The Greenridge Herbal Thymes

Is Your Home Cleaning "Green" ?

Now-a-days, the domestic goddess still rules the roost. She cleans, she cooks, she does the laundry (sometimes). What's her secret to those sparkling kitchen floors, the glowing countertops, the shiny sinks? If you're like her, you don't want to spend a fortune on cleaning products, you just want your house to look and smell clean, and get rid of all that bacterial stuff. You want to be green, and still be clean.
Here are some homemade tips that will help keep your house in tip-top shape, using all-natural ingredients, that are simple yet effective, and easy on the wallet that you should never live without:

1. Vinegar - dilute 2/3 vinegar with 1/3 water into a large spritz bottle. Add a tablespoon of your favorite essential oils. My favorites for cleaning are: lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and cypress. I rotate depending on the mood I am in. Sometimes it's just lavender, sometimes just lemon. Sometimes a nice combo. Label the bottle in black marker so you know what it is. Use this on: floors (laminate, most hardwoods, tile), countertops, cabinets, almost anything. It cuts grease, removes stains, and is antibacterial.

2. Baking Soda - combine this with your vinegar solution and rub a dub dubb in your tub until it sparkles bright. You can also use this combo on toilets and vanities. Baking Soda disinfects and enhances the cleaning power of soap.

3. Essential Oils - adding essential oils to your formulations helps to provide both antibacterial and disinfecting properties, and of couse will add a beautiful fragrance with aromatherapy benefits.

4. Lemon juice - after using lemons in your food preparations, don't discard them right away. Use a lemon to wipe your wooden cutting boards, or to help disinfect and clean your counter. Just use the actual lemon, rub a dub dubb, and then wipe with vinegar. Oh la la!

5. Borax - this natural mineral which helps to kill mold and bacteria can be used in the shower or damp areas when mold and mildew tend to accumulate. Use with baking soda or your Vinegar solution for best results.

6. Club Soda - to get sparkley mirrors and glass use Club Soda. Just fill a spray bottle and wip clean with a paper towel or rag.

HINTS
* Label all of your ingredients and keep them out of reach of children. While most of these all natural cleaners are not poisonous, some can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed by children or pets.
* Make your products in large quantities so they will be handy and ready to use when needed.
* Don't ever mix homemade cleaners with commercial cleaners, because when mixed, they can produce toxic gases.

So stop using harsh chemicals which can be making you and your family sick, and harming the environment. Go green and get clean!!!

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Washington, DC, on August 28, 1963. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, beloved Martin Luther King, Jr. evoked the name of Lincoln in his "I Have a Dream" speech, which is credited with mobilizing supporters of desegregation and prompted the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The next year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here is some of the transcript from his powerful speech that day:

"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today."

Taken from a Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech

What is your dream today? Love, peace, hope? Whatever your dream is, I hope you dream it, live it, fulfill it.

Thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. for pointing our nation in a greater moral direction, your light and love continues to shine through us as we remember and honor your life. Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.!

An Unexpected Treatment Tip

I received this email the other day from one of my regular customers who is a true gem when it comes to letting me know what she thinks about the products, and I thought it might interest you...

"oops! I came upon a 'treatment' via error! I used the cleansing grains...which I love to pieces.........then thinking mask after exfoliating, I THEN used the Roots & Berries Enzyme mask..being in the blind fog that I am usually in at end of a long day......then I REALIZED..BOTH OF THESE ARE EXFOLIANTS!!! I'VE DOUBLE EXFOLIATED! Too late; was a done deal! My skin looks t.totally amazing! Has 'ironed out' every line on my face.....probably because I've exfoliated my skin off! Is not unduly red, irritated...just looks awesome. I hope it still looks this way in the morning.....I don't think I'd recommend this 'treatment' on any kind of regular basis...but maybe every couple months to get an overhaul. lol.... Had to share my 'treatment'. I did use my Secret Serum and Midsummer's Night after this whole procedure, :) I can't believe how GOOD my skin looks right now. I wonder if anyone else has ever done this...have a good night."
- Jean

Then I received a follow up today:

"Hi....had to give you a 'the morning after' update on my accidental 'double exfoliation' last night. My skin still looks GREAT!!! LIKE having a booster shot! I think I'm onto something here! My monthly 'face lift'.......also an interesting {possible?} "side effect". Maybe was the double dose {overdose} of Roots and Berries and grains..but I had the most marvelous dream last night..Was so clear, detailed and so beautiful. I was moving into a huge home, beautiful decor and I kept finding treasures..vases, lamps....a whole shelf of looked like Ivory mortars and pestals....there were rooms off rooms and these were filled with treasures..just like the Treasure Room in National Treasure movie.....I've never dreampt in such detail, such color and surrounded by such beauty! {I may start drinking the grains and Roots & Berries!..sprinkle them on my salad!} lol. This whole 'accident' turned into an 'experience'. :) Just wanted to tell you I think your Roots & Berries and cleansing grains hav 'magical powers'....and nobody will ever convince me otherwise!
lol..............thanks!
- Jean

Thank you Jean for sharing your wonderful tip! A great idea to "double up" and get "double" the pleasure!!!

Q&A with Colleen

I was recently interviewed on a website for a local mom's group I belong to. It made me stop to relect a little bit on myself and my interests, and although this is a different questionnaire, I'd like to share some of that here.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE ? I don't think so. I was born on St. Pattie's Day and being 100% Irish I was given an Irish name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last night watching American Idol, a story about a mom with a child who has Rett's Syndrome.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I don't eat meat.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Two beautiful girls.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I'm not that clever.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Heavens, no.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Buckwheaties

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes but I mostly just wear Sandals and slip ons here in Florida

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes ... and no.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mango Sorbet (a non-dairy, frozen raw dessert I'll post later)

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? How relaxed or friendly they seem to be.

15. RED OR PINK? They both have their time and place, but I mostly like blues, purples, greens

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? It used to be my curly hair when I was a teen but now I love it!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mother.

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black pants, no shoes, barefoot baby!

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Carrot Pecan Burger (recipe from Alissa Cohen's book)

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Dora the Explorer

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Indigo

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Violet, Rose, Linden

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? (Veg News)

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Honestly, none.

25. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown.

26. EYE COLOR? Green

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope.

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Walnut Pate made by Rawbert in Cocoa Beach.

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I can't stand scary movies.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Sicko by (Michael Moore). Made me want to move to France!

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Grey.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both!

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? (Organic Raw Cacao Nib Truffles)

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Right this very minute I'm reading (Into the Wild)

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? The Earth

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? American Idol.

38. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Songbirds, waterfalls & fountains, rain hitting the roof as I fall sleep.

39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Both!

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Ireland

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can play guitar

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Chicago, IL

Thanks for reading my answers, and please tag yourself if you'd like!

Add some Coconut to your Smoothie!

Coconuts are living water. They pull water from deep beneathe the earth's surface and store it, providing our body with natural electrolytes, nature's own fuel. Research shows that the fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body's metabolism and provides us with more energy which can lead to weight loss.
Instead of the usual water addition to a smoothie, break open a coconut and add some coconut water instead. You'll find the taste refreshing and energizing.
Here's a recipe I love to make in the morning, which is not only excellent for your body's health, it will make your skin look fabulous! The berries are loaded with anti-oxidants, the hempseed, flaxseed and evening primrose are loaded with GLA's to help repair damaged skin, Bananas provide essential Potassium, and the Coconut water fuels our body with the fuel we need to run our body all day long.

Colleen's Super Skin Smoothie
Water from 1 Coconut (How to Open a Coconut Here)
2 Bananas
1 Cup Frozen or Fresh Blueberries
1 Cup Frozen or Fresh Strawberries
1 Cup Raspberries
1 Tablespoon Hempseed Powder (optional)
1 Tablespoon Evening Primrose Oil (optional)
1 Tablespoon Flaxseeds (optional)

Combine all of the above in a blender, preferrably a Vitamix, and blend well. Serve and enjoy!

A New Year Poem

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

- William Arthur Ward

Detoxing Facial Skin with Natural Masques

Indulging your face with a masque treatment once a week can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Enzyme-rich powdered facial masques are innovative and extremely effective. They are able to pull toxins deep within the skin's surface. That's right - environmental pollutants, grease, dirt, and other impurities found beneath your skin that are blocking pores and possibly causing fluctuations in your skin's own healthy detox. Powdered masques are like a smoothie in a bottle rich with age-fighting anti-oxidants and nutrients that work to restore vitamins to the skin. They work to dramatically firm facial skin, smoothing fine surface lines,
clearing up blockages from pores, decongesting sluggish tissue and revealing fresh, new, more youthful skin within minutes.

How to use:

Use 2-3 times weekly
After cleansing, combine masque and activator (choose from list) about equal parts into a paste.

Choose from the following activators:

* Distilled Water (it contains no chemicals unlike some purified waters)
* Toner (Aloe Rose, Lemon Tea Tree, or Bloom)
* Pureed fruit for a fresh, healthy face smoothie! (I recommend Banana, Apple Juice, Aloe Juice, Kombucha Tea, Avocado, Strawberries, Raspberries or Blueberries)

I personally like to use Kombucha tea or just distilled water. Using distilled water, you get to really experience what is in the masque itself, instead of the other added ingredients. BUT they are nice to play around with from time to time, and an added bonus for the skin.

Use masques 2-3 times per week on freshly cleansed skin, by applying masque with purified water to make a paste. Apply using a masque brush (now FREE with every purchase of a masque) and leave on for 10-15 minutes while relaxing. Rinse, and follow with toner and your favorite Greenridge Herbals moisturizer. For more information on our natural facial masques, click here

Did you take time to breathe today?

It's that time of year that we all crave rejuvenation. The need to fill our souls with goodness and spiritual fulfillment that leaves a peaceful feeling running through our bodies and minds. It's so easy to get lost in the day to day happenings of to-do lists, phone calls, cleaning, and everything else that happens to come our way that we often forget to just take a deep breath, which is something that can really help us achieve those refreshing goals. Just inhaling oxygen is very critical to our well-being, and any effort to increase the supply of oxygen to our body also increases oxygen that is given to the brain making us happier, healthier, and more relaxed.
Do you ever feel tired, nervous and irritable and can't really put the finger on why? Do you have trouble sleeping at night sometimes? It may actually be connected to your lack of breathing during the day. Lack of breathing can lower the immune system, making you more susceptible to catching colds, flu, and illnesses. As we go through life, bad breathing can become habitual.
Oxygen purifies the blood stream, sending out toxic wastes. So the better our breathing, the more pure our bodies, mind, and even our skin will appear.

Here are a few deep breathing tips you can do at your desk:
1. Sit up straight
2. When you inhale, you should feel the stomach moving in, and feel your belly filling with air.
3. After filling your belly, keep inhaling. Feel your rib cage and chest expand.
4. Try to hold for about 5 seconds, releasing very slowly.
5. Close your eyes if you can and envision yourself in a sunny meadow surrounded by flowers and trees.
6. Relax your face and mind.
7. Practice this whenever you can throughout your day. Even one relaxing breath like this can put you on the way to a better night's sleep and ultimate relaxation.
8. Turn on some relaxing music. Even if you are on the computer it's great to have a little relaxing background music, which can help you to be relaxed, focused, and breathing while you are working. Yes it is possible!

Another simple way to attain some relief from stress, anxiety, or restlessness is to take a warm bath. A little warm water, some soft relaxing music, and an assortment of bath luxuries you have on hand always do the trick! Taking some time out for yourself to do this will help you remember to breathe. Take long, deep breathes as you envelope your body in the water.
But you don't have to be in a tub to enjoy deep breathing benefits. You can even be at your desk working! It's easy!

This month our free gift is a keep sake apothecary jar filled with our Essential Bath Crystals in the Breathe blend. Did you take time to breathe today? I hope you will, in a warm bath, surrounded by beautiful music, and some of our purifying, detoxifying, and mineral-rich bath crystals.