Natural Products Expo West

Last weekend I went to the 29th annual Natural Products Expo West. Expo West is the largest trade show of its kind housing approximately 2,000 exhibitors (this year drawing 54,000 attendees), where retailers come to see what companies, or products are new to the natural products and eco-friendly market (caution – not everything there is so natural and healthy). A place where deals and negotiations are taking place in every corner, old friends get to see each other and parties are happening … kind of like the stock market floor on a good day. For me it is four days of non-stop networking, walking, learning and playing … gotta love my job.

Toxic Tub Alert – Kid-Safe-Chemicals-Act

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics team is working hard to keep our kids (and us) safe from toxic exposures to chemicals in bath and personal care products. There is a new report out this week about toxic chemicals found in traditional bath products.  Most people don’t know that personal care and cosmetic companies are not required to list all ingredients on the label, so even the most ingredient-conscious parents wouldn't know whether the product is safe and free from cancer causing chemicals. Many bath products are labeled as “gentle," "pure" or "naturally refreshing", which can be deceiving because label laws for personal care products is unregulated and these alluring words can be a hook for even the most conscientious parent.

Hazing Among Our Youth

I just saw a segment on Good Morning America about hazing amongst our youth. What a horrifying act of rage and hate. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our youth were inspired, honored and celebrated during their learning phase of life? What if instead of pouring alcohol down each others throats, and yelling ‘you’re worthless and disgusting’ while performing degrading disrespectful acts of violence, they filled one another with positive loving affirmations of their greatness, while massaging each others feet with essential oils and writing messages of abundance on pretty ribbons, tying them to a walking stick that supports them on their path? What if they told the chosen ones how much they were loved, and that their tribe of warriors would be there to support them over the years, and throughout their lives? While I know a lot of moms are concerned about the younger crowd, how can we encourage and implement new games of hazing amongst our older youth, perhaps creating more of a spiritual haze? I would love to hear your thoughts.

An Amazing Woman’s Day Experience

As a journalist I attend many events every year that are educational, inspirational and usually quite remarkable in some way. This blog is the first in a series of event reviews where I will share 5 things I learned, or loved about the event.  Amazing Womans day – igniting the power of feminine leadership – produced and hosted by Marsh Engle, and her tribe of amazing women. www.amazingwomansday.com