a little something to think about....

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind." --Buddha

Be the change you want to see

This video says it all!

Enjoy....

Someone sent this to me and I enjoyed it. Thought I'd share it.....
'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite
possibilities that are born with and have faith in yourself and others. May you
use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has
been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this
knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to
sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of
us.'

Please consider this.....

I hope this message finds you and your family in good health.
We all cannot avoid the constant barrage of the negative news
about the economy. It's in the newspapers, magazines and radio.
It's reality - we've been in a full-blown recession for over a year. Sadly, most of the retail doom and gloom has been focused
on the Big Box retailers. Their numbers are down, but those pale
in comparison to the hurt this down economy has put on small
independent stores. I've talked to many businesses across
the board and nearly all are experiencing a very serious downturn
thus far this holiday season. In some cases, we're talking 40+
percent decreases in sales from last year (which, by the way, for
most was a down year from the previous year, 2006. For these
independent stores, the holiday season represents 25% of their
annual sales - the holiday season is a "make it or break it"
scenario. Compound this with increasing cost of goods,
skyrocketing utility rates, rent hikes, taxes and well . . .
you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the
negative consequences.
So why am I am I posting this? It is more than a gentle,
subliminal reminder . . . It's a plea! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
INDEPENDENT RETAILER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. I fear many will not survive the winter. We talk about where we live and why
we choose certain neighborhoods. We talk about what we value
and sometimes we don't put a price on what it means to us.
What about customer service? What about product knowledge?
I could go on . . .
Remember that it is many of your local merchants who donate
to or sponsor events with organizations that you are familiar
with. Studies show a large percentage of dollars stay in a
community when you BUY LOCAL vs.
leaving the state with an
online or big box purchase. Sadly, if a local store closes,
it not only becomes an empty storefront (in this economy,
they're not lining up to rent spaces) but the trickle down
from this loss affects many - the local accountant, lawyer,
insurance broker and printer to name a few. So you really
know many who are or would be affected by the closing of a
local "Mom and Pop". So, PLEASE during this holiday season . . . try to spread
the "holiday cheer" . . . support your local bookstore,
record shop, boutique, hardware store, coffee shop, and toy store.
Shop at the galleries and support local artists. Go out and
support the small music clubs that hire local musicians. Eat at
independent restaurants. Put the word out on the street.
Forward this email. Tell your neighbors, friends and coworkers.
Teach your kids about the importance of supporting local businesses.
It's all about education and awareness. Buy multiple gift certificates
in small amounts to give away this holiday season . . .

Be The Change - Think Globally . . . Shop Locally

something to think about

A friend just sent this to me and it really gives you something to think about;

Here's another thought on my mind this week..."Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". (Now picture a big huge reddish colored heart....) Ain't that the truth. I challenge myself to just listen a little more, and get out of my own way. Discovery and compassion come forth just a little bit more. Who cares if someone finds out a battle of mine, it just pulls us a little bit closer thru the universe. Namaste.

Fair Trade

Do you know what Fair Trade means??? Many of the items in my store are Fair Trade products. Please know what a difference you make in the lives of so many when purchasing a Fair Trade Product.
READ:

Fair Trade is a growing, international movement which ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a living income), long-term contracts which provide real security; and for many, support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales.

The empowerment from fair trade lifts families from poverty through trade, not aid, keeping food on the table, children in school and families on their land.

A key principle of Fair Trade is to ensure that the artisan or producer of the product being purchased is paid a fair price for their work, in the local context, enabling them to make a decent living. But this is by no means the only aspect of Fair Trade.

The following are some of the other principles covered by the phrase "fair trade":

• Creating opportunities for advancement for economically disadvantaged artisans and producers.
• Prohibiting child labor and forced labor.
• Providing prompt payment for work done.
• Guaranteeing that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.
• Ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for artisans and producers.
• Limiting working hours to reasonable numbers.
• Establishing long-term trade partnerships, assisting producers with management skills development, product design, improved access to markets, and providing financial and technical assistance.
• Encouraging sustainable use of natural resources.

Please join us in promoting socially responsible and conscious consumerism….while at the same time sharing fun and funky gifts and goods with family and friends.

WAYS TO SUPPORT FAIR TRADE:

If you'd like to buy products that support your values, but lead a busy life and don’t necessarily know how, here are a few tips on how to support Fair Trade:

• Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on items like coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, bananas and rice in your grocery aisles.

• Over 100 million pounds of Fair Trade Certified coffee has entered the US market since 1999 and growing an average of 75% per year. Other fair trade products are also booming: tea grew 175% in 2005 and cocoa grew from 14,000 lbs in 2002 to over 1 million in 2005.
  
  

• Shop for fairly traded clothing, gifts, jewelry and home décor.
  • Fair Trade handicrafts and jewelry account for 20% of the fair trade market, second only to fair trade certified coffee according to the Fair Trade Federation. Such as http://www.KarmaEssence.com
    
    
• Frequent coffee shops that sell Fair Trade coffee and tea.
  
  
• Educate yourself and pass on the news about fair trade.
  

Enjoy the day! Roz

Need I say more?????

Flipping through Time Magazine’s November supplement Style & Design I discovered the Westfalia Verdier Solar Power. Created by Alexander Verdier, this hybrid camper is outfitted with solar panels that provide electricity for the on-board accessories while the vehicle is stationary. There is an on-board computer and a GPS (Global Positioning System) that calculates the optimal position for the solar panels which are dubbed “Sun Tracker.”

Some other improvements from the 1960’s version include, a pneumatic suspension, which lowers the vehicle and sets its structure on the tires for improved comfort and a better stabilization in the stationary position. The sliding half-door on the passenger side has an integrated folding staircase which makes the second stage area accessible from outside the vehicle. The passenger seat is transformed mechanically into stairs so that the second stage area (top level) can be easily reached from inside. A swivel cooking range makes it possible to cook outside as well as inside. And of course, there’s a multi-media computer with a wireless Internet connection.

To really see how cool this “van” is, check out out a video by clicking here.