It's New Year's day and a perfect day to be outside. It's the middle of winter with a high of 45 and no snow to be seen.... I still can't believe I'm using hiking boots over snowshoes, but I'm not complaining one bit! My boyfriend and I decided to go hiking, it would be insulting to Mother Nature not to enjoy her hot flashes.
We traveled to Ithaca, NY! Home of beautiful gorges, falls and super duper hiking trails. There were a lot of people outside which was great to see. Our hike was embellished with the grandeur of nature. The falls were ah-may-zing; it's crazy to think how the flow of water is so powerful and never ending.... it keeps goinggggg and goinggggg like the energizer bunny...
Look at how bootyful the water's and rock's colors are (below)
I felt like I was on the Maid of the Mist... a poncho would have been handy
Get outside and enjoy the outdoors! What's your favorite winter activity?
October is a month recognized for its falling leaves and pumpkin farms. If I say October most respond Halloween, but October should not solely be defined by scandalous costumes and children high on candy corn. October also hosts important causes like Breast Cancer and, one that may not ring a bell, Fair Trade Awareness. The video snippet below will give you some background about Fair Trade USA and what it's all about.
I was approached by Fair Trade USA to help raise awareness about its products. I am a huge supporter of Fair Trade everything because profits are given back to those who count. The organization does so much good that I was honored to spread the word!
What is Fair Trade USA? <--- Click to check out the Web site!
Fair Trade USA is a non-profit organization which strives to cultivate a global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth. By certifying products and suppliers who protect local ecosystems and guaranteeing that farmers are paid a fair, honest price, Fair Trade USA works to help people make conscientious purchases. Fair Trade is just what it says: fair! Consumers often forget where their actually comes from, Fair Trade allows those respected suppliers (everyone from farmers to Mother Nature) to be recognized and shown appreciation; we'd be hungry without them.
Not sure what a Fair Trade product looks like?
Look for either of these seals:
How is technology helping you locate Fair Trade products?
I think this is beyond nifty, it epitomizes the saying there's an app for that. To help consumers find Fair Trade Certified products more easily, Fair Trade USA is marking Fair Trade Month 2011 with the launch of a new social media initiative. The new “Fair Trade Finder” Facebook and mobile (iPhone and Android) application allows consumers to enter their location to find out where they can buy Fair Trade Certified products nearby and be among the first to populate the map with other Fair Trade Product locations. When I upgrade to an iPhone in a few weeks (I caved), I'm downloading this app pronto.
Wow, that app sounds awesome! How do I get it?
I'm so glad you asked! Fear not, it's simpler than you think. To start becoming a socially-conscious foodie on the go (and why wouldn't you, you'll be the talk of the town) click the following links to download the ANDRIODandiPHONE "Fair Trade Finder"! Don't have a smartphone, no worries! Click HERE to check out the Facebook application.
To stay connected and updated with Fair Trade USA,
"like" them on Facebook and follow @fairtradeusa on Twitter
Help me celebrate Fair Trade Month by either purchasing a Fair Trade product, volunteering within your community, or even small acts of kindness. Together we can make an impact and give back to those who sacrifice so much.
Today puts the sunin Sunday; it is absolutely beautiful out. I would be insulting Mother Nature not to enjoy the weather because soon everything will be covered in a white blanket of snow. Ew... I have lived in New York all my life and still have not accepted our long and chilly winters, so even more reason to go and frolic under the sunshine!
I chose to go on a nature run but decided to make it into game to pass the time: a solo I Spy game (can you tell I'm an only child?). I wanted to capture as many colors as I could throughout my run. Plus..for each colorful object I'd discover, the more times I'd have stop, whip out my smartphone, & the capture the moment...aka the more colors I find = the more breaks I can take.
Yay, lets channel our childhood and play I Spy!
Not a bad way to start off the upcoming week; now let's hope my "runner's high" can stick with me long enough to write a 5 page paper.
Clouds, worms. and puddles the size of kiddie pools. I know April showers bring May flowers, but how can the flowers even breathe when they're being drowned in wet depression. Sigh. Screw the flowers, how about some real Mayflowers so we can stay afloat (the pilgrims had the right idea).
We get it Mother Nature. You win. We don't wanna play any more.
