Know Natural - Your resource for Natural Living!

Vaccines? The risks vs. the benefits

2009-09-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wondering how safe vaccines are? What are the risks/what are the benefits? Which ones are necessary and which ones should be avoided? Want to know some facts rather than what the latest "study" being pushed by the pharmaceutical industry says?

"Vaccinations?? Assessing the Risks and Benefits by Dr. Jay Gordon" is A very well done and informative video that answers these questions. It is a fascinating video that will provoke some thought in the mind of every parent.
Click on the link above to read more about this must see video!

About Dr. Jay Gordon: He was the first to be certified as a male lactation consultant and has extensive background in pediatric nutrition.

A dream green destination!

2009-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Looking for somewhere green to go on your dream vacation? Consider Switzerland!
Did you know Switzerland is one of the most envirnomentally frienldy countries in the world? When a study was done by two major universities in 2006 Switzerland scored the highest points possible in water quality and scored high when it came to lack of air pollution and climate change. Part of the reason for the clean air is that Switzerland is a bike friendly nation and has easy access to train travel.
Two-thirds of Switzerland is covered with forests, lakes and mountains and the Swiss care about protecting their natural resources. This nation is becoming known as sustainable Switzerland.

If I could take a dream vacation to Switzerland I would go to Fuldera (pictured above). The area is tranquil and rustic. It is full of beautiful mountains, lush green meadows, forests, and an array of wildflowers. My family loves hiking and wildlife so when in this area we would definitely consider visiting the WWF Bear Trail. This is a destination geared towards families. When visiting this destination visitors can take a guided tour and gain a lot of knowledge about brown bears, their habitat, and history with special activities provided along the way for the little ones in the family. My girls would love this!

We would be sure to try out some of the chocolate and cheese Switzerland is known for and enjoy some of organic produce grown there.

To plan your perfect dream green vacation to Switzerland go to myswitzerland.com today!

Grow your own Strawberries

2009-04-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Interested in growing some of your own organic fruit this year?
Strawberries are a great way to go! They can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, in pies, jams, sauces, breads, and desserts! They are easy to grow, require little care, and are a perennial plant that will give you extended years of harvest.

This week I was able to find a great price on "Sequoia" Strawberry plants at my local Meijer store. They were only $5.99 for a flat of 6 plants. I bought 3 flats.
Sequoia are the most popular and common strawberry variety grown in the home garden. They are a June bearing variety. I also already had 8 "Quinalt" strawberry plants; which are an ever-bearing variety.

I am hoping for a large harvest of strawberries!

Yeah! Spring is coming!

2009-03-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that Spring is just around the corner! Why? Because gardening season will soon begin! I love flower gardening & vegetable gardening! I was so excited this week to see leaf buds all over my various rose bushes! I can't wait to see their blooms and smell their wonderful fragrance! The beauty of all of God's creations never ceases to amaze me each Spring and Summer!

Soon I will once again get to journal my gardening adventures! You can join me at: Northern Indiana Backyard Gardening!

"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." Isaiah 61:11

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!

2009-03-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Bugs, bugs, bugs. For those of you, who like myself, love gardening those words just made you cringe! Bugs can be a real pain to us gardeners can't they?
I will never forget how excited I was the first time I planted honeydew seeds: I saw them begin to sprout. I saw the flowers bud & bloom. I anxiously watched as cute little melons formed and began to grow! However my excitement ended quickly when something occurred that I was not prepared for; squash bugs! They quickly appeared, multiplied, and completely wiped out all my honeydew plants before I even knew what those ugly things were! Uggh!

So what can we do to prevent garden pests or be rid of them once they have arrived? Most people just go to the local gardening store and pick up the most popular or best priced bug spray. But, if you care enough to grow your own food shouldn't you also care about what you are spraying on that food?
I am an organic gardener. If I ever need to spray anything on my garden plants I will only use an organic pest control. To me spraying dangerous chemicals on something that you are going to eat just doesn't make any amount of sense.

A new product that seems to get high reviews is Safer® Brand Bug Patrol. It is a ready to spray concentrate that is an OMRI listed® organic product. This new organic bug patrol kills over 40 insects in the garden including both hard bodied and soft bodied insects.

If you are getting ready for a new gardening season you might want to try out this new, organic product!

Posted 3/26/09

The first online Book rental program - save gas & trees.

2008-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you love to read the following might be perfect for you!

BookSwim is the first online book rental library service! They lend you paperbacks and hardcover books directly to your home. They have new releases, bestsellers, and classics. You request and borrow the books you want for as long as you want with no late fees! You can even choose to purchase and keep the books you and your children love! Unlimited rentals & no shipping fees either way. Rental plans start at $9.95 for the first month.

Green reasons to check out BookSwim:
"Twenty million trees are cut down every year for American book production. BookSwim encourages book rental, rather than purchasing new books, in part because it helps reduce that staggering figure. Additionally, the bags BookSwim uses to ship books to and from our subscribers are made from 100% recycled plastic.
Finally, by receiving books by mail, rather than constantly driving to and from the bookstore or library, BookSwim helps Americans save quite literally millions of gallons of gas every year. BookSwim knows that it's both good business and good conscience to take care of the Earth, so we go a step further - for every gift card we sell, we plant a tree through a partnership with EcoLibris.net."

Friday's Feature - VitaCost ~ great prices on natural products!

2008-10-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

When searching for some good prices on natural bath & beauty products I was happy to come across Vitacost.com! I often find the best prices for my online purchases through Amazon however, I discovered that when it came to natural bath & beauty products VitaCost has them beat! See comparison prices listed below!
Lucky Vitamin.com did come very close in their prices on some of the products I was looking at however, VitaCost beat them out with their same day/$4.99 shipping rate!

Price Comparisons:

Avalon Lavender Facial Cleansing Gel:
VitaCost $7.12 Amazon.com $11.00

Mill Creek Biotin Shampoo:
VitaCost $3.89 Amazon $5.32

Avalon Organics Lavender Daily Moistuizer 2 oz:
VitaCost $10.37 Amazon $12 - $15.00

Dr. Bronner's Almond Bar Soap 5 oz:
VitaCost $2.39 Amazon $2.80 - $3.07

About VitaCost:
VitaCost has wholesale prices on natural bath & beauty products, vitamins, supplements and other over-the-counter products. Most of the products are sold at 33%to 75% less than what you would pay at retail level. Vitacost also has a 30 day money back guarantee.
Click here to start shopping: http://www.vitacost.com

Bringing Country Life to my Subdivision Lot

2008-10-17T11:36:00.001-07:00

I would love to live on acreage in the country but I don't. I'm trying to make the 2/3rds acre we have as productive as I can. I have a garden and my husband made me an additional raised garden bed for next summer. We also planted a cherry tree this year and plan to plant 2 dwarf apple trees and some blueberry bushes this fall. I love growing food for our family!

Chickens have recently piqued my interest! Raising chickens is on the rise; not just out in the country but in urban/city areas too! It's nice to see that more and more people are becoming interested in providing their own food & living more naturally. I am now planning on buying & raising some chickens in my own backyard next spring! When you don't live out in the country it is always important to check your local ordinances. We do not live in the city limits. We do live in a subdivision but there is no Home Owner's Association and we are not anticipating any problems.

If you are interested in raising chickens check out the following great links:
http://www.mypetchicken.com
http://www.backyardchickens.com

Blog Facelift

2008-10-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

Hello readers. Thanks to each of you who stop in often and check out my posts. Please always feel free to leave comments or suggestions.

If you vistit often you'll notice that today my blog got a little facelift. I like change and had a little fun changing things up a bit. Let me know what you think.

Have a blessed weekend!

Sincerely,
Gardengirljo

Friday's Feature - Arm & Hammer Essentials Cleaners

2008-10-10T04:56:00.001-07:00

Arm & Hammer Recently came out with plant based cleaning products. A Glass cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Cleaner and degreaser. Not only are these products made from plant-based ingredients but they are said to work as well as traditional cleaners, and save consumers money. They also come in environmentally sensible packaging designed to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. You actually get an empty recyclable spray bottle with your concentrated cleaner packet. Going forward, you simply buy the refill rather than buying additional, unneeded plastic spray botttles.

I found some good coupons and rebates at the links listed below! I am anxious to try these cleaners and see how they work! If you have used these cleaners please feel free to leave your opinion of them in the comments!

For *Free starter kit (*You pay $1.99 for shipping) click here

For $1.00 off coupon on Arm & Hammer Essentials Cleaners Starter Kit and a $1.00 off coupon on any Arm & Hammer Clumping Cat litter click here

Better yet, print off a full rebate form at: Rebate Form go buy the product and mail in the rebate form & receipt (value up to $3.50) and receive a refund check for the purchase price you paid! Then if you liked the product, the next time you go to buy you can use the $1.00 off coupon above!

Living on Less - Minimalist Lifestyle

2008-10-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

As Americans we aren't known for being minimalists! There isn't even a definition for the word in my Webster's dictionary! As Americans we consume, we spend, we want more! The question is does more make us happy? No, we just have more to take care of, more to clean up, more to dust off, more to pay for, more to distract us from what's important. "More" causes clutter in our lives and causes us to take things for granted.

I think the following book would be interesting to read: "The Happy Minimalist" by Peter Lawrence.

By choosing a minimalist lifestyle the author was able to leave his career and retire young! By choosing less things he was able to actually end up with more; more of the life he wanted. In the book he shares his personal experiences and challenges the reader to look at his or her own life and to create goals for financial independence.

I would not qualify as a Minimalist. But the idea does intrigue me. It sounds like a book worth reading!
Available at Amazon (click here to see)

Friday's Feature - Whole Foods Market

2008-10-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Featured Company: Whole Foods Market
About the company: Whole foods Market began in a small store in Austin, TX back in 1980. Today there are over 270 Whole Foods Market Stores! They are the world's leader in natural and organic foods!They are known for high standards & a commitment to sustainable agriculture. To read more about the company CLICK HERE .

Now Whole Foods Market has also launched the following four Premium Body Care product lines:

Peter Rabbit Organics – ‘Garden Fresh’ Baby Care Products.

Depth Body Care - products using marine botanicals and ocean vegetation.

Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care - sustainable skin care using unrefined shea butter.

Teens Turning Green - products designed specifically for teenage skin care.

The Benefits of Blueberries

2008-10-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

The benefits of blueberries:

Wild blueberries contain the highest amount of antioxidants of any fruit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What are antioxidants: "A group of substances that protect tissues, cells, and important compounds like protein and DNA against free radical damage."

Regularly consuming blueberries has been found to improve short-term memory, improve balance & coordination, and signifcantly slow the aging process! Studies have also shown that blueberries contain potential anti-cancer agents. They are also a good source of fiber and Vitamin C.

Besides all of the health benefits I think fresh blueberries are delicious!
I am excited about growing my own blueberry bushes next year!

Friday's Feature - The Benefits of House plants

2008-09-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

If your gardening season is ending bring your green thumb indoors!

House plants add so much life and warmth to a home! Besides that, they are very effective in giving your home cleaner air. House plants naturally help rid the air of pollutants & toxins. Did you know scientific studies have also shown them to help sick patients recover faster, lower blood pressure, improve concentration & memory, & promote relaxation!

I just received a new house plant this week that is already my favorite!

This is a Lucky Bamboo plant (Dracaena Sanderiana). It is not a member of the bamboo family as you'd likely assume. It is actually a member of the Lily family.
It is a very unique and easy to care for plant. There is some debate over how they are best kept. Some people think they are best kept in soil where many others treat them as a hydroponic plant; meaning grown in water without soil. With the hydroponic method you simply put the Lucky bamboo in a water filled decorative container with pebbles or decorative stones to keep the plant upright. The one I received (shown above) has water and pebbles in the container.

My research shows the plant to be easy to care for as long as some thought is given to the water source. It is recommended that spring water be used as tap water may have chlorine or flouride in it that can be harmful to the plant. If you do use tap water it is recommended that you set the water to be used out for 24 hours before using. The water should be changed weekly. It does best in filtered (not direct) sun light.

Interestingly, the Chinese value Lucky Bamboo in their practice of Feng Shui; the ancient science of bringing natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment. I do not practice Feng Shui. I simply find the plant and particularly the way this one has been arranged to be fascinating!

Friday's Feature - Understanding Labels on Products

2008-09-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

Friday's Feature: Understanding labels on products. Which labels are trustworthy?

With all the greenwashing going on (see previous post on greenwashing) it is important to learn how to read labels and do your research.

The following is a good article on reading labels:
The Green Routine.net "How to read Labels on Green Products"

A very helpful tool for understanding what labels mean is found at Greenerchoices.org "eco-labels center" You can search by label, by product category, or by certifiers. This tool can help you know what labels are trustworthy and which ones are not! Check it out.

"Greenwashing"

2008-09-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Green products and the availability of them used to be somewhat scarce. Now they suddenly seem readily available! But, are all these "green", "environmentaly friendly" products that are suddenly popping up in stores and advertisements actually what they claim to be? Are there really more natural, green products or are these companies "greenwashing" us?

Per wikipedia: Greenwash (a portmanteau of green and whitewash) is a term used to describe the perception of consumers that they are being misled by a company regarding the environmental practices of the company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.

Companies see the increased demand for natural, green products and they want in on the money. Some companies are making legitimate natural products but many are just making it appear that they are with misleading claims and advertisements.
If you want natural, green products DO YOUR RESEARCH!

The following sites have information on Greenwashing:
Green Washing.net
Green Washing Index
Sourcewatch.org

Friday's Feature - Organic Clothing Line

2008-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Store Name: Can you dig it?

Website: CLICK HERE

Today's feature is a great online store called: "Can you dig it?"If you are a gardener, like me, you already like the name!

Can you dig it? features organic clothing for people who care about the environment and want it to show! There are various long sleeve & short sleeve t-shirts for adults and an extensive line of adorable clothing for the little ones!

About Stephanie, the creator of Can you dig it?,: "... in search of clothing that would represent earth, labor and health friendly practices, I have created a line of clothing that celebrates and embraces this way of life. CAN YOU DIG IT? is a company that has grown from my passion. What began as an adult line of garden shirts has now grown into a clothing company that includes a wonderful children's line!" To read more click here

Friday's Feature - Ecobags.com

2008-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Feature: Ecobags Products, Inc.
"Eco-Bags Products, Inc. opened for business in 1989 with a simple goal; to produce quality bags at great prices so that "Reusable becomes a way of life." We started with the ECOBAGS® Brand Classic String Bag, a simple lightweight, expandable daily tote used in Europe for generations, long before paper and plastic bags..." to read more: Eco-Bags Story

The goal of Eco-bags is to help people reduce, re-use and recycle. They know that by changing some things we use in our everyday life we can have a global impact.
They carry various reusable bags: canvas bags, string bags, lunch bags, produce bags & more! Some of my favorites are the "Totes with Quotes".

The Drink Water challenge

2008-08-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Instead of reaching for that can of soda, fill up a glass of water!
Our bodies are made up of 60-70% of water. To be taking care of ourselves properly we should be drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water a day!
Drinking more water provides healthier skin, flushes toxins out, gives you more energy, reduces your chances of illness, makes you burn more fat, and is needed to build more muscle.

Yet, how many people actually drink that much? Most of us are probably living our life dehydrated. Personally 8-10 glasses is hard for me to imagine, as I must admit, I only drink one - two glasses (terrible, I know). I'm wondering how much better I'd feel each day if I actually drank 8!!

Well, the challenge is on; starting tomorrow (it's about bedtime!) I'm going to start drinking 4 glasses and keep working up toward 8!
Join me in this challenge and let me know if you notice a difference in how you feel!

P.S.
Need a safe/recyclable water bottle? EcoUsable/reusable water bottle or Klean Kanteen
Concerned about the quality of your tap water? National Tap water Database

Safe/Reusable Water bottles

2008-08-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I know that I don't drink nearly enough water. I have access to good drinking water right from my tap all day. Yet, I've found that I rarely drink water. I've realized though that if I run a race and receive bottled water I'll drink it right down. Strange I know, but for some reason I have an aversion to drinking it from a glass. After all the news about the dangers of the different materials water bottles are made from and the endless amount of water bottles ending up in dumps, I've been on the hunt for a water bottle that is safe for my body and good for the environment.
The following is my find:
EcoUsable Reusable Bottles
EcoUsable bottles are 100% recycled AND recyclable, made of Stainless Steel. They hold 17 oz and come in various colors.

Green Living Forum

2008-08-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let each of my readers know about a great forum that I recently joined.

Greener People

Friday's Feature - Shopping that makes a difference

2008-08-21T02:01:00.000-07:00

If you have an appreciation for other cultures, value truly unique handmade products, and desire to make a difference in the lives of impoverished women & families go to: Global Goods Partners.org

Looking through the numerous handmade products for sale, I was struck by the artistry of each of the items. Whether it be Ankudu Bangles made from wood of the native ankudu tree, found in Southern India, striking Recyled Paper Bracelets from Cambodia, Mountain Grass Placemats from Swaziland, handmade Papier Mache Nesting Bowls made in South Africa, a handmade Mothers of Rwanda Doll, or any of the other quality handmade items, know that each purchase carries the benefit of supporting families in impoverished communities.

To read the Mission Statement and more about the work of Global Goods Partners:
Global Goods Partners our Work

To shop: Shop Global Goods Partners

Friday's Feature - "Art from any Old Thing"

2008-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love arts and crafts and I've found that my kids do too! They are always begging to paint or make something! Today I came across a great site with craft project ideas to do with kids using recycled materials around the home! There are some really fun ideas. Not only will you and the kids have fun but it will also make them realize the value of things that some might just consider trash!

What I loved about this site is that they not only tell you what age group the activity is appropriate for but give you all the directions, a photo, and background on that particular variety of art.

Check it out at: http://www.kinderart.com/recycle/

Environmentally Friendly Garden Products - Coupon

2008-08-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Gardens Alive is a good site to check out for natural/organic lawn and garden products. Great coupon featured below!

Ultra Green Homes

2008-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

I came across this article today. Some of these homes are a little extreme for me but really neat to check out!

Green Homes