*Excitement!
It’s supposed to be 80 degrees today and mid-70′s over the weekend…which is a big deal here in the Puget Sound area! We had stellar weather last weekend and it has continued all week long..unusual as summer weather doesn’t arrive here til July 5th!

Will be going to a friends retirement party later today…with the above weather I’m having thoughts of taking the Harleys!

*Last weekend we figured out how to make Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade! You MUST use their Passon Tea…no other will be the same. Make the tea per the directions then put in fridge to get cold. In a glass mix 1/2 Passon Tea and 1/2 Lemonade (made from frozen concentrate) then add a touch of Starbucks Classic Syrup (if you want a sweetener). Plop in a few ice cubes and enjoy!

*Spam email addresses – We have been getting a lot of people creating accounts on our blog with wierd/spammy looking emails. If the email looks off-kilter I will check it at http://www.stopforumspam.com/ as they seem to have a pretty comprehensive list of spammers!

*We are in the process of revamping our Halloween Soap favors and will update the site once the packaging is finished. This item is available from September – October.

*We have finch babies!
Our Society finch have 2 babies that fledged (left the nest!) last weekend. One has a lot of brown and the other has a lot of white. We will not be able to sex them until they start to sing..or not. Males sing, females do not!

Our Gouldian finch have 3 babies that fledged last weekend. The parents are both yellow head, purple breast, green back and are split to white breast….which means the babies can be the same as the parents, or they might have white breasts. At the moment the are all green with just a very very slight hint of color. I believe they will have to go through their first molt (at 6 months?) then when their adult feathers come in it will be in full color.

All the above babies will be up for sale…Societies in about 4 months. The Gouldians won’t be available until after their adult colors come in.

*We watched The Day The Earth Stood Still and I was disappointed. Even though I love Keanu I thought the story line was a little lame and there was not near enough special effects. I’m looking to watch Bolt next (hehe).

Thats it from here…short and sweet.

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Carbon Pollution to Grow By 40%
U.S. Agency Says Much of the Rise Expected to Come From China & India
Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide seeping into the atmosphere will increase by nearly 40 percent worldwide by 2030 if ways are not found to require mandatory emission reductions, a U.S. government report said Wednesday.

The Energy Information Administration said world energy consumption is expected to grow by 44 percent over the next two decades as the global economy recovers and continues to expand. The biggest increases in energy use will come from economically developing countries such as China and India.

Substantial growth is expected in the use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind and solar, the report said. But it also said overall growth in demand will require continued reliance on fossil fuels, especially oil and coal.

As a result, the analysis predicted a steady increase in emissions of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas that scientists say threatens a serious warming of the Earth later this century. Between now and 2030, Wednesday’s report said, global carbon dioxide pollution is expected to increase by 39 percent. That translates to 33 billion metric tons in 2015 and 40 billion metric tons by 2030, compared to 29 billion metric tons in 2006, the report said.

The EIA report emphasized that its analysis is based on current regulatory and legal requirements and does not assume enactment of laws or international treaties requiring reductions in greenhouse gases. Any such action would force shifts away from fossil fuels and less carbon pollution being released.

Reducing emissions
Congress is considering legislation that would reduce greenhouse gases by 17 percent by 2020 and about 80 percent by mid-century. President Barack Obama has called for mandatory limits on greenhouse gases. An international conference is scheduled for December to try to work out a treaty requiring such emission reductions.

But the EIA analysis provides an indication of how difficult such reductions might be to achieve given the expected increase in future energy growth and continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels without some international, mandatory action to address climate change.

The EIA report said that “much of the increases in carbon dioxide emissions is projected to occur among the developing nations” including China and India.

It said 94 percent of the world’s expected increase in industrial energy use between now and 2030 is expected in the economically developing countries, with Brazil, Russia, India and China expected to account for two-thirds of that growth.

Dependence on oil
The EIA report projected continued growth in demand for oil, although unconventional resources such as biofuels, oil sands and liquid coal are expected to increase as well and account for nearly half of the projected increase in overall liquid fuel demand.

The report declined to project future oil prices, noting that “recent experience demonstrates that world oil prices can be extremely volatile.” Instead it provided a broad range of possible future oil prices, depending on future production and demand of oil and other liquid fuels.

Crude oil prices could range from $50 a barrel in 2030 or as much as $200 a barrel in 2007 dollars, the report said, depending on available supplies of oil, biofuels and other liquid fuels.

Crude oil prices increased to about $63 a barrel on Wednesday, the highest since last November. Oil prices reached a peak of $147 a barrel in mid-2008.

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Permafrost thaw is ‘slow-motion’ threat
Associated Press

WASHINGTON – A “slow-motion time bomb” of trapped greenhouse gases being released by the Arctic’s thawing tundra may not go off quite as fast as once feared, a new study found.

Even so, it remains a problem that in the long run is still likely to worsen global warming in an uncontrollable way, researchers reported.

The study, to be published Thursday in the journal Nature, looked at thawing parts of the state of Alaska and found that greenhouse gas releases initially are sucked up by new plants as the Arctic gets warmer and greener. But that helpful effect does not last.

Eventually, in between 15 and 50 years, those plants “can’t keep up” and get overwhelmed, said study lead author Ted Schuur, a University of Florida ecologist.

At that point, a billion tons of carbon a year can be released into an atmosphere that is already warming because of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, cars, and other industrial activities, Schuur said. That would contribute the same amount to global warming as the deforestation of the tropics, he said.

“I call it a slow-motion time bomb,” Schuur said.

Making matters worse is that much of the gas trapped in permafrost is methane, which is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

It is a vicious cycle. As the world warms, more permafrost thaws. As more permafrost thaws, more greenhouse gases are released and the world warms even more, scientists say.

For the long-term, the new paper “heightens rather than lessens the concern” about the effects of trapped greenhouse gases in permafrost, said Stanford University ecologist Chris Field, who was not part of the study.

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

We now have our new summer type soap available!

Even though we have classified these as ‘summer’ soap they will work wonderfully year around.

At this time these are a limited edition product in limited quantities and will be carried through August 2009.
(Wholesale accounts-if you would like to carry these full time please let us know!)

The summer soap collection is not packaged in our normal company soap boxes but are wrapped in a decorative label and embellished with charms.

**Summer Soap and a Freebie!**

We have a limited supply of our new summer-scented soap available in our Limited Edition Category.

Raspberry Ice – Fresh raspberry scent with hints of green leaf, tea, ozone air and snow topped mountains. Not a sugary-sweet raspberry!

Satsuma Guava – Satsuma Guava is a mouth-watering blend of orange, lemon, guava, sweet jasmine and neroli with just a hint of musk (synthetic) and sandalwood. A tropical fruit paradise with green fruity notes!

Watermelon Herb Granita – A very different non-watermelon watermelon! A unique complex blend of rosemary, petitgrain and watermelon with middle notes of cyclamen, pineapple, rum, jasmine and rose closing with muguet, musk (synthetic) and antique woods.

***As an added bonus…***
If you order all three summer soaps (raspberry ice, satsuma guava, watermelon herb granita) we will include a FREE mini Thank You card handmade by Peculiar Parchment. You must order all three soap bars (4.5 oz.) in a single order.

We are making it easy for YOU to say Thank You to that special someone! Not only will they enjoy summer scented soap they will enjoy a unique spring-themed, handmade thank you card (that you didn’t even have to pay for!!!).

**We have the above summer soap available in logs in a very limited quantity. Order yours NOW before we run out!**
(See our Limited Edition link for soap logs!)

Raspberry Ice Soap Log & Bar

Satsuma Guava Soap Log & Bar

Watermelon Herb Granita Soap Log & Bar

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Hubs found the following recipe in our local newspaper. On the surface it sounded a little weird (at least to me) but I went ahead and made it anyway. We LOVED it and have had it several more times. It is easy, simple and makes enough to fill a 9″x13″ casserole pan. For hubs and I that is enough for a dinner and several lunches!

Note: The recipe does not call for it but it would be absolutely scrumptious if you put avocado slices on the top after cooking! I also use WAY more than the 3/4 c. sour cream and the 1 c. cheese! We also use shredded cabbage (purchased already shredded!) instead of the lettuce.

Lasagna Enchilada

1 lb. Ground Beef
1 Onion, chopped
2 c. Salsa
1-15 oz. can Black Beans, rinsed/drained
1/4 c. Italian Salad Dressing
2 Tbl. Taco Seasoning
1/4 tsp. Ground Cumin
6-8″ Flour Tortillas
3/4 c. Sour Cream
1 c. Cheese, grated
1 c. Lettuce, shredded
1 Tomato, chopped
1/4 Cilantro, minced

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 3 qt. baking dish with cooking spray.

In large skillet over medium heat saute the beef and onion until meat is no longer pink. Drain off grease and add the salsa, beans, salad dressing, taco seasoning and cumin.

Arrange 3 tortillas in the prepared baking dish. Spread 1/2 the meat mixture over the tortillas then top with 1/2 of the sour cream and cheese. Lay the remaining 3 tortillas over the meat mixture and pour the rest of the meat mixture over the top along with the rest of the sour cream and cheese.

Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Top with lettuce, tomato, cilantro and sliced avocado (if desired!).

Lasagna Enchilada Meat Mixture

Lasagna Enchilada Tortilla Placement

Lasagna Enchilada Meat Layer

Lasagna Enchilada Top Layer

Lasagna Enchilada Ready to Eat!

Send us your herb recipe to sales(at)countrymeadowltd(dot)com!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

Since this month we featured various herbs and herb scented products we will keep with tradition and make this last week herbal as well!

I love cilantro and will put it on almost anything! Cool thing about cilantro is you can basically use the entire plant in various cuisines. I don’t have time this year and in fact it might be too late, but next year I think I will try to grow our own. We already have parsley, sage, thyme and rosemary so I don’t see any reason not to throw in a little cilantro!

Tomorrow I will post a wonderful and easy recipe that uses cilantro.
Remember to send us your cilantro recipe (and picture!) to sales(at)countrymeadowltd(dot)com for inclusion in future blog posts. As always we will link back to you for credit!

Ingredient of the Week – Cilantro
(as from theepicentre)

One of the most widely used and loved herbs and spices in the world are derived from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum. The leaves of this plant are frequently referred to as cilantro, while the seeds are most commonly called coriander. Depending on the cuisine, the entire plant is used for the various flavours and aromas that are present in each constituent part. Loved by many and abhorred by some, this common plant is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Originally grown around present day Greece, cilantro has been used as a culinary herb since at least 5,000 B.C. It is mentioned in Sanskrit text and the Bible. Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) used the name Coriandrum after “coris”, the Greek word for “bedbug” as it was said they both emitted a similar odour. Coriander is one of the herbs thought to have aphrodisiac qualities; the Chinese used it in love potions and in The Thousand and One Nights a man who had been childless for 40 years is cured with a coriander concotion. Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Mexico and Peru where it now commonly pairs with chilies in the local cuisine.

Herb Description
Cilantro leaves have pungent smell described by some as “soapy” The stems also have a strong odour and flavour. Leaves and stems pair well with piquant foods, such as in the cuisines of the US Southwest, Latin America, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and in parts of northern Africa. Flavours are used to “lift” other flavours; they enhance and promote other pronounced flavours. Coriander roots are used often used fresh as a base flavour for Asian soups.

Culinary Uses
The leaves are always used fresh. They feature in Spanish, Middle Eastern, Indian, Oriental and South American cookery. They are often sprinkled like parsley on cooked dishes, minced or puréed in sauces, soups and curries. In Thailand the root of the coriander plant is used to flavour meats, curries and soups. In Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. it is used in everything from salsas and salads to burritos or meat dishes.

Attributed Medicinal Properties
Cilantro is considered an aid to the digestive system. It is an appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices.
The essential oils of the cilantro leaves contain antibacterial properties and can be used as a fungicide. Rich in vitamin C.

Cultivation
Cilantro, is a fast growing annual reaching 12 – 24 inches tall. The entire plant including the leaves, the seeds and roots are all edible. Coriander can easily be grown in pots. Simply pick or trim fresh leaves or whole stalks as required. The leaves get a stronger and sometimes disagreeable flavour as they get older and larger. Grow in full sun. The soil should be kept moist but well drained.

Other Names
Coriander leaves (Europe, Middle East, Indian sub-continent)
Cilantro (Latin America, United States)
Koriandron (Greek)
Yuen Sei, Yan Shi, and Fan Yan Su (China)
Chinese Parsley (Asia)
Dhania (Hindi)
Persil arabe (French)

See theepicentre for cilantro recipes!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

We have just added a Country Meadow Ltd. Facebook Fan Page!

Come network with us on Facebook!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

As of today, Thursday, May 21, 2009 we are officially closed for the Memorial Day holiday.

Our office will reopen for order processing on Tuesday, May 26, 2009.

I am actually thrilled with the extended holiday!

Most of the time, here in the Puget Sound area, it is rainy the entire holiday weekend. This time we have an extended forcast for 70+ degrees and above for the next 10 days!!!

Even though we are officially closed I will still be working on business ‘stuff’.

#1 Networking meetings scheduled

#2 Contacting local wholesale accounts regarding preview/delivery of our new summer soap (wholesale accounts get first dibs!)

#3 Have over 150 pages of marketing material to start going over

#4 Will be working on wedding soap samples for brochure

In addition to the above ‘work’ schedule I have plans on:

#1 Enjoying 4 days of BBQ’s with hubs

#2 Taking the Harleys out for a spin

#3 Sun time out on the deck reading a good book (or the marketing material mentioned above!)

#4 Putting together a few hanging baskets for the house

#5 Enjoying Iced Coffee, Frappuccino’s, Passion Tea Lemonade

I hope you are looking forward to the holiday weekend as much as I am and we will see you back here next Tuesday!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

I am absolutely thrilled that we FINALLY have our very own customized newsletter that matches our website, blog and all the other social media applications we use!

Just giving Marr Williams another shout-out for another job well done!

And speaking of newsletters….
If you are not already signed up for our retail V.I.P. newsletter please do so now by clicking HERE.

Our newsletters are created using an opt-in program which means you will receive a confirmation email to verify your subscription. You must respond to the email and opt-in otherwise your subscription will not be valid.

Why Should You Subscribe To Our V.I.P. Newsletter?

#1. We give special discounts and offers to newsletter subscribers
#2. We give free gifts to newsletter subscribers
#3. You will be the first to know about upcoming events, specials and new products
#4. You will be the first to know which products are going on clearance
#5. You will have the opportunity to shop at complimentary businesses at a special discount
#6. We DON’T sell, rent or otherwise supply or giveway your information to any outside party

So…..HERE is that link again.

Hint:
You may want to sign up TODAY as we will be sending out our first revamped newsletter on May 21, 2009 which will have a special Memorial Day coupon!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com

As I mentioned here fresh sage sprigs can be used on any meat during bbq’ing for a flavorful and aromatic flair.

For this post I am once again borrowing from one of my favorite chefs (Bobby Flay). If this recipe does not make your mouth water I don’t know what will! Personally I would lay fresh sprigs of sage and thyme over the turkey while cooking and substitute ripe red tomatoes for the green ones.

As always you are most welcome to send us your favorite sage recipe (and picture!) for insertion in future blog posts! Please send it to sales(at)countrymeadowltd(dot)com and please put recipe in the subject line.

Grilled Turkey Breast with Bacon, Green Tomato with Goat Cheese-Sage Mayo
(courtesy of Bobby Flay)

Ingredients

1/2 turkey breast, bone in, about 4 pounds
Olive oil
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper
12 slices bacon, cut 1/2-inch thick
4 ounces soft goat cheese
4 ounces prepared mayonnaise
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
12 (1-inch) thick slices country white bread, grilled
2 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
Watercress

Directions

Preheat grill to high. Brush entire breast with oil and season well with salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Place the breast on the grill, skin-side down, and grill until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat of the grill to medium, turn the breast over, close the cover of the grill and continue cooking until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165 degrees F, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the breast from the grill and let rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Slice the breast into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Lay the bacon, lengthwise, over the grates of the grill and grill for approximately 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crunchy. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.

Mix together the goat cheese, mayonnaise, and sage in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide the mayonnaise among 4 slices of the bread and top each with 4 slices of turkey, 2 green tomato slices, another slice of bread, 3 slices of bacon, some of the watercress, and top each with the remaining bread.

Enjoy!

Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products

www.countrymeadowltd.com