Monday, March 28, 2011

Eating Organic?

I have never been a very "green" person, by my own admission, but lately I have heard of so many people in their 30s (ahh, my age group) coming down with a variety of cancers.  Maybe it's just we're more aware, hearing about them more and so many are being detected at earlier ages now?  Whatever it is, I am scared!  I know we can not control how long we are here on this earth, but if there is anything small I can do to try and keep my body healthy as long as possible, I really want to start (hoping it's not way too late). 

Our generation has grown up on so many fast, processed and preserved foods and most of them taste oh so good.  But, in realizing all these individuals at younger ages having cancer, I am apt to change my diet (laden with many preservative-rich foods, fast foods, diet sodas...).

I am researching to find what's best and what's not, because step in to a "health food" or "organic" store and your grocery bill can literally triple if you're not careful.  I'm determined to figure out the most important things to buy organic and local (when possible - like fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, meats) and then change the extracurricular food choices, too, all the while not budging on my grocery budget.

We have a great store nearby, Native Sun, which houses wonderful items and has a great selection, so I'm looking to spend more time familiarizing myself with items and brands to really get the best things for the money.

I know I am way behind the eight ball on some of this stuff, so if you have any insights, recommendations or other information, please share it!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Procrastination

I own the crown.  Yes, I am the queen of it.  I procrastinate pretty much everything, sometimes to my benefit, sometimes to a fault. 

So, obviously I have procrastinated when it comes to this blog, but seriously, how many people are noticing?  (Now, don't let me offend those few of you who do actually enjoy reading my random thoughts!  That really does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.) So, for the two of you, I am back today. :-)

I have been so busy NOT procrastinating at least one other thing, though, so that is a good thing.  I have been so excited to work on "my company" - Southern Inspired Treats (SIT).  Some of you know how much I love my dogs (past and present) and since quitting my "career job" in 2010, I have wanted to dabble around in trying to bake dog treats and start from the ground up with this little business.  Sounds easier than it actually is, as many of you know!   Getting appropriate licensing from the state and the county is almost impossible; testing out treats and figuring out what the dogs like is a bit easier (since most of them are not very picky and just want whatever you will give them!); finding affordable, yet cute ways to package my items is somewhat in the middle of difficult and easy and finding people to actually buy things from you is intimidating!

The good news is I have so many wonderful friends and family who are supporting me and helping me out!  Most of them dog lovers, too, but some of them just wanting to see this go well.  I am so thankful for that support and encouragement because there have been many days when I have said, "this is going to be too hard," and "what am I thinking?!"  But, so far, so good!  A few orders in, I am loving it and really hoping it grows!  And, needless to say, Amos and Sophie are gaining weight.  For Sophie at 4.5 lbs. soaking wet, this is okay.  For 10-month-old Amos, weighing in at over 90 lbs., this is maybe not so okay.

So, while I've been holding off writing on this blog, I have been trying to keep this one going and moving forward!  I would appreciate you all taking a look and letting me know your thoughts and ordering something for your dogs or recommending to your friends with dogs.  I am excited too, because in April, that blog will have an entirely new look, more branded for Southern Inspired Treats.

Well, I've got to do laundry now.  I've put that off long enough!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Play Date

Life is very busy lately (who's isn't?!) and I haven't had time to write, but just wanted to share some pictures from Amos' and Bailey's play date.  They had a blast!