Ok…so even though we (as in us women) may say we don’t want sweets for Valentine’s Day we always have the option of changing our minds…right?
For gourmet baked goodies check out Cheryl & Co…for the ultimate in holiday cookies and brownies!
Guaranteed you won’t go wrong!
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
I don’t know about you but I find that men are the hardest people to shop for…they seem to always have everything and my mind always goes blank when it’s time for gift giving! (Especially for my husband!)
But…all is not lost!
All men must do one thing on a regular basis….Shave!
And what better way to shave than with an old time shaving set!
Nashville Knife Shop offers a wide range of men’s products….from straight razors, safety razors, shaving brushes, shaving mugs/soap, manicure sets to various Swiss Army and sporting knives.
My husband received the Dad’s Old Time Razor Set that included the razor, badger brush, soap and a real nice stand to hold everything in. Products were of the highest quality and he was delighted to try it out. The set also looks great sitting on our bathroom counter (I’m a sucker for anything even remotely resembling something ‘old fashioned’!).
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner not to mention Father’s Day in June……so make sure you visit the Nashville Knife Shop and bookmark them into your ‘favorites’…I’m almost certain you will find the perfect gift there for the man in your life!
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Bill Nye the Science Guy says No on the antibacterial soaps….
Most of us should avoid antibacterial products. People in health care may be the only exception. For the rest of us, antibacterial soap started out as a pretty good idea, but it could be turning into a big mistake. Antibacterial soaps and ointments, for example, may be unintentionally creating germs that are resistant to antibiotics. Eventually, our antibiotics may not do much of anything to slow the spread of these types of germs and the diseases they cause.
The miracle of antibiotics
For many years, antibiotic drugs worked so quickly and so effectively that they seemed like magic. In magic, they say, it’s all done with mirrors. Well, in biochemistry, it’s all done with molecules. Antibacterial molecules inhibit or disrupt the action of enzymes in an unwanted germ’s fatty outer layer or in the layer itself–the germ’s cell wall. The wall is a polymer, and without the enzyme working properly, the wall molecules cannot “cross-link” (so the germ can’t cause us harm). Instead, the walls fill with water and burst. Our own cells are unaffected by any of these antibiotic compounds. We don’t have cell walls like these; we use different enzymes, probably because our cell membranes came to be somewhat later in history than bacteria. (Some people are allergic to antibiotics, but that’s different chemistry and a different problem.)
Antibiotics are like a bit of chemical genius, but we didn’t invent these molecules; we discovered them. Fungi and bacteria came up with them. Alexander Fleming is generally credited for realizing that Penicillium notatum fungus was inhibiting or controlling the growth of bacteria in his lab in 1928. He published his landmark paper in 1929. There must be an evolutionary advantage for fungal organisms that can produce chemicals to inhibit the growth of bacteria that might cause them trouble. And bacteria, like all the rest of us living things, are always fighting off other bacteria. They make their own antibiotic compounds often called bacteriocins.
After discovering the antibiotic properties of Penicillium fungi, for example, we found ways to brew up these compounds by the vat-full. This is a modern way of destroying germ cells.
Another old-fashioned alternative to antibiotics is good old soap. Soap works by washing germs and dirt and all kinds of other things away, and it’s very effective. Soap has molecules that are like long chains (well, long by atomic standards, maybe a nanometer, 0.000001 millimeters, 0.00000004 inches). One end of the soap molecule is polar, like the poles of a magnet (or the planet Earth). The polar end associates with and dissolves in water. The other end is nonpolar. It associates well with grease and the oils on your skin. To achieve this remarkable effect, most soap recipes include sodium, which makes that water-loving (hydrophilic) end of the molecule essentially dissolve in the nearby water molecules. Consider how well sodium-chloride salt dissolves in water; the surface of our world is almost all sodium salt–ocean.
We have been living and dying with germs for millions of years, but antibiotics were discovered less than a hundred years ago. These drugs and chemicals have been very effective in knocking germs apart or disrupting their various internal chemical activities. But because germs reproduce so fast, we will never wipe them out.
This process of germs mutating in such a way that our antibacterial chemicals don’t affect them anymore is a classic example of evolution and natural selection. So you could say that our fancy soap is selecting the toughest, most resistant germs for reproduction.
Most of us probably don’t really think about aging until our late 30’s (seeing the big 40 looming on the horizon doesn’t help!) but you CAN do something about it before those first wrinkle lines start to appear!
Fighting aging isn’t hard…..We all know the old standards.…stay out of the sun, don’t smoke as well as exercising and getting plenty of sleep. But did you know a diet rich in nutrients, loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals can help keep you healthy and looking younger? Stimulation of DNA repair, increased collagen production, inflammation reduction and improved circulation all result in a diet that’s rich in phyto-compounds.
Select foods can provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that could arrest the aging process if consumed on a daily basis. Please note – Chocolate IS on the list!
Antioxidants – Are chemicals that reduce the oxidative damage to cells and biomolecules. Researchers have found a high correlation between oxidative damage and disease. Research suggests that the consumption of antioxidant rich foods reduces the damage to cells and may in fact slow down, prevent or reverse certain diseases that result from cellular damage such as ageing.
Phytochemicals – also known as phytonutrients occur naturally in vegetables and fruit. Phytochemicals/nutrients have many and various functions….they may promote the function of the immune system, help battle bacteria and viruses and reduce inflammation.
The following are a few foods that are beneficial to your health and beauty.
Avocado – Contains folate, needed for blood formation, cell regeneration and an antioxidant.
Apricots – Rich in fiber, phytochemicals. Contributes to a healthy skin and immune system.
Broccoli – Very high in fiber, vitamin C, folate and phytochemicals. Contains a compound called sulforaphane that protects the cells from injury.
Beans/Legumes – Loaded with phytochemicals, protein and folic acid, fiber and calcium. They lower blood cholesterol, triglycerides and stabilize blood sugar.
Brown Rice/Millet/Rye/Oats – Good source of B vitamins and promote healthy hair
Carrots – High in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant.
Chocolate – Contains several trace minerals. Also contains caffeine which provides high energy. As an antioxidant it boosts the immune system and may prevent heart diseases.
Cucumber – Good source of essential vitamins and mineral which are necessary for boosting the production of collagen.
Dark Leafy Greens – Including spinach, kale, bok choy and dark lettuces. Rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals they are also a good antioxidant.
Eggs – Wonderful source of protein they promote eye health and prevent age related macular degeneration.
Fish – Rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Beneficial for eyes, skin, heart and brain.
Flax/Rapeseed/Walnut/Seaweed – Contain omega 3 fatty acids. Also high in zinc which is vital for the skin. May also help clear up acne and promote supple skin. Helps in keeping the bowels regular.
Garlic – Contains a wide range of antioxidants. Provides anti-cancer benefits and boosts a healthy heart. Sulphur, which gives garlic is pungent odor, is responsible for the healing benefits. Reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Grapes (red) – Powerful antioxidants promote a healthy heart by acting as free radical scavengers and helping blood vessels remain more supple.
Hemp Seed – Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Contributes to strong nails and vital for the skin and hair.
Oats – Rich in soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol. Helps maintain collagen levels by keeping skin firm and supple. Can also promote wound healing.
Olive Oil – Contains phenolics, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties. Also has cardiovascular benefits.
Pomegranate – Good source of antioxidants, fatty acids and botanical estrogens. Helps neutralize free radicals. Helps repair aging skin.
Pumpkin Seeds – Rich in essential fatty acids. Have anti-inflammatory properties and helps combat dry skin.
Sweet Potatoes – Contains many antioxidants and phytochemicals. Helpful in preventing heart disease and cancer. Contains fiber and promotes digestion.
Strawberries/Raspberries/Blackberries/Cranberries – Rich in proanthocyanidins, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer and heart disease. Loaded with fiber, minerals and beneficial antioxidants.
Tomatoes – Contains lycopene, which may help prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. Loaded with vitamin A and C.
Tea (green/black) – Rich in antioxidants, providing anti-aging benefits. Tea is 200 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C.
Beauty on the outside is dependant on beauty on the inside. By eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting the needed exercise we CAN combat the aging process. We may not win but we can certainly look and feel better longer!
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Perfect combination for Valentine’s Day…..Chocolate and Coffee!!
Xocolatl Gift Basket 15% off – Includes Sugar Scrub, Whipped Body Cream and 4 gourmet Chocolate Truffles. Sugar Scrub and Whipped Body Cream scented in a luscious dark chocolate scent (our own proprietary scent blend!).
Kahve Gift Basket 15% off – Includes Sugar Scrub, Whipped Body Cream and 4 gourmet Chocolate Truffles. Sugar Scrub and Whipped Body Cream scented in a heavenly Turkish coffee scent (our own proprietary scent blend!).
Sale Ends: February 5, 2007
Gift boxes limited to stock on hand.
Want to give your sweetie a combination of both chocolate and coffee??? Feel free to order items separately! You can then create your very own custom gift basket or gift box for Valentine’s Day.
Also On Sale….
China Rain 15% off
Sale limited to Soap, Gift Box & Gift Basket
China Rain sale ends February 20, 2007
Limited to stock on hand
Xocolatl Gift Box
Kahve Gift Box
China Rain Gift Basket
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Reminder….
Our annual clearance sale ends January 22, 2007
30% – 50% off select items
Limited to quantities on hand
Now is a perfect time to try out our fall and holiday products….we even have soap logs available at a deep discount!
A sneek peek at a few of the clearance items:
Valley of Dades Soap Log (clearance logs do not contain rhasshoul clay)
Huruma Soap Log (now is the time to try our Umoja soap line!) Looks like honey no?
We also have several 4.5 oz soap bars available at a deep discount as well as fall and holiday candles.
If you are not already signed up for our newsletter please do so now. As a newsletter subscriber you will be first in the know regarding new products, upcoming sales and special discounts! Our newsletter is used in-house only and your email address is not sold, rented or otherwise compromised in any way, shape or form!
(PS-newsletter subscribers can also qualify for free products during promotional sales!)
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Side Note: Our blog and our website look best when viewed using Firefox!
I have found that Firefox has less issues than IE (Internet Explorer) and its just as easy to use.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
I have always been a dog person…growing up we seemed to always have at least one dog and my adulthood is no different.
We have two bullies (bull terriers)…
Dozer (white male) was imported from Lithuania and Maggie Mae (colored female) was imported from Moscow, Russia. They are now 6 and 5 years old.
While Dozer has had his own unusual medical issues (can we say ruptured disk = expensive!) this post is about Maggie Mae.
In October 2006 she had what we thought was a bacterial infection on her muzzle. Upon taking her to the vet she was diagnosed with discoid lupus – an autoimmune disease that causes her immune system to attack specific parts of her body…luckily this form of lupus only effects the face.
She was put on antibacterial medicine as well as steroids to help supress her immune system and help her muzzle to recover. Because of the steroids our little couch potato has gained a few pounds but we are working on that by playing ball!
After her diagnosis I searched the internet for more information and more importantly actual pictures of other dogs with discoid lupus. Pictures were very few so I am using our blog to put up her pictures with the hope that other dog owners will find this in their quest for more information.
Maggie is now on a regimen of 1 steriod pill every 3-4 days and right now (december) she is maintaining. Once spring is here and the sun comes out she will be wanting to spend more time outside…which will not be a good thing….Discoid lupus is triggered by the UV light in the sun…so the more she goes outside the more the lupus will be active and the more often she will have to take the steroids. We are also on the look out for the very highest SPF sunblock there is as we will have to coat her muzzle with it.
Maggie in October 2006 Total depigmentation of her snout. Sores start out as bumps, then they sort of get weepy and scab over. The steriods supressed her immune system while the antibiotics helped her skin to heal. She does not seem to experience any itching or pain during breakouts.
Maggie June 2004
and to be fair we need to give Dozer his air time too!
Dozer a few years ago
Dozer at around 2(?) years of age…he used to LOVE to sleep with our youngest daughter (who is now 22) (sorry Melissa but I just love this picture…she is going to kill me for posting this!)
Bull terriers (think Target dog) have always been my favorite breed….but let me warn you…every thing you read about them is true…its like living with two tornados in constant motion…..warning: this breed is NOT for everyone and they must be socialized very very well.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Portable art at its finest!
My Favorite Mirror offers a vast selection of artistic pocket mirrors and mouse pads.
Designed by independant illustrators you too can vote for the next licensed artist to be listed on My Favorite Mirror!
I have already voted for my favorite three and wouldn’t ya know it….I just realized I needed a new mouse pad! (hehehe)
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com
Currently out of stock…
We should have more back in stock January 31, 2007. You may still go ahead and order but it will not ship until after January 31, 2007.
Note: Any soap that is out of stock will also result in the coordinating gift basket or gift box being out of stock.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
www.countrymeadowsoaps.com