It's Tea Time!

Green Tea is Awesome! I have found that Green Tea is Packed with Benefits, and it's great for your health. I have been drinking very much of it these pass few days, and I can really see an improvement. My energy levels skyrocketed, and I just felt good :)

Click Here to Read About Green Tea & Weight Loss.

It's a much better alternative then Soda or Coffee. Studies show that Coffee can actually increase fatigue instead of the other way around.

It's Tea Time!

Got Orgone?

Orgone, What is Orgone? To Learn More about Orgone Visit this Amazing Website, http://www.fifthelementorgone.com/

My Mother and I were searching through the internet, and we came upon a website which mentioned the term "Orgone" or "Orgonite." At that time, we didn't know what it was or what it did. But we started researching about it, and we took a deep interest. .

We bought Orgone Pyramids for my Mother and I, and they were beautifully made in Canada by a special artist. We layed them next to our beds, and we felt so RELAXED! I slept so peacefully, and my dreams have become more vivid and alive. My energy increased tremendously.

Have you tried Orgone Yet?

Aloe Vera Heals

Aloe Vera has always been a miracle plant for me.

I remember coming home when I was little, with a scraped knee and my mom would bring me the Aloe Vera we had stored in our fridge. I remember when my mom applied the aloe vera on my injury, my pain instantly vanished, and I felt better and it healed within a couple of days. Aloe Vera has many benefits, and It indeed helped me in my times of need.

Here is an Article Talking About Aloe Vera's Benefits:

We can actually see the health benefits, which makes this supplement very appealing. The proprieties in this product have a profound effect on our skin, digestive system and energy levels. There is no wonder why health and food industry has adopted this natural component to its nutrition line, hoping for much further development. Click Here To Read More..

Tumbleweed Tiny Terrific!

The Small House Movement Believes Less is More, Especially in a Recession

At only 120 square feet, two is company – and three is really a crowd. The house is too small to meet building code minimum standards. It’s a vehicle, reports CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod.

But it’s got all the comforts of home, and plenty of storage space.
Shafer is at the forefront of the “small house” movement – a school of thought that less is more, especially in a recession. Click Here to Read More..

Check out these Tiny Houses! Aren't they cool? It's convenient, and easy to keep clean. It's Cute and it's even better for the environment. Check them out Here

Indian Goodness..

I have been skeptical about the food being sold in local grocery stores for a long time. After doing my research, and reading the back of the labels on some foods, I noticed this was not doing good to my body and I needed to make a change. So I have been eating Organically for 2 years now, and I'm feeling fantastic. I buy most of my food from my local indian food store, and I'm loving it! The food is fresh, 100% real and it's healthy. I read the back of the labels, and there's no Artificial Food coloring, Artificial flavors, or MSG, just all natural delicious food. So I made my daily stop at the indian store today and picked up some Ghobi Paratha. It's kinda like a tortilla but made with whole wheat flour, and it's filled with spices and Cauliflower. Yummmm..

Look Around

There are some things I have learned growing up. One thing I learned is that we should learn to look on the positive side of things, and realize that everything is the way it is, and everything happens for a reason. I also believe that we all come with a special mission, even if sometimes we don’t feel like we are doing anything, we are actually helping in some way. We can help in so many ways, and we don’t need money to do it. Just a smile can turn someone’s day bright.

Another thing I have learned, is that we have to stop and learn to be aware of all the beauty that is around us every day. The Sun still comes up in the morning, Nature is still blooming, and it’s all there for us. Sometimes we get too caught up with our hectic lives, and we forget to look around. Let’s not worry about the past or the future. Let’s enjoy today, right NOW!

Nature's Magic Cleanser

28 Practical Uses for Vinegar, Nature's Magic Cleanser
By Michelle Satanek

Have you overlooked the many practical uses of vinegar? Cleans, Disinfects, and kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses).

Here are twenty-seven uses for vinegar:

* Deodorize your sink drains: Pour a cup down your drain, let stand about thirty minutes, then run cold water.

* Unclog a drain: Dump 1 cup of baking soda down your drain and follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. When they mix, they foam and expand, cleaning your drain. Allow a few minutes for the mixture to do it's job, then flush with hot water for several minutes.

* Disinfect and clean wood cutting boards: Rub with vinegar to disinfect and clean. If your cutting board has deep grooves, you can also soak the board in vinegar for 5-10 minutes.

* Cut grease: When washing greasy pans or dishes, add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your soapy dishwater.

* Clean the dishwasher: Vinegar reduces soap build up, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.

* Clean the coffeepot: Hard water can clog a coffeepot and cause yucky buildup inside it. To remedy this, pour 1 cup vinegar in your coffeepot, fill the rest of the way with water, then run it through a cycle as usual (without coffee grounds in the filter). Rinse the coffeepot out. Fill it with fresh water and run another cycle without coffee to rinse the inside of the coffee maker.

* Loosen food grime and clean the microwave: Place a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar inside the microwave and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes (it needs to boil). Keep your microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime, then open your microwave, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe clean!

* Clean windows: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 5 cups water, and you've got a great window cleaner. If you must have blue window cleaner, just a few drops of blue food coloring!

* Remove grease from kitchen walls: Put straight vinegar on a dishcloth to wipe grease off kitchen walls, or the stovetop.

* Remove pet urine stains (and smells) from carpet: Mix about 1/4 cup of vinegar to a quart of water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and blot the area several times.

* Clean kitchen and bathroom faucets: Soak a paper towel in vinegar then wrap it around your faucet to remove mineral deposits.

* Clean and shine no-wax vinyl or linoleum floors: Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket, then mop or scrub your floor with the solution.
* Inexpensive scouring powder: Combine two tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda for an effective scouring powder.

* Clean the toilet rim: Put straight 5% vinegar in a squirt bottle and use it to clean the rim of the toilet. It disinfects, too!

* Prevent mold and mildew in the shower: Wipe down tile or Formica shower walls with a sponge or cloth dampened with water and vinegar. The vinegar will clean the walls and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

* Unclog the showerhead: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause a sputtering, clogged shower head. Place the showerhead in a pot, add enough vinegar to completely cover it. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling, then remove from heat. Allow to sit for at least 6 hours. The acid in the vinegar will eat away the deposits. Rinse the showerhead well, and it's ready to go again.

* Get rid of the funky smell in that lunchbox: Soak a piece of plain bread in vinegar, then place it in the lunchbox overnight and the smell will disappear!

* Remove rust: To get rid of rust, soak items in vinegar (do not dilute). This will work on any metals.

* Remove residue and styling product build up from hair: After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 warm water to remove all the build up and get rid of that dullness.

* Eliminate smells: Run a hot tub of water and pour in one or two cups of vinegar. Hang smelly clothes on hangers along your shower curtain rod. This will remove smoke and other tough smells.

* Get rid of stickers, decals and sticky residues: Rub a few coats of vinegar on the area and allow to soak. Then wash off with a wet washcloth and the sticky will rub right off.

* Polish patent leather purses and shoes: Place vinegar on a clean cloth, then rub over patent leather. Wipe dry with another clean cloth.

* Remove stains: Rub a small amount of vinegar gently on fruit, jelly, mustard or coffee type stains and wash as usual. No more stain!

* Clean your glasses: Place a drop of vinegar on the lens, then rub with a cotton cloth.

* Get the smell out of your cloth diapers! Next time those cloth diapers start to smell, add a 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in your last rinse.

* Polish
your car: Rub vinegar on chrome to clean and shine it.

* Remove bumper stickers: Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker. Allow to soak a few minutes. The bumper sticker should peel right off. Rub vinegar over the area to remove the sticky residue, if necessary.

* Next time you have a sore throat, try gargling with cider vinegar!

Eco Love

When it comes to romance don’t just save it for Valentine’s Day, living green provides plenty of opportunities to smother your significant other with two of the most important aspects of any romantic relationship: love and intimacy.

‘Green’ is the new ‘red,’ when it comes to romance and passion, so why not plan a sustainable surprise for your partner on a weekend when he/she least expects it?

Here are some ideas that are sure to make your weekend a green ‘Affair to Remember!’

1. Chocolates for your significant other

Photo by pink_fish13

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The Aztecs believed that chocolate had aphrodisiac qualities that invigorated men and made women feel less inhibited. So if chocolates are your tried and tested method to whet your partner’s taste buds then consider organic and sustainable brands like Dagoba or Green & Black.

2. Plant a tree in your lover’s name
What could possibly be more romantic? Nearly everyone is familiar with the idea of carving a lover’s name on a tree. Why just scratch the surface when you can memorialize your love by planting a tree in his or her name. The tree will grow and flourish even as your love does.

You can plant trees in the name of your partner through nonprofit organizations such as Heifer International or Trees for Life International. They will plant the trees in developing countries to help local villagers become more self-sufficient.

Or if you prefer your dollars stay closer to home, you can choose a company like TreeGivers.com that will plant your tree in the U.S. or Canada.

3. Breakfast in bed
Why bother with an expensive dinner out when snuggling up under a luxurious pure silk blanket is so much more romantic! The weekends are always a great time to ‘sleep in’. So forget about your Saturday morning errands and indulge your partner with a decadent breakfast tray of fair trade coffee and organic strawberries dipped in honey, the “nectar of Aphrodite” (Greek goddess of beauty and sexual rapture).

4. Generate electricity by saving energy
Now you already know that turning the thermostat can cut back on energy use. So why not stay warm by snuggling together under the covers? It makes for a completely carbon-neutral way to heat things up, and by heat, I refer to the electricity created by you and your partner!

5. A decadent home spa ritual to tickle your significant other’s senses
The power of touch helps couples create a strong bond for lasting passion in their relationship. So why not relax your partner with a sensual aromatherapy massage a la Yours Truly. Use organic essential oils like lavender to create calm and rose to set the mood for passion.

6. Consider a sumptuous soak for two
Follow your aromatherapy massage with a sumptuous soak for two in an aromatic bath filled with fragrant flower petals. Most florists throw away flowers at the end of the day. So pop around to your local florist late on a Friday evening to see what they have left in stock. Chances are, they will be only too happy to clear out their inventory. Enhance the mood by decorating your bath area with soy or beeswax candles and pour some freshly squeezed fruit juice for two.

7. Bike ride + picnic
Take time out to bike with your significant other to a secluded spot in the country, beach or nearby park. Then spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the summer weather and don’t forget to take a picnic filled with organic foods that stimulate the senses just as much as the landscape does.

8. Sustainable Lingerie
If you simply want to stay in bed all day, then you might want to consider modeling some sustainable lingerie for an extra little piece of bedroom drama. It’s ultimately sexy and not even that expensive. Try Enamore’s sexy lingerie made from organic and sustainable materials like cotton, silk, and soy. Or, try the French eco-friendly brand g=9.8 which creates sexy, colorful undergarments made from cultivated pine trees!

Benefits of Turmeric, A Magical Powder.

To Traditional Ayurvedics, Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It's not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue.

Turmeric gives the energy of the divine mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying thechannels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is, therefore, good for the practice of hatha yoga. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein.

Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine.

I personally have been using alot of Curry and Turmeric in my food. It tastes and smells great, and I even apply some turmeric powder paste on my face before bedtime, and it clears my acne, since it fights bacteria. Evidently, turmeric has great powers to even out skin tone and aid a healthy looking complexion.

Commonly Used Herbs that Heal

1. Rosemary
Rosemary has been used as a brain tonic in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years. Rosemary contains volatile oils that help stimulate brain activities and increase brain alertness. One compound it contains, cineole, has been found to enhance the ability of rat to navigate mazes. So skip the harsh coffee and spice up your energy level with rosemary. Other benefits? Rosemary also aids in digestion and perks up your immune system. Steep it as tea, use in your poultry dishes and soups--or just crush some up to fill your home with an energizing scent.

Growing tips: Rosemary needs to live in a very sunny window and may even need supplemental light. It is sensitive to overwatering so keep it on the dry side.

2. Mint
Peppermint, spearmint, and other mint-family plants are considered one of the most versatile herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Peppermint has many well-documented properties: It increases healthy gastric secretions, relaxes the intestines, soothes spasms, settles the stomach, and alleviates gas. In a culture marked by poor diet and digestion--and the heartburn that comes with it--peppermint can be your best friend. Additionally, peppermint is rich in antioxidants that support good vision and also cleanses your liver, helping to eliminate harmful toxins from your body. Steep peppermint as a tea and drink it a half an hour after mealtimes for untroubled digestion.

Growing tips: Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that is invasive, so be sure to grow it in its own pot.

3. Oregano
When you're suffering from cold or flu, steep oregano in a pot of water and inhale the vapors, which are antibacterial, antiviral and decongesting. This immunity-enhancing herb also settles digestion and prevents bloating.

Growing tips: Oregano needs a lot of light to grow so find a window with direct light or grow out-of-doors.

4. Sage
Chinese traditional medicine has long used sage to help prevent the loss of mental function that comes with age. Sage has been found to increase oxygen to the brain cortex and to help improve concentration. Sage is easy on the digestion. Cook it up in soups and poultry dishes.

Growing tips: Sage can be a bit difficult to grow. It is very sensitive to overwatering because it is more susceptible to mildew than other herbs.

5. Chives
A member of the garlic and onion family, chives have been used throughout history for natural healing because they contain a substantial amount of vitamin C as well as essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and folic acid. In Chinese medicine they are used to clear stuffy noses, prevent bad breath, ease stomach aches, strengthen the lower back, and improve poor circulation that gives you cold hands and feet. Some serving suggestions? Chop up chives and add them to stir-fries or mix in with ground poultry to stuff ravioli or dumplings.

Growing tips: Chives are fairly easy to grow because they don't require as much light as other herbs.

6. Basil
A favorite herb in Italian cooking, basil's scent can perk up your energy level and it is filled with luteolin, a bioflavonoid that studies have shown to be the best protection of cell DNA from radiation.

Growing tips: Basil can be more difficult to grow. Your best bet is to grow it during warm, bright summer months.

7. Cilantro
Cilantro is an energy tonic that can boost your immune system and smooth out your digestion. Use it in your cooking to get its health benefits.

Growing tips: Cilantro, the name for the stems and leaves of the coriander plant, can be hard to grow. Sow the coriander seeds in a thick concentration in a shallow tray.

8. Parsley
Parsley is used in a Chinese folk remedy for cooling the liver and clearing the eyes. Parsley is packed with luteolin, and there is some evidence that this helps protect the eye from UV radiation damage and from glycation, a process in which sticky sugar molecules bind up protein, potentially damaging the retina. The age-old folk remedy recipe for vision protection is a juice blend of celery, peppermint, and Chinese parsley, made fresh daily.

Growing tips: Parsley doesn't need very much sun, but it is a slow grower, so don't expect a high yield.

Herbal Tea Recipes
Aside from use in cooking, all of the above herbs can be used to make aromatic potent teas. You may use the herbs individually or experiment with combinations. For example, to make a tea that soothes digestion and prevents bloating: Steep 1 teaspoon each of mint, rosemary, oregano, cilantro, sage and basil and in a cup of hot filtered water for five minutes.

Other herbal teas that can bring big benefits to your health are my specially formulated Ancient Treasures tea and Internal Cleanse tea, which will gently cleanse your body of toxins and bring you emotional tranquility.

Green Gift Ideas!

Not only is June the start of the summer season but June 17th is also a day dedicated to honoring the fathers in our lives. While on our own hunt for that perfect Father’s Day gift, we came across some interesting and eco-friendly ideas that we think are worth sharing.

A green, living and long lasting gift


How about a beautiful and calming bonsai to put in Dad’s office or around the house? One of our favorite stores, Organic Bouquet, offers several different varieties, including a maple bonsai that actually changes colors with the seasons. All of Organic Bouquet’s offerings are certified organic or by Veriflora, the first green label certification for the floral industry. A shocking percentage of the floral industry’s stock comes from overseas, loaded with pesticides and harvested in unsafe labor environment. Our moms absolutely loved their organic flower bouquets so shouldn’t Dad get the same special treatment on Father’s Day?

Hip case for that hip multi-media Dad

Who said eco-friendly Father’s Day gifts can’t be cool. There are now plenty of bags and cases available for those on-the-go Dads and their electronic gadgets. How excited would Dad be if you presented him with a sleek handcrafted case for his Nano, made with the protection of recycled Columbian truck tires? If this rubber can withstand tons of cargo over rough roads, it can definitely protect his Nano (or other iPod products) from his daily grind. Check out these and other stylist cases at Solio

Stylish Organic Shirt and Shorts for Summer

How about a nice casual outfit for those lovely summer romps in the park, backyard or just around the house? This great lightweight organic cotton T from PrAna is simple, artistic and beats the mall-common Gap T, hands down. You can pair it with organic cotton Mojave shorts, comfortable but tough enough for even a climb.

Stirred but Not Shaken Recycled Martini Glasses

Made from recycled glass in California, these Fire & Light Martini Glasses come in 8 beautiful colors and are perfect for that cool martini aperitif before the Father’s Day feast or any other social occasion. Check out these glasses and the whole Fire & Light collection at 3rLiving

A Scrumptious Meal: on the Town or at Home

Speaking of Father’s Day feast, the Bay Area offers a wonderful variety of restaurants that serve delicious cuisine created from organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. If Dad rather have a restaurant quality meal at home, talk to a local personal chef to create that experience, fuss-free.

Food for Thought

If Dad is an avid reader, how about some summertime reading before firing up the BBQ? One of our favorites is the Omnivore’s Dilemma. Delivered with wit, humor and insight, Michael Pollan has changed the way we look at our food and how we chose the food that goes into our and our family’s bodies. Epicureans, food industry experts and our users all agree this is a must read.

Quality Time with Family and Nature

Finding unique and thoughtful gifts for Dad is fun but why not top it off with some family time together in nature, away from noise, traffic and other daily stresses. We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty in the Bay Area, from parks, beaches to nature preserves. There are also plenty of great day hikes to explore.

On a parting note, Happy Father’s Day to Dads everywhere!

CindyC and CindyW

Cob Houses Cool.

What is cob?


Cob building dates back hundreds of years ago, and cob houses built over 500 years ago in Europe are still inhabited to this day. That’s pretty dang impressive considering the simple nature and composition of the material: buckets of wet clay and sand are mixed by foot (or by horse, oxen, concrete mixer, or even Bobcat excavators) and then combined with straw to produce a sticky, malleable material that can be rolled into palm-sized loaves (or “cobs”, which is where the name originated) and then laid onto a foundation and sculpted by hand to build thick and massive cob walls.

The properties of cob

Cob structures are monolithic: layers of material are worked together to produce one massive structure, compared to something like adobe, which is typically made into forms that can be stacked like bricks. When cob dries, it resembles rock or concrete in its hardness. With a nice thick coat of plaster, cob can withstand significant weathering before it starts to (slowly) wear away. Exterior cob walls can range anywhere from over one to three feet thick: the thicker they are, the more heat they are capable of storing. You see, cob is not very insulative, compared to say, straw bale buildings. Cob has better “thermal mass“, which means it is capable of capturing and storing large amounts of heat. The best way to do this? Stick a flue pipe through a cob bench and heat up your furniture with a rocket stove.

Cob: beautiful and environmental

The main components of cob building - sand, clay, and straw, come directly from the earth, oftentimes right beneath our feet. (For example: all of the clay I am using in my cob house comes straight from the soil on the property here at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.) Therefore, cob has very low embodied energy, meaning there is little energy wasted in manufacturing and transporting materials over great distances. Call it a “local and organic” kind of building technique. Not only that, but it’s beautiful, too: cob lends itself to smooth and curvy home design, with rounded doorways and curved walls. Shelves and storage nooks can be built directly into walls.

Cobbing is simple and cooperative

Cob building is intuitive and requires little to no experience and no heavy machinery. People of all ages can easily start mixing material and “cobbing” together, and gain a basic understanding of the building technique. It’s definitely a labor-intensive process, so it benefits from large groups of people. (I’ve worked with up to ten people at a time and it’s nothing short of a party!)
Where to learn more about cob