Hug a Tree with Me

Peach Suite - One Stop Shop for Hotel Supplies and Equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:13:00 +0000

Peach Suite is a family owned and operated Atlanta hotel Supply Company. They offer a massive selection of products needed to run and manage entities such as hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. Peach Suite proudly features quality brands that include Risch, Spill-stop, Alegacy, Apex, Kimberly-clark, Mirro and a whole lot more.

Presently, Peach Suite is one of the top hotel supply online companies available; they have been satisfying customers since 1981. If you are in the hotel, inn or restaurant business and are in need of a quality supplier, then you do not have to look any farther than Peach Suite.

They carry dining room supplies, concession supplies, hotel bar supplies and office supplies just to name a few. Their website is easy to navigate, well organized and completely safe to order from. Presently, they are offering free shipping on qualifying retail purchases over $500. They are truly the one stop shop for all things hotel and restaurant supplies.

Seeking Naturopathic Medicine to Treat Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

In traditional medicine the practice is usually to treat the symptoms associated with the root cause of a disorder instead of getting to the root cause and ridding the body of it. For this reason, many people seek alternative methods of treatment when faced with a disorder or ailment. One such alternative is the practice of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is the integration of scientific medicine with natural healings such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, herbal treatments.

The joining together of natural and science allows for treatment of the cause and not just the symptoms. A naturopathic physician is a licensed specialist who has received a doctorate after learning the required skills needed to practice this alternative practice.

Naturopathy is a wonderful option to seek when faced with disorders. Naturopathic medicine treats a wide range of ailments including osteoporosis, hormone imbalance, thyroid disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, IBS, anxiety and so much more. So do not let yourself be limited by traditional medicine, seek out more natural options.

Spring Has Sprung - Time to Garden!

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We bid a fond farewell to crisp winter and gleefully welcome spring into our hearts and our minds. We listen to the beauty of the singing birds and ahh at the first sight of a butterfly. Spring is simply divine, it is the time for lazy walks, bike riding and back yard gardening. I absolutely love to garden, to me there is just not much better than sustainable gardening. Looking at the happy flowers sharing their nectar with the bees and the plump vegetation just waiting to be plucked and devoured, knowing that I help create that is the epitome of green thumb accomplishment.

Backyard gardening is an adventure that I share with my mother in law; we share our gardening supplies and trade tips on how to create successful naturally grown gardens. Growing our own sustainable garden comes with so many obvious benefits; we will be growing, eating and sharing all natural crops, reconnecting with the outdoors and filling ourselves with the greatness of self-accomplishment.

Basic Must Haves to Start Gardening Sustainably:

Non GMO Seeds to Plant: This year we are going to plant cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes and broccoli
Basic Tools: Watering cans, rake, hand shovel, lawn mower, gloves and sunscreen are all basic must have tools.
Natural Weed Control: For my Florida readers apply Scotts Florida Select Natural Eucalyptus Mulch, this mulch is 100 percent natural, made with sustainable Florida grown Eucalyptus for Florida. You will simply use it around your trees, flowers and veg after seeds have germinated. It naturally controls weeds while also maintaining moisture so you do not have to water as much, purchasing and using this eco-friendly mulch will support local economy and growth. Nevertheless, for my non-Florida there is Scotts Nature Scapes mulch as a option for your spring gardening. It is available a variety of textures and comes in three different colors: Classic Black, Sierra Red, and Deep Forest Brown. This mulch also deters pesky weeds and maintains moisture. It is made with natural forest materials.
Natural Pest Control: We like to use the aid of our poultry friends to keep crop loving critters at bay, also planting pest deterring crops and spraying natural pest controls are essential.
Patience and Attention: Landscaping and gardening requires patience and attention. Do not fret or ignore your project if you do not see results fast enough, diligence and patience while bring rewards. Above all else have fun watching your garden grow.

Best Online Coupons for the Best VistaPrint Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:40:00 +0000

Having the perfect branded products to represent your business is key to success and growth in any type of business, and VistaPrint is where you can go to get it. VistaPrint is the one stop shop for all things business marketing and promoting. You can purchase product and services such as logo design, promotional keychains and pens, flyers, magnets, calendars, customized t shirts, business cards, banners, labels, stamps and tons more all at VistaPrint.

Of course we would want to snag awesome promotional and marketing products and services at discounted prices, and that is where BestOnlineCoupons.com comes in. Best online Coupons lists tons of valuable Vistaprint coupon codes 2013 , giving us the opportunity to save big on the high quality products and services we need to grow our business and be a success.

Best online Coupons are constantly adding new coupon code February 2013 to their list so we are sure we will be getting the latest deals. Best online Coupons is easy to use and very well organized, so before you order your quality promotional products from VistaPrint visit Best online Coupons first. Check them out today and search for the best coupons for your needs.

Getting my Style Back with No nonsense Colorful Tights

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am so ready to get my style back. Now don’t get me wrong, being a work at home mom is wonderful, I get to raise my daughter and earn an income virtually, it’s awesome, but, working from home has really frumped up my wardrobe. My drawers now contain way too many oversized t shirts and paint stained sweat pants. It takes me forever to get dressed on date nights and days out with girlfriends because my style is lacking, so I am on a serious mission to get my style back……for less of course.

I am in love with bright colors, comfort and versatility when it comes to clothing, and all of those attributes can be found in No nonsense tights and leggings . Ambassadored by fashion expert and influential fashionesta, Jill Martin, this legwear is the easiest way to add playful style to any wardrobe. I love that they come in such wonderful colors and that they are really affordable plus are available everywhere in both food and drug stores as well as mass retail stores. You can create a standout look or a casual look with these No nonsense leggings and tights without paying a lot of money.

I am excited to add glam and style back in my wardrobe with help from these colorful and trendy leggings and tights. It is fun to be a girl and now it is a lot easier. Be sure to follow No nonsense on Facebook and on Twitter @benononsense to be the first to hear all about the happenings at No nonsense.

ECommerce Partners Helps you Build your Online Business

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:29:00 +0000

The term e-commerce solutions refers to the method of building a great online business, not just a snazzy website, because the overall goal of having a web presence is to be your own boss and attract more clients and admirers. Ecommerce partners is the privately owned company that was founded by Gil Levy and Esi Erenberg in 1998, together with their team of experts, these two young entrepreneurs sets out to increase brand awareness and build standout websites.

They offer a large selection of services all aimed at growing your online presence and building awareness of your brand, your message and your overall business. Some of the services they offer include website maintenance, internet marketing, website design, SEO and a whole lot more. Some of their satisfied clients includes Grey Goose Vodka, Fossil, DKNY, CNN, David’s Cookies and Kosher.com So if you ready to get started with ecommerce Partners all you have to do is fill out a quote on their website and with your overall online business goals and within 24 hours you will get a reply and be on your way to a better online business. You can reach customer service with your questions via live chat, phone or by email.

Going Green for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:16:00 +0000

The holiday season is a great time of year for family togetherness and for the bonding that comes with it. It's also a time when you have a real opportunity to display the "greener" side of your personality by making more environmentally responsible choices with your displays.

Every year, an unbelievable amount of waste is generated by the use of one-time-use items and decorations. This is all extremely wasteful and it can end up making the holidays messier than they need to be. Thankfully, there are a few fun and simple ways to go green for the holidays.

Lawn Ornaments:

For some people, using lawn ornaments to celebrate the holidays is something of a tradition. Lawn ornaments like Autumn garden flags and plastic statues of holiday figures can be a great way to make your home more festive. However, it's important to find the sturdiest ornaments you can find. This way, you'll be able to use them over and over again every year.

If you live in a part of the country that sees particularly harsh winters, you may need to put an extra bit of work when looking for sturdy ornaments. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you'll be saving money and hassle in the long run.

Source Local Foods:

Of course, no holiday is complete without friends and family gathering together around a great meal. Food is such an intrinsic part of the holiday season that it only makes sense for you to take steps toward using greener food.

Many people purchase food that is out of season during the holiday season. This is mostly driven by the fact that tomatoes and other summer foods are not in season during the holidays. Instead of looking at this as something that brings your holiday meal down, look at it as a way to explore your own creativity. Get your turkey from a local farm, make a bunch of root vegetable dishes, and try making your own pumpkin pie for desert. Using seasonal foods can introduce you to a number of flavors that you'll love.

Keep the Green Mentality:

The best way to stay green throughout the year is to find environmentally-friendly things that you really love. Take the time to think about ways you can help the planet while also helping yourself, and you will be on your way to a greener lifestyle.

PexUniverse for Plumbing and Heating Supplies

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Wherever there is a drain or a line there will be a need for plumbing and heating supplies. It is a fact. Pipes clog, drains warp, water leaks, materials rust and need replacement in the world of drains all the time. One of the biggest plumbing issues that both homeowners and commercial business need to keep maintained is the issue of clogged drains caused by grease. Grease and oil aids us in the kitchen when we do our Emeril Lagasse thing but as that grease gets washed down the drain, some stick on the walls of the pipes. In time that grease stick grows, creating a huge problem.

Grease build up can encourage environmental hazards, sewage overflow, expensive clean up and toxicity. Luckily though, all these negatives can be avoided with the aid of a grease trap that separates the grease from wastewater, it accumulates in the trap until removed. Perhaps the most widely used product in the world of plumbing is fittings such as the ones in this elbows couplings photo. This product is used to connect pipes to each other, adapting them into different shapes and sizes for uninterrupted flow. This copper fitting cross reference guide showcases a list of different fittings.

PexUniverse is the eStore that offers a large inventory of heating and plumbing supplies for professionals as well as the DIYers. Their website is well organized with detailed descriptions and true to life pictures. Customer service can be reached with your questions either by phone or email. Their prices are competitive and they carry top brands. Presently they are offering free shipping on all orders over $250.00. Their website is completely secured so you can shop safely. Visit them today for all your plumbing and heating needs and remember that proper maintenance is the key to healthy drains and pipes.

Back to School Shoe Shopping at Famous Footwear + Printable Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:02:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This summer has been a whirlwind of sun, laughter, carnivals, pool time, family visits, parks, picnics and everything in between, summer truly went by in record speed this year, and now we are talking back to school. And, we are talking back to school shopping; in our household and many other households with school aged children I’m sure, everything is either too small or outdated. So it’s new clothes, new backpack and lunch kit and new shoes.

I have come to the realization that my daughter may have a slight infatuation for shoes, she loves them all. For back to school this year, she has requested boots that light up, sneakers that are colorful, black shoes with the cool designs and white shoes with the sight heel. It would have been really easy for me to become overwhelmed by her requests f it wasn’t for Famous Footwear.

With more than 130 years of experience behind them and 1,100 store fronts sprinkled about plus an eStore, it is safe to say that Famous Footwear knows shoes. Housing hundreds of brand names and thousands of styles, it is the one stop for back to school shoes. At Famous, you can purchase shoes one of three ways; in store, online home delivery or online puck up at your nearby Famous store. And right now they are having a back to school BOGO (Buy one, Get One Half Off) plus 15% off (20% for reward members) sale.

This valuable sale makes for snagging those great brands for even better prices, but nothing lasts forever so print this valuable BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon now and redeem in store between 8/2-8/18, you will be making your kids happy as well as your wallets. And, to get even deeper savings with Famous Footwear’s free rewards program. With this program, you sign up and receive 1 point for every $1 you spend either in store or online, every 100 points is equaled to $5. You will also receive sign up points, bonus points and additional benefits periodically. Famous Footwear knows their shoes.

Infographic - What are Green Wines?

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Our world is going green. The process is a slow one, but progress is being made and the future just looks greener and greener. We see examples everywhere, our cars got an eco-makeover and so did our home goods. We are eating greener also, buying locally grown produce and products made without synthetic aids. Wine is one of the latest foods to go green; a greener wine can be organically made, natural or sustainable. The below infographic is a brief overview of how wines are Green.
Presented By Wine.com, Purveyors of fine green Wine

Stop Smoking for Good

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:59:00 +0000

I am not a smoker, I never have been, but a lot of people I care about do smoke. I never understood the appeal of smoking, the thought of inviting chemical induced smoke into my body doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. But for whatever reason; be it peer pressure, lifestyle or curiosity a lot of people smoke. Every day, everywhere we see a lot of the same; young people, older people, both men and women smoking, and a massive majority of these smokers what to quit and have tried to quit but have failed.

Smoking is an absolute negative; it degrades your health causing internal toxicity and putting you in greater risk for heart decease, lung decease, certain cancers and premature aging. But the false feelings of calm and the addictive hold that cigarettes possess makes it harder for people to quite this bad habit. However it is possible to stop smoking for good. There are no truer words than the ones that speak “if at first you don’t succeed, try try again”. Most people need help to quit smoking because the hold is so strong, but once you get help and realize that your will and desire to quit and to get healthy is stronger than cigarettes then quitting will be a stepping stone and no longer a mountain to cross. We only have this one body, we need to protect it.

Getting Rid of Waste

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:40:00 +0000

When you get rid of waste, you can feel more at peace in your home and in your life. Having too much junk in a home can make a person feel trapped and can even cause depression. Once you clear out your junk, you invite new and positive energy into your life. You will be able to rest easier at night and will relish not having any clutter tying you down in your home. However, when you discard junk you should try to do so in an eco-friendly way. Being conscious of the way that you get rid of junk is essential for avoiding pollution. You can find eco-friendly ways of discarding waste while also making valuable contributions to local charities. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Recycle Cardboard and Plastics
First of all, take a look at all of the products in your "junk pile" that you can recycle. There will likely be quite a few cardboard and plastic objects. Try to recycle these at your local recycling center. Or, if you have a recycling truck come through your sub-division, then why not simply put these products at the end of your driveway? You are doing a service for the environment when you make the choice to recycle.

2. Hire a Junk Removal Company
Hiring a junk removal company is another option for people who do not want to deal with the hassle of transporting large, cumbersome objects. This type of company will come to your home and load up all of the items on its truck at a low cost or no cost at all. This can be an easy way for you to save time in having to travel to another location to dump your junk. Most removal companies now have a commitment to choosing eco-friendly ways to deal with the junk they accumulate.

3. Donate Used Furniture to Local Charities
If you have any old furniture, you can donate it to the Salvation Army or other local charities. Local charities are usually very open to receiving used furniture because they are able to resell it and donate the money to local organizations that desperately need the funds. You could also see whether a women's shelter or pregnancy center can make use of the furniture.
These are just a few eco-friendly ways that you can get rid of junk and do so in a way that benefits your local community rather than harms it. It is important for all communities to come together and create actionable game plans for disposing of and recycling waste.

Quaker Soft Baked Bar for My Picky Eater

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:13:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Jordan, our four year old daughter has turned into the pickiest eater, which is something that almost all moms of youngsters can relate to I am sure. Seemingly overnight, she has gone from loving everything to loathing everything I put in her plate. From time to time, I have had to resort to bribery in order to actually get her to clean her plate.

However, there are still some foods that she has a strong affinity to; carrots, gummies and all products Quaker. Our pantry stays well stocked of Quaker instant oatmeal, Quaker granola bars and Quaker rice cakes, we all love them. And, it is because of her affection for the Quaker man I know that she will not be able to resist Quaker Soft Baked Bar. Featuring the flavors cinnamon pecan bread and banana nut bread, none of us will be able to resist.

She will enjoy it because of the taste and the Quaker man on the box and the rest of us will love it for the taste and because at just 140 calories we get a wholesome food or between meal tide over that is full of protein, fiber and B vitamins. I see me reaching for the banana nut bread flavor variety first and warming it in the microwave before I enjoy it for my after workout breakfast snack. I also like that these bars are to go friendly. I really hope that her picky eating faze doesn’t last to much longer, but in the meantime, I have a lot of help from Quaker and bribery.

Growing an Orgainc Garden with Whitney Farms

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:47:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We are a family of healthy eaters, we stay away from preservatives and synthetics as much as we can and now we are going to grow our own organic vegetable garden with help from Whitney Farms®. We love to shop at farmers markets when the season is in and at our local health food store for our natural and organic fruits and vegetables. However, this year I am going to try my hand at vegetable and herb gardening. It just makes sense, doing so will save money and time plus gives us the peace of mind and satisfaction that we are growing and eating fresh and natural produce.

With help from (Jackie), my green thumb mother in law and Whitney Farms® Whitney Farm all natural, organic soil plant food I plan on growing peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, parsley and sponge gourds. We want to give Whitney Farms a try because their formula contains zero artificials, just earth derived ingredients mixed with protein base that is meant to encourage the growth of beautiful flowers and vegetables. Their formulas contain microbes and produce no manure smell.

The thought of picking and serving my family organic produce that we grow ourselves brings me such joy, even my daughter is excited. Whitney farms organic plant food are also very affordable on its own but you can save even more with this Whitney Farms® $3.00 off coupon. They make organic gardening fun and easy.

Logaster For Your Logo Needs

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:50:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LOGASTER for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The need to brand items is prominent now more than ever before. With the internet being such a huge influence, it is now common practice to have a web presence both on a personal or professional level. And, with so much completion, web masters need to stand out in order to be seen. In addition to SEO traffic efforts, one of the most effective ways to get visitors is by having a beautiful and relevant webpage.

Logos are a simple way to brand a website and turn it from bland to standout. Logaster is the online Logo Generator logo and maker that allow you to create custom logos fast and easily. The beauty of this company is that you pay nothing until and unless you are completely satisfied with your logo design. When completed, you are free to use your logo for any of your branding needs. In addition to branding your website, you can use your new logo to personalize your business cards and other promotional products.

Logaster’s high quality logos and layouts are in both bit-mat and vector format and prices are super affordable. Anyone with every technology skills level can take advantage of logaster’s logo making services. Visit them today for your logo needs.

A Quick Lesson in Earth Friendly Wines

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:41:00 +0000

It is no secret that there has been a lot of talk about Eco-friendly these days. Everything from food to energy are evolving to meet the respected Green status. One drink that has been gaining popularity in the green space is wine. Back in the day, grapes and other fruits grown for wine production was synonymous with pesticides/chemical treatment. But many winemakers and vineyards of today are seeing the environmental and social advantages of greening up their wines and we are literally drinking it in.

The “What are Green Wines” Infographic below explains what makes wine Green. This quick lesson in earth friendly wines will not only educate you, it will enlighten and inspire you. Enjoy!

Presented By Wine.com, Purveyors of fine green Wine

Review of The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0000

About six or seven months ago I decided to start my own home based .com business. It had always been a dream of mine, but lack of startup funds, time, actual know how and a bucket load of fear kept me from even attempting until now. I still had no startup funds, no time, no know how and a crap load of fear, but this time I also had faith. The push to make this happen was just too strong to ignore this time, I honestly feel like I can make a positive difference while making an inspiring income being my own boss. So, I closed my eyes and took this gigantic leap of faith and today I sit just two weeks away from launch date. I am filled with nervousness, anxiousness, excitement, fear and faith and thanks to Carrie Wilkerson I also feel supported, encouraged and empowered.

A little over a month ago I received The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate guide for Being Your Own Boss & Achieving Financial Freedom to review. To me this was such a positive sign from a much higher power, because I was meant to read this book at that exact time. Written like one of her acclaimed coaching sessions; this guide is a detailed step by step on all the whys and how’s that go into starting a .com business.

Carrie's selfless teachings left me feeling totally encouraged and more mentally prepared for this endeavor I am about to embark on. This book is so inspiring; it truly makes you feel like you can do it. The case stories where especially helpful to me, I loved reading them. The action plans and tips she provides in this book are totally attainable and honest with zero frills. The positive feel throughout this guide makes it easy to read, in fact, it is her writing style that makes this book hard to put down. I highly recommend for anyone interested in being their own boss. Be sure to keep in touch with Carrie Wilerson on Facebook and on Twitter.
Note: No funds where exchanged. I recieved a free copy of The Barefoot Executive for this review, all opinions are my own

About the Author: Carrie Wilkerson, who lives in Texas with her family has been a valuable resource for helping people attain extra income and financial freedom while keeping priorities intact. She is a mentor/coach/advisor to more than one hundred thousand men and women as The Barefoot Executive through videos, podcasts, masterminding, mentoring, and live speaking.

Scotts Snap Spreader System Easily Promotes Beautiful Lawns

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

You know that house on the block that has the semi balding lawn? You know, the house that has the sad looking lawn that is un-healthy, un-even and full of patches……Well that’s my house. Yep, we stand out alright, only for all the wrong reasons. I have always admired a beautiful lawn; it enhances curb appeal and just completes the look of the house. So this year we are determined to get a gorgeous, healthy lawn and we have enlisted the help of Scotts® Snap® Spreader System

Scotts spreader system is an innovative system that promotes lawn growth and health. It features the storage friendly wheeled spreader and the snap pac fertilizer of your choice. The Snap-Pac fertilizer connects to the spreader, you do not even have to open the pac or pour the fertilizer from it, and when you are done the Snap-pac self-seals for mess free storage. The best part is the automatic flow rate for even distribution and ease of mind. Their Snap-pac lawn fertilizer would be the one we would need, it encourages the growth of strong deep roots quickly and also features extended feeding. In addition to their fertilizer Scotts also offers the Snap-pac Weed & Feed, the Southern Weed & Feed and the Snap-Pac Fertilizer with Crabgrass Preventer.

I love how dummy proof the Scotts spreader system is because my husband and I were not born with green thumbs. Visit their website today and see the complete list of awesome features their spreader system boasts. Also, be sure to like Snap perks on Facebook, their Scotts Snap Perks Program gives you chances to win awesome prizes.

Starting my own company

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Guest post from: Mohamed Simon

Starting my own business was a big decision and it was one my husband and I spent many a long night talking about. I thought for the longest time that I wasn’t going to be able to make this work but you know, I finally got it. I’m going to start off small – I went to t1internet.net to check out some small business solutions and that helped me feel more at ease about the whole process. I never knew it was going to be so complicated but now that I’m diving in I feel really good about where this is headed, you know? I can’t believe I’ve got enough clients to really get this thing off the ground but I guess after a few more months I’ll actually find out, you know? Who would have thought little old me would turn out to be some big shot entrepreneur? I wouldn’t have but you know, I guess that’s just how things work in my skeptical little mind!

Five Delicious Ways to Save the Planet… Earth Day and Every Day

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Every April 22nd, when Earth Day rolls around once again, we see the public renew its interest in protecting the environment and finding practical solutions for sustainability. There are benefit concerts, clean-up days, and eco-rallies; all dedicated to spreading the word on ways everyone can help preserve our planet's natural resources. However, one way we can all help is right there in front of us, every day. It's the food we choose to eat, and how we choose to eat it.

Here are five simple, “foodie” ways that you can help make a difference for the earth:

Go organic. Yes, it’s more expensive sometimes. But pesticides and industrialized growing methods take a toll on our planet, our community, and even our own health. It's a good use of your money, and well worth the investment. And the more Americans that demand organic food – as most people in Europe now do – the more competitive the pricing will become.
Support local food. This ties into going organic quite nicely, and often makes it more fiscally viable for those with tight budgets. Find the farmer's markets in your area and make the trip there a weekly, or even family, event. Another great movement gaining steam is CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture). With this, you make an initial deposit, and then you get weekly or monthly delivery or pick-up of fresh veggies and fruits from a local farm all through growing season (typically 6-8 months of the year). In most situations, you will save money, and be eating like a king! And if you don't have those options available in your community, at least take a second look at the labels on your food at the supermarket before you make your choices. For example, try not buy apples from Washington if you live in New York. It took precious fossil fuel for them to get there, and the local ones are probably also fresher. Going local is a win-win.
Package your own. One of the worst things about packaged food is just that – the package! Our landfills and recycling centers are incredibly overburdened, and when we grab a “snack-size” bag of chips because it's “easier” we are doing the earth a bit of a disservice, and also often spending more money in the process. So when you know you have a family outing ahead, buy the larger package and divvy it up into snack-sizes for the kids. And it doesn't have to go into environmentally questionable plastic bags either. Eco-conscious companies such as Yum Yum Dishes are now selling snack-size, reusable, earth-friendly ceramic containers with lids. Less trash = better.
Eat seasonally. We all get those occasional cravings for out-of-season food, and with most supermarkets offering tropically sourced produce year-round, it’s easy to forget foods even have a season. But again, we’re using a lot of precious energy to transport those more exotic choices. It doesn't have to be “all or nothing”, but next fall, think about making a pumpkin pie instead of a strawberry cobbler. It just makes more sense.
Choose vegetarian… at least one day a week. There are tons of fabulous and delicious vegetarian meal choices out there, so make a commitment to trying one out even just once a week. Besides being a healthy idea, even one meat-less meal a week can and will make a difference to the planet. Eating meat is a personal decision, but the environmental effects of industrial ranching as it exists now are well-documented, and as we find better solutions, a once-a-week “bye” on meat helps the situation immensely.

Of course, you probably noticed that the benefit to all of these ideas isn't just on a global level. You are also helping your community, your family, and yourself by eating fresher and healthier, consuming more sustainably, and supporting local business. And long after Earth Day has passed us by, try to keep in mind that the environmental choices you’re making at the supermarket are way more than just “paper or plastic”. Responsibly choosing what you eat, and how you eat it, is a key decision in working towards a better planet for everyone.

About the Author: A strong advocate in the fight against childhood obesity, Tracy Adler is a former restaurant owner and mother of two. She created Yum Yum Dishes™ to help parents teach their children about correct portion sizes. For more information, visit www.YumYumDishes.com.

Get your Orange county used cars online

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:20:00 +0000

With the introduction of online shopping distance is no longer a barrier to getting a good car. There are so many dealers that have excellent cars that you can look at from their website when looking into buying a car. Automobiles have become a very important part of us since they help us get around. So we cannot term a car as a luxurious item. Men and women now consider having a car as one of the first things one should have once you have a job. People estimate a man’s wealth by the number of cars parked in his garage.This makes some people budget highly for their orange county used cars supplies with luxurious car that you can enjoy for a time.

The dealership company not only sells brand new automobiles, it also stocks excellent used vehicles. Their used car section is one that anyone would be willing to look at. Brand new cars can be very expensive to acquire and consequently out of reach for most people without much needed money to buy a costly car. There are many dealers that do not only sell brand new car it also sell second hand vehicles. Used cars sold by Infiniti are usually in good condition however, before taking your car home they still insist that you take with a mechanic who will certify that the car is in good condition. They believe that you should have a car that spells out your status and still in perfect condition. You cannot miss out on buying yourself a cheap car that not only works well but also improves your image. Metro Infiniti knows this and works towards making your dreams a reality. Financing has also been made easy as you can now agree on a payment plan. There are several payment plans that you can choose from and these include: paying the whole amount, paying through installments, or even leasing your cars.

Farewell One Tree Hill - Series Finale airs Wed 4th, 8/7c on The CW

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:04:00 +0000

It is crazy to think that The CW’s One Tree Hill is coming to a sad end. I was a mere 24 years old when I first stumbled upon the then teen drama. I remember back then the main focus was on love triangles, naivety, drama and of course the hate then love relationship between half-brothers Lucas and Nathan. Although some of the characters remained unchanged, the show really stole my heart when they got out of high school, grew up a bit and introduced fresh faces to the mix.

Brooke has been my girl from day one. I loved/hated her in the beginning and as the show progressed I grew to respect her choices and her values. Now as the series comes to a close I like her as a wife, a mother and a fashion designer. I was so thrilled to receive a few official props from the One Tree Hill Set, but I am especially happy with the Clothes over Bros memorabilia and the back stage pass from the friends with benefit concert from one of the earlier seasons. To have a piece of OTH means a lot and I am sad to say goodbye, but lucky for us that DVD’s exists for us to replay and relive all the great moments from beginning to end.

I am promoting One Tree Hill on behalf of Warner Bros. WBWord division. Tune in for the Two- hour series finale on Wednesday, April 4th at 8/7c on The CW http://www.cwtv.com/shows/one-tree-hill

Growing Big and Beautiful plants with Miracle-Gro Expand n' Gro + Sample Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring and summer are my absolute favorite times of year. The birds sing louder, the butterflies show off their pretty colors and the daylight sticks around longer. But perhaps my favorite perk of warmer weather is marveling at the pretty flowers that sprout and buying homegrown veggies at local farmers markets, those two simple acts bring me such comfort and joy. A few years ago we started the tradition of attending the annual springtime butterfly and flower show in nearby Cincinnati, seeing nature in all her glory just makes me appreciate all the gifts she gives us even more.

This year I have decided to test my green thumb and grow my own beautiful flowers, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers and I have enlisted the aid of Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix to help me achieve success. This potting mix is a step above the rest because of its unique formula. The special blend of quality plant food is mixed with natural coconut coir fiber which helps retain up to 50% more water than other potting mixes. The mix also expands up to three times when water is added and it feeds plants for six whole months. Soil quality is improved plus you get up to three times more flowers and veg versus that of native soil. I am excited to marvel at my own flowers and veggies for a change. I plan to have both potted flowers as well as grounded flowers and Expand ‘n Gro planting mix by Miracle- Gro works wonders for both. I love that it feeds plants for 6 months, expands up to three times and that it promotes additional moisture. Those benefits makes for easy and inexpensive gardening.

Where to Buy: Expand ‘n Gro^TM is available at lawn and garden retailers in the Midwest, Northeast and Texas. Please visit expandngro.com for in-store availability information. Also available at Amazon.com

Sample Giveaway: The generous team behind Miracle-Gro is giving out sample sizes of their Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix. Visit them today and find out how to snag your own and test out your own green thumb.

Guest Post: 10 Reasons Why Your Child’s Birthday is Important

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:46:00 +0000

1. The day your child was born was probably one of the best days of your life. Your child’s birthday is a chance to celebrate that.

2. Kids work harder at school these days than ever, preparing for standardized tests and spending less time at recess and in art class. Your child’s birthday is a chance for you to reward your child for all his hard work.

3. You’re busy. How often do you have time to let your child know how much she’s loved? Let her know how much she means to you on her birthday.

4. Kids remember their birthdays forever. It’s the job of parents to make sure their birthdays are wonderfully memorable.

5. Each year, your child learns and grows. His birthday is a time to celebrate that growth and another year together as a family.

6. Every child and adult needs a little self-esteem boost every once in a while. So, why not boost your child’s self-esteem on her birthday by showering her with love?

7. Your child’s not an adult yet, and play is an important part of his development. Letting your child have a day for fun on his birthday is good for him.

8. Your child’s birthday is another opportunity for you to create meaningful memories and bond as a family.

9. Feeling neglected or forgotten on your birthday hurts, especially if you’re a kid.

10. Your little one will only stay little for so long! Take some time to cherish those precious moments on her birthday!

About the Author: Lisa is a mother and guest post writer on the subjects of family, children, life, and even where to locate deals on Super Mario Bros party supplies.

Four Tips for Getting in Shape for the Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Hug a tree with me) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Spring Fever is right around the corner! You know that feeling where it gets a little warmer, the sun starts shining brighter and while outside you close your eyes, take a deep breath and welcome it! Crocuses are popping up from the soil, the snow is melting away and so should your fat deposits that have been accumulating and storing as if you were a hibernating grizzly bear during an extra long winter slumber.

That being said there are a couple universal rules that all walks of life can do to help tone up, shed body fat Here are my four no fail sure fire tips for Springing into Fitness

1. The biggest lesson I have ever learned in my life: Your best bet to shock your body into change is to do an 8 week stint of High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT training consists of upper and lower body movements at the same time with Isometric or holding contractions in static electricity in the muscle fiber and Plyometric exercises which are explosive movements in between every two exercise combos. For example: Bicep Hammer Curl with Plie Squats then Alternating Side to Side Lunges with Upright Rows then a Plyometric Jump Squat. A workout like this should be done 4-6 days a week depending on how much body fat you are looking/needing to lose. 45 minutes tops! Workouts that are hyperexplosive get the job done.

2.Eat six small meals a day! Never say the word DIET... Food is nourishment and fuel for an active lifestyle and if you follow the 80/20 rule meaning 80% of the time eat what I am going to show you and then 20 % eat some nachos or have a cocktail...do not beat yourself up over it. Eating every three hours makes sure your body is always working to metabolize. Thus burning calories. I like to use the analogy of making a fire. If you are making a fire you feed the fire kindling and some news paper or brush and that usually ensures a bright burning fire that you can add larger items to like the occasional log. It is the same with your body. Most people starve themselves until dinner time and drink coffee to keep themselves going until the eat a dinner the size of Manhattan, then go to bed with all that junk just waiting to be stored as body fat. How is that ever going to work for you? Exactly...it never will! Adapting the twigs and newspaper idea for your body as you would starting a fire is the way to go. Always have some kind of a protein at every meal. It doesn't always have to be food you chew...it can be a shake. You can also get protein from legumes like hummus or nut protein like raw almonds or all natural peanut butter as well. Tapering your starchy carbs off as the day comes to an end is also going to really help you shed that body fat because your body does not need carbs at night for energy. Just protein for repairing muscles and fibrous carbs like green veggies.

Sample Meal Plan

Meal One at 7 am~ Greek Fritata with an Ezekiel Bread English Muffin with coffee with 2 Truvia and a splash of So Delicous Coconut Creamer (comes in three flavors, Hazlenut, French Vanilla and Regular)
Meal Two at 10 am~ 1 cup of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, black berries, one or combo of all) with Muscle Milk Lite Vanilla Latte It is tasty, has mono and poly saturated fat which studies have shown help burn fat and is lactose free for those who have milk issues.
Meal Three at 12/1pm~ 1/2 of a cup (cooked) of Tricolor Quinoa, 1 cup of greens (broccoli, asparagus, or my favorite recipe right now, green beans, I love haricovert ...the baby string beans with pine nuts and dill with some type of protein whether it is chicken, steak or fish, or if you are a vegetarian Veggie Patch Makes wonderful meatless meatballs and veggie burgers.
Meal Four at 4pm~ 2 tablespoons of Tribe Hummus, they have a plethora of amazing flavors from Mediterranean style to Cilantro Chimmichurri with 1 cup of green veggies. My fave mix is broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, cucumbers, celery. No carrots and no tomatoes...too sugary for that time of day.
Meal Five at 6/7pm~baked haddock or cod fish around 4-6 oz with 2 cups of KB's green beans. No starches at night...no pasta, bread rice potatoes of any kind and certainly not fruit.
Meal Six at 9 pm~some kind of Protein. I love Muscle Milk Lite Cookies N Cream Ice Cream.

3.Cardio: HIIT on the treadmill. Warm up for 5 minutes on the treadmill at 3.0 MPH at a 0 Incline. Then 3.5 MPH at a 15 Incline...hold on for dear life it's going to get really real right now! Do this for 2 minutes. Recover at 3.0 MPH at a 0 Incline for 1 minute Then walk side to side first starting on your less dominant side step together step together at 1.8 MPH at a 5 Incline. 1 minute on each side. Then recover at 3.0 MPH at a 0 Incline. Sprint at 6.0 MPH at a 5 Incline for 2 minutes then recover at 3.0MPH at 0 Incline...that is always going to be your recovery zone. Then to finish the round you will walk backwards at 2.0 MPH at a 7 Incline for 2 minutes. You will repeat this for either a half an hour 45 minutes or an entire hour depending on what your goals are for body fat burn. You are getting a full blown all around leg workout without the boredom of just blankly staring into space.

4. To find the recipes for food, products and juice www.KBMFC.com.

Katie Boyd, star of Style network’s hit show, Wicked Fit, which takes place in her gym, The Miss Fit Club www.KatieBoydsMissFitClub.com , is taking women to a new level of fitness and feeling good with exercise and strategic nutrition tips and so they can reach their goal of becoming fit and healthy in 2012 .

Boyd, a personal fitness trainer and certified nutritionist, says, “You can go out and have a life and still be fit for Spring. It’s about getting your thinking in shape for success and know choosing in favor of being healthy and happy with yourself.”