unconcious mutterings...

Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head.


I say ... and you think ... ?

Spit it out ::
Shadow ::
Database ::
Expression ::
Boss ::
Baby ::
Mystic ::
Kate ::
Boobies ::
Raid ::

unconscious mutterings

say what you think...

Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head

1. In love ::


2. Be my guest ::


3. Number one ::


4. Swallowed whole ::


5. 50 percent ::


6. Made in ::


7. Supplement ::


8. Right for ::


9. Endless ::


10. Ceramic ::

fair trade clothing

A few weeks back I did an article on the importance of organic clothing, I should have mentioned the importance
"fair trade" plays in the garment industry. Many of the organic lines coincide with free trade but i never really understood what it was or it's importance until I started researching for my own boutique.

Fair Trade guarantees a minimum price for producers so they can earn a decent, living wage and break the cycle of exploitation and poverty. It has been defined by the four Fair Trade Organizations as "a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers, especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."
~make trade fair

The four organizations involved are known by their initials as FINE:

Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) whose main responsibility is to collect data and ensure the audit of all Fairtrade-labelled products from the producer to the sales floor.

International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT) is a global network of Fair Trade organizations that work to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of the poor people in developing countries, and to change the unfair structures of international trade.

Network of European World shops (NEWS!) NEWS co-ordinates the co-operation between World Shops all over Western Europe.

and finally

European Fair Trade Association (EFTA) was established in 1987, and is an association of 12 Fair Trade importers in 9 European countries, they facilitate co-operation and co-ordination between their members in the areas of trading with suppliers in the south, advocacy and campaigns work, monitoring of fair trade and marketing fair trade products.

Now that I have covered the technicalities , I would love to tell you in plain speak why fair trade is important to all of us:

Fair price: farmers group receive a minimum price and an additional premium for certified organic products.


Fair labor conditions: workers enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited!


Direct trade: importers purchase from Fair Trade groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.


Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest revenues.


Community development: Fair Trade farmers and workers invest earnings in social and business development projects like scholarships, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.


Environmental sustainability: harmful chemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations

Check out the Fair Trade Association for some great information and check out Make Trade Fair and sign the petition that "represents the voices of millions of people around the world who are calling for decision makers to make trade fair."

Have a fabulous week!!!

bug off!!!!

Tis the season...uuuggghhhh! We have already begun being harassed by mosquitoes, ticks and ants to name a few, I love being outside with my family from dawn to dusk but how can we survive the pesky pests without poisoning ourselves?

Not only do synthetic repellents contaminate the earth, they cause harm to people, especially the delicate skin of babies and children. If repellents are killing bugs what are they doing to the person applying them? Which is worse though, chemicals leaching into my babies blood stream or the threat of west nile virus, lyme disease, or worse?

Check out these awesome ideas for some natural deterrents and even some things to avoid that will actually attract those buggers.

The number one most wanted offender...the MOSQUITO.

These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations then traditional DEET. Try making your own natural mosquito repellant with essential oils. Simply put a few drops of any of the following essential oils in a handful of the carrier oil (mosquitoes are obsessive about keeping their wings grease-free) and spread it on you. Some oils, like tea tree oil, olive oil, almond or jojoba can be applied straight on to your skin. NEVER use STRAIGHT essential oils on your skin.

Citronella Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Cinnamon Oil
Castor Oil
Rosemary Oil
Lemongrass Oil
Cedar Oil
Peppermint Oil
Clove Oil
Geranium Oil
Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

If you already have mosquito bites, try a little tea tree oil directly on the bites. It is a great remedy.

Also try these ideas for while outdoors:

Stay in the breeze. Mosquitoes can fly only eight m.p.h., so it doesn't take much to waft them away and
the more we sweat, breathe and agitate, the more Mosquitoes we will attract and from a farther distance.

Choose a high sunny location. Mosquitoes dehydrates easily.

Wear long, loose-fitting clothing. White masks your silhouette in the open, blue and red are the
worst; mosquitoes mistake it for flowering plants from which they draw food.

STAY AWAY FROM...

Dark Clothing- Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and
foliage are initial attractants

Carbon Dioxide- You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A
burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

Floral or Fruity Fragrances

Moisture





The number two offender...the TICK.

There really is not as much offered for tick repellents, however some great ideas for tick control and tick bite prevention are:

Tuck in your socks to keep those stinky critters from crawling up and hiding, also put on some light colored clothing, the light clothing again masks you.

Mowing your lawn will help get rid of ticks, ticks prefer to stay stealth in high, thick grass so they can hijack a ride on unsuspecting traffic.

Palmerosa as well as Rose Geranium oils can be applied to your dog's collar or combined with a moisturizing lotion like cocoa butter or aloe, and applied to your skin as well to help prevent tick infestations.

Most UN-wanted criminal number three is the ANT.

Try these simple, homemade remedies to keep ants at bay, but remember to keep them away from kids. Although these deterrents are natural some are not for human consumption.

Keep ants from crawling up a picnic table by standing each leg in a small pan of water.

To kill ants, use a paste of equal parts of borax and confectioner sugar.

Leave a few tea bags of mint tea near areas where the ants seem most active. Dry, crushed mint leaves, mint essential oils or cloves also work as ant deterrents.


HOT TIP...

Use banana peels to repel fleas.

Check out some great planting ideas for around your home and yard to keep bugs at bay.

Basil - plant close to the house and it will repel mosquitoes.
Lavender - plant around the house to repel flies and mosquitoes.
Castor Bean Plant - plant in pots within the house; replant outdoors to repel mozzies.
Scented Geraniums - plant in pots and the garden to repel mosquitoes
Citrosa Plants - plant in pots and the garden to repel mosquitoes
Lemon Thyme - plant in pots to repel mosquitoes
Citronella Grass - plant in pots to repel mosquitoes
Common Marigold - plant in pots and the garden to repel mosquitoes
Thai Lemon Grass - (Cymbopogon citratus) is an effective mosquito repellent.
Rosemary - powdered Rosemary leaves are used as a flea and tick repellent
Chamomile - repels mosquitoes
Citriodora - repels mosquitoes

But the BEST tip to repel troublesome insects and even the pesky husband...FRESH GARLIC!!! This miracle spice comes up with every bit of research I do for deterrents so chomp away.

Good luck and enjoy the great outdoors in a FABULOUS, healthy way!!!