Being active during the summer heat can lead to serious dehydration. Water is great but doesn’t contain the essential electrolytes your body needs to fully rehydrate, and sports drinks are full of sugars and preservatives.

O.N.E. Coconut Water

It’s becoming one of the fastest growing trends. In fact, it was hard to even get in stock for a while because of the seemingly overnight spike in demand. Coconut water’s popularity is likely due to its overwhelming amount of health benefits and now that its back. I don’t doubt that it will become my top selling health drink.

Coconut water is the clear liquid inside a young coconut. As the fruit matures, the water will be replaced by the meat of the coconut. Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is extracted from the meat, the water is very different in nutrients, color and taste. The young coconuts are harvested at around 7 months for optimal coconut water. 

Coconut water contains more electrolytes than most sports drinks with 5 essential electrolytes: calcium, potassium (*15 times the average sports drinks’ levels of potassium), phosphorous, magnesium and sodium. O.N.E. doesn’t add the sugars and preservatives to their coconut water either, unlike what you would find in a sports drink.

Its short term hydration is so effective that drinking 11 ounces of coconut water is equivalent to drinking 1 liter of water and eating one banana. … Its hydrating power is  impressive and its electrolyte composition is so similar to human bloods’ that during WWII and the Vietnam War it was injected directly into the blood stream of soldiers to make sure they stayed hydrated. Oh and not to mention that 11 ounces has less carbohydrates and no fat.  That’s some seriously amazing water!

The benefits of drinking coconut water don’t stop there either. It promotes smoother, healthier skin. It can also be very effective in dissolving kidney stones. It is naturally fat free and has no cholesterol. It’s also non-allergenic making it safe for everyone to enjoy!

So if you’ve just got done with a hike, playing some basketball, or if you are recovering from a fun night, try making the switch to nature’s sports drink and rehydrate with O.N.E.’s Coconut Water.

Summer time is full of camping trips along with one of my personal favorite past times, hiking. Unfortunately, while you are trying to take in the beauty of nature, there are those that seem to try to do nothing but make a mess of it. Here are some ways that we can all make our camping/hiking trips more green:

This one should be a no brainer but jic…. DON’T LITTER!!! You should never litter whether you are hiking up a trail or walking down the sidewalk. Make sure you put any garbage in your pocket or backpack or for camping trips be sure to bring plenty of garbage bags. Pack it in, pack it back out.

When you’re shopping for your trip, keep in mind how much garbage you’re purchases will produce. Less packaging = less garbage, which furthermore = less likely a bear or raccoon will get into it.  And don’t produce more garbage by bringing plastic or Styrofoam dishes. Bring unbreakable, reusable ones and just wash them after your meals. When you wash your dishes, be sure that you use a non-toxic, biodegradable, phosphate-free soap so that you do not disrupt the water’s ecosystem. That goes for washing yourself too. But shoot, if you’re camping, a little extra deodorant replaces a shower here and there. J

Try to make sure you stay ON the beaten path. Straying off will trample fragile plants and disrupt wildlife that might be living there. If you’re like me, your dog goes everywhere with you. If they need to be on a line, don’t tie them to a tree; you’ll damage the bark around it and could potentially shorten the tree’s life. Instead, make sure to bring a stake to screw into the soil. They work just as good and don’t harm the trees. Speaking of harming the trees, don’t strip the branches from them for s’more sticks. They sell decorative s’more sticks now that actually won’t catch on fire like a branch will.

As for the campfire, it’s the most green way to cook and stay warm when you’re out in the woods. Just be sure that you are smart about lighting them. Dig a pit for the fire and keep it small and containable. Never burn metals, plastics or woods that have been chemically treated in them. And if you’re one of those that tell ghost stories by the campfire and like the scary effect of the flashlight, use rechargeable batteries. They’re less wasteful. I’d say you could always use the crank flashlights too, but you might lose your audience if you have to crank it mid story….

Camping and going on hikes are a must in the summer time, just be respectful of the land you’re using. Always leave the site cleaner than it was when you got there!

It’s supposed to be in the 90’s this week!!! FINALLY!!!! Which means everyone is going to have to find ways to cool down after fun filled days in the sun.  All month long we have great deals running on almost all of our ice creams in Nature’s Corner.

Alden’s ice cream has 8 delicious flavors that are all certified organic.  One of my personal favorites is the Peanut Butter & Chip….YUMMY!!!  It’s a 1.5 quart on sale for $3.99.

Our newest addition to our ice cream doors is Double Rainbow.  It’s a low whip ice cream, which means that it’s going to be more dense and thick because there is less air whipped into it.  They use hormone free cow’s milk so that every scoop has only the best ingredients!  Our pints of Double Rainbow are on sale for 2/$5.

We’ve got Luna & Larry’s on sale too.  These little pints pack a ton of flavor!  They’re made of coconut milk rather than dairy.  So if you thought you couldn’t have ice cream, think again!  These are one of my personal favorite lines of ice cream.  They’re thick, rich and creamy and worth every penny!! They’re on sale for $4.99.

Last, but certainly not least, we have Rice Dream on sale too.  These pints are also dairy free giving people with allergies another option to indulge in some deliciousness.  The pints are on sale for $2.99.  But if you’re on the hunt for just a quick grab and go ice cream fix, we’ve got the Rice Dream Sandwiches on sale for just 99¢.

Come check out all our yummy options that will help you cool down in the heat!  Got a question?  Don’t hesitate to ask our Nature’s Corner Managers for help!

Your skin is the largest organ on your body and is all too often the first to be neglected. Now that it finally looks like summer is starting to come around and with Hoopfest this weekend, it’s a good time to start protecting it.

While the sun can supply us with are necessary levels of Vitamin D, it can be one of our worst enemies. Harmful ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the skin and have damaging effects. Ultraviolet radiation can be broken down into two different types, UVA and UVB.UVA is the long-wave solar ray that penetrates deeper into the skin and is the main cause of skin wrinkling, leathering effect and other “photo aging” effects. It also increases the cancer causing potential of the UVB rays which are the short-wave solar rays. UVB is the principle cause of that painful sunburn and most associated with causing skin cancer. Sun exposure can cause acute to chronic skin injuries. Long-term exposure can have severely damaging effects such as premature aging of the skin, malignant changes in the skin, corneal opacities and it can even interfere with the immune system and of course skin cancers. In fact, statistics show that by the age of 65 half of North Americans have experienced some form of skin cancer. So how about our generation tries to lower that statistic…

How to protect yourself:

Now I really shouldn’t have to say this, but JIC….WHERE SUNSCREEN!! It’s your best protector aside from avoiding sun exposure between 10am and 4pm. And really, unless you’re at work, who stays indoors at those times during the summer days??? Typically you’ll want to use a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. Now what does that mean??? The SPF # is the length of time a product will protect against skin reddening from UVB, compared to the time it would take the skin to redden without protection. Again, what does that mean??? Basically, if you would typically burn in say 20 minutes with NO sunscreen on, a SPF 15 will give you 15 times longer in the sun before you would burn; or roughly 5 hours of protection. *Parents please remember kids are different and need higher SPF’s than you. Only buy a suncare product that is formulated for their sensitive skin. Also look for sunscreens that are marked broad-spectrum protection. That means that you’ll be getting protected from not only the UVB rays but also the UVA rays. It’s a good idea to avoid parabens in your sunscreen too. Parabens are the preservatives in many sunscreens that you really don’t need because you should buy new sunscreen every year. Plus, some studies are suggesting that they may have a direct link to causing breast cancer. Not to mention, they are causing the ocean’s reef to die as they rinse off our skin as we enjoy the ocean waters.

Ok, you’re sunscreened up and enjoying your day….Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours and after swimming or other activities, like playing basketball. Also keep in mind your surroundings; many surfaces are reflective such as sand, water and concrete. So just because you’re in the shade doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. And just because its overcast doesn’t mean you don’t need to apply. 80% of UV rays still penetrate through the clouds. Finally, don’t forget your lips and your ear cause man those hurt when they burn!!!

Now go enjoy your sunny summer days!!!!!!!!!

Good luck to all of those playing in Hoopfest this weekend. And a special shout out to Team Tonicx!!!!

If you’re like me, this time of year is somewhat bitter sweet.  I absolutely love the summer weather.  I’m a “the hotter, the better” type person.  However, every year around this time, my allergies kick up, and I am absolutely miserable until about September.  I hate taking medicine because...

A) I don’t think that they really help; I think they just mask the problem.

B) I feel horrible every time. I get all medicine-head, nauseous & my sinuses get all dried out & I end up feeling just as bad as before I took the medicine; except for the fact that I can kind of breathe again. 

My new found solution (that has been around for thousands of years) is the Neti Pot.  No pills required!!

First used in preparing for Yoga, the Neti Pot helped cleared nasal passages, as controlled breathing plays a large part in Yoga.  The practice of using a Neti Pot was brought to the West about 30 years ago & has become a large part of many people’s daily routines just as flossing their teeth is.

The Neti Pot resembles the shape of a mini tea pot. It can be made of stainless steal, ceramic or plastic. It’s filled with water or a saline solution & uses gravity to flush out the nasal passages.

Typically you’ll want to use the saline solution, just water can burns a bit.  Plus the saline solution actually thins mucus & stimulates these little hair-like structures that line the sinus & nasal passages called cilia. The cilia wave back & forth to naturally push mucus out; however, if there is heavy build up of bacteria and allergens, they aren’t able to push them out as efficiently. Saline solutions can increase the speed of these little guys & improve their coordination in removing the bacteria, allergens & other irritants.

You can purchase packets of saline solution that you simply just add to water or you can make your own.  You mix 16 ounces of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of table salt.  Make sure your water is LUKEWARM not cold nor hot. If it’s cold, it can cause drying in your nose & if too hot, you could burn your nasal passage.

Using the Neti Pot is pretty basic. You fill your water solution in the pot. Lean forward over the sink & hold the spout to one nostril. Tilt your head to about a 45° angle. The water will pass through the nostril the spout is in & out the other. If some goes down your throat don’t panic, just make sure you lean forward more to avoid it from continuing. Then you switch & rinse the other side out.

My allergies kicked up really bad over the weekend so I started using the Neti Pot twice a day.  I couldn’t stop sneezing Saturday & since I’ve been irrigating my nasal passages, I haven’t sneezed once!! It’s amazing!! And I haven’t had to take one pill, so no medicine-head either.

If you have any sinus issues, I highly recommend you give the Neti Pot a try!!  If you have any questions about the Neti Pot or where you can find them in our stores, don’t hesitate to click the link to the right of this blog & I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

So we’re about 2 weeks into our new composting program…

I couldn’t help but talk about it again this week. It has gone over so much BETTER than we could have ever imagined!!! I am so proud of everyone!!

I must say that I am truly impressed with all of my store location’s associates! You all are doing such an amazing job. Each department is doing there part in making sure that they all have their designated garbage cans or waxed boxes to put their compost in….and they’re actually filling them up!

In fact, we are filling them up much faster than anticipated. We had one 4-yard bin (that’s a pretty big bin if you were wondering) that was being dumped twice a week. Now we have two!!! The one wasn’t cutting it!! Even with the second bin, we are still having them emptied twice a week.

So just think…that’s two 4-yard bins twice a week for just our one location on waste that is no longer going to, well waste. Now it’ll be recycled into soil and put back into the environment instead of just going to the dump. Furthermore, that cuts down how many times our garbage compactor has to be emptied. We used to need it picked up every other week, roughly. Now we are estimating every 6 weeks or more. And again that’s for just our one store location. Now multiply that by the 6 locations that have started this program. Think of all the savings, not only money but waste!!

So like I said before I am really proud of all the associates that are making this program a success and thought that I should share it all with you.

Thanks Everyone And Good Work!!!!

We’re finally doing it, and we’re the first company finally doing it on this side of the state!!!!!

Composting

We are taking six of our store locations and starting them on a new composting program. This is very exciting news! I know you're probably thinking "how exciting can composting really be?"….but it is!

Of all the waste generated in our stores and tossed in the garbage, about 75% of it is compostable.  So from this point forward, all of our associates will do our part to make sure we separate out that 75%.

Now what exactly is that 75% made up of? How do we know what is compostable and what isn’t?

Basically, anything that was once living is compostable.  That means any food based scraps such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, shells, bones, grains and so on.   Also, any plant trimmings like grass, plants, flowers, weeds and wood scraps.  Even some packing materials are acceptable like waxed or food soiled cardboard, shredded paper and pallet scraps.

How will we separate these items?

Each department is going to have garbage cans that are clearly labeled COMPOST ONLY.  Each garbage can will be lined with a special plastic bag that is 100% biodegradable.  Once the garbage can is full, we will take it to the back of the store and put it in our compost bin.  Once a week. the company we have partnered with, Sunshine Composting & Organics will come out and empty our compost bin.

What happens to the compost material when they take it?

A truck takes the biodegradable waste to the composting facility where they  process it by grinding it down and blending it with other materials to produce a soil amendment that can be sold as an alternative to fertilizers.

Why did Yoke’s decide to be part of this program?

As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, composting is a very “green” activity.  It not only reduces the amount we end up just throwing away, but it also produces nutrient rich soil in the end.  As a company, we are constantly looking at ways we can reduce our footprint and be more green.  This program is just one more step in the right direction to leaving the planet better than it was when we started.  We hope you are as excited about our new program as we are!

You can compost too at home.  Check out howtocompost.org. There are tons of articles and links that can give you all the tips and knowledge on composting.

The horrific oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969 was just the ammunition required for Senator Gaylord Nelson to spark a movement for change; a national ‘teach-in’ day of observance of environmental problems as he saw it. However, there was not enough time or resources to organize such a movement and plan demonstrations to thousands of schools and communities; there was no real central governing body to implement it. And yet it grew all on its own. As Senator Nelson attests:

            ‘That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.”

And on April 22, 1970 the first of the modern day environmental movement was born. Approximately 20 million Americans; colleges, communities and individuals took initiative to participate and in doing so realized they all shared common grounds. There was even an hour long special report covering the first Earth Day that was narrated by Walter Cronkite.

Tomorrow we will be celebrating Earth Day’s 40^th year. How will you celebrate?

Tip #21

Ceiling fans are a great way to cool a room in the hot summer days but are also great at pushing warm air down in cold winter months when ran in reverse.

Tip #22

This is the typical go green act….plant a tree! Every tree you plant will absorb one ton of CO2 and will also become a life-affirming gift to the birds and other wildlife.

Tip #23

Make sure your tires are always properly inflated. They will roll easier, last longer, reduce engine wear, improve gas mileage and prevent 250 lbs of CO2 a year from polluting the atmosphere.

Tip # 24

At work and at home use 100% post-consumer copy paper. It saves 5 lbs of CO2 per ream. A ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees. Those 17 trees absorb 60 lbs of CO2 each year.

Tip #25

Support your local farmers! Green Bluff is your neighbors!! Not only are you supporting your local economy but you’re helping to eliminate fuel emissions caused by transporting non-local products.

Tip #26

If you’re in the market for a new toilet…yes toilet, replace it with a low-flow version. It will conserve 23,000 gallons per year for a 4-person household. That’s the equivalent of 3 swimming pools!!

Tip #27

When you pack your lunch for the next day, use a reusable container. It will keep disposable bags and packaging out of landfills, oceans and animal habitats. And keep money in your pocket.

Tip #28

Take 2-3 hours on your next day off and caulk or weather-strip leaks around windows and doors. With maybe $25 in materials you could save $600 in heating costs over the next 4 years.

Tip #29

Vote!! Every vote counts so make sure you vote wisely and help support saving our lakes, rivers, oceans, forests and skies. There are some really beautiful places here in Spokane, make sure you help conserve them.

Tip #30

Support companies that are making the green movement. Take Yoke’s for example, we recycle all our cardboard and plastic, refill all our ink cartridges from our printers, have a location for you to recycle your plastic bags, offer produce and other merchandise from local farmers and companies, we were first in the NATION to offer biodegradable plastic bags to our guest and we offer reusable green bags for purchase. We also give back 5 cents for every bag a guest reuses and in this weeks ad we are offering a FREE green bag with your purchase of $25 or more! So like I said, support companies like us that are trying to make a difference not only this Earth Day but everyday!

Happy Earth Day Everyone!!!!

We’re one more week closer to earth Day. Here are 10 more "go green" tips for you and your family to try!

Tip #11

Put some green plants in your office. Not only to cheer up the place, but also to improve air quality, absorb toxic gasses from office equipment and to maintain humidity. Just don’t forget to give them some water time to time.

Tip #12

Start paying all your bills online. Today, online bill paying is safe, saves time, postage and trees. If everyone switched, we would cut 1.6 billion tons of waste and 2.1 million tons of CO2 each year.

Tip #13

Take your car to the car wash. A modern car wash reuses water and prevents oil and road grime from entering the drainage systems. You don’t have to wash your car by hand anymore!

Tip #14

Always use a reusable cloth bag! For everything not just groceries!! Over 500 billion petroleum-based plastic bags threaten wildlife, waste energy, pollute oceans and clog our landfills every year.

Tip #15

Junk mail is the worst!! So remove your name from the mailing lists. Ninety billion pieces of junk mail are delivered each year, and all you have to do to stop receiving those garbage letters is to go online and remove your name from the list. Simple right?

Tip #16

Put your computer to sleep rather than using a screen saver when you’re not using it and turn it completely off at night to save energy.

Tip #17

This spring plant some trees that will shade your house. This will help keep your house nice and cool in the hot weather months to come. It will also absorb CO2, look beautiful and will attract birds and other wild life.

Tip #18

If your employer requires you to fly to attend the next meeting, see if you can set it up to be a teleconference or through a web-cam. Skype is a pretty popular program to use and works great. You can hear and see everyone too.

Tip #19

Get a recycle bin!! If every US citizen recycles half of their annual waste, we’ll recycle a 280-million ton mountain of trash! Do you know how much that is? That is the equivalent of 550 Empire State Buildings!! Call Waste Management today and they'll deliver one on your next garbage day. (509)924-9400

Tip #20

To help you get in the habit of recycling, have two garbage cans under the kitchen sink; one for trash and one for recyclables. If you don’t put your garbage under the sink, they make nice stainless steel cans that have two bins in one unit. One side is marked trash and the other recycle. It makes separating much easier.

So there you have it! Ten more simple and easy tips for everyone to participate in!

Earth Day is just around the corner….

So just like last year, for the next couple of weeks, I’ll give you some great tips on how you and your family can make simple changes towards a greener lifestyle.

 Tip #1

            Thinking about getting a new computer??? Consider purchasing a laptop instead of a desktop. Not only are laptops space savers, but you can take them everywhere and they use 5 times less energy.

Tip #2

            If it’s time to replace that rug in the living room or from in front of the shower, don’t send it off to the dump. Instead, contact the local animal shelters and see if they could use them. The same goes for any old blankets, sheets or towels. ***

Tip #3

            Get with family members, friends or neighbors and see if there are products that you can buy in bulk and then split. It will  save you all money and it will cut gas costs for shipping as well as reducing the amount of packaging you are consuming.

Tip #4

            I know I told you all to do this one last year, but it's SOOO easy!! When your bulbs burn out, replace them with Energy Star bulbs. If every home in the US changed one light bulb, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year!! That’s a lot of energy saved!!!

Tip #5

            Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket. By doing this, you can eliminate 1,000 lbs of CO2 each year! And if you reduce the thermostat to 120° F, you can eliminate another 550 lbs!

Tip #6

            I personally use this tip every time I do my laundry. I wash all my clothes in cold water, and therefore, save 2 lbs of CO2 per load. Now don’t take this to the extreme, but only wash your clothes when they really need it. For example, jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. In fact, they won’t fade nearly as fast if you only wash them every couple of weeks to once a month. But again don’t take this to the extreme; if they’re dirty wash them. J

Tip #7

            Buy recycled products. You’ll consume 55% less energy for paper, 33% less for glass and 90% less energy for aluminum. That’s a lot of energy saved!

Tip #8

            Drive less. It's getting nicer out, so I’m sure you can find a way to eliminate 10 miles out of your average week. By doing so, you will be responsible for preventing 500 lbs of CO2 from polluting the atmosphere! Yay you!!

Tip #9

            Use power strips throughout your house to conserve. They allow you to cut the energy to several different electronic devices all at once with a flick of the switch.

Tip #10

            Tune it up! For every 100,000 people that get a tune-up this year, 60 tons of CO2 will be eliminated. Aside from reducing pollution, you’re also reducing wear on your car and improving gas mileage!

There it is! Ten tips that you and your family can start using to make your household more green this year!! Stay tuned for 10 more Earth Day Tips next week…

Do you remember what it was like before TV?  I don’t…I’m not old enough.  BUT the point being, there was a time before TV, DVR, even lights!  Crazy thought right?  We’ve become so dependent on our modern technologies that we forget what life was like before them.  Even worse, we forget the damaging effects that the dependency on power can have on the Earth’s climate.

This Saturday you can get a taste of what it was like before all the electricity driven joys for a good solid hour.  It’s the World Wildlife Fund’s initiative to make a difference; Earth Hour from 8:30-9:30 pm. People all over the world will be unplugging.  Think about it!  It can be like the wave at a sporting event only with a billion or so people and across different time zones!

Earth Hour started three years ago and hasn’t stopped building momentum since, with nearly one billion people around the world turning out their lights during Earth Hour ‘09.  There were 4,100 cities in 87 countries on 7 continents that participated.  Some of the most iconic landmarks switched off the lights including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Seattle’s Space Needle, Great Pyramids of Giza, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament in London, Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong, even the Las Vegas Strip! The whole Vegas Strip people!!  Now if they can shut off the lights for an hour you can too!

And if you're concerned about being bored or what you will do for an hour in the dark, don't be; there’s plenty to do!  First, you’re going to want some sort of light source so make sure you have plenty of candles or the safety ones without the actual flame or even flash lights.  Then pick out a good book or better yet pick out a good game to play.  Cribbage is always fun as well as Scategories, Monopoly, or you could bust out some Uno cards.  Invite the neighbors over and get a friendly game of poker going on.  If you’re someone who still needs some sort of technology to get through the hour, put the iPod on a battery operated iPod dock and have some tunes playing while you enjoy the dark.

Be a part of the biggest wave in history!!  Celebrate Earth Hour this Saturday from 8:30-9:30 pm.

For more information about Earth Hour go to www.EarthHour.org.

·         One Handful Shredded Chicken (Pre-Cooked)

·         Fresh Chopped Cilantro

·         BBQ Sauce *Annie’s makes a couple good BBQ sauces

·         Mozzarella Fresca’s Fresh Sliced Mozzarella

·         Beemster’s Graskaas

Bacon Gouda Quesadilla

·         One Handful Shredded Chicken (Pre-Cooked)

·         Ranch Dressing *Either Annie’s or for a Organicville make great ranch dressings

·         2-3 Slices Pre-Cooked Bacon Chopped *Applegate Farms has an outstanding turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.

·         Pike’s Place Market’s Beechers Just Jack

·         Yancey’s Gouda With Bacon

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla (My person favorite of the 3!)

·         One Handful Shredded Chicken (Pre-Cooked)

·         Red Hot Sauce

·         Blue Cheese Dressing

·         Pike’s Place Market’s Beechers Just Jack

·         Yancey’s Buffalo Cheese

Directions for Cooking All Three:

Place tortilla in the bottom of your quesadilla maker or in the bottom of a frying pan. (For a healthier option, use a wheat tortilla) Add all your solid ingredients to desired level of fullness. Don’t over fill though, they get hard to cut and really messy really quick. Add your sauces but be careful not to add too much as you do not want your ‘dilla to be soupy. Top with your second tortilla and close quesadilla maker. If cooking on a frying pan, let cook for 1-2 minutes before you flip. Slice up, serve and ENJOY!!

***Let me know how they turned out by clicking the link to the left of this blog. Give me your feedback and cooking tips that you found made them even better!

This weekend people will be celebrating the 17^th early by covering themselves in green, pinching those that aren’t and of course enjoying a green pint!  IT’S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTIES!!!  So here’s some ideas for you to “green” up your already green St. Patrick’s Day!

First, we have to address the food you’ll be serving. Now I know corned beef is supposed to be the ultimate Irish dish on the 17^th but beef is not exactly “green”. In fact, beef is the least efficient meat choice.  It accounts for 30% of meat consumption yet produces 78% of emissions. That’s 4X the emissions as pork and 10X that of poultry.  So try making a stew with a substitute meat like poultry or even tofu.

You can also make serving food really simple and just serve little green snacks. Like green soda bread bites, or pistachios (did you know they're the only green nut?) or even green cupcakes.  Who doesn’t love a cup cake?  On the tables you can have the gold coin chocolates.

Now, when you think of food you think of what you’re going to serve it on, right? Don’t go out and waste a bunch of money on the cheesy green paper or plastic cups. They just go straight to the garbage.  Instead, use cups you already own.  If you want to spice them up, go to the craft store ask them for some paint that will wash off and paint the cups with four leaf clovers, little Irish phrases, pots of gold, or if you’re really talented, a leprechaun.

Now, you’ve got the attire for your food, but what do you have the guests wear?  Green duh!  But you can go one step further and have them wear actual “green” gear.  There are organic and sustainable cotton clothing lines now.  I say whether they’re actually green in color or not, if they’re eco-friendly, they get a pass on the pinch!

Last but certainly not least, your green beer!  This year go organic. There are some amazing beers that are USDA certified and some local breweries are making them.  Fish Tale is one of them, and they are based right in Olympia.  And trust me, if you’re in the area, swing in and check them out.  Cool atmosphere, amazing food (almost all organic) and of course delicious beer.  Now, most of the organic beers are a bit darker in color, but you can still add a little green dye in there for St. Patty’s day.  Now for the non drinker, no worries!  Grab a natural or organic soda. The lighter colored ones again will dye better…

Now your party is completely green!

So have fun and may the luck of the Irish be with ya!!

For a couple months now, I have had multiple guests ask me when and if we will be carrying the Betty Crocker Gluten Free baking items. Unfortunately, the warehouse we receive our Betty Crocker items from wasn’t carrying the gluten free line.  However, they finally got them in and they are now on our shelves!

When two employees for Betty Crocker found out that they were going to have to switch to a gluten free diet, it opened up everyone else’s eyes about just how challenging it can be at times. Especial for special occasions; no cake, no cookies or any other typical “fun” dessert.

That lead to the creation of the four gluten free cake mixes we now have in our stores. They are the Yellow Cake Mix, Devil’s Food Cake Mix, Brownie Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. All four are produced in a gluten free facility in Canada where they are also Kosher approved. Betty Crocker also sponsors two celiac groups: Celiac Disease Foundation and Celiac Sprue Association.

Likely the best part of these mixes (besides being on our shelves of course) is that they are so versatile. If you go to http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/gluten-free-baking-mixes and scroll down you will see a list of recipes under the pictures of the products. By clicking the “more recipes” link it will take you to a huge list of ways that you can use these mixes to create numerous other desserts. Some include carrot cake, banana or lemon cupcakes, rocky road bars, turtle brownies or peanut butter chocolate chip bars! I’m hungry just thinking about it!!!
 

Dont' those look delicious!?!?!

More likely than not you, will be able to find these mixes with the rest of the Betty Crocker products down the baking aisle of your local Yoke’s Fresh Market. If you need any assistance locating them, just snag one of our associates, and we will be happy to take you to the product.

Happy Baking!

They’ve been called the “greenest Olympic games” yet. As the 2010 Winter Olympics are nearing their end, it seems that the green buzz will be lasting much longer. Vancouver took sustainability and ran with it as they planned out every last detail going into hosting this year’s Olympics; even the medals. This time athletes received medals that had old computer materials recycled into them.

The Richmond Olympic Oval that hosted the speed skating events earned a silver LEED certificate. Made of woods that were affected by the mountain pine beetle infestation, it boasts the title of the world’s largest clear span wooden structure with enough seating for 8,000 spectators. The building also harvests rainwater and then uses it for irrigation for nearby trees and even for toilet water.

The Olympic Village that is located in Vancouver’s Southeast False Creek is also another green attribute of the 2010 Olympics. With green roof buildings, cisterns to catch rainwater, passive solar design, upgraded insulation and windows, and carpets and paint with low or even no VOC, this little village has got a lot to be proud of.

But the one taking the “green medal” is the recently expanded Vancouver Convention Centre. It has taken the title of the world’s first LEED Platinum Certified Convention Centre. An estimated 7,000 TV and radio broadcasters and technicians have all been reporting under its 6 acre living roof, which is the largest in all of North America. Home to over 400,000 different indigenous plants and grasses, the living roof also provides a natural habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and even small mammals. It is even equipped with a rainwater recovery and irrigation system.

Underneath the building is just as innovative and impressive. There is a manmade reef habitat built into the foundation that is already attracting marine life. The building also has a seawater heating and cooling system that regulates the temperature of the building and there is an on-site water treatment system. The scratch kitchen uses local ingredients, no additives, avoids using disposable dishware, and donates all leftover foods to local charities. Not to mention, each year the building recycles about 180,000 kilograms, which is nearly half of the waste generated. The building itself is located within walking distance of numerous downtown accommodation providers making travel to and from the centre convenient and eco-friendly.

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics will not soon be forgotten. We will remember the incredible performances of the opening ceremonies, the victories of our athletes and of course how we can all be more eco-conscious.

So far February has been the “chocolate” month…why stop now?!

This week I thought I would tell you a little bit about Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC). They are one of my favorite products on my shelves.  Not just because they are an amazing chocolate, but also because they are an amazing company.  It starts at their core belief; reverence for life. They believe that all life is precious and deserving of respect through endangered species recovery, habitat conservation, and compassion for fellow humans.

They were founded in 1993 with their main goal to build awareness to the growing number of plant and animal species disappearing from the earth. Right on the package (that is made from recycled paper and water based ink) you see an image of a species that is at high risk.  When you fold back the wrapper there is information about the species and what you can do to help make a difference.

ESC is also 100% ethical trade.  That means that they get their cacao from small family based farms that are not only on sustainable forest farms, but that have a humane working environment and are being paid fairly for their product.

ESC is most notably known for their program that donates 10% of their profits to help support species, habitat and humanity.  Partners are selected based on their aggressive and clear missions to help support these 3 causes.  ESC selects 2 at a time and partners with them for a 3 year minimum.

Currently, they are donating their 10% to the African Wildlife Foundation and SEEtheWILD.  The AWF is the leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa and partnership dollars will fund the AWF Species Science Team to ensure wildlife and wild lands will be protected.

SEEthe WILD focuses on conservation tourism by promoting environmentally-responsible tourism education and alternatives to destructive activities while inspiring wildlife enthusiasm mainly focused on sea turtles and whales. 

Other partnerships and affliations of ESC include The Ocean Conservancy, Nigeria, Co-Op America, Organic Trade Association, Us Green Building Council and Retail Confectioner International.

Finally, one last really cool thing that ESC offers is the opportunity to adopt an African animal.  Their website allows you to choose from an elephant, gorilla, lion, zebra, giraffe, leopard, rhino, wild dog or a warthog.  All adoptions include a plush toy of the animal you adopt, a 1 year e-membership to AWF, ESC bars and of course the satisfaction of knowing you helped. There are also 3 different adoption package sizes.

All around, Endanger Species Chocolate is truly a unique company with a very clear mission to make a big difference and they taste good too!

Check them out in all of our Nature’s Corner locations!!

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. You can tell by our heavy stock of heart shaped boxes with red ribbons that are stuffed with chocolate. Those are great and all, if you’re still in high school or in a tight jam. This year you can try something slightly different, still chocolate but a better chocolate. A chocolate with a story…

Theo Chocolate!

They all consider themselves theonistas or passionate leaders of the chocolate revolution; which suits them. Prior to Theo, all organic and fair trade chocolates were produced in Europe and shipped into the United States. Today, Theo has graced us with their delicious creations that they are producing right out of Seattle.

Theo believes in not only producing an amazing product, but they believe in producing it with the highest of standards and practices that include using nothing but pure ingredients that are grown sustainably, ensuring that growers earn a livable wage and have access to education for their families, honor and respect for their employees as well as suppliers, using green energy resources to power their plant and using sustainable packaging and printing.

They got they’re name from theobroma cacao the Greek term for the cacao tree that means “Food of the Gods”. And when you try their chocolates you’ll understand just how fitting that term is! We currently carry 4 of the Theo lines of chocolates:

-Original Bars which include 3 flavor notes of cacaos from 3 different parts of the world:

*Costa Rica (91%)

*Ghana (84%)

*Madagascar (74%)

-3400 Phinney Bars named after the address of the factory and are considered the fantasy flavors; chocolate from cocoa beans of Central America paired with bold ingredients

-Classic Combinations that were inspired by customers’ desires.

*Dark Chocolate w/ Orange

*Dark Chocolate w/ Mint

*Dark Chocolate w/ Cherries & Almonds

*Dark Chocolate w/ Spicy Chile (YES spicy chile! Spice up you Valentine’s!!)

-Jane Goodall Bars with the “Good For All” seal that supports high quality, ethically produced products from the developing world. Proceeds from these 2 (dark and milk) bars go to benefit cocoa farmers, promote conservation in tropical rainforests and directly contribute to the Jane Goodall efforts to save chimpanzees, develop community centered conservation efforts and direct youth education programs around the world.

Who knew buying chocolate this Valentine’s Day could mean so much?!

Today I found myself just a bit distracted and had some writer’s block due to the fact that today is my BIRTHDAY!!! Yay!! So I decided to just keep with the distraction and write about birthdays but “Green” style of course!

Birthday parties are always a good time, and it is an unwritten law that no matter what your age, you have to party like a rock star!  The only problem is that the conventional party plans leave a big impact.  Here are some tips on how you or your children can still have a blast without doing unnecessary damage.

First, skip the paper (and pricey for that matter) party invitations. With as much as people are glued to their computers, blackberries and iPhones, send out e-invites. You’ll avoid wasting all that paper and you don’t have to buy pricey stamps.  I personally just posted my invite on Facebook and text messages; simple, fast and affective.

If you are going to serve food, use reusable or eco-friendly serve wear.  It’s such a waste to use all that product just once and then toss it! Same goes for wrapping paper.  Ask your guests to wrap any gifts in gift bags. Then you can save the bag and reuse it for the next party you attend.

Don’t use balloons either.  They have harmful chemicals that are especially bad for the marine environment.  You can make something else from recycled materials to hang from the ceiling if you HAVE to have something. There are tons of websites that have creative and simply ideas to decorate. I found one that suggested making pompoms from old wrapping paper. The same website suggested making your center pieces out of recycled material instead of the typical cut flowers. Not only do you have an artsy piece but an original and creative one too. And really, no one wants the dollar store gift bag. It always goes straight to the garbage. So if you’re doing party bags, make it something more meaningful that you guests will want to keep.

Finally, think local. Support any local facility that makes donations to charities. Don’t forget your local musicians either. Not only will you be showing your support to them but live music is the BEST!! For example, I am going out tonight to support my favorite local musician, Dean Smith.  He’s the best in town and if you ever see him playing somewhere, GO!!  You won’t be disappointed.

As always, tip your waitresses and bartenders. They work hard to make your birthday the best it can be.

Happy birthday to everyone celebrating a birthday today!

Wow!! I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve blogged….oh wait, it has!!  It’s even the New Year already!!  Happy New Year Everyone!!

What happened to last year?  Either way, I couldn’t be more excited to say good bye 2009 and hello 2010. But as with every New Year, there comes the resolutions.  Typically that means making yourself a better YOU this year.  Now we all have good intentions when we set our resolutions into motion every January 1^st.   However, only about 12% of us pull through and are successful in meeting our goal.  So where do we all go wrong?  Well let’s look at the type of resolutions people are typically making ,and then we can see where to adjust them to make them stick.

Quitting smoking is always a big one.  And it should be!  Ladies and gentlemen, this is seriously the worst habit you can have.  So making it a resolution is a great idea.  Not only is it extremely bad for your health (DUH!), but it’s incredibly unattractive.  That being said, it’s also a very difficult habit to quit.  Many times people who choose it as their resolution, end up getting discouraged because past attempts have failed.  Instead of just saying “I’m going to quit”, try finding out what it is about smoking that keeps you from successfully quitting.  For example, if you smoke because you find it relaxing, try finding something else that is relaxing and use that as a tool to divert your attention from taking that smoke break.  Or if it is simply the everyday habit, go out of town.  Once you’re out of your daily routine, you will be much more likely to drop the bad habit.

Maybe your goal this year is to lose weight.  Instead of just leaving it at “I want to lose weight”, be more specific.  Decide exactly how much you want to lose, then set weekly goals until you reach your final amount.  Once you're there you can set goals on how to maintain that weight.  You can also start by joining a gym or even having a personal trainer.  People who pay to work out, typically won’t want to waste their money and will be more committed.

Say your resolution is to eat better. Again, don’t leave it vague.  The more specific you are the better the success rate.  Start by eliminating a food or ingredient that is bad for you.  For example, aspartame and high fructose corn syrup are really bad for you.  If you are a consumer of either one of those, you can start by avoiding all products that contain them.  Or you can start buying only organic vegetables or organic dairy products or even switching to only white meats.  When changing your diet, you don’t want to start off too strong.  Your taste buds won’t be used to it, and just like anything else, you’ll likely slip away from your original goal.

No matter what your resolutions are this year, don’t let your goals get derailed just because they’re a challenge.  Keep in mind that taking baby steps will get you further in the long run.  Also, it will heip you to reach your goal by announcing your resolutions and gaining support from family and friends.

Be a better you this year!!  Happy New Year!!

For any questions or tips on making your life style healthier this year, ask any of our Nature’s Corner Managers.  We will be happy to help in any way we can to get you to your New Year’s goal!

   For those of you who came into our store last Friday, you know that we put together a HUGE demo.  We had a whole “Christmas morning” theme going on.  There was fresh fruit served with a couple of complimenting cheeses such as a Strawberry Champaign by Yancey’s that was amazing!  There was bacon, yogurt parfait, orange juice, we even did Sonoma Sparklers! (Which are the most amazing sparkling ciders, and if you didn’t get the chance to try them, please believe me, they are worth buying especially for the holidays!!!)  The stars of the demo, however, were our two homemade recipes: Christmas Morning French Toast and Clause’s Crab Quiche.  They were an absolute hit!  We not only made them right here in the store, but we provided recipe cards so you could make them too.  And trust me, if I can make them, you can too!! (The recipes are located at Guest Services if you would still like one).

   Now if you’re saying “I missed out!” NO WORRIES!!  We decided since it was such a hit, we should do another one.  So the Wednesday before Christmas, we are doing another HUGE demo.  Only this time instead of breakfast ideas, we are going to do snacks and easy cook hors d'oeuvres that will be perfect for any holiday gathering big and small.  We will also demo more cheeses from Yancey’s; however, this time instead of the sweeter flavors, we are going to sample the more bold flavors (wasabi, buffalo & bacon gouda) with meats and crackers of course!  As for our special homemade snacks, we are going to feature Crab Rangoons and the BEST Artichoke Dip served with Garden of Eatin’ tortilla chips.  Which btw are on our Sweet Deals at 2 for $5 in the Party Size Bag!!!  I know, killer deal right?!?!  And just like last time, we will have the recipes for all our yummy creations.

   You won’t want to miss out on this demo!

Make sure to come in and don’t forget to bring your appetite!!

In 1987, Rachel and Andy decided to start a business, the very same year that their daughter Amy was born. They were a vegetarian family that found a niche market.  At the time, there really wasn’t any quick meal options that tasted like scratch and fit their dietary needs. So in their barn, they began creating frozen meal options for those consumers looking for foods with the same dietary preferences. Little did they know that their small family business would become a common brand in households around the country (and Canada too!).

Today, Amy’s has expanded beyond just frozen food creations and includes a grocery line to their meal options.  All their products are free of meat, poultry, fish and eggs.  They even have a large gluten free offering.  They use organic ingredients in all their dishes, most of which come from within 200 miles of their kitchen.  Amy’s still operates as a family owned business with all members taking part in making sure Amy’s stays the most preferred product in their league. Even Amy herself maintains involvement while she attends college.

If you haven’t checked out this week’s ad, you might want to.  There are some seriously smokin’ deals in it; one being the Amy’s Soups.  Starting today, they are only a $1.48!!  That is 50% off regular retail!!  With over 20 different varieties of soups and the weather reaching record lows, you can’t afford to miss out on this deal!

** Also, if you’re looking to lose a few LBS, check out Amy’s website.  They offer a 2 week meal plan, shopping list included.  They even have one for a gluten free diet. Both were made by a dietitian design to help you lose weight. Check it out!

http://www.amys.com/special_diets/index.php

Thanksgiving, the best holiday of the year!!!  In my opinion that is.  Every family has their traditional dishes that MUST be on the table otherwise it’s just not the same.  For me its fruit salad.  Do NOT mess with my fruit salad!!  For others it might be Grandma’s stuffing, the corn casserole or for those carb lovers, it’s all about the bread.  The turkey is typically just thought of as a no brain’er.  Of course, there’s turkey on the table, it’s Thanksgiving!

But what do you do if you don’t eat meat, or what if you have a guest that is coming over who doesn’t?  How do you prepare for that?

First, don’t stress!  There are many options for preparing a meatless Thanksgiving meal. Always make sure there is good variety.  The more variety you have, the less people will even notice the absence of the bird.  It’s also a great opportunity to get creative with your recipes. You can try more ethnic inspired dishes and spark a new tradition such as Pueblo Corn Pie or Thai Spiced Pumpkin Soup. Or keep it more along the traditional side and make Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing served in the squash or Walnut-Apple Stuffing.  Perhaps go both ethnic and traditional by serving your guests an eclectic variety of flavors and dishes that will keep them occupied and satisfied so they won’t even miss the turkey!

Now if you still want the bird minus the meat, there are options for that too.  There’s always the good old Tofurky.  But if you’re looking for a new option to try, Quorn makes a “turkey” loaf. I personally like the Quorn products.  I haven’t tried the loaf, but the ckick’n patties are pretty good.  Lightlife Foods makes a “turkey” fillet that comes with cranberry stuffing.  Vegetarian Plus makes a “turkey” loaf also, but keep in mind this one is a 6 lb loaf. So you’ll want to make sure not just one person is eating it. Finally, Field Roast has their Celebration roast that comes in either 1 or 2 lbs. From what I’ve read, this is a vegetarians dream for any holiday meal.

Just because there’s a vegetarian (or lots of vegetarians) doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Thanksgiving. It just means you get to be more creative! Don’t let a little bump in the road get in the way of celebrating the best holiday of the year!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!

***If you would like a recipe of a dish listed above, please send me an email from the link provided to the right of this blog.

***If you are considering trying anyone of the meatless "Turkeys, be sure to call your local Yoke’s to make sure they have the product or to make sure they can bring the product into the store in time for your holiday meal.

             
This week our Nature’s Corners have a seriously Sweet Deal!  R.W. Knudsen’s Apple Juice (a 96 oz jug!!!), is only $4.99!!  It’s normally $8.49!  That is a killer price.  Now you’re probably thinking, “Well just cuz it’s a good price does that mean I’m getting a good deal??”

OF COURSE YOU ARE!!

R.W. Knudsen’s is a pretty impressive company. Over half of all the products that they produce are USDA certified organic. This apple juice is one of them.  It is 100% juice (no sugar added) and certified organic. Also, a 6 oz serving of the juice is equivalent to one serving of fruit.  Knudsen’s is also a certified organic handler.  This means that they are required to follow very strict handling practices and procedures which include tracking from the receipt of the purchased ingredients to the sale of the finished product. They also require their growers to complete a handling plan which explains in detail their farming practices. It requires an active management to build soil fertility, manage plant nutrients, protect natural resources and prevent soil erosion; all in all, they leave the land a little better than how they received it.

So there you have it!  It’s the best deal in town!! 
                 

For those of you that have Celiac or are gluten intolerant, you know that finding a cookie that is worth eating is hard to come by.  Some are like biting into a rock. Others are so chalky that even a gallon of milk won’t help.  Typically, all of them lack that homemade deliciousness that a cookie should have.

Until now….

I recently had one of my favorite guests (Judy) approach me and tell me about cookies she found when she was in Denver.  I told her I would try to get them on our shelves.  A few weeks later the cookies were shipped in.  They even threw in some samples for our staff and guests to try and WOW!!...they are some of the best cookies I have ever tried!  You would never guess that they are gluten free.

WOW Baking Company is located in Kent, Washington.  So they are a fairly local company. They have certainly set the standard for gluten free baked goods using only premium all natural ingredients.  They make their tasty little sweets in small batches to ensure that they stay soft, moist and full of flavor.

Their flavors include ginger molasses, chocolate chip, snicker doodle, peanut butter, Oregon oatmeal and brownies.  All of which will have you saying WOW after every bite!!  Even if you’re not gluten intolerant, I highly recommend that you come in and try them!!

They believe that you should know where the ingredients come from, that they should eliminate the concept of waste, that the soil should be left better than how they got it, that wetlands should be wet, and that no one should go hungry.  Oh yeah, and their soup tastes good too!

THEY are Pacific Natural Foods.

Pacific makes milk substitutes, teas, coffees, broths and soups.  All of which are made with ingredients that are “Certified to the Source” (CTS).  CTS is a program Pacific developed that traces all ingredients to their origins to insure nothing but the best quality is going into every product.  Aside from the amazing products they make, they have developed some pretty incredible standards as a company.  First off, they are continuously looking for ways to reduce waste and energy.  For example, half of their waste, which is about 86 tons every month, is being recycled.  They also converted to energy efficient lighting that ended up reducing CO2 emissions by 500 tons a year.  Not to mention, they use about 6 million pounds of their soy milk’s by-products as feed for their dairy cows every year. 

In efforts to be part of the green movement, they also help farmers convert their conventional farming techniques to organic, which means less harmful pesticides and chemicals in the soil.  In further efforts to conserving soil, they are also committed to improving and restoring wetlands.  Under the guidance of the Wetlands Conservancy, they have embarked on three restoration projects located on their properties.  If all of that wasn’t enough, over the last 20 years they have become the top donor for the Oregon Food Bank; donating time, facilities and millions of pounds of food.

 And this week the tomato, roasted red pepper tomato, butternut squash and French onion soups are a Sweet Deal in our Nature’s Corners for only $1.99!!

The demand for Greek yogurt has become one of the fastest growing dairy trends for natural and organic consumers. With its thick texture and high protein content, it’s easy to see why people love it.  Greek Gods Yogurt held the top position for quite some time, dominating over every other Greek styled yogurt.  Now don’t get me wrong, Greek Gods is a great product; however, there’s a new player in the game, and it’s giving Greek Gods a serious run for the money.

Chobani was launched in 2007 in Upstate New York. As a company, we have only carried their product for a few months, but it has quickly shown that it is not going anywhere anytime soon.  It has now taken over the top position in my store, and I would bet in many other stores too.

Chobani has an abundance of health benefits to support its increase in demand aside from being delicious. They use only local milk from within a 15 mile radius of their plant in their yogurts; in fact, they use 3 lbs of milk to make 1 lb of yogurt!  They add five live and active cultures during fermentation and then strain the yogurt to give it not only that creamy “Greek” texture but also making it high protein and low in carbs.  It has 14 grams of protein to be exact, which is double the amount found in regular yogurt.  Three of the five cultures are probiotics.  Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that the body needs to help balance the digestive tract and boost the immune system.

Chobani is also all natural, and free of preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. They don’t use any milk that has synthetic growth hormones or rBST. They even use REAL fruit!  Crazy right?!!  With 200 mg, it is a good source of bone building calcium. Not to mention, it is free of soy, corn, nuts, gluten & gluten containing thickeners, gelatins and stabilizers, and is Kosher-Certified.

Besides just making an amazingly good product, Chobani is making some really great philanthropic gestures.  With their “Spread the Good” program, 10% of their profits go to charities.  In fact, you can help decide where that 10% is going to.  If you go to their website: Chobani.com and click the “Spread the Good” link, they have a list generated of charities that they donate to. Charities such as AFC International Network, Live Strong, Energy Up!, NRDC, Care, Team Hoyt and many more.  You pick your favorite and help decide where to “Spread the Good”.  Help make a difference by purchasing Chobani and then pick your charity!

Chobani comes in 8 fantastic flavors.
Come find your favorite today!!

Having your kids back in school is not only a stressful time with homework, lunches, after school activities, colds, bullies and all that fun stuff, but try having the extra stressor of Celiac. Parents whose children are affected by the disease are even more on edge. Here are some tips to help you and your child make it through another school year just a little bit easier.

One thing you want to do is get a note from the doctor explaining what Celiac Disease is and how it affects your child. Make sure that they explain it is a lifelong disease. That way you only have to get the note once. You should also prepare a written plan with your child and give it to the school the same time you present the doctor’s note. This will help the school’s staff to better understand the precautions that need to be taken on a medical level as well as a personal level. Also, the more you talk to the staff and show your gratitude for their cooperation, the better your relationship will go. Even taking the time to write out a thank you once in awhile will go a long way.

Packing a lunch is the obvious safe route for lunch time. Classroom parties are where it can get dicey. Make sure you bring something that your child can have, and that it is something all the children will enjoy just as much. You don’t want your kid picked out of the group as the one who brought the “weird” snack. A good idea too would be to ask the teacher if you can have a gluten free “snack stash” for those unexpected parties. That way your little one doesn’t feel left out.

So if you’re new to the whole Celiac in school thing, here’s some option to help you make sure your child gets plenty of variety, SAFELY. "Enjoy Life" makes some really great products from snack bars to bagels and cookies. (Seriously, I ate the whole box of the snicker doodles & I’m not a Celiac!) Glutino has crackers (like Ritz), wafer cookies, and chocolate covered peanut butter wafer bars. Kettle chips are gluten free and delicious. Lundberg makes a very good rice chip and rice cakes. Kinnikinnick makes vanilla glazed and cinnamon doughnuts. Oh! And if you have a glue or crayon eater, most of Crayola are gluten free as well as Elmer’s (don’t give them the finger paint though). So no worries there….well not as many worries!

There are plenty of options to make sure that your child will not only be safe with eating at school but won’t feel left out either. Still stuck? Come in and ask any of our Nature’s Corner Managers and we’d be happy to help!!

This month is traditionally National Celiac Awareness month. I thought I would bring awareness to this disease that is all too often overlooked. In fact, about 97% of people that have Celiac Disease go undiagnosed! Even more alarming is that this disease affects more people than Crohn’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease COMBINED!! My guess is that you’ve heard of all of those diseases and yet you still have no clue what Celiac is or the effects it can have. Well here it is…

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease that affects 1 out of 133 people. It damages the lining of the small intestine when gluten has been ingested. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. Symptoms include bloating & abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss or gain, unexplained anemia, bone or joint pain, behavior changes, fatigue, infertility and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not try treating it on your own. Consult a doctor first about specific blood tests to take that measure the antibodies in the blood. Eliminating gluten before the tests could give inaccurate results. If you are diagnosed with Celiac, it is a lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet. If you have children, you should make sure they get tested too, as it is an inherited disease.

If you have recently been diagnosed, don’t worry!! There IS hope. Our Nature’s Corners are well equipped with a variety of products that are Celiac safe. We have dedicated an ever expanding section of nothing but gluten-free food options, and we have also marked the whole department with purple tags that make locating other gluten-free options much easier. Stop in and talk to any one of our Nature’s Corner managers, and we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Now that we have given awareness to Celiac Disease, we have to mention that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. Yoke’s carries Athena 24 packs of bottle water. 100% of the profits go to the research to find a cure. Join us in making a difference in not only celiac awareness but finding the cure for Breast Cancer too!!

Other ways to make a difference:

Purchase a Ribbon: Go online & find the ribbon for the cause you want to support and purchase it. You’ll not only help the cause by making your donation, but you’ll show your support by wearing it.

Get A Pink Hair Extension: Hair Salons (including Spokane Community College Cosmetology) are putting in PINK hair extensions for $10 each and 100% goes to research for Breast Cancer and they’re fun! I got 2!! Thank you Emily!!

Spread The Word: Word of the mouth is one of the most powerful tools for raising awareness. So keep up the chatter and spread the word!

Happy Planet Juice….Never heard of it?

Well now you have. It’s likely the best juice I have ever tasted! Seriously!! Don’t believe me? Here’s why….

First of all, this HACCP certified company uses local produce whenever possible to put in their products, ensuring the finest and freshest quality going into their juices.  HACCP, by the way, is an acronym for Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Points and is a food safety standard adopted by the Food and Drug Administration for raw packageing of meats, seafood, and juices.  

For those delicious tropical fruits, Happy Planet Juice has to look outside of Canada.  Oh yeah, did I mention that they were a Canadian company, eh?  So to make sure that they are getting the best stuff out there, they search high and low all over the globe, picking only the best stuff from small family farms.

Once they have the best produce, they can find, they use a unique process to take it from fruit to juice. They ensure that minimal light and air are introduced to the produce during the process. Less light means slowing the degradation of the product and less air slows the breaking down of the color and stability of the juice.  Furthermore, they keep all ingredients at about 35ºF to maintain their nutrients.  And as always, they never add any preservatives or additives to any of their products.

This is also one the thickest juices. Without being obnoxious, its borderline smoothie consistency. In fact, it has 5-8 pieces of whole fruit in every 11 ounce serving. Did I mention that it tastes delicious too!!  My personal favorite flavor is the Strawberry Banana.

One last really cool thing that this company does (besides make my favorite juice) is its dedication to giving back to communities that purchase their juices. It’s their Community Partners Program. They take submissions every fall of groups that are working to strengthen and sustain their communities.

Groups like social justice groups, environmental groups, food securities, the arts and groups working with children to ensure their futures are much better.  Once Happy Planet has selected the groups that they are going to donate to, they deliver jugs of juices out to them. Over the years they have donated over one million bottles of juice. Now it might just be juice, but it’s about the big picture. Their generous gesture to give back to the communities goes beyond being just juice.

So there you have it; Happy Planet. Some of the best juice ever and that’s why. Now you just got to try it! It’s on sale this month in our Nature’s News for $3.99.

**Want the Nature’s News emailed to you every month? Send me an email on the link to the left of this blog.

More and more people are finding ways to reduce their sugar intake.  Perhaps they are diabetic, or simply finding ways to cut out the unnecessary calories and drop some LB’s.  The only problem is... when looking for healthy subs, you end up with a laboratory confection of some sort.  So here are three options you can turn to that are all natural, have a lower glycemic index than conventional sugar, and have fewer calories!!  Who would have thought such a thing could exist??

·         Agave Nectar is native to Mexico.  It is actually made from the succulent plant (similar to aloe vera) called Agave.  Yeah, it sounds familiar because it’s the same plant that tequila comes from.  No worries, the two don’t taste a thing alike!!  The plant has to be 7-10 years old before production can take place. Once it reaches maturity, the leaves are striped to expose the core called the piña which is anywhere from 50-150 lbs.  The sap is extracted and then heated at a low temperature to make the nectar.  Agave nectar is very comparable to honey and is often used by vegans in place of it.  It is sweeter than honey and less viscous.  It also will dissolve in cold beverages as well as hot.  Its composition is fructose & glucose.

·         Stevia is derived from the shrub in South America.  It is estimated to be up to 300 times stronger than cane sugar.  It is not absorbed into the digestive track, and therefore, it is non-caloric!  I know, right?!  In recent studies, there is evidence that suggest stevia may lower blood pressure and will actually reverse diabetes too.  Often, stevia producers will add herbs, berries, maltodextrin, and such to it, in the powder forms, as a medium to make measurements easier to convert.

·         Xylitol is well known as the tooth friendly sweetener.  It actually reduces tooth decay. Women that are pregnant and use xylitol, will reduce the probability of transmitting bacteria responsible for tooth decay to the child by as much as 80% for the first two years of the child’s life.   Studies are also showing that its health benefits go beyond teeth. It can potentially be used to help osteoporosis and prevent weakness of bones.  It can also be used to increase neutrophils, the activity of white blood cells fighting off bacteria.   Xylitol is found in many food sources such as fruits, mushrooms, lettuce and corn, and is extracted from them.   It contains 9.6 calories per teasponn compared to 15 in sugar.   It absorbs more slowly than sugar and does not contribute to high blood sugar levels.

There you have it!   Now you know of three new options for sugar replacements.  You can cook with all three or just add them to your favorite drink!!

**If you’re a diabetic, make sure you consult your doctor before using any sugar substitute.

Aarrrr, me maties!!

Right now we have Robert’s Pirate’s Booty on sale for only a $1.99!!  Haven’t heard of it?  They are an all natural delicious snack.  They are made from corn & rice and have a texture that is a cross between a cheese puff & popcorn.  These are a snack that you don’t have to feel guilty about eating either.   They are all baked, trans fat & gluten free; they only have 130 calories per serving & are 50% less fattening than potato chips! Parents love them because they’re healthy; kids love them because they taste good & because they’re PIRATES BOOTY!
Ye Savvy??!!

Did you also know that this Saturday, the 19th is National Talk Like a Pirate Day???  How cool is that?!  Robert’s Pirate’s Booty is a sure way to have a swash bucklin' good time celebrating!!  So you’re probably thinking “How the heck does one come up with a national talk like a pirate day?”  Well, turns out it was a couple of guys who thought that it would be a fun thing for them to do every year.  In 2002, it became recognized, and now there are people all over the place, every 19^th of September talking like pirates!

If you plan on joining in on the festivities this Saturday, there is some lingo you certainly must learn first:

Booty – A Pirates Treasure

Ahoy - Hello

Avast! – Stop & give attention, especially when expressing surprise. (In place of: Check it out or Whoa...get a load of that)

Aye! – I agree

Aye aye! – I’ll get right on that

Aarrr! – Can mean any of the following: Yes, I agree, This is great, That was horrible….etc.

Beauty – A pretty lady

Smartly – To do something with urgency

Ye – Replace all your “you’s” with Ye….always

Aye, ye scurvy dogs, pillage an’ plunder this here holiday!!

Hemp…who would have thought it could be so healthy!  Its formal name is Cannabis Sativa, and its little seed packs a nutritional punch.  No, no, it’s not the hippie stuff I’m referring to. In fact, the seeds I’m talking about have a 0.00% THC level. What they do have is high levels of essential fatty acids, super omegas, essential amino acids and a whole lot of protein.

Essential fatty acids are vital for normal growth and development.  They are the long-chain molecules that are the major components of “good fat”.  The human body is unable to produce on its own 2 fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, hence ‘essential’.  We find these fatty acids in our food sources; however, they are hard to come by, especial the right balance of the two.  It is recommended that the average person consumes a ration of 1:3 (Omega-3 to Omega-6).  All too often, the ratio is more skewed to having more Omega-6 than necessary, up to 30 times more Omega-6 than -3.  Hemp provides the appropriate balance of both omegas.

Super omegas are also found in hemp.  The Omega-3 & Omega-6 contain naturally occurring stearidonic acid (SDA) & gamma linolenic acid (GLA).  These super omegas are more bio-active than typical omegas.  They have 5X the potency & are more rapidly absorbed into the body. F inding these super omegas is quite rare.  They only occur in marine oils, borage and primrose, and of course, hemp!

Protein level is another big plus to this incredible little seed. It contains 33% pure digestible protein, 65% high-quality edestin protein (the most potent from a plant source) and 35% albumin protein. The digestible protein helps the body build and repair tissue.  The edestin closely resembles the globulin in blood plasma & is vital to maintaining a healthy immune system and producing antibodies.  Albumin helps to regulate the body fluid in the tissue.

There are 20 amino acids and the human body cannot produce 10 of them on its own and need to acquire them from a food source.  Hemp seeds provide all 10 of the missing amino acids.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.   As mentioned before, amino acids are used to build & repair tissue.  They are important to the development of lean body mass and muscle repair.

Who would have thought?  All that in a little seed with such a bad rep!!

Products containing hemp are cereals, milks, protein powders, cooking oils and of course just the seeds themselves.

Got a question about hemp?  Send me an email to the link to the right of this blog.

The nights are getting colder and the kids are back in school.  That means cold & flu season is right around the corner.  But there’s ways that you & your family can avoid getting sick this year without buying conventional cold & flu medicines.

 Natural remedies were used long before any of the over the counter stuff was even invented.  For example, garlic was used by the ancient Egyptians in daily doses when they were building the pyramids to maintain their health.  Its antibacterial properties help the immune system fight off infection.

Echinacea is another herb that has been used for centuries to boost the immune system.  It increases levels of properdin that activate the defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria in the immune system.  It also cleanses the blood by sweeping dead cells and other debris through the channels of the lymphatic system and dispatches white blood cells to help fight infection.

Ginger is well known for treating the symptoms associated with the cold and flu.  It contains antiviral compounds and can be used to relieve pain and is an antiseptic and antioxidant.  Because of its ability to relieve pain, it helps to take ginger for a sore throat or upset stomach.  It also helps to reduce fever and is a mild sedative used to encourage sleep, which is always much needed to ensure a quick recovery.

Vitamin C helps the body to fight off the infection of viruses also.  It is predominately found in fruits and vegetables, especially in citrus fruits.  Eating a bunch of junk food when you feel like you might be coming down with something is never a good idea.  So by eating foods that are high in nutrients, especially vitamin C, the body is more likely to kick out any virus and stay healthy.

Prevention is the key to staying healthy this winter. It’s much easier to avoid a virus than to cure it.  At the first sign of any cold or flu, make sure to start eating healthy, drink plenty of fluids and taking supplements that help aid in prevention.

Fair trade by definition is an organized social movement and market based approach to promote sustainability to the producer.  The trading partnership is based on dialogue, transparency and respect between producer and buyer.  The main goals are to make sure the producer in developing countries is paid higher than a normal wage or also known as a livable wage.  Its goal is also to help them develop the knowledge, skills and resources to improve their lives and wellbeing.  Fair trade organizations also aim to create awareness of the philosophies of the movement to developed countries.

Back in the 60’s, a radical group of students in Europe began to target multinational corporations and promote concerns that traditional business models were fundamentally flawed. Awareness grew and so began fair trade.  However, sales of fair trade items were weak until 1988.  Someone got smart and decided to start the Fair Trade Certification Initiatives, which allowed the products to be offered outside of world shops and into mainstream purchasing channels; thus reaching a much larger customer base and increasing awareness.

The labeling initiatives also allowed customers, as well as distributers, to track the origin of goods to confirm that the products were actually benefiting those that produced it.  The concepts started to catch on and evolved until there were labeling organizations through Europe and North America, putting a variety of certified stamps on various products.  In 1997, the organization FLO (Fairtrade Labeling Organization International) came about, converging all other organizations into one on an international level.  In 2002, they developed the first international certification mark:

The mark to the left is now found on dozens of different products in over 50 different countries.  Some of those products include coffee, tea, rice, fruits, cocoa, cotton, sugars, etc.  The United States and Canada are the only countries that haven’t transitioned to this mark and are still using the other mark.  If either of these marks are found on a product you are purchasing, you know that the producer has been appropriately paid and taken care of.  In 2008, the fair trade certified sales were around $4.08 billion, a 22% year-to-year increase.  The movement that started in the 60’s, has become something truly amazing, bettering the lives of those in developing countries that were originally taken advantage of far too often.

Make the world a better place and purchase fair trade!

I recently had a conversation regarding organic foods with my cousin. She said, “I think that organic is just a fad, and the term ‘organic’ is simply used to drive the prices up.” My response was, “Dude, you need to read my blog.” So here it is Kim, this one’s for you!! =)

My top two reasons why you should purchase organic products: Pesticides and Genetic Modification.

Pesticides are defined as a substance or a mixture of substances used to KILL a pest. These pests can include other plants, insects, mammals, fish, birds, etc. The use of pesticides allows for higher yields of crops which in turn generates more money; simple economics. However, there is a downfall. Pesticides are used to kill. Even though their intent is targeted, there are still negative impacts on humans, ecosystems and the environment. A perfect example is the use of DDT, dieldrin and BHC; pesticides that have all been banned because of their deadly negative effects finally became a reality. Once studies started revealing the potential dangers of these chemicals it was too late because pesticides infected the water, air, soil and food; there were traces found in the flesh of 99% of all Americans; even in mother’s breast milk.

So you’re probably thinking, ‘well if those are banned, then the chemicals used now must be fine since they’re EPA approved.’ Keep in mind that DDT was approved too. 46 billion-ish pounds of “approved” pesticides are used each year and 75 million pounds of exposure are from you. Yeah, sorry but it’s true. Lawn care pesticide control is another big exposure source. Any exposure of either one is likely to cause an extra 1.4 million cases of cancer and health issues among Americans over their lifetimes. For example, of the 36 widely used chemicals 21 are related to nervous system damage, 15 to liver damage, 14 to birth defects, 13 to cancer and 11  to reproductive issues.

So what about the whole...“organic is just a way to drive up the price?” Well, let’s look at how much conventional foods ACTUALLY cost. The ring at the register is obviously less expensive than an organic product, whether it be a food or a yard care product. (FYI vinegar works very well as weed killer) However, your tax dollars are spent on things like pesticide regulation and testing (yes, on animals). Then there is the hazardous waste disposal and clean-ups. Your tax dollars also have to help find ways to fix the environmental damages done to conventional farming due to soil erosion and water quality depletion. So, while that organic tomato might cost you more at the register, your long-term expenses are going to be far fewer if more people switch to organic; simple economics.

I already wrote a lengthy blog about GMO so I won’t waste time with another one. But I will say it’s SOOO BAD!! Now, I’m not saying you have to buy EVERYTHING organic but the more you do the better off you are. Soft, fleshy fruits and veggies absorb a lot more of the pesticides than harder ones do, so consider that when buying produce. Use your best judgment; think about where the product is coming from, who the farmer is, and things like that. Hope this helps! Oh and one more reason, they taste way better!! Better soil = more nutrients = better flavor!!
Got any questions? Send me an email, the links to the left of the blog.

Do you ever have a scoop of ice cream and then feel really guilty that you just ate THAT?

You shall feel guilt no more! This Friday you sample Luna & Larry’s Coconut Ice Cream and enjoy every last bite. Here’s why:

It’s All About What Its Made Of:

First, it’s made from coconut milk that has been grown organically with little human interferences and shipped by boat from Thailand. The organic stamp is right on the palms in the form of termite mounds that could not live there if there was the presence of harmful pesticides. Coconut not only tastes great but also has a tremendous amount of health benefits to it too. In fact, it is now believed to be the healthiest oil for human consumption. Coconuts can be separated into 3 main components; the milk, meat and oil. All of which are antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal. Coconut is also good for your skin, immune system, weight loss and your heart. For those of you that know that coconut is a saturated fat, you’re probably thinking, “how can it possibly be considered the best for you?” Saturated fats found in animal products are long chain fatty acids that are difficult for our bodies to break down, so we end up storing them as fat. (Usually in the bum area) Coconut, however, is a medium chain fatty acid that our bodies break down quite easily and will use for energy. (No big bum)

Secondly, it is sweetened with agave syrup. Agave is grown in Mexico in abundance. If you’ve ever traveled there, you know what the agave plant looks like. Agave’s low glycemic index allows you to consume it without getting the sugar high followed by the sugar crash. Since it give your blood sugar only a gentle rise, it is tolerable for even some diabetics to consume.

This Friday, you won’t want to miss out on trying this delicious, guilt-free frozen treat!

We’ll see you then!!

During early spring and through early fall, we have some of the best farmers' markets around. Purchasing these local produce items not only helps support your local farmer and economy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint while making you feel good.  So what do you do once that cold air comes through?  You can always take it back to the old school and do a little canning…well a lot of canning if you want to eat only local throughout the winter.  Canning is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite local produce year round, but it is incredibly time consuming.  Anymore, who really has the time?  I know my busy schedule doesn’t allow it.

Another great option is to utilize that freezer.  But this too has to been done right or you’ll lose all the produce you purchased to freezer burn.  For example, strawberries should have their green tops removed and you should always wash them before you put them in the freezer.  You always want to lay them out on a cookie sheet abd freeze them overnight before you place them in bags or an air tight container.  Fruits with pits should always have the pits removed before you freeze them. Vegetables should have the ends removed and blemishes cut off before you “blanch” them. Blanching is when you dunk them in the water for no more than 3 minutes and then immediately put them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Each vegetable has different blanching time, though.  Tomatoes, you only want to dip for maybe 30 seconds and then remove the peel before you lay them out on the cookie sheet.

But if you still think that is too much, or if you just don’t have the freezer space and really just want a fresh veggie in the dead of winter, you might want to try this.  I stumbled across this on the internet and can’t wait to make one for myself!  It’s called Window Farms (windowfarms.org) and they uses 2 models with plastic bottles to construct a trickle/reservoir system.  There are 2 different models with instructions. The first is a simple 3 plant farm and is the “training wheels” of the planting system.  The other is more complex but still fairly simple to construct.  The object is that you will have your own fresh veggies and herbs growing right in your window with an efficient watering system, allowing you to buy local year round while repurposing plastic bottles!  It’s a win-win! I highly recommend you check these out.  I provided the link below, and I look forward to any feedback you may have.

3 Plant System:

http://windowfarms.org/howto/WF-HOWTO-10-sm.pdf

Window Reservoir System:

http://our.windowfarms.org/files/2009/07/how-to-diy-3-plant.pdf

Kombucha pronounced kŏm'bôô'chä'.

Many of you are saying, ‘what is that?’ Known as a Chinese tea, a plant or a mushroom, but it is actually none of these at all.  In fact, it is a living culture of beneficial microorganisms, a “kombucha culture” that is fermented for 30 days. This process has been around since the Tsin Chinese Dynasty of 221 BC and has been documented throughout history around the world from Russia to India, Germany and Japan, and it is now brought to you. More than just a drink, Kombucha is a super healthy food that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It has been known to help the body find its natural balance similar to how exercise does.

Kombucha is made up of a wide range of organic acids, probiotics and enzymes that allow it to help balance and restore the body.  Probiotics play an important role in our digestive and immune systems.  Enzymes are like the spark plugs of the body, rejuvenating life back to our cells and are typically only found in foods that have not been cooked, processed or refined.  Polyphenols are antioxidants that fight off free-radicals that can cause stress in the body.  Organic acids including lactic acid, acetic acid, glucuronic acid, usnic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, butyric acid and nucleic acid (all found in kombucha) are nutrients that promote tissue and blood alkalinity.  These nutrients also normalize the natural process of homeostases, help digestive action, liver detoxifying, partially deactivate viruses and protect cellular membranes and performance.  All of this in one little bottle!

If you’re looking for ways to promote a healthier lifestyle, this is it!  GT’s Kombucha & Synergy drinks not only have all the good stuff I listed above, but they have a good, unique taste.  Try them in the morning or before you go workout rather than a cup of coffee or tea.  Try it before a meal to help control your appetite.  Now’s the perfect time to try them because they’re on the front page of our Ad starting Wednesday at only $1.99!!

Start feeling better today!

As I sat down in our breakroom today for lunch, I noticed that we had an Inlander sitting on the table.  I opened it up and read their story Manufactured Meals.  It was a story about the corn industry and its negative effects.  It got me thinking, “this would be a good blog topic”.  My guess is that the majority of people are not informed of the effects this "1" product is having on our country, both the good and the bad.  But this topic has a lengthy story, so what I’m going to do is focus on different sections in different blogs.  We’ll start with high-fructose corn syrup…

The corn industry has seen a big spike in demand over the last few years.  There are a few factors to this spike.  One being that corn has become a common ingredient in almost every packaged food. It is disguised with a number of aliases such as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), maltodextrin, di-gycerides, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, calcium stearate, saccharin, sucrose, sorbitol, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, cellulose, xylitol and gluten just to name a few.  Call me crazy, but that’s a lot of variations!

Most people have heard both sides to the HFCS controversy, but it usually just goes as far as It's Bad or It's Good.

HFCS is a manmade sweetener.  However, when you compare the levels of fructose and calories in HFCS to those in sugar, they are comparable.  Some studies suggest that our bodies break down the two in similar ways.  This can lead people to assume that it’s not “bad” for you.

Other studies however, are suggesting that HFCS is putting those who ingest it at risk for metabolic syndrome.  This is when there are a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  Once consumed, there is a rise of uric acid in the bloodstream that blocks the action of insulin.  Insulin is responsible for regulating how the body cells use & store sugars and other food nutrients for energy.  So when you take in continuous levels of HFCS, uric levels are constantly elevated, which then can lead to metabolic syndrome.  Metabolic syndrome includes high blood pressure, obesity and elevated blood cholesterol levels. 

A study was conducted in 2007 which fed rats a diet similar to that of average Americans’.  The rats were not forced to eat but were also not restrained on how much they were allowed to consume.  The results suggested that the fructose was suppressing the sensation of fullness and within 4 weeks the rats were showing early signs of fatty liver disease and type II diabetes.  And when the average American is consuming nearly 70 lbs of HFCS per year, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why obesity and other health ailments are becoming an issue.

Simple math, really: HFCS=BAD

However, HFCS is relatively inexpensive to produce. Which means it’s going to be used in products as long as people are purchasing them.  Reading the ingredients labels are the best way for you to avoid purchasing products with ingredients you don’t want.  Plus, the more organic you buy, the less you’ll have to watch out for HFCS.  Anything organic is going to be HFCS free.

Look for more corn industry blogs in the future that will discuss ethanol production, crop rotations and the issues with GMO corn vs. organic corn.

This week we are offering Blue Sky Soda 6 packs for only a $1.99!!  Some of you are probably saying "well what’s the difference between Blue Sky and a regular soda??"

Well to start off, these sodas are all natural. They have no artificial anything!! That means no artificial colorings, flavorings and no preservatives.  So they’re a health conscious soda that you can feel good about drinking.

Speaking of feeling good about this product...they do some really awesome fundraising stuff too.  For example, in 2003, they started they’re program "Save Pets Send Tabs" fundraiser that supported humane societies and their pet adoption efforts.  For about a year and a half, they donated 10¢ for every Blue Sky Soda tab collected and sent in.  They continue their commitment to helping animals find great homes.  When you consider that each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born and most end up without a home, this is a great commitment.

Purchasing Blue Sky Soda means you’re not only buying a delicious soda, but you are buying a product from a company that is trying to make a difference. 

To make things even better, we will be demoing these sodas with Alden’s Organic Ice Creams this Friday!!  Who doesn’t love a float on a 90° day?!!

So Enjoy and Have a Great & Safe 4^th of July!!!

I assume you’ve all seen our new programs by now.  We have the Fresh Board, which has some of the best products we carry at the best deals in town, and then we also have our new Sweet Deals program. 

Sweet Deals, if you haven’t seen them yet, are everyday products at unheard of low prices.  They are located on the end caps of the aisles in the front of the stores.  So when you walk in, you see the BIG red sign reading SWEET DEAL.  It just so happens that some of these products have also been products from the Nature’s Corner shelves.  Starting this week and running for the next 2 weeks is Santa Cruz Lemonades (Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Mango Lemonade & Limeade).  We will be running this awesome product at an amazing 10 for $10!!  That means you save over $2 per bottle!!

So the price sounds like a good deal but what’s so special about Santa Cruz???  Well, Santa Cruz is organic. Not only is the product itself certified organic, but so are the growers as well as their whole facility.  They pride themselves as being “Green to the core.”  One of the coolest things this company has going for it is that it is an official Green-E certified business.  They buy enough renewable energy to produce their entire line of products and have also reduced their waste by recycling 96% of their refuse, earning them a prestigious WRAP award.  This company is truly setting an example for all other companies.  And their products are delicious!!

Not sure if you want to believe me on the delicious part???  Well then come in this Friday!  We will be demoing the lemonade to prove to you that it really does taste amazing; mot to mention, it has a Sweet Deal price and is produced by a truely eco friendly company.

We’ll see you this Friday!!  

 Kids can be messy.  There’s no doubt about that. But children can learn to be not-so-messy, in terms of our planet.  Here are some tips on how to be a GREEN parent and kick start the next generation off to an eco-friendly direction.

#11      Ditch the Paper Towels

When your child spills, don’t reach for expensive & wasteful paper towels. Go old fashion and use a cloth rag.

#12      Change Your Diapers

Diapers take about FOREVER to breakdown. We carry a flushable diaper, (G-Diapers) that will reduce the amount going into the landfills.

#13      Make Your Own Food

Making your own baby food is not only more cost effective, but it’s also really easy to do.  Plus, your baby will get far more nutrients if you make his or her food.  Do yourself a favor too; stop going out to eat as much.  Cooking your own meals can be more healthy and less expensive.

Set a good example for your children and show them just how easy it is to make these simple switches to a more GREEN lifestyle!

Got a question or a comment about this blog? Send me an email by clicking the link to the right of this blog and let me know what’s on your mind.

This Friday, our Fresh Board will break with Organic Valley half gallons of milk at $2.99.  Those of you who already purchase organic milk, likely know the benefits of the product you’re purchasing.  However, there are many consumers who don’t realize just how much better it is for them.  To help explain it, let’s look at Organic Valley’s Promise to the consumer, and then we can break down exactly what it means.

Produced by family farmers in harmony with nature without antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides.  Our animals are raised humanely and given certified organic feed – never any animal by-products – and our pastures are certified organic.

So let’s start with “in harmony with nature without antibiotics, synthetic hormones or pesticides”.  Have you ever seen a cow at a pharmacy?  Not likely.  How about a cow with utters so big they reach the ground?  I’m thinking that isn’t normal.  So a cow in harmony with its natural existence would be free of all unnatural chemicals like antibiotics, hormones and pesticides.  So why do some companies use these? 

Bovine somatotropin (rBST) is a protein hormone that cows naturally produce in the pituitary gland.  However, a recombinant version using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria (aka rBGH) has been injected into cows to boost milk output.  The side effects of the use of rBGH include a 40%  reduction in pregnancy rates, visibly abnormal milk, hoof disorders, 55% increase in lameness, and a need for more antibiotic treatments for their health issues.  As the use of antibiotics increases, so does the resistance from bacteria to the antibiotic which can lead to resistance in humans too.

Furthermore, the cows are allowed to carry out a normal cow life.  Organic Valley’s standards start with a healthy soil.  Organic practices allow the minerals and micronutrients to build up thus producing robust, nutritious plants that create natural defenses against insects, fungus & disease.  So the cows are not only grazing on a healthier food, but are getting exercise, fresh air and an overall healthier and happier life.  Now if I were a cow, that’s where I would want to be.

In the end, you as a consumer are purchasing a quality product; one that is made the right way. This Friday, and all through the week on Fresh Board, you will be able to purchase this amazing product for just $2.99.

Feel good about what you purchase for your family.

Demo Days!!!!

This Friday, not only does another great Fresh Board start, but it's a day of great sampling.  In Nature's Corner, we will be giving out Coranzo chips for you to try (2/$5), and you can wash them down with some Honest Tea that is a "Sweet Deal" for only 69¢!!!

Around the store, there will also be some other great products out for you to try. So you’re definitely not going to want to miss out this Friday.

We’ll see you then!!!

Looking for ways to “green” your gardening techniques?  Here are some more “go green” tips that will help you make your outdoor living spaces not only beautiful but environmentally friendly, too.

Not only will you have delicious fruits and veggies right at your house, but it will save $ and fuel on shipping.

#12      Compost

I know this one sounds very tree hugger, but composting will turn waste into fertilizer for your gardens.

Also, don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you’re out in your garden.  Nobody wants wrinkles!  And if you have a problem with weeds in the yard & want an inexpensive & chemical free weed killer here’s a recipe that is easy to make & effective:

            Ingredients-

            1 Empty 32 oz Spray Bottle

            1 oz Clove Bud Essential Oil

            1 tsp (80-ish drops) Wintergreen Essential

Oil

            1 tsp Dishwashing Liquid (Phosphate Free

 of Course!)

            31 oz Water

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.  Secure the lid and gently agitate until fully mixed.  Then spot apply to weeds. As always keep out of reach of children. The wintergreen can be harsh to their sensitive skin.

 Good Luck!

Ever hear the term Carbon Footprint and you just kinda go with the conversation even though you’re no to sure what it means exactly?  You’re likely not alone.  Hopefully this will help... You’re carbon footprint is a calculation of the total carbon dioxide emissions caused directly and indirectly by you and your daily activities that have a negative effect on the environment, especially climate.  Also known as CO2, carbon dioxide is the gas that is directly related to the Greenhouse Effect (aka global warming).  In fact, up to 98% of all the atmospheric CO2 is from fossil fuels combusting.

Fossil fuels are oil, coal and gas.  That means every time you get in your car, flip on the lights, or hop on a plane, you are relying on the combustion of those fossil fuels.  Results are typically given in tons of CO2-equivalent (CO2-eq) per year.  The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 metric tons of CO2 while the average American is generating about 20 tons of CO2-eq!   

I used carbonfootprint.com to configure mine, and I had a footprint of 6.13 tons.  So while I am significantly lower than the country’s average, I am still higher than the world average and even more above the targeted 2 tons to combat climate changes.  However, figuring out your footprint is a good starting point to see where to start on bettering your footprint score.

When figuring out footprints, there are two types of footprints that are configured.  One is the primary, which is the sum of direct emissions of Co2 from energy consumption and transportation.  The other is the secondary footprint, which is the sum of indirect emissions during the lifecycle of products used by an individual.  Now that I’ve calculated my footprint, I know that my secondary footprint is the area to focus on when trying to lower it with 4.48 tons of my footprint coming from the secondary. 

If you calculate your footprint, you might surprise yourself and find that you’re doing your part to help reduce CO2 emissions.  Even if you end up at the average American level, you’ll have a better understanding of where you need to improve.

Check it out and see what your carbon footprint is and how you can help reduce the amount of CO2 emissions!

Still wondering what else you can do to be more green? Here are 3 more simple tips to help you & your family be green.

#6       Turn It Off & Unplug It

Didn’t your mama tell you to turn everything off when you leave a room?! Listen to her and save some $ and energy. Also, everything that is plugged in, even if it’s turned off, still uses energy. So unplug it too.

 #7      Buy Local

Yoke’s carries a variety of local products. By purchasing within 100miles, you not only support your local companies & economy, but you also reduce the amount fuel used to ship products.

#8       Ditch Your Plastic Cups

            Bring your own cup next time you come to the coffee stand. We’ll even give you a 25¢ discount!

Stay tuned for next week for more simple “go green” tips! Also, don’t forget that all our Nature’s Corners are demoing every Friday which is the same day that our Fresh Board breaks. This Friday we are featuring Greek Gods Yogurts & Nature’s Path Granolas. Come check it out!!!

Demo Days are starting!!!

You guys are going to love it!  Every Friday all our Nature's Corner managers will be demoing a variety of fantastic products.  This Friday, we will be sampling Wallaby Yogurts, Gloree Bee Honey and Dave's Killer Bread. And trust me; you want to try these products. Dave's Killer Bread is likely the best bread I have ever eaten!!

Times will slightly vary from store to store, but you can start looking for us to set-up around 2-ish and go until at least 5.  So not only is our Fresh Board breaking every Friday, but you get to try some awesome products, too.

See you this Friday!!!!

Spokane Family Farms is a local dairy farm that is producing and bottling all natural, cream on the top whole milk.....AND WE’RE CARRYING IT!!!!  It’s just like in the old days when the milk was delivered to your door step; only it’s in plastic and you have to come here to get it, but the taste is just like back then!  It’s a fantastic product sold by the gallon and the 1/2 gallon and is incredibly priced!  Plus, buying local products not only supports you're local businesses and economy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and did I mention, it’s all NATURAL. Next time you're in the store, make sure you swing by the milk section and grab a jug to take home!!

**Note:  In some stores, it might be located in your Nature's Corner rather than the Dairy section.

Most consumers, if asked, would tell you that they would rather not eat a product made with genetically modified ingredients/organisms, and yet they do.  What gives???

Please note the genetic engineering/modification is much different than genetic selection done in breeding.  GMOs are defined as organisms that have had their molecular or cellular biology altered by techniques that would not take place in natural conditions or processes, and furthermore, contain substances that have never been a part of the human food supply.  It’s when scientists inject genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans into plant or animal’s DNA!  So why are we eating these?!?

Most people don’t realize the extent of GMO; they have no idea just how many products are now contaminated with them or even what GMO really means.  Until I went to school and studied GMO in an ethics class, I had no real understanding of this process.  Now that I know, I feel it’s only right to share.

You have been consuming GMO since about 1996, unless you have not eaten any processed foods and have only eaten nothing but organic.  Some people might say, “Well if I’ve been eating them since then, what’s the big deal?” Many of the long term effects are still unknown, which could be the scariest part of it all.  We are eating things that could have devastating effects.  Effects like new diseases, antibiotic resistance and nutritional problems.  Some of the studies done with animals have shown side effects such as damaged immune systems, smaller brains and livers, potentially pre-cancerous cell growth and higher death rates.  Since no follow up studies have been done with GMO effects in humans, it is hard to pinpoint what the exact long term effects may be.

While we allow GMO processing in our country (30 other countries do not allow any GMO processing),  We don’t have any regulation in place for labeling GMO containing products.  So if you choose to avoid GMO, you have to be very careful as to what you purchase.  A tip: buy organic.  If it says USDA organic or even just made with some organic ingredients, it must be 100% non-GMO.  Now I know you read all my blogs, so you likely already knew that if it says organic, you know the product you are purchasing is exactly what it says it is.

If you would like more detailed information or have questions in regard to this topic and the contents, please send me an email, and I will be happy to answer you.  Also, since I know (like me) you all like to hug a tree or two, I have a couple pamphlets explaining this topic, and I can give you shopping pointers via email rather than printing a bunch out.

Our Nature's Corners offer an abundance of non-GMO products that are easily identified.  We'll see you soon!!

Suggested readings on GMO: Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette both by Jeffery M. Smith, Your Right to Know, Andrew Kimbrell, In Defense of Food by Michail Pollan, and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

With the weather getting warming (like today being nearly 70°!), it’s nice to have a refreshing drink to sip on.  I just received these new iced teas from Steaz.  They’re AWESOME!!  They have a great flavor without being overly sweet. Plus, they’re on the low side of calories.  So you can enjoy them without completely messing up your ready-for-summer diets.  They are also USDA certified organic & a Fair Trade item. You've got to come try these!!

It's finally done!!!!!

My Gluten Free section just got its update.  It expanded by 12 feet in the dry-line and 2 whole doors in the frozen section with a bunch of new items, not to mention enough wiggle room for any suggestions.  So please, let me know if there is anything you want to see on the shelf.  Also, tomorrow, Argonne gets there department face lift so watch for that, and then on the 16th of this month Pasco gets theirs done.

So come check it out!!!

Over 60% of households have a pet, which amounts to about 70 million homes. Pets aren’t just pets anymore; they’re part of the family. Studies have shown that by having a pet, your quality of life is enhanced; giving us companionship, unconditioned love, affection and laughter. So if they give us so much, shouldn’t we give back?

Nutrition is very important on your part to make sure your pet is maintaining a healthy life.  Buying products that are easy to digest and are nutrient rich is the best way to keep your pet, not only healthy, but happy as well.  For example, corn-free and gluten-free foods are easier on a pet’s digestive system.  Flax is also a great ingredient to look for in pet food.  The omega-rich seed supports healthy immune systems as well as shiny coats.  Organix pet foods by Castor & Pollux are great meal options for cats and dogs with free-ranged chicken being their #1 ingredient in all their dry pet foods.  But we all know that what you put in their bowls isn’t always the only thing they eat, or for that matter chew.

Ever had your dog lovingly give you a big smooch on the cheek and got a whiff of their incredibly bad breath?  Yeah, they sell stuff for that too. Hard biscuits help to scrap off plaque from the teeth.  Dogswell makes treats called Breathies and they are an all natural chicken jerky designed to remove plaque while freshening the breath and they taste good; to the dog that is.  Even cats can benefit from these treats because ...their breath could use a little freshening, let me tell you...

Hygiene is important for you to monitor for your pet since they can’t always do it for themselves. Human’s skin is 3-5 times thicker than animals which means they are much more likely to absorb toxins and develop skin irritations.  Bathing your pet is very important but you don’t want to overdo it.  Typically, once a month is plenty.  Pick shampoos that are sensitive on the skin.  Don’t use your shampoo because it will be too harsh and will likely cause irritation.  Oatmeal based shampoos are great for reducing irritation, and shampoos that have aloe vera will help sooth existing irritations and reduce inflammation.  Caster & Pollux has their Head to Tail line that is not only gentle on pets’ skin, but smells good too.

Exercise is important for you and your pet as well. Making sure you take the dog out for a walk can  improve your health and your dog's.  Now typically you don’t see a cat on a leash Sunday morning stroll, but having toys that allow you to interact and play with the cat is a good way to bond and be healthy.  Having toys for your pets allows them to play, scratch and chew without getting into trouble, making both of you happy.  

Keep your pet happy and healthy by purchasing quality products for them.  You’ll see the difference.

Summer is right around the corner, and it never fails, the second that warm weather hits, everyone is out enjoying the heat.  Shortly thereafter, we all seem to head straight to the store to buy aloe vera to sooth our sunburns we got while playing in the sun.  We are conditioned to know that if you get a burn, you use aloe vera. However, you don’t have to spend a day in the heat to take advantage of this new Hot Trend.

 Aloe vera’s benefits have been widely known for years; only now, people are finding that its benefits go beyond healing burns.  Aloe vera juice is becoming an item that is hard to keep on the shelves. By drinking 2-4 oz daily, the juice will improve your circulation, aid in digestion, and detoxify your body while cleansing your colon. The plant, when ingested into the body, acts as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent helping to prevent disease in the body.  It also regulates blood sugar and blood pressure, promotes healing bones and joints, strengthens the immune system and heals ulcers.  This is because it has vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C & E, Folic Acid and Niacin.

Now ladies, you’re going to love this one!  It actually can help combat the effects of aging skin. It repairs the collagen and elasticity of skin by utilizing the nutritional building blocks (the 8 essential amino acids) found in aloe vera as the skin naturally replenishes itself.

Maybe the best part about drinking this healing plant though, is its ability to assist in weight loss. You heard it! Drinking this stuff may help you get into those jeans you have tucked away in the back of closet (even if they’re not in style anymore). The aloe vera works by stimulating the metabolic rate in liver cells to burn more energy causing the body mass index to reduce and stabilize.  Making you thinner and healthier with every drink.

It’s no wonder this product is flying off the shelves!  Don’t believe me? Try the new Hot Trend for yourself and see the difference it makes.

As always, use only as directed please.=)

Hello All!!

I’m back!! And I’ve got great news!!  First, we’ve got some resets taking place in my store, Market Street.  We have started to expand our Gluten Free dry line and will be finished the first week of April.  We are also expanding Gluten Free products in the frozen section.  It will be two full doors dedicated to all Gluten Free, which means less searching for all of you!!

Now you may not know this, but March is National Frozen Food Month.  Dave, our Frozen Foods' Manager at my store, has been awesome enough to give my natural products a whole end cap in our regular frozen foods department, and he is also going to help me with my demos this Fresh Friday (tomorrow)!!  We will be giving out AC LaRocco pizza slices and scoops of maybe the best ice cream I’ve ever tried, Alden’s ice cream.  Both are on sale ALL month long.  You don’t want to miss this.  The whole department is decorated and we will even have a penguin walking around passing out samples.  So we’ll see you all tomorrow for Fresh Friday!

So we have some exciting news for anyone who is battling with gluten intolerance! Not only do all our stores carry a variety of gluten free options, but our Nature’s Corners come equipped with a whole section dedicated to this dietary need. Most are about 24 feet of all gluten free products, as well as other allergen free options. Plus, we’ve tagged the whole department with these handy purple tags under products that say GLUTEN FREE to make it easier for you to shop safely.

Now, if you’re Celiac and you didn’t know about this… exciting, huh?! But it just gets better…

Many of our Gluten Free sets are expanding. In my store, the Mead location, we are adding an extra 12 feet of gluten free products in the dry section. We are also taking 2-3 frozen food doors and converting them all to gluten free options. In our Argonne location and a couple others, additions have already taken place. However, the biggest change that we have made in a Nature’s Corner to a gluten free section, has taken place at our Sandpoint store. They have gone from 16 feet to 48 feet of all gluten free products!!! This is an incredible expansion and it looks absolutely beautiful. It’s a definite must see.  If you don’t live in the Sandpoint area, we highly recommend you make a day of it or even take a long weekend, go skiing or something and check this section out!! Plus, if you go this weekend, you can check out the Yoke’s Outrageous Air Show!! I went to it last year and it was a killer weekend! The skiing was awesome' and the show is so cool to watch. The jumps they do are ridiculous!! If you need directions, click on our Store Locator tab and select Sandpoint. On the lower left side of the screen, you should see an area that says Getting There. This will tell you exactly how to get there. So there’s no excuses! Come check it out!

Hello Everyone!

So I’ve got fabulous news for all of you who have been requesting FRESH Organic breads.  We have been carrying the frozen varieties for some time now but had quite a few people mention they would like to see us provide a non-frozen option.  Well that time has come!   We went with a company called Nature Bake and their Dave’s Killer Bread line as suggested by one of our valued customers. We picked up six different types of their breads.  We will have the Nature’s Bake (NB) Spelt, the Dave’s Killer Bread (DKB) Blues Bread, DKB Good Seed, DKB 21 Whole Grains, DKB Power Seed, and the DKB Sprouted Wheat.

So what do these breads have to offer???

This company is providing products that are GMO-FREE (genetically modified organisms) and have no hydrogenated oils, are packed with whole grains, organic, no trans fat, no corn syrups, many are vegan, chemical free and high in fiber.  So you can see, this is pretty exciting stuff…well as exciting as bread can be I guess=).  This Friday, February 20th, our shipment will be in at the Mead store.  Because this is a new product for Yoke’s, it will only be available at our Mead location to begin with.  I’ll be sure to keep you all posted as to when you will be able to find it at our other Nature’s Corner locations.  So come check it out this Friday!  We’ll see you then!!