Apples!

How can you not LOVE apples? They are so good! Well, this season why purchase them from the grocery when you can rent your own apple tree. You get to choose from seven different varieties - Empire, Macoun, McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Gala and Ginger Gold - and receive a gift box of 48 apples from your tree. Not only that. You also get one gallon of apple cider with a personalized label and free shipping.

Why not support Stony Ridge Orchard located in Erin, New York. You can keep updated on news with their quarterly newsletter you receive for free and everything is stated in the rental agreement certificate. It would make a great gift too :) Sounds good to me!

Nature's Goodies

I read a lot of magazines so I can get as much information as I can about everything. Besides books they are a great way to gain knowledge about healthy living and a green lifestyle. Here are some cool facts I came across. Just some great things that natures gifts keep on giving.

Olive Oil is great for your skin as well as being a healthy fat for your body. It's said that women who include olive oil in their diets have less skin damage and wrinkles. Sounds good to me! I actually use an olive oil lotion and I love it. Here are some products that use the ingredient wisely.

Thymes Olive Leaf Triple-Milled Bar Soap


Kiss My Face Olive/Aloe Natural Moisturizer



L'Occitane Organic Olive Tree Moisturizing Face Lotion



Creme d'Olives



Pears are not only delicious, they are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Both are great for your body and your skin. Here are some products that highlight the powers of the pear.

100% Pure - Organic Honey and Pear Nourishing Body Cream



B. Witching Bath Co. - Golden Pear Liquid Soap



Naturopathica - Pear and Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel



Aloe is an amazing plant. It can do more than soothe sunburn. Check out these other great things aloe can do.
- Use a dab on canker sores and cold sores. It will help fight the pain and also make the sores heal faster.
- Do you swim a lot? Chlorine is not that great for your skin or your hair, which I am sure you already know. Well aloe has vitamin C and E that helps nourish damaged hair chlorine can cause. Try this concoction once a week and you should see a diference: Combine 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel, 1/2 cup castile soap and 1/2 tsp of jojoba oil. Leave in for 10 minutes and use as a pre-shampoo treatment. You can find more awesome tricks like this in Lina Hanson's book, Eco-Beautiful-The Ultimate Guide to Natural Beauty and Wellness.
- Use aloe on cuts and burns after you've washed them with soap and water. The aloe will help to stimulate growth which will help it heal faster. It can also help prevent future scarring. Check out more handy tips in The Clear Diet by Alan Logan.

Not only is cilantro great in Mexican food, its other uses really come in handy. It helps bloating and can help ease sore joints and muscles. Just rub 2 tsbp of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel on the spot and you're good to go. This yummy herb can also kill salmonella and E. coli so use it in a marinade come dinner time. Surprisingly, it can calm irritated skin too.

You see, nature's goodies can do amazing things. Do your research and get the facts. Not everything needs chemicals, medicine or a doctor. Nature's remedies are safe and worth trying. Good Luck!

What Should You Be Drinking?

What kind of drinks so you have in your home? What are you giving to your kids? Well, I have to say that most of the juices and drinks out there in the supermarket are not good for you. They either have added sugar, preservatives they don't need or artificial flavors. Don't even get me started on soda. Why even waste your money on those when you can get the real thing! I did some research on some companies that produce natural and organic drinks that are totally worth giving a try.

R.W. Knudsen Family has been bottling organic juices since 1961. They use sustainable production and business methods and have stayed true to their commitment to using organic ingredients. Not only have they served as members of the Organic Trade Association they were the first processor in the country to become a certified organic processing facility in 1997. They carry everything from juices to sports drinks so I am sure you will find something you will love. You can find their products in Waldbaums, Stop & Shop, Shoprite and more. You can go to their website to read more on the company and also find a store near you that carries their drinks.




Santa Cruz Organic is another company who uses sustainable resources to produce their products. They claim they are "green to our core" and they are right! They are an official Green E-certified business and have also earned a WRAP award for their amazing recycle methods. Santa Cruz not only has juices but they also carry sauces, teas and peanut butter to name a few. Since 1972 they have been committed to producing the finest organic products and have been working hard to help raise awareness about the benefits of organic agriculture. You can also visit their site for stores that carry their products.



Purity Organic is a company that works directly with organic farmers and creates yummy, healthy drinks at prices that you can afford. All their products are USDA certified organic and 10% of their dividends are returned back into the organic community! They carry 6 flavors of their juice line: apple, lemonade, strawberry paradise, citrus passion, cranberry harmony and tropical bliss. Their functional drinks have a combination of vitamins and herbs and by selling fruit they help create a higher return to the farmers they work with. This shows the love they have for the community! Check out their nicely designed website when you get a chance. Also, take notice to their packaging designs. LOVE THEM! You can find their products in Whole Foods, Duane Reade and the Food Emporium.



Organic Source just came out with 3 sparkling juice drinks you might want to check out. They come in white grape, pomegranate acai and lime. The company actually started out as a brewing company and decided to make pure, non-alcoholic drinks as well. Peak Organic Brewing Company produced great organic beer out in Maine. Today they are also know as Organic Source and create natural drinks under 50 calories per serving, gluten-free and non-alcoholic. Check them out!



Those are a few that are worth checking out. Here are the names of some other companies you might want to look into as well: Uncle Matt's Organic, Lakewood Organic & Premium Juices, Columbia Gorge Organic, Elite Naturel, Steaz Energy and James White Fruit Juices.

Happy Drinking!