Update!
Yea!
Blog and Plugins have been updated.
No obvious issues!
~~
Blog and a Plugin needs upgrading to the latest version….
Keeping fingers crossed……
Attempting now….
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We would like to take this time to thank you for your support and patronage of our business.
2009 is almost over and we look forward to a new 2010 with a renewed economy, an increase in jobs opportunities, and for us, new products and business ventures (I have two semi-related business ideas that I have had to put on hold. Hopefully next year will allow me to finalize the details and work on a launch!).
Holiday Hours
Country Meadow will be closed from December 22, 2009 through January 3, 2010.
We be open on December 28th and 29th for order processing only.
We are also taking a Blog break during this time and will resume normal business and blogging on January 4, 2010!
Note:
Our blog is due for a regular update which I will attempt sometime within the next two weeks. If all goes well our blog will still be here. If something goes wonky be assured I know about it and will have my best person on it!
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a bright New Year!
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
California Passes Huge Water Deal
by Amanda Wills
On Nov. 4, California lawmakers passed an $11.1 billion water deal that will essentially overhaul the state’s water system while “preserving a fragile environment,” according to The Associated Press.
The ruling comes after months of debate among both the Democratic and Republican parties. The money will fund new dams and groundwater cleanup and is the first step in restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a collection of channels, natural habitats and islands that is a major source of the state’s drinking water.
According to reports, it will be the largest environmental restoration project in the U.S., surpassing the effort underway in the Florida Everglades. The restoration will supply a sustainable water supply for Southern California residents.
California has struggled to maintain its water supply in the wake of a three-year drought that crippled the farming industry and rural communities.
“This is a major breakthrough that sets a new framework for providing both water supply reliability and protecting our fragile ecosystems. It puts California on course for a smarter water future,” said Laura Harnish, regional director for the Environmental Defense Fund, as reported by The Associated Press.
California legislators also want to require cities to use 20 percent less water by 2020. No matter where you live, water conservation starts at home. To put the issue into perspective, check out your own water footprint. Not only will you find out how much water you use on a day-to-day basis, but you will also learn how to conserve it by making simple changes in your diet or lifestyle.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
World’s Last Wild Horses Brought Back from the Brink
Written by Michael Ricciardi
The Przewalski’s horse of Mongolia’s Gobi desert–considered the world’s only remaining, “true” wild horse–has had its share of existential challenges over the centuries. Once considered “extinct in the wild”, due primarily to habitat loss, the horse’s status has been upgraded recently to “critically endangered”, based upon criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) in Switzerland.
The “upgrade” requires that at least fifty mature individuals be “free-living” in the wild for a minimum of five years. There have been previous attempts to reintroduce the horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) to the Central Asian steppe country from China’s zoos (going back to 1985), but these were considered unsuccessful. Now, after assessments of two horse projects–one at Hustai (Khustain) National Park (with 171 horses living on their own, as of 2006) and the other at Takhin Tal (with 115 horses, as of 2007)–ecologists and wildlife conservationist are confident enough in the animals’ chances for long-term survival to make the official announcement (via a report presented at the Society for Conservation Biology in Beijing, in early November, 2009).
In a November 13 news report in Science (’Hope for Mongolian Horses’), veterinarian Chris Walzer of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna states a figure of 140 individuals as being a “robust starting population” for the horse’s to make a viable go at long-term survival. Citing a 58% foal (young off-spring) survival rate at the Takhin Tal Nature Reserve, Walzer and his research team believe this is a sufficient percentage to maintain the population through the harsh desert winter and beyond. Winter is the most challenging time for the horses as the thick snow cover makes finding food difficult.
An additional challenge comes from local, livestock herders who drive the horses out of their natural grazing grounds to make room for their grazing stocks (primarily goats and sheep). To counter this, researchers have resorted to paying the herdsmen to keep their animals off the reserve. So far, it seems to be working. And although the animal is still critically endangered, bringing a rare species back from the brink of extinction is no small feat, and this is reason enough to be cautiously hopeful.
Unlike the American Mustang, which is actually a feral horse (having escaped from domestication), the Przewalski’s horse has never been domesticated successfully, and is thus considered truly “wild”.
photo credit: Jeff Kubina cc-by-sa
Przewalski Horse
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
Many, MANY years ago when our children were small we took them to a Ringling Bros. circus and had a great time.
It was assumed, or perhaps I never even gave it a thought (it was after all MANY years ago) that the animals were all trained and treated humanely.
But things come to light as they often do.
And I for one will NEVER go to a circus again. (Sorry grandkids but Nana is not going to support wild animals being ‘taught’ unnatural tricks).
This article is way to lengthy for me to copy and paste so here is the direct link.
Ex-trainer accuses circus of elephant cruelty
Photos, written recollections add fuel to PETA’s fight against Ringling Bros.
Personal Note: I know this is not exactly an Eco News article however it falls under the Love of Animals category so I deem it qualifies.
I am NO fan of PETA however I do believe they can do good in the right circumstance.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
This weekend I will be planning our holiday menu.
We will have the typical turkey/stuffing/dressing/gravy meal along with a couple of salads, rolls and of course pies!
I usually make cheese balls and garlic dip to snack on during the day …however, these finger food recipes look very tasty!
The goat cheese and black bean dip particularly caught my eye.
If I can find goat cheese local I just may give this one a try!
It’s Party Time: 14 Finger Foods from O, The Oprah Magazine by Delish
Ingredients
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil, plus more for brushing (optional)
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) cumin (preferably whole seeds, freshly toasted and ground)
2 can(s) (15 1/2 to 19 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup(s) chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 large poblano peppers
1 bunch(es) scallions, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup(s) coarsely chopped cilantro
1 log(s) (11-ounce) fresh goat cheese
6 whole-grain tortillas, cut into wedges
Directions
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin and cook 30 seconds. Add 1 can beans and lightly mash using a potato masher. Stir in chicken stock and remaining can of beans. Simmer until very thick (but not pasty), 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
Meanwhile, place poblano peppers directly on a burner over a medium-low gas flame. Turn regularly with tongs to blacken skin, 10-15 minutes (if you don’t have a gas stove, you can blacken peppers on a sheet pan under a broiler, turning regularly, about 15 minutes). Place peppers in a paper bag; seal and let sit (and steam) until cool enough to handle. Peel peppers, removing as much of the charred skin as possible without rinsing. Seed and coarsely chop. Transfer to a small bowl and toss with scallions and cilantro.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In the bottom of a 1- to 1 1/2-quart soufflé or baking dish, spread half of bean mixture. Top with half of cheese, crumbled, and half of pepper mixture. Repeat layering once more, ending on pepper mixture. Place dish on a sheet pan and bake 30-35 minutes, until top is bubbling. Meanwhile, arrange tortilla wedges on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Place in oven with dip and bake 10-12 minutes or until crisp. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt, if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips on the side.
Goat Cheese & Black Bean Dip
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
I have never had the time (read: energy) to creatively put together unique gift wrapping…especially this year…
However…
There is always NEXT year!
Here are a few links to give you ideas how to make your gifts extra special!
Stylish Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas by HGTV
Gift Wrapping Ideas and Projects by Dot Com Women
Gift Wrapping Ideas by Instructables
Gift Wrapping by Martha Stewart
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
I have always loved the cookie-mix-in-a-jar idea and in fact this weekend while standing at the check out stand at our favorite grocery store I bought one of those booklets that have these types of ideas in it!
Then I found similar ideas on Parents.com!!!
Note:
This site, for me, takes a while to load so have patience.
When you click on the Get Recipe Here link you will need to sign up for a free newsletter. I chose 100 Holiday ideas and since I’m already a member of Better Homes & Garden I was signed up already!
You still have plenty of time to put something like this together!!
Homemade Food Gifts For The Holidays
This one looks good!
Ingredients
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brownulated sugar
3/4 cup swirled chocolate chips
Directions
1. Have ready a clean 1-quart reusable plastic or glass canister.
2. In a medium-size bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Spoon 1 cup of the flour mixture into a second bowl and add cocoa powder and cinnamon. Whisk to mix thoroughly.
3. Begin packing jar for gift: Spoon about half the flour mixture into bottom of jar. Use a small spice jar to lightly compress. Spoon in half the cocoa mixture; compress. Spoon in remaining flour mixture and cocoa mixture, compressing each layer.
4. Top second cocoa layer with granulated sugar and brownulated sugar, compressing each slightly. Pour chips over sugar and seal jar.
5. Write baking instructions on a tag (or print out); secure to jar with ribbon.
Baking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) melted and cooled unsalted butter with 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir in contents of jar. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 13 to 14 minutes. Cool on sheets for 1 minute; transfer to rack.
Note: Brownulated sugar can be found in your grocery store’s baking section.
(I’m assuming Brownulated sugar is the same as our Brown Sugar??!!)
Homemade Holiday Cookie Mix
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
Short and Sweet:
I made the Pumpkin Bars a couple of weeks ago.
Very Easy.
Very Good!
The weather here has been in the low teens (or lower) at night and not quite reaching the freezing level during the day.
I can honestly say “I’m tired of the cold’.
And YES that makes me a wimp.
We have rain here not FREEZING TEMPERATURES!
Still in the forcast for Friday (evening), Saturday, Sunday and even perhaps beyond….
SNOW!
Which is great ’cause at least it will be above FREEZING!
Major Disaster Averted
When originally developing our lotion formula it took me 9-12 months of test batches and revamping of formula and APC testing to get it just right.
I went to reorder a specific emulsion ingredient from my regular supplier and they don’t carry it in stock any more. It’s on a pre-buy basis only.
I cannot wait for a pre-buy and panicked! (pre-buy means we will order the product when we get enough orders to make it worth while).
I put a call for help out to my ‘soapy’ friends and like always these lovely people came through with another supplier (yes, apparently I’m google search challenged!).
I just wanted to give a shout out to all of you in this industry. Even though we may be in competition with each other you (meaning you-collectively) never hesitate to help a fellow cosmetic manufacturer!
I could and would have had to reformulate our lotion using the emulsion combination we use for our creams but that would have entailed probably another 6-9 months (at the least) of testing and reformulating and I really didn’t want to have to go there!
Arthritis
During the year I had purchased some ointment for my arthritis. I went back to her site…and her site is gone.
So this is going to force me to make my own!
I’ve got the arnica and comfrey infused oil sourced now all I need is time!
Hopefully I can start on this new project sometime in January. It will be cream based rather than ointment based so it won’t be greasy. I will let you know if it works!
Holiday Swap
Few things are more fun than swapping cosmetic products with your fellow small business friends!
This is my second time around this year hosting a swap (I did one this summer) and this weekend I will be repackaging everything to ship out. I will be taking pictures (something I failed to do the first time!) and will be uploading them to our Facebook and Flickr accounts sometime after the holidays!
That’s it for today.
Busy weekend and next week as we gear down for the Christmas Holiday!
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com
Why Care About Copenhagen?
by Jennifer Berry
Copenhagen. You’ve probably heard the name of the Danish capital about a thousand times in the past month or two. Or maybe you haven’t, and it’s just starting to pop up in your local nightly newscast.
What happens at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this month could very well alter the future of businesses and lifestyles around the globe. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of environmental concern (or if you’re on it at all), Copenhagen is going to be a big deal.
More than 10 years ago, countries around the world joined an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), working to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. Representatives from these 192 countries will meet at the Conference to work toward a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
The Convention on Climate Change establishes a setting to discuss legally binding means of addressing these issues, and it “recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource whose stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.”
The Copenhagen Diagnosis: 2°
The recently released Copenhagen Diagnosis is a compendium of the most current, peer-reviewed science behind climate change theory. Its research is an update of the information previously released in the groundbreaking Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report published in 2007.
According to the Diagnosis, “The atmospheric CO2 concentration is more than 105 [parts per million] above its natural pre-industrial level. The present concentration is higher than at any time in the last 800,000 years, and potentially the last three to 20 million years.”
Additional findings from the report:
**Satellite and direct measurements now demonstrate that both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are losing mass and contributing to sea level rise at an increasing rate.
**Sea level has risen more than 5 centimeters over the past 15 years, about 80 percent higher than IPCC projections from 2001. Accounting for ice-sheets and glaciers, global sea-level rise may exceed 1 meter by 2100, with a rise of up to 2 meters considered an upper limit by that time.
**In 2008, carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels were approximately 40 percent higher than those in 1990.
“The reconstruction of past climate reveals that recent warming in the Arctic and in the Northern Hemisphere is highly inconsistent with natural climate variability over the last 2000 years,” said Dr Alan Haywood, reader in paleoclimatology at the University of Leeds, U.K., and one of the authors of the Copenhagen Diagnosis.
The take-home message: The report concludes that global emissions must peak then decline rapidly within the next five to 10 years for the world to have a reasonable chance of avoiding the very worst impacts of climate change. This means that global temperature changes should not exceed a 2 degree Celsius increase above pre-industrial values.
OK, so all this jargon sounds great, but what does it mean for us?
Climate Change Policy and You
Even though polar bears on melting ice, and even Denmark, may seem too far away to be relevant to life here in the U.S., the decisions reached at the Conference will have resounding effects across the global economy.
The Diagnosis recommends that to stabilize the climate, “a decarbonized global society, with near-zero emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, needs to be reached well within this century. More specifically, the average annual per-capita emissions will have to shrink to well under 1 metric ton of CO2 by 2050.”
To put it in perspective, this figure is 80 to 95 percent below the per-capita emissions in developed nations (that’s the U.S.!) in 2000.
At this point in time, educated speculation is our only means of guessing, but one thing is for sure, change is in the air.
Governments have cautioned that the conference is unlikely to produce a binding agreement to substantially cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases at this point.
However, others disagree with this forecast. “To me, there is enough reason to have a sense of optimism right now that a deal could be made in Copenhagen that is not just a political deal, but is meaningful in terms of the scientific targets,” said Achim Steiner, director of the UN Environment Program.
“We just hope we can work together in a way to avoid the mistakes that we made that have created a large part of the problem that we face today,” said Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Systems to mitigate carbon emissions may be put in place here in the U.S. New technologies and cleaner power will probably be in the mix with these adjustments. However, what will actually happen here at home is still part of a cloudy future.
Even if the environment doesn’t fall on your top 10 list of priorities, discussions about climate legislation at national and international levels will affect your lifestyle in the long run. The important factor is to be as educated as possible about the politics, policies and science at hand, and to decide what aspects are most important to you.
“Global climate change is by far the most complex issue we’ve taken on,” said Kevin Tuerff, president of EnviroMedia, a green marketing firm. “But we have faith Americans will contribute to the solution if they take time to understand the connection between our everyday lives as consumers and important issues like cap and trade being discussed in Copenhagen at the United Nations climate change conference.”
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
www.countrymeadowltd.com