Guud is

A mom's reflections on learning to be a mom

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:32:03 -0700

I got his forwarded from a friend and thought it worthy to share… Happy mother’s day to all mom’s out there!

On Being Mom

If not for the photographs, I might have a hard time believing they ever existed. The pensive infant with the swipe of dark bangs and the black-button eyes of a Raggedy Andy doll. The placid baby with the yellow ringlets and the high piping voice. The sturdy toddler with the lower lip that curled into an apostrophe above her chin.

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like.

Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.

Everything in all the books I once pored over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach, T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early childhood education, all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories.

What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well meaning relations — what they taught me was that they couldn’t really teach me very much at all. Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One boy is toilet trained at 3, his brother at 2. When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome.

To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing.Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow.
I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton’s wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month-old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China. Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too.

Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the Remember-When-Mom-Did Hall of Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language, mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, What did you get wrong? (She insisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald’s drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons…What was I thinking?

But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
Even today I’m not sure what worked and what didn’t, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I’d done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be.

The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That’s what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts.

It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.

Happy Mothers Day

7 Foods Even Food Safety Experts Won’t Eat

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:50:01 -0700

by Karen Lee @ ecokaren.com

Guess what some food safety experts won’t even eat according to Liz Vaccariello from prevention magazine.

1. Canned Tomatoes
The expert: Fredrick vom Saal, PhD, an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A
The problem: The resin linings of tin cans contain Bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food. Studies show that the BPA in most people’s body exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. “You can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that’s a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young,” says vom Saal. “I won’t go near canned tomatoes.”

And remember my recent post about BPA in toilet paper and I didn’t know what to do with a case of my tomato cans? Well, Dr. Saal’s statement further proves that I should just throw them away and not even donate them.

Update (Nov. 2011) - The NY Times reported a study by Harvard School of Public Health revealed that after eating canned soup for one week, subjects’ BPA levels rose by over 1,200 percent.

The solution: Choose tomatoes in glass bottles (which do not need resin linings), such as the brands Bionaturae and Coluccio. You can also get several types in Tetra Pak boxes, like Trader Joe’s and Pomi

2. Corn-Fed Beef

The expert: Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farms and author of half a dozen books on sustainable farming

The problem: Cattle evolved to eat grass, not grains. But farmers today feed their animals corn and soybeans, which fatten up the animals faster for slaughter. More money for cattle farmers (and lower prices at the grocery store) means a lot less nutrition for us. A recent comprehensive study conducted by the USDA and researchers from Clemson University found that compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s; and lower in saturated fats that have been linked to heart disease. “We need to respect the fact that cows are herbivores, and that does not mean feeding them corn and chicken manure,” says Salatin. And according to Food Inc., corn-fed cows are more susceptible to E-Coli colonization in their stomachs, leading to more exposure to E-Coli even before they are slaughtered.

The solution: Buy grass-fed beef, which can be found at specialty grocers, farmers’ markets, and nationally at Whole Foods. It’s usually labeled because it demands a premium, but if you don’t see it, ask your butcher.

3. Microwave Popcorn

The expert: Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist for the Environmental Working Group,

The problem: Chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in the lining of the bag, are part of a class of compounds that may be linked to infertility in humans, according to a recent study from UCLA. In animal testing, the chemicals cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize—and migrate into your popcorn. “They stay in your body for years and accumulate there,” says Naidenko, which is why researchers worry that levels in humans could approach the amounts causing cancers in laboratory animals. DuPont and other manufacturers have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015 under a voluntary EPA plan, but millions of bags of popcorn will be sold between now and then.

The solution: Pop natural popcorn kernels the old-fashioned way: in a BPA free hot air popcorn maker or read how to pop popcorn on a skillet here. For flavorings, you can add real butter or dried seasonings, such as dillweed, vegetable flakes, or soup mix.

4. Non-organic Potatoes

The expert: Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board

The problem: Root vegetables absorb herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides that wind up in soil. In the case of potatoes—the nation’s most popular vegetable—they’re treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they’re dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting. “Try this experiment: Buy a conventional potato in a store, and try to get it to sprout. It won’t,” says Moyer, who is also farm director of the Rodale Institute (also owned by Rodale Inc., the publisher of Prevention). “I’ve talked with potato growers who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals.”

The solution: Buy organic potatoes. Washing isn’t good enough if you’re trying to remove chemicals that have been absorbed into the flesh.

5. Farmed Salmon

The expert: David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany and publisher of a major study in the journal Science on contamination in fish.

The problem: Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT. According to Carpenter, the most contaminated fish come from Northern Europe, which can be found on American menus. “You can only safely eat one of these salmon dinners every 5 months without increasing your risk of cancer,” says Carpenter, whose 2004 fish contamination study got broad media attention. “It’s that bad.” Preliminary science has also linked DDT to diabetes and obesity, but some nutritionists believe the benefits of omega-3s outweigh the risks. There is also concern about the high level of antibiotics and pesticides used to treat these fish. When you eat farmed salmon, you get dosed with the same drugs and chemicals.

So, do you think GMO salmon is healthy? Of course not.

The solution: Switch to wild-caught Alaska salmon. If the package says fresh Atlantic, it’s farmed. There are no commercial fisheries left for wild Atlantic salmon.

6. Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones

The expert: Rick North, project director of the Campaign for Safe Food at the Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility and former CEO of the Oregon division of the American Cancer Society

The problem: Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST, as it is also known) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. “When the government approved rBGH, it was thought that IGF-1 from milk would be broken down in the human digestive tract,” says North. As it turns out, the casein in milk protects most of it, according to several independent studies. “There’s not 100% proof that this is increasing cancer in humans,” admits North. “However, it’s banned in most industrialized countries.”

The solution: Check labels for rBGH-free, rBST-free, produced without artificial hormones, or organic milk. These phrases indicate rBGH-free products.

7. Conventional Apples

The expert: Mark Kastel, former executive for agribusiness and co-director of the Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group that supports organic foods

The problem: If fall fruits held a “most doused in pesticides contest,” apples would win. Why? They are individually grafted (descended from a single tree) so that each variety maintains its distinctive flavor. As such, apples don’t develop resistance to pests and are sprayed frequently. The industry maintains that these residues are not harmful. But Kastel counters that it’s just common sense to minimize exposure by avoiding the most doused produce, like apples. “Farm workers have higher rates of many cancers,” he says. And increasing numbers of studies are starting to link a higher body burden of pesticides (from all sources) with Parkinson’s disease.

The solution: Buy organic apples. If you can’t afford organic, be sure to wash and peel them first. And make sure to buy organic apple juice.

While this post might seem daunting, it is easier for consumers to buy organic and safer foods now a days. So be an educated consumer; shop and store your food wisely.

4 Simple Ways to Avoid Hidden Chemicals in Every Day Products - from @ thesoftlanding.com

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:35:19 -0700

Parents can’t help but experience an overwhelming sense of helplessness when searching for safer options in a store full of unlabeled products. Current regulation doesn’t provide an effective way to manage the 2,000 new chemicals brought to market each year. Our biggest hope for the near future is truth in labeling so Americans can make truly informed decisions.

We’ve been hearing from busy parents who just don’t know where to start, so here are a few simple things you can change right away to create a healthy home for your family.

Avoid products with the term “fragrance” listed on the label

The problem: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. And here’s the kicker: manufacturers can legally hide over 3,000 chemicals under “fragrance.” A new report from Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) found that millions of people suffer from skin and respiratory allergies caused by hidden chemicals in fragrance. These unknown chemicals are commonly found in skincare, cleaning products and air fresheners.

The solution: Try switching out conventional air fresheners, plugins and candles for your own DIY awesomeness or Zum Whiff Sticks (which happen to be made right here in Kansas City!).

Skip dryer sheets, even the fragrance-free brands

The problem: Conventional dryer sheets often contain quaternary ammonium compounds, which are known to cause asthma, along with 1,4 dioxane which is known to cause cancer. Unscented products can still be made with fragrances added to mask the natural odor of other ingredients, instead of giving off a detectable scent.

The solution: Try adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes or fluff your clothes up with reusable wool dryer balls (I love my “stache” balls by Devon’s Creative Designs).

Choose safer skincare, certified organic when possible

The problem: Our bathrooms are a literal minefield of toxic chemicals. Doctors have been prescribing medication to be administered through the skin for years, so we know that our bodies can absolutely absorb what it comes in contact with. The problem is that our outdated federal law allows cancer-causing chemicals in baby shampoo and lead in lipstick. That means it’s up to us to find safer products to protect or children, but this is no easy task when there are so many “natural” and “organic” claims that are less than truthful.

The solution: We recommend choosing certified organic skincare when possible and products made by trustworthy companies who use safe ingredients – actually list them on the label voluntarily. As you know, Earth Mama Angel Baby is our favorite organic skincare line, and thinksport just released brand new line of hair care products.

BREAKING NEWS: In India, Johnson & Johnson’s license was suspended due to unacceptable levels of carcinogens still found in their products. As more cases like this unfold around the world, it becomes ever more important to safe-guard our children.

FDA joint commissioner Kamlesh B Shende said, “There were unacceptable levels of ethylene oxide, which is a trigger for cancer. Ethylene oxide was being used to bring down microbial load in the powder by sterilisation. But it was found that there was ethylene oxide residue in the talcum powder, which is primarily used on infants. In light of this, we have suspended the licence.”

Ditch poisonous cleaning products

The problem: Cleaning products are among the most toxic products found in the home, consistently remaining in the top five causes of poisoning in children and contributing to indoor air pollution. For example, The Environmental Working Group found that Comet contains over 100 undisclosed chemicals. In fact, most powdered scrubbing cleaners contain many toxic ingredients including formaldehyde, benzene and chloroform that can cause cancer, asthma and reproductive disorders.

The solution: The good news is that there are simple product switches you can make that work just as well. Give Bon Ami a try for cents on the dollar and check out our Green Cleaning Guide too.

P.S. Once you’ve conquered this list of priority changes, you can take the next step on your journey to a healthy home with our Getting Started Guide.

Even though it may taste the same.. I’m sure you feel good...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:21:00 -0700

Even though it may taste the same.. I’m sure you feel good about buying it! #guudis

Finally had the opportunity to visit the Vude- a new dining...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:47:00 -0700

Finally had the opportunity to visit the Vude- a new dining experience in Seattle that features local chefs, winemakers and other local producers to create an intimate and unique communal dining experience where you meet interesting people, discover new local producers and experience new food creations. I highly recommend this as guud!

Natural Foods Skyrocketing - Cocoa leading the way!

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:53:58 -0800

Do you want to buy toys for your kids this holiday season from a company that won't disclose toxins in products?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:51:00 -0800

Thank you for contacting MGA Entertainment.  

We're sorry, but we're not authorized to comment 
or speculate on company decisions or policies. 
Please see our website at www.mgae.com and click 
on the link that says Toy Safety Information or 
you can click on this link http://mgae.com/safety.asp .
 We would be happy to assist you if you are 
experiencing difficulty with the operation or instructions 
of one of our products. Again, we're sorry for any
inconvenience.

Photo

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:06:42 -0700

Johnson and Johnson Top Rated Company Globally for Green, Sustainability?

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:01:00 -0700

Health Care Industry Wants Green Products

May 2, 2012—Environmental sustainability and green attributes rank high in the purchasing decisions of Institutional Delivery Networks (IDNs) and hospitals in the United States, Brazil, Germany, and Italy, new research reveals.

In fact, a majority of respondents (54%) rated the impact of “green” on purchasing decisions for health care products and supplies—specifically, pharmaceuticals and medical devices and diagnostics—an 8 or higher on a 10-point scale.

“Such a high rating means they are emotionally attached, that they feel strongly about it,” explains Dave Bauer, Senior Market Research Consultant, of SK&A, an independent research firm that conducted the research on behalf of Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company.

In January through March 2012, SK&A surveyed key decision makers within IDNs and hospitals on the importance of green/sustainability on their purchasing decisions. Respondents included health care professionals, procurement/materials management, and hospital executives in all four countries. The completed surveys (145 in the United States., 50 in Germany, 50 in Italy, and 62 in Brazil) were then compiled and averaged on a non-weighted basis to calculate the global results.

The survey found that nearly one-third of current requests for proposals for medical products include green attributes, while key decision makers expect nearly 40% of future requests for proposals to include green attributes (see infographic below).

The report also found that among customer perceptions of top manufacturers about their level of green sustainability, Johnson & Johnson is the highest rated company globally with 45% of respondents rating them an 8 or higher.

“Our customers expect us to provide them with environmentally-preferable product offerings that align with their values,” said Keith Sutter, Senior Product Director, Worldwide Environment, Health & Safety. “Our Earthwards process is the way we at Johnson & Johnson address these customer demands for more sustainable and innovative healthcare products.”

The proprietary Earthwards process enables Johnson & Johnson company brands to develop and market greener products through lifecycle analysis. Every Earthwards recognized product must achieve a greater than 10 percent improvement in at least three of the seven goal areas: materials used, packaging reduction, energy reduction, waste reduction, water reduction, positive social impact or benefit, and product innovation.

I know this is helpful to me when deciding what to buy and HOW...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:06:33 -0700

I know this is helpful to me when deciding what to buy and HOW to buy it!

Top 10 Chemicals Most Likely To Cause Autism and Learning Disabilities

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:03:29 -0700

….Our children may only represent 30% of our population, but they are 100% of our future and we need to protect them like our country depends on it. Because it does.

So what can you do to protect the health of your children? Thankfully, a lot. And while none of us can do everything, all of us can do something, so choose one, some or all from the list below:

Eat organic food whenever possible to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides which by law are not allowed for use in its production
Open your windows to clear the air in your home from the toxins that can accumulate there
Take your shoes off as you come inside to keep pesticides on the soles of your shoes from entering your home
Looked for cans and plastic bottles that are “BPA-free”

http://blogs.prevention.com/inspired-bites/2012/04/25/top-10-chemicals-most-likely-to-cause-autism-and-learning-disabilities/

What do you avoid that contains these harmful chemicals? Let us know!

Organic Industry is Growing! What will it take to reach triple digits?

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:18:00 -0700

U.S. organic industry reaches $31 billion in 2011

Tue, 2012-04-24 12:08

newhope360

Caren Baginski

Surpassing the $30 billion mark for the first time, the U.S. organic industry grew by 9.5 percent overall to reach $31.5 billion in sales in 2011, according to the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) 2012 Organic Industry Survey released today.

Of this, the organic food and beverage sector is leading the way, with organic food sales experiencing 9.4 percent growth for $2.5 billion in additional sales. The entire sector is valued at $29.22 billion. Compared to 2010, organic food sales now represent 4.2 percent of all U.S. food sales, slightly up from 4 percent.

“Consumers are increasingly engaged and discerning when they shop, making decisions based on their values and awareness about health and environmental concerns,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO. “For them, it matters whether foods are genetically engineered, or produced using practices that are good for their families. Price is still an issue.”

Factors that contributed to an increase in organic food sales include the recession’s slow recovery, consumer price inflation due to input price increases and increased desire for convenience products. Of all foods, fruits and vegetables contributed about 50 percent of new growth. However, the fastest-growing sector was meat, fish & poultry, posting 13 percent growth over 2010 sales, but still remaining the smallest of the eight organic food categories, according to the report.

Organic non-food sales, meanwhile, grew 11 percent to $2.2 billion. The same non-organic, comparable items grew only 5 percent—a sign of strong interest in an organic lifestyle beyond food.

Organic sales projected to grow by 9% in 2012 and beyond

According to the OTA, consumer choice is fueling the organic industry’s growth and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Survey data indicates that sales of organic food and non-food items will continue to grow at levels of 9 percent or higher.

Organic farms are operated in all 50 states with 17,600 certified organic farms, ranches and businesses nationwide, reports the OTA. More than 78 percent of U.S. families are buying organic, but as that number increases, so, too, will organic businesses.

Organic’s growth is undoubtedly good for consumers, but also good for the economy. Said OTA’s Bushway: “With 94 percent of organic operations nationwide planning to maintain or increase employment in 2012, the organic sector will continue to fuel jobs, rural economies and consumer choice.”

It helps that organic farms are 35 percent more profitable than conventional farms, but as true organic industry advocates know, growing organic is a passionate affair, with profit further fueling the aspiration to bring more clean food and goods to more people. The cycle continues as organics expand into private label products and continue their creep into conventional big box stores such as Walmart. Expect to see more choices in more places—and more profit for organic businesses.

But more education is needed to reach the 22 percent who currently aren’t buying organic. “The average consumer is not sure what organic means,” said Myra Goodman, co-founder of Earthbound Farm. To grow organic’s reach, “we need to educate consumers that organic is a better value: It protects the environment, it protects their health. It solves so many of our problems.”

Additional reporting by Radha Marcum

Source URL: http://newhope360.com/non-gmo/us-organic-industry-reaches-31-billion-2011

Williams-Sonoma Launches Agrarian Line With 275 High-End DIY Products

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:21:00 -0700

I heard about this yesterday and I was excited because I think it tells us that consumers were saying they wanted products for urban farms. Williams-Sonoma wouldn’t invest that much into this new product line without some extensive research and consumer demand. But I was shocked at all the negative responses based on the news. I was also extremely disappointed. Instead of encouraging mainstream good behavior (regardless of income status), there is criticism and cries of corporate consumerism. I firmly believe that mass consumer behavioral changes come in small steps and this is a good step. Quit criticizing. Embrace steps that take consumers in a better direction. In the end we all win.

What do you think?

The Huffington Post | By Rachel Tepper Posted: 04/ 5/2012 12:26 pm Updated: 04/ 5/2012 12:30 pm

Good news for green thumbs everywhere: On Thursday Williams-Sonoma launches an agrarian line on its website and in six stores nationwide on April 9th.

Among the 257 offerings, intended to help customers coax food from seed to table, there are a few that read like parody or a sketch from “Portlandia.” There’s organic soil and fertilizer, cedar garden beds and window boxes, heirloom seeds, copper gardening tools, a shittake mushroom log, kits for making cheese and kombucha, and even a beehive and portable chicken coop for the backyard.

Edible Brooklyn caught up with Shannon Gomes, public relations manager for Williams-Sonoma, who stressed the line isn’t just for organic and local die hards.

“There’s a wide range of people who live in the suburbs or in the city who maybe aren’t growing their own herbs or food and here’s a way for them to get started,” she said. “We’ve got a DIY cheese kit that only takes a gallon of milk and one hour and you’ll have your own mozzarella and ricotta cheese.”

While fascination with home growing has in recent years spiked — especially in urban areas — not everyone is 100 percent on board with its Williams-Sonoma-ification, a company known for its high price point.

Like, for example, Grist’s Sarah Laskow, who this week took a few shots at the line:

I’m all for backyard agriculture. But if you’re spending hundreds of dollars (I’m guessing at the price point here) on a chicken coop that’s then shipped across the country, you should probably assume you’re doing more to shore up the powerful forces of consumerism than to help the local food movement or the planet.

A Dow Jones Newswire report seemed to echo the sentiment that the line is not for casual farmers, but rather for rich hobbyists. “I think you’d be surprised how many of those with second homes would be open to bee-keeping,” Canaccord Genuity Securities analyst Laura Champine told the wire.

Come April 9, Williams-Sonoma stores in Palo Alto, Calif.; Bellevue, Wash.; Austin, Tex.; Birkdale Village, N.C.; Chicago, Ill.; and Short Hills, N.J. will offer the line.

To Roast or to Boast? Exploring local coffee shops - are they better?

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:05:00 -0700

Post by Guud contributor Jill Zimmerman

What makes your favorite coffee spot “good”? What defines “good” for you? Is it being kind to the environment? Giving to charity? Keeping it local? Fair trade or direct trade beans? Organic? Consistency? The atmosphere? Just the taste of your drink? Or maybe it’s all of the above.

On a large scale no one can compete with Starbucks when it comes to giving back. Go onto their website and you can read what they claim to do for charity and the environment. The list is a mile long. I’m not quite sure how this correlates in relative terms though when compared to how much money they make. Especially knowing that Howard Schultz is the highest paid CEO in Washington State. I’m not complaining but making more of an observation that it is hard to compare the local coffee shops to the giant. I must say that my kids prefer the Strawberry and Cream Frappuccino over any other drink anywhere. And I do have a Starbucks loyalty gold card. They’re easy. They can be found everywhere.

Local coffee shops can claim just that. That they are local. Therefore the money made goes back into our local economy and we all enjoy helping out locally when we can.

My favorite local spot is Urban Coffee Lounge. They carry Stumptown coffee which up until recently was a great local roaster in Portland. Unfortunately they have just sold about 90% of their company to a large New York investment firm according to sources on the net. Lame….

I like that Urban carries gluten free bakery items from the local bakery Flying Apron. I like that they carry organic teas. They also have hemp milk which is a great alternative to rice or soy if you are intolerant to dairy. Their milk is from a local farm, Sunshine Dairy in Portland that is rBST free. Not organic but better than nothing. Every Friday night they have local bands that play. And for those not in the mood for coffee, they also offer wine. How can one go wrong? If you purchase a prepaid card (that you don’t have to carry because they will keep it in their computer) you get a free coffee after purchasing ten. You would think I’d work for Urban Coffee with all this good free press. But I don’t. I just truly enjoy this place.

So, tell me what makes your favorite coffee shop your favorite! I love to try new places. Or tell me what makes you not like a place. I’ll try to stay away. :)

Coffee houses mentioned in this post:

www.starbucks.com

www.urbancoffeelounge.com

www.stumptowncoffee.com

www.flyingapron.com

www.sunshinedairyfarms.com

Stumbling upon the Natural Foods Convention...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:20:02 -0700

It had already been a long day as we woke at 4am to catch a 6:30 flight from Seattle. It was 9:30am and we were just arriving into the Disneyland area and trying to get to the Disneyland Hotel. All the streets were blocked off and we spent 30 frustrating minutes trying to get through a light to get to our hotel. The kids and I thought about just jumping out and walking (we actually saw people doing this) but thought we’d stick it out with my husband and wait… impatiently. It seems there was a conference in town and as it turns out it was the Natural Foods Conference. I thought, for just a moment, if I could skip Disneyland and check it out. It was like a mecca to me as I try to discover new brands that are healthy, natural, eco-friendly and/or doing something good.

But I didn’t… it was my daughter’s 8^th birthday and off we went to Disneyland for three long, but fun, days. When I returned home, I look up the conference, ‘liked’ them on Facebook and was looking forward to seeing what I could find. Today, a report came out that highlighted some of the interesting new products that were demonstrated at the show. It is a great visual representation of the up and coming brands and showcases some interesting marketing strategies. I know of some of these brands and others I wish I knew where to buy them! I wanted to share them with you- would love to hear what you think of these new brands – have you used them? Do they do what they claim? I’m very interested to hear what you think!!

Thunderbird Energetica

Nurturme

Clif Bar

Mrs. Myers

Seventh Generation

J.R. Watkins

"Going green doesn’t have to mean single-handedly saving the Earth, instead it can be just..."

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:08:00 -0700

““Going green doesn’t have to mean single-handedly saving the Earth, instead it can be just reading a label, thinking a little, and making new choices.” - Jennifer Aniston”