Fri 15 Aug '08

Puget Sound Heat Advisory…

I love summer and temperatures in the 80 degree range.

The past few days here in the Puget Sound region have seen temperatures slowly rising to the 90 degree mark and will reach close to 100 today and tomorrow…which is hot by anyone’s standards (I should be thankful we don’t have the humidity that you in the south do!).

With it being that hot, even with fans running, makes product production less than fun (not to mention you are just not as efficient as you should be limping around like a wet noodle!). Because we don’t often reach such highs I have never really checked into or considered air conditioning…seems more like a waste of energy when fans will do most of the time.

So….since the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Puget Sound area AND we are under a smog watch we have suspended all product production until Monday. All orders received will wait and be shipped out Monday so we can help reduce local pollution.

~~Tempertures Soar in the Northwest~~

King5.com Staff

SEATTLE – If you thought Thursday was hot, Friday and Saturday will be even hotter as a heat wave continues to hit the Northwest.

“We hit 90 at Sea-Tac yesterday. That broke the record for Thursday of 88 degrees back in 2005,” said KING 5 meteorologist Rich Marriott. “Today we’ll get around 92 degrees at Sea-Tac, which is the record is for this date set back in 1967.”

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of Western Washington, where temperatures could soar to 100 degrees in some places. For the Puget Sound region, temperatures will range from the mid 80s to mid 90s Friday, said Marriott, but in the southwest region of the Washington, temperatures will be into the triple digits. The Portland area is expected to reach 103 degrees Friday.

The heat wave could make it difficult for some people to breathe. A smog watch is in effect for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties. There is also an air stagnation advisory over parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, Hood Canal, the Chehalis Valley and the west slopes of the north and central Cascades. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups Friday.

If you’re especially sensitive to pollution, you should limit your time outdoors. The Clean Air Agency is asking drivers to carpool or ride the bus if possible. Air quality should improve overnight Saturday into Sunday.

The warmest air will shift east late Saturday, and offshore winds will bring cooler air on Sunday, bringing the temperatures down in the 80s.

“Saturday will be sunny and just as hot as Friday,” said Marriott. “Sunday will cool down to the mid 80s, with some isolated mountain thundershowers.”

Extremely dry and unstable conditions Saturday could fuel any fires that may start this weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning for the west side of the Central Cascades Saturday. The fire weather watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service warns that isolated lightning is expected anywhere in Western Washington from early Saturday evening through Sunday. A red flag warning for the southern Cascades has been extended through noon Saturday.

By Monday, temperatures will cool down considerably in the low 70s.

Triple digit temperatures in Oregon

Temperatures all over Oregon are expected to shoot past 103 degrees Friday. And relief won’t come until Sunday: 100-plus degree temperatures are also expected Saturday.

The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning and urged people to be aware of heat-related illnesses.

The high temperatures are also fanning fears in about lightning-caused wildfires in Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect through 9 a.m. Saturday for the Cascades, Mount Hood and Suislaw forests. This means very dry and hot conditions with extreme fire danger.

Firefighters are concerned about the warming temperatures and about what one official called “squirrelly winds” flowing around Mount Hood.

The only cool spots in the state? Over at the coast, and in the high Cascades.

The heat wave is expected to break by Sunday, cooling things down by about 15 or 20 degrees. By next week, highs will be in the mid 70s and even a chance of rain by midweek.

Eastern Washington

The forecast for the Spokane area has temperatures soaring to the mid- to upper 90s for Friday through Sunday.

The Grand Coulee Dam hit 101 degrees Thursday.

Any thundershowers are most likely this weekend over the Cascades and Eastern Washington.

“Spokane could see a few thunderstorms Sunday night into Monday – not good news,” said NWCN forecaster Nick Allard.

The beginning of next week should cool down a bit when temperatures should settle into the 80s.

More hot weather tips from the CDC:

-Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.

-Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

-Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. (Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.)

-Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

-Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

-Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

-Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.

-Try to rest often in shady areas.

-Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their label).

Keep pets cool during heat

-Keep water bowls full of cool, fresh water.

-Provide shaded areas for pet to rest in.

-Use a misting hose to provide a cool area for a pet while outside.

-Use a “kiddy pool” for dogs to splash and play in.

-Exercise in the cool of the morning or at dusk, not during heat of the day.

-Do not leave pets unattended outside. When it gets too hot bring pets inside.

-Leave your pet at home when you are running errands.

-If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse or spray with cool running water – not cold water as that could cause shock. Continue until body temperature lowers. Give your pet water to drink and consult your veterinarian right away to determine if additional treatment is needed.

~~

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Thu 14 Aug '08

Fun With Soap Logs….Or How To Create Your Own Gifts!

Soap logs are a fun and unique item to give that special person who has just about everything!

Over 2 lbs. of solid soap that can be cut and used as desired!

Soap logs are also very popular in a retail setting by having a soap deli area. Customers are allowed to cut the desired amount from the log and purchase by the pound.

Having a party and don’t know what favors to offer as gifts? Why not order several soap logs, cut into desired shapes and sizes and wrap in your party theme!

Need a custom scent? If you need a scent that we do not currently offer we are more than willing to custom create your soap logs in your desired fragrance. There is a min. order of three logs per scent for this service.

Don’t want a solid 2+ lb. soap log? Just ask and we can cut the log into 8 bars weighing approximately 4.5 oz. each at no additional cost!

If you have a retail establishment and are interested in offering our soap logs please contact us for wholesale information.

Please Note: We do not usually have soap logs in stock as these are a specialty item. This item is manufactured when your order is placed and will not be ready to ship for 3-4 weeks from the date you place and pay for your order.

The Christmas holiday will be here soon! To ensure availability order your soap logs early!

Below are some ideas on how you can wrap your soap bars for gifts and favors!

soap with twine/beads

Soap Bars Wrapped With Twine & Decorated With Beads

soap with material/raffia

Soap Bars Wrapped In Material & Tied With Raffia

soap in paper

Soap Bars Wrapped In Handmade Paper & Tied With Ribbon

soap in material

Soap Bars Wrapped In Material & Tied With Ribbon

soap in paper with lavender

Soap Wrapped In Handmade Paper, Tied With Ribbon & Decorated With Lavender

soap logs bulk

Misc. Soap Logs Ready For Cutting Into Bars

The possibilities for wrapping soap are endless and are limited to your imagination.

Please feel free to email us photos of your wrapped/decorated handmade soap and we will post them on our blog!

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Tue 12 Aug '08

Summer Salad…

This is one of my favorite salads…and even though it’s called Summer Broccoli Salad I fix it year round!

Summer’s Broccoli Salad

1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise

1/2 c. Sour Cream

1/4 c. Sugar

1 Bunch Broccoli, cut into small florets

1/2 Head Cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 Red Onion, chopped or sliced

1 c. Cheddar Cheese, grated

1 – 3 oz. jar Bacon Bits

In a large bowl combine the mayo, sour cream and sugar mixing well. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Mix well. Cover & refrigerate at least 4 hrs. 6-8 Servings.

Summer Broccoli Salad

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Fri 8 Aug '08

I Just Can’t Explain It…This Fascinates Me!

I simply cannot explain the fascination I have with this thing…

For some reason I think this is utterly fantastic!

I would love to see this in person.

Big Rig Jig

(warning: the above link will take you to a flickr photo site and if you browse through enough pictures you will find a bit of bare skin)

big rig jig

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the skin…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

'

Island Tropics Collection Rebranded….

Finally our Island Tropics collection has bright, bold and colorful new labels!

Island Tropics have soft, subtle scents and perfect for summer (or any time you want a tropical pick-me-up!).

These pictures are temporary as we have another photo shoot scheduled sometime this fall.

hawaiian white ginger

Hawaiian White Ginger Soap Bar & Lotion

island breeze

Island Breeze Soap Bar & Lotion

plumeria

Plumeria Soap Bar & Lotion

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Thu 7 Aug '08

And On A Personal Level….

Families are pretty damned important and mine is no exception.

Unfortunately time has a way of getting away from us. Working, raising children and life in general seems to sap every last minute from every day so there is little time left over for ‘extra’s’.

It has been several years since our families (both mine & hubs) have been together for any type of gathering.

Last weekend we (hubs & I) hosted a joint family bbq.

Hubs spent the day before prepping fish for his smoker (which I might add turned out scrumptious!).

He also bbq’d burgers & hot dogs with everyone bring an ‘extra’ for dinner.

For a sneak peak into our private life you can view the pictures of said bbq on our flickr site.

Hubs is already talking about hosting another bbq!

BBQ Pictures

Looking at these pictures brings tears to my eyes. It was so nice to see everyone together.

(and since I am ususually behind the scenes my picture does not appear!)

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Wed 6 Aug '08

Eco-Friendly Poop Bags….

Ha!

That got your attention didn’t it!!

We have two dogs (bull terriers) that hubs and I take for walks on a regular basis…and as all good dog owners do we carry the necessary plastic bag so when ‘doggie’ has to do his business we can pickup and dispose of said ‘business’ accordingly.

Being an earth friendly person using a plastic bag just doesn’t sit well but we didn’t think there were any acceptable alternatives out there that would stand up to the job.

Until Now.

Paw Luxury carries eco-friendly and organic, all-natural products for dogs…

Including Bio-degradable Business Bags!

Here is what their website says about these bags:

It’s a dirty job that all pet owners must face, and sadly smell. In the bad old days, you walked away leaving a smelly reminder of Fido, but now a days its a no-no to leave piles behind. Just ask your neighbor’s shoe, if you do you’re likely to be chased down the street with torches & pitchforks! As the saying goes “Fences don’t make good neighbors” well the same holds true for dog piles left on your neighbors green, lush, and freshly mowed lawn (By the way, voted lawn of the year!). Oh, if lawns could talk, the stories they would leak to the tabloids. No one likes their face & dog mug shot plastered on the front page.

There is some embrassing truths even the most respected pet owner must face, for which we all are guilty of. Perhaps, you’ve encouraged your dog to do #2 in the high bushes where nobody will notice only to have him poop a squat in the middle of your neighbor’s driveway or the sidewalk. You look both ways to make sure no one is looking and briskly walk away. Maybe, you’ve gone on a hike with Spot, taken out your plastic bag (aka zip lock bag for poo-keeps freshness in for almost 100 years), scooped up, and then tossed in a ravine adding to landfills. But may be you have been the victim of a poo crime by your disgruntled neighbors on the block, who by the way are no Mister Rogers. All those pooper non-scoopers who let their dogs out at night to do business on your lawn and decides to flee from the scent & scene of the crime, sadly you’re left picking up a squishy mess. Because nothing spoils a lovely morning then waking up to the unfortunate luck of stepping in dog poop left behind by a suspect four legged friend. Whats worst, is that you are now late for your meeting.

Well, introducing the Spike Business Bag, the Sooper Dooper Pooper Scooper. Crack open a Business Bad and take a whiff. Mmmmmm. Corn. These bags are made from real corn so they biodegrade completely in just 45 days leaving no trace of plastic. Not like those plastic bags that litter landfills, taking centuries to decompose. And possibly clogging the throats of poor innocent earthworms and dung beetles. Use one on every business trip you make with Spot, for a clean planet and a cleaner conscience !

Say NO to bare hands
Say YES to Spike Brand Business Bags
Plastic bags take hundreds of years to break down
Spike bags are compostable and biodegrade without a trace in 45 days
Strong
Fully compliant with ASTM6400 (meet strict specification for biodegradable plastics labelling)
Certified by the US Composting Council

Check out Paw Luxury…they have everything from Treats & Eats to Apparel & Gear and if you forget their website we have linked them under our Shop At Our Favorite Vendor catagory.

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Tue 5 Aug '08

Sostane – Sisters of Sustainability…

Country Meadow Ltd. is delighted to be a new member of Sostane – Sisters of Sustainability.

Sostane is a local ‘green’ organization of remarkable women redefining sustainability by focusing on reducing and reusing instead of just recycling.

Sostane provides a nurturing environment for local green women to learn, collaborate and take action in sustainable practices and take the extra step and make a difference in their community.

Look for Country Meadow at the Sostane booth on September 13, 2008 in Edmonds at the Green Edmonds Festival!

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Fri 1 Aug '08

And Just How Cute Is This!!!

A friend just emailed me a link to a youtube video.

I would LOVE to have these beautiful creatures playing in our yard!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yNy9jTeolUk

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadowltd.com

'

Now On Sale….

We have the following soap bars on sale:

Birch Soap - Naturally scented with Birch essential oil

Juniper Soap – Naturally scented with Juniper essential oil

Oatmeal Milk & Honey Soap – A wholesome, all-around good smelling soap!

Mechanic’s Soap – Orange, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon…with apricot meal added for extra scrubbiness!

Sale starts August 1, 2008 and ends August 10, 2008

Sale price is not retroactive and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount

Limited to quantity in stock

birch soap

Birch Soap

juniper soap

Juniper Soap

oatmeal milk honey soap

Oatmeal Milk & Honey Soap

mechanics soap

Mechanic’s Soap

Rebecca

Country Meadow Ltd.

Eco-Friendly Spa Products

Gentle on your body…

Gentle on the earth…

New Logo

www.countrymeadow.ltd.com

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