Every year I embark on a new adventure when attending the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim CA. My mission – to have a good time, connect with old friends, meet new ones, and find Kathy's Favorite Products that truly are healthy and sustainable.
For me (and hundreds of others) the weekend always starts off with the Organic Farmers Research Foundation's (OFRF) meet and greet luncheon on Thursday. The OFRF is a non-profit organization that sponsors organic farming research and education projects, disseminates the results, and educates the public and policymakers about organic farming issues.
This year the incredible cuisine was once again orchestrated by chef Donna Prizgintas, along with her team of equally remarkable chef's including Akasha Richmond, Jesse Cool and Beth Miller. Fabulously delicious. To see my favorite finds ...
Ocean activist Philippe Cousteau of EarthEcho International (Jacques Cousteau's grandson) spoke and shared his thoughts about the important role the organic community will play in helping to sustain our natural resources while continuing to meet food production needs. "We’ll have to increase food production by 70 percent or three billion people will go hungry by 2050.” Thankfully, more and more people are understanding the importance of organic and sustainable living practices for our future.
Kathy's 2011 Favorite Finds at Expo West 2011:
Spoonk – This massage acupressure mat is ingenious and has been one of my most treasured gifts from the show this year. It has 6,210 small acupressure stimulation points (applied with heat/not glue) that apply equal pressure on your body. I use it every morning when I do my meditation. I start by sitting in a chair with a bare back against Spoonk – 20 minutes – then I move the spiny mat to the floor and put both feet on it while I write my morning pages (15-20 minutes). I always feel refreshed and ready for my day after being stimulated by this unique mat. At night I’ll lay on it for a few minutes while I unwind from the day, and admittedly have actually fallen asleep on it many times.
The cover is made with variations of either organic hemp or organic cotton materials dependent on the color. The inner foam is plant-based and contains no chemicals (e.g. fire retardant, petrochemicals, adhesive glue) that outgas and it comes in great travel case. Spoonk is made in the USA – yippy, a true winner. www.spoonkspace.com
Definition of Spoonk? A name inspired by Pippi Longstocking, the fictional children’s character who had superhuman strength, boundless energy and a love for life. Find your SPOONK with Spoonk™ Mat. Check out this cute video of Pippi to get the full essence of the name. Click here
SafSlim™ – Do you have the belly fat blues? If you’re like me, you probably never knew that there are different kinds of fat in the body (it all looks the same to me), good and bad. There is actually a long list of different types of fat, but with regard to SafSlim™ – here’s the skinny on fat – those fat cells around that middle area are a combination of subcutaneous (the insulating layer of fat just beneath the skin that buffers us from the cold and stores calories) and omentum fat (which sits in the front of the stomach, or covers the liver). Both types of fat are considered unhealthy if one carries too many extra pounds of it.
You can learn all about these fats (and more) in detail in a small, but concise book, Belly Fat Breakthrough! By Karlene Karst, R.D. where she describes the process of how the body utilizes calories and converts them into different fats. This book is a great resource and taught me so much about the body (easy read in a few hours). The last chapter is all about SafSlim™ – a proprietary blend of non-GMO, high-linoleic safflower oil that contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners or food color dyes. It has an orange creamy taste and I always feel nicely energized when I take it, even though it contains no stimulants – how easy is that? According to the company, one recent university study regarding the use of safflower oil showed a 9.4% reduction in belly fat over a 16-week period. SafSlim™ is currently conducting a belly fat challenge - check it out – http://tinyurl.com/3gnxe2r
I also love the moisturizing benefits of the Baobab Seed Oil, which is also wild harvested, virgin cold pressed and full of antioxidants, vitamins (A,D,E & F) and Omegas 3,6 & 9 fatty acids. Admittedly, I am a sun worshiper in the summer months and have found this beautiful oil very soothing for my baked skin. Goldman’s devotion to helping the indigenous people of the Atacora region address social justice issues and learn about sustainable practices has been a true asset in helping to build a strong community foundation for their future … from tree to consumer. Thanks David for sharing the benefits of this delicious fruit with us via your great products, well done. www.atacoraessential.com
Incredisocks by Incrediwear – These comfy socks are made from 100% organic bamboo charcoal and natural fibers from five-year-old mature Moso Bamboo found in the high mountains of Taiwan. The bamboo charcoal has natural antimicrobial properties that eliminate odor and release good infrared anions (atoms or groups of atoms that have gained electrons) that increase circulation. Many athletes/doctors have found relief from chronic and/or acute foot/leg pain, as well as great benefits during or after racing/competitions for healing and recovery. The special weave gives you lots of good cushion and wicks away foot moisture as well. The company offers knee braces, socks – everyday, sport and dress.
I seem to be missing one of my pairs of sport socks … perhaps my daughter has borrowed them again … she loves them too. Unfortunately, there website doesn’t mention all of the products sustainable qualities and health benefits as outlined on their packaging … wonder why? www.incrediwear.com
Owners, Jon and David have been obsessed with producing natural candles ever since they read the studies about the carcinogenic chemicals in paraffin fumes, and realized that most of those paraffin candles are coming straight from Chinese sweatshops where all sorts of other dangerous additives are added. They offer businesses and consumers a clean burning alternative candle with responsible prices. Thanks guys. www.naturalcandles.com
Urban Moonshine Bitters – The root of good health is great digestion. Here's a brief history of bitters: Cultures around the world have long believed that bitter flavors are essential to good health because they stimulate the digestive system. Thus began the tradition of steeping bitter-tasting roots, leaves, berries and fruits in alcohol and serving the mixture before or after a meal. Bitters help tone, strengthen and build digestive health; improve endogenous production of digestive enzymes; support the production of bile; stimulate bile release from the liver among other things.
Urban Moonshine is a small family business started by herbalist Jovial King. All the ingredients are certified organic, wild crafted and the company supports local farmers and is a member of the United Plant Savers. I love my little travel size bitters - I carry it in my purse and use it often.. www.urbanmoonshine.com
Herbalix™ Restoratives (Natural Deodorant) – This was a great find … My favorite is their Geranium deodorant. This unique detox deodorant actually helps cleanse away toxic buildup in the body to release waste fluids, encourages healthy lymphatic flow, and absorbs all types of aluminums, encouraging a reduction in daytime odors (works for me). What more could you ask for?
Herbalix™ also offers a nighttime detox deodorant that is formulated to attract, absorb and cleanse bacterium and metal ions from the underarms without any form of aluminum. The organic detoxifying ingredients work at night and provide 6 to 8 hours of safe and efficient absorption of accumulated debris and odors. You can learn more about the detox deodorant product options on their website. www.herbalix.com
Fabe's All Natural Bakery - Gluten Free Cookies - Even if I wasn't on their marketing team (which I am), I'd be plugging these fabulously delicious cookies that are Sweetened by Nature™ with fruits, veggies and grains - that deliver a gourmet taste that even kids love! Be sure to check out their new Gluten Free flavors - Dark Chocolate, Cranberry Orange and Ginger Snap (plus an old favorite flavor - Organic Macaroon). They just melt in your mouth. Enjoy! www.fabesnatural.com
There were many other wonderful products this year that you're sure to hear about in future blogs or e-newsletters ... stay tuned.
I would love to hear about your experiences with any of these products. Please feel free to send me your comments ... thanks. Be sure to sign up for our e-news at www.ecofamilynews.com
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