This, however, isn’t the case in most beaches and lakes. They are filled with plastic, and we don’t even know it. It’s all about convenience… It’s pretty obvious that we are killing ourselves for convenience. We drive to most places instead of walk, we hate to move and rather clap things on and off, remote control this and that, and plastic for everything. Why is this? I figure it’s because we don’t have to wash it, store it, refill it, or carry it when we’re done; all we have to do is toss it out. Easy peasy, right? Well that’s BS people, ’cause convenience is actually going to kill us and everything else on our planet.

What can we do? Well, empower yourself! Learn how you can prevent further damage to our planet. Every time you’re going to throw something out, think about where it WILL end up. Is there a chance it can end up floating in the ocean or forever in a landfill? Recycle and reuse. And help! The next Baynanza Beach Cleanup in Miami is Saturday, April 18th, 2009. Click here for the different locations where you can volunteer.

You can also find great ways to help by contacting your city’s environmental resource or volunteer offices.

Emotional P.S. I visited the local mall (which I don’t do often) this past week, and noticed that not only parents, but the younger generation (the kids’), are mostly overweight - It’s crazy. It’s obvious that these families love convenience and engage in the same activities together: fast food, TV, Nintendo, driving, sitting… The age of convenience sucks!

Saturday - March 28th - 8:30-9:30pm - millions of people will demonstrate concern for our planet by turning out their lights for one hour

Earth Hour is upon us…60 minutes to demonstrate your commitment to climate change. One hour to join millions of people across the globe and express a collective concern about the future health of our planet.

Join us as we turn everything off, still our minds, and feel our precious planet under our feet. OR…we can all get giddy dancing naked in a Japanese garden…it’s up to you.

Whatever you do, it’s a beautiful moment to share with your family, your friends and your children, because ultimately, this isn’t only about climate change, this is especially for the children of this planet (and I don’t need to explain why).

Though Earth Hour is for a serious cause, there is absolutely no reason you can’t have fun in the dark. If you don’t know how you can possibly get by for an hour without having power running, here are a few fun and naughty things you can do:

Before Earth Hour, make sure to have your candles, lanterns and torches ready…(Torches for backyard and beaches ONLY! Not inside the house PLEASE) *All of these can be done with clothes or in the buff.

1. Get out those yoga mats, IT’S YOGA TIME!

2. Quiet your mind and meditate, chant, pray and bless friends, family, our planet, the universe…(heck, go as far as blessing the black hole…I think you have time.)

3. Have a nice quiet dinner with your family, your honey, your friends…(of course, make sure to have everything prepared beforehand)

4. Go out to the beach and chill under the stars (unless it’s pouring rain, then you WILL literally chill under the stars - that’s cool!). For you winos, this is a perfect opportunity for you to have a beach blanket wine party (though it’s always winetime for you guys - you know who you are).

5. How many of you have been to inspiration point lately? Here’s your chance to get naked and make some love happen…or not. But get NAKED anyway, it’s fun! (though I realize that after the beach blanket wine party, that will probably happen naturally. If so, bring the party indoors please.)

6. Dance and sing alone or with friends - have an acoustic party, man!

7. Go swimming in nature or your backyard (I’m keeping it clean for this post, but YOU can do it dirty-style!)

8. Get a massage from a friend or lover, or if you’re lucky enough to know a masseuse, arrange it to happen during Earth Hour. (Happy endings optional)

9. Take a jog or stroll, and don’t forget the leash. Your pets will love that you haven’t forgottem about them.

10. If you don’t/can’t/won’t do any of the nine things I just mentioned, by golly just take a nap.

Earth Hour reminds us that by working together, we can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change. I am so fortunate to be here to take part in this movement and make a difference. And it’s so simple, people. It’s so simple.

Join us, in darkness…
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH, 8:30PM - 9:30PM!

For more info, visit EarthHourUS.org
Watch a wonderful Earth Hour clip here.

People have been asking me about eco-friendly printing lately, and luckily, one of our EarthGirlz mentioned Squeegee Science to me. This eco-friendly screen printing lab located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, absolutely loves what they do and it shows. Their customer service is on point and they pride themselves on it, saying they actually enjoy dealing with customers (pretty rare in the printing industry).

Some printing companies have added a bit of eco-friendly propaganda in order to attract the more earth-conscious customer, but Squeegee Science is ALL ABOUT being environmentally conscious. These guys have done their research and that is what sets them apart from the rest.

The founder is Brett Wilkin, a guy who’s always searching for better, more earth-friendly methods to printing. His team at Squeegee Science call themselves “scientists in the art of screen printing” because when they are working, their shop is not a shop, but instead, a “laboratory”–mixing some good ol’ love, a bit of art, and of course, some sustainable inks and chemicals and *poof* just like that, you’re delivered some eco-fabulous goods (with a big love smile to top it off).

So if you have to get some printing done and you want to feel reaaaaaaally good about yourself in the process, it’s simle…call the folks at Squeegee Science. And tell them you love our planet and appreciate how they’ve raised the bar as a “responsible” print shop, AND THAT is why they’re getting your business.

Here is an article explaining how all the legal pieces of the puzzle fit together:http://educate-yourself.org/cn/cohen-coleseedscriminalize20mar09.shtml

More commentary: http://www.fanstory.com/displaystory.jsp?id=265089

Here is the full text of S. 425: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s425/text

Here is the full text of H.R. 875: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h875/text

Go to www.house.gov/writerep and enter your zip code to get your congress rep information and how to contact them. Call their offices and let them know your views on S. 425 and H.R. 875.

This link provides a list of the U.S. senators and their contact information.

LET’S STOP THE MADNESS, PEOPLE! God forbid we be forced to ONLY use Monsanto seeds (like they have already done in other countries).

Our government doesn’t care if we are consuming hazardous foods! Empower yourself by learning what is safe to eat and how to stay healthy. Say NO to GM foods.

Let’s continue to make change!

WATCH IT. LISTEN!

That’s right. We’ve been working on putting together some amazing moving pictures for you that will inspire you, fascinate you, motivate you, and that are just plain AWESOME! So be patient, sign up for our toxic-free stuff, and we’ll let you know when the show begins!

Peace and blessings to all of you, and in the meantime, enjoy this…

May this year bring you loads of peace, love, health and happiness, and of course, lots of $GREEN$!

Once inside, I was greeted by Debora, one of Uhma Spa’s lovely owners. She chatted with me while I browsed around her shop. I couldn’t help but notice how everything in there is so unique, it’s pretty obvious that she takes pride in her selections. Debora’s husband Marco popped out of the spa and chatted with me for a bit as well. He said his wife is meticulous about what she sells (jewelry, bags, accessories, and all other products) and makes sure they are organic, green, and fair traded. Many of the items they carry are made by artisans from around the world. This is a wonderful thing.

Marco also warmly offered to give me a tour of the spa. Couldn’t say no. I learned that he spent months helping to make sure their spa was built under eco-responsible guidelines - he even worked on the construction of it - and I can attest that they’ve succeeded in bringing nature and peace indoors. The rooms are simply designed and adorned… perfect. Each room is devoted to a specific treatment, and all of them creating a relaxing mood, in a non-toxic and eco-friendly environment. Yum!

Read more about this dreamy place at Uhma Spa’s website. You have got to take advantage of their spa if you’re ever around South Beach - they are the real deal. Many spas claim to be eco-conscious, but we all know that’s usually a gimmick. Marco and Debora have literally invested money, time and effort making sure they are doing the right thing for our planet and for you. Now doesn’t that deserve an amen? They care about Mother Earth, and it’s evident. Go see for yourself.

Hurray for Uhma Spa, an eco-chic, green sanctuary you DO NOT want to miss.

When I started to mention my life threatening situation to my friend, she mentioned that she was taking Vitex (or chasteberry or monk’s pepper) capsules for a while and that women had been taking it to regulate menstrual cycles, PMS and infertility for years. I did some research and read some great things about the herb and decided to give it a try. I ordered Vitex that same day.

Most of the dosages used for PMS studies were around 175mg a day (for PMS, not infertility which seemed to be much higher dosages). I ordered a brand called Nature’s Answer because I’m familiar with them (I buy their chia seeds, which are wonderful, by the way). They’re also one of the great brands who carry veggie capsules, and that’s the only way I go. You can also take Vitex liquid (extract or tincture), if you prefer.

Nature’s Answer capsules only contain 40 mg each, so I have been taking one in the morning and one at night. I realize the package says to take one a day, but if you experienced the PMS I went through a few months ago, you would take about four or five a day - trust me! Besides, the PMS studies used higher dosages, so I think 80 mg is fine.

Okay, so a little over a month has gone by and, OH MY GOD, I just went through my first post-Vitex period. I have to tell ya, it was lovely. Lovely, I tell you.

I hope this isn’t too much information because I have more to tell you about my Diva Cup later…

Last Friday night I went to check out a few Art Basel events in Midtown Miami. I used the bathroom after visiting the Green Arts Fair and thought, “could it be?” When I got home, it was confirmed - I got my bird! By Sunday night, I kid you not, my bird had gone on its merry way.

I can’t believe this. Could this be ’cause I’ve been taking Vitex? If so, bye-bye, Birdie! I’m also happy to report that my GBF has called off his “plans.” For now.

Thank you, Paige. Hope it works for you too.

* Please note that this post is written in good humor, and though I did have PMS, my GBF never EVER intended, or talked about, killing me, or ever had any “plan” of harming me.

**You guys have to read what Paige said the day I posted this entry. She responded with a great surprise. Read the comment. Go!

Mats make an awesome gift, by the way. I would have loved to get a mat as a gift, but it’s too late, I’m getting my own. Don’t anybody try and get me a mat for the holidays. Instead, pick anything else from Amazon’s Black Friday mega-event. Or from my store. Thank you!

I’m excited. Lots of things on our list for Black Friday. Woohoooo! Are you excited?