90210 Organics

Healthy Living eBook Bundle Sale - One More Day!

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:50:00 +0000

For 5 days only, 27 prominent Healthy Living authors have joined together to bundle 34 of their most popular eBooks, valued at just over $300, for the incredibly low price of $29. That's only $0.87 per book to gain inspiration, encouragement, and the practical resources you need for your own healthy lifestyle. Plus, receive $49 of additional FREE Bonuses, and be entered to win one of 3 great prizes.

What's Included in the Sale?

When you purchase the Healthy Living eBook collection, you will get instant access to each of the 34 eBooks listed below.

PLUS $49 of FREE Bonuses

Each Healthy Living eBook Bundle comes with $49 of FREE Bonuses from several of our favorite healthy living companies. Offers include a variety package from Redmond Trading ($21 Value), a FREE 3-Month subscription to Plan to Eat ($15 Value), and a FREE Sourdough Starter or Traditional Buttermilk Starter from Cultures for Health ($13 Value). Click here for more details.

PLUS get entered to win one of 3 Great Prizes

Each person who purchases a Healthy Living eBook bundle is automatically entered to win any one of the following 1 Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator, 1 Omega VRT350 Masticating Juicer, or a R1 Royal Berkey Water Filtration System (Click here for more details).

Click here to purchase your Healthy Living eBook collection (with FREE bonuses) today!

Please note: This collection is only available from 8 a.m. EST on October 29th to 8 a.m. EST on November 2nd. There will be no late sales offered.

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these awesome Healthy Living companies...

$21.00 of incredible natural products from "Earthpaste" "Real Salt" and "Redmond Clay" products for FREE. Your choice of a FREE sourdough starter, or a FREE traditional buttermilk starter from Cultures for Health ($12.99 value) Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is a simple online menu planner that organizes your recipes and creates your grocery list for you. ($15.00 value)

PLUS, You will also be entered to win one of the following 3 awesome prizes...

9-Tray Excalibur Dehydrator with Timer ($349.95 Value) Omega Vert VRT350 Masticating Juicer ($379.99 Value) Royal Berkey Water Filtration System from LPC Survival ($289.00 Value) This collection is only available from 8 a.m. EST on October 29th to 8 a.m. EST on November 3rd. There will be no late sales offered. Haven't purchased an eBook Bundle, but still want to be entered into the draw? No problem. You can enter here.

Enjoy!

Petunia Pickle Bottom Ergo Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:47:00 +0000

3 little monkeys Ottowa is hosting a Petunia Pickle Bottom Ergo Giveaway on their Blog and on Facebook!

3 little monkeys is a fantastic planet-friendly boutique featuring all my favorite natural mama products. Head on over their and check them out!!!

Happy Eco-Shopping

Wholefood Farmacy

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:47:00 +0000

A New, Healthier You? It's Possible Courtesy of Wholefood Farmacy:

As most of you know, I am a Certified Biblical Health Coach and Natural Living Consultant. I am always on the lookout for whole foods to nourish myself and my clients. We are the most overfed and under-nourished country on the planet. Most of us live to eat instead of eat to live. Food isn’t fun anymore. It is something to be feared because it makes us fat. We think that anything healthy has to taste horrible and that we have to go on diets, depriving ourselves of foods we love in order to shed a few pounds. That is just not true. Eating healthy is fun! It’s exciting and it is about upgrading not depriving. Following the Standard America Diet or food Pyramid will not make you healthier. In fact, the United States is the sickest nation. Why? Because of the SAD diet. We eat too much processed foods, artificial sweeteners, diet soda(or soda in general), fast food, trans fats, fake food, low-fat milk and other low-fat products, margarine, substitutes for everything good and wholesome. It’s sickening…literally!

I could talk for hours on this subject but I wanted to share a simple way to jump-start your health, fitness, and well-being.

A few years back, my friend and raw food guru, Jennie Chester Moran(www.jensrawtruth.com) came to one of our Holistic Moms Network meetings to talk about the benefits of raw food. One of the products lines that she brought for us to sample was Wholefood Farmacy. I fell in love with the food right away and for the next year it was a staple in my diet. While I still recommended it to people, I didn’t use it much myself after that year do to cost and moving onto other things like juicing, etc. Anyway, fast forward to this year when I saw that they significantly lowered their prices and have some great 7 and 13 day options. I wanted to share it with all of those looking to lose weight, detox, jump-start their New Year, or just gain overall better health.

There is something for everyone here. Basically what this is is real, raw, whole foods. I recommend doing one of the 7 or 13 day plans to really reset your system, lose weight, and detoxify.

I’m doing the 13-day Liquithon starting on Feb. 1st. It’s a food-based detox that nourishes your body. They give you enough product that you can extend it to 18 or even 21 days if you feel like it. Here is the description:

"13 days of raw, liquid wholefood nourishment based upon meal offerings that were called “rational fastings” in ancient times. Wholefood Farmacy is leading the whole foods revolution by finding and resurrecting a treasure house of lost wisdom from antiquity. The Liquithon unifies, integrates, and harmonizes one’s physical, emotional, and mental dimensions resulting in a more fluid, peaceful, and greater sense of well being. Enjoy 7 meals a day over 13 days! Includes a one pound bag of each of our seven Farinas: AmpliPhi, BeautiPhi, ClariPhi, DetoxiPhi, ElectriPhi, FructiPhi, and GloriPhi."

You will lose weight with this program.

They also offer 7 other programs that you can choose from based on your individual needs. Some of us prefer chewing and crunching on foods rather than doing smoothies or juice-type things. They have programs that include whole foods that are delicious. These foods include mixtures of nuts, seeds, fruits, etc. They are so satisfying to your palate. You’ll be addicted!

So how does this work?

What you do is log on to http://organicmama.wholefoodfarmacy.com or go to www.90210organics.com and look for Wholefood Farmacy. From there you create a wholesale buying account. This is FREE to do!!! Then you can order at the cheaper prices listed on the site. There are NO minimum or monthly order requirements for this. It is easy! You can even become an affiliate and get paid 7% commission on sales from your affiliate website.

Visit the website, browse through all the products and get started on the new and improved you with real foods and nutrition that makes you eat to live not live to eat.

Good Clean Love - Cocoa Mint Body Dessert Review

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:59:00 +0000

I was recently asked to review a brand new product from Good Clean Love. I really like their entire line of sustainable love products and have had the privilege of being able to try almost all of them over the last year.

The newest addition to the Good Clean Love family is their Cocoa Mint Body Dessert.

On the back of the can it says, "Experience a whole new kind of dessert with the one you love. Enjoy an entirely new flavor of a kiss or topping for all of your lover's most kissable spots. Apply generously before kissing." I have to tell you, this body dessert is the perfect blend of chocolate and mint. It smells divine! It tastes like it could be a lip balm. It is deliciously soft and sensuous, leaving your skin silky smooth and smelling yummy. Perhaps I am biased because those two flavors happen to be my favorite but my husband really likes it as well. It definitely adds some flavor to your most intimate moments. Don't take my word for it! Try it out with your love and see for yourself!

I am very happy to see that Good Clean Love has continued their commitment to sustainable products with the ingredients in the Cocoa Mint Body Dessert. Ingredients like avocado butter, shea butter, Organic jojoba oil, coconut oil, essential oils, and stevia are good for the body and good for the planet.

Be sure to check out the new Body Dessert and the other great products that Good Clean Love has to offer.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Lilith's Apothecary

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:05:00 +0000

As you all know, I am a big natural medicine and herb advocate. My family hasn't used Western medicine for years. We haven't needed it! I have learned how to use herbs and homeopathy to care for my family's health. Herbs are a passion for me! I am fascinated with how they can help the body heal and prevent illness. There really is a natural remedy for whatever ails you!

I am a member of the Holistic Moms Network which is a group of natural minded moms who are there for each other in support of raising their families in a more natural way. In October, our speaker was Medical Anthropologist, soon-to-be Certified Herbalist, and owner of Lilith's Apothecary, Sarah Powell. When I found out that Sarah was to be our speaker, I got on her website and read her blog. I eagerly await each of her blog posts that are rich with tips and DIY recipes galore! I was already fascinated by her and her work and was so excited to be able to meet her in person! It was so encouraging to meet another mom who is so passionate about herbs!

Sarah spoke to us about Herbal Immunity and her presentation was wonderful and so informative. She let us breathe in the soothing, healing aromas of an herbal steam and taste immunity tea. I learned so much and was able to take the handouts home, make the recipes, order some herbs and herbal texts, and be on my way to furthering my love of herbs and herbal medicine.

As I briefly mentioned, Sarah is a Medical Anthropologist at Temple University in Philadelphia. This is her day job. She is also a wife and a mother of a little girl and by night, she makes herbal teas, herbal bath and body products, and herbal therapy items. You have to take a look at her amazing product line! They are just beautiful! She also writes for various natural health publication such as "The Herb Companion" and others.

Sarah said something that was quoted in a recent issue of City Paper that I think is so poignant and something that everyone needs to know. She said, "Western medicine is critical for acute care, but hopeless for chronic conditions and prevention." That article can be viewed in its entirety here.

Here are just a sampling of what is offered at Lilith's Apothecary:

Sarah Powell is truly an inspirational, empowered women who is blessing all of us with her passion, talent and knowledge of herbs. I hope that you will visit her shop, fan Lilith's Apothecary on Facebook, Follow her on Twitter and read her blog. You too will be inspired!

Pin Up Cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I was recently introduced to a fabulous line of vegan cosmetics called Pin Up Cosmetics. They are a vintage-inspired line of natural products with a retro flair. This line of luscious, creamy lip glosses and shimmery mineral makeup will be sure to awaken the inner glamour girl in you!

Created in 2007 by makeup artist, music industry professional and San Francisco native Aprill Lacey, Pin Up Cosmetics is a breath of fresh air in the cosmetic industry.

Not only are these cosmetics beautiful, but they are good for you too! Pin Up Cosmetics is committed to bringing safe, natural cosmetics to you without nasty chemicals or additives like carmine, parabens or FD&C colors. Pin Up Cosmetics products are not tested on animals and are cruelty-free.

Aprill was so kind as to send me some of her lovely cosmetics to try. My favorite product so far is the Hot Dish Vegan Plumping Lip Gloss. It is a clear gloss that goes on smooth and shiny. I either wear it over the Cupcake Natural Lip Balm (which I love as well) for extra shine, or all by itself. Hot Dish has a yummy peppermint flavor and scent which is very nice and refreshing. My children comment about how much they like the scent whenever I apply Hot Dish in the car. They say I smell like peppermint candy! Yum!

I also have Glamour Mineral face & Body Shimmer. It's a gorgeous, sparkly shimmer that is perfect day or night. I am really enjoying "glamming" it up with Pin Up Cosmetics.

We have Pin Up Cosmetics available for you at 90210 Organics. Here are just a few of the products from this fantastic line:

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Flu Preparedness, Prevention and Immunity Boosting

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:17:00 +0000

I guest blogged for Natural Life 101 on Flu preparedness, prevention and immunity boosting.

Flu Preparedness, Prevention and Immunity Boosting

Shared via AddThis

Piggy Paint Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Pack - August Special

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Here at 90210 Organics, we love Piggy Paint! My girls have a new color on their little piggies every day...and so do I!

We were very excited to see Piggy Paint featured on the season finale of Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood! The Piggy Paint Crew was there at Stella's first birthday party painting all the little piggies. It was adorable!

We are even more excited to announce August's special to you! The Piggy Paint Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Pack is available this month and a portion of all proceeds go to Susan G. Koman for the Cure. This gift pack includes Forever Fancy and Angel Kisses for all the pink power we can get!

We've all been touched by cancer and we are proud to be a part of giving back.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Dolce Mia - Vintage for Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Luscious Shea Butter, Organic Botanical Extracts, natural fragrances like Sweet Almond, Lavender and Tropical Citrus: These are just a few of the enticing features of a new line of natural lotions by Dolce Mia.

Dolce Mia Designs is a family owned and operated business where "Green" is a lifestyle. All of the products are as close to natural as possible while using the highest quality ingredients. What makes this company so unique is the vintage look that each product has.

We carry Dolce Mia lotions at 90210 Organics and are happy to tell you that this line does not contain any parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, or triclosan. It is 100% Vegan and not tested on animals. These lotions are thick, creamy and are absorbed quickly to help repair dry skin.

Here are just a few of the many vintage designs that are available.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Sunlight Blvd. & Natural Life 101

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:01:00 +0000

I want to introduce you to an awesome mom-friend of mine, Stephanie Pena. I met Stephanie at babyfit.com over 3 years ago. We both hung out on the natural mamas message boards and had our 2006 babies on the same day!

Stephanie is passionate about natural living and is a mom to three adorable boys. She has a great business that she started called Sunlight Blvd. On her website she has water purification systems, juicers, organic baby products, natural birthing supplies, Maggie's Soap Nuts, etc. It's an amazing store with really great products to help you along in your natural life.

Stephanie has taken natural living to the next level by creating the Natural Life 101 blog. Features include Green living tips, recipes, natural product giveaways, and info on natural health and wellness.

Be sure to check out both sites. They are a wealth of information.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

We've Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:55:00 +0000

We've got some news! We have recently relocated our online store to the East Coast. Sarah is now the sole owner of 90210 Organics and has moved her home and family back East. We are very excited about this change! We are settling in and getting situated but are open for business. All orders will still be processed and shipped on time. We hope to have blogs regularly posted again once we are all moved in. We appreciate your business very much as we strive to provide you with great Eco-friendly products. Thank you!

Happy Eco-Shopping!!!

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Posted using ShareThis

Episencial & Anne Geddes Team Up to Introduce Epicuren Baby

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Just before Christmas, I was introduced to a fabulous skincare line for babies by Episencial called Epicuren Baby. I was immediately intrigued when I heard that renowned photogropher, Anne Geddes did the photos for the products. Upon reading all about the products I learned that Epicuren Baby is a safe, natural and organic alternative to those chemical baby bath and body products that are on store shelves.

I was sent the Episencial 'Epicuren' Welcome Set - Baby Daily Wash & Lotion to try out and I loved it! I am pretty picky about how my kids' bath and body products smell and these are very lightly scented like lavender. Very appealing!

Epicuren Baby is:

100% naturally derived skincare for babies and moms
certified organic ingredients
episencial™ aromatherapy to support the bonding experience
actively healthy formulas for skin, body, and environment

The full line of Epicuren Baby is available at 90210 Organics.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

A New Year - A "Greener" You

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:42:00 +0000

As we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome in the New Year, millions of people will be making New Year's Resolutions. Exercise equipment will fly off store-room floors and shelves as people resolve that this is the year that they will lose weight and get in shape. Resolutions such as these are great if you stick with them. Here are some changes that you can make right now to start off the New Year "Green".

Change a light bulb. You have probably heard this many times before but this is one of the easiest things you can do for the environment. By changing your light bulbs over to either compact fluorescents or LED bulbs you will also save money on your electric bill. According to a New York Times article last December, a bill was passed so that by the year 2012 all inefficient incandescent light bulbs will no longer be sold in stores. If you cannot change your current light bulbs all at once because of the higher cost, just change one or two at a time, or go room by room. Every little bit helps.

Sleep "green". I know it is a bit early for spring cleaning and the ritualistic airing out of the mattress, but put some thought into investing in organic mattresses, bedding and pajamas. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping and if you are doing so on a conventional mattress, you are breathing in some pretty nasty stuff. All mattresses and much of kids' sleepwear are now coated in a cocktail of flame-retardant chemicals classified as Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) This toxic brew includes Antimony Trioxide and are classified as neurotoxins and possible carcinogens. They are linked to learning disabilities and even seizures. There are many companies that offer chemical-free alternatives to help you cut back on inhaling and absorbing these dangerous toxins. If you find organic mattresses unaffordable, you can wrap your current mattresses to prevent out-gassing. *See Resources.

Go cloth. We are talking diapers and bags here. Manufacturing of plastic diapers and bags are a huge contributor to environmental pollution and are disposed of in massive amounts. Plastic bags can take a thousand years to decompose, and plastic diapers, five hundred years! Many consumers have made the switch to more economical cloth that helps save money and natural resources. Opt for organic cotton whenever possible so that you are not contributing to the way conventional cotton farmers pollute with pesticides.

Shop local. Scout out your local farmer's markets and health food stores and find out where their produce comes from. Look for CSA's nearby where you can get in-season, organic, locally-grown produce. Shopping local insures that you are getting fresh food that hasn't traveled thousands of miles to get to your table. You are also helping to save fuel and lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

Build "green". If you are planning on doing any home building or remodeling projects in the coming year, consider more eco-friendly options. By choosing bamboo or maple flooring, reclaimed wood cabinets and furniture, energy efficient windows, VOC-free paint, denim insulation, recycled glass countertops, solar or wind power, a tankless water heater and Energy Star appliances you are taking a huge step towards a healthier home for you and your family. You are also reducing indoor and outdoor pollution which is wonderful for the environment.

Take the time to make changes throughout the year and make it a great 2008. These small steps can add up to significant savings financially, physically and help preserve the Earth and its God-given natural resources for future generations.

Resources:

LED Lights

Organic Mattresses & Bedding

Cloth Diapers

Cloth Bags

Mattress Wrapping Info

Additional Mattress Wrapping Info

Local Farmer's Markets & CSA's

Harvest Eating

Written by Sarah Outlaw originally for Natural Life 101.

Have a Healthy Holiday!

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 04:40:00 +0000

Merry Christmas everyone!

There is nothing worse than being sick for the Holidays and not being able to enjoy all the wonderful sights, smells and sounds that this Season brings. Here are a few healthy tips from my family to yours to keep you feeling healthy and festive.

Everyone should be taking probiotics daily and if you are traveling, you will want to take them with you to help prevent "traveler’s diarrhea" and stomach viruses. Probiotic information could fill up an entire article, but simply put, they are the good bacteria in your intestines that fight viruses, bacteria and keep your immune system functioning properly. If you find yourself in the throws of a stomach virus or food poisoning, increased dosages of probiotics could literally save your life. Try to find a brand that is shelf-stable so that you can easily take it with you. Keep in mind that there are different strains of probiotics for adults and children, so be sure to read the labels carefully. You should also look for a good quality brand that has many different strains and a high bacteria count.

Digestive enzymes are a wonderful addition to your daily health regimen and will help to digest those big dinners that we all tend to eat this time of year and eliminate the gas and bloating afterwards. Cooking food destroys most if not all of the valuable enzymes, so if you are not eating any raw or fermented foods consider taking a supplement. You will want to look for a brand that targets both the upper and lower intestines. Be prepared to spend around $30 for a good quality brand. You do not want to go cheap with these because they may not work as well as you need them too.

Vitamin C is crucial this time of year especially because we tend to eat less fresh fruits and vegetables. Adding a fruit and vegetable supplement like Juice Plus, Barleans, or Garden of Life can be helpful for your overall health and wellness. Did you know that humans, guinea pigs, some primates, some parrots and fruit bats are the only known species that do not produce their own vitamin C? Buffered vitamin C in powdered form is easy to take in juice or water by both adults and children. Chewable vitamin C is best to avoid for children as it can contribute to tooth decay. One of my personal favorites is Emergen-C which is sold in most health and drug stores. It is a powdered vitamin C and mineral complex packaged individually so the are convenient for travel. Rose Hip syrup is also a wonderful source of vitamin C and very delicious.

Fish or Cod Liver Oil are beneficial as an everyday supplement and can be taken by adults, infants and children. During the spring and summer it is best to take fish oil as it does not contain vitamin D. Because the sun’s UVB rays metabolize vitamin D and are the sole source, you do not want to overdose on vitamin D by additionally taking a supplement that contains it. During the fall and winter months vitamin D production is reduced and Cod Liver Oil is a wonderful source. The main reason we take fish oil supplements is for the Omega-3 fatty acids they contain. Standard American diets are deficient in essential fatty acids and need to be dramatically increased.

Herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies are an effective way to boost immunity and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Some of the most popular remedies include Echinacea and Astragulus which are incredible immune system boosters. If you have an autoimmune disease, medicinal mushrooms including Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake are excellent for those with autoimmune diseases because they strengthen rather than boost the immune system. Homeopathic remedies are to be taken based on individual symptoms and there is a remedy for basically everything that ails you.

Armed with these healthy tips you can celebrate confidentially this Holiday Season knowing that you are prepared for the common illnesses that could try to dampen your spirits.

Have a Healthy, Happy Holiday.

The information contained here is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease nor should it be misconstrued as medical advice. If you have medical related questions please consult your Physician or Holistic Doctor.

Resources:

Probiotic Information:
www.mercola.com/2004/sep/29/probiotics_benefits.htm

Herbs and Alternative Medicine:

www.mountainroseherbs.com

www.abchomeopathy.com

www.earthclinic.com

Nutrition and Supplement Information:

www.westonaprice.org

www.mercola.com

www.biblicalhealthinstitute.com

www.juiceplus.com

www.gardenoflife.com

www.barleans.com

Toy Safety Legislation: Good Intentions Lead to Catastrophic Results for the Natural Toys Industry

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:32:00 +0000

This effects all of us, both consumers and retailers.

Imagine Christmas morning without Selecta, Haba, Sarah's Silks, Etsy toys, or American toys from small, creative mom-and-pop natural toycompanies. It reminds one of the Grinch who stole Christmas—and unfortunately, it is days away from coming to pass. That's why we desperately need your help to contact your representatives in Congress and share your concerns.

Parents everywhere have been deeply concerned and up in arms about the unsafe state of toys in the USA. We've been happy to see lawsformed to ensure more safety for children everywhere. It's been disappointing to find out that the law is not retroactive—but now,there is even more disappointment at hand. The new testing protocolswill ironically hurt and undermine the one group that has been a toy safety advocate for children all along: safe, principled, small and independent toymakers and sellers.

The new toy safety law, if not ammended, will require every toymaker(including the ones we love so much on Etsy) to test each toy at acost of $500 to $1500 per toy. European toy companies will also haveto retest their toys, at the same expense, with a company that teststo American standards. This sounds fair, until you consider that Europe has an established, exceptionally thorough and successful testing system in place, and the tests would be redundant.
Increased toy safety is absolutely the right direction for our country; however, a poorly nuanced law like this one, as it stands,will devastate the very best parts of the toy industry and leave only companies like Mattel and Fisher Price standing.

Please write and/or call your representative to share your concern.

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

EXAMPLE LETTER

Here's an example:

Holztiger is a beloved German toy company that produces wooden animals and figures, painted with clean, non-toxicpaints. If they were to meet this new law's testing requirements,instead of only having to test a vat of paint, which could be appliedto 300 different animals, they have to test each animal or figure individually. A small company like Holztiger would have to spend$150,000 to $450,000 to test 300 toys. And this would need to be done on a regular basis—at least annually, but possibly with each production run.

Sarah's Silks is a beloved and popular source for playsilks, canopies, and more. They produce their silks in a Chinese village within a program that allows mothers to be work-at-home-moms. Sarah's Silks also runs a Waldorf school in China with the proceeds from its business. They would need to test each color silk four times, giventhe four components of the playsilk.

Yesterday, Selecta, a German natural toy company, announced that they will no longer sell their toys in the USA. "This is just the beginning of the disappearance of natural toys in the USA," said Rob Wilson of Challenge and Fun, an online natural toy store.

Says Adam Frost of TheWoodenWagon.com, "We are very selective in the manufacturers we work with. In our discussions with these workshops,we've been told by many that they are satisfied that their toys andstuffed animals meet or exceed all safety standards, and that theywould not be able to bear the expense of testing. (The same of courseis true for small American manufacturers who produce their goods inthis country.) This would in effect cut off the supply of all those toys that have been held up as exemplars of good craftsmanship, the imaginative and natural toys to which many parents have turned sincethe lead scares began to happen a year or more ago."

Reposted from a message board posting.

Back to Basics

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:35:00 +0000

By Sarah Outlaw

Have you ever heard the expression, “The best things in life aren’t things”? As I sit here and contemplate Christmases past, I can’t help but long for the simpleness that seems to have disappeared as times have changed and years have gone by. I can remember being perfectly happy with plain wooden blocks or a trash-picked refrigerator box as a child. I would imagine that the box was my house and that the blocks were my furniture or food. My sister and I used to dress up in long flowery skirts and aprons and pretend we were Laura and Mary Ingalls from The Little House on the Prairie. We used to spend all day, my brother included, exploring the woods behind our house or climbing up on to the roof of our barn. We had a small shed in our yard with a hand-me-down wooden kitchen set that provided hours of entertainment.

As a child I didn’t feel like my “stuff” defined me. Times are different now with parents waiting in line at stores for hours and sometimes even days for the latest game system. Consumerism is all around us and kids’ worth is unfortunately judged on what they have, especially by other kids. I am not saying that “stuff” is bad. I am also not saying that you shouldn’t buy toys for your children because toys are important. I am simply stating that too many people believe that what they own makes them who they are. This is not the message that we want to instill in our children.

What is consumerism really, and how can we fight it? Consumerism is an “attitude that values the acquisition of material goods”. It can also be defined as “an attachment to materialistic values or possessions”. I cannot tell you how many times I have fallen into the consumerist’s materialistic trap. My children see a commercial or an ad for the latest toy and I feel guilty if I don’t get it for them. My seven-year-old presents me with a Christmas list with nothing on it that I feel good about buying, but I end up at the store looking for those items anyway. The grandparents want to know what to get the kids so I just tell them what is on their lists. I feel that if I don’t buy them what they want that they will feel slighted or that I don’t love them. Reality check! I know better than that and you should too. Children need to be taught to value other people over things that they can posses. Having the latest fad toy is not going to help them become a kind, caring, and upstanding member of society. They will get bored with it sooner than later and move onto the next new thing. Why do you think that Goodwill and thrift stores never go out of business?Perhaps the best way to fight consumerism is to be conscious of it. If we acknowledge that it is rampant in our society, we are then able to teach our children to be less materialistic.

One of the best ways to stop kids from wanting so much stuff is to turn the television off during commercials. This does not work as well once they get older but when they are young, children are very much visual learners. They want what they see, especially when it is so glamorously portrayed on TV.

I recently came across a wonderful website and video called the “The Story of Stuff”. I recommend that everyone watch the video to better understand consumerism and why so many mothers and others are passionate about fighting it. In this video, the host brings up the point that though we have so much stuff we are unhappy. This is because we think that our stuff will make us happy.

This fact was driven home for me last Christmas during a gift exchange my kids had. None of the children present were satisfied with the gifts they chose and they all went home in tears. The teachers and the parents were appalled at the selfishness of them all. No one could understand how these children could be so upset about getting presents! This happens when we put more value on things than on people. Our children are being taught very well by big businesses and society. It is time to turn the tables on society and get back to basics.

As we celebrate this year, remember to take the time to model for your children things like empathy, kindness, love and grace. Don’t let “stuff” take away what this Season means to you and your family. Help to break this cycle of putting things above people and start valuing what really matters; each other.

Resources:

The Story of Stuff

"Greening" The Season

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:41:00 +0000

By Sarah Outlaw

Growing up in New Jersey, I remember Christmas with cold, crisp air and the smell of freshly cut Evergreen trees. I am in Southern California now where memories like white Christmases and ice skating on the pond down the road from our old farmhouse are things of the past. I’m not sure why, but I always thought that Californians all had those big aluminum trees like the ones Lucy longed for in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. Obviously I was mistaken. My family always had a cut tree or a live tree when I was a child. Some years my dad cut cedar trees down, which smelled like dirt and truly were “Charlie Brown” trees. You know the kind where the branches droop as soon as you put the ornaments on? That always gave everyone a good laugh. Other years we picked out and cut down our own tree from a Christmas tree farm. I didn’t know much about “green” or sustainable living back then but I have learned a few things along the way about having a “green” Christmas from Eco-giving to decorating that I would like to share.

The Lights

Christmastime is by far the most taxing time of year for the power plants. All those meticulously lighted homes put a real drain on energy. You can help lessen the strain. A simple solution would be to use LED lights instead. LED lights are very environmentally friendly, don’t contain mercury like compact fluorescents and use less energy. Many Christmas light companies make LED lights now so they shouldn’t be too hard to find.

The Tree

This is one of the touchiest subjects among “greenies”. The controversy lies in whether to get a cut tree or a live tree, an artificial tree or a real tree. There are pros and cons on all sides of this heated argument.Artificial tree factories pollute the environment tremendously; not-to-mention that the PVC plastic used to make the trees is highly toxic. Most artificial trees are manufactured in China where the potential for lead poisoning from one of those trees is very high. The thought of fuel costs and carbon emissions associated with shipping these trees all over the world is enough for anyone to realize that this may not be the best choice for the Eco-conscious person.Live trees can only be indoors for about a week or they will be less likely to survive outdoors once planted On the other hand, cut trees could be considered sustainable when they come from environmentally friendly farms that replant each year. Most pesticides will have washed or blown off by the time you are ready to purchase but some may remain. You can try to find an organic Christmas tree farm (See Resources below) but if the farm is to far away it may not be economical to purchase one.If you do decide to get a cut tree, there are things for you to consider when the Holidays are over. Some options include recycling the tree or using it for the birds or firewood. You will want to avoid tinsel or snow flocking if you plan to recycle the tree as this will make it ineligible.

The Decorations

We have heard a lot about lead this year with all the toy recalls from China. Unfortunately, many imported ornaments are covered in lead paint that easily chips. It is not a good idea to have lead paint present in a home with children or pets. Homemade, wood, or stainless steel ornaments are the safest options. Popping popcorn or stringing cranberries can be family traditions that make a comeback this year. Candles are very popular this time of year but can contain some very unfriendly ingredients including lead. Look for candles that are free from petroleum-based paraffin, those that are soy-based, and that don’t contain lead.

The Gifts

Once again, with all the lead paint concerns it may be best to skip the painted toys this year. Plastic toys have their own set of dangers with phthalates and Bis phenol-A. Wooden toys offer a safer alternative but be sure to buy from manufacturers that use sustainable resources and non-toxic finishes. Go back to the basics with blocks and wooden trains. Children can use their imaginations and create whatever they want from the simplest toys. Gift baskets full of non-toxic cleaning products or organic foods make wonderful gifts. You can also make your own herbal gifts like bath salts and herbal sprays or Flower Essences. Choose lotions and personal care products wisely. Look for ones that are paraben and chemical-free and contain natural fragrances and essential oils. Organic is always the best choice, but be sure to look for the USDA or Certified Organic seal. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, chances are you don’t want to put that product on your body. Instead of standard wrapping paper, try pillow cases, cloth or recycled gift bags. You can also purchase gift wrap made from recycled paper or go treeless altogether. Check your local health food store or see Resources below.

This time of year can be stressful as it is and overhauling your entire Holiday can add to that stress. Just be aware of the changes that you can make to have a healthier, safer and “greener” Holiday and take it one step at a time.

As you celebrate this year, keep old traditions alive for your children and make new memories.

Remember the Reason for the Season.

Resources:

Organic Christmas Trees:

http://www.greenpromise.com/resources/organic-christmas-trees.php

http://www.localharvest.org/

Tree Recycling:

http://www.earth911.org/

LED Lights:

http://www.holidayleds.com/

Wrapping Paper and Bags:

http://www.paporganics.com/

www.forestsaver.comstore.gxonlinestore.org/giftbag.html

http://www.gaiam.com/

Eco-gifts:

http://www.90210organics.com/
http://www.ecoexpress.com/
http://www.thegreenguide.com/
http://www.greenearthgreenhome.com/
http://www.greenfeet.com/

Herbal Gift Recipes and Supplies:

http://www.learningherbs.com/
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Candles:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/

Harvest Salad - I'm Addicted!

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:09:00 +0000

I teach after-school enrichment classes and this is one of the recipes that we make this time of year. I am totally addicted to it! I could eat a whole batch myself...and have!

Harvest Salad

1/4 cup Balsamic (preferably White Balsamic) or Rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey (preferably Raw)
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
10 oz mixed salad greens (preferably organic)
1 apple or pear – sliced (ditto)
8 oz crumbled feta cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup walnuts or pecans (my favorite)–(optional)

In a blender combine vinegar, mustard, honey, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and some fresh ground black pepper.

Cover and blend for 30 seconds.

With the blender running slowly, add oil in a thin, steady stream. (If necessary, stop blender and scrape down sides.)

In a salad bowl, combine greens, apple or pear, feta cheese, cranberries and walnuts.

Drizzle with dressing.

Toss gently to coat.

Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Serve and join my addiction!

Sarah's Silks Available in December Only

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:02:00 +0000

For the month of December we are able to offer the entire Sarah's Silks line. Sarah's Silks are wonderful hand-made silk toys, playthings, costumes, playsilks and canopies that ignite imaginative play in children. Stay away from plastic toys this year and give the gift of a truly sustainable toy that will stimulate the creativity of your child. My kids love Sarah's Silks!

We have added a special category in our Creative Play section for Sarah's Silks. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity!

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Twilight-Athon Fun Stuff and Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Twilight-Athon Fun Stuff and Contest!

Posted using ShareThis

Piggy Paint Non-Toxic ~ Kid-Friendly Nail Polish

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:01:00 +0000

My girls are totally into nail polish, especially since my older daughter started school. It's so much fun to hang out with them and polish our nails together. There is one problem with that though. Nail polish is full of nasty chemicals that are very harmful to everyone, especially growing children. Well, now there are more and more companies these days doing the right thing and making non-toxic polish. Today I was reading the Nature Moms Blog this morning and Tiffany reviewed Piggy Paints Nail Polish. I was so excited about the awesome colors and non-toxic nature of the polish that I contacted Piggy Paint's owner, Melanie and asked if we could be a retailer.

Piggy Paint Nail Polish is non-toxic and "natural as mud" as is stated on the Piggy Paint website. Founder Melanie Hurley was horrified when a glob of solvent-based nail polish spilled on a foam plate and burned through it while her toddler was painting her nails. She decided that enough was enough and Piggy Paint was born.

Piggy Paint is formulated with natural ingredients, no harmful chemicals and is water-based. It does not contain any formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate or acetone. Piggy Paint is also made in the U.S.A. It is kid-friendly and non-flammable. Piggy Paint is also odorless which is amazing!

Piggy Paint comes in many gorgeous colors that you and your girls will absolutely love. My daughter already claimed the Girls Rule! polish. They even come in gift packs that you can give as party favors or birthday gifts. With Christmas right around the corner, Piggy Paints would make great stocking stuffers!

We have the entire Piggy Paint collection available at 90210 Organics! Now you can feel good about polishing those Piggies!

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Motrin Makes Moms Mad

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:53:00 +0000

Last night I was introduced to a Motrin ad via Twitter that clearly mocks babywearing and uses it to promote the need for their product. As a babywearing mother and proprietor of a business that sells slings, I was offended and appalled at this type of advertising.

Here is what the ad says:

Wearing your baby seems to be in fashion.

I mean in theory it’s a great idea.
…

And who knows what else they’ve come up with. Wear your baby on your side, your front, go hands free.

Supposedly, it’s a real bonding experience.

They say that babies carried close to the bod tend to cry less than others.

But what about me? Do moms that wear their babies cry more than those who don’t?
I sure do!

These things put a ton of strain on your back, your neck, your shoulders. Did I mention your back?!

I mean, I’ll put up with the pain because it’s a good kind of pain; it’s for my kid.

Plus, it totally makes me look like an official mom.

And so if I look tired and crazy, people will understand why.

This type of advertising is outrageous, ignorant and condescending towards moms. I went to http://www.motrin.com/ and sent them a letter about why this ad should never have run. They also have another ad that paints mothers as all being stressed out and crazy. This kind of advertising concerns me because it contributes to the over medication of America.

Babywearing does not hurt your back, neck or shoulders if done properly. In fact, it is the preferred method of carrying because of how simple and comfortable it is. Babywearing is the primary method of carrying infants and toddlers throughout the world. In Africa, for example, mothers wear their babies to keep them safe from predators. Laying their babies down in their huts while they worked would be very dangerous.

Personally, I wore my babies around the house to complete chores while baby slept peacefully against my chest or on my back. Long walks were a breeze with my baby in my sling. Never once did I need Motrin or any other pain reliever for that matter.

Katja Presnal, social media and PR guru compiled all our tweets last night along with some pictures of moms wearing their babies and posted it in her blog. I encourage you to check it out and comment.

Wear your baby! It's good for your baby and easy on your back!

Back Porch Soap Co.

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:35:00 +0000

Mother-of-one, Massachusetts resident, and 10-year beauty industry expert, Marla Bosworth sees the natural elements around her as inspiration for her natural and organic soap line. Her motto is, "Life is short..Smell good!".

Back Porch Soap Co. uses only the finest, vegan ingredients sourced from all over the world. Her line includes Organic 100% Shea Butter which is wonderful for the skin and gentle enough to use on a baby. Each soap is handcrafted with love and care using essential oils and organic ingredients whenever possible. The packaging Back Porch Soap uses is natural and sustainable and supports small businesses in Thailand.

This Organic 100% Shea Butter comes in eight delicious scents. Choose from Balinese Coconut, Provence Lavender, White Tea, Unscented, Lavender Spearmint, Cranberry Plum, Almond Vanilla, and Apple Pear. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?!

Back Porch Soaps come in tantalizing scents like Almond & Shea, Lavender & Spearmint, and Lemongrass and Honey. Shower time will be your favorite time of the day!

We are thrilled to offer Back Porch Soap Co.'s organic line at 90210 Organics!

Happy Eco-Shopping!

Noli n Nali Organic & Natural Skin Care

noreply@blogger.com (90210 Organics) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:21:00 +0000

Noli n Nali was founded in 2001 by mom-to-two boys, Kenda Willow Haines who had a desire to blend healthy, natural skin care with a healthy planet. She named the company after her son, Nolan and her niece, Annalicia. Creating exceptional and effective products using only the highest quality organic and natural ingredients is the goal of this innovative company. Noli n Nali donates products, time and profit to numerous environmental and children orientated non-profits to help give back.

Noli n Nali manufactures a full line of bath and body products for mom and baby. From Chamomile Willow Baby Shampoo to Bosom Blossom Nipple Salve, you can rest assured that you are using a safe and gentle product that is both good for you, for baby and for the environment.

Noli n Nali Organic & Natural Skin Care products are now available at 90210 Organics.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

90210 Organics

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Flu Preparedness, Prevention and Immunity Boosting

Piggy Paint Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Pack - August Special

Dolce Mia - Vintage for Everyday

Sunlight Blvd. & Natural Life 101

We've Moved!

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Episencial & Anne Geddes Team Up to Introduce Epicuren Baby

A New Year - A "Greener" You

Have a Healthy Holiday!

Toy Safety Legislation: Good Intentions Lead to Catastrophic Results for the Natural Toys Industry

Back to Basics

"Greening" The Season

Harvest Salad - I'm Addicted!

Sarah's Silks Available in December Only

Twilight-Athon Fun Stuff and Contest!

Piggy Paint Non-Toxic ~ Kid-Friendly Nail Polish

Motrin Makes Moms Mad

Back Porch Soap Co.

Noli n Nali Organic & Natural Skin Care