Rain Frog Blog: The Bamboo Files

Rain Frog Apparel Is Taking a Vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:13:00 +0000

As we get ready to close another year, I've decided to take a bit of a hiatus from Rain Frog Apparel. We've just about sold out of all our inventory, and now I'm taking a deep breath and giving thanks for the past nearly three years of being in business. I'll be honest: The economic downturn of 2008 proved to be challenging for Rain Frog Apparel, as it did for many business owners. And while signs are pointing toward a recovery, I have taken the past several months to assess where I stand in my business and where I hope to go in the coming days, months and years to come.

What I've decided is that while I have enjoyed the journey of starting a business from scratch, I ultimately want to own a business that does not tie me down in terms of inventory, overhead, the need for a large staff, and time spent trudging around the Southland with boxes and suitcases to exhibit at various events. Now that I am almost free of those burdens, having created a mental and physical space, I am beginning to sense freedom, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead.

In the new year, I'll be refocusing on my writing and editing and seeking new opportunities to explore my creative tendencies. My recent Maya and Sammy project ("Packing Up Is Hard to Do," viewable on YouTube) was right in line with the kinds of activities that bring me a sense of accomplishment while also contributing positively to the planet. I'm hoping to do some travel writing, and you can also find me wine tasting and spending lots of time with my little one.

I hope you'll all continue to read this blog along with the new one I've started, Off the Vine (which honestly might end up getting more postings than this one). Until next time, remember: peace to the frogs!

[wine tasting]

Enter to Win $200 Cash!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:45:00 +0000

How does a little cold hard cash sound? How about a discount on jewelry? Well, good news. Thanks to LuShae Jewelry, your wallet might just get a little fatter...and perhaps you'll get yourself a little bling to boot.

We recently discovered LuShae Jewelry's online competition, and we couldn't resist this one because it's so easy...AND you get a whopping 200 smackaroos if you win! To enter for a chance to win $200, all you need to do is get a LuShae Jewelry badge and post it on your blog, website or social networking page to be automatically entered every month.

Click here to get a badge now and get yourself in the running!

Contestants may remain entered for as long as they wish and will automatically go in the drawing to win $200 each month for as long as they continue to display the LuShae Badge. It’s also open to everyone, everywhere.

If you win, LuShae typically will pay via PayPal THE SAME DAY! Wowzers!

Every entrant will also receive a 15 percent discount off the entire LuShae Jewelry range.

Good luck!

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[free money]

Always Up to Something

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:12:00 +0000

I've been told before that I've always got something brewing when it comes to thinking up new ways to grow my business. That's probably true, only because entrepreneurship is something I'm passionate about. There's just something exhilarating about watching someone follow their dreams and letting nothing stand in the way. So, I work tirelessly to make it happen for myself, too.

That being said, the newest addition to my business is yoga classes. Starting in September, you can find me teaching at American Martial Arts Academy, located at 1027 N. Harbor Blvd. in Fullerton, Calif. And during the month of September, you can actually try yoga FREE for a week!

The best part about these classes is that they're great for anyone from beginners to experienced fitness enthusiasts. I'll be blending in a lot of different types of workout routines, not just yoga, to make for a fun, inspiring class that will get you in shape and enjoying it, too. Everything from kickboxing to boot camp is fair game here, as is the martial arts. After all, I am in training for a Black Belt.

If you really want to relax, try a private yoga lesson and free facial (yes, I do that, too) with your friends. This is a great gift for brides and their bridal parties, moms and anyone who needs to unwind. You can book your own "Girls' Night In" by calling me at (714) 857-0008.

If you haven't checked out my bamboo fiber fitnesswear, go here and see for yourself. It's antibacterial, soft, moisture-wicking, breathable and the best fabric ever for working out. Period.

Until next time, namaste.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[organic bamboo yoga clothes]

Good news...the mountain yellow-legged frog is making a comeback

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Sometimes. comebacks aren't such a great thing. Has-been bands performing covers at the local dive bar? Not so great. The mountain yellow-legged frog? Rock on!

Yes, it's true. This little frog, nearly extinct, is making himself known in the San Bernardino National Forest. With the help of captive breeding and habitat restoration efforts, the frog was rediscovered during an expedition through the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, Calif.

Read all about it here. And keep your eye out for the little guy. Don't worry; he won't let the fame go to his head.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[organic bamboo clothes]

Happy Freedom Day...Get $25 Off on Bamboo Apparel

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:00 +0000

July 4 is simply like no other holiday. Hot dogs, beach towels, swimming pools and fireworks, all on one glorious day that seems to have been designed just for kids and the kid in all of us. To help you celebrate, I'm offering $25 off your total online purchase of $75 or more.

Simply go to www.rainfrogapparel.com and enter coupon code FREEDOM09 at checkout. This special will last until July 6, 2009.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[organic bamboo clothes]

The Story of Rain Frog Apparel

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:57:00 +0000

The following is an excerpt from my recent presentation at the Chamber of Commerce.

When I became a mom in 2002, it quickly became clear to me that everything I would do from that point forward would revolve around ensuring that his needs are met. While I could use this speaking opportunity to provide you with a laundry list of benefits to my products and services, I am only going to touch briefly on them today—because here’s what I know: People are more likely to do business with people they respect and trust. Since I only have a few minutes with you, I’d like to give you a sense of the “why” behind my business along with the “what.” So because people always have questions for me when I tell them about my business, let’s walk through some frequently asked questions.

Why did I start my business?
I need only look at a photo of my son to remember my purpose. Without a purpose, none of us can be successful at what we do.

It was after I interviewed a series of T-shirt entrepreneurs that I began thinking of designing my own clothing. My son was the one to inspire the name and the concept of habitat protection. Riding along in the car one day, Aiden decided to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end, he innocently replaced the traditional words, saying instead, “with liberty and justice for frogs.” I didn’t correct him. Instead, I launched a business.

I’ve seen the 1% for the Planet logo on your signs and website. What is that?
1% for the Planet is a consortium of hundreds of companies that have committed to donating at least 1% of sales to one of their approved environmental charities. I pay an annual membership fee to be a part of this organization. People who buy from Rain Frog Apparel are supporting environmental research and education, as we donate at least 1 percent of annual sales to an environmental charity through our membership in 1% for the Planet.

I have selected the Wetlands Initiative as our chosen charity. The Wetlands Initiative is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and reduce flood damages.

Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands offer habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds and other wildlife that depend on wetlands for their survival. Wetlands improve water quality by removing and sequestering excess nutrients and sediments found in rivers and streams. They provide valuable open space and create wonderful recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, boating and birdwatching. They store floodwaters, acting like natural sponges and slowing down the force of flood and storm waters as they travel downstream. Wetlands naturally sequester carbon -- a key greenhouse gas. Wetlands can be a major source of income for rural, floodplain landowners.

Why did you choose bamboo fiber?
Bamboo is a sustainable resource—a fast-growing grass that grows a full meter or more per day. It improves the health of the soil by preventing erosion and consuming excess nitrogen. There’s no need for pesticides with bamboo, so it’s completely organic—and it takes in nearly five times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent amount of trees. It’s also made without the use of non-renewable petroleum and without formaldehyde. Plus, Rain Frog Apparel products are panda-safe since they are made with Moso bamboo, a species that is not eaten by pandas.

Bamboo is a naturally antimicrobial, moisture wicking, hypoallergenic fabric that’s great for exercising as well as thermal regulation in warm and cold weather alike. It is machine washable (cold water wash recommended) and easy to care for; ironing is rarely needed, as the wrinkles tend to fall right out of the garment. It even has built-in UV protection! Yet it’s as soft and luxurious as silk, so it works equally well for dressy affairs.

What makes your product organic?
While bamboo is naturally organic since it’s basically a grass and doesn’t require any pesticides, Rain Frog Apparel products are certified organic under the OCIA international organic certification standards. In addition, our bamboo textile is free of harmful substances such as lead, petroleum and formaldehyde, with industry-standard low-reactive dyes and primarily water-based inks for the silkscreen prints. Each tee is made with naturally processed bamboo that’s free of chemical additives and sourced from non-polluted regions in China—with strict adherence to ISO 9000 and 14000 guidelines. We will continue to update our line as needed to comply with the highest quality standards for natural, organic fibers. Rain Frog Apparel works primarily with a U.S.-based manufacturer that operates fair-trade facilities in China. He oversees the entire production process from start to finish and travels frequently back and forth from the U.S. to China.

What are your goals for Rain Frog Apparel?
My goal is to get bamboo fiber in the hands of as many people as possible while also fulfilling my passion and purpose. Interestingly enough, I was recently contacted by a musician by the name of Deborah Crooks. Much like me, she advocates for peace and abundance in our lives, and she was interested in having Rain Frog Apparel as one of her sponsors for her Indie Abundance Tour, coming up in the fall around San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest. I’ll be sponsoring this tour and building an ongoing relationship with Deborah to spread the word about bamboo fiber.

Where is RFA available?
You can buy online through my website and in select retailers in California, including Bambu Batu (San Luis Obispo), Bamboo Home Store in Northern Cal and the latest, Women’s Fitness Club in Rancho Cucamonga. I also sell at the Downtown Fullerton Market on Thursdays 4-8:30 p.m. and Yorba Linda on Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

How many employees do you have?
I work with anywhere from three to five different independent contractors who help me to staff events, post “tweets” on Twitter, and soon will help to visit boutiques and create new wholesale accounts. We are always looking for sharp, motivated individuals with an interest in the environmental, retail, wholesale and sales sectors who can help to spread the word about Rain Frog Apparel. The reason I choose independent contractor status for them is that I believe it makes them accountable and motivated to succeed. They aren’t just trading hours for dollars; they know that if they don’t do the work, they don’t make any money. As a result, they have a vested interest in seeing my company succeed.

I am also currently seeking individuals who are interested in selling Rain Frog Apparel at private parties, offices, church boutiques and other events, serving as personal shoppers for attendees and helping to create green awareness. These "Green Parties" are fun and easy to create and can serve as another avenue for fundraising. They are also ideal for those who wish to create additional income.

Can I put my logo on your bamboo apparel?
Yes, you can. I offer private labeling, personalization, embroidery, custom orders and wholesaling.

Now why are you really in business?
There’s a reason we all want to live more abundantly. If it’s just for material reasons, there isn’t much happiness to go along with the money. If, however, it’s for reasons that are bigger than us, then we begin to see magical things happening in our lives. We start to realize that we can’t stay inside ourselves and hoard our good qualities; we need to share our talents with others and make this world a better place.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[organic bamboo clothes]

Childhood Dreams, Revisited

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:40:00 +0000

It seems unfair at times. We think back to when we were kids, and life was simple and enjoyable. Getting up and playing were the primary goals for any given day. A bad day consisted of nothing more than having to wait out the rain before going on the playground. Of course, that's the average childhood. It doesn't account for tragedies and inequities, and for those children, I pray for peace.

For the others who have grown into adults and now carry around the burdens of adulthood, I pray for serenity. How easy it is to outgrow childhood and sink into daily living patterns that leave much to be desired in the way of inspiration and creativity. We find moments of clarity when we remember what it was like to get wet for no reason, lay on grass and take time to paint. Dwelling there only briefly, we remember the wet laundry in the washer or the unopened bills on the kitchen counter. Our shoulders shrink into anxiety, and our breath grows shallow.

Economic indicators invite us to dwell in adulthood, to fuss about details and stay seated firmly in the throes of worry. It is only when we send the newspaper off to the recycling bin that we perhaps settle in for the night, light a candle, read a book. Even then our moments of peace are fleeting; we hurry to bed only to rise the next morning and repeat the activities of the day before.

Our anxiety would wane if we would claw our way back to childhood with the conviction of a baby pulling himself to his feet. It is only then that running through sprinklers on a summer day can feel like heaven.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[childhood]

Help Get Kids to Camp with the American Lung Association

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:04:00 +0000

The American Lung Association's annual SCAMP Camp is a week-long overnight summer camp for kids age 8-14 with asthma. Hosted near San Diego in the rural town of Julian, the camp--which begins June 23, 2009--allows 200 SCAMPers the chance to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, archery, rock climbing and canoeing.

Although these children suffer from asthma, they are not slowed down by their disease because doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists are on-site in case of an emergency. SCAMPers also participate in daily asthma classes where they learn self-management skills, share their fears and improve self-confidence.

Too many children have to suffer to breathe every day. With your help, we can make it a little easier for children in Orange County to get the treatment and education they need! As a personal health and beauty consultant and the founder of Rain Frog Apparel, I am taking it upon myself to support this local cause by donating $1 from every sale of the fantastic oxygen-infused water available on my Optimal Health True Beauty Site. Just click here to link over and make your purchase, and now through June 22, 2009, I will make sure that each sale of this water benefits SCAMP.

We'll be hosting additional fundraisers in the coming months as the American Lung Association prepares for its Healthy Air Walk in October, so check back often for further updates. Thank you for your support.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[asthma]

Join the Eco-Party

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Rain Frog Apparel wants to party with you. Eco-party, that is. We've just launced an eco-party program that will allow you to host a green party in your home, office, church hall, etc. For being a host, you earn a free $25 gift or 10% of sales to your favorite charity. And, if you become a wholesale partner, you can earn a portion of the sales for yourself, too.

Contact us at (714) 857-0008 or e-mail info@rainfrogapparel.com for details or to book your party now. Let us know if you're interested in our wholesale partner program, too. We're expanding nationwide and looking for green-minded folks like you!

Don't forget to visit our home parties meetup page at www.meetup.com/homeparties.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[home parties]

Rain Frog Apparel featured in OC Family magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 02 May 2009 06:43:00 +0000

Aw, shucks. It's nice to be loved.

OC Family featured Rain Frog Apparel in its cover story this month about moms who have the best of both worlds: business ownership and being a mom. Read it online here.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[mompreneurs]

Visit Rain Frog Apparel...Make Us Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:52:00 +0000

The moment you've been waiting for...

The announcement you've been anticipating...

Rain Frog Apparel is ready to meet YOU! Yes, that's right, YOU!

We're here blogging and all, and we don't always get a chance to meet the people who read the blog. It's a bummer.

So how about this. You've got LOTS of ways to visit us and check out the bamboo clothes. We'll start with the soonest.

1. The Downtown Fullerton Market: Thursdays 4-8:30 p.m. in Downtown Fullerton, CA. Also check out the bread guy for yummy bread eats and Soy Terrific for handmade soy candles made by Michelle, who is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

2. The Yorba Linda Farmer's Market: Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Yorba Linda, CA. Guess what? You can find bread guy and Soy Terrific there, too.

3. This weekend only, we'll be at the Unique show at the California Market Center along with over 250 other vendors selling artistic and handmade items. Mother's Day, people! Plan ahead! E-mail me ahead of time, and I can get you one my free wristbands; otherwise, it's a $5 suggested donation benefiting City-Labs.org.

4. Starting Tuesday May 5, we'll be at the Brea Farmer's Market on Birch Street in Downtown Brea. Also 4-8:30 p.m. And yes, more fantastic bread and candles.

So come on out and show your faces. We can't wait to meet you in person!

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[farmers market]

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Check Us Out on The Momtrepreneur Maven

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Thanks to Jill Salzman for a fun interview and a chance to tell more about my company and about being a mom who is also an entrepreneur. Read it here and share with a friend.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[mompreneurs]

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:02:00 +0000

Hello, Rain Frog fans. Please visit us in our new retail location within American Boutiques in Burbank, CA, where we are part of a brand-new fashion cooperative created by Volume Jeans designer Glow Rivera. This cooperative now includes:

VOLUME JEANS
MOTOR CITY LEGENDS
FRESH AND FAMOUS
RUTHLESS REBLES
MORAL FABRIX
HMD
FLOTSAM AND DROSS
HOPE GREEN BOUTIQUES
DVLP
I DO GLASS
and now...RAIN FROG APPAREL, which is partnered with Soy Terrific to bring you bamboo fiber apparel, soy candles and other ecofriendly essentials!

Are you a designer looking to break into new markets? This is the place for you! Become a part of this exciting incubator that's designed to help emerging designers make their way into the marketplace, whether that means selling to consumers or seeking wholesale accounts.

Or, if you're a shopper looking for unique finds you won't find just anywhere, get into American Boutiques and spruce up your wardrobe.

Click here to learn more about this fresh concept. And be sure to check out Rain Frog Apparel bamboo fiber clothing and Soy Terrific candles, partnered in the same space at American Boutiques.

ONLY at
American Boutiques
3501 West Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[fashion]

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 07:15:00 +0000

It's a beautiful thing when you can believe you already have everything you ever wanted...and then all of a sudden, it shows up one day and you just go ahead and receive it. That Law of Attraction never does bend the rules, does it? No matter what, it's like gravity. It never stops working exactly as it should.

Ask for what you want.
Believe you already have it.
Receive it.

It's really that simple.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[financial plan]

Join the Home Parties Meetup Group

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Check out our new Meetup group created especially for moms who work from home at www.meetup.com/homeparties. Are you a mom who has a homebased business or wants to start one? This group is for you! Check out the various tastings and boutiques on the schedule. Join the group and e-mail me if you have an event you want to add to the calendar or if you want to be a vendor in an upcoming event.

Cheers,

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[mompreneurs]

Kudos for Rain Frog Apparel

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Rain Frog Apparel rocks! I ordered a couple of tees for two of my sons and I was in a bind as I needed them fast. Within a day, I heard back from Karen Spaeder (founder), who took it upon herself to expedite shipping for me without charging! The tees arrived just in time, thank goodness, and the colors are so vibrant; I love the sustainable bamboo fabric, and now love Rain Frog Apparel! Thank you, Karen.
Peace and Love,
Ragda
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (mother of four boys)

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
Unleash Your Inner Warrior, a new nationally published book by Brad C. Wenneberg
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[bamboo clothes]

Calling All Green Vendors: Join the Green Beings Shopping Soiree

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

I am currently seeking vendors to participate in the inaugural Green Beings Shopping Soiree in Fullerton, CA. The date has been tentatively set for April 25, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event will showcase a variety of green products and services and allow the community an opportunity to get to know the different options available in the green space. Consumers will get a chance to shop for and learn more about environmentally friendly options that are available for their homes and families. Green boutiques, clean energy, organic products, nonprofits...these are just a few of the possibilities.

I expect booth spaces to fill quickly, as I am offering a low booth space fee for an 8' x 8' booth, which will include a table with linens, two chairs and electricity. The event is scheduled to take place at Colette's Catering's Meridian Club. Further information is available at www.rainfrogevents.com.

Please join me in spreading the word to anyone who might be interested in joining as an exhibitor, sponsor or attendee. Interested parties can reach me at info@rainfrogapparel.com or (714) 857-0008, and I can e-mail the exhibitor agreement directly.

Thank you for your support!

Karen E. Spaeder
Founder & CEO
Rain Frog Apparel
www.rainfrogapparel.com
http://rainfrogblog.blogspot.com

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[bamboo]

Visit Us at MAGIC This Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:19:00 +0000

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[bamboo]

We're Clearing Out Our Rain Frog Inventory!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:06:00 +0000

We're gearing up for a new production cycle at Rain Frog Apparel, and that means we need to clear some space in the warehouse. As such, we've put some items up for auction at Liquidation.com. For the next three days, you can place your bid on 120 Rain Frog Apparel bamboo T-shirts. The auction is at $100 currently, so this is a great opportunity to get some bamboo tees at an incredible discount. They sell fantastically well at farmer's markets, boutique-style shopping events for ladies, craft fairs, flea markets and the like. You can sell them for any price you like...it simply warms my heart to know that my bamboo is making its way into America and helping to spread the message of environmental awareness.

Click here to go directly to the auction, and keep your eye on it over the next few days. Good luck!

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
Unleash Your Inner Warrior, a new nationally published book by Brad C. Wenneberg
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[bamboo]

Keepin' It Real

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:33:00 +0000

What if every day, we did just one "unreasonable" thing...and refused to let ourselves be "that way" for even just one more day? What if we opened ourselves to possibilities we never thought imaginable...and imagined a self that is free of burdens, anxieties, worry, strife and inner turmoil? The universe just might stand up and take notice -- and conspire to assist in any way it can.

Sites to See
Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
Unleash Your Inner Warrior, a new nationally published book by Brad C. Wenneberg
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[self help]

Unleash Your Inner Warrior Today

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Anyone who has followed my blog for some time may recall that I edited the final draft of Brad C. Wenneberg's forthcoming book, Unleash Your Inner Warrior. The book is now set for release in the next few weeks, and a book release party is scheduled for Jan. 27. If you're anywhere in the vicinity of Fullerton, Calif., please stop by and purchase your book at a reduced rate of $12 + tax, and get it autographed, too.

For details on the book, go to www.UnleashYourInnerWarrior.com. The event will be held 1/27/09, 7:30-9PM at:

American Martial Arts Academy
1027 N. Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 871-3898
www.karateoc.com

You do not need to be a student to attend; just come on down and bring a guest.

Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[inner warrior]

Find Freedom with Personal Breakthroughs

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 +0000

I'd like to take a moment to give same major props to Landmark Education for the inspiring, outstanding, transforming experience I had over the past weekend at the Landmark Forum. Any attempts to describe it fall flat, so I won't try, but I will say with absolute certainty that my life is completely transformed and filled with a new peace and happiness as a direct result of the Forum.

I can honestly say that before the Forum, I was basically going through the motions of life and just "getting by" - barely - in all aspects of my life. What I didn't know is, well, what I didn't know, and that is the power of the Forum. I became aware of my blind spots in life and now have a new kind of freedom. As so many people say in the Forum upon graduation, "I got my life back."

Consider that before the Forum, I had difficulty breathing, I had knee pain from my surgery many months ago, and I had persistent neck and back pain. All of those things are gone now. And if that was happening, I can only imagine what was happening INSIDE my body prior to the Forum. Think of the potential illness and disease that may have been lurking within due to my anxiety.

Those are just the physical benefits. I have opened new doors of possibilities that I never knew existed. I've taken a deep breath, cried, called loved ones, shaken myself right down to the very core and found the little voice inside me that's been screaming all this time to get out - the one that probably got drowned out sometime when I was a kid.

I am more aware of my "being" than ever, and life is a blank canvas. I thank God for giving me the courage and power to transform, because at last I am free.

Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[breakthroughs]

The New Rain Frog Apparel Site Is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:47:00 +0000

We proudly announce that the new Rain Frog Apparel site is up and running with all your favorite bamboo tops, tees and robes. If you previously shopped at www.shoprainfrog.com, that URL has now been redirected to www.rainfrogapparel.com.

Keep an eye on the site as we head into 2009, as we will be adding additional items from our partner vendors in the weeks ahead, including fashions from Lotus Blossom Style and ecofriendly bath products from Vintage Body Spa. Our goal is to make it easy to shop conveniently for your favorite organic products in one online location.

Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[bamboo clothes]

Vote for Rain Frog Apparel in the Idea Cafe Grant Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Karen, your personal wine consultant) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:46:00 +0000

Rain Frog Apparel is up for a grant! Read all about it and submit your vote by clicking here (http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/grant_vote.php). You may need to sign up as an Idea Cafe regular, but it's a great, useful site for anyone with ideas and/or a business to pursue. Please help us out by submitting your vote so Rain Frog Apparel can up its internet presence in 2009 with additional marketing dollars. Thanks for your support!

Rain Frog Apparel
Shop online for bamboo and organic cotton clothes
ILD Global
Business mentoring
Health & Beauty Zone
Natural health and beauty products

[grants]