March | 2008 |

Archive for March, 2008

“Behind the Beans” Seven Sisters Coffee House Preview!

Posted in Coffee and Tea, Conservation / Environment, Local "Green" Events, Organizations/Activism on March 28, 2008 | 4 Comments »

I just got a neat press release that sounds like some weekend fun:

Greetings from Seven Sisters Coffee!

I am inviting you to a special event I am calling

“Behind-The-Beans: A preview of Seven Sisters Coffee House.”

Highlights included:

A special photographic presentation of my life-changing tour of the amazing environmentally-sustainable & worker-rights focused Selva Negra Coffee Estate in Nicaragua.

Opportunities to see what human rights work Seven Sisters Coffee House will be doing.

Special coffee tastings featuring our exquisite Seven Sister Coffees.

A culinary sampling of some of the Seven Sisters Coffee goods.

Sample activities for children.

Art from local artists who will show in the Seven Sisters Coffee Gallery.

Chance to purchase coffee* & gift cards for our future grand opening.

Information on how you can help Seven Sisters Coffee House a reality!

So let’s get together and share a delicious hot cup of social change!

WHEN: Sunday, March 30, 2008

TIME: 3:00 – 7:00 P.M.

WHERE: First Unitarian Church of Orlando, Gore Hall, 1901 E. Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32803

COST: Free, donations welcome

Yours in coffee,

Alisha Kearns
Coffee Evangelist
www.sevensisterscoffee.com

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I “No Poo,” Do You?

Posted in Natural Products, Uncategorized, tagged apple cider vinegar, baking soda, dioxane, no poo, organic consuemrs association on March 27, 2008 | 6 Comments »

No Poo… such an interesting name… and sounds kind of gross! What no poo means is that you don’t use shampoo or conditioner on your hair. For most, that sounds pretty gross too. From the moment we are born, we are taught that the only way to get clean hair is to use shampoo. It is completely drilled into us! So, when I first heard about going shampoo-free, I was skeptical. When I started researching it further, I started thinking that maybe there was something to this. But making the decision to totally give up shampoo was too drastic.

Because I kept away from non-organic shampoos thinking that the organics ones were gentle and loving to my hair, I didn’t feel the need to stop using shampoo altogether. Recently, though, that changed. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) came out with a study that revealed that some leading shampoos (as well as body washes and lotions) claiming to be “natural” or “organic” actually contain the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane which can cause cancer. They did note that products certified under the USDA National Organic Program DID NOT contain this toxin. Pretty scary! Luckily my certified-organic shampoo was not one of the culprits hiding this carcinogenic contaminant, but this study did make me take a step back about what I was putting on my hair.

So, one week ago my kids and I took the plunge and stopped using shampoo. Now we use baking soda and apple cider vinegar. That’s it! Depending on your hair type, you have to figure out what combination will work best for you. For us, we use about one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with warm water. I apply it directly to the scalp and massage in. After a minute or so I massage again a little more then rinse out. To condition my hair, I mix about 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 3/4 cup warm water and apply to the hair shaft (not the scalp). I heard that you can actually leave the apple cider vinegar solution in and not rinse out and it will keep on conditioning while it dries. I don’t mind the smell of it, so I leave it in. Once it dries, the smell disappears! My daughter does not like the smell and has me rinse it out immediately.

So far I haven’t noticed any real change in our hair. I am surprised about how soft my hair feels and how easy it is to comb after washing. Some people’s hair become greasy for little while as their hair detoxes, but we have been very fortunate and haven’t had any greasiness.

Because baking soda can dry out your hair, you only need to wash it once or twice a week. That is taking some getting used to also (at least for me… my kids love having not to wash their hair every other night!). This is great because it allows the natural oils that protect your hair to do their job instead of being washed away with frequent shampooing.

So, are you ready to “no poo?”

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Timmy’s Toy Chest to Add Green Play Options

Posted in Fun Stuff for Kids, tagged eco-friendly toys, haba toys, Lin Hanzelko, miyim toys, Timmy's Toy Chest on March 26, 2008 | 4 Comments »

Owner of Timmy’s Toy Chest, Lin Hanzelko, recently attended Toy Fair 2008 in New York. When asked what this year’s hottest toy is she said,

“This year I can say, there is no stand out toy but a recurring theme: Organic, green, or ECO toys are all the rage. I was able to find some great new products. I also listened to my customers and found many toys from the USA and countries other than China. These products will be arriving all year long and we are excited to share them with you!”

Lin has already began stocking some of these great products and is positioning Timmy’s Toy Chest as a local option for safe, eco-friendly toys. Some of the items arriving soon are from Haba Toys and MiYim. Haba Toys are unique, safe wooden infant toys made in Germany. MiYim offers an adorable plush line made with certified organic cotton, certified non-toxic and chemical free coloring and a low-impact dye process. Stop by Timmy’s Toy Chest to check out these green options and ask Lin what other goodies will be stocked through the year.

Timmy’s Toy Chest also has some wonderful events coming up. On Saturday, March 29th at 5:30pm they will host Mr. Richard in concert. On Saturday, April 5 at 5:30pm Mad Science will perform a science themed show. This fun, action packed show is appropriate for all ages but especially children in grades K-6.

Timmy’s Toy Chest
407-804-9877
1120 TownPark Avenue, Suite 1032
Lake Mary, FL 32746

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Family Festival 2008

Posted in Fun Stuff for Kids, Lessons and Classes for Kids, Local "Green" Events, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, tagged Earth, entertainment, family, festival, games, green, JCC, Mr. Richard, rides on March 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

The Jewish Community Center of Orlando will once again host its Family Festival, this year with the need for more space, they are moving to Lake Eola. Free live entertainment will be provided by Walt Disney World with Mr. Richard and Jack Hartman!The festival will feature rides, games, crafting areas, and local artists displays. They plan on having several interactive areas such as a health and safety zone, toddler town, circus town, and an inflatable forest.

The real icing on the cake is the Go Green and Planet Earth Area. Here kids can learn how to protect our Earth. There will be green craft projects, hands on activities, recycling searches, relay games, and more!

The JCC Family Festival will be held on Sunday, April 13, 208 from 10-5 at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. Admission is free but there is a charge for rides, games, and food.

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Daisy Boutique and Art Studio

Posted in Fun Stuff for Kids, Lessons and Classes for Kids, Natural Products, tagged art, art studio, baptism, christening, craft, Haba, handiwork, heirloom, knitting, sewing, wood toys on March 22, 2008 | 5 Comments »

I just had the loveliest conversation with Daisy, owner of a new boutique and art studio in Winter Garden. The store has educational toys, special occasion clothing, and heirloom gifts by local artists.

In addition to the great products they offer, the art studio has sewing and quilting classes for children! On Saturday mornings they offer a free craft class for 7-12. This is a great spot for our children to learn the “lost art” of handiwork! I mentioned to Daisy it would be great if she offered a homeschooling class.

If you are looking for top notch toys for your kids, this is the place. She has all the good wood toys, Haba, Imagiplay, Guidecraft, and so many others I can’t list them all! They also carry tons of craft supplies for all of your projects.

Daisy Boutique and Art Studio is located at 103 South Main Street in Winter Garden. If you stop by, make sure and talk with Daisy, she is great!

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Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria

Posted in Coffee and Tea, Restaurants, Vegan/Vegetarian Options, tagged art, food, restaurant, salad, sandwich, soup, tea on March 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Pom Pom’s is not your typical tea house! We walked in to a small, dark eatery with only a few tables, a bar, and couch. Very taken back, but pleasantly surprised with its funky atmosphere. Local artwork flanks the walls to brighten it up a bit.

We went on a week night with all three kids in tow. The kids got extra attention from staff and customers. I don’t think we would attempt it on a weekend or during more crowded times.

If you are looking for a good sandwich, this is the spot, the tea is a bonus! You get four choices for your sandwich, white, wheat, pumpernickel, or rye, I think simplicity is the key. The combinations are uniquely yummy.

My husband had the Asian BBQ pulled pork with scallions, hoison BBQ sauce & Asian slaw, it must have been good because he didn’t stop eating to talk. I have had two different sandwiches on separate occasions and both were worth coming back for! The Danny, which is ginger cranberry chutney, apple slices, almonds, and brie, and is a vegetarian option and the turkey with ginger cranberry chutney, cream cheese, smoked gouda, and red onions, you can’t get these at your local deli.

The kids had a Harvest Salad that consisted of raisins, dried cranberries, dried figs, bleu cheese, and red onions, a bowl of their favorite things. They split it up for them and brought out their tea cooled. They give it two thumbs up!

For around $7 a sandwich and all sorts of fun events like the Gross Out Food Challenge and tarot card reading, this is the spot. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria is located at 67 Bumby Avenue in the Bumby Plaza in Orlando.

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Downtown Area Candle Light Vigil for Peace

Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Spirituality, tagged downtown, First Unitarian Church of Orlando, FUCO, peace. iraq, vigil. silent, war on March 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

As you know, Wednesday March 19 marks the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

If you are working in the downtown area or just going anywhere near Robinson and Hampton consider popping in to First Unitarian Church of Orlando at 1901 E. Robinson St. Orlando FL 32803 at 7:30 PM for a silent vigil.

Bring a candle if you can, but if you can’t, come anyway. Bear witness with many others all over the country in their hopes for peace.

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Tropical Heat’s Organic Market in Lake Mary

Posted in Farmer's Markets, Health Food Stores, Natural Products, tagged all natural, deli, fresh produce, market, organic on March 15, 2008 | 6 Comments »

I am very pleased to announce that there is new organic food store / deli in town! My husband and I stumbled upon this quaint little shop while driving around looking for somewhere new to have lunch.

Tropical Heat is owned by a mother and daughter team that you may recognize from both the Sanford and Lake Mary Farmers Markets. Laverne and Danielle opened shop about 5 weeks ago and are conveniently located on the corner of Country Club Rd. and Crystal Lake Ave. in the heart of Lake Mary.

The store is very clean and well organized. There is a nice selection of fresh, all natural and organic products including local produce, breads and dairy. Bonus: if there is a product that they do not have in stock, just ask and they will order it for you!

There are a few tables outside the front of the shop to sit and enjoy one of their delicious sandwiches or homemade soup. They also offer home-style meals to “grab and go”.

I am thrilled to have found them and couldn’t wait to spread the word!

Tropical Heat’s Organic Market

109 E. Crystal Lake Ave. Suite 109

Lake Mary, FL 32746

(407) 323-2128

http://www.tropicalheatsorganics.com/

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Seven Sisters Coffeehouse is Coming Soon!

Posted in Coffee and Tea, Vegan/Vegetarian Options, tagged coffeehouse, eco-friendly, local business, lunch, snack, social justice, sustainable, vegan. vegetarian. coffee on March 4, 2008 | 6 Comments »

I recently caught up with Alisha Kearns — owner of the up and coming “Seven Sisters” coffee house. We sampled her delicious “Black Bear” roast while I learned a little bit more about her venue!

Tell me about the origin of the name for name “Seven Sisters Coffee House.”

“Seven Sisters” is a name for a cluster of stars, the Pleaides. The name just synchronized in many ways, first with the realization that I am one of three sisters and I am mother to four daughters. Together the Kearns girls make
Seven Sisters!

Second, upon reading the literature that surrounds the Seven Sisters, I realized every civilization, ancient and new, has a myth or story that explains why those seven stars are in our skies. This steadfast cluster of stars can be viewed all over the world and that global aspect is an integral part of Seven Sisters Coffee House.

Why are combining human rights and a coffee house?

Coffee is an agricultural product used all around the world. There are several aspects in the coffee industry which lead to human rights and environmental well-being. I believe coffee is a prime place to share the positive effects of those aspects. We so often hear about human rights and environmental violations and then feel helpless as to what we can do to stop it. Sharing with the community some ways to do that can not only lift us to a place of awareness but also give us a place and means of action to do just that.

Our quality tasting house coffee comes from an amazing coffee estate, Selva Negra, out of Nicaragua. The estate is completely environmentally sustainable, organic and Rainforest Alliance certified. The coffee workers have access to concrete homes and living facilities, meals three times a day, a health clinic and an elementary school (which also provides daily meals).

I had the opportunity to visit Selva Negra last November got to see in person how we can participate in human rights and environmental sustainability.

What makes your place Attachment Parenting friendly?

As I mentioned before, I am the mother of four young daughters. I’ve attachment parented each one of them using conscious discipline and the amazing community of support around me. I see the value in community when raising a family and I want Seven Sisters to be a welcoming one for that reason. Seven Sisters Coffee House is a family friendly place where the staff
is also child-friendly. I believe each family uses a parenting technique that works for their family in creating safety, comfort and growth for their children. So many parents want to commune with each other in support of each others’ journeys regardless of our parenting styles. Seven Sisters is a place to do just that!

What about eco-friendly?

Seven Sisters will be using environmentally safe products in all forms–disposable and recyclable. We’ll be working with other like-minded supply companies and vendors

What type of menu will you be offering?

Our menu, of course, covers several different coffee and espresso drinks as well as smoothies, tea’s and mates. Seven Sisters focuses on bakery items that will compliment our coffees as well as some savory items too. One focus is on Cupcakes! We have a Cupcake Day planned in conjunction with our Kids Day on Saturdays – human rights activities for our youngest activists!
Our delicious cupcakes will be baked fresh on premises and are vegan and vegetarian. We’ll also have kids drinks.

My favorite one is a mini version of our Bee Sting Latte (a latte with honey and vanilla). The kids version is a steamed milk or soy/almond mild with honey and vanilla and a little honey bee on top-we call it the Honey Bee.

What will your hours be?

Seven Sisters plans on opening from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday & Sundays, and special evening hours on Saturdays from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m..

How can people help out and support a sustainably-minded business?

The online shop is already open through our website. I am down to the wire and am so close to the “finish” line with opening the actual shop. I am having faith in the universe that details are taken care of.

Here are some things I need to manifest and I’m interested in recycling them for the shop if people have them to offer: