ExerciseTV - Free Streaming Full-length Workout Videos

I love ExerciseTV.tv.  The site has a large library of free streaming workout videos available as well as other resources such as community support boards.  You now can exercise anytime you have access to a computer and the internet.  They also have many downloadable videos, some of them free and some of them pay, so that you can access the videos anytime.  I have been using the free ExerciseTV.tv videos as well as a few other resources and have lost 30 lbs (at the time of this post) since August 2009.

http://www.exercisetv.tv/

TENTHMIL Helping Environmental Issues

TENTHMIL is an online platform for conversation about environmental issues in order to make things happen in the fields of clean energy, ecological restoration, and an altogether healthier environment.

TENTHMIL’s mission is to disseminate information, host restoration events, and promote major policy changes for a healthier planet.

A network of contributers will be blogging about up-to-date environmental news, and members can feel free to add their thoughts, as well. And because as humans we strive for more than facts, data, and policy, we blend art, music, poetry and film into the mix for a well-rounded picture of what is happening out there to save the planet.

The world is a big place - too big to save all at once. So we’re looking at pieces of the puzzle, focusing on specific areas we can work on together, and offering ideas for steps you can take.

Join, Learn, and Take Action.

http://tenthmil.com/

Thongbai Tatong {artist showcase}

Thongbai Tatong is a one-person Dutch company based in Ter Aar, the Netherlands. The designer and maker of the products, Thongbai Tatong, is a lover of arts and a certified dressmaker. She offers to dress you with her clothes and bags designed and made with focus on originality, a touch of arts, and fun. Lots of fun. Each item is professionally handcrafted and neatly finshed.

Thongbai is extremely passionate about her work and puts her heart and soul into it. She works full time in her pet and smoke free studio in her home. You are welcome to visit her blog for what she is creating and what will be available for sale next.

I own one of Thonbai's messenger bags.  It is exceptionally made and so beautiful.  I love her work and would love to own one of her scarves or wraps someday.

http://thongbaitatong.com/

Soap Nuts Natural Laundry Detergent

picture source Wikimedia Commons

I have been wanting to find an all-natural laundry detergent for awhile now.  Although the Homemade Laundry Soap Tutorial I posted on Tumblr is homemade and inexpensive it is far from all natural.  What I have found that is truly all-natural is the fruit of the Sapindus Mukorossi tree AKA Soap Nuts.

A deciduous tree found wild in north India, usually with 5-10 pairs of leaves, solitary with large drupes. This tree belongs to the main plant order Sapindaceae and family Sapindeae. The species is widely grown in upper reaches of the Indo-Gangetic plains, Shivaliks and sub-Himalayan tracts at altitudes from 200m to 1500m. Also known as soap-nut tree, it is one of the most important trees of tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia.  http://www.sapindusmukorossi.com/

After reading a few websites that sell Soap Nuts, it seems they work better in warm to hot washes but can be made into a liquid that will work well in cold water washes.  They won't remove stains, so pre-treatments are recommended as well as an oxygen bleach.  One batch of Soap Nuts will last through 4-5 washes and then can be added to your compost bin.  The price seems comparable to most laundry detergents and is certainly comparable or better than the "all-natural" or "green" detergents out there.

There are a few other uses for Soap Nuts.  You can read all about the Sapindus Mukorossi fruit and its uses here:  http://www.sapindusmukorossi.com/.

Soap Nuts are for sale online through quite a few retailers.  Just do a search for Soap Nuts on your favorite search engine.  I'm hoping to find them in bulk at my local health food store or at the herb farm shop.

Kraft Foods Recipes and Meal Ideas

The Kraft Foods recipe site has so much to offer that I don't even know where to begin to start.  Their main tabs list these topics:  Recipes, Budget Wi$e, Healthy Living, Your Kids, Holiday & Entertaining, and Cooking School.  They also have a Community you can join where you can exchange recipes, join interest groups, and join in the discussion on the message boards.  I also recommend joining their weekly recipes email to get great tips, ideas and yummy recipes delivered to you inbox.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/