Dakota County Fair

Yesterday was a fun day at the Dakota County Fair. Our oldest son was off work so he went along to help us entertain our two grandchildren, Charles and Hailey. We take care of them on thursday’s during the summer months to help out there Mom and Dad. We arrived at the gate at about 11 am.  Seniors day so we grandparents got in for a lower admission rate plus free parking. How nice was that??!!  Our first stops were  the horse barn, cow barn and poultry barn. These were my favorite stops as a youngster.  Food is a big item as well. Pronto Pups were the first food bought and then we were on a roll. Those cheese curds always taste so yummy. Even the little ones liked them. Chicken fingers were next on the menu. They came with a really good sauce.  Pretty sure there was horseradish in it.  The kids enjoyed a Dole cone. Tasted like orange sherbert to me. Refreshing! Taking a break from the food, we turned onto the Midway for some rides. The little ones enjoyed the Bumble Bee, Merry-Go-Round and going through a maize sort of thing. Not sure what it was called but similar to the play room at McDonalds. Fun for kids anyway. Looking up at this very steep slide I could not believe that Charlie wanted to brave going down on a burlap rug but he did. As he was coming down with a fearful look, Hailey and Grama are climbing up the stairs to do the same thing. By this time I am thinking maybe I should turn around and take Hailey back down but Hailey wanted to go down on Grama’s lap. This she did. Wow! Talk about seeing Charlies fearful look. I know this Grama  must have looked the same. You go down so fast that you really don’t have much time to even think about it. Needless to say Hailey thought it was big fun and wanted Grama to take her  down again but that wasn’t going to happen. Ufda! After eating somemore food, walking through the museum and looking at different displays we took the little ones to the petting barn. This was the highlight for them.  Will share some pictures of our day at the fair.

Dakota County Fair

Yesterday was a fun day at the Dakota County Fair. Our oldest son was off work so he went along to help us entertain our two grandchildren, Charles and Hailey. We take care of them on thursday’s during the summer months to help out there Mom and Dad. We arrived at the gate at about 11 am.  Seniors day so we grandparents got in for a lower admission rate plus free parking. How nice was that??!!  Our first stops were  the horse barn, cow barn and poultry barn. These were my favorite stops as a youngster.  Food is a big item as well. Pronto Pups were the first food bought and then we were on a roll. Those cheese curds always taste so yummy. Even the little ones liked them. Chicken fingers were next on the menu. They came with a really good sauce.  Pretty sure there was horseradish in it.  The kids enjoyed a Dole cone. Tasted like orange sherbert to me. Refreshing! Taking a break from the food, we turned onto the Midway for some rides. The little ones enjoyed the Bumble Bee, Merry-Go-Round and going through a maize sort of thing. Not sure what it was called but similar to the play room at McDonalds. Fun for kids anyway. Looking up at this very steep slide I could not believe that Charlie wanted to brave going down on a burlap rug but he did. As he was coming down with a fearful look, Hailey and Grama are climbing up the stairs to do the same thing. By this time I am thinking maybe I should turn around and take Hailey back down but Hailey wanted to go down on Grama’s lap. This she did. Wow! Talk about seeing Charlies fearful look. I know this Grama  must have looked the same. You go down so fast that you really don’t have much time to even think about it. Needless to say Hailey thought it was big fun and wanted Grama to take her  down again but that wasn’t going to happen. Ufda! After eating somemore food, walking through the museum and looking at different displays we took the little ones to the petting barn. This was the highlight for them.  Will share some pictures of our day at the fair.

Fair Day

A Great Article from “Fast Company Magazine” about P&G

 For those of you with concerns about the enviornment and what we can do to eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in our homes, this article has been an eye opener. Its not about buying the name brand products that we see in advertisements and on television. Its about buying products that are safer for your home, enviornment and family. Products that are effective, naturally derived ingredients, no abrasives,   ph balance (non-alkaline) super concentrated, no fillers, no phosphates, no chlorine bleach, no ammonia, no aerosol propellants and no formaldehyde. I had bronchial asthma for years and since I have changed my products to non-toxic I have not had an episode. I also have allergies and still do but not at all like they were. I would be happy to tell you more about the products that I use and why they have helped me.

Contact me at 952-894-4845 or email me at bloch72@gmail.com

Article from Fast Company Magazine’s July Issue (see link at bottom)

P&G’s Sustainability Initiatives — Not So Sustainable

By: Melanie Warner

 

illustration by Christopher Serra

The giant wants to sell $20 billion worth of eco-friendly innovations by 2013.

 But what about those controversial ingredients?

 

On a prematurely springlike day in Cincinnati, Len Sauers’s workday begins as it often does — with a meeting. On the 11th floor of Procter & Gamble’s corporate offices, seven members of its Sustainability Leadership Council huddle around a table in a small conference room. Ten others listen in by phone from P&G offices around the world. The topic at hand is the company’s commitment to develop $20 billion worth of “sustainable innovation products” in the next five years, a significant addition to P&G’s current $76 billion in annual sales.

“There’s no sacrifice required of the consumer, and yet there’s this huge sustainability benefit,” says Sauers, 49, extolling the virtues of one sustainable innovation product already on the market, Tide Coldwater.

Sauers is P&G’s recently appointed VP of global sustainability, a job title that has gotten a lot more popular lately. Every big company these days seems to have an environmental czar running around headquarters. Citigroup, Dow Chemical, Ford, HP, Intel, Sara Lee — I began to wonder, What do these impressively titled green executives really do? So I spent some time with Sauers to find out.

Much of his job is corporate-policy policing: making sure that P&G’s many global divisions and myriad product units all approach sustainability the same way. At the time of my visit, in March, he had just finalized the definition of a “sustainable innovation product.” The four-page document had taken Sauers the better part of three months to write and get approved. The pileup of boring generalities never actually says what a sustainable innovation might look like; when I ask Sauers for specifics, he demurs, citing competitive reasons.

What Sauers will discuss is Tide Coldwater. As he and I walk through P&G’s Energy Star — certified offices, the 22-year company vet explains why it’s a perfect product. It goes right to the heart of P&G’s publicly stated green goals: The product is concentrated so that packaging materials are reduced, and by not requiring hot water, it minimizes the consumption of energy during its use, thereby reducing carbon emissions (34 million tons less annually if every U.S. household used the product, according to Sauers). He also touts the Mega versions of Charmin and Bounty, which give customers bigger rolls, thereby saving on cardboard — 144 million fewer toilet-paper cores per year if 1 million Charmin users switched.

Sauers is trained as a toxicologist, but none of P&G’s sustainability initiatives address what’s arguably its most fundamental environmental challenge: “green chemistry,” or finding ways to make products without chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment. “P&G is doing a good job of reducing its greenhouse gases,” says Devra Lee Davis, director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh, “but at the same time, it’s using cosmetic ingredients like phthalates, where the evidence is growing that these chemicals could have a negative impact on our children and grandchildren.”

Products such as Herbal Essences shampoo and Olay Complete Body Wash contain comparatively high levels of 1,4-dioxane, a chemical that has been characterized as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and banned from personal-care products in the European Union. Sauers, who spent most of his time at P&G working on product safety before being appointed to his current job last January, says there’s no need for P&G to change any of the ingredients in its shampoos, detergents, or air fresheners because the company has already done thorough safety assessments on all the chemicals it uses. “I know for a fact that everything in our products is safe,” he insists.

Yet several of P&G’s competitors have begun rethinking their approaches to chemical use. Earlier this year, Clorox launched a line of natural plant-based home cleaners; Wal-Mart, eager to line its shelves with green products, couldn’t wait to get them into its stores. S.C. Johnson created a Greenlist, a ranking of chemicals according to their safety, and wherever possible has stopped using chemicals from the most hazardous class. Method and Seventh Generation, two smaller companies that make cleaning products using naturally derived ingredients, have been growing by double digits while some of P&G’s comparable brands are flat or declining.

“Just because something says it’s natural doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe,” Sauers argues. “Everything has the potential to be toxic at high enough levels.” In other words, don’t expect natural versions of Tide, Pantene, or Mr. Clean anytime soon. P&G’s long- standing practice, Sauers explains, has been to do a risk assessment of the quantities of a chemical being used in a product and the amounts of that chemical that are getting absorbed into consumers’ bodies or discharged into the environment. Tim Long, a senior science fellow at P&G, says that the amounts of hazardous chemicals consumers are exposed to through P&G products are at levels a thousand times lower than those that cause health problems in animals. “We’re talking minuscule, insignificant levels,” he says.

Regulators haven’t always agreed. When the European Union classified dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a reproductive toxicant in 2004 and banned it from use in cosmetics and personal-care products, P&G and many other companies were forced to reformulate products, predominantly nail polish. Similarly, P&G is working on suitable substitutes for phosphates in its Cascade dishwashing products after states including Virginia and Maryland passed bans on using the chemicals because of the damage they wreak when released into rivers and streams. P&G maintains that its use of DBP and phosphates wasn’t harmful.

As we stroll through P&G’s in-house museum, gazing at hallmarks of the company’s 170-year history as a consumer-products innovator, Sauers explains that because P&G’s brands are so large and ubiquitous throughout the world, he thinks the company can have a major impact in the reduction of waste and consumption of energy. He’s right. But Tide Coldwater and Charmin Mega? Good, but not good enough. Sauers acknowledges that he doesn’t consider himself an environmentalist. But if he wants to be a sustainability chief in more than name only — if P&G is going to lead rather than be dragged into compliance — he has a chemistry problem to solve. And right now, he’s procrastinating.

http://www.fastcompany.com/article/pgs-sustainability-initiatives-not-so-sustainable?page=0%2C1

____________________________________________________________________________________

Watch store brands  for the subtle down sizing of total ounces and content in packaging to cut costs.  Several manufactures have announced fairly large price increases in the near future.

Eating Healthy

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you.

By developing your own plan for healthy eating, you’ll be able to expand your range of healthy choices to include a variety of delicious foods. Using guidelines and tips for creating and maintaining a satisfying, healthy diet, you can learn how to approach food in a smarter, healthier way.

Avoid stress while eating: When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.

• Listen to your body: Ask yourself if you are really hungry, and stop eating when you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best, rather than stuffing yourself into a “food coma”!
• Eat early, eat often: Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off. Also, eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can help keep your metabolism going and ward off snack attacks.

Healthy eating: The basics on carbs, protein and fat

Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and vitamins to sustain a healthy body. But what exactly is a carb? And how much protein is too much? Understanding dietary guidelines is the first step in developing your own healthy eating plan.

This is a challenge for all of us I think. With our busy lifestyles, running here, running there we tend to eat out, stop off at the fast food restaurants, order a family favorite of pizza to take home and the list goes on.  To stay healthy we need to change our eating habits and get plenty of rest, exercise and drink lots of water. Balance is the key.  I take supplements that keep my “numbers” at normal levels. Try to get exercise by walking. (I wished I was as faithful as my husband) and riding bike.

Just remember, BALANCE!

Prostate

The prostate is a small gland located just under the bladder and it’s part of the male reproductive system. The prostate encircles the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder outside the body) and produces and secretes a nutrient rich fluid that protects and helps transport sperm. The prostate gland resembles a chestnut in size and shape.
In most men, the prostate gland will undergo two stages of growth. The first stage occurs early in life and is usually complete by the end of puberty. The prostate usually remains the same size for many years; however, it may begin growing again during middle age, and some men develop symptoms by age 40. If the prostate becomes enlarged it may compress the urethra, which can interfere with elimination of urine and semen. The interference with urine elimination can cause a number of irritating symptoms and can lead to more serious problems as well. There are a few things one can do to keep the prostate healthy. Doctors recommend periodic prostate checkups and lifestyle changes like cutting down on caffeinated drinks, going easy on salt and spices and eating dinner earlier in the evening to give the body a chance to eliminate fluids before bedtime. Supplementing your diet is also a good idea. I have a supplement that is a scientifically developed blend of lycopene, saw palmetto berry, pumpkin seed and zinc—–all natural source ingredients that support prostate health without any uncomfortable side effects. Some competitive brands have lycopene but don’t include the palmetto berry, pumpkin seed or other important prostate health nutrients.
For more information contact me at
sbloch@q.com

Supplements

In this fast paced world we live in, our eating habits are not the greatest and taking supplements are important to our well-being.

I take a gender specific supplement with research recommended levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidents and probiotics. Plus heart healthy flavonoids, phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids. Formulated  to meet the specific gender needs for men and women. This is so convenient as your doses come in packets. One am and one pm packet.  For women there are multiple vitamins and minerals including high levels of folate, biotin, calcium and iron.  These supplements help bridge the nutritional gap in womens diets. Fructose occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and their juices, as well as honey. It gives these foods their sweet taste. Fructose in crystalline form has been widely used for the past 20 years as a nutritive sweetener in foods and beverages.

Fructose compounding mineral delivery system designed to help the absorption of vital  minerals. For men this iron free supplement includes the vitamins and minerals men need every day to bridge the nutritional gaps in there diets.

The Mineral Complex is timed released and helps promote strong bones and teeth. A blend of calcium sources plus phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D. Designed with the fructose compounding to help the  absorption. Another reduces the risk of heart disease when used as part of a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Phytosterols reduce serum cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the blood stream. Plant sterols, phytosterols, are cholesterol-like compounds that are found mostly in vegetable oils, nuts and legumes. Diet rich in plant sterols helps Omega three fatty acids promote healthy triglyceride levels. Also a flavonoid powerhouse that helps prevent LDL(bad) cholesterol oxidation and helps maintain healthy blood platelet activity with a patented blend of grape skin, grape seed and other heart-smart antioxidants. One other unique dietary supplement helps fortify and detoxify your gastrointestinal tract with two strains of healthy probiotics. This good “flora” helps improve the absorption of all the nutrients in your food. A useful antioxidant unleashes superior antioxidant power on free radicals throughout your body. This supplement is made with a combination of mixed carotenoids derived from whole foods. It provides free radical protection at the cellular level.

With this group of supplements that come in packets I take mine with breakfast and dinner. That way I am taking them with food which is recommended.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle one needs to consider supplements. 

Moisturizing Liquid Soap

Moisturizing Liquid Soaps invite a bit of nature into your home with the botanical enriched formula of this new moisturizing liquid soap. Butter silk beads, made with cocoa, shea and mango butters, jojoba and natural oils, in a cleansing solution so you get a thick lather to wash away dirt while your hands are softened and moisturized. These soaps along with the antibacterial liquid soaps are easy on the wallet as they are so highly concentrated. With 500 uses in each bottle you are only paying a penney per use.  Each refill size fills four bottles so you will save even more.

Make your world a safer place with hand cleanliness. It is so important to your personal hygiene and health. 

Gas Prices/Added Income

Can you believe that gas prices actually went down in the last day or so. Back down to $3.76. Wow! I recieved an email today with tips for saving on gas that I want to share with you. The following is from Charlie Fish from Eagle View Mortgage:

Tips for Stretching Your Tank

In terms of the economy and its effect on our daily lives, there is no hotter topic than the outrageous prices we are seeing at the pumps. The maddening part is as consumers, we have zero control over these inflated costs. To make matters worse, there’s always that person who says something like, “You know, Europeans pay a lot more for gas than we do.” That’s true, but it doesn’t make it any easier when we’re reaching for our credit cards at the pump. The absolute worst part about high gas prices, however, is the notion of having no alternatives. Even a diligent hybrid owner has to make a trip to the gas station at some point, right?

So, now that you’re feeling backed into a corner and completely depressed about the situation, what do you do? The answer is actually a simple one; cut down on the amount of gas you use. I realize it doesn’t sound simple, but by changing just a few bad habits, any motorist can stretch a tank of gas no matter what type of car they drive. Here are some tips that are sure to help.

Go Easy on the Pedals - Jackrabbit driving is a killer when it comes to burning fuel. Remember that slow and steady wins the race in more ways than one.

Avoid Long Idles - The bottom line is idling burns more gas than restarting an engine.

No Junk in the Trunk - Clean out your trunk and the rest of your car for that matter. Excess weight bogs down your vehicle, causing it to burn more fuel.

Drive the Speed Limit - The higher the speed, the more gas your car will use.

Go Easy on the A/C - Air conditioning burns gas. Before turning it on, ask yourself if rolling down a window or two might do the trick.

Use Overdrive and Cruise Control - Most automatic transmissions have these features. If you drive a stick, consult your owner’s manual about the recommended RPMs when shifting.

Keep Tires Inflated and Aligned - Believe it or not, frequent alignments and keeping your tires inflated to the proper amount will save you gas.

Honor the Scheduled Maintenance - Scheduled maintenance is designed to help your car run as efficiently as possible. Check your owner’s manual for specifics.

There you go, eight possible solutions to an otherwise unfixable problem. In addition, you may want to exlpore the idea of carpooling. Also, walking now and then is an option. Not only will it save you gas - it’ll keep you healthy.

Do you have any tips for saving gas?
Give me a call and tell me about them!

I realize how the economy has affected so many lives and I want to show you a business that makes total sense. Please get in touch with me at 952-894-4845 or email me at sbloch@q.com

The Truth by Kim Klaver

Golly, what a fun book to read and it is filled with useful information for all of us network marketers. What it really takes to make it in Network Marketing by Kim Klaver.  With all the knowledge this gal has and the fact that she has shared this with so many. I have purchased some very helpful books, cd’s and mp3 audio. Kim has a blog sight that I have subscribed to and I recieve ongoing  helpful information daily. (http://kimklaverblogs.blogspot.com/)  For those of you who are in need of help to get your marketing business off the ground, I recommend taking a look at what Kim has to offer.

http://trixie42.com     952-894-4845      sbloch@q.com  bloch72@gmail.com

The Renegade Marketing System

I feel so good! I finally finished this ebook from Ann Seig. It is a real education let me tell you. Ann has taken network marketing to a whole new level. I was feeling guilty about not wanting to spend anymore time approaching my warm market. This includes friends and family.  I still get that “feeling” sometimes that people see me coming and just want to curl up and hide. This may or may not be true but its not a very comfortable feeling anyway. Besides Ann and the Renegade system I have spent alot of time with Kim Klaver resources and feel she is a great teacher and a “breath of fresh air”.  I have been with my Prosper Team since June 1st of 2007. I am one customer away from becoming a  Director. I have this feeling that I may be “on my way”. My biggest drawback is picking up the phone and calling these leads that I have. I am gaining courage tho.  My upline are a great group of people and I hope I can start adding some momemtum to the team. Will keep you all posted on this venture.

Until next time!