Happy Cows?

If you hang out in organic grocery stores often enough, you at privy to some unusual conversations. There was a gentleman giving away samples of milk and cheese at the MOM. He was from Trickling Springs Creamery a local, cow friendly farm which produces great milk, ice cream and cheese. As I wandered by, he was in conversation with a woman. Not just a chat, mind you, but a conversation. This lady was very interested in the milk and the farm and the cows and what they ate. She inquired about how much time they spend outside and what kind of barn they had. All normal enough conversation in an organic grocer, I suppose, and then she asked, "Are the cows happy?" To which the milkman answered with a resounding yes... what else could he say? Even so, I had a sense he was both being very honest and very proud of his work. What better place to buy your milk from?

For the record, I don't really drink milk. Haven't for years... I grew up on milk straight from my Grandfather's milking barn and now the only milk you can legally and easily get goes through hell from the time it leaves the farm until it ends up in your glass. So, I just stopped drinking it because it never tasted quite right. To give credit where credit was due and because I so enjoyed the happy cow conversation, I tasted the milk from Trickling Springs. After a nice long sip, my only thought and the first thing I said aloud was, "This actually tastes like milk."

The aforementioned milkman smiled and said, "Yes! Yes, it does actually taste like milk." Me? I purchased some to talk home.

Change Food Advertising: One Parent at a Time

After Monday's post on Princess Soup, Jane Brody and the NY Times have joined the bandwagon to talk about marketing food to kids. Jane's blog contains some important data about how food companies skirt the rules when determining what they market to kids.

Bottom line - don't allow your kids to watch TV. It is the greatest power of consumers and parents. If the TV is off, the kids won't watch the commercials and won't want the sugary cereal and sodium-laden soup. If the kids aren't watching the commercials, the food companies will abandon the commercial market (who knows what they'll next come up with, but we'll deal with it when it comes). This will drive down the cost of television commercials making way to the organizations that support whole, natural food to begin to buy commercial time for things like broccoli and kale. Go kale!

Food Marketing to Kids

Princess Soup raised my awareness. Today, I did a little digging on the business of marketing food to our children. According to this report, published in 2007 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 2-7 see an average of:

• 17 minutes of advertising each day
• 12 food ads each day or more than 4,400 a year

Food companies spend billions of dollars each year advertising food to our children. Few, if any, of those dollars are devoted to whole, natural fruits and vegetables.

Am I the only one who considers this is problem? Until we can change the advertising rules your best bet is to turn off the television.

Princess Soup?

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend some time with my favorite three year old. We visited the local grocery store to pick up a few items and, since this three year old is my niece, I was willing to oblige her requests when I asked her, "What would you like to eat?" Her response, "Princess Soup." I told her I didn't know what princess soup was, assuming this was her name for something she enjoys (she is a princess, after all) and not something one could actually identify on the grocery store shelves. And...

I was sad to discover "Princess Soup" actually exists. Apparently Disney and Campbell's Soup have combined forces to sell food to children. Sigh.

108 Gifts to Give Yourself

Since you have been reading along all week, by now you've gotten both Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts all settled. A journal for each and a list of lists to record 108 meaningful memories.

Now it is time to give yourself the same gift. The weekend is upon us so venture out to a bookstore and buy yourself a lovely journal. A sturdy one or a pretty one. One with blank pages or one with lines. Make it a meaningful selection. Afterall, it will survive well after you've left this life.


The 108 entries don't need to happen all at once. Don't put any pressure on yourself. This is your project to do at your leisure. For mine, I allowed two pages for each list. I wrote the title of the list at the top of a in pen and I've made entries on some of the lists, but in pencil. I'm aware, I may decide to change some things as time goes on. I fully plan to be in this life for at least 60 more years so I don't want to make all of my 108 entries permanent just yet (and besides, I like pencils anyway). Granted some of them are permanent... the day my son was born ranks as number one of the 5 most memorable days of my life.

I'll continue to work on my lists and am pretty certain the 10 favorite songs will be the one which will change the most. Now I'm thinking about all of the places I want to go that could be contenders for the most memorable places I've visited (Notre Dame in Paris holds a spot currently).

Most importantly, creating my list of 108 memories helps me to remember how sweet life really is. It gives me something to read if I'm having a bad day. And, I get to share the idea with others and see how much they enjoy starting the project. So, until I have an actual book published for you to buy and complete, go out and buy a journal and start your 108 Memories. When my book comes out, your friends will think you're really cool for being an early adopter.

Happy weekend!

Gifting 108 Meaningful Memories

To continue on our 108 Meaningful Memories… Gram has been working on similar books (akin to baby books for old people) for me for several years. Doing these projects gives her a purpose - fulfilling a request from her granddaughter – at a time when most other of her life purposes have long since passed. She calls on occasion with the things she has remembered by virtue of sitting down to complete her lists. She enjoys these projects very much and I've learned a great deal about her and my ancestors that I might not otherwise had the time to discover. I'll have the books and the lists well after she leaves us and will have them to pass on to the generations after me who will only know her by name and through photos.

She mentioned her book and list projects to one of her doctor’s recently. She told him how much it helps her by giving her something to do and how much pleasure she gets from returning the completed projects to me. Her doctor was so impressed he said he would seek out similar books for his Mom. A few weeks later, Gram received flowers from her doctor with a note of thanks for the great idea. The doctor did the same thing for his Mom and they’d been enjoying her projects together ever since.

Grandpa and Grandma were married for 62 years. Grandpa’s life centered on Grandma and, at her funeral, the loneliness of his future was visible on his face. A few weeks later, I sent him a blank journal and the lists of lists to write. I suggested it might be a way for him to honor Grandma and could help him by remembering some of their best moments together. A few weeks later, I received a Thank You card in the mail. Grandpa wrote to say I was number one on the list of people who helped him the most. I'm hoping to see Grandpa's lists at some point and will have the sweet memories of his life with Grandma to remember him through.

If there are some elderly loved ones in your life, send them the new and updated list of 108 Meaningful Memories and a blank journal. Mother’s and Father’s Day are both coming up soon…

108 Meaningful Memories

This week, we're discussing an idea to record the meaningful moments of your life. This idea started with a blog on Monday about the 10 lists you should write before you die. Yesterday, we expanded on the idea for a total of 15 lists. So we have them all in one place, here are our 15 lists:

• 10 people who helped me most in my life
• 10 most memorable places I've visited
• 3 best things I've ever made
• 5 best days of my life
• 10 best friends I've ever had
• 5 best journeys I've ever made
• 10 things that gave me the most pleasure
• 5 best books/movies/TV series
• 5 best gifts anyone ever gave me
• 10 things I wish I had done but didn't
• 10 favorite songs
• 10 best gifts you've ever given
• 5 places you most love to be in the world
• 5 things you did and wish you hadn't
• 5 things you'd like people to remember about you

If you add the number of items on each of the 10 lists together we end up with 108. The idea with this life practice is to record the 108 most meaningful moments.


What is the purpose of recording 108 memories? Part legacy, part self-reflection. I would love to have these 15 lists from my grandparents long gone. In our fast-paced world, it would be nice to reflect on the lives of our ancestors. These lists could be incorporated into a holiday ritual as a remembrance of those who came before us. Or, we could share the lists to remember our loved ones on special dates like birthdays and anniversaries.


The self-reflection component gives each of us an opportunity to consider, and remember to enjoy, the sweet moments of life while we are living them. Who will have, or make, the time to look back on life when nearing the end? I've shared the idea to create the 10 original lists with two elderly people in my life. Gram is my Dad's Mother who is still alive and rather sharp-witted at 85 years old. I also sent the list to "Grandpa" who is the patriarch of some dear family friends. Grandpa at 87 years old recently lost his wife of 62 years and is feeling, understandably, a bit lost.

Come back tomorrow for sweet stories about Gram and Grandpa.

10 Lists Amended

Yesterday, we blogged about Dee's blog on "10 Lists You Should Write Before You Die." I've been developing my lists for quite some time now and offer a few changes based on my experience. To review, here is the original list:

• 10 people who helped me most in my life
• 10 most memorable places I've visited
• 3 best things I've ever made
• 5 best days of my life
• 10 best friends I've ever had
• 5 best journeys I've ever made
• 10 things that gave me the most pleasure
• 5 best books/movies/TV series
• 5 best gifts anyone ever gave me
• 10 things I wish I had done but didn't

Dee is perhaps more reasonable than I by keeping the list of lists to 10. Since I'm not one to contain a great idea, I'm adding some lists. If you live to be 100, it would seem making a list of only 73 things leaves a great deal left unsaid. Granted, the idea is to make the list meaningful versus a yearly accounting of one's life.

At any rate, here are my suggested additions:

• 10 favorite songs
• 10 best gifts you've ever given
• 5 places you most love to be in the world
• 5 things you did and wish you hadn't
• 5 things you'd like people to remember about you

With my additions, we're up to the 15 Lists to Write Before You Die for a total of 108 entries. A lovely number, if I do say so myself. More tomorrow...

10 Lists to Write Before You Die

This blog, posted in 2008, contains a list of 10 lists you should write before you die. Kudos to Dee for a great blog that I've used several times. The 10 lists:

• 10 people who helped me most in my life
• 10 most memorable places I've visited
• 3 best things I've ever made
• 5 best days of my life
• 10 best friends I've ever had
• 5 best journeys I've ever made
• 10 things that gave me the most pleasure
• 5 best books/movies/TV series
• 5 best gifts anyone ever gave me
• 10 things I wish I had done but didn't

The original blog suggests these lists are a good exercise for those nearing the end of their life. While a great idea, I think there are several ways to build on the idea. Go to the link and read the original post (great, great stuff) and then stay tuned for my other ideas (and some fantastic stories) on the topic during the rest of this week.

Meat Your Vegetables? Seriously?

The benefit of small amounts of television watching is you miss some of the ridiculous commercials which proliferate prime time television. Last evening, I saw this commercial for Manwich which claims every serving of Manwich has a whole serving of vegetables. The commercial ends with the tagline, "Manwich. Meat Your Vegetables." On the ConAgra Foods website, they report a "Full serving of vegetables" means that one 1/4 cup serving of Manwich contains or is the equivalent of 1/2 cup of vegetables.

So many questions come to mind! First of all, what is the "equivalent" of 1/2 cup of vegetables? Second of all, what unnatural thing does one have to do to 1/2 of vegetables to make them fit into 1/4 cup serving with other stuff in it? Third of all, what exactly is in the can?

I don't happen to have a can of Manwich around the house and can't really bring myself to go and buy one. For the record, the link to get nutritional information on the ConAgra website leads to a page that says "We are updating our product nutritional information. Our apologies for the inconvenience. Please check back later." I wonder how long this message has been there and if they are not posting nutritional information because it is too frightening. According to this blog, the ingredients are:

Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Less than 2% of: Salt, Sugar, Dehydrated Onions, Dehydrated Red and Green Bell Peppers, Chile Pepper, Tomato Fiber, Spices, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dehydrated Garlic, Carob Bean Gum, Natural Flavors.

It doesn't really seem likely that all of those ingredients would total up to a full serving of vegetables. Unless.... unless, of course, they are counting the High Fructose Corn Syrup and the Corn Syrup as vegetable. Yes, both of those ingredients come from the much produced vegetable, corn. Though I don't think it fair to trick the average consumer into thinking if they eat a Manwich for dinner they are eating a full serving of vegetables.

I would like to believe a full serving of vegetables looks more like, well vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, kale, lettuce. You know... the stuff you buy around the edges of your grocery store, the stuff that comes in its own skin or peel, the stuff which doesn't require a box or a can. Come on, ConAgra. Stop fooling the American consumer so you can sell more stuff in a can. More stuff mostly made out of corn (which when processed, doesn't really count as a vegetable!).

P.S. - When you do a spell check on something and words are highlighted as mis-spellings DO NOT EAT THEM! Guar and Xantham gum (made with corn...).

Small Theory

In keeping with our small theme this week, if you have improvements to make in your health regime put together a plan to do so in small steps. Sometimes when we make big changes, it is more difficult to stick with them. Remember, small is beautiful!

Today's advice is to start by doing one thing tomorrow toward your health goals. What to choose? Possibilities are endless... drink more water, don't drink soda, exercise for 10 minutes, eat more veggies, go to bed earlier.

The small theory suggests you do one small thing each day. Pretty soon, you'll be well on the way to wellness!

Small is Best

Yesterday we learned about choosing small fruits from the produce section to enhance the nutritional value for your body. We'll continue with the small theme today with two ideas:

Small Portions. You've probably heard this idea before (it became particularly popular with the release of the documentary Super Size Me) and it is worth repeating. Eat smaller portions! If you're eating animal protein split a regular grocery store (grass-fed and organic) steak between 3 or 4 people. If you want a treat, eat one Hershey's Kiss or five M&Ms, not a handful. A great way to start is to eat 1/2 of everything you get. Give it a try and see how you feel.

Small Plates. Many restaurants are joining the tapas and small plate trend. If you're eating out and they don't offer small plates, order an appetizer as your main course. Then you won't feel so stuffed after a salad and bread (whole grain, of course). If you're eating at home (always a better choice!), use a salad plate for your dinner and enjoy. If you devote 50% to 75% of your salad plate for your veggies and the remaining for your protein and other side, you'll save lots of calories and feel just as satisfied.

Two small changes. Many big benefits. Remember... small is best!

Substance Over Beauty

We know you're a regular reader of this blog and are becoming a smart consumer and wise when it comes to choosing your food. We'll give you credit for doing the majority of your grocery shopping along the edges of the stores. Well done!! As we've discussed before, most of the products sold in the interior aisles are processed foods. And, we know processed foods should be avoided.

When you're shopping about the produce section how do you choose the right fruits and vegetables? We have a few tips (with one surprise at the end):

Choose organic - No big surprises there. Yes, organic is more expensive and it is also nutritionally more available for your body, so can eat less and still feel satisfied.

Choose seasonally - Choosing fruits and vegetables in their local, natural seasons are better for the environment. If you eat seasonally, the food travels a smaller distance and lessens the impact on the earth.

Choose green - Most people don't get enough dark, leafy greens in their diet. Choose these nutritional dynamos (kale, chard, spinach) for several meals each week.

Choose small (psst, this is the surprise) - Many fruits and vegetables have most of their nutritional benefit in the skins and peels. We Americans have been "marketed to" to think bigger is better. In actuality, the opposite is true for our food. Most of an apple's fiber content is contained in the skin. The skin of a blueberry holds the anthocyanin (a cancer-fighter). Therefore, eating smaller apples and the tiny blueberries gives your body a better ratio of good skin to meaty insides. Same holds true for many other fruits and veggies. So, when you're cruising the produce section of your grocer, be sure to choose small. Small is a better choice for your health. Besides, choosing the smaller produce supports the underdog of the produce section.

Go ahead and show the world -- substance over beauty!

Health and Fitness Expo

Who says standing on your feet all day talking to people isn't fun? Many consumer service companies, web firms in particular, don't spend much time out in the world talking to customers. Today, the Cybercise team spent the day at George Mason University and their Health and Fitness Expo. We talked with many great people, handed out thousands of Cyberbands and had a great time! For now, we're soaking our feet and resting our voices. We'll be on the road quite a bit this Spring and Summer. Fan our Facebook page to keep us with our goings-on. In the meantime, enjoy this photo of two of our best Cybercise team members taking a break and working their muscles.