Just in Time...Apple Pie for the Holidays!

Just thawing out the apples to make a few apple pies for Christmas dinner this weekend.  Every fall season, my husband and I trek upstate New York to go apple picking.  Honestly, because there are so many great local farms, we love buying seasonal produce there when we can rather than organic from the grocery store.  Obviously, it feels great to support local farmers who are typically still from generations of farmers and are passionate about what they do.  There are no large paychecks, no big glory but the farmers I met care about the land and growing wholesome food. 

There are many articles including below on eating local if you’re interested in learning more:

·              Farm fresh: the health benefits of buying local produce

        How Does Eating Locally Grown Food Help the Environment?

   

This year we went to Warwick to an apple festival with fun music and good BBQ!  So of course we go crazy and end up picking many more apples than two adults could possible eat in a few weeks…and even taking apples for snacks at work as well as making a few pies, hardly makes a dent in the pile.

So we resorted this year to freezing…did you know you can freeze them to make delicious pies months later?  Just wash your unused whole, unpeeled apples and freeze them on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once frozen.

Oh I’m so ready to smell those sweet apples and spices – I found a couple recipes that I now have to choose from….and get these pies in the oven in the next couple hours!!  Wish me luck…

Homemade Organic Apple Pie with Butter Crust  

Apple Pie with Cheese Crust  

Apple Pie by Grandma 

Enjoy the holidays with friends and family and enjoy your Spirit for Living!  

Inspirational Women Series #3 - Sarah McBrair

This month, in the spirit of meeting new people, I'm excited to highlight Sarah McBrair.  I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Young Designers Market in New York City this past summer.  We sat back to back selling our wares to locals and tourists alike.  And mid way through, I noticed her lovely jewelry - very classy.  So being a bit nosy, I leaned over to introduce myself and from there we started chatting.  It was exciting to hear about her endeavors as an entrepreneur doing something she really love.  As I continue down the road to my dreams, it is just the inspiration you need to be surrounded by.  When you follow your dreams, you always need advocates, trustworthy partners and true friends.


Can you tell us a bit about your business, Love of Pretty?

Love of Pretty is a unique, handmade, fashionable gemstone jewelry company. We specialize in “Design Your Own Jewelry” working with women to create custom pieces of jewelry. We take pride in hand-picking our materials and designing perfectly pretty pieces.

The purpose of  the brand is meant to be an easy way to make women feel pretty and give them an easy new look.

What inspired you to launch your business?

I was a marketing professional in the corporate world for seven years and knew I always wanted to do something for myself.  After designing jewelry as a hobby and passion for many years, it just clicked as the right business for me.

I have always loved to help my friends accessorize.  I love to base designs off of people’s personalities. The “Design Your Own” component of my business is my favorite. It is easy to find the perseverance and motivation when you choose an avenue you naturally love! Even when I am watching movies or just out an about I just stare down people’s jewelry…I can’t help it.

Why do you love doing what you do?  

It is the feeling I get when I see a customer’s eyes light up or have such a genuine reaction to the way they look when they try on a piece of jewelry they love is another one of my favorite parts of this whole experience.

I was recently at a holiday show in Old Lyme CT and I met a woman who you could tell just needed a little pick-me-up. She tried on a chunky pearl and citrine necklace.  When she looked in the mirror she smiled and her whole face lit up. It was the perfect necklace for her.  Right away other women looking at the jewelry made remarks about the necklace “That looks so pretty” or “that necklace was made for you” it’s moments like these that I get such a rush and feel so satisfied that I am genuinely helping women feel their best, I love it!

What challenges did you face in the beginning?

Everything took longer then I would have liked. When you start a business you want all your ideas up and running right away.  I have learned now everything takes time….but is worth the wait!

How do you define success?

Success is happiness. Being happy in your current position and reminding yourself all the time that is the most important thing in life.

What is a typical weekday like for you? 

Write a blog, post a Facebook update, sprint around New York City to find new materials, design new jewelry, take photos, send out orders….repeat!

When you are not running around…What do you do to unwind? 

My husband Brad and I have a three year old Gold Retriever, 'Russell', I pretty much give him all my attention!  We take two to three walks a day….well when it’s nice out.


Thanks Sarah for being an inspiration to those of us out there who are starting a business, are growing a business or dreaming of it!  Thank you for sharing your Spirit!!

Love of Pretty is starting a December “Holiday Helpers” campaign.  We design, we create, we gift wrap, and we ship directly to you! Enter “LOVELOP" at checkout for a special 10% off your entire purchase www.loveofpretty.com. 

Weekend Interrupted...

Now into the lovely season of fall on the east coast, I planned to write about my outdoor adventures thus far, most recently near my hometown at the “Scarecrow Festival” at Peddler’s Village in PA.  Wait, where was this Peddler’s Village in the recent Huffington Post article of the best places to watch the leaves change? 

But something closer to my heart changed my direction for this month’s post.


This past weekend, my husband and I, in PA for that festival, were spending some quality time with my family. Sunday morning, another sunny and promising weekend day, the whole lot of us was headed out to brunch. My mother, my husband, my sister and my lovely and adorable three year old niece and my four year old nephew scattered around, getting dressed, ready to go out and enjoy a nice feast.

While we took turns taking showers, my sister and I were watching her son Erron (pronounced Aaron), play with his toy trucks. Even as the TV loudly sounded off the voices of Dora and Diego, we noticed Erron’s chest was going in and out rapidly, like he just ran a sprint. Erron has had trouble breathing since close to birth but hasn’t been officially diagnosed with asthma or any respiratory issue yet. Nonetheless, the doctor had my sister get a nebulizer for the often random cases where he had trouble breathing.

After the treatment, he came back to watch TV. My sister and I again plopped in the comfy sofa chairs to catch up on life. Suddenly, we saw Erron laid out on the floor while being sick. And afterwards, again, he huffed and puffed, unable to breathe normally. This time the whizzing was increasingly pronounced.

Now I’ve had acute asthma since 14 months old. So I should be used to this scene. My sister was the lucky one who never acquired asthma.

Not sure how many of us either know , have a loved one, or themselves have asthma, but even as a long time suffer, I never get use to attacks. Especially when it is someone so young. And my beloved nephew.

Also, I never know when the right time to go to the hospital is. When I was young, my mother had tried many homeopathic or natural treatments well before considering the hospital. Anyone with asthma breath steam, have their back massaged or drink caffeine? Well most of the time it helped relax my lungs a bit but I’d still end up getting a dose of that yucky liquid they used before inhalers. And my mother would just stay up with my night after night trying to make me as comfortable as possible.

Erron, was immediately taken to our local hospital after the nebulizer failed to even relive his asthma for even 30 minutes. I was a little skeptical still because even now, I never go, I just take prednisone pills which my doctor has prescribed for me for close to 20 years. I, imagine however, that those may be too harsh for such a young person. And again, you never know in a young child so best to take him in.

And I’m glad we did, the doctor at the local hospital put in an order to have him transferred to CHOP. Worried again, although CHOP has an amazing reputation.

At this time, asthma has no cure. According to research, approximately 2 out of 3 children with asthma grow out of asthma as adults. I, unfortunately was the 1 of 3 that do not. Diagnosed at 14 months – acute asthma – once triggered, to this day, can have shortness of breath and a tight chest for weeks.

Erron, I pray, will be the 2 out of 3 that do. He spent only a night at CHOP and then was released to my sister. They officially diagnosed him with asthma and set up my sister with a ‘parents with asthmatic children’ class as well as a prescription for a maintenance inhaler.

I, myself, have been doing the same thing for so many years; I haven’t even read, discussed or experienced any new products and/or options one has to help maintain asthma. So I’m starting with a fresh perspective to what others are doing – both naturally and by prescription as well as support groups.

Anyway, that discussion and my findings will be for another month.

In the meantime, stay well and enjoy family, friends and your Spirit for Living…

Break Out the Bubbly, a Pen, and a Spreadsheet: Celebrating Spirit for Living’s 1st Anniversary and the Power of Setting Goals

Happy Anniversary to us! Can you believe it? Spirit for Living is celebrating its first anniversary on September 9, 2011. Believe me when I tell you—it feels amazing to reach this business/personal milestone. Spirit for Living was a huge dream for me long before I got it off the ground. I craved a creative outlet that channeled my love of fitness into empowering women all around the world. Now here we are at the end of successful year numero uno!

In honor of this occasion, I’ve put together some simple but potentially life-changing advice about goal-setting. From communicating with friends to setting deadlines, these are the key principles that helped get Spirit for Living to its first birthday.

1) Believe In Your Idea

Achieving your goals is, in my opinion, so important to your personal wellbeing. I think it’s a vital human activity to set goals, chase them, and taste success. Experience has taught me that one of the most important parts of reaching your goals is to stay positive about who you are and the attainability of your dreams. Every day you’ve got to choose to believe in yourself and your idea. And you’ve got to work your butt off (just saying!).

2) Be Specific

Every year people make the same resolutions (check out this great goals infographic here). Drink less, lose weight, go back to school, get a better job, ditch the stress, tackle debt, etc. Those are all well and good, but what would be even better is to be very, very SPECIFIC. The more intentional you are about your goals, the more likely you are to reach them. For example, “I want to start selling my jewelry on Etsy” is better than “I’d like to make more money,” because the first statement is a PLAN and the second is a WISH.

3) Plan Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

Planning is what it all boils down to. Without a plan your goals are simply wishes. Transforming them into successes depends on how good your plan is and how fiercely you stick to it. Your best friend in planning is a journal. Use it to brainstorm, strategize, keep notes, and plan, plan, plan. Draw up a spreadsheet of specific steps and deadlines.

4) Dream Smart

Have you ever walked on a tightrope before? Well, get ready to if you want to achieve your goals. Setting and reaching goals can be a crazy balancing act. Especially when it comes to being realistic about your goals. On the one hand, you want to dream big. You have the potential to do great things and you should do them! On the other hand, you should realize that it takes time to change the world, i.e. you may not be solving world hunger this year (but you can put a dent in it!). So dream smart. Allow yourself a realistic amount of time for each step of your journey.

5) Missed Deadlines are Not the End of the World

If your deadlines come and go and your dreams are yet unrealized—don’t fret. Don’t cry or pull out any one of the precious hairs on your head. Take a breath and reflect. What obstacles did you encounter? How can you shift your plan to allow for more time? How can you avoid similar obstacles in the future? Keep journaling. You’ll get there.

6) What Your Friends and Your Bra Have In Common: You Need Their Support

Remember, no savvy businesswoman is an island. Keep your friends and family in the loop. Explain your big idea so they catch the vision, too. You need your support system to encourage you when you’re down and push you further than you would push yourself.

7) When Your Brain is Fuzzy, Google It

If you find yourself at a fork in the road, take time to educate yourself. On your journey to achieving your dreams you’ll become an expert in your niche. I was fascinated when it came time to decide which fabrics to use in the Spirit for Living active wear line. Bamboo, soy, hemp-- learning the details about how they are farmed and how their fibers are woven into eco-friendly fabrics was incredibly interesting to me because it intersected with something I am very passionate about: sustainability. When you’re confused about something, that’s a clue that there is something there for you to learn.

Okay you strong, courageous, beautiful women! Break out your journals and get cracking! We have a world to change! Please accept my biggest THANK YOU for supporting Spirit for Living over the past year. I love creating comfortable clothing that sees you through the challenges and adventures of your day. I cannot wait to see what great things unfold in year number two!

A Day in the City with ‘Super Eco Girl’…

It’s an absolutely gorgeous Saturday and I’ve started the day by finishing up a juicy murder mystery on my Kindle before heading out the door just before 9am.  Along with my purse, I always carry a spare cotton bag to carry any of my day’s purchases (I just hate all those plastic bags…).

Today I have quite a list going – “to do’s” of which several will become “ to - didn’t really have time for that on this beautiful sunny day” before long.  But first, I’m headed only a few blocks away where several vintage and thrift shop stores line the street.

How lucky I am to have great vintage and thrift shops.  These are not the old, dusty shops that feel like you’re rummaging through your grandmother’s attic.  These shops are clean, neat, even some with trendy décor.  Racks are full of dresses, skirts, many well know designers such as DVF; gently worn, that are great to get another few years use out of. 

After raking through hangers of clothes from the shops in my neighborhood, I’m ready for some lunch.  Never a shortage of places to eat, but a favorite of mine is Caravan of Dreams.  The food is all organic, vegan and kosher certified so I know no pesky chemicals will enter my body today.  I order a glass of the sangria and the Caravan Burrito which is oh so yummy!

On TV, in magazines and other media I often see the "top 10" tips to being green or eco-friendly…and rarely do I see or hear “natural or organic eating” on the list.  Eating natural, whole foods and avoiding processed foods, is a key factor in helping the environment.  Why?  One example is chemicals used in farming and food production.  Many chemicals cannot be disposed of, leaving residue or traces in our drinking water, our produce and our animals. Heavy topic but in short eating whole non processed foods can make you feel energetic and healthy as well as helping the environment.

Last week, I was at this party wearing my new (lightly used) favorite top and some awkward individual’s can of beer tipped to far forward onto my sleeve.  So off next to the dry cleaners….

Many organic and natural dry cleaners have popped up in the last year.  Why did they start appearing? Well, interestingly the major synthetic chemical used in dry cleaning is linked with several side effects such as irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat.  It can also cause dizziness, headaches and nausea.  So due to more public scrutiny and the EPA watching, the industry has started to look for safer, less harmful ways to dry clean.   It turns out that California plans to phase out the major synthetic chemical used called perc by 2023.

And how fast the afternoon has come and I’m a little spent - looking for a nice bench to park on for a bit.  Many parks hide in and around the pavement of the city.  I walk past this small neighborhood one and find a small little quiet area.  It's lovely - surrounded by lush plants and newly planted tulips and other spring flowers.  I take out my Kindle and try to find another great murder mystery to start….

Connecting with Others - In the Spirit for Living!

February brought one can be the most romantic of holidays - Valentine’s Day. Many receive tokens of love in the form of candy, chocolates, roses and for those lucky ones, perhaps a spa treatment…I’m really due for one. But what I always make sure to remind myself and others – it’s as important to give love to others as it is to ‘love you’. Loving yourself means taking a few minutes out of every day to stay in tune with your needs, your wants, your hopes and dreams.


I just moved back into New York City from a long stint in the suburbs. I was drawn to all that the city offers – culture, interesting people, the amazing Central Park. It promised a new and exciting day in what was increasing becoming a mid-thirties life crisis (hopefully this won’t become a decennium habit). So with all this excitement, came trying to find fellow Manhattan’ites who I could eventually call a friend. I’ve moved many times before but each time does not make it any easier. Short of wearing a sign that says ‘befriend me, I’m not weird or crazy’, what can we do to connect with our fellow man/woman?

Connecting with people is so important because staying fit also includes a fit mind. Nutrition, work/life balance and keeping active are all key factors, of course. But for me and most others, I believe connecting with people on various levels is a major piece of the equation.

Past moves have led me to the following strategies to meet new people:

Meetup.com

I actually first heard of this site a few years ago from a childhood friend who had recently become a mother. She found a nice group of other newbie moms in the area to meet up with.

I went on to the site and typed in New York and was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few interesting groups – from the eccentric to traditional mommies and sport groups – there seems to be something for almost everyone. I’d probably lean more to a sport or movie or language where I wouldn’t (or couldn’t) be put on the spot as soon as I joined.

RentAFriend.com

This is a site is one I literally just heard about from a friend of a friend. They are considering a cross country move, where they would be starting fresh. So they mentioned this site as a way they could start meeting and getting introduced to locals.

Upon visiting their site (which I must admit is a bit cheesy) I feel that I’d need some references of those who have tried this successfully….the fact that the images of people look like they’re from college may speak to only certain groups of people.

Professional associations

I like these because I’m achieving two goals – helping to meet new people and also helping with professional development. So if you’re a full time career woman, you can find someone to gab to about how the economy has affected your industry as well as perhaps grab a drink after work with. There are associations for almost every trade – all you have to do is go to a search engine to research.

Take a class at your local community college

This one is always classic – I’ve taken quite a few classes over the years. It’s helped keep my mind fresh, my resume stand out and also extend my network.

Try a free trial at your local gym

Most gyms have a free day trial (some two days or longer). A day at the gym at least makes your body feel good and by chance you can end up talking to the person next to you in the locker room about what they think of being a member. It could end up being a future gym buddy.

If you are spiritual or religious – try a class or study group

Anything from a Bible study class to a meditation or yoga class - people that attend these types of classes are typically a little more open minded and friendly towards newcomers. It can be a way to cleanse your soul as well as find a little companionship.

Community work or volunteering

Lastly, I’ve found if I’m feeling down or lonely, take the focus off me. I’ve found myself doing various volunteering over the years. I’ve done everything from the soup kitchen to reading to children during lunchtime. There are so many great efforts and initiatives out there, helping so many people, it’s just a great way to focus outwards and also to meet some other really great people. (Try http://charitynavigator.org/ to research charities for volunteerism or donation.)



Really, meeting new people is a bit chance and a bit enough bravery to say ‘hello’ to another human being. It is sometimes difficult to overcome the thought of rejection but the few times I’ve dared, I have had at the very least a polite exchange. But I can honestly say that other times; I have met the most interesting people and the closest friends.

Drive your Spirit for Living!

In the Spirit for Living – My 2011 New Year’s Resolutions

As I reflect on 2010, it was a year of new beginnings (moving out of our home after 6 years; replacing our car) and significant growth (more work responsibilities, more travel, and more connections with people). In addition, I’ve been proud to work on Spirit for Living which launched in September 2010 and four months later we closed the year having come out with our first line of organic and natural basics. An added benefit was that we really connected with some great people –great active spirited women that share a common goal of living life to its fullest. I hope to continue this conversation with you in 2011. For those of you who have asked – we’re working on a few new tops and adding some accessories. Very soon! We’ve listened to your comments and feedback from this past fall and we are diligently working to make this a community driven brand of clothing.

This year, I am setting myself to similarly high standards for both personal and professional growth…yes, I’m a bit of a classic overachiever (which brings all kinds of emotional ups and downs). I am in the Spirit for Living and I pledge to live a more healthy life that encompasses not only the physical, but overarching mental and spiritual, elements to personal well being.


Physical. I pledge to challenge my body even further this year – gosh after all these years this is still #1. Physical fitness is not a sprint it is a marathon! I challenge myself every year to physically try something new – or keep up with an old favorite.

I’d like to ski more this winter - In New York, we’ve already had 3 snow storms after lackluster amounts of snowfall the past couple of years. And the most exciting pledge is to take my 3 and ½ year old nephew skiing for the very first time! I think he could be the next ski star!

To hiking more this spring – the East Coast does have some great mountains and trails. My husband is my favorite camping & hiking partner!

To swimming more this summer – This is really more of a challenge. I am definitely not what people would call a great or even a good swimmer… and actually the water has always posed a bit of fear in me. However, I’m thinking of possibly signing up for another triathlon sprint. And that sport dictates a swim….

And to go for jogs more this fall on the East River. I love running and jogging alone – this is when I best can clear my mind…realize my priorities in life.

What are your favorite activities? Do you do them with your friends or family? I always love to hear what other activities people find joy in….

Mental. I pledge to rejuvenate my mind by reading and spending quality time with family this year.

My niece and nephew are my two favorite little people in the world. I want to help them learn and enjoy many different experiences in life. Our family recently took them on their first train ride with Santa. It was no secret that I enjoyed it as much (or probably even more) then they did!

This past year I also took my nephew to the Zoo for the first time - he stared at that alligator - no fear!

I pledge to try to purchase new books on my Kindle (instead of a physical text) in my effort to nourish the earth. I enjoy the relaxation and mental stimulation that reading provides so I promise that I will continue to do more this year. My mother in law just sent me an Agatha Christie book which is next on my list. On my Kindle, my first download will be Bill Bryson – his novels are must reads!


Spiritual. I pledge to nourish my spirit by finding time just for myself. Finding time to be outdoors, enjoy what natural beauty and resources were given to us. And just to clear my mind.

I will reflect on the many positive things around me and within me. I will smile more and laugh more. I will be more in tune with my emotions and actions and gravitate towards all things positive.

So to end, I’d like to add one more resolution:

I pledge to bring greater awareness of Spirit for Living to women across the world in effort to build a strong foundation rooted in personal connectivity and shared consciousness.

I am in the Spirit for Living and I wish you a healthy, happy and active 2011!

Inspirational Woman #1 - Cynthia Cook

Every year as Thanksgiving passes I take some time to reflect, even if only fleetingly, on what I'm thankful for.

I have to say that even though an occasional vacation comes up high on that list - I always come back to being thankful for the wonderful people in my life.

One of my goals for the Spirit for Living blog was to highlight women who I find to be truly inspiring. There are women around us who are doing really amazing things and I want to take this opportunity to shine a light on what they are doing, in the hopes that their stories will provide some inspiration to others. We all have special qualities, great achievements and inspirational stories - my goal is to feature these - one great woman at a time!

Sometimes I do get wrapped up in work, work and more work and realize many of us don't have to look far to get a little pick me up - a little inspiration from the women who surround us.

The first Inspirational Woman that I'd like to "introduce" you to is Cynthia Cook from Philadelphia, PA. Cynthia, 29, is a poet, artist, business woman, and student, who is passionate about spirituality and service to others. Cynthia manages to blend all of her interests into a well balanced and inspiring life. She also my sister - a huge part of my life and immensely inspiring to me. I am happy to be able to share her with you!

What do you do in a typical weekday? I try to live my life by a ‘simple is better’ motto. It keeps me grounded. I am a business professional with a penchant for marketing. So the majority of my day is spent in an office. After work, I love to unwind by cooking a nice, fresh, home cooked dinner. I also unwind by working out and try to do so about three times a week.. I use to run a great deal and I am trying to get back into it.

I know you are active in your community, what kinds of things do you do? I keep myself as immersed in the community and serving others as much as possible. I am the co-chair of my company’s Employee Activity Committee, which involves coordinating various service activities throughout the year. I helped coordinate several drives this year including a coat drive, clothing drive, blood drive, United Way Day of Service, Philadelphia Cares Day, and a back-to-school collection drive. I enjoyed every minute of it.

What do you do to unwind on the weekends?
As an MBA student, studying is a big part of my life right now and I am trying to stay focused and absorb as much as possible. I am really enjoying what I am learning and am excited about how I can use it both currently and in the future.

I also spend some of my weekend time on occasional freelance writing. I enjoy writing poetry when possible.

I am active with my alumni association, currently serving as the Treasurer. I am very passionate about education, particularly because it can eradicate social and economic barriers. It can empower. I am very involved with my undergraduate university’s local alumni chapter.

I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working out, going out to a relaxing late brunch at a local café. I enjoy staying home and curling up in bed to watch a movie on Friday nights, or go to a familiar favorite restaurant Saturday night. Absolutely, anything chill – my brain is tired!!

What are you two or three passions in life?
It's hard to narrow it down to just a few, I am passionate about so many things!

One of my strongest passions is spirituality and building a stronger relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I am a very spiritual person and aspire to be a better Christian every day. I am constantly on a quest for self-improvement. I am currently trying to be a better student of the Bible and study scripture to uncover even greater truth.

I also love helping and mentoring others, particular those who truly need help. I have been very involved in various not-for-profit organizations over the past few years.

Art is another of my loves - I have always been very artistic. I love the visual arts - going to plays, to see the orchestra, as well as fine arts. I love to go to the museum, my favorite artists is Gustav Klimt and I love Degas’ sculptures. I am hoping to do some painting and mosaics once I finish my graduate studies next May. I am trying to create my own art to decorate my house and have recently made some wall art for my bedroom and will do more soon.

What do you feel have been your two major achievements to date?
Education is so important to me, I am proud that I have an undergraduate degree and I am almost finished my MBA.

Finding ways to balance career, family, personal interests, and philanthropy can be truly challenging so I consider it an accomplishment that I feel I am doing a good job keeping all of these areas nurtured and present in my life.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
My favorite quote is, “Expect nothing and everything you receive is a gift.” This encouragement to be grateful has been extremely valuable in my life.

Who inspires you? What improves your 'spirit'?
Jesus, the Bible, my family and close positive friends inspire me. I have a few women role models outside of my family that I admire and respect. Good people inspire me. I am always trying to grow and learn how to be a better person.

Listening to music, being with my best friend, being silly and just having fun improve my spirit.

How did you get into writing poetry? I have been writing for over 15 years.. I used to write a lot of short stories when I was young - like 10 or 12. I have been writing every since. I enjoy expressing myself through writing and art

What advice do you have for other women?
Respect those that came before you - they are a source of wisdom. Help those that come after you - they represent the future.

Be thankful, be positive, be humble, be respectful, be simple, be a role model.

Enjoy a good laugh often...enjoy the adventure of your life!

Autumn Fun and Local Farms

Fall is in the air, and part of the autumn tradition for many of us includes a visit to the local pumpkin patch including a hay ride, some fresh pressed apple cider and, if you are lucky, home-baked pies and cider donuts!

But pumpkin picking isn’t the only reason to head to the local farm. Organics, community agriculture and fresh foods are all trends that continue to pop up all over magazines, news programs, and the internet. And lest you think that it is all made-up hype, be assured that there are real benefits that come from buying local.

First off, local food is generally fresher, has not been damaged in transport, and is likely to be more nutritious. Locally grown produce also offers better value as you are paying for fresh-picked taste and not packaging and transportation.

But the goodness doesn’t stop with the quality and freshness of the food itself – local farms mean local jobs for the people in your community. The economic “multiplier effect” of money being recirculated within your community is higher, so when you spend your money on locally grown food, you are supporting the community as a whole. Buying directly from farmers also ensures that the farm families receive more of the food dollars that you spend, rather than only a small percentage that comes from selling to food processors at bulk rates.

The benefits don’t stop with your health and the economic impact on your community. The environment is also a winner when more people decide to buy local. Local farms contribute to biological diversity, a cleaner environment, and a beautiful rural landscape. Local farms also preserve wildlife habitats and open space, reduce water run-off, and improve air quality. And when the food is consumed near where it is harvested, fuel consumption is lower and the air we breathe stays cleaner!

I could go on and on about the benefits of supporting local, family-owned farms, but I think you get the idea.

But at this time of year, those hayrides and pumpkin patches and apple orchards are the most compelling reason to take a day and pack up family and friends and get out and visit a local farm!

Other fun activities that are offered by local farms can include (depending on the region):

• workshops and talks (cheese making, cider pressing…)
• tours of farm and meeting/feeding the animals
• crafts
• kids inflatables
• fruit, vegetable and even wine tasting

So now that you are ready to get out there and take advantage of everything that your local farms have to offer, how do you find one?

1. My favorite resource is Local Harvest - Great for locating farms, viewing farm event and activities details, and even snagging some good recipes.
2. Try a search engine such as Google or Yahoo and enter your state’s name or your zip code and “local farms” For example: New York State has this directory.
3. Check out your state’s State department of agriculture For example: New York
4. Of course you can always ask around in your community – ask neighbors and friends where they like to go and what activities are offered. A good farm usually has a fan base in the community!
   

So whatever you do, find a way to support your local farmers. Visit the farm market or farm stand. Join your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to take advantage of the bounty offered. Have fun attending their events. Take the kids along so they can see where food really comes from and appreciate what is involved in getting it on the table. They may even be more willing to eat their veggies!

Natural Fabrics make Spirit of Living's Fall 2010 Line Amazing!

I can't even tell you how excited I am that today (finally!) Spirit of Living is launching our Fall 2010 line - active wear that you can move in and will want to live in, made of amazing natural fabrics including bamboo viscose, hemp and a fabulous soy blend.

You may be wondering why we took the effort to use these exotic fabrics rather than using something more common - there are two reasons. Not only are these natural fabrics eco-friendly, there are also health benefits of placing only natural fibers against your skin. These plant-based fibers offer superior durability, breathability, and even antimicrobial properties!

Did you know that the low breathability, suboptimal temperature regulation and absorbency of synthetic fabrics can disrupt the normal function of your body? Wearing these fabrics can cause your body to overheat, even increasing the likelihood of heat stroke or hypothermia!

Your skin can even react to synthetic fabrics, due to a "greenhouse effect" which creates conditions that encourage bacterial growth and can exacerbate skin disorders and allergic reactions.

Yuck! Wouldn't it be better to put your body and your skin in an optimal environment? Of course it would!

Why Bamboo?

Bamboo creates one of the softest fabrics imaginable, with a texture similar to silk and an amazing drape that makes it extremely flattering to wear. With excellent wicking properties, this light, strong fabric is breathable and keeps you cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold than most fabrics. Bamboo fabric even offers some antibacterial properties that can help to maintain the health of your skin and even inhibit body odor. Fabrics made from bamboo are even anti-static so clothing won't stick to your skin (or hair, or socks)! Many people who are prone to sensitivities with other natural fabrics are able to wear bamboo without issues.

In addition to the benefits to the wearer, the use of bamboo fabric also offers abundant benefits to the environment. Because bamboo grows so quickly and is self-replenishing, it is a sustainable and renewable resource. Bamboo is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides and requires very little water, so the production of bamboo fabric and clothing has a lower impact on the environment than conventional cotton farming methods. And, as if all that wasn't enough, bamboo plants release more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees and can help reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the air as well as reducing soil erosion.

Bamboo fabric is created from bamboo pulp. The fabric is bleached without the use of chlorine. Bamboo fabric is easy to dye without the use of harsh chemicals and uses methods requiring less water than conventional dyeing methods.

Want to see what bamboo is all about? Check out our gorgeous Scoop Necked Top!

Why Hemp?

Clothing made of hemp fiber is lightweight, absorbent, strong and long-lasting - in fact hemp fibers are three times stronger than cotton! Hemp fabrics are also weather resistant, mold-resistant and excellent for outdoor wear. Hemp is frequently blended with other fibers to offer different benefits. Hemp/silk and hemp/cotton garments are now available.

Hemp makes an amazingly strong, long-lasting fabric that is easily machine washable and handles extreme water temperatures well. Over time, investing in hemp clothing can lead to cost-saving benefits as the fabric has a much longer lifespan than most natural fabrics. In fact, hemp becomes softer with each washing and improves over time!

Hemp is another fiber than offers benefits to the environment as it is less expensive to farm because of its minimal growth requirements. Similar to bamboo, hemp requires very little water to grow, does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and is a readily renewable resource. Nothing is wasted in the production process: seeds are used to make oil and food supplements, while the stalks are used for fiber. Hemp also produces more fiber per acre than trees, and can be renewed two to three times per year!

Sound like something you'd like to try? Our Tunic Style Top is made of an amazing blend of hemp and cotton. You can feel the difference right away and it will get better and better over time!

Why Soy?

Fabrics made from soy have many properties similar to bamboo fabrics - they dry more quickly than linen or cotton, they are biodegradable, allow perspiration to evaporate and are cool and comfortable during hot weather. Soy fabrics are made using the by-products left over from processing tofu, soybean oil, and other soy foods and they are generally manufactured in China. Our soy-blend fabrics are made using organic soybeans, reducing the wearer's exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

All of our bottoms are made from a soy/cotton blend that you will want to live in. Try the Signature Active Tank and Full Length Yoga Pants for a go-to outfit that you will pull out time and time again!

Natural is Better

We hope you will join us on this exciting journey! Clothing that brings the best of nature together with never-want-to-take-it-off style is what we are all about. Let us know what you think and stay tuned for more exciting styles and developments!

Unlock your spirit.
Spirit for Living -- clothes for your life.

Welcome to Spirit for Living!

Thank you for joining us! Spirit for Living is an exclusive line of women’s daily and active wear that is made just for you, and we want to use this forum to talk to you about things that matter to you!

Everything we do at Spirit for Living is based on a few key principals:

• Bodies are best when living an active life.
• Clothes should be designed for comfort without sacrificing style.
• Natural fabrics are best for your body and the environment.
• Love for the earth and for each other are keys to happiness.
• Lives of women around the globe can be improved by supporting healthy lifestyles and philanthropic efforts.

Spirit for Living specializes in bringing you clothes that will become your favorites. Things that you can wear anywhere - the office, the gym, playing with your children (or acting as their chauffeur!) or even a casual night out.

Affordable and beautiful clothes to highlight your SPIRIT.

But beyond the clothes that you wear, we want to support you in the life that you lead.

So here on our blog we will offer up tips for healthy living and ways to juggle and balance your busy lives. We will talk about the benefits of natural fabrics for your skin, the environment, industry, farmers and agriculture. We will talk about the charitable organizations that we support and we will highlight women who are doing things that inspire and amaze us.

We will post something here every month and we look forward to interacting with you on our Facebook page as well.

Our fall line is complete and filled with naturals and organics – cozy fabrics perfect for the cool weather that is just around the corner. We will be open for ordering on our website in August 2010 so stay tuned for our website launch and special promotions for our first customers!

Keep checking back, we look forward to an exciting future with you!