I noticed this from the Nature Conservancy - really cool gift ideas for people. I'm not sure who in my life would prefer this, though, perhaps I should just gift myself!
"You can give unique holiday gift they'll love this year from The Nature Conservancy and get free UPS shipping — at no charge to you.
All of our nature gifts include new benefits for your gift recipient, including a world map filled with beautiful photography and nature fast facts.
With our special and personalized gifts of nature, it's easy to delight your friends and loved ones and share your passion for environmental conservation.
You can shop our online Green Gift Guide to find meaningful gifts for all on your list.
Give a Gift Membership and your gift recipient will be welcomed into the Conservancy family of dedicated individuals committed to saving Earth's natural habitats. A special mail delivery will announce your gift and include information on all its exclusive member benefits including our award-winning, quarterly Nature Conservancy magazine.
Adopt an Acre® and Help Save the Rainforest. Your friend or loved one will learn about Costa Rica's lush rainforests, bubbling streams, rare plants and some of Mother Nature's most wondrous creatures. Included with your gift is a personalized certificate, a colorful fact-filled brochure about Costa Rica's rainforests and our award-winning, quarterly Nature Conservancy magazine.
You can also adopt an acre of forest in the United States, the stunning savannas and grasslands of Africa, or adopt in Australia's Gondwana Link which contains one-third of Australia's known flowering plants and the Karri tree — the world's second tallest flowering plant.
One Dollar Plants One Tree in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and helps to protect one of the world's biggest and most endangered tropical forests. You can even send an e-card to save paper and announce your gift or for gifts of 50 trees or more, your gift recipient will receive a special certificate commemorating your generosity.
Rescue the Reef® and Help Protect our Precious Coral Reefs. Your holiday gift will have a lasting impact on both conservation and your loved ones. It also includes a personalized certificate, a colorful fact-filled brochure about the Conservancy's coral reef projects and our award-winning, quarterly Nature Conservancy magazine.
With the Conservancy's high charity ratings, including Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating, you can feel confident that you're making a real difference to preserve our world for future generations as you give a unique gift of nature now.
Thank you for all you do to help conservation everyday.
Sincerely,
Sue M. Citro
Senior Digital Membership Manager
The Nature Conservancy
p.s. Don’t forget, our green gift guide includes all our gifts of nature. Find perfect green gifts now and finish your holiday shopping."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
healthy new yorkers
I come across this while reading Dr. Weil's newsletter...very interesting.
3 Reasons Why New Yorkers Live Longer
Last winter, the New York City Department of Health released some surprising news: a New Yorker born in 2004 can expect to live 78.6 years, nine months longer than the average American will. In addition, the life expectancy of New Yorkers is lengthening faster than that of other Americans.
Why? In an article published in the Aug. 13, 2008, New York magazine, author Clive Thompson interviewed health researchers and found three possible reasons:
The city's wide-ranging smoking ban of 2003, which dropped deaths attributable to smoking by 10 percent from 2001 to 2005.
Healthier food options, because New York (like other large cities) attracts a critical mass of people who demand fresh, organic or otherwise superior food choices.
Perhaps most importantly, New Yorkers walk far more than do suburban Americans, or even residents of other large cities (perhaps due to the fact that New York's high-density urban amenities make walking uniquely viable for shopping, commuting, and other daily tasks). They also tend to walk faster.
My take: this is interesting, but you don't have to move to New York to avail yourself of these advantages. Anyone, anywhere, can decide to stop smoking, walk more and seek out healthy foods (the number of farmers markets has doubled in the last decade, making them more available everywhere). But I am glad that, after so much presidential-campaign speechmaking about "small-town values," New Yorkers may rightfully claim that their city can indeed foster good health.
3 Reasons Why New Yorkers Live Longer
Last winter, the New York City Department of Health released some surprising news: a New Yorker born in 2004 can expect to live 78.6 years, nine months longer than the average American will. In addition, the life expectancy of New Yorkers is lengthening faster than that of other Americans.
Why? In an article published in the Aug. 13, 2008, New York magazine, author Clive Thompson interviewed health researchers and found three possible reasons:
The city's wide-ranging smoking ban of 2003, which dropped deaths attributable to smoking by 10 percent from 2001 to 2005.
Healthier food options, because New York (like other large cities) attracts a critical mass of people who demand fresh, organic or otherwise superior food choices.
Perhaps most importantly, New Yorkers walk far more than do suburban Americans, or even residents of other large cities (perhaps due to the fact that New York's high-density urban amenities make walking uniquely viable for shopping, commuting, and other daily tasks). They also tend to walk faster.
My take: this is interesting, but you don't have to move to New York to avail yourself of these advantages. Anyone, anywhere, can decide to stop smoking, walk more and seek out healthy foods (the number of farmers markets has doubled in the last decade, making them more available everywhere). But I am glad that, after so much presidential-campaign speechmaking about "small-town values," New Yorkers may rightfully claim that their city can indeed foster good health.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I'm an addict! A Whole Foods addict.
I really am an addict, I think.
I happen to be in Norwalk this a.m. so I stop into Whole Foods before heading to work. I need spelt bread. I end up with spelt bread and so much more, $120 worth of stuff. Man, I am like a junkie.
I get other carbs, besides bread, because I feel like I need something grainy in the a.m. I also get 8 different kinds of the Whole Foods brand salsa, which is under $3 a jar. I read in Dr. Fuhrman's book that salsa is a great food in part because it's low cal. I pick up some litter for my kitty Pretty Girl and one pack of gum. I wait and wait and wait in line for a veggie juice at the juice bar but I leave when it's taking too long. (Note to Whole Foods: Last time I was getting a juice there, the person in line behind me left because of the wait. This probably happens a lot there). Well, at least i saved money. I get some fresh pineapple and some fresh mango and some magazines. One is called "Living Without," and the other is "Green Living," with the gossip girl lady on the cover.
I drive to work, wishing I could just shop all day!
I happen to be in Norwalk this a.m. so I stop into Whole Foods before heading to work. I need spelt bread. I end up with spelt bread and so much more, $120 worth of stuff. Man, I am like a junkie.
I get other carbs, besides bread, because I feel like I need something grainy in the a.m. I also get 8 different kinds of the Whole Foods brand salsa, which is under $3 a jar. I read in Dr. Fuhrman's book that salsa is a great food in part because it's low cal. I pick up some litter for my kitty Pretty Girl and one pack of gum. I wait and wait and wait in line for a veggie juice at the juice bar but I leave when it's taking too long. (Note to Whole Foods: Last time I was getting a juice there, the person in line behind me left because of the wait. This probably happens a lot there). Well, at least i saved money. I get some fresh pineapple and some fresh mango and some magazines. One is called "Living Without," and the other is "Green Living," with the gossip girl lady on the cover.
I drive to work, wishing I could just shop all day!
Monday, November 17, 2008
unbelievable inconceiveable
Hard to explain how great Julia's Fertile Heart seminar in Woodstock, N.Y., was. It was unbelieveable. We jammed so much into that entire day. I learned so much, still digesting it.
Yet it wasn't like I had any sugar-high type moments or any epiphanies. But it felt very comforting to know I wasn't alone (although I did happen to be the only single woman there at this workshop). Julia says there usually are single women at her workshops. For some reason, at this one, I happened to be the only one. A few married woman came alone so in the one exercise where we had to pair up, I paired up with a married woman. Before we did that exercise I had an uncomfortable moment.
When Julia asked everyone to pair up with their spouse or to wait so she could match up the "pairless" women, I waited near my seat. Some lady in the workshop practically ran into me, putting her back to my face. It was like she was saying "get out of my way lady" so she could get in the area across from her guy. I tried not to let it bother me. I just got the feeling she was insecure or something. Oh, there was another lady who was annoying. She couldn't stop talking about herself, her issues. Whenever I would respond, she would not hear me and talk over me. I realized she really wasn't interested in me. She kept talking to another married woman near me, I almost felt like I was in high school again and the mean girls were trying to exclude others. I don't feel that way that often. I'm not quite sure what this was about. Not sure if it's because these people are in so much pain or I hate to even say this because I'm not sure if this is true but I think it had something to do with me being single and unmatched, some people just don't know how to react/act. That said, there were a few really nice married ladies there who I spoke to, and none of this detracts from how great the seminar was. I just feel like I need to be honest and let it out. Didn't know who to tell this to!
When I drove through Woodstock's downtown, which was all closed up by the time the workshop was over, I decided to stop and walk around and window shop in the dark on that quiet street. I felt at peace. Moreso than I have in a while. I wasn't stressing about WHEN it's going to happen and with who. I'm not kicking myself (at least not today) about what I should have done in the past regarding boyfriends, etc. I'm just accepting that I did the best I could and just wasn't ready until now to be the best mom. Like Julia says, some of us take the scenic route to your children. She said so much more, but I have to get to bed! Will write more soon!!
Yet it wasn't like I had any sugar-high type moments or any epiphanies. But it felt very comforting to know I wasn't alone (although I did happen to be the only single woman there at this workshop). Julia says there usually are single women at her workshops. For some reason, at this one, I happened to be the only one. A few married woman came alone so in the one exercise where we had to pair up, I paired up with a married woman. Before we did that exercise I had an uncomfortable moment.
When Julia asked everyone to pair up with their spouse or to wait so she could match up the "pairless" women, I waited near my seat. Some lady in the workshop practically ran into me, putting her back to my face. It was like she was saying "get out of my way lady" so she could get in the area across from her guy. I tried not to let it bother me. I just got the feeling she was insecure or something. Oh, there was another lady who was annoying. She couldn't stop talking about herself, her issues. Whenever I would respond, she would not hear me and talk over me. I realized she really wasn't interested in me. She kept talking to another married woman near me, I almost felt like I was in high school again and the mean girls were trying to exclude others. I don't feel that way that often. I'm not quite sure what this was about. Not sure if it's because these people are in so much pain or I hate to even say this because I'm not sure if this is true but I think it had something to do with me being single and unmatched, some people just don't know how to react/act. That said, there were a few really nice married ladies there who I spoke to, and none of this detracts from how great the seminar was. I just feel like I need to be honest and let it out. Didn't know who to tell this to!
When I drove through Woodstock's downtown, which was all closed up by the time the workshop was over, I decided to stop and walk around and window shop in the dark on that quiet street. I felt at peace. Moreso than I have in a while. I wasn't stressing about WHEN it's going to happen and with who. I'm not kicking myself (at least not today) about what I should have done in the past regarding boyfriends, etc. I'm just accepting that I did the best I could and just wasn't ready until now to be the best mom. Like Julia says, some of us take the scenic route to your children. She said so much more, but I have to get to bed! Will write more soon!!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
burt's bees
I always thought the burt's bees chapstick I owned had great ingredients. But I looked the other day and I saw "fragrance" listed. I just went to this Green Festival in Stamford and after talking to a girl who was passing out info, I learn "fragrance" is a general term that can include many bad things, I think she said 400 bad things or something like that. I realize that I have a long way to go to being perfect in this area. There's just a lot to know and it's hard to find healthy ingredients that work!
I have made so many changes, yet I know I have a ways to go.
Here's just a few of the areas where I need to improve:
I still highlight my hair. It helps with the few greys I have. I used to be a blond, too, so I feel like it's really my natural color, goes with my coloring more than the brown does.
I also still use this shimmery MAC lipstick that I soooo LOVE.
I sit in front of the computer for work more than I should.
At work, I use their toilet paper (which probably has dioxins, etc.) and also use the crappy soaps they have.
My eye doc told me my lids are so drying that I need to use these lidwipes. I use them and they do make my eyes feel moister and more comfortable.
I have made so many changes, yet I know I have a ways to go.
Here's just a few of the areas where I need to improve:
I still highlight my hair. It helps with the few greys I have. I used to be a blond, too, so I feel like it's really my natural color, goes with my coloring more than the brown does.
I also still use this shimmery MAC lipstick that I soooo LOVE.
I sit in front of the computer for work more than I should.
At work, I use their toilet paper (which probably has dioxins, etc.) and also use the crappy soaps they have.
My eye doc told me my lids are so drying that I need to use these lidwipes. I use them and they do make my eyes feel moister and more comfortable.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Isabella catalog
This catalog is so cool. I swear they sell every product to me. If I had the money, I would buy everything in this catalog.
They have this awesome shimmery lipstick that I bet would allow me to recreate that MAC color that I love so much.
And no dyes. These are the ingredients. That's it!
Castor Oil, Candelilla Wax, Palm Wax, Wheat Germ Oil, Shea Butter, Tocopherol Acetate, Jojoba Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Iron Oxides, Mica, and Silica.
I learn so much reading this catalog. For instance, I knew too much acidity in the diet is bad, but I didn't know you could take a bath to eliminate some of the acidity. They have a product, created by an MD, that allows you to do that.
They have this awesome shimmery lipstick that I bet would allow me to recreate that MAC color that I love so much.
And no dyes. These are the ingredients. That's it!
Castor Oil, Candelilla Wax, Palm Wax, Wheat Germ Oil, Shea Butter, Tocopherol Acetate, Jojoba Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Extract, Iron Oxides, Mica, and Silica.
I learn so much reading this catalog. For instance, I knew too much acidity in the diet is bad, but I didn't know you could take a bath to eliminate some of the acidity. They have a product, created by an MD, that allows you to do that.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Whole Paycheck
I know I have a problem going into this store without buying everything in site. So I tell myself I can only go in to buy the nettle tea that I have heard such great things about.
(I heard a holistic practitioner speaking-on one of Julia Indichova's CDs-about how "nourishing," it is. Her voice just conjured up these images of a stew filled with minerals. But I can't seem to find the tea anywhere, so I decide to try Whole Foods in Westport one day as I'm driving through).
But I know myself and know that is impossible. I know I will want to stock up on stuff, so I tell myself, okay, just stay under $20.
So I try really hard to do this.
But before I even enter the store, in their lobby area, I'm putting in my basket Whole Foods brand 365 soaps. Eventually, I put them back because even though they are inexpensive, I'm not sure there's all good ingredients in them. I also find these candied yams, but put them back because they are too sweet, the yams are what I want, don't want the sweetness.
I also want the all natural food colorings! I have wondered my whole life about where to buy natural food coloring. But I put those back too because I'm not baking a cake as far as I know anytime soon.
When I see the Goji berries that I have been looking everywhere for, I decide I have to break the $20 limit. I get some of those. I also buy jicama and lime because it looks so interesting and I want to try it. (I put some jicama in my juice concoction the next day, but overall I don't like it). I also buy one package of the health food store gum because I just love having something to chew on. I also buy pineapples and rice cakes because I need a treat tonight. I buy sesame seed oil because many of my recipes call for it. And Martha Stewart living's holiday crafts issue, which is like 7 bucks or something like that.
I leave 38 dollars poorer. Even though I went over the initial limit, it's not bad for me. I usually leave here, spending between 100 or 200 dollars.
I try the Goji berries on the way home and practically eat the whole bag, these are really good, almost like Gummi Bears or licorice. And they are good for you! YES!
(I heard a holistic practitioner speaking-on one of Julia Indichova's CDs-about how "nourishing," it is. Her voice just conjured up these images of a stew filled with minerals. But I can't seem to find the tea anywhere, so I decide to try Whole Foods in Westport one day as I'm driving through).
But I know myself and know that is impossible. I know I will want to stock up on stuff, so I tell myself, okay, just stay under $20.
So I try really hard to do this.
But before I even enter the store, in their lobby area, I'm putting in my basket Whole Foods brand 365 soaps. Eventually, I put them back because even though they are inexpensive, I'm not sure there's all good ingredients in them. I also find these candied yams, but put them back because they are too sweet, the yams are what I want, don't want the sweetness.
I also want the all natural food colorings! I have wondered my whole life about where to buy natural food coloring. But I put those back too because I'm not baking a cake as far as I know anytime soon.
When I see the Goji berries that I have been looking everywhere for, I decide I have to break the $20 limit. I get some of those. I also buy jicama and lime because it looks so interesting and I want to try it. (I put some jicama in my juice concoction the next day, but overall I don't like it). I also buy one package of the health food store gum because I just love having something to chew on. I also buy pineapples and rice cakes because I need a treat tonight. I buy sesame seed oil because many of my recipes call for it. And Martha Stewart living's holiday crafts issue, which is like 7 bucks or something like that.
I leave 38 dollars poorer. Even though I went over the initial limit, it's not bad for me. I usually leave here, spending between 100 or 200 dollars.
I try the Goji berries on the way home and practically eat the whole bag, these are really good, almost like Gummi Bears or licorice. And they are good for you! YES!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
temptations
I had a tiny sip of coffee at work today during coffee hour, but it was so bitter and bad that's all I had...It's 8ish now and i'm not having withdrawal symptoms yet, i just miss it so i have some decaf coffee (mount hagen) and one cup of tea, decaf, and want another.
One bad thing I did today was licked the spoon of the lemon cake I was making for work. I licked my fingers a few times too. It was yummy. But the thing I can't stop thinking about is coffee.
One bad thing I did today was licked the spoon of the lemon cake I was making for work. I licked my fingers a few times too. It was yummy. But the thing I can't stop thinking about is coffee.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
broke down and had coffee at DD at night
Okay, so after having like three or four servings of Mount Hagen decaf today, I was just sick of it. And by like 8 or 9 I was really losing energy and headachey, and not looking forward to the cake I had to make tonight for Thursday's coffee hour (it's my turn this week). So on the way to Stop and Shop where I was going to get the goodies for coffee hour, I stopped at DD and got a small black. I told myself I was just going to have a few sips, enough until I got a little energy back. Then I would throw the rest out. But 10 minutes later, it was all gone. I drank it like coffee.
I'll just have to get back on the horse tomorrow.
I'll just have to get back on the horse tomorrow.
decaf
This Mount Hagen organic instant decaffeinated coffee isn't bad. It's just nothing like regular coffee. It doesn't have the kick. I miss it so much. I do appreciate, however, that Mount Hagen decafs its coffee the natural way. I have read that most decaf, which is not decaffeinated the natural way, is harmful to the pancreas.
Monday, November 3, 2008
headache
the headaches are starting, i feel a tiny one coming on the right temple. i'm sure it's the coffee. giving that up is worse than giving up sugar or milk or alcohol. i'm definitely addicted.
i think about coffee more than any substance.
i don't miss fast food. in fact, seeing a hamburger commercial last night grossed me out. i've been on diets before, but always craved. this is different in that fast foods and other "low on the food chain" foods sicken me.
there's something spectacular about whole foods that are extremely fresh and it's something you don't notice when you are bogged down on sugar/caffeine and alcohol. even the way food looks now is amazing, it's sensual to me and beautiful. R is going to kick me out soon, I can't stop ooohing and aaahing about every bite i take! drives R crazy.
i think about coffee more than any substance.
i don't miss fast food. in fact, seeing a hamburger commercial last night grossed me out. i've been on diets before, but always craved. this is different in that fast foods and other "low on the food chain" foods sicken me.
there's something spectacular about whole foods that are extremely fresh and it's something you don't notice when you are bogged down on sugar/caffeine and alcohol. even the way food looks now is amazing, it's sensual to me and beautiful. R is going to kick me out soon, I can't stop ooohing and aaahing about every bite i take! drives R crazy.
128
I'm 128 this a.m., okay, but could be lower. I have a cup of coffee, but I make it weaker than in prior days. I have some olive oil on my wheat pita bread. I read in Julia Indichova's book that you should have olive oil, avocado or miso with every meal. Not sure why, I think it's supposed to help with digestion.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
made the gym....
well i made it to the gym finally...it's been about a month, but it felt good...i didn't stay long because i had to rush back for 6 p.m. date, but i did a little bit of the bike (they have cool new bike machines that have fans on them)...i also did 100 situps and the butt machine, inner thigh machine, quad machine and the arm machines. i leave feeling great that i at least got there. only spent a half hour or so but at least i got over that hump.
i try to buff my nails in anticipation of the date. i find an old buffer/polisher in my nail polish drawer. and i do the right hand to compare and contrast with the left hand. i notice a tiny bit of shine, but not much...
i try to buff my nails in anticipation of the date. i find an old buffer/polisher in my nail polish drawer. and i do the right hand to compare and contrast with the left hand. i notice a tiny bit of shine, but not much...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
trader joe's
i can't stop talking about this place.
i find cold-pressed organic olive oil for 6.49....
their beauty supplies are way cool too.
tangerine sugar scrub for only 6.49
Dr. Broenner organic soap for 2.49
Avalon lavender liquid soap for 4.29 (this so far is the least expensive liquid soap i have been able to find that is crap-free. i don't see one ingredient in here that is on the hit list).
they also have the best value on bath tissue, only 3.99 for like 14 rolls of two ply recycled, non-bleached tissue...this is unheard of. i get the second to the last one and 30 seconds later, another lady grabs the last one. if i could have fit it in my carriage i would have taken the last one, that price is ridiculously low.
im in insane love with this place.
i find cold-pressed organic olive oil for 6.49....
their beauty supplies are way cool too.
tangerine sugar scrub for only 6.49
Dr. Broenner organic soap for 2.49
Avalon lavender liquid soap for 4.29 (this so far is the least expensive liquid soap i have been able to find that is crap-free. i don't see one ingredient in here that is on the hit list).
they also have the best value on bath tissue, only 3.99 for like 14 rolls of two ply recycled, non-bleached tissue...this is unheard of. i get the second to the last one and 30 seconds later, another lady grabs the last one. if i could have fit it in my carriage i would have taken the last one, that price is ridiculously low.
im in insane love with this place.
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