Is Your Organic Food Really Organic?

When you buy food with a "USDA organic" label, do you know what you're getting? Now is a good time to ask such a question, as the USDA just announced Monday it was putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation, allowing them 12 months to make corrections or lose their accreditation. At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients from other countries, including China. read more...

Is Gardasil Killing Our Teens?

This is a MUST read article regarding the HPV vaccine and its effects on the young girls who have received this deadly, worthless vaccine.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/08/02/hpv-vaccine-blamed-for-teen-s-paralysis.aspx?source=nl

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SUGAR TO HIT SUPERMARKET SHELVES THIS YEAR

ALERT: OCA LAUNCHES KELLOGG'S BOYCOTT

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SUGAR TO HIT SUPERMARKET SHELVES THIS YEAR

The Organic Consumers Association's (OCA) and allies are calling for a boycott of all Kellogg's products after Kellogg's refuses to source only GE-Free Sugar. Monsanto's RoundUp Ready Genetically Engineered Sugar is due to hit stores this year, exposing millions of consumers to untested and unlabeled "Franken Foods" that threaten human heath, the environment and farmers' rights everywhere. Take Action-Join the Boycott!

http://organicconsumers.org/kelloggs.cfmSign OCA's Petition to Kellogg's http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1300

Make a Free Call to Kellogg's and let them know how you feel http://organicconsumers.org/ge/CallKelloggs.htm

Send a Letter to the Editor of you Local Newspapers about the Boycott http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/letter/?letter_KEY=1009

Komen Gives Money to Planned Parenthood

This article just blew me away. I've already stated where I stand on the whole pink ribbon campaign, but even knowing what I know about the cancer industry, this still totally shocked me. Apparently, some Komen affiliates are donating thousands of dollars, over $700,000 in all, to local Planned Parenthood offices. While Planned Parenthood says that the donations are earmarked for breast exams, if you know anything about money you know that it just freed up money for other procedures such as abortions. (I remember back when the Georgia Lottery was being discussed and how they brainwashed people into believing that it would bring more money into the schools. Sure it brought money into the schools, and the money that was already being spent on the schools went somewhere else. Nice, huh?)

Anyway, we're all adults. Let's be real. I guess I can't double-boycott the Komen Foundation, but this is just another reason why you should if you haven't. Use your money for your own prevention strategies and do your due diligence when it comes to cancer and cancer research. While I once supported them all, including the American Cancer Society and their famous "Relay for Life," I now go out of my way to avoid giving any cancer research company my money. If a product has a pink ribbon, I will not buy it. I will either go without or use a different brand. For more information, you can visit http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/

Here's the article: http://www.lifenews.com/nat3849.html

FDA Action Against Raw Milk

Being consumers of raw milk, articles like this catch our attention. It is amazing that we live in a "free" country, yet we cannot easily obtain and consume what WE feel is a nutritious food. How is it that selling raw meat - parts of a dead animal- is not questioned, but selling raw milk is under intense scrutiny? Does that make any sense at all?

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/04/08/fda-action-against-raw-milk.aspx

What are you doing for Earth Day?

As my kids have gotten older, I try to teach them why conserving resources is important to me, and why I do things a little differently than others might. My son just happened to be born on Earth Day, and I have an earth tattoo from my "just want to see what it feels like" early twenties. I also have to admit that I am somewhat of a tree hugger, but not so much that I wear sandals in the winter. Even I catch myself doing things that are wasteful, and smacking myself on the head with a "do'h!" Like having reusable bags, but leaving them at home. Or not taking the time to learn more about recycling in my area and throwing it all in the trash. We've lived in our town for two years, and this Earth Day I made the committment to learn about recycling and where we take our recyclables. I'm also considering putting this "green" information together for new residents so that they know what's what. Since I homeschool, our science and social studies lessons during the month of April are ALL about things that we can do in our homes to help make our community and planet a little better for us all. We will be visiting the recycling center as well as our new state of the art landfill that was put in two years ago, and hopefully they will get an idea of the impact of what we throw away. Here are some things that other work at home moms are doing to keep our planet healthy:

"We are now using a 3 bag system (often used for sorting dirty clothes) to recycle. One bag is for pop cans/bottles, one bag is for other type cans and the last bag is for plastics. We are keeping it in our garage very close to the door which is close to the kitchen for ease of use. We already recycle newspapers, phone books magazines, etc. We are also being more diligent with electricity. Turning off lights when not in use. My 4.5yo loves joining in. We try and make it fun for her to be able to participate and learn how to help our environment." Photo Bug Baby - Toni Saussele

"Our family doesn't leave the water running while brushing our teeth as this seems such a waste of water. We also recycle paper, plastics and tin/metal every day. We reuse our plastic water bottles that we have bought from the store when we were "on the run". Plus, when we are done using the water bottles, we recycle them. (We try not to have the need for purchasing water from the stores). When possible we try to purchase paper products that have been made out of recycled paper.

We also have a compost. This cuts down on the trash that is going into our landfills and the compost can be used as a natural fertilizer in our garden. Our family use "green" products when ever possible. This includes all types of cleaning products to bath and body products. This not only helps the earth by not using harmful chemicals but also helps better our health at the same time.

Our family business reuses packing materials/containers whenever possible to cut down on waste as well as passing savings onto our customers. The bulk of our products are made from a renewable resource that is natural and non-toxic to the earth and humans (or animals)." SeaGlass Candles - Kelly

"Businesses and consumers today can choose from a wide range of high quality products that are equal in performance to traditional products, but can result in lower waste, fewer chemicals, lower energy use and less material use. At Dezigns by T we go for the greener options when purchasing products and materials for our homes and office. From printing on post-consumer recycled content (PCR) paper to switching from incandescent bulbs to energy efficient compact fluorescents to packaging our products with recycled materials we believe in making more personal decisions with the environment in mind.

In our quest to further reduce our carbon footprint Dezigns by T has partnered with TerraPass to sponsor clean energy and carbon reduction projects that result in a verified, measurable reduction in carbon emissions. We invite you to visit our TerraPass partner page to learn more about the projects that Dezigns by T and TerraPass support and to find out how your organization can balance its carbon emissions."

"I saw a show about climate change on Oprah awhile back, and I ran straight out to Home Depot to get my water heater insulation, programmable thermostat, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. It took me about six months to take the time to install the thermostat and wrap my water heater. At least they are both done now! No more forgetting to turn down the thermostat at night in the winter. I don't use those light bulbs in the most used lights, rather I use them in the most left on lights—places where the light bulb will be on for a long time if left on because I don't frequent those rooms very often—the pantry, laundry room, garage, and the one walk-in closet. In the bedroom light fixtures that have three light bulbs, I use one CLF and two incandescent bulbs. That way I still get the look of incandescent light. For the other lights, I buzz around the house shutting off lights all the time now. I have turned into my mother! Since 12 months ago, our natural gas bill has gone down $42 USD/month, and our electricity bill has gone down $20 USD/month. And I have also finally purchased reusable grocery bags and produce bags. Slowly we're starting to remember to bring them from the car to the store for actual use." Modest Clothing Directory - Dara Becker

"The Green Path Company is a family owned-company and we all made a commitment to make some simple, inexpensive changes to our lives such as reducing junk mail and unsolicited catalogs, unplugging electronics to cut down on energy consumption, and conserving water through the installation of low-flow shower heads. Our website features a “Green Tips” page as well as a FREE packet outlining some easy changes to make around the house. The packet contains 10 tips you can incorporate into your daily or monthly routine that help us conserve energy and protect the environment. If you are interested in receiving this FREE information you can contact us at The Green Path Company and we will send the packet out to you!" Regionz Kidz - Lisa Smith

Earth Day Specials and Coupons

Earth Day is April 22, and in celebration of this important date, we will be having a promotion at Eve's Best. During the month of April, we will give a FREE GreenBag with every Showerwise shower filter purchase. In addition to the GreenBag, you will save $10 on the Showerwise, which will be going up on May 1.

Here are some more Earth Day specials provided by other small businesses and work at home moms:

During the month of April, Karen Clark, a rep with Story Time Felts, Inc. is offering sales on the following felts:
76147 Rain Forest
6030 Bug Book
6318 Farm and Zoo Toggle
3230 Creation Set
On April 1, these specials will be listed here: http://www.funfelt.com/specials.html But feel free to visit her store now and decide which items you want!

Tara, at http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/ is offering 15% off with coupon code earthday2008. Coupon is good April 21st through midnight EST April 23rd.

Karen Tracy with Shaklee is offering FREE Preferred customer membership with qualified purchase from April 21-29.

LaKeshia Snyder with Tupperware is offering 15% off orders emailed to her; free gift for those who place their orders through her website. Offer valid April 21-25.

Kandi Tobin with Shaklee is offering FREE membership ($19.95 value..I will reimburse this fee) with any $50 or more purchase of any product April 1-30. Email tobinjewels@gmail.com or call her at 501-593-7127 for details and instructions.

Jennifer at Little Piddles is offering 15% off all purchases with coupon code EARTHDAY. Coupon is valid April 20-27.

Kelly Mitchell of SeaGlass Candles is offering a 10% discount on all purchases for the entire month of April (coupon code: cleanearth) to celebrate Earth Day.

Ann Tillage with Sharmooz is offering 15% off your entire purchase with coupon code Baby15. "The Sharmooz Company proudly presents our Eco-Friendly Line (coming out on Earth Day) with the same great benefits of the Original Baby Sharmooz. We searched and found the finest Earth Friendly Hemp Silk Satin which uses less unnatural resources to produce. Remember, not only your baby - but the Earth- deserves the ROYAL treatment!" Coupon code will be good through December 2008.

Cyndi McGregor with Greenbaby Gifts is giving either an organic baby shampoo and wash, or an organic cotton infant toy FREE with every purchase during the month of April. She will also be donating 10% of her profits for the month of April to the Environmental Working Group.

Kara Kelso with Prairie Soy Candles is offering 10% off with coupon code "earthday" on April 22 (excludes Etsy purchases, good for store products ONLY).

The Green Path Company is offering a discount on our Organic Cotton tote bag in April! Save $2.00 on each bag AND receive a FREE Simple Green Living Tips packet filled with information on simple, inexpensive things you can do everyday to live a greener life, simple, inexpensive ways to eliminate junk mail and some great water conservation ideas. The packet also contains a "reminder" calendar that will help you incorporate these tips into your routines. You can also sign up for our blog and newsletter to learn about companies and products that are making the change to go green!

Please visit these stores and take part in their Earth Day celebrations as you see fit. And as we all should every Earth Day, take a little time to contemplate a change that you can make to lighten your footprint on our planet!

Calcium supplementation increases bone mineral content in adolescent girls

A new clinical trial (reported in the February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that supplementing adolescent girls with calcium led to significantly increased bone mineral content in the short term. However, long-term benefits were only maintained with continual use.

A recent meta-analysis raised doubt as to whether calcium supplementation in children benefits spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD). A recent study had a different conclusion. The trial was an 18 month trial of calcium supplementation (792 mg/d) with follow-up two years after supplement withdrawal. Subjects included 96 adolescent girls with low calcium intakes. State-of-the-art measures of bone were used to determine the change in total-body, lumbar spine, and total hip bone mineral content (BMC) during supplementation and then two years after supplement withdrawal.

Over the eighteen-month period, girls who received supplemental calcium showed significantly greater gains in bone mineral content (with the exception of the hip), and bone mineral density was greater at all sites compared with the group that received a placebo. Indicators of bone loss were significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the control group after 18 months. However, after 24 months (or two years without supplements), the differences between groups were no longer observed.

Contrary to the conclusion of the recent meta-analysis, this study indicates that calcium supplementation does indeed enhance bone mineral accumulation in teenage girls, but the effect is short-lived. The likely mechanism for the effect of the calcium is suppression of bone turnover, which is reversed upon supplement withdrawal. Therefore, calcium supplementation must be consistent and life-long to achieve full bone health benefits.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 2, 455-462, February 2008

Fluoride May Damage the Brain, New Report Says

New York – February 26, 2008 -- "It is not clear that the benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water outweigh risks of neurodevelopment or other effects such as dental fluorosis," according to an Institute for Children's Environmental Health report. (1)

Fluoride chemicals are added to 2/3 of U.S. public water supplies ostensibly to reduce tooth decay. Fluoride is found in dental products, supplements and virtually all foods and beverages (2).

"Excessive fluoride ingestion is known to lower thyroid hormone levels, which is particularly critical for women with subclinical hypothyroidism; decreased maternal thyroid levels adversely affect fetal neurodevelopment," reports a prestigious committee of scientists and health professionals in a “Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.”

Studies they reviewed and others link fluoride to brain abnormalities and/or IQ deficits. (3)

"The question is what level of exposure results in harmful effects to children. The primary concern is that multiple routes of exposure, from drinking water, food and dental care products, may result in a high enough cumulative exposure to fluoride to cause developmental effects," they write.

"Given the serious consequences of LDDs [learning and developmental disabilities], a precautionary approach is warranted to protect the most vulnerable of our society," the authors caution.

"It's time to stop water fluoridation," says lawyer Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation. “With many neurological diseases, such as autism and ADD, afflicting too many American children, fluoride's dubious promises of less cavities no longer outweigh fluoride's serious health risks," says Beeber.

The National Research Council reviewed fluoride toxicology evidence and reported in March 2006 that studies linking fluoride to lowered IQ are plausible.(3a)

"The real dental dilemma facing American children today is their inability to get dental care," says Beeber. “Eighty-percent of dentists refuse Medicaid patients (4) and 108 million Americans don’t have dental insurance (5),” says Beeber.

Studies show that when fluoridation ends, cavities actually go down. (6)

Please sign the petition urging Congress to end fluoridation and hold hearings about why federal officials continue to promote water fluoridation in the face of growing scientific evidence of harm at http://www.FluorideAlert.org/Congress .

Dr. Phyllis Mullenix was the first U.S. scientist to find evidence that fluoride damages the brain. She published her study in a respected peer-reviewed scientific journal (7) and then was fired because she wouldn’t squelch it.(8)

Contact: Paul Beeber, Esq. nyscof@aol.com
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof

or

Paul Connett, PhD, Executive Director, Fluoride Action Network paul@fluoridealert.org
http://www.FluorideAction.Net

References:

1) Institute for Children's Environmental Health, “Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents
Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders,”
Developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s
Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative
November 7, 2007 released February 20, 2008
http://www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf
2) USDA National Fluoride Database of Selected Beverages and Foods - 2004 http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Fluoride/Fluoride.html
3) http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/brain/index.html#human

3a) The National Academies of Science, Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, National Research Council, "Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards," March 2006
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11571.html?onpi_newsdoc03222006

4) Slate, “Hidden Rations Why poor kids can't find a dentist,” by Anne AlstottMay 29, 2007 http://www.slate.com/id/2167190/

5) American Dental Education Association/American Association for Dental Research Testimony presented by Dr. Nick Mosca
March 27, 2007 Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee

http://www.iadr.com/files/public/LA07testimonyMosca.pdf

6) http://thyroid.about.com/cs/toxicchemicalsan/a/fluoridepr.htm

7) Mullenix P, et al. (1995). “Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats,” Neurotoxicology and Teratology 17:169-177)

8) Dr. Phyllis Mullenix interview:
http://www.fluoridealert.org/mullenix-interview.htm

Videos: Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9daqPRUWpMc

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4QrTcyrrvw


SOURCE: NYS Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc
PO Box 263
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof

Past News Releases http://tinyurl.com/6kqtu

Developing a Healthy Eating Plan

So you are ready to develop your own healthy eating plan. Congratulations! (Before you run for the “back” button, check this out…)

When "healthy eating plan" comes to mind, probably your second thought is "diet." Let me assure you, that is not what we’re going for here. You will be changing your diet, but not going on a diet. See the difference? You are not going to go hungry, you are not going to starve yourself, you are not going to be a prisoner. As a matter of fact, no one will be pushing you to do something that you don't want to do. You will WANT to do it yourself.

"How is that?" you ask. If you are like most people, you have tried to eat better; for a day- maybe two. It wasn't any fun. Losing the extra pounds for swimsuit season which was months away didn't seem urgent enough to change your diet today, so you put it on the back burner. And there it still is. Swimsuit season is only months away, and THIS year is going to be different!

"How is that?" you ask again. (Boy, you ask a LOT of questions!)

It’s understandable that you have your doubts. You were never able to stay the course, so why should now be any different? Now is different because you now have access to a tool that you did not have before. Here is what we know about eating and food:

• We eat to make ourselves happy.
• We do not eat for life.
• Food is the drug of choice for overweight people.
• Food either kills us or gives us life.
• We know what to eat, but we like to eat what makes us happy instead.
• We don’t feel we are worth eating the right foods, so we sabotage ourselves.
• People who eat healthy feel they are worth it.
• We eat when we are bored. Or tired, lonely, depressed, anxious, etc.
• Food is not the enemy. Our inner dialogue is.

“What the heck is ‘inner dialogue’?” (Again with the questions!)

Simply put, every time we put food into our mouths that we know is not healthy, we have made the decision that it is what we deserve. We are not worth the healthy food. While you may not consciously converse in your mind, there is a thought process that says: “I suck and I don’t deserve the good stuff. I don’t deserve to be healthy. I deserve illness and disease and death.”

That is why diets don’t work. Because changing what you eat does not change the inner dialogue that got you where you are. The good news is that you don’t have to go through years of counseling to change that inner dialogue!

“Well how do I change it?!” you ask anxiously.

You listen.

You don’t need to read a self-help book. You don’t have to follow steps that you know you’ll never get through. All you have to do is listen.

The tool that you will use to REALLY change your eating habits is Eating for Excellent Health Now! from Think Right Now! International, Inc. An audio CD, Eating for Excellent Health Now! is the complete mental conditioning program for developing lifelong healthy eating habits. All you do is pop it in your CD player at home, in the car, or in your computer, and listen. As a matter of fact, you don’t even really have to listen. You just play it in the same room, as much as possible, and your thoughts will begin to change. Maybe this sounds kind of kooky to you. Maybe too kooky. Maybe even kooky enough to work!

The CD does not use subliminal messages. You can hear everything on the CD. It is very easy to listen to while working, cleaning, or just relaxing. To learn more about the program, go there now. Some great things to know is that you will have the CD in hand within days; shipments are sent out immediately. Also, you have a 6 month money back guarantee. Having used this very program myself, I can tell you that instead of returning the program, you will come back for more and buy them for friends and family!

Think Right Now 3 Day Super Bowl Sale

I have some great news that I think you'll appreciate.

Many of you are very familiar with Mike Brescia and Think Right Now's line of Accelerated Success Conditioning Programs. They are phenomenal products that use the technology developed by the famed psychotherapist Georgi Lozanov that allowed people to learn information from 5 to 10 times faster than normal teaching methods.

And so you may already be aware that these programs actually teach you the unconscious empowering thought patterns found in people who are the best at a variety of different life disciplines. In other words, they don't just give you information and leave you on your own. No, they actually install the knowledge into your long-term memory.
So you actually learn to think on a moment-by-moment basis like the people you want to be like, so you automatically make similar decisions and thus, get similar results.
Plus, the whole process is the model of simplicity.

The success stories they've got are absolutely astounding.

And the REALLY interesting part today is that Think Right Now is running a 3 day sale.

All their Think Right Now and Instant Inner Power programs are 20% off until Thursday at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time.

If you want to experience some truly profound positive change in your life and you love saving money, you should check it out now.

To save 20% on all Think Right Now programs, go here

To save 20% on all Instant Inner Power programs, go here

And remember, on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time, they are shutting off the discounts, no exceptions.

I recommend you find out about these products now and use them. I have some of their programs and I love them.

I believe you will love them, too.

Especially since you'll be saving 20%.

All the best,

Evie

P.S. Remember, this sale ends this Thursday (Feb 7th) at 2pm U.S. Eastern Time.

Digestive System Help

If you are looking for answers to your gas, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, a drug-free, supplement-free solution is right at your fingertips. Stop suffering immediately!

You must check out Digestive System Help for information on digestive system solutions. Stop taking drugs, and most importantly, stop the pain!

The Story of Stuff

It may take a while to download, but it's well worth the wait. It's a little over 20 minutes long, but you've GOT to watch it all! This video is excellent, and puts into words what I've been thinking for years (without all the data). We shop at Goodwill, garage sales, and thrift stores, and we sell our used clothes in our Bargain Basement, or donate them. We do sometimes buy things new, and I grimace, but slowly my children are learning that the commercials play up toys that often end up not being as fun as they look. I consider this an investment in helping them learn through doing rather than me lecturing them. Anyway, here's the video. Hope you get something out of it!

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

Watch This if You Ever Stay in Hotels

Oh this is so gross. I'm already fairly leery when I enter a hotel room, but I never thought about the drinking glasses! Here is a video about hotels in/around Atlanta, GA that were not properly cleaning the drinking glasses, even when the next user would be a new guest. Unfortunately, the solution seemed to be providing plastic cups, which is just adding to our landfills, but I guess it's better than drinking from a glass that can give you a number of diseases.

Here is the video: http://tinyurl.com/2f8r2n

If you do frequent hotels, keep the bacteria and viruses at bay (not to mention allergens!) with an Airwise Air Purifier. And don't forget to pack your slippers!

Victory on Avastin

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) applauds yesterday's recommendation by a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee to deny approval of Avastin as a breast cancer drug for metastatic patients.

In a letter to the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC), BCA urged denial based on the fact that the drug's maker, biotech giant Genentech, did not provide data indicating that Avastin improved overall survival or quality of life.

By a 5-4 vote, the committee agreed, indicating that the toxic side effects outweighed the potential benefits of the drug. ODAC member and patient advocate Natalie Compagni Portis told the New York Times that she voted no because while it's painfully true that metastatic breast cancer isn't curable, "I don't think that means that we should just say, 'Well, here, try this,' if there isn't meaningful data to support it."

BCA Executive Director Barbara A. Brenner told the San Francisco Chronicle, "It's not necessarily a bad drug. We just don't know if it's a good drug." Brenner also criticized the estimated $100,000 a year price tag for Avastin.

BCA believes that a drug should increase overall survival or improve quality of life before being approved. Additionally, it should be more affordable than the available alternatives.The recommendation now goes to the FDA commissioner, who will make a decision in February. We will continue taking action--and asking you to do so--on the issue, so stay tuned.

Sign up to receive future emails from the BCA.

December at Eve's Best

December is here, and I just can't believe that the year is almost over! Where did it go? I remember adults telling me when I was little that when I grew up, time would fly. And I find myself telling my kids the same thing! It's so true!

The past few months, sales have skyrocketed, and I'm very grateful for each and every customer. It has been difficult keeping some items in stock, and while it's frustrating, it makes having a business so worth it!

A new product we have added recently is Stack and Stick Wooden Building Toys. These make perfect Christmas gifts for boys or girls. My daughter saw the pictures on my computer screen and immediately said, "I want that!" They are made in the USA, which is nice in light of the recent toy recalls. Feel free to use this coupon code to save $10 on your favorite set: CUST10. This coupon is only good through December 10, so don't drag your feet!

A couple of other products (that you can read about in older posts) include reusable bags and Tees for Change . You might also want to put some Soft Star Shoes under your tree this year. (I'll take some!)

But the most important thing we have to talk about this month is Think Right Now! International. Just visit Eve's Best and you will learn why this company is very important to what we do and our goal of living healthy. Start at the STOP sign, and read what we have learned that could change your life today in a BIG way. It has mine, and I'm excited about sharing it with others who are ready to live the life they deserve.

Oh! I almost forgot. We have a number of products on clearance and wanted to make sure that you grabbed a bargain or two. Here are some direct links to make it easier on you.

BabyLegs
bumGenius 2.0 One Size Diapers
GladRags
The Keeper Menstrual Cup
Knitted Washcloths
One Size Organic Cotton Diapers
Organic Cotton Nursing Top

We also have many items in our Bargain Basement for those TRUE bargain shoppers!

I think that is all for now, and I hope to keep up better in 2008! I'm sure it will zoom by just as quickly as 2007 did!

Reusable Grocery Bags

I am so glad that I was finally able to add reusable bags to our product line. I have been wanting to do this for so long, and I finally worked it out! We have both an organic cotton tote, and the famous "GreenBag" that works great, too. Once I loaded up the bags I was amazed at how much would fit inside! We also have lightweight organic cotton sacks for holding produce and other items. It is often difficult to market reusable items such as grocery bags and diapers, since most people don't have to live with or see on a daily basis where all that trash goes. Not to mention, grocery bags are "free" if you don't realize that you pay for it in other ways. But for people who care about the environment, (their environment and their children's environment) it makes sense to do what you can now. Not to mention, we are setting an excellent example for our children when we use reusable items. They often grow up to have the same habits their parents had, so why not teach them well? In any case, they will probably be required by law to furnish their own grocery bags, as I'm sure the next couple of decades will show the rest of the country catching up to the plastic bag ban in San Francisco.

Tees for Change

This company has a great idea: changing our attitudes, one tee at a time! Founded by Andreea in spring 2007, the idea came about when she was faced with negative responses to her desire for a home birth. "What if everything goes wrong?" she was asked over and over again.

"What if everything goes right?" she wondered.

Sharing a bit of her positive attitude on every tee shirt produced by Tees for Change, her positive impact doesn't stop there. Every shirt is made in "sweatshop-free" factories from 100% organic cotton, or 70% bamboo/ 30% organic cotton. Shirts are dyed using low-impact eco-friendly dyes and are screenprinted with non-toxic, water-based inks.

Whether you want to "choose happiness" or "seek balance" I'm sure you will find a t-shirt just right for you, or even for a gift! Share a little positivity and watch the world smile back at you!

Buying Used Items Conserves Natural Resources

I know this sounds really bad to some people, but I LOVE shopping in thrift stores! I don't get high from new, chemical laden clothes, and the next STEAL could be just around the corner! It's like a rush. Of course there are visits that produce nothing, even after hours of looking, but imagine the money that I save when I don't find anything.

I'm obviously not fashion conscious, and I'll never promise to boycott Old Navy or some of my other favorite stores, but when you stay at home for most of your existence, how fancy do your clothes really need to be? Comfort is key, and at thrift stores I've found some really nice Land's End, Gap, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, LL Bean, and other great brand name clothing that lasted me a few more years. I've also found a TON of clothing for my children. In Gwinnett County where we once lived, there were four Goodwill stores near us, and they had the BEST selection in children's clothes. I also shopped at Kidsignments twice a year, and boy, do I miss those sales!

Between thrift stores, consignment sales, and garage sales, our clothing needs are fairly covered. But don't think I'm just cheap! I also shop these sales because it is important to me that we conserve resources. Every time you buy something used, you prevent a new item from being created. You get a perfectly good product, where the chemicals have been long washed out, and you get a good conscience because you have saved some money and helped the environment as well. This is important, especially considering that cotton requires a TON of pesticides to grow (yes, "ton" is a scientific expression!)

Since I am no longer able to sell our children's clothing at the Kidsignments sale, I have set up a Bargain Basement on my website where I sell their clothes and shoes which are still worth selling! In addition to the toddler girl and boy clothes, I have also added baby items, homeschooling items, books, and other things just lying around the house. Stop by and support our cause, and feel good about the money you save and the resources you are helping to conserve!

It's time to get serious about your health!

That is what I groaned to myself, lying in bed one night, trying to get rid of the abdominal pain after eating a couple of slices of Pizza Hut pan pizza. We usually get the thin crust, but we decided to get adventurous for some stupid reason. The pain eventually went away, just in time to have another slice the next day for lunch. "How stupid can I be?!" I wondered a couple of hours later when the same pain appeared. So I wrote off pan pizza, but a couple of days later, my stomach was still not happy, and a new tell-tale pain overrode the original pain: gall bladder pain.

When I was pregnant with my first baby almost 6 years ago, I remember the horrible pain that I had them ultrasound, which they said was completely normal. It went away after delivery, so I didn't think about it again. But now it was back. And knowing what the amount of fat in pan pizza had already done to me, I was certain that it had really messed up my gall bladder.

Before you go making assumptions about my weight and our eating habits, let me clarify some things. When we don't eat out, I'm pretty neurotic about eating organic foods, pasture fed beef, raw milk, and all the other stuff that you would consider about a healthy lifestyle. I have never in my life been overweight. As a matter of fact, I've been called "anorexic" numerous times and before my gall bladder attack, weighed 120 lbs. (I'm 5'6"). I was a competitive swimmer most of my life, and exercise has always been an important part of my routine. UNTIL...

Well, first kids came, and then the fatigue practically crippled me. When my second child was about 18 months, I decided to get back into shape. I did great! Then, one day I couldn't get out of bed. It took me about 6 weeks to recover, so I decided I was not able to exercise. That baby is now 4, and yes, it was over 2 years before I started exercising again after curing my fatigue problem.

So why the gall bladder problem? For the most part, the lack of exercise is a huge factor. Then there is the food that I eat that I shouldn't. The two scoops of ice cream before bed didn't help! But mostly, it's genetic. My father and just about everyone in his family has had their gall bladders removed. I'm not planning on losing an organ, so fear of that has been very helpful in helping me to eat the right foods!

It's been a couple of weeks, I guess, and I lost 5 lbs the first week. I don't plan on losing more, but I do plan on sticking with eating tons of fresh veggies, green apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, etc. If you are wondering if you have gall bladder problems, check out Gall Bladder Attack and you will learn everything you need to know! A friend of mine had her gall bladder removed after having classic symptoms for over a year that her doctor never diagnosed as gall bladder problems. Go figure!