Digital Calendars

So, how does one manage to get it all done?  A full-time job, children, spouse, fitness, down-time, housekeeping, and feeding everyone healthily?

Well, I'm no expert...and I fail in at least 2 or 3 of these categories everyday.

Basically, what it comes down to is mindfulness...and loads of pre-planning.

I use the Jorte calendar/agenda app...it lets me schedule everything, create task lists, color-code things for each family member, and access it from my phone or computer.

It's taken me years, and several failed attempts, to accept a digital calendar.  I've tried them before, but I always find myself falling back on paper calendars.  This program made me a convert, because it allowed me to do everything I would normally do in my planner...plus it accounts for repeat events and plugs them in for me so I don't have to enter them manually every time.  It will also send me notifications to remind me of events.

Really, a nifty little program for the price:  FREE.

Emerald "Earth" Mattress (Tierra) Review +

Well...all of the purchases have arrived and been used long enough to review.  I'm just gonna brag for half a second, since my research really paid off this time (it doesn't always do that, I've found).  The pillows are great, the protectors are fantastic (feel just like sheets, really - no crinkle at all), the organic sheets are luxurious and thick - as is the blanket, and the mattress is "fabulous".  So, you can definitely take my research and suggestions to the bank this time.  Any and all of them are worth their weight in gold.


So, let's get to the mattress. 

When I was researching, I could find little to no information on Emerald mattresses.  I am going to assume that is a good thing, because it appears that, since people tend to review stuff they really hate more often than stuff they like, there isn't a good mattress out there anywhere.

This is the low-down on the Emerald "Earth" Mattress (model: Tierra, size: King).

The mattress is firm, but not rock hard like so many complain that latex mattresses can be.   In fact, I can definitely tell that there is a very heavy, solid support under the soft wool.  It's also a very thick mattress.  We have a platform bed with drawers in the base, so it means I almost need a stool to get in and out of bed.  No need for a box spring (which saves a little cash).  The top of the mattress is quilted, causing 4 inch sections to rise slightly.  It gives a bit of a ridged look under the sheets, but, when the bed is made, that doesn't show.  And since it seems to add to the comfort, I have not complaints.  The fabric cover is bamboo cotton...very silky soft.

Some people in the reviews I read about latex mattresses complained of a smell.  I detect no such offensive odor with this mattress.  Just smelled like new, clean fabric.  No chemical or "plastic-y" smell at all.

The reviews are very accurate on how heavy latex mattresses are.  I could hardly push the thing around on the floor, let alone move it or stand it up on my own.  Luckily, latex mattresses are usually "no-flip".  There is a suggestion that you turn the mattress a few times within the first 6 months.

Overall, this is a well-made mattress, made in the U.S. (Tacoma), out of healthy, biodegradable materials (soy-based foam, natural latex, wool, and bamboo), for a reasonable cost (comparatively speaking - $1599).  I give it 5 stars.  And since I can't, for the life of me, find a picture of it or even any mention of it on the internet...I will simply list the phone number of the company.  That's how my local furniture company found this for me.  They knew the company made a mattress like the one I was looking for, so they called, acquired the specs, ordered...and voila!  I'm not sure why they haven't added this mattress to their website (especially since it's been around for a little while and is being replaced by a newer, similar model).  Seems to me it would behoove them to add it and make it more widely known.  I think a lot of people are in the market for this type of mattress.

Federal Way
(253) 838-1711

3025 Pioneer Way East
Tacoma
(253) 922-1400

Guess all those hours on the internet were worth it after all:  *smile* and *contented sigh*.

A new organic sleep system!

Alrighty then...the orders have been made, the financing has been completed...and I'm ALMOST done hyperventilating over the cost.  Here's what it finally came down to, after hours upon hours of research.

Mattress -
Choice #3 - Pure Latex Bliss (model: Pamper) - found for $2500 in Silverdale - $1400 online at The Healthy Back Store - very good reviews on this one
Choice #2 - Sealy Embody (model: Insightful) - found locally for $1450 on sale
Choice #1 - Emerald (model: Tierra/Earth) - found locally for $1599

Why did I choose #1?  It came down to this - the Emerald mattress, though lesser known and much harder (if not impossible) to find information on, is from a local manufacturer (Tacoma).  This company has been in the mattress making business for around 40 years.  I liked that the salesman explained his reasoning for stocking only Emerald and one other brand was that they both came from WA and the factories were close enough he could drive over and walk through them to see exactly what was going into the mattresses.  Of course, I'm not naive...I realize salesmen have their sales pitch.  I also liked that this mattress had all the specs I was looking for (100% natural latex, organic wool top layer, soy-based foam beneath, organic bamboo cover) and it wasn't $4000 like most other mattresses with these qualifications.  I like the organic part of the whole thing, and the wool topper - for it's natural anti-microbial properties and it's ability to breathe and, ironically, stay cool.  I also appreciate the absence of polyester or polyurethane foam.  This was pretty much the least toxic, most natural mattress I could afford.  The store didn't have the mattress on hand, so they are ordering - with the written promise that if I don't like the product, I will be given a full refund.  At that point, I'll move on to Choice #2.  But, if I keep it, I'll be writing a full review...as I can't find one anywhere on the web.

Pillows -  $66 for two king
I looked at wool, Kapok, organic cotton, latex, and silk.  Organic cotton was the first to be ruled out, because so many people complain about them flattening out too quickly or losing their shape.  Kapok is similar, but garners better reviews.  Those are the cheapest options.  I was initially then deciding on latex (shredded for pliability and flexibility), but the reviews were all over the place.  So then it was on to wool, but my wallet started to quiver in fear.  I got lucky and found a great deal on a set of Smartsilk pillows on Amazon.  The Smartsilk brand gets great reviews.  I hadn't really though of silk, but like like wool, this particular material is naturally anti-microbial and recommended for people with allergies and asthma.  I do think these are made in China but Smartsilk is a Montreal-based company.

Mattress and Pillow protection -  $169
To protect our investment, I've ordered waterproof mattress and pillow protectors.  I didn't want anything vinyl or plastic or anything that remotely looked like a crib protector.  This is more to protect the mattress from sweat and skin and to keep dust mites from setting up shop (the wool in the mattress will help that, too).  I looked at four particular brands that received great reviews and that fit my budget.  Luna, Dusk 2 Dawn, Gotcha Covered Organic, and Magnolia Organic (listed from least to most expensive).  While the Luna earns shining reviews and is U.S. made, it is not organic.  Dusk 2 Dawn is about 20-30$ more expensive and is made of organic cotton and a "breathable membrane" of some fancy concoction that isn't really explained on the website.  Magnolia Organic has a mattress barrier cover in thick organic cotton ($139 on Amazon, but only $89 on their website), but the matching pillow protectors were unavailable in king (if you don't need king size, I'd go with this one because it's 100% cotton but thick enough to fend off icky critters and protect your mattress from normal use).  It was my first choice, but I ended up going with the Gotcha Covered Organic and matching pillow protectors because they are made in the U.S. and contain recycled, non-toxic poly material on one side as a barrier and 100% organic cotton on the other.  I got an acceptable deal online at Living in Comfort.

Bedding - $125
I went with Magnolia Organics for the sheets and blanket (very good prices on Amazon - comparable to much lesser quality goods).  Not made in U.S., as far as I can tell...but impressive fair trade agreement and apparently good company ethics.  Also, they receive consistent 4 and 5 star ratings across the web.  Luckily, my homemade quilt will still fit and I already have matching shams for that...so I didn't have to incur the added expense of a bedspread or comforter - and my curtains already match that, so I'm set there, too.

So....mattress and bedding for under $2000 and every last bit of it is ecologically responsible.  In all reality...all that research saved me hundreds...if not thousands.  Though, if I'm honest, there's no way I would have spent an outrageous 3 or 4 thousand on a mattress, no matter how wonderful it was.  I just don't have that kind of cash to spread around.  So, this was the absolute best I could do at getting exactly what I wanted on a budget.  Could this have been done cheaper?  Possibly, but quality would have suffered and I would not have been as happy with my choice.

I must say I am damn glad to be done with it.  After having stopped the sale of my first mattress purchase (took me roughly an hour to change my mind and go back to the store and say no) and taking back pillows and bedding to Kohl's (all Pakistan- and India-made and not much cheaper than what I ended up getting),  I'm exhausted, mentally and physically.

I hope you can benefit from all the time and energy I put into making these decisions.  There are a lot of eco-conscious and health-conscious choices available out there.  For example, I loved the wool bedding (Natura and Shepherd's Dream have a lot of great stuff), but it's very, very expensive.  And I saw dozens of mattresses in the $2500-4000 range.  The Smartsilk company also sells bedding packages, but they were all in the $400-$800 range.So, as you can see, my choices were made with more than just environment and health in mind.  Compromises had to be made, but as with all of my major consumer purchases, I weigh the factors.  I make a list of dream qualities for a given product and then I try to meet as many of them as possible.  That's what I hope I've done here.

Now, it's time to sleep on my crummy old mattress.  I'm up way too late, and tomorrow is my last day of Spring Break.  Time to relax.  Finally.

Eco-friendly mattresses (locally procured)

Well, it's that time...the old mattress is now 12 yrs. old and causing bodily harm - time to kick it to the curb.  But, my oh my, does it lead to some intense research.

So, here's what I've set out looking for (keep in mind, when I begin my research on anything, I shoot for the moon - what would my dream _____ look like? and then I end up moving further and further down my list of exceptions and desires until I can afford a compromise item):

- comfort (which is hard to agree on when two bodies are deciding)
- price (ummm....I really don't want to spend more than 6-800$ - but I'm aware these things cost an arm and a leg)
- eco-friendly construction
- made in the USA

(Here's a great blog post on choosing a natural/organic mattress.)

Alright - let the research begin.  Apparently, what I'm looking for in an eco-friendly mattress is:

- a wood frame that is Forest Stewardship Council certified
- natural latex (I have a latex sensitivity...so I will have to look that one up - here's a forum on the topic from Green Living) or soybean foam core
- no synthetic foam core, like polyurethane (it contains PBDEs - linked to breast cancer - and even though companies claim it is a recyclable product, it contains chemicals that can cause asthma and, overtime, can let off chemicals into the air) - instead choose naturally fire-retardant wool
- organic cotton or hemp cover (hemp provides mildew/mold resistance, as does wool)
- bamboo is naturally anti-microbial (but usually only found in mattress pads and other bedding, though some companies use it in mattress construction)
- avoid coil mattresses because they harbor dust mites more readily (which is the source of most allergies)

Now, how much is all this going to cost?  And can I get it where I live?

Well...we live in a small town - or in the middle of a succession of small towns - so our options are limited (which also raises the price).  We have a few furniture stores (one is going out of business, so I'll give that a shot), Bargain Warehouse (which I'm not feeling confident will have eco-friendly options), and Sleep Country. I did a bit of preliminary research on Sleep Country and found this company statement about their new line (3 years old now...so maybe there are a few other options by now) of Nature's Rest organic mattresses (bonus:  Made in the USA).  I'll see if our local store has such a thing.  From the little I've found on the web...these seem to be quite spendy (in the thousands).  A few other brands I have found are:  Essentia (natural memory foam), Keetsa, Dormia, and Cozypure.  Simmons also has a line called Natural Care (though I am always aware of greenwashing and really wonder what the ingredients truly are).  Some people recommend a traditional Japanese futon (placed on a slatted platform bed).  I'm all about the platform bed and only having one mattress (to avoid the box spring and the squeaking that eventually begins over time as the joints and coils break down).

There is also always IKEA.  Quite a drive for us, but possibly worth it if I can't find anything more local.  I will admit that I'm pretty sure IKEA's prices can't be beat for the product.  Plus I love their 90 money-back guarantee for mattresses.

I also found an all wool mattress for about a grand at The Organic Mattress Store - they take special care, though, so it takes some thought before purchase.

In my internet travels, here a few complaints I dug up on natural and organic mattresses:

- the strong odor of latex and soybean (especially) foam mattresses (which I can attest to, as I have a natural latex yoga mat - even though I have a latex sensitivity)
- wool, since it is an animal product, must be cleaned at least once a year
- the latex foam mattresses seem to have some issues with sagging and denting
- cost!! (As we all know, if it says natural, organic, or eco-friendly, it's going to cost a lot more - which is really quite absurd.)

For some organic mattress reviews, check out this site.

Anyone have any suggestions?  I would rather purchase locally so the tax dollars stay nearby.  Plus, I don't want to pay a whole wad of extra cash on shipping.

Acure Organics

Oddly enough, I found this company via the sidebar Facebook Ads...which I almost always ignore (because it creeps me out that they know so much about me and cater their ads to my keywords).

But, giving in to the internet ADD...I followed...and I read...and I ordered.

What grabbed me? Family-owned and operated, fair trade/natural/certified organic ingredients, free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colors.

“I founded Acure Organics as a way to honor my grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. I wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. We are proud to donate to Bright Pink and to help provide free mammograms to at risk women.”
—Kristy Guerra

Here is a clip from their mission:

ACURE FOR THE PLANET
We have a sustainable company culture that impacts every decision we make.

Green packaging
Green products
Social Consciousness
Triple Bottom Line

ACURE FOR A CURE
Each facial care product provides a donation to help fight breast cancer. Each day, women are bombarded by harmful chemicals in cosmetic products. Some of these, such as parabens (one of the most widely used preservatives in conventional personal care products), have been directly linked to breast cancer. Acure Organics wants to help eliminate people's exposure to toxic chemicals in cosmetics and help educate them on the benefits of food-grade,
organic ingredients.

Now I get marketing...and I understand "greenwashing". A quote like this one (which is fabulous if it's true), "People and Planet are just as important as Profit," can pull at heartstrings. So it is important to continue investigating the whole company...and the ingredients...

But, they checked out...on all fronts. They really are just a good company with a good product made from good things for a good reason.

Their website if very up front about their mission, ingredients, philosophy, and products.

I was disappointed to only see normal/dry and normal/oily skin care options. Seems we combo girls just can't get a fair shake. I will say that on several other purchase-sites carrying the Acure products, they do list the products I bought as "combination". So, we'll see.

I ordered the normal/oily products...so I will post a review as soon as I can.

There is a good deal at drugstore.com...since they offer free shipping.
And Spirit Beauty Lounge (organic beauty) offers the products as a set for one price. Not a terrible deal...but they do have shipping charges for order under $100. Since they are a small company dealing with other small companies...I can hardly blame them for not sucking up the shipping charges (which are terrible these days).

Acure Organics website

Spirit Beauty Lounge website

Terra Firma Review

Alrighty then, the results are in.

The OILY SKIN kit: I tried this one first, since I have combo skin, but the company only offers specified products for "oily" and "dry/mature". Figured it was easier to moisturize than to deal with a breakout. For the first few days, I was highly pleased. The products smell amazing and natural.

Boot Camp Pore Cleansing Gel - smells very minty (or is that eucalyptus?) and leaves skin with a pleasant cooling sensation (which certainly feels clean. Wasn't a greasy or thick product...but was a very bright orange that messed up the sink. Does contain salicylic acid and guar gum (for anyone with an allergy/sensitivity).

Derma Toner (combo/oily skin) - a strange milky substance that separates when not in use. Must be shaken before use. Contains some sort of clay...and I felt like it coated my skin. It did do what it claimed...kept the oil under control. But, I'm afraid it went too far.

Shine Free Oil Control Lotion - by far, my favorite of the products I used. It is light and smells great. The only problem is it didn't moisturize well enough to make up for the dryness left by the other two products.

I tried these products in several combinations. I left out the toner to see if that helped...which it did, I think.

Overall verdict: If you have truly distressed skin...oily without any dryness - these would be an excellent fit. Combination girls...this isn't for us.

I also tried the following products one or two times without success:

Mineral Skin Renewal Mist: What exactly does it do? From what I could tell, it just got my skin wet...it didn't moisturize or clean, so what is the point?

L'Orange Cleanser: Smelled wonderful - similar to the Boot Camp Cleanser - but left my skin feeling greasy and as if I hadn't gotten all of the soap off.

Nutriskin Moisture Complex lotion: Also left my skin feeling greasy.

So, there you have it. While I am impressed with their company and their ingredients. The products just didn't do it for me. I think they would be better suited to a teenager with problem skin or an older woman with very dry, moisture- hungry skin.

Terra Firma (Raymond, WA)

Oh happy day! I have found a local company that looks like it has some major potential. Terra Firma is located in Raymond, WA, but they have several retail locations in Washington state.

But, let's back up a bit. I have been using Safeway's In Kind brand facial care products for almost a year now. They're good. I have no major complaints with their performance. The sensitive facial cleanser dries me out just a bit, but it smells good, and the moisturizer takes care of any dryness I feel. The only real complaint I have is that I can't seem to track down their toner. Now, I know not everyone buys into the toner thing. But, I like it...and I have this weird thing about having all of my facial care items be the same brand (believe me, it's not my only oddity).

Anyhow, I decided to begin the hunt for a skin care system that was more local, organic, and still affordable. And...drum roll, please...it does seem that I may have found one.

I went ahead and ordered two sample kits, just to try out some of their products. I'll let you know how it goes. Could be a complete disappointment, but it's certainly worth a try.

They also offer cosmetics, hair care, and body care products. Their mineral cosmetics are actually less expensive than the Alima Pure (Oregon) minerals I have used for over a year. So, I may actually try them. It'd be cool if I could get all of my beauty needs in state!

Here's are some highlights from their website:

Meri and Dori believe that from an ethical standpoint, it is their responsibility to provide safe and healthy products to their customers. They believe that it is possible to provide effective beauty care with pure and natural ingredients. Their ongoing positive relationship with their customers and the trust that has been established is what makes their business a successful and personally rewarding one.

Their commitment to the ethical compact they've signed with SAFECOSMETICS to provide beauty care products free of potentially harmful ingredients is reflected in
their formulations.
No Parabens
No Petroleums
No SLS
No Silicone
No Synthetic Colorants
No Gluten
No Bismuth Oxychloride
No Synthetic Fragrance
NO Animal Testing! Ever!

LEAP Organics

Coolest packaging ever!!!
LEAP Organics

This looks to be one very cool company with several very cool products. Cambridge-based company. Cruelty free. Sustainable.

Traditional Medicinals

Traditional Medicinals offers a nice array of herbal teas for all kinds of basic ailments. They even have a line made specifically for kids!

The lavender chamomile (with a spoonful of honey) is my favorite. It calms the nerves, eases tension, and the honey is great if you have a cold. Puts me right to sleep.

They are a great company, too. Their products are organic and Fair Trade certified.

There's an app for that...

So, now that I've had my new phone for awhile, I have finally gotten to the point where survival has moved to learning and right on into playing. My favorite new apps:

Cozi

This app allows you to calendar your life and your family's. It color codes each member, allows you to enter multiple appointments, and shows calendar and agenda mode. It also includes a shopping list (you can have as many as you want), and a To Do list (you can create one for each member of the family). The extra special part? You can sync it to your computer, your loved ones' phones (oh, honey...here's your "to do" list...and can you take a glance at the shopping list and pick up a few things on the way home). I'm sure my husband will be totally on board.

My Fitness Pal

This app is soooooo easy to use and quite motivating. It basically tracks your daily nutrition and calories. The food database is amazing! This app is basically a running record of what you have eaten (and the nutritional content of it all), how much you have exercised, how much water you have consumed, and how many calories still available for you to meet your goals. It's a nutrition and health diary that does all the hard work for you. Very handy.

My Tracks

If you are a runner or a long distance walker...this is a great app. It tracks you (yes, Big Brother IS watching you), and lets you know how far you have gone, your elevation changes, and your time.

And BTW, now that summer is on the way (at least I think it is...what with all this rain and cold and dreariness), I'll finally have more time to write! Yay!

GRRRRR....cell phones!

Some time back, I wrote a post on cell phone radiation levels. I researched and researched to find the most "beefed up" smart phone that had a great camera, could quickly and easily browse the internet, and had the lowest radiation level. I found that Samsung and LG consistently met all of my criteria and earned high consumer reviews. In fact, the Samsung Fascinate and Continuum phones outperformed, according to several review sites, the Motorola Droid phones. I thought I had it all figured out.

But, alas, I am at the mercy of red tape. Or more specifically the red tape of "Big Red" (Verizon). Apparently, the Fascinate and Continuum (Verizon's "Samsung Galaxy-S line" phones) are the only Verizon smartphones left with the Froyo 2.1 Android operating system. And...to make things worse, the company has been promising an upgrade to 2.2 for nearly a year. They're on the verge of a class-action lawsuit for selling a product to customers with the promise of a quick upgrade that never happened, and may NEVER happen. GRRRR. I even called Verizon today to get the real scoop. They pretty much confirmed my research.

Mr. D. just ordered the Droid X (which currently seems to be the best competition for the Fascinate). The Droid X sports an 8.0 mp camera, which is better than the Fascinate's 5.0 mp camera (though many reviews stated that the Fascinate still produces better pictures). The Droid X also has the 2.2 OS, more internal memory, and a better battery life. The Fascinate is reportedly faster but, according to consumer reviews, tends to freeze or seize up often.

I suppose every tech device has its bugs, but I'm pretty disappointed with the OS debaucle. It basically puts me in a position of choosing a higher radiation phone and puchasing a "hands-free" device to reduce my exposure.

I know, I know...a cell phone may not be all that important in the grand scheme of things, and there probably isn't a real necessity for me to have a smart phone. But, I like them.

This time, my sensible side is winning out against my principles. I'm not willing to spend $$$$ on a phone (Samsung Fascinate) that may or may not be able to perform up to its ability (3G/WiFi Hotspot/Froyo 2.2 or higher) because of an argument between companies (Verizon/Samsung/Google). It's especially frustrating that the same phone has the OS upgrade everywhere else but the U.S., and that all the other Samsung models under other carriers have it. I'm not switching carriers (Verizon gets the best coverage in my area, provides the "friends & family" network that means free long-distance for me no matter how long I talk, and I've never had any problems with their service). Even though the decision may be made in the next few months, leading to the upgrade to 2.2, or even higher, it's a risk I'm not willing to take.

Grrr...is all I have to say. At least the Droid X is cheaper...so I can spend that extra $ to buy it a case and make it hands-free.

Interested in researching different phones or different carriers? Check out Mobiledia's Cell Risk Site. Great comparison tools and reviews.

And the winner is...

Got a reply from Yoga Rat...their mats are made in Taiwan. Boo. And they were a little snitty about it. The comment was something like, "Our mats are made in Taiwan, as that is where all the best eco-friendly mats are made. We don't divulge information about the specific factories." ALL the best? Hmmm....

So...I learned a few things about the best places of origin. Seems the pyramid goes something like this: China on the bottom, U.S. and Taiwan next....Germany, and Europe in general, on the top (since, apparently this is where the mat originated in the '70s - go figure).

Ta Da! Manduko's mats are German-made. Their "Black Mat Pro" seems to be the yoga industry standard...the go-to mat, considered to be the best in the world (by several review sites). They last "forever", so even though they are not biodegradable, they are sustainable b/c you will never need another mat in your life. And they are made in an environmentally friendly way (no toxins, etc.).

A great article on choosing the perfect mat...says that Manduko takes the cake in this market, and has for years. Their product life is 5-50 years (way more than any other company's product). The eco mats break down faster, so the thinner the mat, the quicker it will wear out.

Jade Yoga and Manduka consistently came up as the companies with the highest green standards. You can buy directly from their sites or from gogreenyogamats.com.

So there you have it...Manduka wins.

Can I just say...thank god I'm done with that? It did cost a bit more than I had originally intended, but, I figure if it will be a product I can use for years and years, it's worth spending $70 one time instead of $20 five times (better for the planet, too). Amazon has a deal on an eko mat + mat sak for $103.00. With shipping, it's just about the same price as buying direct, as Manduka is offering free shipping on orders over $100.

Phew. Time for a glass of wine.

The quest....continued

So, let's back up a bit. My last post just jumped right in to the search, but didn't at all go into how I got there.

I've been doing yoga in my living room, which has a hard floor with an area rug. I work on the rug, which is about the thickness of a yoga mat, but because it is carpet, it does nothing to hold me in place. So I slip around quite a bit in certain positions. I figured getting a sticky mat might be a good idea. So, I headed off to the sporting goods store for an inexpensive mat without any thought as to the materials of the mat. When I walked into the store, I found 3 options on the shelf: a basic mat (around $20), a thicker mat (around $24) and one that said "environmentally friendly" (about $40).

Suddenly, I was in a quandary. I hadn't even considered the impact of the mat on the world around me. Needless to say, I left the store empty-handed and came right home to research, figuring I could find the perfect mat in one sitting. Now, 2 weeks later, I'm still working at it. I had no idea there were so many options or that they could be so expensive.

The companies that produce these mats are all so very different, as are their products. When I started out on Gaiam's site (with their pretty patterns and low prices), I thought the search would be easy. But then the materials came into question (TPE, rubber, PVC, Clean PVC...). It took me several hours to learn what these materials were and why they were good or bad.

But then I remembered my "Made in the US" preference and started to look in the places of manufacture on my top choices. Who knew this could get so complicated. Or that I would come to the end of my search so annoyed? Why is it so hard to find out the answers to these simple questions?

Some of the companies responded to my emails, others have not (G2 Lifestyles never got back to me).

I did receive an email from Hugger Mugger:

Dear Melissa,

Our Earth Elements Mat are made in Asia, it is PVC and latex free. All of our mats with the work “Tapas” in the name are made USA.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Tabitha Zamora
Hugger Mugger Receptionist
1-800-473-4888 Ext 130
tabitha@huggermugger.com

Darn. (And still...no specifics...just "Asia"...growl...)

So, the search continues as I wait to hear back from a few of the other companies that I have emailed...

including a few more companies that impressed me: Yoga Rat, Manduka, and Karma Mantra.

I must say, after visiting Manduka, their site and their products are the most impressive of the whole lot. I have emailed them to inquire about the place of manufacture...but another site lists China as their product's "place of origin" (grrr...). I really like their Eko mat. Seems to be getting good reviews...and it is 99% latex free. If you are in the market for a mat, you should definitely check this product out. It's a little more expensive, but I guarantee if it is made in the US or Canada, this will be the mat I purchase.

My second favorite site/product: Natural Fitness (products made in the US and China - also non-specific...didn't say which products were made in the US).

Manduka and Natural Fitness not only had well-made products with good customer reviews, they seem to have great philosophies and missions. So, even though their products are made outside of the U.S. they may still be the winners in my search.

The only products that was made in the U.S. were the Hugger Mugger Tapas mats (which contain PVC, so they are a "no") and the Jade Mats (which are no good for latex sensitivity, so they are also a "no").

Guess I'm at least getting closer.

And I'm also coming to the end of another yoga-related search - a poster showing all of the positions, so I can simply place it on the wall as a reference without watching a video or looking in a book. My favorite choices so far:

"...a flow-chart of 67 important asanas. The sequences are well-composed and make a great guide for a thorough yoga practice. Did I mention that the people are adorable? Printed in the USA on recycled paper and using plant-based ink, this poster offers many things to feel good about."

And...

This is a two-sided chart that can be placed on the floor by your mat for easy reference.

At least for we beginners...the charts are nice, because once you know exactly how to do each position, all you really need is a quick reference until you memorize the sequences you prefer.

Anyhow...I am off to slip around on the carpet - Namaste.

The quest for the perfect yoga mat

Ahhh...yoga. A practice of relaxation, strength-building, toning, and centering the mind and spirit.

That is, until you begin searching for the perfect yoga mat. Enter stress, confusion, and aggravation. AHHHHHHHHHH!

I don't feel like I'm asking for too much: non-toxic, environmentally-friendly, well-made (preferably in the US), and affordable. But, apparently, I am. It seems that I can get two of the four, or three of the four, but never ALL four.

So, after days and days of agonizing over the research, contacting companies, and comparison shopping, here's what I found:

G2 Lifestyles
G2 Lifestyles makes a pretty cool product…mats that are actually printed with the most common yoga poses. I contacted the company to find out about their manufacturer, but they never got back to me (grrrr…). They offer an eco-friendly, affordable option. Apparently, though, they have mislabeled a few poses on the mat.

Ecomatyoga.com
Kind of a cool idea…but expensive (around $85). Also cool, they take back the product when you are ready to recycle it. Couldn’t figure out where the products are manufactured.

Natural Fitness
Natural Fitness offers a selection of natural rubber mats and other eco-friendly options. Good prices, good philosophy (I think they also plant a tree with every purchase). Their FAQ section divulges that they manufacture in the USA and China.

Rawganique
A nice product, but I really am looking for a sticky mat (I need the support) and a softer, squishier mat for balance and impact.

Gaiam
Gaiam had the most consumer-friendly website…a nice comparison chart. They had several eco-friendly options, including a natural rubber mat with a non-latex surface; but when I inquired as to the place of manufacture…I am sad to report that the answer is Taiwan. I will say that after all my hours of research, this still may be the best bet, as they fulfill all of my other criteria (eco-friendly, biodegradable, good customer reviews, affordable).

Jade Yoga
Jade Yoga has a complete line of Made-in-the-USA yoga mats and accessories. They also plant a tree with each yoga mat purchase (nice). However, their sustainable and earth-friendly mats are made of natural rubber (not good for those of us with latex sensitivity). And, from what I can garner from on-line reviews, the rubber gives off an unpleasant odor. Some reviewers claim that it dissipates, while other swear it never goes away. And…they are expensive…$50 to over $100.

Hugger Mugger
Hugger Mugger’s Original Tapas yoga mat is made in the USA, but it is also PVC. I couldn’t find out if any of their other mats (namely the Earth Elements mat) were US-made. The Earth Elements mat is non-toxic and bio-degradable…also latex-free and affordable ($30-$40). In fact, if it is made in the US it may well be the perfect mat. They also, like Gaiam, have a nice comparison grid.

So, the verdict? I still haven't decided. And I'm still waiting to hear back from a few of the companies. Right now, the top contenders are Hugger Mugger, Gaiam, and Natural Fitness. All three can offer most of what I seek (affordable, well-made with good consumer reviews, ethics, eco-friendly, non-toxic). Gaiam products are made in Taiwan. Natural Fitness' products are made in either the US or China (I've inquired specifically about the mat I want). And I'm still waiting to hear from Hugger Mugger about their product's manufacturing, as well.

Hopefully, I'll be able to make a purchase this weekend.

I hate research.

(image found at aideedouglas.com)

Lower Radiation Cell Phones

So, I'm in the market for a new cell phone soon...mostly because my current phone (a Blackberry) doesn't do what I bought it for very well anymore. It isn't reliable, and it kind of wigs out on a regular basis. I was all excited for the new Verizon Droid. But...my internet ADD led me down the path...so, as usual, I'm doing research. And here's what I have found so far (any extra input would be welcome).

I personally have no idea if radiation can or does cause any health problems; but I say why take the chance when there are affordable and acceptable alternatives? Silly.

Want a "healthier" phone?

Check out CNET's list (it updates continually)

And read what the Environmental Working Group has to say about it...including their top picks for lower radiation models (they also offer a free service to look up the radiation level on your current phone).

The 10 Smart Phones with the highest radiation:

1. T-Mobile MyTouch 3G (1.55 W/kg)
2. Blackberry Curve 8330 (1.54 W/kg)
3. Palm Treo 600 (1.53 W/kg)
4. T-Mobile Shadow (1.53 W/kg)
5. Palm Treo 650 (1.51 W/kg)
6. Blackberry Curve 8300 (1.51 W/kg)
7. Blackberry Bold 9000 (1.51 W/kg)
8. Sony Ericsson P910a (1.50 W/kg)
9. HTC SMT 5800 (1.49 W/kg)
10. BlackBerry Pearl 8120/8130 (1.48 W/kg)

Good to know that I may have inadvertantly been harvesting a pearly pink tumor in my ear all this time I've been talking on my pearly pink Blackberry.

Top 5 Lowest-Radiation Smart Phones:

--LG Quantum

--Samsung Fascinate

--Samsung Mezmerize

--Samsung Captivate

--Samsung Continuum

Also...found a great site (Mobiledia) for side-by-side comparison of pretty much every cell phone from every carrier available. It will line up all the specs, do a search by your qualifications, and list the radiation level for every phone. Top brands seem to be LG and Samsung, overwhelmingly.

View their list of highest and lowest radiation phones.

So much for the $179 "newest, latest thing". Guess I'll be going with FREE and better for me.

Toothpaste showdown

In this corner...Burt's Bees Natural Whitening Toothpaste w/Fluoride, Peppermint.
In the other corner...Tom's Whole Care toothpaste w/Fluoride, Wintermint.

As far as ingredients go, these two are pretty similar.

As far as price...Tom's takes the cake (around $2 cheaper than the Burt's for 1.2 more ounces).

Buuuuuuuut....when it comes to the "brushing experience", the Burt's is the clear winner. It is a thicker paste, so you need less of it, and it seems to "stick to the teeth" better for a better clean overall. Tom's is thinner and produces a lot of foam. Also, Burt's just tastes better.

Sooooo...for this family will be sticking with the bee. (The kiddo uses the non-fluoride kids' version. Both the adult and the kid toothpastes include cranberry extract as the plaque-fighting agent.)

Favorites of 2010

So the year is almost coming to its close.

Last year at this time, I made the resolution to stay out of Wal-Mart. It evolved into a project much bigger than I had anticipated. And while we still have a ways to go before we reach our goals, we have made some leaps.

Over the course of the year, I've cut back, pared down, cleaned out, and learned new ways of doing things.

We stopped using paper towels, started composting, making our own bread, and hand-washing our dishes. We learned to avoid high-fructose-corn-syrup and used up most of our final supplies of store-bought cleaners.

So, here at the end of the year, I've created a list of my favorite products. I haven't found replacement products for everything in my house yet, but these are sure winners.



Giovanni. It's a winner! From their ingredients to their prices and even their scents, Giovanni hair products are fabulous. And they really work. Organic hairspray? That holds? And isn't sticky? Yes. It's true. Great shampoos, gels, frizz serums, root lifters...the whole hairstyling shebang!



Kiss My Face. I don't love all their products, but some have definitely become staples in our home: their shaving cream is fabulous (we both use it), and their Germs Aside hand soap smells great and cleans better.



Regardless of their parent company, Burt's Bees is still one of my favorites for great products. Their baby shampoo & wash is my favorite for the kiddo; I love the garden tomato toner (I tried several things this year and just couldn't find anything I liked better); their shimmer sticks and lip balms; their peppermint soap; their blemish stick. I don't love all of their products, mind you. But, they remain one of my go-to brands for many beauty products.

Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant. It took me all year to find it, but thank god I finally have. A natural deodorant that actually works!

Eco Tools - from the bamboo make-up brushes to the lotion, Eco Tools is an emerging brand. I don't love the smell of most of their stuff, but the body butter is great.



Alima Pure mineral make-up. One word: indispensable. And...it is almost local - Portland, Oregon. So it has Bare Esscentuals beat on that premise alone. Great colors, great service, and reasonable prices. Plus, they offer $1 samples so there's no reason to fear commitment. Love, love, love this company.



Ecos products. Found at Costco, priced right, simple ingredients. Good stuff.

And then, there are the cleaning staples...baking soda, natural soap, vinegar, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and lemon juice.

So, there you have it. A few favorites that stood the test of time this year.

Composting, reusable shopping and produce bags, buying local, cooking from scratch (most of the time), travel mugs, and canning. We've come a long way this year, but there are new hurdles to jump in the new year.

Some plans for the coming year: homemade pasta (just need the machine), homemade tortillas (I bought the press and I have the recipe, I just need to do it!), a green house, clothes lines and cloth snack bags.

I look forward to another year of baby steps. Another year of green getting greener. It's always a worthy challenge.

More holiday gift-giving ideas

I found a new site to share!! Visit the Mother Nature Network for some great tips on living green.

And...in the spirit of the month...a few new idea sites for holiday gift-giving:



The David Suzuki Foundation - eco-friendly holiday gifts!



And if you donate to EWG (the Environmental Working Group - the ones responsible for the safe cosmetics database in my link list), you can snag yourself a pretty awesome bag of gifts - suitable for sharing! If the gift bag/donation screen doesn't pop up automatically when you visit their site...it shouldn't be too hard to find once you are there.



Dave Ramsey - financial guru - also offers all of his books for $10 at this time of year. They're hard backs. Plus, he has some videos and kids materials for teaching fiscal responsibility to the kiddos. Good stuff - for cheap.

All Hail Hales Ales!

So we went shopping in Silverdale the other day...a periodic adventure to the "bigger city" to get the things we can't find here in town. Our plan was to hit TJ Maxx and Ross (love those deals), JCPenneys to pick up our family photos (Christmas gifts!), and Toys R Us to do our Santa shopping for the kiddo. Then, it was off to the mall to hit Barnes and Noble and World Market...and...Hales Ales Brew Pub (a local Seattle company). What a novel idea...a brew pub in a mall. I can't imagine that it isn't increasing business for the retailers.

It's a huge restaurant. When we got there at 5:30, it was fairly empty, but by the time we left, it was packed - a line of customers waiting to get in.

The review? It was good. The food was good (D. had the pot pie and I had a Reuben). The beer was, of course, good, too. I tested the Super Goose and the Aftermath Imperial IPA, finally settling on the the Super Goose because the Aftermath was a bit sweet for my taste. D. tried the Wee Heavy Winter Ale and the Cream Special Bitter, enjoying both.

The menu is a pretty traditional pub menu...lots of comfort foods and items that go well with beer (duh). A few highlights: Sweet Corn Cakes, Smoked Salmon Chowder, Rockfish and Chips, Troll Porter Meatloaf, Bangers and Mash, Alehouse Brisket Stroganoff, Smoked Brisket. Of course there are pizzas and sandwiches and burgers and stand-by appetizers like nachos and wings. Portions and prices were acceptable. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Top Sirloin Steak (10 oz. is $19.25). But most dinners range between $8 and $15.

The ale selection is nice...something for everyone - pale ales, IPAs, ambers, porters, seasonals, cream ales, and barleywine. You can get 5 oz. samples, 10 oz., 14 oz., 16 oz., and 20 oz. mugs.

What did I like best? Hales commitment as written on the menu. Here's a taste, in my own words. They use fresh, whole unprocessed ingredients, locally grown produce, dairy and fair-trade sustainable products when available and devise their menu to follow the season, so that ingredients can be bought from in-state and close to home. They have no deep fryers. Their jojo potatoes are baked, their fried chicken is pan-fried, and their fish and chips is grilled. It finishes with: "Mike and Kathleen's philosophy is simply to support your local community, make and serve the best product possible at a fair price and think about and participate in the world we all live in." Then they list the company's they purchase ingredients from: Liberty Bay Bakery, Essential Baking Company, Charlies Produce, Boar's Head Meat, Corfini Gourmet, Painted Hills Natural Beef, Grounds for Change Coffee, Cascioppo Brothers Meats, Darigold Dairy Products.

So, overall...they get my seal of approval. I'd definitely go back.

A lean, green, reading machine

Yah...so it's kind of a new obsession. If I were 10, I'd be writing a long letter to Santa, telling him how good I've been and that I only want ONE thing for Christmas (besides a tortilla press, a pasta maker, a new dishwasher, and a greenhouse) - and that is a Kindle.

Yes, yes, yes. Like most technology, I have been very slow to come to this. If it's new, I balk...I freak out, I turn my head in rejection and fear...and then I forget about it...for several years. And then something in the universe shifts, and I see the whole thing from a new angle, and it's like the geeky boy who gets contacts, loses his braces, and cleans up his acne - I'm smitten.

My new geek crush? A thin device that stores 1500 books, weighs 10.2 ounces, and gets nearly a month's run on one battery charge.



So let's talk briefly about why I was so against it in the first place, so you can understand my sudden lust. There is just something comforting about holding a book in your hand, the softness, the smell, the ability to flip a few pages ahead to see where the chapter ends, dog-earing pages, writing in the margins, highlighting, underlining, bookmarking, post-it noting...you name it - I live and breathe and use my books to death. I break the spines, and bend them back, and generally take advantage of them, but I LOVE them, and I hoard them.

In fact, I'm running out of room.

So, we come to the dilemma. No more shelves. Little room to add more without making our office look like a pack-rat lives here (I try to hide that in closets, drawers, cupboards, and the spare bedroom). AND, what am I going to do with them? Sure I look back at some of them, use them for reference, re-read on occasion. But, ultimately, they are just going to be given away at some point, when I'm gone, and my poor children have to have an estate sale, uncovering to the world my, and my husband's necessity to hang on to strange and unnecessary crap (i.e. old musicals on record, 200 childrens books, 3 different cat brushes, 6 bins of "rags", and a room full of things we "plan" to take to the thrift store). So, not only are we becoming a fire hazard, we are also an environmental nightmare.

Hence, my slow warm-up to the Kindle. Twitch...it will keep my bookshelves tidier. Cringe...it will be cheaper to buy books (lots are free, and even best sellers are nearly a third the cost of a "real" book). Swallow...it will be better for the environment.

Then came the spark - an acquaintance let me look at hers. Enh. It was sleek. Pretty. But hard and cold.

And the fire - she turned it on. Wow. It looked just like the page of a book. No glare...even the color of a book page. Hmmm.

And the blaze - it gives the reader the capability to dog-ear pages, highlight, write notes, underline, bookmark hundreds of pages, save notes, transfer them, categorize them...you name it. Imagine, an entire interactive library of all your favorite texts, annotated by you, stored and categorized by you, in a neat package you can carry in your purse. Awesome!

For $189, you can have...
Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle; no annual contracts, no monthly fees, and no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

Global Coverage: Enjoy 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries. See details. Check wireless coverage map.

Paper-Like Display: Reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight

Carry Your Library: Holds up to 1,500 books

Long Battery Life: Read for up to one week on a single charge with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for two to three weeks.

Social Networks: Share your passion for reading with friends and family by posting favorite passages to Twitter and Facebook directly from your Kindle

Built-In PDF Reader: Carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go. Now with Zoom capability to easily view small print and detailed tables or graphics

Read-to-Me: With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read content out loud to you, unless the rights holder made the feature unavailable

Large Selection: Over 630,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including 109 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs. For non-U.S. customers, content availability and pricing will vary. Check your country.

Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases from $9.99

Out-of-Copyright, Pre-1923 Books: Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle, including titles such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island. Learn more

Free Book Samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy

For the full run-down, accessories, libraries, etc. ... visit Amazon.