Monday, November 16, 2009

Organic and "Green" shopping

Going Green is more than just a passing fad-for many-it's becoming a way of life. The shades of green among us may vary-but I have a feeling this healthy and responsible movement is here to stay. While with anything-there are skeptics who say that there really is little benefit to green practices-do your own research and you will see that even just the smallest changes in what we choose to consume and use can in fact make a lasting difference to our own personal health and the environment around us. Really-would you open a bottle of pesticides and add it to your fruit salad? Probably not. Would you stockpile garbage in your yard (compost aside LOL)? Not likely.

Unfortunately-I think many people think it's all green or nothing-and it really doesn't have to be that way. If we incorporate even a little of the green ideas out there-we are doing ourselves and the world a good service. Just the smallest steps can make a huge difference-especially when combined with your neighbor's small step, your friend's small steps, and so on. From my own personal experience, I certainly see the difference in how much better I feel after going from a diet loaded with processed foods to a more organic and natural based diet-in moderation of course-I'm not giving up cookies-no way-no how! I also do feel a sense of purpose when I choose to recycle or support something towards a cleaner and safer environment.

The biggest issue I hear from those who do want to use organic and green products/services is the cost. Now while it may be argued that paying more money for organic food will actually save you money on future medical expenses in the long run or that buying green products will help keep communities stronger-they're still not strong enough arguments in these tough economic times to make many switch from the regular buying choices they are used to. What I've set out to do was try to find organic and green products that are both easily accessible and affordable at the same time.

Organic Style has a nice selection of flowers, gourmet gifts, baby gifts, and other good gift-giving ideas that are all organic. They also have items that when purchased allow a percentage to be donated to various organizations-click on the link below for more info regarding their charity bouquets. Click on the sale tab for discounted items. There are no specific coupon codes to use at present-but browse throughout the site and find many items on sale. Also be sure to look at their gorgeous roses that are available in a variety of lengths--their most unique and most popular item is the 6 foot rose bouquet. Imagine getting one of those!!

Wow 5% Exclusive Coupon for Organic Bouquet


Not sure what to get the people on your gift list who have everything?? Skip that boring sweater and get them a tree planted in their honor. A new baby-a marriage-an anniversary--any occasion is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care about them and their environment. Click on the site for details and info on free shipping.



For those of you who are interested in Bonsai plants, here is a great site for you.
Make sure to click on the link for free shipping.

Free Shipping


Here is a great site that offers all the Eco-friendly tools you need to get organized Be sure to click on the link and to also use the coupon codes when applicable.
7% OFF $35 or more purchase (Coupon: A9849)
$5 Off $75 Purchase at Organize.com (Coupon: a5129)

Organize.com

While I do have several recycled papers to choose from on my site http://www.mvsimpressions.ccceasy.com, the following site has an even bigger selection of environmentally friendly cards and invites-plus they offer an interesting low cost mailing service.
PaperCulture.com - Modern Eco Stationary">
Free shipping on orders $75 or more at Paper Culture!

Here are more environmentally responsible papers to choose from...

Delphine at Cardstore.com


Have pets? They benefit from organic and green products just as we humans do. I'm anxious myself to put my Sheltie, Coco on an organic diet to help him with his allergies and hip issues. The Only Natural Pet Store offers free shipping on select orders (you need to qualify for their terms-see site for details), has a decent clearance section, which you can access if you scroll to the bottom of the home page, and has a 5% discount offer-use code in the link at checkout.

Save 5% on Pet Supplies Orders Over $75

Free Shipping on Orders Starting at $75 - Only Natural Pet Store

While we are on the subject of pets--I know how hard it is to put your adorable furry companion in an ordinary kennel-or even leave your pet in the care of someone else whenever you need to travel. I've always wished I could just bring Coco with us so I wouldn't feel guilty. Well I've found a really great site that has done some good research into finding hotels/places that accommodate our pets and are pet friendly. Definitely check them out and book them for your next family vacation.

OfficialPetHotels.com


This is a truly fantastic site that has lots of gift options for you-and is becoming one of my favorite ones! You can build your own baskets-or get one of their pre-made ones. They have a large selection of delicious chocolates, gluten-free products, vegan products--and lots more. Check them out at:



Do something good for the environment and plant something! Not only does planting help promote cleaner air and helps promote natural beautification-but it also helps you to reconnect with the Earth and the potential of its beauty. The therapeutic benefits of gardening and growing your own produce can have calming effects on your mind-not to mention that having a garden also helps you to move physically-get fresh air-and stop for a second in this busy, fast-paced world we live in. There is a sense of accomplishment and pride in seeing your plants flourish-your fragrant flowers bloom, and a sense of pride when tasting the way-better-than-the wax-covered fruits and veggies that you have toiled for yourself and your loved ones. In growing your own fruits/veggies/nuts etc-you have the control over what is sprayed on your food or not. You would be able to use natural alternatives to dangerous chemical pesticides and would know that the food you eat goes from stem to plate in a matter of minutes--you can't get fresher than that! When looking for a site that delivers these gardening opportunities for you at low prices-I found Direct Gardening-not only do you get great prices-but there are freebies with every order! Keep in mind though that when delivered-most plants are a lot smaller in size than you might expect-I remember thinking when I ordered some fern and clematis that I had made a shopping blunder-but I was pleased with how fast they grew-and that the perennials actually came back and survived our cold New Jersey winters! Click on the link and enjoy shopping!

Free gift with every purchase!


Here is a great site that lets you drink your coffee responsibly. Cafe Britt is a premier roaster of gourmet coffee and one of the few companies in the world that produces, roasts & sells coffee right from the country of origin. They ship directly from coffee producing countries for a taste that’s as fresh as it can be! They also offer a wide selection of carefully crafted gourmet chocolates and tropical nuts for a perfect complement to your cup of coffee. Customizable coffee gifts are always available. All of CafĂ© Britt’s operations comply with international standards for environmental protection and also follow fair trade practices. They serve the most demanding palates including customers at Marriott Hotels, Four Seasons & Ritz Carlton, among others.



For the tea lovers...
Numi Organic Tea offers organically grown premium tea and a broad assortment of stunning tea gift sets. Numi Organic Tea is made from the purest ingredients on the planet with full organic tea leaves and no added oils or flavorings. Numi’s vision is to inspire well-being of mind, body and spirit through the simple art of tea. Numi elevates the tea experience through innovation, quality, and a commitment to the environment and our global community.

Taste the Purest Tea on the Planet - Shop Numi

Stunning Tea Gift Sets Under $30 - Shop Numi Organic Tea
Save 25% Off Numi's Popular Bamboo Flowering Tea Gift Set. Buy Now!

My top Healthy Products that I must have!!
CHILDRENS' VITAMINS:
This is a fantastic product that has all the essentials plus more in convenient powder form that can be mixed with yogurt or applesauce. I give it to my son every morning with breakfast and stock up on these so I never run out!



BREAKFAST FOOD:
This is a truly tasty cereal packed with flavor and crunch. My son and I eat this a lot, and we literally go through boxes of this stuff. It's also great to snack on throughout the day.


SNACK FOOD:
These are so yummy and help to ease the pangs of those late afternoon cravings.


My son goes through bags and bags of this stuff!! My sister had some of these at her house-and my son, nephew, and niece polished them all-licking their fingers hoping to get some more. This is a healthy snack with no preservatives or additives. If I'm not mistaken-the entire contents of a bag is only 100 calories making this a tasty and weight conscious snack suitable for all ages.



PERSONAL CARE:
I have to refrain from trying to eat the lip balm--it smells so good!


NATURAL CLEANERS:
I absolutely love this line of cleaning products not only for how well they clean-but mainly for how refreshing the room smells after you use this.The concentrated products remove glue and lots more. If you have a difficult spot to clean-try this stuff. I do still use some traditional cleaners with bleach for disinfecting purposes-but for other occasions, I try to use this whenever possible.


GoldenGadgets.com specializes in LED Lighting, Solar Power, and other energy efficient gadgets. They offer a wide variety of new and exciting gadgets at amazing prices. Check them out...

LED Light Bulbs - $9.99


Looking for plant-based cosmetics and beauty products?? Yves Rocher is an authentic and unique cosmetic brand, recognized as the Creator of Botanical Beauty.
Harvesting, manufacturing and retailing since 1959, Yves Rocher was born of the vision of a man who believed in cosmetics based on plants and in the democratization of beauty.Yves Rocher offers an impressive selection of botanical beauty products: skin care, body care, makeup, fragrances, bath and shower products and more...They have affordable products and often offer free gifts with your order. Choose the discount offer that's right for you.

Get a Free Gift with any purchase

Get $10 OFF & FREE SHIPPING at Yves Rocher with orders over $45! Use coupon code 10OFF45 at checkout.
Get $5 OFF with orders over $25 at Yves Rocher! Use coupon code 5OFF25 at checkout.
Get $7 OFF at Yves Rocher with orders over $30! Use coupon code 7OFF30 at checkout.
Get $10 OFF for orders over $45 & FREE Shipping !! Use coupon code WOW1045 at checkout.
Get FREE SHIPPING at Yves Rocher with orders over $20! Use coupon code YRFREESHIP at checkout.










As I find more sites with offers-I'll be sure to post them.Remember-to get the sales/deals/coupon codes-you need to shop directly from my site! Fill me in your own thoughts about organic living and especially for those who have made changes and now see positive effects-please share that story here so that we may be inspired!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Welcome!!

Welcome!!! I'm new to this blogging world--and I look forward to interacting with all of you. Since my interests vary--I am hoping to create a "melting pot" of different ideas and information that I hope will be of value. From holistic health care to English Literature-from being a mom to being a frugal maven-there are many topics that I hope to explore and look forward to your comments! I'll organize each blog by category-so be sure to visit each post for new info--and keep coming back for more as I will do my best to post new codes/shops/info etc.

My shopping pages will be designed to offer you a unique one stop shopping experience right from my blog where you can find deals, bargains, and coupon codes in order to help you make the most of your time and money. If you're just browsing-that's great!! But Remember-to get these savings-you must shop directly from my site!

I'll also have a section on party/event planning along with sites and coupons to make your special occasion an affordable and memorable event.

One of the things I'm excited to work on will be a page dedicated to management professionals where we can exchange tips and ideas to make running a business better-I hope to provide links and savings codes designed to make your office purchases more effective.

Also be on the lookout for tips and advice from experts in the fields of health, fitness, and fashion in order to promote a healthier and more satisfying "you!" We'll talk about innovative means of utilizing a more holistic approach to healthcare and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.

Other topics will include personal stories of achievement-inspirational stories of individuals who have achieved long aspired goals--and so much more...so WELCOME to my blog--I look forward to sharing our thoughts...