverty and suffering in more than 30 countries around the world.

How to Enter:

* To enter simply leave a comment on this post telling how you would enjoy your cup of coffee. Please include your email address.

* For an additional entry, become a follower on my blog. Be sure to leave a second comment telling me that you did and include your email address again.

* Get another entry by telling someone about this giveaway! Whether you call your sister or blog about it- be sure to leave me another comment telling me and include your email address yet again. :)

***This giveaway is open to continental US residents only and ends on September 25th at 11:59 PM CST. Please be sure to check out my Giveaway Pledge under the Giveaway tab.

Good Luck!

alt="MckLinky Blog Hop" longdesc="http://www.mcklinky.com" />

target="_blank">Click here to see the entire Giveaway Blog Hop List....

I'm Back!

2009-09-09T15:58:00.009-05:00

After a month of rest and recuperation, I am back and feeling so much better! I had surgery in August to fix some minor health problems that were getting me down. It's amazing how those small and seemingly insignificant health complaints can wreak such havoc on your body! But, thanks to my brilliant doctor and attentive husband, I'm good as new and ready to rejoin the world.

As a thank you for your patience I will be hosting a few giveaways over the next couple of weeks, starting with a yummy one tomorrow! You'll have to check back here tomorrow morning to find out what it is, but there will be TWO winners!

I will leave you this evening with National Geographic's picture of the day and a song that I think is fitting. It may take you back to your childhood and if it doesn't make you smile you may need to take a vacation.

Brown Bear Under Water

**Photograph by Randy Olson**

Beat the Heat Naturally with These Herbs

2009-07-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

As the days of summer begin a rapid count down, I find myself in the age old dilemma of not wanting to waste my sunny days indoors but not wanting to face the heat either! Here are a few tried and true techniques that cool me down every time.

1. Mint tea.

I'm addicted to Sweet Leaf's Mint & Honey tea, but at the speed I drink these babies I'll be in the poor house soon. (They cost about $2 a pop.) To make your own just brew your a pot of green tea (make it extra strong since you'll be watering it down with cold water and ice) and add a handful of fresh mint leaves (organically grown of course). Let it steep for about 5 minutes, then add a few tablespoons of honey to taste. It's best to add the honey while the tea is hot so it melts and blends well. Pour the hot tea over a pitcher full of ice. Top it up with cold water and stir. Fish out the boiled mint leaves and throw in some fresh ones. Pour over a glass of ice and you're good to go! Take it along with you in a stainless steel canteen for instant refreshment in the sun.

2. Tea Tree Oil and Eucalyptus

Both of these essential oils give a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. Dab some essential oil on your pulse points, or give yourself a rub down with some tea tree or eucalyptus scrub before going out into the heat.

3. Facial Mist

I have a little bottle of Caudalie's Beauty Elixir that I carry with me in my purse. When I get overheated and I can feel my face getting red I give myself a spritz and am instantly soothed. It contains an array of natural elements including mint, rosemary and rose extracts. If you don't want to buy it you can make some soothing facial mist yourself by putting some sprigs of fresh lavender, rosemary and mint into a spray bottle and covering them with cool water. Add a few drops of lavender oil and rose extract for an extra boost.

*Pictures courtesy of Caudalie and myrecipes.com.

CO2 is Good for the Environment Says Dr. David Bellamy

2009-07-23T10:00:00.003-05:00

Renowned scientist, environmentalist and conservationist Dr. David Bellamy appeared on the Late Late Show in Ireland at the beginning of this year challenging global warming. He discusses his theory (and that of 34,000 "damn good scientists" around the world) that global warming is a natural cycle due to sun spots not CO2.

"If you look at the sun spots...we're headed for 30 damn cold
years."

Dr. Bellamy believes that though it started with noble intentions, global warming has turned into a scam and is now nothing short of a revenue machine for governments. He believes it takes time and money away from the environmental issues that really matter.

Does Your Friend Need a Green Makeover?

2009-07-22T15:19:00.004-05:00

Enter to win an under the sink makeover for a friend and you could both win an eco-spa getaway to New York City! This fabulous green giveaway/ makeover is sponsored by Seventh Generation. I entered a friend (I won't say who...) this morning. I'm crossing my fingers and toes. I could certainly use an eco-spa getaway and she could certainly use some greener, non-toxic cleaners!

Nominate a friend for a home detox and soon you could both be detoxing your
bodies in NYC!

To enter for your chance to win just visit the makeover page on Seventh Generation's website and fill out the short form.

Good luck!

Giant Shark Washed Up on Long Island Beach

2009-07-17T14:22:00.007-05:00

* Image Courtesy of National Geographic

This 20-ft, 1 ton Basking Shark was found washed up on a Long Island Beach. The cause of death is not yet known but suspected to be illness. Basking Sharks, the second largest fish next to the Whale Shark, are common in the waters off of New York but not thought to be a threat to humans as they feed mostly on plankton. They are considered to be "vulnerable to extinction" by The International Union for Conservation of Nature. Scientists will be examinig the body to determine cause of death and possibly gain other useful information about this mysterious mamoth before burrying it in the nearby sand dunes.

Organic Valley Coupons

2009-07-15T08:53:00.003-05:00

I have become a coupon clipping fanatic. These days, I'm not alone. More and more people are sorting through RedPlum every week, clipping and organizing. Don't believe me? Just pay attention at the check out lines in the grocery stores. We're all purchasing with caution these days, going the extra mile to stretch the value of our dollars. However, as someone who does not consume many snack packs, sugary cereals, or frozen foods it is getting a tad frustrating. Coupons for organic, all natural and healthy products are few and far between. If you are experiencing the same frustration this will give you a lift. Organic Valley has loads of coupons available right now online for printing! Coupons are for basic organic staples such as milk and eggs- those things you use every day that really add up! Just follow this link to savings.

J.R. Watkins Natural Liquid Dish Soap Review

2009-07-13T07:33:00.002-05:00

I hate doing the dishes. I know that does not make me unique. The monotony of unloading, scraping, rinsing, loading... it can be excruciating. However, sometimes I enjoy hand washing dishes. If I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed (and don't want to empty the clean dishes from the washer) I'll pile the dirty dishes into the sink, turn on the tap, squirt in some soap and get lost in old fashioned bubble bliss. I stare out my window and get lost in my thoughts while I scrub a bristled brush over the plates and pots. To me the act is cathartic. And there is something so satisfying in seeing the finished product, tidy rows of clean dishes gleaming up from the dish rack on top of a newly scrubbed counter. I've gone from a stressed out, wired mess (think Joan Rivers meets Cruella de Vil) to Holly Homemaker- and yes, I even wear an apron.

I just tried a new dish soap that makes hand washing even more enjoyable. I've been a fan of J.R. Watkins natural body lotion (the lemon cream is delectable) for a couple of years now, so when I saw their line of Natural Home Care at Target I instantly grabbed the dish soap. For less than $6.00 I took home a 24 FL. OZ. bottle in the Aloe & Green Tea scent. I couldn't wait for a moment alone to slip into my apron and rubber gloves.

The cute, vintage apothecary packaging is a tribute to this company's extensive history. Started in 1868, J.R. Watkins offered natural products from the start. In 1888 they moved their operation to Minnesota where they still remain today as one of the state's largest employers.

I couldn't wait to smell the soap. All of J.R. Watkins body products always smell heavenly. I expected their home products to be no different and I was not disappointed. The Aloe & Green Tea is a subtle, natural and clean scent with a hint of sweetness. The aroma filled the air as the bubbles in my sink mounted. First up was a greasy pan I had fried some fish in. Messy and stinky- the perfect test for my new soap. The soap cut through the grease brilliantly and after a few scrubs the caked on fish and grease were released and rinsed away. The pan smelled fresh- not at all fishy! The soap also cleaned the red wine from my glasses without leaving behind a residue, and freed a spoon from a glob of half-dried peanut butter. The soap passed every test I threw it's way. However, when I turned to the sponge I was a bit disappointed. After squeezing soap directly onto my sponge, I found it very hard to completely rinse it off. The sponge retained the soap after many rinses, which was frustrating when it came time to wipe down my counter tops. It did eventually wash off, and now I know to just dip the sponge into the soapy water next time instead of applying the soap directly.

The ingredients are almost all natural (about 97%) and plant-based. There is no animal testing or animal ingredients. The soap is also free of Ammonia, Benzene, Boron, Butyl Cellosolve, Chlorine, Dye, Ether, Formaldehyde, Isopropanol, Kerosene, Mineral Spirits, Toxins, Perfumes, Petrochemicals, Phosphates, Phosphoric Acid, Propylene, SLS, and Sulfuric Acid! You would be amazed how many of those chemicals are found in many of the most popular dish soaps on your grocery store shelves!

With a solid, reputable history, effective natural ingredients, and recyclable packaging, I give this soap an A. If you choose to give it a try you won't be disappointed.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Sues Kiss My Face and Other "Organic" Personal Care Brands

2009-07-10T07:46:00.007-05:00

Dr. Bronner's products first caught my attention a year ago when I was searching for an all natural and organic body wash at Target. The packaging was unique, the bottle was huge and the price was cheap. Too good to be true? I thought so. So I began reading the label and comparing it to other labels brands I knew and trusted. From what I could tell, Dr. Bronner's was clearly the most pure, organic and natural product on the shelf. The label was covered with facts, quotes and rantings of Dr. Bronner himself. I bought the soap and began reading the bottle during a long hot soak in the tub later that night. Some of what they had to say was unique and down right bizarre. This Dr. Bronner (now deceased) had some crazy ideas, but he sure was passionate about the integrity of his products. And that is what has stuck with me since that first experience- integrity. (I did actually love the self proclaimed "magic soap" and continue to go back for more.)

Not only are these people committed to offering pure and organic alternatives that are effective and competitively priced, but they want the consumers to understand exactly what goes into their products and why. Knowing this about them, it came as no surprise to read that they are actually suing several "organic" personal care companies. They claim that brands like Kiss My Face, Jason's, Avalon Organics, Nature's Gate- all those natural and organic brands that I have grown to love and trust- market their products as organic when they are not. They accuse these brands of using non-organic, pesticide laden agricultural and/or petrochemical material to make the key cleansing and moisturizing ingredients of their "all-organic" products.

"Organic consumers expect that the main cleansing and moisturizing ingredients in 'Organic'... products are in fact made from organic material, and are not simply conventional formulations with some organic tea on top. If defendants cannot live up to their organic claims, they need to drop those claims. The misleading organic noise created by culprit companies' labeling practices, confuses, misleads and deceives organic consumers who want to buy authentic organic personal care products, the main ingredients of which are in fact made with certified organic, not conventional or petrochemical, material, and are free of synthetic preservatives. " said president David Bronner.

No decisions have been made yet, and all companies are standing by their claims to the organic banner. Whatever the outcome, it says a lot for Dr. Bronner's pledge to organic integrity when they will publicly hold the ingredients of their products up against that of their competitors for close scrutiny by the courts.

30 Thursday

2009-07-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

It's Thursday again. I can't believe it! This week I have been doing a lot of frantic research on natural pest control. We are starting to see more roaches (all dead thankfully) and a few little spiders. I do not like crawly things and could be described as arachnophobic. When I lived in Tennessee I had to deal with an infestation of Brown Recluses in our house. I did not get much sleep during those months. I do not want that to happen in this house, so I am coming to terms with the idea that I will have to begin some sort of pest control regimen soon.

Now it's your chance to chime in. Please share your methods of pest control in a comment on this post. Whether they be preventative measures or alternative, non-toxic pesticides- I want to hear about them!

Usually you would receive an additional entry into current giveaways for your participation, but at the moment I have none running. When the next giveaway is posted, I will allow extra entries from all who participate today. And stay tuned- we have some fabulous ones coming up that I'm really excited about!

What I'm Reading

2009-07-08T15:12:00.005-05:00

Right now I'm reading a great book by Ellen Sandbeck called Organic Housekeeping. It's format is very straight forward and easy to read and it's chock-a-block full of fantastic tips for keeping a home naturally. A lot of her tips are based on prevention so that you won't ever need heavy duty toxic cleaners. Some of the pages in this book I found to be just plain common sense. But I suppose we all could use a reminder now and then to keep our kitchens dusted. However, she also gives some fabulous tips that I've never heard anywhere else. Here are a few of my favorites so far:

"If your dishwasher begins to stink, clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then pour 2 cups of white vinegar in a bowl and set the bowl face up on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Run the machine through a wash cycle to clean the inside of the appliance. The vinegar will deodorize the dishwasher as well as dissolve hard water deposits."

"If your [porcelain] sink gets stained, pour a little consumer strength (3 percent) hydrogen peroxide on a clean, wet cloth, rub it on the stain, and rinse it off immediately. Don't allow it to sit on the surface for more than a couple of seconds."

To rid your carpet of fleas and flea eggs, she recommends "...sprinkling the carpet liberally with table salt... Wait several hours, then vacuum the carpet... After you finish vacuuming, remove the vacuum bag and seal it tightly in a black plastic garbage bag. Put the bag in a sunny location, and let it bake in the sun for several days in order to kill any survivors."

Along with helpful tips, this book is also packed with informative and up to date facts. For example, she gives the low down on Teflon-coated cookware and the toxic fumes they emit when overheated. I only have one such pan, and I know exactly where it's going tonight.

You can pick this book up for only $9.99 at Amazon. If you are looking for a guide to making your home natural, I would highly recommend it.

She also has a newer book that was published last year called Green Housekeeping. I look forward to reading it soon. As always, I'll let you know what I think!

Pick Up High-Priced Natural Products for Cheap!

2009-07-07T07:48:00.005-05:00

The commitment to natural and organic products can often be an expensive one. So I jump for joy whenever I find these products on discount or clearance. Well imagine finding a place where they are always on discount or clearance! I have found such a place. I've been going there for bargains on clothes, shoes and handbags for years. You've probably been there before too. Have you guessed it yet? TJ Max!

I was browsing the jewelry case the other day and smelled something heavenly. I headed over to the bath isle to investigate. I never go over to that isle. It always seems to be in a constant state of disarray, and the associates rarely take the time to clean up spills and remove opened products. However, the smell of almond (one of my favorites!) was a pull I could not resist, so I braved the chaos to find the source. Not only did I find it, but I also discovered shelves of natural brands at incredible discounts- some priced at less than half of what I usually pay!

Among the collection were major brands like L'Occitane and even drugstore brands like Nature's Gate, Jason's and Burt's Bees. Others I had never heard of before, but on inspection looked very promising. Though most of their items were hair products, soap and lotion, they also had some makeup and skincare.

If you're like most Americans right now and minding your pennies, head over and check them out. Selection varies by location, but they just might have your brands. Why pay full price if you don't have to?

Recycle Your Damaged American Flag

2009-07-06T08:47:00.005-05:00

Did you have flags displayed for the 4th? Did any of them get damaged by fireworks or bleached by the sun? According to flag etiquette, if a flag is significantly worn or tattered and no longer able to be displayed properly with dignity it should be retired. The protocol for retiring a flag is very specific and involves cutting the flag into sections and then burning it in a ceremony.

"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of
display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." - The
United States Flag Code

This protocol was established a long time ago when flags were made primarily of wool or cotton. However, now most flags are made of synthetic materials that create hazardous fumes when burned. The good news is that this material can be recycled, and some groups have found a way to do this while still adhering to proper flag etiquette. They invite citizens to submit their tattered flags to be retired and recycled with the honor they deserve.

Learn more at this website. The process is easy and cheap (they ask for small donations depending on the size of the flag).

Such careful handling of our country's flag may seem old fashioned and dated to some, but it is important to remember that the flag is a sacred symbol of our country that so many men and women have died protecting. In respecting it, we respect and honor their sacrifice.

*Photo courtesy of The National Museum of American History. This picture is of the original Star Spangled Banner, now housed and preserved in the museum. You can read about its history and the preservation process at the Star Spangled Banner section of their website.

Love Your Country, Love Your Earth: Tips for an Eco-Friendly 4th

2009-07-04T08:06:00.005-05:00

Sunny BBQ's, family picnics, watermelon, cupcakes, fireworks and Old Glory. Looking around my neighborhood, it's easy to know that today is the 4th of July. Every house is sporting the red white and blue and soon we'll be gathering at the end of our street to see the parade pass by. Dogs will be dressed as Uncle Sam and kids will be wearing giant blue star sunglasses and waving miniature flags. As I count the number of flags rolling in the breeze I smile. Our street is the picture of proud American suburbia. Yet I cringe at what tomorrow will look like.

Fireworks debris scattered along the street and yards. Tiny plastic flags forgotten on the sidewalk. Plastic beaded necklaces and melted candy littering the street. They won't be there for long. Around noon a landscaping crew will come along and it will all be blown into the gutters along with the grass clippings. The thought makes me cringe.

Odds are, you're street will go through a similar cycle, but by doing your part you can effectively reduce the environmental impact of your celebrations and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Here are some tips to help you greenify Independence Day:

Eco-Friendly Fireworks

Did you know that those "snakes" we all loved to burn on our sidewalks contained arsenic until the 1990's? Or that the components that add color to fireworks are highly toxic and water soluble? Luckily scientists are hard at work engineering cleaner, environmentally friendly fireworks, they are not expected to be available to us for many years. In the meantime, make sure you purchase your fireworks only from reputable vendors. Check the packaging before making your purchase. Those in unmarked packages are likely illegal and can contain dangerous chemicals that have been banned in the US. Be responsible when setting off fireworks. Don't launch them into wooded areas and never set off fireworks when there has been a drought. Clean up afterwards, making sure to check yards, bushes, trees and the street for fireworks debris.

Parades

I love our neighborhood parade. We look forward to it every year. The kids love the candy and toys that are thrown from the cars and floats, and I love getting to meet local business owners and hear about what's going on in my area. Afterwards, however, there's quite a mess left behind. This year take a moment before heading home to pick up some of the unwanted candy, toys, flags and flyers that might be strewn over the street and grass. If everyone filled a shopping bag with trash it would make a huge difference. Not only does it look trashy, but that litter will eventually make its way into our waterways via the gutters. Also, birds and other small animals may try to eat the candy, which could seriously harm or kill them.

Picnics & BBQs

Nothing says 4th of July like a BBQ or picnic. Celebrating outdoors is an American tradition. Unfortunately many have come to rely on disposable dinnerware for convenience during these celebrations. Think about the amount of paper plates, plastic cutlery, cups and beverage cans that will fill your trash can by the end of the day. Then imagine that multiplied by 111,162,259 (the estimated amount of households in the US). That's a lot of trash going into landfills for just one day of celebrations! You can minimize that by simply choosing to use your real dishes and silverware, buying large bottles of beverages instead of individual cans and bottles, and setting out a clearly marked recycling bin that guests can easily recognize and use. If you choose to take your celebration to a park or campground, try to leave it like you found it and do not feed the animals. Human food is bad for wildlife. Feeding wild animals puts the animals and you in danger and could also result in a hefty fine if you get caught.

Decorations

Disposable decorations may be cheap and easy, but they are a bad investment in the long run. If they haven't blown away by the end of the holiday, you'll most likely be putting them in the trash when you take them down. Instead of spending that money every year and adding to our landfills, invest in permanent decorations. It may cost you a few dollars more, but you can always get some great deals the day of a holiday and the few days after. There are also some adorable decorations that are made of repurposed and recycled materials. Try to invest in decorations that can be recycled once they have reached the end of their life. Also remember, if your flag gets damaged and has to be disposed of or "retired" there is a strict protocol that should be followed. If you don't want to do it, there are several groups that offer this service to communities all over the country at no cost. Check with your local veteran or scout group to see if they offer this service.

Have a safe, happy, green 4th of July!

Virtual Climb Against the Odds

2009-07-01T08:54:00.008-05:00

Thanks to Rebecca, Nonnie and our two tots for making the 3 mile trek around Memorial Park with me last Wednesday. We did this in support of the Breast Cancer Fund's annual Climb Against the Odds. Though we started out at 11am, the heat was already reaching unnatural temps. By the time we finished it was 100 degrees! This is Houston, so the humidity made it feel even hotter! We almost had to crawl the last few feet, but I was so proud of us when we finally finished. Unfortunately I have not reached my fundraising goal, but you can still contribute at their website. Thanks again ladies!

Aveda Giveaway Winner

2009-07-01T08:48:00.004-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Aveda Giveaway. We had 224 entries! A winning number was chosen by a random number generator this morning, making our lucky winner number 190, Mineola!

Mineola will receive a set of Aveda Sun Care products worth $72.00. Congratulations Mineola and thank you again everyone for participating.

More giveaways soon to come!

Method Smarty Dish Review

2009-06-29T09:02:00.005-05:00

I have been on the hunt for a safe, non-toxic dishwashing detergent for some time now. I've tried several, including Seventh Generation and Planet, but none have been up to the task. Seventh Generation never seemed to get tea or coffee rings or sauces off and I found that all left a strange glossy coating over everything, making it very difficult to hand wash the baked on food that still remained at the end of the cycle. I've tried powder and liquid, receiving the same results every time.

Recently, I finally hit on a winner. Method Smarty Dish is a natural cleaner made possible by some of the best natural chemistry around. One of the ingredients even won a Presidential Green Chemistry Award! It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and super powerful. The smart chemical free formula is DfE-recognized, which means that the EPA has examined it and determined it to be environmentally superior. (Over 50 Method products have received this coveted recognition- far more than any other cleaning products company!)

This all sounded very promising when I first read it, so I popped one of the tablets into my dishwasher and crossed my fingers. An hour later I reached into my machine for a fresh coffee cup and came out with a sparkling mug- gleaming on the inside and out. No baked on coffee rings! No food particles from the dishes below stuck to the inside! No filmy residue! Perfectly, beautifully clean! I proceeded to go through every dish, growing more excited by the second. Each was equally clean and sparkling. It wasn't just luck or chance. Method continued to produce fantastic results with each wash.

I have gone through an entire box (20 tablets) of Method Smarty Dish and recently purchased a new bag. In those 20 washes I have only had 3 disappointments. On those three occasions for no apparent reason, the tablet would get stuck in the dispenser and never fall into the wash. So naturally, the dishes did not get cleaned. This may be something that happens when the tablets have been on the shelf a while. I purchased this first box from Target on clearance, so it had probably been there for some time.

Here is a complete run down of my experience with Smarty Dish:

What I Love:

Natural, non-toxic which means safer for my child! (Did you know that chemical based dishwashing detergents will immediately burn and seriously damage the esophagus if ingested? They also contain dioxins, which are known to cause cancer!)

Phosphate free

Chlorine/bleach free

Biodegradable, making it eco-friendly. When this goes down the drain and into our waterways, the fish won't even notice!

Packaging made from 25% recycled materials

Effectively cleans and breaks down caked on food and beverages

Rarely leaves spots on my glasses

Does not etch on my fine glasses and crystal

At a typical retail price of $6.99, it is competitive with other tablet detergents

What I Don't Love:

Sometimes the tablets stick to the inside of the dispenser, and either never fall out or drop into the washer late in the cycle, meaning that the dishes don't get cleaned properly

Sometimes leaves a cloudy residue on plastic cups and bottles

Occasionally (though rarely) leaves spots on my glasses if allowed to pool at all during cycle

My sister says that she can sometimes taste a little "saltiness" on my glasses when she drinks out of them. This formula contains mineral cleaning salts, so I am assuming that is what she is tasting. Maybe a slight residue is sometimes left behind? I have never noticed it nor has anyone else. She must have a very refined pallet. :)

Overall I give Method Smarty Dish an A. I am happy to have found a natural detergent that is this effective.

You can purchase Method products from Target or from Method's website.

My Virtual Climb Against the Odds is Today!

2009-06-24T08:09:00.004-05:00

This morning I will be taking my steps in Memorial Park to support the cancer prevention work of The Breast Cancer Fund. The weather, though a tad on the hot and steamy side, is perfect. I still need some sponsors. Who am I kidding? I am desperate for sponsors! My goal was to raise $250 (not a very lofty goal) and so far I have raised an entire $5 (which was donated by yours truly). If you support The Breast Cancer Fund's mission of preventing breast cancer through the elimination of environmental causes, please visit my fundraising page on their website and make a donation. Even if it is for $3, it helps. That's the price of a latte!

I will be posting pics of my 3 mile trek when I get home this evening. Thanks everyone for your support!

If you would like to learn more about the valuable work of The Breast Cancer fund just check out their website! These guys are the real deal and need support from people like us!

Like Kashi Products? Be a Kashi Taste Tester!

2009-06-23T12:52:00.005-05:00

I love Kashi products, particularly their Go Lean protein bars and breakfast cereals. It is nice to have a brand on the cereal isle that you can trust. Kashi does not fill their products with dyes, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Their food is proudly all natural and all yummy. Their interactive website is very cool too. I joined their community recently and have been challenging myself to everything from eating outside more to growing an herb garden and trying a new yoga pose. They're commitment to natural and healthy living is the repeated theme throughout the website.

I also volunteered to be a member of their Taste Tester Panel. Giving my opinion on a couple of products only took a few minutes of my time, and as a thank you I received two coupons in the mail Saturday, each for a free box of any Kashi product valued at or under $5.00. Woohoo!

Check out their site for helpful articles, healthy recipes and even coupons!

Top Green Gifts for Dad

2009-06-19T07:15:00.013-05:00

Surprise Dad with unique gifts that also have a positive impact on our environment. If you're at loss this year, here are a few ideas:

Organic Grass Fed Beef from Greensbury Market
Greensbury Market proudly supports sustainable agriculture, family farms, and organic practices that produce healthy, environmentally-friendly food. Right now you can save 20% on last minute orders for Dad! Organic Pork and chicken are also available. If you are unaware of the amazing health benefits that grass fed meat offers, read about it on their informative website!

Eco-Friendly Sleeping Bag from The North Face

Made from 100% recycled products, this green mummy bag has the best technology built in, making it perfect for three-season mountaineering.

Organic and Heirloom Seeds from Parkseed Co.

If your dad has a green thumb he'll love a gift from Parkseeds. They have an amazing selection and right now you can get $10 off any order of $50 or more!

Sierra Club Membership, Rucksack and 1 Year Magazine Subscription for Only $15

Give your dad the gift that gives back to everyone. With a Sierra Club membership he will have the chance to enjoy the outdoors with club outings, be kept up to date on local environmental issues and be able bring positive change through organized activism.

Whatever you choose to get Dad this year, make sure that it also comes with some of your time. Take a moment this weekend to enjoy being with him. Dads are wonderful gifts - we should enjoy them while we have them. Have a fabulous weekend!

30 Thursday

2009-06-18T08:08:00.004-05:00

Today is the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, its purpose is to encourage people to leave their cars at home and discover the benefits of public transportation. Not only is public transportation better for the environment by conserving gas and reducing emissions, but it can save you money too!

Today, in honor of National Dump the Pump Day, our 30 Thursday will be focused on gas conservation. What is a way that you manage to conserve gas and use your car less? Share it in a comment on this post!

This is how 30 Thursday works. The first 30 readers that respond with a legitimate comment on the day's topic are eligible for an additional entry in all of my current giveaways! After you leave your 30 Thursday comment, simply go to the giveaways (all current giveaways are listed beneath the giveaway icon on the right sidebar) and leave another comment. All you have to put in your giveaway comment is "30" and your email address. After I receive 30 comments on the 30 Thursday post I will close the post for comments.

Thank you to all those who participated last week! I enjoyed reading your comments on water conservation. Some had me laughing and all had me thinking about ways I can conserve more at my house. I have even had the chance to put many of your tips to use this week!

I look forward to hearing your tips for conserving gas and driving less. Have a fabulous Thursday!

6 Natural, Safe and Effective Ways to Treat a Sunburn

2009-06-17T08:14:00.008-05:00

Ouch! I rolled over in bed this morning, forgetting that my legs were extra crispy from a long day at the beach yesterday. My pajamas rubbed painfully against the burns and the skin stretched uncomfortably. I headed for the bathroom to give myself yet another rub down with aloe vera. Then I did a little research. There are lots of effective ways to naturally soothe a sunburn in addition to aloe. Here are some of the best ones I found:

Cold coffee or tea. Caffeine has fabulous, clinically proven healing powers when it comes to sunburns. Brew a pot of coffee or tea (coffee is better because it contains more caffeine) and let it cool. Then soak washcloths in the cold coffee and lay them over the burned skin for a few minutes. Do this once or twice and the next day the sunburn should be gone.

A cool bath. Nothing feels better on hot skin than a soak in a cool (not cold) bath. Make it even more soothing by adding chamomile or lavender oil, or baking soda. Baking soda is excellent for soothing irritated skin, burns and minor wounds. In fact, many women take "sitz baths" with baking soda after giving birth to help soothe and heal.

Supplements. In the days following your sun overindulgence, it is important that your body gets what it needs to heal. Taking vitamin B, C, beta carotene and flax seed oil will speed up the recovery process.

Don't let it dry out. Keep applying aloe vera gel to the burn regularly. Allowing the skin to get dry will not only be uncomfortable but will increase your chances of pealing. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.

Don't go back into the sun. This sounds like a no brainer, but it can be difficult to avoid sun. If you have to go outside, wear long sleeves if your arms are burnt and trousers if your legs are burnt. I recommend a lose linen. It's light and airy and won't rub your burns. Also be sure to put on a hat to protect your face, chest and head.

Milk. Mix a cup of milk and a cup of water with ice. Soak a washcloth in it and apply to the skin for five minutes.

Get Paid to Recycle

2009-06-16T07:26:00.006-05:00

How many old cell phones do you have in the back of your drawers or closets? I have at least three. I never want to throw them away. It feels like such a waste, especially when they still work! Well, I've learned that there are tons of companies out there that want your old cell phones, and they will even pay you for them! Each site has different pay structures, and not all cell phones are worth money. However, I did a random search on one and saw several phones that would bring $70 and $80 dollars!

Why is it important to recycle cell phones?

Cell phones should never be thrown away! If your phone still works, it can be used by charities. If it doesn't, it still has great potential. When recycled, the phone will be analyzed for refurbishment potential. If possible, it will be repaired and given a new life. Otherwise, it will be disassembled and the parts will be repurposed or recycled.

What to do before recycling your phone:

Obviously, make sure you no longer have service on that phone.

Before the battery dies, delete all of your contacts and other personal information.

Remove SIM card.

A few recycle for cash websites:

GRC Wireless Recycling Unlike some sites that only pay for certain models, this site pays for all cell phones.

Cell for Cash

Gazelle

Simply Sellular

eCycle Group Promises reliability and prompt payment.

Swagbucks A site that rewards you for using their search engine with "swagbucks" that you can trade in for prizes and gift cards. They will also give you swagbucks for your old cell phones.

YouRenew.com is another site that donates to reforestation projects. Thanks Alysa!

Is Your To-Go Cup Compostable?

2009-06-15T07:47:00.003-05:00

Keep checking, because Solo (a leading supplier of disposable food and beverage containers) have just added a compostable paper cold cup to their eco-forward Bare line. The cup is made of 50% renewable resource materials and lined in wax. These cups are not just recyclable, they are compostable. You can toss them in your compost bin and let your garden benefit from them in a few months time. Imagine all those disposable cups in landfills and on the side of the road. Maybe one day they will all be compostable too- which would insure speedy breakdown in nature without damaging our eco-system. Thanks to the innovative minds at Solo, this is one more step in that direction.

Ask your favorite restaurants and food shops to do their part by choosing containers from Solo's Bare line. Solo also offers their Bare line for consumer purchase. Ask your local grocer to carry them!

Green Giveaways

2009-06-13T07:36:00.008-05:00

It's National Get Outdoors Day, so I am taking the day off and doing just that! But for those who still need their daily fix, here are a few green giveaways to check out. Good luck!

Green + Chic is hosting a wonderful green giveaway for those who have a baby on the way:

These adorable booties are hand made from soft designer organic, vegan fabric and come in an eco-friendly cloth bag. Naturally Trendy offers a variety of eco-friendly baby products that are equally unique and cute! You can enter to win these booties at Green + Chic. Enter soon! This giveaway ends on July 6th.

Karma Organic Spa Giveaway from Prissy Green:

Visit Prissy Green to enter for your chance to win:

2 Nail Polish colors of you choice

Base Coat

Top Coat

Nail Polish Remover

from Karma Organic Spa. Ends 6/26.

Reusable Shopping Bag from Red Owl Designs:

Red Owl Designs makes all kinds of cute reusable things. I love their adorable reusable coffee cozies! For your chance to win one of their bags, visit their blog. This giveaway ends on 6/24!

Win a Schwinn Women's Beach Cruiser Bike!

2009-06-12T10:21:00.005-05:00

Help Schwinn celebrate the launch of their new interactive site, SchwinnJoyride.com and enter for a chance to win one of three Women's Beach Cruiser Bikes! These bikes are so cute and so retro! The perfect way to enjoy nature and save on gas in style!

Their new site will allow users to:

Create a biking journal

Check out the featured bike of the month

Read blog articles about topics ranging from when to remove training wheels to deciding when your child is ready for a bike

Find great trails for a short family bike hike or a long bike vacation

Watch videos and read tips on how to teach your child to ride a bike

Learn about bike gear from helmets to all the bells and whistles (literally!)

Utilize biking safety checklists

Discover the importance of proper bicycle maintenance

Become fit by learning about fitness through biking

Go here for details on how to enter!

New Winner for TuckerBags Giveaway!

2009-06-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately our first lucky winner did not respond to my email, so I drew a new winner this morning. Our new winner of the 3 TuckerBags is RitaA!

Congratulations RitaA!

Discover the Forest with Your Kids

2009-06-12T07:15:00.003-05:00

Did you know that children who play outside have lower stress levels than those that spend most of their time indoors? They also are shown to have more active imaginations, are fitter and leaner, have stronger immune systems, and have a greater respect for themselves and others. Overall they experience greater mental and physical health and emotional well being.

In today's modern world it is easy to forget the benefits of connecting with nature regularly. Many children are never encouraged to experience the outdoors. Tomorrow on National Get Outdoors Day, national parks and forests around the country will be hosting special events to introduce our children to nature. To find a park near you, your kid can visit DiscoverTheForest.org. This is a brilliant site that is sure to spark an interest in nature. It has a free printable book of things to do outside. Wouldn't it be a nice change to see your child forsake the Wii tomorrow to go make some leaf rubbings or investigate animal tracks?

It's not just the children that benefit either. Studies show that children who spend their youth years regularly connecting with nature grow up to be more environmentally conscious.

For more information on the Discover the Forest campaign and National Get Outdoors Day, you can visit DiscoverTheForest.org or NationalGetOutdoorsDay.org.

30 Thursday

2009-06-11T12:03:00.005-05:00

Every Thursday I am going to introduce a topic and ask for your response. After I hear back from 30 of you, I will close the comments for that topic. The first thirty that respond to the topic with a legitimate answer can then go to any or all of my current giveaways and make an additional entry. (This is provided you have already made the initial entry that requires you to go to the sponsor's website.) All you have to do for your additional entry/entries is type "30" and your email address.

So here we go for our very first 30 Thursday...

Today I have been thinking about water conservation and wondering if I do enough. I hear about people rigging their toilets with these special water saving contraptions, investing in special shower heads- I don't do anything like that.

What about you? Leave a comment telling me one thing you do to conserve water. It can be big or small. I want to hear about them. (And don't forget to take advantage of your extra entry for the Aveda giveaway!)

Thanks!

Buy a Klean Kanteen and Support the Breast Cancer Fund!

2009-06-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday I posted on the dangers of BPA and its overwhelming presence in our food containers. In my post I provided you with a link to the Breast Caner Fund's page that offers a simple form for you to use to automatically contact your legislators and ask them to support the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009. (I hope you all were compelled to do this!)

The Breast Cancer Fund is dedicated to keeping citizens informed about such legislation as well as educating consumers on the dangers of cancer causing toxins that are present in our products and environment. They are a very worthwhile charity that relies on the generosity of people like us. Thankfully sponsors like Klean Kanteen partner with them to help raise funds for their cause.

If you were already wanting to purchase some stainless steel bottles, sippy cups or sports bottles, now you can while also supporting The Breast Cancer Fund. Right now, $4.00 from every Klean Kanteen purchased will be donated to The Breast Cancer Fund so that they can continue their important work. Visit the Fund's online store during the month of June and order your pink Klean Kanteen today, and know that your dollars are helping to prevent cancer through education and activism!

Also, if you would like to donate to the Breast Cancer Fund, I am participating in their Virtual Climb Against the Odds on June 24th and need sponsors! See my blog post to find out how you can sponsor me (or join me!) and in turn support the Breast Cancer Fund.

Stop the Press!

2009-06-10T21:13:00.003-05:00

I write to you this evening with some very exciting news. In my recent review of the Aveda Enbrightenment skincare line, I mentioned my agony over having to give up using my old favorite, Yonka, because it contained chemicals.

I WAS WRONG!

As it turns out, Yonka is ALL NATURAL. Oh joy! Though this does not change one bit my satisfaction with the Aveda line, it does mean that I can carry on my on again off again affair with Yonka's Pamplemousse for many more years to come. My life is complete.

Sorry for this major research mishap. I just had to set you all straight as soon as I found out.

15% Off for Seventh Generation Nation Members Until June 30th!

2009-06-10T16:17:00.004-05:00

To celebrate the launch of their new online Gift Shop, Seventh Generation is offering 15% off all orders over $25 to all of their Nation members. If you are not already a Nation member I recommend becoming one. It's free and makes you eligible for wonderful promotions like this one as well as regular printable coupons!

This discount is only available until June 30th so shop soon! Make sure to enter the savings code SGNATION15 at checkout!

Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner Review

2009-06-10T07:00:00.004-05:00

Have you ever read the label on your toilet bowl cleaner? The warnings, disclaimers and special storage and use instructions are shocking! "Do not breath in fumes"? "Wear protective eye / face protection"? "Causes chemical burns"? "Contains hydrochloric acid"!?!

Is it really necessary to bring hydrochloric acid into our homes, around our children? And let's not forget those special family members that regularly drink out of the toilet. Not you're weird nephew (yes, we all have those) but your dogs and cats! How much of these chemicals is left behind in the toilet for them to ingest?

I don't like having these toxic liquids anywhere near my family, but toilets are so hard to keep clean and I have never found a natural, safe product that was effective. Well, now I can gladly throw out the Lysol (making sure to follow the special disposal instructions of course). I have finally found a suitable replacement.

I was recently sent Seventh Generation's Toilet Bowl Cleaner to try. I thought my toilets were fairly clean. I give them a regular rub down inside and out, and had thoroughly scrubbed out the insides before moving in this past January. So I was amazed to see what looked like black paint chips sloughing off with every scrub of the toilet brush. Only five minutes after applying it under the inner rim of the bowl, the Seventh Generation cleaner had freed layers of caked on hard water build up- all without the corrosive powers of hydrochloric acid!

As I breathed in the fresh scent of Emerald Cypress and Fir, I thought about the warnings on the back of my Lysol bottles. They tell you not to breath in the fumes, yet fill them with perfumes to smell appealing. It was reassuring to know that I could breath while cleaning my toilet and not be putting myself at risk. Seventh Generation's ingredients are all natural, and non-toxic so they do not put off hazardous fumes. And guess what. The closest thing I could find to special disposal instructions on the label was a request to recycle the container.

What I love about this cleaner:

The peace of mind that comes with its all natural, non-toxic ingredients

The effectiveness. It works better than most mainstream chemical cleaners on the market.

No special instructions for disposal. It's 100% biodegradable which means it will not harm our eco-system.

Not tested on animals.

Smells great.

Other interesting features:

It's kosher-certified

Safe for septic and greywater systems

What I don't love about this cleaner:

So far- nothing. I can't even really complain about the price- which is quite reasonable, especially when I use one of the many coupons made available to me and other members of the Seventh Generation Nation through their website.

Buying Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner:

You can find Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner at most Kroger, Randalls, Whole Foods and Target stores, among many other retailers. You can also purchase it directly from Seventh Generation through their website.

Over all I give this cleaner an A+. I highly recommend it.

Great Internet Deals for Glass Baby Bottles

2009-06-09T14:30:00.008-05:00

I shopped the internet for some good deals on glass bottles. Here are a few that I found.

Evenflo Classic Glass Nurser 3 Pack, $5.99

Dr. Brown's 2-pack 7-ounce Standard Feeding System Glass Baby Bottles, $9.95

Savings of 41%

Born Free 9-Ounce Wide Neck Glass Bottle $11.00

Do Legislators Have the Bottle to Ban BPA?

2009-06-09T11:10:00.017-05:00

The fight against BPA (Bisphenol A) experienced a small victory on June 3 when a bill to ban BPA was passed by the State Senate in California. Now, as it goes on to the Assembly, we are already getting a look at the strong opposition it will face as manufacturers of BPA products begin to speak out. The American Chemistry Council reacted to the Senate's decision by releasing a statement. In it they said, "It is apparent that elected officials have bowed to pressure from vocal special interest groups."

BPA is a chemical used to harden plastics in baby bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and so much more. Even the most health conscious Americans would be hard pressed to escape the reach of BPA. It is used in the lining of tin cans (yes, all those canned vegetables and soups in your pantry- even your baby's formula), water bottles, and even dental sealants! It is everywhere, which is very disturbing in light of recent studies showing the dangers of BPA.

One study by Frederick vom Saal, PhD. at the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that when the plastics are heated, BPA leaches into the contents. "Heating" could be simply popping a container of leftovers into the microwave for a minute, pouring hot soup into that plastic thermos for your child's lunch or setting your baby's bottle in a cup of hot water to warm it. All these methods would result in BPA leaching into the food that is then consumed.

In animal studies, low doses of BPA have been linked to obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and many more serious illnesses. BPA exposure in the womb is shown to delay and even hinder mental development in lab rats, and even cause sexual confusion, resulting in the demasculinization of males and defeminization of females. This should not come as a complete surprise, as BPA is actually a sex hormone. I should note that the BPA levels of exposure that resulted in these effects were beneath the "safe" level established by the EPA.

Though scientists are limited in the ways they can test the effects of BPA in humans, they can monitor and analyse the levels of BPA in our blood.

Such research has revealed that the BPA levels in women who suffer from
recurrent miscarriages are significantly higher than that of women with
successful pregnancies.

With all of these studies at our disposal, I do not understand the reluctance among California Republicans to approve this ban. Votes in the California Senate were pretty much party line, with only two Democrats hopping the isle and voting against the bill. Republican Senator George Runner declared the bill to be a "knee-jerk reaction" claiming it circumvented the states efforts to scrutinize conflicting claims of potential chemical threats.

Senator Runner has three grandchildren. Perhaps he should look through the list of sippy cups and bottles that still contain BPA and see how many of those are in his own kitchen. Maybe after realizing that his own loved ones are at risk, he might reconsider his view. Right now there are NO safety standards in place in the US regarding the use of BPA- not even in children or baby products.

As a mother, the decision about BPA is a simple one. If in doubt- take it out.

It angers me that the decision makers like Senator Runner- the men and women we trust with our safety and the safety of our children- take simple, common sense health decisions and turn them into political ones. As a Republican, it disgusts me to see my party side with big business on these issues.

I do not mention politics often, because I do not believe that the issues this blog is committed to promoting (natural health, conservation, environmentalism and social responsibility) are political ones. To me they are personal, and even spiritual. They are the common concerns that bring us together as human beings in spite of our differences, and should bridge that great political divide between left and right. However, as citizens of this country we have a responsibility to make sure that the decisions made by legislators reflect the will of the people more than that of the lobbyists. Our leaders will listen to the loudest voices. Let's make sure those voices are ours.

Federal legislation was introduced in March to ban the use of BPA from all food and beverage containers. In order to be successful it needs the support of our local legislators.

The Breast Cancer Fund has made it easy for us to speak up. Follow
this link to their simple form, and ask your members of Congress to
co-sponsor the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009.

Until this ban is approved, take your own precautions and invest in glass and stainless steel containers.

This post included in Real Life's Your Life Your Blog

Aveda Product Review and Giveaway

2009-06-08T09:30:00.014-05:00

This Giveaway has closed. Congratulation to our winner, Mineola and thank you to everyone for participating!

I have very tricky skin. It’s severely dry, yet breaks out with spots at the slightest provocation. I can’t ever seem to find a skin care line that gets it just right. Lately I’ve been complaining of thick “crocodile” skin, especially on my forehead where the wrinkles remind me of Magda from There’s Something About Mary. (I am only twenty eight so this was a very shocking realization.)

Many advised me to drink more water. With eight or more glasses a day my body was feeling a difference but my face was not showing it. I began taking vitamin and mineral supplements regularly. Again, the difference was felt but not seen. In the past I have relied on Yonka skincare products during such times of crisis. I have never been good about sticking with a skincare regimen, but when must needs I go to the nearest Yonka affiliated day spa and drop a small fortune.

This time, however, I refrained. Though they’re products are truly amazing and smell heavenly, Yonka skincare does contain chemicals that I am not comfortable with. I have committed to using natural products whenever possible. With so many natural skincare products on the market, I was compelled to end this ten year on and off affair and settle into a healthier relationship. (***Correction- Yonka actually is all natural. See my recent post correcting this horrific error!***)

Enter Aveda.

Many of us are familiar with Aveda’s salon hair care line. They use
natural ingredients and offer quality results that can be relied on.
However, I was surprised to learn that they also offer skincare and
cosmetics!

Two weeks ago I received their Enbrightenment skincare line to try. The 5-step Enbrightenment system (Enbrightenment Brightening Cleanser, Brightening Treatment Toner, Brightening Correcting Serum, Brightening Correcting Lotion or Crème and bi-weekly Brightening Intensive Massage Mask) is “clinically proven to improve skin’s clarity by 52% and diminish the appearance of dark spots by 34%.”

I’m always dubious of brochure claims, but as I begin week three of my Enbrightenment regimen I am a true believer in the power of Aveda! My “crocodile” skin is gone and I am left with healthy, glowing skin that is wonderfully smooth and supple. My deep forehead wrinkles have also hit the road. I can say that with all honesty, that I can no longer find any significant wrinkles on my face when relaxed. My face is soft to the touch and youthful.

My skin has not looked this good since I was a senior in high school, and even
then I am not sure it ever looked this good!

I am so excited about my new face that I rarely wear makeup during the day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect. (I am only on week three after all.) But the tone is so even and healthy that I don't want to cover it up with makeup. Their clinical studies lasted eight weeks. I can’t wait to see how I look by July!

The regimen begins with the creamy Brightening Cleanser. A small pea sized squirt in the palm is all it takes to cleanse my entire face and décolletage. I pat my skin dry, soak a cotton ball in the Brightening Treatment Toner and swab my face, neck and chest. The Brightening Correcting Serum is next. After spreading a pea sized dollop over my face, neck and chest I can immediately feel it tightening my skin. It absorbs quickly, so I don’t have to wait long for it to dry before applying my Brightening Correcting Lotion (in the morning) or Crème (in the evening). Both the lotion and the cream go on smoothly and are not greasy.

My dry skin demands more hydration than most, so it is hard for me to find a
moisturizer that is sufficient yet doesn't make me break out. The
Enbrightenment moisturizers have perfected the balance.

Twice a week I get to use the Brightening Intensive Massage Mask after the cleanser. It is not thick and pasty like most masks, is easy to apply and wash off and does not pull uncomfortably at the skin as it dries. You simply smooth it on, leave it for 8 minutes while it soaks into your skin, then wash off what’s left on the surface. Then just continue with the system as normal.

What I love most about this skincare:

It’s simple and takes no more than three minutes
It’s all natural, allowing me to avoid harmful chemicals that can put my health and the environment at risk. I don’t have to worry if my two year old daughter wants to put some on her face too and I don’t have to keep it under lock and key next to the poison control emergency sticker.
100% cruelty free. Aveda does not test any of their products on animals.
Packaging is not only made using post consumer products, but is also recyclable and simple to disassemble for recycling purposes.
Aveda is the first beauty company to manufacture with 100% certified wind power!
IT WORKS.

What I don’t love about this skincare:

The smell. It doesn’t stink like some of their hair care has been know to do, but it is not pleasant either.

Overall I give these products and A+! My one fear is that they will sell out and be on back order when I need refills. I am seriously considering stock piling.

Buy Aveda:

If you would like to learn more about Aveda and their products, or purchase this amazing skincare line for yourself, visit them at http://www.aveda.com/.

Win Aveda:

The kind people at Aveda are giving one lucky winner their new Sun Care products to cleanse, restore and protect from the summer sun! ($72 value)

Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser
Sun Care After-Sun Hair Mask
Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

To enter, visit Aveda online and then leave a comment on this post telling me another product they offer that you would like to try.

For additional entries:

Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your post.

Tell a friend about this giveaway. (Yes, Halifax, tweeting counts!)

Become a follower of my blog through Google.

Subscribe to my blog via email.

Each comment counts as one entry. Please do not leave one comment telling me about all the things you did. In order to be counted, I need a separate comment for each entry. Please remember to leave your email address so I know how to contact you if you win!

This giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59 PM CST. Open to US and Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Super Green Giveaway Results

2009-06-06T11:03:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all who have participated in my Super Green Giveaway. What a fabulous way to celebrate the launch of my blog! I am enjoying getting to know you all through your comments!

I did the drawings this morning using a random number generator. Here are the results:

FuzziBunz Reusable Cloth Diaper, Winner is Michele

Recycled Denim Rug from Annikki's Weaving Studio, Winner is Tori

TuckerBags- 3 Reusable Bags, Winner is Tammy

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Gift Kit, Winner is clemery1

Solay Wellness Salt Lamp, Winner is Carolsue

All Terrain - Natural Product for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Winner is Blakesmom

Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, Winner is ginnn7

Highland Organics Blueberry Tea Gift Set, Winner is Mia

Winners will receive an email from me this morning. Please respond by June 9th, 11:59pm CST. If I do not hear from a winner by then another winner will be chosen.

Thank you again and best of luck to you all on our upcoming giveaways!