Lately I have been rained upon by sad events.  I choose the words "rained upon" because even though the events are sad, they are the kind of things that haven't directly wiped me out....just kind of washed over me and made me aware of things.

It started without notice at first, some messages that popped up about sad things going on, my own child's challenges that I can't do much to help with, then I read tuesdays with Morrie....wonderful book, well written and very moving account of a man's journey toward death and the experiences of the man sharing that journey: some parts very much stinging my memory of my own father....then I heard the news of a young boy who lost his mother and how his extended family is planning their events to help him cope with his grief and make a life as his goes on.  All very sad....all affect our hearts even though they may not directly affect our lives. 

Now, the good thing that follows a rain is the promise of a brighter day ahead soon.  The growth that comes from the rain.  The fact that sometimes we need the rain....we need to be brought to awareness that there is a lot more going on out there than the mundane tasks of our work and life in our small part of this very large world.  It does us good to take a step back and look at things from other people's perspectives.  Then we can put aside some of our small issues and lend a hand, an ear or a shoulder if the need is there. 

Life is precious, each living thing on this earth is precious.  We all need to remember to stop our busy cycles sometimes and take a look around and see where our efforts might be more needed; whether it be comfort for one in need, planting a tree, cleaning up a littered area, whatever.  It's okay to work busily at your own life, so long as you don't forget the big picture...that life does not exist solely in your small sector and each of us has a purpose and a value....each of us contributes to making this place better if we choose to. 

A wonderful sermon I heard recently was a reminder too.....(plant your seeds and when you least expect them to flourish...they may just surprise you with their growth. )Then I realized....in order for some seeds to grow, sometimes there is rain.

Let's all take care of this wonderful planet and each other.

Okay, so here I am going to simplify things.  My recommendations.  The suggested items you would want to have if you were to convert your home/life to greener, healthier, simpler.  These recommendations are, of course, based upon my research into greener, healthier products!!!

1.  Benefect Multi Purpose Cleaner and Disinfectant (getting these in 4L jugs means you likely won't need to replenish for a couple of years!  You dilute the Multi-Purpose Cleaner and won't use much disinfectant in your home.)

2.  Ecover Dishwasher Detergent and Liquid Dish Soap

3.  Ecover Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener and some dryer balls would be a great idea too!

4.  A Microfibre Glass Cloth and a few General Purpose Cloths (These work well with water and for stubborn areas work great with a little Benefect Light Solution).

5.  If you really want to go to the top of the greener lifestyle, ask us about the food digester that we are planning to bring into the store too!  Less work than composting, same great benefits!

There, now your home is set.  Ecover is a great product line (plant derived ingredients and very effective products).  Benefect products are so good that they are used in restoration after fire and flood and they are 100% sustainable!  100% chemical free!  Feel free to read more about these and more products at www.whatsinstore.ca under the Home and Office Care tab.

Now, what about taking care of you and your family?

1.  Green Beaver makes a fantastic organic body wash, shampoo & conditioner!  I also like their skin care line for my dry skin.  Druide makes a fantastic hair gel and hair spray that has been eco-cert approved!

2.  If you have oily skin, I would suggest the Bare Organic Line. 

3.  For deodorant I would recommend the Crystal Rock - no harmful aluminum*

4.  If you have a baby in your household, I would highly suggest the G-diaper; convenient, compostable, earth friendly and the inserts are even certified Cradle to Cradle!

5.  Other baby care items available at www.whatsinstore.ca include the organic cotton wipes and complementing solution, and a lovely baby soap from Bare Organics.  Druide also makes some wonderful body wash.

6.  Mineral Makeup from Pure Anada is also available through www.whatsinstore.ca and it is fantastic!  We do also have a natural mascara and liquid liner available.  Please inquire for more information about these items, because we have not uploaded them to the site yet.  reseller@whatsinstore.ca

So, there you have it....now you can take care of your personal grooming needs all in one stop.

*which has been suspected to contribute to alzhemer's.

We welcome suggestions about other products or areas of life that need to have alternatives provided, so please feel free to write to us!

Watch and see what wonderful ideas to make positive changes

 YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SEE THE YOUTUBE VIDEO.

http://www.cowichangreencommunity.org/sfc/speakers/guy.php

Well, this is my moment to shamelessly ask for help.  I have spent the last 2 years of my life pouring over the Internet looking for products that I can feel proud to promote and encourage others to choose over others that pale in comparison. 

I have been blessed with an opportunity recently at a chance to gain some wonderful resources in the form of not just a cash prize, but mentorship from women before me who have been able to make a business grow while still giving their hearts to their families.

I have recognized in myself that ,despite my grand ability to find better choices for those who I reach through my site and this blog, I lack in the area of knowledge regarding marketing.  Therefore, I am asking for help from those of you who choose to read my thoughts here.

Please vote for me so that I can begin to reach more people!  I want to gain exposure so that I can help more people to find better products that will hopefully result in better health for them and for our fair planet.

The link is provided here - please take a couple of minutes or less to click on the link and vote for What's In Store.

Thank you so much for your support!

http://www.momentrepreneuraward.ca/Nominees.aspx?q=WZ&p=1

This is a brief note, just wanted to let you know about this new movie.  Similar to when the tobacco industry got exposed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqQVll-MP3I

And if you want to see the official trailer with a bit more...."meat" to it, check this one out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eKYyD14d_0&NR=1 

Buy local.