its not easy being green...

but i think we should all be trying...so, in honor of earth day, i am posting a few of my favorite sites/ products that promote green living... although msks has made fun of me, i am trying to go green! every little bit counts so here are a few tips ( from this novice):

mrs. meyers cleaning products are the best, in my opinion, i use lavendar, but also love the basil scent. the counter top spray is a great place to start, you'll be hooked!! my roomie loves the laundry detergent... but i also love the method products at target, and while you're there you can get their cute and eco-friendly reusable bags ( i have 3). another good option is seventh generation and is often less expensive than the mrs. meyers.

for tips on eating organic ( yes, i used to make fun of organic eaters, but i am hooked), great organic clothes etc, gorgeously green is a book and blog to check out, and she was on Oprah today... some people say to start with dairy ( i like the horizon milk), and expand as you can afford, as it is not quite as cheap as normal brands, but you can bet you're not sipping hormones with your milk either.

anyone who knows me know i use a lot of products, hair, face, lotions, soaps, i love em! but i started getting freaked out that i couldn't even pronounce the names of some of the things i was putting all over my body-- many of which i know now can alter hormones, and have other negative effects, especially on children. i love Alba shampoos, the green tea eye gel and the chapstick are a few favorites and the shave cream ( non-aerosol) smells great, and is very moisturizing. i also use burt's bees conditioner-- the pomegranate is one i like.. and the great thing is they are all available at your grocery story or walgreens location...

and of course, recycle and switch your light bulbs ( or at least some, i have done several) or as patagonia says, "reduce, reuse, recycle" and go green, at least try it, after all, its earth day!

ps. i know i still owe a japan report! that will come soon!

lost in translation

happens to be one of my all time favorite movies. i love bill murray, and although i am a self proclaimed funny movie hater, find his humor to be quite hysterical. i also love sofia coppolla... but, all that is to say, i am about to have my own moment of sure lost in translationess ( yes, i am quite aware that this is not a word) as i am headed to japan in 2 days!
most people's reaction to this news is the immediate unleashing of questions such as:

"oh my gosh, how long is your flight" well, 17 hours i believe, but compared to the 24 to china which i survived in a middle seat, i think i can make it.

another question :"what will you eat?" sushi of course, and other than that i don't know, however mary straton assures me it will be good.

"why are you going? " and here is where they begin to hate me...yes, it is true, i hate to admit it, i get paid to do this! the japanese traveler loves william faulkner friends, so i am lucky enough to go with the state tourism office, and our pal neil from tupelo ( elvis is also quite a draw).

stay tuned for further reports from the far east ( and for those who know of my past experience in asia, lets pray for not coming home with any strange ailments!)...