The Story of Myrtle & Bud Ekins

Myrtle is a California desert tortoise and my beloved pet. I met her when I was 19 while living in Nichols Canyon. She belonged to my neighbor, Bud Ekins, a legendary Hollywood stuntman and world-champion motorcycle racer. He was best known in the film industry for his unprecedented 65-foot motorcycle jump, doubling Steve McQueen in the ‘Great Escape’.

 

Bud’s professional motorcycle days began in the1950s. Over the course of his racing career, he won or placed in dozens of major regional, national, and international off-road motorcycle events. It was during one of those races in the Mojave Desert, sometime between 1954 and 1959, that he met and rescued Myrtle.

Myrtle's Garden – Pesticide & Chemical Free

I moved to the Midwest in 2021, where many of my neighbors use pesticides and chemicals to keep their yards lush, green, and weed and pest-free – something I was not used to.

I, on the other hand, am chemically sensitive and an organic gardener – always looking for natural alternatives. Consequently, my yard was not very popular with the neighbors, sporting brown patchy areas in the grass and an abundance of dandelions … something that my California Desert Tortoise, Myrtle, loves.

Natural Solutions for a Tick-Free, Earth & Human-Friendly Garden

 

I was born and raised in California in the heart of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the San Fernando Valley. While I loved to hike, oddly, I rarely encountered one of nature's most dreaded pests, the tick. 

Cut to the Covid pandemic in 2021, when I found myself, like so many others, taking a midlife inventory of what the future might hold for me in LA. That’s when I decided it was time for a major life change, and I spontaneously moved to the Midwest to be closer to my daughter. I bought a new house in the Northland of Kansas City, Missouri, at the far end of a relatively newly developed area, in the middle of nature, surrounded by trees, lush hillsides, and open space. 

Can Mushrooms, Fungi and Mycelium help save the Honeybees?

Paul Stamets loving the bees!

Why are bees so important? Bees pollinate 80% of the world’s plants including 90 different food crops. Recently a girlfriend messaged me and asked for a resource to have some honeybees relocated that had taken up residence in her home. I was so excited that she was willing to take the time to find a responsible company that would humanly move them to a safer environment for everyone concerned. The beekeepers came and did their job, leaving behind a delicious gift of fresh honey for the family. When people take these small mindful actions, everyone wins.

How Grounded Are You?

Several years ago when I was producing Whole Children, Whole Planet, a fellow author (Martin Zucker) approached me with a book, a concept, and a group of products he wanted me to review, all of which sounded quite interesting. However, because I was so busy working on the show I really didn't have time to review the information, but I did begin using one of the products right away. He suggested that just by sitting on this little mat or placing my feet on it (preferably with bare skin), I would become more grounded. And when you are working 14 hours a day, the thought of a little more grounding sounded pretty good.

Brushing Up On Oral Health

Fourteen years ago I wrote a book about teeth, oral health care and how to help parents better address the everyday symptoms of their teething infants and children with natural medicine. While the natural remedies for teething related symptoms haven’t changed much, there certainly are many new oral health care products on your store shelves today. The question is, which ones are truly natural, toxic free and effective?

Exploring A New Approach Breast Cancer Awareness

Even though October is the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness (and we’re well into November now), I believe it’s a subject that we can all continue to learn about anytime of the year. A report published in The Lancet medical journal on November 1, 2016, reveals that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer could (almost) double from 1.7 million in 2015 to 3.2 million a year by 2030.

I personally, am about a decade past midlife, and yet I’ve never had a mammogram. Many doctors and woman might think of this lack of action on my part as highly irresponsible. However, I am diligent about conducting my own manual breast exams and monitoring my overall breast health through an annual, or biannual thermal breast screening called Thermography.

- A Reasonably Pest Free Summer - Natural Solutions

I am happy to report that as a result of finding some great new products at the Natural Products Expo West 2015 (and some old faithful products from years past), we were able to enjoy a reasonably pest free summer at Eco Family News.

One of the most impressive company’s at Expo West this past March was Earth-Kind, an all natural pest prevention line of products. Owner Kari Warberg-Block is a rock star in our book on all fronts … safe effective products, business, environment and education. She has created a line of all natural botanical products to prevent and/or remedy pesky ant, moth, spider, and rodent issues. I sat down with Kari at the show and walked away with great admiration and gratitude for what she has created. Obviously there are many others that feel the same way, as the company also won the 2015 Nexty “People’s Choice” award for best new product at the show, and Kari has since been interviewed by Forbe's Magazine.

Mother and Daughter - Celebrating Milestone Birthdays Together

Taking free public transportation in Zion National Park, UT

This year marks a milestone birthday for both myself, and my daughter Danielle. In honor of this special occasion we made a pack that once a year we are going to go on random adventures to places we have never been before (just the two of us) to reconnect and create new memories together.

Neither of us was quite sure what that would look like, but in April we quickly found out. Instead of having a big birthday party, I thought it might be a good time to start our new annual adventure. My daughter's suggestion was to go climbing around in caves in the Sierra Mountains … I immediately had an anxiety attack at the thought. Did I really want to re-experience my birth by wiggling around in dark spaces on our tummies and knees crawling through tunnels, while gasping for air in the dark corners of Mother Earth's belly? I don't think so.

A Few Favorite Beauty Essentials

I'm not sure who actually came up with the original phrases "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" or "Beauty is only skin deep", but while these words may have rang true for me growing up, today I feel quite different.

Growing up in Hollywood, I have witnessed first hand the damaging and unhealthful consequences one can endure from the repeated use of toxic skincare and cosmetics that are routinely used to garner the industries picture perfect illusion of beauty. However, on the flip side, when ones inner beauty is nourished with the knowledge of the mind-body connection, and fortified with natural products - both internally and externally, only one thing can happen - they will resonate with their true spirit and essence - and magical, youthful things will happen, no matter what age you are.

Below are some of my favorite products that are free of toxic ingredients (free of sulfates, parabens, petroleum, pthalates, animal cruelty, etc.), which allow me to look my best outwardly, while feeling great inwardly – mind, body and spirit – feeling naturally beautiful.

Delicious Foods & Unique Kitchen Toys

Below are a few delicious food options and unique kitchen products that have sparked our interest:

Primal Essence’s Lemon and Pepper infused Coconut oil is like no other coconut oil I’ve ever tasted. Who would have thought that this combination of sour and spicy would be so delicious and addicting? After using this savory combination once (while making Eden Organic popcorn – GMO-Free, of course), I was totally hooked and began using it in almost everything I was cooking (stir-fry, eggs, rice, etc.).

With 15 years of experience in the ingredient food and beverage industry (for many high profile companies), Primal Essence has definitely perfected the art of oil infusions, and the manufacturing and blending of liquid herb and spice (water-soluble) extracts. We can now benefit from their experience, by enjoying their new, amazing and innovative consumer product lines.

3 Inspiring Companies & Organizations Expo West 2014

(OFRF) Organic Farming Research Foundation’s  annual luncheon once again was the perfect way to kick off Expo West with an amazingly tasty cuisine prepared by famed Chef’s Chris Blobaum (Atlanta GA) and Akasha Richards (now Culver City restaurant owner). Deeply Rooted was the theme of this incredibly scrumptious meal, which was a tapestry of rooted veggies – scalloped parsnips and potato casserole, beets, rainbow carrots and other palette pleasers! While I usually don’t eat sugar, Richard’s cherry pie (organic sugar included) was so worth the indulgence.

As we experienced this beautiful meal, caught up with old friends and made new ones, OFRF’s research grant recipient, Dr. Frank Kutka shared some insightful thoughts on the subject of Organic Ready Corn: Turning the Tables on Transgenics – the next wave of genetically modified crops. Thanks OFRF for all that you do for organic farming. www.ofrf.org

Hungry for Change ... Time to Create A Rainbow Kitchen

Available on DVD and/or Book

I recently watched a fabulous documentary called Hungry for Change (by the producers of Food Matters), which in my opinion should be required viewing for all kids and adults. The film details, in a very people friendly way, why we are dealing with an obesity epidemic in America. This in-depth look at today's food industry and how the dieting paradigm is flawed, is so revealing. I also appreciated the inspiring interviews and testimonials of those who were featured in the film who have struggled with obesity and/or major health issues, and how they have transformed their lives through better nutrition and changing their relationship with food. 

When I was fifteen, I went to work at a French restaurant in Beverly Hills as a part-time crepe cooker. Being their youngest employee, I became somewhat of a mascot to this quaint little restaurant. And because of my passion for cooking (and skills), I was quickly promoted to the main kitchen within 6 months where I began teaching managers in training how to prepare the signature dishes.

What's on Your Holiday Wish List?

Happy holidays ... This past year I’ve come across some wonderful products and wanted to share a few of them with you as holiday gift ideas. (Also check out Expo West blog from earlier this year.)

Kanberra Gel – Are you or your pets experiencing allergies from indoor pollutants and poor air quality? Did you know that Christmas Trees have mold? Time to put this product on your holiday (or anytime) wish list.

A Green Story - An American Dream

Van Vlahakis with daughter Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

A Green Story (a biopic) is a rare glimpse inside the politics of the corporate world of the grocery business through the eyes of Van Vlahakis. You may not know his name, but chances are you’ve seen, or used his Award-Winning – truly all-natural cleaning products (found on most grocery store shelves). Vlahakis, known to most as Mr. Van, is the founder and CEO of Earth Friendly Products – one of the first (1967) company’s to produce safe and respectful cleaning products.

Vlahakis left Greece five decades ago with twenty-two dollars in his pocket in hopes of finding a better future for him and his family - an American Dream. A Green Story centers on the modern day Vlahakis (played by Ed O'Ross), who is diagnosed with cancer and given only a few months to live. During this time, Vlahakis reflects on his early life as an immigrant (played by George Finn) during the 1950's and ultimately decides to push himself to the limit by closing one final business deal that is the basis for his company's success.

What's Trending at Expo West 2013

Non-GMO were the trending words of this year's Expo West!!

As it should be ... this year's big push was for new labeling laws reflecting full transparency of foods in the marketplace that contain GMO ingredients.

We are not a science experiment - GMO, no thanks! Visually depicted by GMO expert and bestselling author Jeffrey M. Smith (Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods) and his lab rat. Jeffrey was there sharing his knowledge and promoting his brilliantly educational documentary, Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives (watch film online), which connects the dots between GMO's cancer, birth defects, infertility, allergies and autism. The documentary is narrated by Lisa Oz. A must see film!! To learn more visit www.GMOinside.org or www.nongmoproject.org

And while the adults were engaged in conversation about the potential health consequences of GMO's, the kids were enjoying a day at the (make-shift) beach contemplating what new foods they were going to try next (or secretly hoping for a surprise visit to Disneyland).

Spring Break In The Spa Zone

Entering the Spa Zone

The butterflies are fluttering with joyous energy, the bees are buzzing, the hummingbirds abound, and a rainbow of colors envelops the landscapes and hillsides here in California. I was born in the spring, and consequently it's one of my favorite times of the year.

As a teenager growning up in Los Angeles, spring break always meant one thing, time to head to Palm Springs to partake in all kinds of fun shenanigans that usually landed us in some type of moderate trouble. Those were the days of no real cares in the world and a full week of playing in the sun.

I Can Do It! A Hay House Conference

I Can Do It! Blessed, inspiring and igniting are the words that come to mind when I attend magnificent conferences like this one. This three-day Hay House conference, now in it’s fifth year, delivered in all areas with remarkable spiritual leaders wetting our appetites with intention to fulfill our life’s purpose. All I can say is that it’s events like this that solidify my purpose and path as a writer and teacher - with passion.

Louise Hay Turns 85

Hay House authors Dr. Brian Weiss (Many Lives, Many Masters), Marianne Williamson (A Return To Love and A Course In Weight Loss), Sandra Anne Taylor and Darren Weissman set the tone for the weekend with pre-conference workshops all day Friday that took eager attendees on past life regressions, cleared blocked energy from the charkas, provided emotional weight loss workouts, and helped reprogram toxic thought patterns.

However, it wasn’t until Wayne Dyer (at 71 years young) took center stage that night, that the spiritual party really got started.  He began by

Dahn Yoga - Ilchi Lee Founder

Last year my good friend Mike (and his wife Talia) invited me to attend a lecture by Ilchi Lee. Lee is the founder of Dahn Yoga, a holistic mind-body exercise program that utilizes Ki energy to maximize the potential of the brain. Dahn Yoga began in South Korea in the early 1980's, which is where Lee himself was born. Today there are Dahn Yoga center located all over the world, with a large following right here in California.

Lee's English is minimal, so the whole lecture was spoken in Korean and translated into English through an interpreter. He began day by giving us a little background on himself, explaining how as a child he had experienced a common learning disorder that is now known today as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). One of the advantages of this childhood affliction was that it inspired him to develop various meditation and yoga techniques to help other

"Autism is Awesome" Benefit Concert Jack Black & Stephen Stills

far right: Lexy Aaron, Wyatt Issacs & Rio Wyles

On October 4, 2011, The Miracle Project present- ed a free “Autism is Awesome” benefit concert at The Grove in Los Angeles to bring greater awareness to the miracles and possibili- ties for children with autism.
 
Autism the Musical, an HBO Emmy-Award win- ning documentary, (2008) introduced the world to The Miracle Project’s amazing work with autistic children. The Miracle Project, founded in 2004 by Elaine Hall and Diane Issacs, is a multi-platform socialization program that enables children and teens with autism and other special needs, to express themselves through music, dance, acting, story, and writing.