Archive for July, 2009
Considering others
I’m struggling with the dichotomy of selfishness and selflessness. And I don’t mean I am in the middle, that would imply some kind of balance. I mean one minute I’m daydreaming about a bigger house or maybe a new addition to the house, or simply new carpeting, or a trip to Hawai’i or Florida or somewhere beach-y, with waves crashing up on the shore and a cool breeze, seagulls caw-cawing as they … wait a minute, where was I? Oh, and then remembering all that we DO have especially in such tough economic times where everyone is feeling the stress of doing more with less (or paying the consequences), and feeling so utterly selfish, that I make myself sick. Feeling guilty makes it even worse.
Not that I’m trying to shift the blame, but it IS really hard to be selfless in a selfish world. If everyone was selfless, the world would be perfect. But people tend to look out for themselves–numero uno–and take advantage of those who don’t. But the Bible teaches another way, living in a loving, selfless community serving one another, no matter what the circumstances. In fact, God expects this kind of behavior from us–from me.
Every month or so we get calls from the vets or the cancer society to make donations. Because we don’t spend a lot on things like clothes and toys, it’s hard for me to give them up (not that it is to say that it’s easier for those who do, but you know what I mean). But, I’m usually able to round up a few things (which my husband always inspects and seems to be able to give me a reason to keep at least one thing I’ve thrown in–it doesn’t take much) and we are able to give a box or two away every other month or so. But is that enough? Is that what we’ve been called to do? I don’t think so. Can we really make a difference, witness to the world, by giving away a faded shirt or a breadmaker we never use?
I’m asking God for ideas, opportunities where I can bless others more specifically. Not that it’s still a selfless act, since I want to “look to the interest of others” because I know it will make me feel good. But it’s the only way I can take focus off the here and now and the things of this world and start looking toward the there and then and the truth of God. And, therefore, reflecting God by becoming more like Christ. It seems so simple. But it IS easier said than done, at least for me, but all things are possible through Him.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 2:3-5
Add comment July 30, 2009
Crazy lady
There was a crazy lady at the grocery store today. Not that I’m one to judge, but it looked like she had barely rolled out of bed this morning. Her hair was a mess, and the string of beads on her broken flip flop was flapping around. I could tell it was driving her nuts, poor thing. She couldn’t even control her kids. Half the time they were climbing dangerously on the cart like monkeys and the other half of the time they were running wildly down the aisles, with no regard for other people in the store. I heard her offer a few apologies, but mostly she muttered to herself. At one point, she rounded a corner and a jug of milk rolled off the cart–and she didn’t even notice! I can only imagine what other people in the store were thinking. It must be one of those days. I know I can relate …
Signed,
Crazy Lady
Add comment July 29, 2009
Reaching for the Cosmos
There’s no doubt the absence of industry regulations and inconsistency of private standards are confusing consumers and hindering further growth within the beauty industry. Because there are no national and EU regulations for natural and organic cosmetics, legitimate products are competing against conventional cosmetics that are labeled as “natural” because they contain some natural ingredients. Standards will allow honest professionals to be rewarded for their integrity and enable consumers to better identify and understand what is being offered to them. But that process itself is getting confusing.
The problem is that there are a dozen or so different certifying bodies, ranging in structure, standards and industries in Europe. “Whether it’s a a fear of losing revenue or conceding standards, they’ve never been able to, or in some cases don’t want to, harmonize,” said Mike Indursky, chief marketing and strategic officer, Burt’s Bees. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration granted self-regulation, so while several private U.S. standards are available, companies do not have to account to anyone.
The European-wide certification standard hopeful, Cosmos, was expected by some to provide a bridge towards a unified standard with the US industry, and ultimately a globally recognized standard. When it was officially declared in June that the Cosmos standard was delayed until fall, critics said it was too little too late. The flurry of other certification bodies, both in the US, Europe and worldwide, is believed to reduce the potency of Cosmos.
NaTrue is the main rival. So far, 120 products have been certified by NaTrue, and several hundred other products are in process. NaTrue also has partnership agreements with the National Products Association and NSF International, two U.S.-based certification organizations for natural and organic products, respectively. Currently, 11 brands, including Burt’s Bees, Aubrey Organics and JR Watkins Apothecary, and about 200 products are certified by the NPA standards and entitled to bear the seal on their products. With the support of these competitors working together, the NPA is one of the front runners in the U.S. certification battle. Burt’s Bees has invested US$1m to promote the NPA standard and the body is set to have a presence in Europe, according to Organic Monitor.
Critics also point to the organic food movement, which took 40 years to establish and is still fragmented, to remind the industry that we still have a long way to go before harmonized standards can make an impact on international markets.
However, although there is no reciprocity even today between the US and EU for organic food, the beauty industry is much more global. With major and minor brands having an international presence (and demand), a widely accepted international standard is a must.
Read more in the August issue of GCI magazine.
Add comment July 24, 2009
Web site relaunch
Being cheap comes with consequences. The free Geocities web site I was using to promote my freelancing business is shutting down. So, I had to move the site to Google instead. The good news is, it gave me a chance to update, clean up and add to the site. Here’s the relaunch: http://sites.google.com/site/saraswords/
Add comment July 23, 2009
Promote your expertise
As a writer, I am often looking for experts who can discuss new technologies in professional hair color or trends in bath and body fragrancing. My job has been made a lot easier lately by new social networking sites, including LinkedIn and now: HARO. I only recently heard about this site, and just used it for the first time today so we’ll see how it goes. But what a great idea! The way it works: people (with something to say) sign up to get thrice-daily e-mails of really specific requests for sources, such as “Business owners that use video conferencing via their laptops” or “Interior designers who’ve done Emotional Intelligence training.” I submitted a request for salon colorists who use enzymes for an article I am writing on new technologies in professional hair color. If a topic or request submitted by a reporter fits your experience or expertise, you reply. It’s worth a look if you are trying to get your name out there (or you are a writer like me and need experts). Of course, it’s a lot of sifting through e-mails … the one downside no matter which side of the story you are on.
1 comment July 20, 2009
Family Fun Friday: Knight’s shield
For my daughter’s medieval princess/knight birthday party, I made shields as takeaways (along with tablecloth tunics and foam swords) for the boys. Here’s how:
1. Print shield shape on 8×10 sheet of computer paper.
2. Trace onto an empty cereal box (use both sides to make 2).
3. Cut out.
4. Turn it over, so the inside of the box is up. Line the edges with tin foil. I pressed a strip to the edge then cut the desired width on the inside of the strip, using the crease as my guide. Then I used a glue stick to adhere it, folding excess to the back.
5. Use construction paper to make a cross or other design for the center.
6. Punch holes or use a marker to make rivet marks on the design and around the edge of the shield.
7. Cut handles from sides of cereal box, where the nutrition information is found. Make a 1.5″ wide or so rectangle (I made 2 from each side), then curve the middle inward to make it more kid-friendly.
8. Glue the handles, one end at a time and bending it gently. Hot glue gun works best for this.
9. Glue craft jewels to center of design.
10. En guard!
1 comment July 16, 2009
Eco-friendly idea: Upcycling
Until the day comes that all products are packaged in affordable, durable, biodegradable or recyclable packaging, all we can do is make the best of things. TerraCycle has turned this idea into a very profitable business. Co-founders Tom Szaky and Jon Beyer take packages and materials that are challenging to recycle (such as newsprint, plastic bags, juice pouches and chip bags) and transform them into affordable, high-quality goods, including tote bags, kites, umbrellas and even office supplies like pens and pencils. The upcycling process requires far less energy than recycling and yields much higher amounts of usable material, according to Terracyle’s Albe Zakes. You can get involved by signing up for free. They will pay you to collect plastic bags, wrappers and packages and send them to TerraCycle using their free shipping bags. In addition to partnering with Frito-Lay and Mars, Terracycle is just signed deals to develop programs that upcycle packaging from Kimberly Clark’s Huggies and Scott brands and re-purpose material from Aveeno. While not the solution to the garbage problem, it just goes to show you are only limited by your creativity.
Add comment July 8, 2009
