Where exactly are the bears?  Apparently no where to be found, but I’m still deeming this bedding absolutely cute and totally adorable for little girls or boys.  I’m not one to lean toward cartoon characters or action figures for a child’s room and I really can’t stand a matchy-matchy nursery or one that is predictably pink or blue (but of course I know this is just my preference).  With colors perfect for Fall and made with 100% organic cotton to boot, this definitely rates high on my cuteness factor scale. 

It’s said that one of the best ways to ward off allergies and toxic overload in infants is to ensure their crib mattress and bedding is made of non-toxic chems and is preferably organic.   

It snowed here last night (yes, snowed!) and the salt trucks made their first appearance of the season.   There’s just a hint of snow on the ground today because it’s still in the low 30s and I can tell you I’m not ready for it.  I’m still enjoying Fall and all that accompanies it, but ready or not…here comes Winter. 

Much like the squirrels outside busy gathering sticks and nuts for the long haul and hibernation ahead, it’s at this point in the year I begin gathering warm weather clothes & hydrating body products.  One such product in my arsenal is shea butter.  I’ve already starting using Shea Terra Certified Organic East African Shea Butter that’s made from Shea Nilotica which only grows in the jungles of Eastern Africa. 

 From their site:

• Shea Terra sources its raw materials in Africa from individuals, coops and non-government organizations that provide training, humane treatment and fair wages to its workers. Shea Terra Organics promotes Free Trade practices, believing that suppliers in “Third World” countries have the right to set their own prices for their goods and services.
• Use only sustainable raw materials to support preservation of the continent’s rich and rare resources
• Each of Shea Terra Organics product lines supports a unique empowerment program in Africa, including wildlife and nature preservation, and education initiatives.Shea Terra Organics created the Ethiopian Goat Project to provide goats and grain to families. The families are also trained to take care of the goats. The goat’s milk provides wonderful sustenance for babies and children
• Shea Terra supports a number of families in Ethiopia by providing goats for milk, grain and tuition, books and clothing for the children
• Shea Terra Organics is committed to ecologically responsible production, with all its products made by hand to off-set carbon waste. Product packaging is recyclable. Packing materials are made from recycled paper and pulp. Promotional material is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

I’ve used a handful of shea butters and I can tell you that not one feels like this.  This melts and turns to silk on contact.  It has a buttery and nutty aroma.  I’ve been using this for the past week on my hands, legs & feet and the softness left behind is unbelievable.  Shea butter is also said to reduce inflammation due to eczema, rashes, acne and burns, helps decrease and prevent stretch marks and it’s recommended for aging and dry skin.   This jar is filled with 100% pure organic shea butter and nothing more.  This is a must-have product for guys, girls & kids! 

As cold weather approaches (mine seems to have already arrived…it was 36.5 degrees this morning!), the Christmas list begins to grow and our utility bills rise.  Seasonal Affective Disorder may be caused by more than just lack of Vitamin D…it may also be caused by the lack of funds in our bank accounts (especially nowadays). 

So how can we save on our utilities?  Black & Decker makes this cool gadget that you attach to your electrical meter and wirelessly determine how much power you are using and how much it is costing you at any given time.  You enter figures from your own utility bill and you’re able to tell how much all those lights you left on are costing you.  As you turn off your lights (and other electrical devices), according to Black & Decker you’re able to see your bill going down right before your eyes.   

Considering electric bills can double in winter months, depending where you live, this could pay for itself in the first month of use. 

Two great articles to come out of Cottage Living magazine this month…”Undiscovered Wine Country” with a 5-page spread on a place very near and dear to my heart (Paso Robles, California) and “The Seasoned Palate”, a write-up about the two woman behind tsp spices.  (I’m sure there were more great articles, but these were my favorites!). 

tsp spices is a very clever idea concocted by Katie Luber and Sara Engram, friends who shared a passion for cooking but a lack of excitement in their previous employment at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Katie) and at The Baltimore Sun (Sara).  With a shared love of cooking, they would talk at length about their love of it which eventually led to their creating tins of longer-lasting individually packaged spices. 

We all know we have spices in our cupboards that have been there for months (if not years) and obviously over time their potency and quality is diminished.  But these ladies have come up with a brilliant concept in cool packaging…pre-packaged spices in 1 teaspoon quantities!  You no longer have to measure them out and you can be sure they’re always fresh…and USDA organic!  This is a great addition to any kitchen to get through baking season or a nice Christmas gift for the Foodie in your life.  (Plus, right now it’s on sale for $30 & free shipping here).  tsp spices will soon be launching their “Smart Spice” line which will consist of smaller quantities.     

This is one of my go-to snacks, especially when I’m on the road because its not most places that you can find whole grains when you’re eating out.  So I usually stick to veggies and protein and munch on these in between meals if I’m traveling, at work or running errands.  I love to grab (or make) a smoothie and snack on a handful of these delicious crackers that are packed full of organic ingredients (in fact, only two ingredients aren’t organic…water and salt, but they don’t come in “organic” anyway).  They come with a USDA cert and the satisfaction of knowing you aren’t consuming any refined flour, hydrogenated oils, trans-fats, GMO ingredients, sugar, flavorings, colorings or gluten.   These do however come packed full of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, whole grain goodness, Kosher contents, vegan & dairy-free ingredients,  a satisfying nutty flavor and a definite crunch. 

Mary’s Story:

“In 1994, I discovered that my lifelong battle with digestive pain and fatigue had been caused by an inability to digest gluten–a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and most oats. Once I eliminated those grains from my diet, the symptoms I had struggled with disappeared. (My son was found to have the same intolerance). As excited as I was to have found the source of my pain, I was also faced with the difficulty of finding things to eat in a culture that bases much of its food on the grains I couldn’t eat. Having been a creative baker my whole life, I started experimenting in my kitchen. I knew I could live without bread, but the thought of not having my brownies was intolerable. I played with the alternative flours–rice, corn, garbanzo bean, tapioca, potato starch and potato flour, and others–until I was able to reproduce my brownies to my satisfaction. Pancakes, waffles, muffins, cookies and other essentials soon followed. I got better and better at blending the different flours into something that resembled the texture and consistency of wheat flour and produced different, but delicious results.”  Click here to read more. 

I’m seriously very excited about Pizza Fusion!  Why you might ask?  Well, its not because I believe pizza is the healthiest of foods (but hey, they do also serve my favorite….salad), but because until now there has truly been a void in the fast food industry for some good quality (organic) eats.  Where can you just go grab (or have delivered) a salad packed with only fresh organic ingredients or an indulgent cheesey piece of bread made with gluten-free multi-grain organic flour, certified organic pizza sauce and meat (if you do partake) that is certified organic, free of pesticides and hormones or chicken that is all-natural and free range??? 

I absolutely love all the eco-initiatives that have set in place from the 100% certified organic cotton uniforms the employees wear, to their hybrid vehicles for deliveries, to their LEED certified restaurants and purchase of renewable energy certificates to offset 100% of their power consumption.  And I very much identify with and appreciate their “all or nothing” approach.  (Afterall, if you’re going to do it, then do it right and in full force and if you’re not then you might as well not do it at all). 

From their website: “For every decision there is a right way and a wrong way to approach things.  Pizza Fusion operates on the belief that social responsibility is just as important as profitability.  Where some businesses cut corners for their own benefit, Pizza Fusion goes the extra mile to do the best thing for everyone – the customer, the environment, the employee and the business owner.”

Just announced today, Pizza Fusion has appointed Mark Begelman as CEO to steer the company through an aggressive national franchise expansion. Begelman, former President of Office Depot who was twice named Ernst and Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” and named Financial News’ “CEO of the Year,” will oversee Pizza Fusion’s growth as the company moves ahead with their plans to open 500 U.S. franchises over the next five years. “What attracted me most to Pizza Fusion was their menu… it’s the best tasting pizza I’ve ever eaten,” Begelman explains.  “Pizza Fusion offers delicious food with a purpose.” 

Find a Pizza Fusion near you here, check out their organic classes for kids. find out how you can open your own restaurant here or simply induce mouth-watering now by checking out the video below: 

Need a pick-me-up, but trying to break (or not start) the coffee habit?  Yerba Mate is a great replacement and it comes with many great health benefits too.  I have a soft spot for Guayaki (Gwy-uh-Kee) Yerba Mate because the founders started the business near my hometown.    They were two Cal Poly University students who conceived the idea after their friendship was formed around sipping Yerba Mate everyday with each other.  Traditionally enjoyed by drinking out of a gourd, I prefer to brew mine in the coffee maker, but brewing in a french press is also popular.  I drink it plain, sometimes sprinkling in some Stevia Plus, but you can also add milk to make a Yerba Mate latte!  If you’re on the go or need a burst of energy in the afternoon keep a box of tea bags in your desk or in your bag. 

Yerba Mate has been found to contain a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Each infusion of Yerba Mate contains: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex.  Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Manganese, Phosphorus & Zinc.  Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acids and 15 Amino Acids. 

Health Benefits include:

Induces mental clarity

Sustains energy levels/reduces fatigue

Aids in weight control

Aids in elimination

Fights bad breath

Guayaki Yerba Mate is organic, rainforest grown and fair trade.  The company is fueled by solar power offsetting 55 tons of their corporate footprint locally.  Check out their corporate facility in Hopland, CA below:

Their carbon reduction efforts include:

By building an inventory of their company’s energy usage, they were able to determine that their business is responsible for an estimated 28.5 tons of CO2 each year.
 
•    By working with Green Mountain Energy they are to purchase enough Renewable Energy Credits to offset 2 years worth of company CO2 emissions from energy usage (57 tons).  
(“Energy usage” consists of electricity, natural gas & refrigerant emissions).  

•    Their source for the offsets  →  a solar facility at the Solar Living
Institute in Hopland, CA; only 40 miles from their headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA.  

•    They are purchasing, in total, roughly 175.5 MWh’s of green power from this facility.  Purchasing renewable energy helps ensure that facilities, like this one, continue to operate cost effectively and can therefore compete with other traditional sources of electricity such as fossil fuels. One key way to help build demand for renewables.

Bisphenol-A, that pesky, hormone-disrupting plastic addictive that studies have linked to breast and prostate cancer as well as infertility, has gained increasing press and savvy parents definitely have it on their radar.     

These super hip glass baby bottles are nestled in a modern non-toxic silicone (patent-pending) sleeve to protect from breakage and help your baby’s grip.  Eliminate aimless internet searches or weary strolls down baby store aisles for “BPA-free” by nixing plastic altogether.  These bottles are Bisphenol-A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.  The silicone nipples are made by a leading suppler of nipples in France by a company established in 1972 and they’re distributed throughout Europe and the world.  These bottles shown come with a Stage 1 (0-6 months) nipple.  Both bottle and sleeve can be boiled or cleaned in the dishwasher and the plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates, are food grade and recyclable.

Find your favorite color here:

Pink

Raspberry

Orange

Yellow

Sky

Ocean

Are these not one of the cutest things you’ve seen?  If you’re in need of a unique and adorable baby shower gift…this IS it (or you can at least add this to your gift to make the package complete)!  Or what a great idea if you’re already stocking up on stocking stuffers.  These non-slip Mary Jane and High Top socks from Baberoo are made of 80% organic cotton and come in a pack of four for the little one in your life (0-12 months). 

 Why Organic Cotton?  Here are a handful of reasons (via Wikipedia):

•  Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants.). (Allan Woodburn)
• Approximately 10% of all pesticides sold for use in U. S. agriculture were applied to cotton in 1997, the most recent year for which such data is publicly available. (ACPA)
• Fifty-five million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on the 12,800,000 acres (52,000 km²) of conventional cotton grown in the U.S. in 2003 (4.3 pounds/ acre), ranking cotton third behind corn and soybeans in total amount of pesticides sprayed. (USDA)
• Over 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were applied to conventional cotton in 2000 (142 pounds/acre), making cotton the fourth most heavily fertilized crop behind corn, winter wheat, and soybeans. (USDA)
• The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as “possible,” “likely,” “probable,” or “known” human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin). (EPA)
• In 1999, a work crew re-entered a cotton field about five hours after it was treated with tribufos and sodium chlorate (re-entry should have been prohibited for 24 hours). Seven workers subsequently sought medical treatment and five have had ongoing health problems. (California DPR)
• Conventional cotton uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop and accounts for 16% of the world’s pesticides. 
• Chemicals used to process conventional cotton polute the air and land. 
• Organic Cotton uses untreated seeds.
• Organic Cotton never uses genetically-modified seeds.

This wind-stopping jacket can be worn by itself or underneath a shell in the most frigid of temps.   Patagonia’s R3 jacket is their warmest non-laminated jacket (thus more breathable) with two zippered hand-warmer pockets, one zippered chest pocket and a high zip collar to keep neck and chin warm.  The Polartec fabric used in construction is made from 56% recycled polyester and the entire jacket is 100% recyclable through their Commons Threads Recycle Program. 

You can be sure Patagonia is an environmentally-friendly company.  Since 1985 they’ve committed to donating 1% of all sales to preserve and restore the environment and now Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder has launched a non-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to prompt other businesses to give back to the environment as well .  Sunshine is abundant at company headquarters in Ventura, California and they’ve gone completely off-grid; that is they don’t rely on the power company for their electricity, they rely on the sun via solar panels. 

Patagonia’s Mission Statement sums up their purpose & passion perfectly:

“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”