The Tree Line has Arrived

Help the environment in more ways than one.

The Tree Line, CoolPeopleCare's first issue-based product line is now available for preorder.

We've got some stellar artwork from Jen Lemen to go along with our sweatshop-free T-shirts, our BPA-free water bottles, our corn-based plastic mugs and our organic cotton totes.

Preorder pricing is available until midnight tomorrow. And if you use coupon code HEYSAM, you'll get 5% off AND 5% of what you spend will be donated to Oasis Center.

Win a Book!

My friend Ariah reviewed New Day Revolution last week. I thanked him, and together we came up with a great way to get all of those world-changing ideas out of you.

So, between now and Friday, you can go to Ariah's blog and share your idea for making a small, but meaningful, difference in the world. We'll choose one lucky winner to receive a signed copy of New Day Revolution.

Who knows? We may even include some sweet stuff from the new Tree Line.

Rays Your Grade

Check out ways you can learn about sun safety!

Summer is the optimal time to discuss sun exposure. Sun exposure is rather frequent and it's really important that we remember to take care of our skin as well as the skin of our children.

I decided to take the “Rays Your Grade” survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (it took less than 5 minutes). I am more likely to put sunscreen on my little girl than I am myself. My grade of a B on this survey got me thinking. Here are the tips they offer in order to get an A (I have always been one for extra credit):

1. Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD Seal of Recognition TM on products that meet these criteria.
   

2. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

3. Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
   

4. Use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
   

5. Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.
   

6. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
   

7. Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
   

8. Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
   

What is your grade?

Home Away From Home

Going on vacation can be a time to realize how much you really are doing to make a difference!

This past weekend, our family of three ventured off into the world of Dallas, Texas. Along the way we encountered airplanes, screaming kids, the need to run up and down the same hall fifteen times, delays, snacks, coffee, falling asleep in awkward places, hotels, strange beds and nighttime routines, family, conflict, trash, waste, and going out to eat for every meal. To say the least, it was a shock to our family.

Being thrown out of my comfort zone often puts we in a weird mood and often leaves me, well... shall I say, crabby. I am very much a home-body and would prefer to be home with my food, bed, routines, and space, but to see family is very important to me too. That being said, I am grateful for the trek down to the Big D (and I do mean Dallas), even though there were some things that were a bit out of sorts for us.

Our plane was delayed a bit so we ended up in our detestation city about an hour late (which isn't bad at all, I know). Our little one was asleep by the time we made it to baggage claim. There's something about a sleeping baby while waiting for luggage that makes everything seem much more positive. Try looking at a peaceful little one (especially your own) and being upset or frustrated about anything. I really can't do it. By the time we got from airport to car to hotel, it was fast approaching my bedtime. I made a cup of tea and settled in for the evening.

When we ventured downstairs the next morning to greet the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-aunts and uncles, the real trip began. I had used the same cup for my tea just before we went downstairs and planned to finish it upon my return. After breakfast I ran back up to the room to find my cup gone. The towel I had used that morning was also gone. We have not been in hotels much lately so I forgot the diligence of housekeeping. I realized that it was going to be very hard to carry out my normal practices in this environment. There was nowhere to compost, recycle, or eat my local foods. I felt a little out of sorts.

I realized just how much we do in our house. To see how many people drank water bottle after water bottle by the pool and how much went into the trash cans I felt so grateful for the practices we are teaching our little girl. To have a first hand experience where I have the chance to see what I was like before really brought me perspective. Before I never would have even realized that someone took a paper cup I had been drinking out of; I would expected someone to bring me fresh towel after one use. I was a consumer in a consumer world and had no regard for the Earth and its parts I was USING.

As a whole, our trip was great. We spent some great time with family, celebrated our Nation's and Grandpa's birthdays and had an overall good time together as a family. I definitely learned a thing or two about myself and traveling. This summer as you and your family take vacations, see what YOU can do to make your destination a home away from home. Be aware of something new you may not have thought of prior to realizing just how cool you really are! We would love to hear your stories.

Happy Travels!

More Of A Good Thing

Each week we are at the Franklin Farmer's Market learning and growing together. Local foods and activities for the children continue to build this community oriented market.

This past weekend, we were at the Children's Garden at The Franklin Farmer's Market (as we are each Saturday through the end of October). We are here each week to offer activities for children and teach them about sustainability and local living.

Even the gorwn-ups got involved to help with the fun and learning.

My rant for the day: I see how much it means to these kids to be here each week. To see their faces when they see our tent set up and toys for THEM, I can see how special they feel. We hope that by being here we will continue to encourage kids and parents to learn about local farming, buy local foods, and support their community. This community really means to much to me. When my little girl met "our farmers" a few weeks ago, she really made a connection. If you have yet to see our CSA piece, please read it!