I decided this year, I wasn't going to make any New Year's resolutions. Instead, I'm working on New Year's evolutions. They differ from resolutions in several ways, the most basic being that it's not about abruptly stopping or starting a behavior. My New Year's evolutions are about expanding or contracting things in my life. The reason for this is simple. Like most other human beings, I am not good at sustaining large changes in my life. I've learned that we are all much better at making small changes.
The example I point to is weight loss. Many people make a New Year's resolution to lose 10, 20, 50, 100 pounds. That lasts about a week, until the kids are cranky, the job is stressful, the finances are tight...you name it, there's always something that comes up to break our resolve.
In fact, studies show that people who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off make a series of small changes. They reduce their caloric intake by 100 calories per day or they start walking for 30 minutes three times a week consistently. It's that simple. After 6 months, those habits are in-grained and they no longer seem like something you have to 'do'.
The same is true for just about anything else you want to change in your life. So, this year, my evolutions are these:
- Be a bit kinder
- Be a bit tidier
- Take time to have a bit more fun
Now, if you look at this list, you can see that it wouldn't stand up to the scrutiny of a business project plan - it doesn't have measurable outcomes - and that's the appeal. Evolutionary change is gradual, kinder, gentler change. As an added benefit, it's easier to be successful with New Year's evolutions. So, at the end of 2009, I'll look back over the year and ask "Was I a bit kinder this year? Was I just a bit tidier this year? Did I have a bit more fun during 2009?
I suspect my answer will be "Yes, but let's keep working on it."
Best wishes for wonderful, evolutionary change in your life in 2009.
Read more!
12.27.2008
12.21.2008
What Really Matters
During this holiday season, many people in this country and around the world are concerned about their economic security. For some, this is a mild discomfort - but for many millions more, it is a vague, threatening feeling lurking just under the horizon of consciousness or a massive, in-your-face reality. Regardless of the source or reason, it is impacting us all.
This year, we started shopOrganic.com. In January, the future seemed bright and shiny and full of possibilities - all of which included wild success. In the spring, we saw the problems in the housing market and knew it would 'soften' the economy a bit, but we remained optimistic. By fall, we saw the impending collapse of the mortgage and insurance giants. Concerning but still manageable. We remained optimistic. Then came the broader collapse of...well, many more giants in the financial industry.
We started thinking, 'wow, what unfortunate timing we had, to open a business in a year of historic worldwide financial problems.' Still, we remained optimistic. OK, some of you might be thinking 'these folks must be insane to remain optimistic in the midst of this mess.' Maybe. But I see it differently. Let me digress just a bit further and we'll circle all the way back in a moment.
I was listening to NPR a few months back. They featured an interview with the woman who is CEO of the company that owns International House of Pancakes (aka IHOP). I'm always interested in hearing how others approach business, especially in businesses very different from those in which I have experience. The interviewer asked the CEO how she handled a particular problem and she answered 'I focus on what I can do. I can't control the economy. I can't control my competitors. So I focus on the things over which I do have control.' Sounds a lot like a 12 step program...and it's still sage advice.
So, back to the issue of control, as promised. Do I wish the economy was better? Yes. Do I wish it wasn't impacting me, my friends, my family and my co-workers? Absolutely. But I have no control over these macro-economic issues. I can write my Congressional representatives or contact the President-elect at change.gov - but I alone will not impact this situation. So, it comes down to choices - financial and otherwise. I'm trying to make wise financial choices that include spending where needed (doing my part to keep the economy chunking along) and being wise with my funds. I'm also choosing to remain optimistic. After all, how I view things may not control the outcome but it certainly controls my experience of it.
I've been living on a pretty strict budget this year because I knew I'd be spending all my time and money starting this business. I've already learned to tighten my financial belt and I've developed new habits as a result. And along the way, I discovered something really important. When you actually take away all the 'stuff' we grow so easily accustomed to, you're left with your self, your life, your relationships. It's like cleaning out a room only to discover the most magnificent hard wood floors hidden under that hideous old worn out carpet. I've talked with friends in the past few weeks who all have experienced the same thing - a renewed sense of love and appreciation for what they DO have in their lives. So, while we're in a tight spot as a nation and a planet, we have a unique opportunity to take a new look at what we do have. We can cherish the people in our lives that bring us joy, comfort and friendship. We can choose to be optimistic and find ways out of this jam - together. Read more!
This year, we started shopOrganic.com. In January, the future seemed bright and shiny and full of possibilities - all of which included wild success. In the spring, we saw the problems in the housing market and knew it would 'soften' the economy a bit, but we remained optimistic. By fall, we saw the impending collapse of the mortgage and insurance giants. Concerning but still manageable. We remained optimistic. Then came the broader collapse of...well, many more giants in the financial industry.
We started thinking, 'wow, what unfortunate timing we had, to open a business in a year of historic worldwide financial problems.' Still, we remained optimistic. OK, some of you might be thinking 'these folks must be insane to remain optimistic in the midst of this mess.' Maybe. But I see it differently. Let me digress just a bit further and we'll circle all the way back in a moment.
I was listening to NPR a few months back. They featured an interview with the woman who is CEO of the company that owns International House of Pancakes (aka IHOP). I'm always interested in hearing how others approach business, especially in businesses very different from those in which I have experience. The interviewer asked the CEO how she handled a particular problem and she answered 'I focus on what I can do. I can't control the economy. I can't control my competitors. So I focus on the things over which I do have control.' Sounds a lot like a 12 step program...and it's still sage advice.
So, back to the issue of control, as promised. Do I wish the economy was better? Yes. Do I wish it wasn't impacting me, my friends, my family and my co-workers? Absolutely. But I have no control over these macro-economic issues. I can write my Congressional representatives or contact the President-elect at change.gov - but I alone will not impact this situation. So, it comes down to choices - financial and otherwise. I'm trying to make wise financial choices that include spending where needed (doing my part to keep the economy chunking along) and being wise with my funds. I'm also choosing to remain optimistic. After all, how I view things may not control the outcome but it certainly controls my experience of it.
I've been living on a pretty strict budget this year because I knew I'd be spending all my time and money starting this business. I've already learned to tighten my financial belt and I've developed new habits as a result. And along the way, I discovered something really important. When you actually take away all the 'stuff' we grow so easily accustomed to, you're left with your self, your life, your relationships. It's like cleaning out a room only to discover the most magnificent hard wood floors hidden under that hideous old worn out carpet. I've talked with friends in the past few weeks who all have experienced the same thing - a renewed sense of love and appreciation for what they DO have in their lives. So, while we're in a tight spot as a nation and a planet, we have a unique opportunity to take a new look at what we do have. We can cherish the people in our lives that bring us joy, comfort and friendship. We can choose to be optimistic and find ways out of this jam - together. Read more!
12.02.2008
Our Debut at the Tucson Farmer's Market
We were at the Tucson Farmer's Market at St. Philip's Plaza in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday. It was our big debut and we had a blast. There are lots of vendors there and our line of organic dry goods including organic beans, rice, nuts and dried fruit was a great complement to the other products there. We were nestled between a company (I forgot to get the name, sorry Laurie, next time! selling herb and spice mixes (as well as a heavenly smelling potpourri blend) on one side. On the other, Polish Girl Bakery, specializing in the most tantalizing organic baked goods you can imagine. So, we were in great company to start our adventure at the Tucson Farmer's Market on the weekend after "Black Friday".... (photos to follow in the coming days)
It was fun being outside (the weather in Tucson this time of year is chilly in the morning then sunny and temperate in the afternoon - perfect for a farmer's market. There were people from all over the U.S. and a few international visitors. The best selling item of the day was dried organic Turkish apricots - they're the most delicious dried fruit I've ever tasted and somehow our farmer's market visitors' radar was set for those as well. We'll bring more next Sunday.
Since we're an online retailer and most of our interactions with our "friendstomers" (that's friend and customer combined, which is how we view our customers) is by email or phone, it was really a pleasure to step out into the bright sunshine of a perfect November day and get face to face with our friendstomers, our neighbors and our Farmer's Market friends. We'll be baaaccckkkk.
A special thanks to Scott and Josh at Adventure Coffee Roasting. We carry their unbelievably good organic, fair trade coffee, but they roast and sell directly at the Tucson Farmer's Market (and other locations) as well. They stopped by several times to see if we needed anything since they knew it was our maiden voyage. We appreciated your stopping by - thanks!
So, for those of you planning on being in the Tucson area on any given Sunday morning, please stop by the Tucson Farmer's Market at St. Philip's Plaza (River/Campbell) between 9am and 1pm and say hello! We'd love to meet you and we're sure you'll be dazzled by the array of unique organic and artisanal products - ours and all the other vendors there sharing the love.
Now, go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!
It was fun being outside (the weather in Tucson this time of year is chilly in the morning then sunny and temperate in the afternoon - perfect for a farmer's market. There were people from all over the U.S. and a few international visitors. The best selling item of the day was dried organic Turkish apricots - they're the most delicious dried fruit I've ever tasted and somehow our farmer's market visitors' radar was set for those as well. We'll bring more next Sunday.
Since we're an online retailer and most of our interactions with our "friendstomers" (that's friend and customer combined, which is how we view our customers) is by email or phone, it was really a pleasure to step out into the bright sunshine of a perfect November day and get face to face with our friendstomers, our neighbors and our Farmer's Market friends. We'll be baaaccckkkk.
A special thanks to Scott and Josh at Adventure Coffee Roasting. We carry their unbelievably good organic, fair trade coffee, but they roast and sell directly at the Tucson Farmer's Market (and other locations) as well. They stopped by several times to see if we needed anything since they knew it was our maiden voyage. We appreciated your stopping by - thanks!
So, for those of you planning on being in the Tucson area on any given Sunday morning, please stop by the Tucson Farmer's Market at St. Philip's Plaza (River/Campbell) between 9am and 1pm and say hello! We'd love to meet you and we're sure you'll be dazzled by the array of unique organic and artisanal products - ours and all the other vendors there sharing the love.
Now, go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!
11.28.2008
Green - Saving It, Giving It
I don't know if you're feeling like I am, but the economic meltdown and the continuing financial drama from banks to insurance companies to automakers has worn me out. It's tiring and stressful to hear about these big problems day in and day out, especially when the vast majority of us cannot control or change any of those macroeconomic issues. Most of us go about our day-to-day business while gauging the impact of these problems on our friends, families and communities. It's tiring and a bit disheartening, but from my perspective, there is some very good news out there. I've heard a lot of people talk about having a more sensible Christmas or holiday spending budget. The unbridled consumerism of the past decade or so is giving way to a bit of quiet reflection.
It seems a lot of people are scaling back, realizing that they don't need more stuff. That's not to say that no one's giving gifts this year, just that they don't need to go over the top. More importantly, I think this year people will think more about the gifts they give, and though they will give fewer gifts, they will be gifts that are useful to the recipient in some way.
So, my gifts this year will be focused on things that can be used - not stored in the closet for re-gifting or a visit to the Goodwill or Salvation Army during the next housecleaning. Gifts that don't add further clutter to our environment, things that green up our bodies, lives and wallets - those are the gifts that make sense this holiday season. Small specialty food gifts baskets, foods that people might not otherwise try, things that can expand the recipient's culinary horizons without breaking the budget.
This holiday season, my friends and family will be getting green gifts from me. Giving green gifts benefits my world - my friends, family, community and environment. If I can also save a bit of "green" this year, all the better.
Here's a link to shopOrganic's Green Gifts for the Holidays. Let the budget-conscious) shopping begin! Read more!
It seems a lot of people are scaling back, realizing that they don't need more stuff. That's not to say that no one's giving gifts this year, just that they don't need to go over the top. More importantly, I think this year people will think more about the gifts they give, and though they will give fewer gifts, they will be gifts that are useful to the recipient in some way.
So, my gifts this year will be focused on things that can be used - not stored in the closet for re-gifting or a visit to the Goodwill or Salvation Army during the next housecleaning. Gifts that don't add further clutter to our environment, things that green up our bodies, lives and wallets - those are the gifts that make sense this holiday season. Small specialty food gifts baskets, foods that people might not otherwise try, things that can expand the recipient's culinary horizons without breaking the budget.
This holiday season, my friends and family will be getting green gifts from me. Giving green gifts benefits my world - my friends, family, community and environment. If I can also save a bit of "green" this year, all the better.
Here's a link to shopOrganic's Green Gifts for the Holidays. Let the budget-conscious) shopping begin! Read more!
11.17.2008
Natural Sweeteners - Brown Rice Syrup
OK, last in our series of natural sweeteners. Brown rice syrup is made by cooking brown rice in pure filtered water. Then, most of the water is evaporated and the result is a naturally sweet, golden syrup. Brown rice syrup has a similar thickness as honey but it has flavor that is a bit nuttier than honey. Brown rice syrup is gluten free and whate free. You can substitute rice syrup in place of sugar, honey, corn syrup, maple syrup or molasses. To substitute sugar, use 1 1/4 cup rice syrup for one cup of sugar, using 1/4 cup less of another liquid needed in the recipe. Brown rice syrup is a great sweetener to keep in your pantry. Experiment with it, you'll enjoy the unique (but mild) flavor of brown rice syrup.
Of course, shopOrganic carries a delicious, organic, kosher brown rice syrup from our friends at Lundberg. Click here to head to shopOrganic for Lundberg brown rice syrup. Read more!
Of course, shopOrganic carries a delicious, organic, kosher brown rice syrup from our friends at Lundberg. Click here to head to shopOrganic for Lundberg brown rice syrup. Read more!
11.11.2008
Natural Sweeteners - Sucanat
Another installment of our quick review of sweeteners. This entry: sucanat. Sucanat is actually the shortening of the words sugar cane - natural (su-ca-nat). It is sugar cane in an unrefined form. Sucanat tastes like sugar, bakes like sugar and sweetens like sugar - the difference? Sucanat is whole cane sugar. Once the sugar cane is cut in the fields, the whole cane plants are crushed to extract the juice. The sugar cane juice is heated in a large vat until it reaches a deep, rich color and has the consistency of a thick syrup. The syrup is then hand paddled to cool and break up the syrup into dry granules. Nothing added, nothing removed.
Because Sucanat retains all the juice of the cane, it has characteristics similar to molasses. It's particularly well-suited to making barbeque sauce or anything with chocolate. If you want to add a level of flavor depth to anything you sweeten, try sucanat.
shopOrganic's sucanat is organic and fair trade from Costa Rica. Give it a try - here's the link to Wholesome Sweeteners Sucanat.
Next up...brown rice syrup.
Read more!
Because Sucanat retains all the juice of the cane, it has characteristics similar to molasses. It's particularly well-suited to making barbeque sauce or anything with chocolate. If you want to add a level of flavor depth to anything you sweeten, try sucanat.
shopOrganic's sucanat is organic and fair trade from Costa Rica. Give it a try - here's the link to Wholesome Sweeteners Sucanat.
Next up...brown rice syrup.
Read more!
11.07.2008
Affordable Organic and Green Gifts
I just read an article saying that Americans were planning on cutting back on gifts this year. In many ways, that's probably a good thing as we have tended in the past to overspend at the holidays (and I include myself in that "we"). It will be interesting to see how this pans out as we get closer to those winter holidays. Often people swear they're going to spend less but end up spending more than they anticipated or budgeted. This year, I'm guessing most folks will truly scale back - but I'm also thinking the kinds of gifts we give might shift.
In recent years, I've started giving gifts of food since it's not something someone stuffs in a back closet or tries to re-gift (though if it's the notorious fruitcake, it might be re-gifted several times, even across state lines)...
As a business consultant and business owner, I often give a small gift to clients as a token of my appreciation for our business relationship (which often turns into genuine friendship over the years). Food is a pretty safe gift for corporate gift giving especially because you don't have to worry about size, color, or more importantly, cost. Many companies have strict rules about employees receiving gift, especially from vendors, but those restrictions rarely apply to food gifts.
Of course, there's a reason I'm talking about all this. Cara has been hard at work putting together some really cool gift collections that fit every budget. For example, we've got an Organic Harvest hot sauce collection of three of the best, 100% organic hot sauces you'll ever taste for only $9.99. Here's another example - a set of four organic jams from Colorado Mountain Jam so packed with flavor you'll be tempted to eat it straight from the jar - for just $21.29. One more example - Cara put together an amazing gift (I'm hoping someone gives this to me this year...hint hint) with organic Rishi tea, Biscottea shortbread cookies (perfect with tea) and a really cool ceramic mug with removable tea strainer for just $35.99. I'm not a big fan of tea (I'm more of a hard core coffee drinker), but this Rishi tea is like nothing I've ever tasted before. It's got incredibly robust, complex flavors and as it cools, you can taste more and more nuances. I know, I know, it sounds a bit like some high brow wine review, but really, this tea is THAT good. The Biscottea use organic tea in the cookies. Cara worked with Rishi to create parings that really work nicely together and the ceramic mug is great for coffee or tea.
So, you see, you can give a wonderful gift that the recipient will be thrilled to receive, you can do all this on a tight budget and you can be sure that everyone you know gets a little something at the holidays that won't end up being re-gifted.
I spared you by not listing every single gift we have - suffice it to say Cara's had a really fun time creating these gifts and I don't think she's done yet - so check back often for affordable organic and green gifts you can give with a clean conscience this year!
shopOrganic Affordable Organic and Green Gifts
Read more!
In recent years, I've started giving gifts of food since it's not something someone stuffs in a back closet or tries to re-gift (though if it's the notorious fruitcake, it might be re-gifted several times, even across state lines)...
As a business consultant and business owner, I often give a small gift to clients as a token of my appreciation for our business relationship (which often turns into genuine friendship over the years). Food is a pretty safe gift for corporate gift giving especially because you don't have to worry about size, color, or more importantly, cost. Many companies have strict rules about employees receiving gift, especially from vendors, but those restrictions rarely apply to food gifts.
Of course, there's a reason I'm talking about all this. Cara has been hard at work putting together some really cool gift collections that fit every budget. For example, we've got an Organic Harvest hot sauce collection of three of the best, 100% organic hot sauces you'll ever taste for only $9.99. Here's another example - a set of four organic jams from Colorado Mountain Jam so packed with flavor you'll be tempted to eat it straight from the jar - for just $21.29. One more example - Cara put together an amazing gift (I'm hoping someone gives this to me this year...hint hint) with organic Rishi tea, Biscottea shortbread cookies (perfect with tea) and a really cool ceramic mug with removable tea strainer for just $35.99. I'm not a big fan of tea (I'm more of a hard core coffee drinker), but this Rishi tea is like nothing I've ever tasted before. It's got incredibly robust, complex flavors and as it cools, you can taste more and more nuances. I know, I know, it sounds a bit like some high brow wine review, but really, this tea is THAT good. The Biscottea use organic tea in the cookies. Cara worked with Rishi to create parings that really work nicely together and the ceramic mug is great for coffee or tea.
So, you see, you can give a wonderful gift that the recipient will be thrilled to receive, you can do all this on a tight budget and you can be sure that everyone you know gets a little something at the holidays that won't end up being re-gifted.
I spared you by not listing every single gift we have - suffice it to say Cara's had a really fun time creating these gifts and I don't think she's done yet - so check back often for affordable organic and green gifts you can give with a clean conscience this year!
shopOrganic Affordable Organic and Green Gifts
Read more!
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