Life Update

Well hello dear folks,

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks with family visits, staycation and taking on new work projects.

I am thrilled to announce I have officially started accepting clients for social media, PR, writing/editing and schedule building services! Not only does this allow me to bring extra money into my home, but it allows me to do what I love best. I feel very blessed and excited for the future!

As you know, the DARK Act passed and the future of organic and GMO labeling and information is quite fuzzy.. I want to share with you some quick tips to keeping the upper hand on what you and your family eats:

1. Download apps like BuyCott and ipiit which scan the barcode of products inform you instantly about company behind the products you're interested in purchasing. BuyCott informs you if the brands have donated to anti-labeling efforts as well as factory farming and other customizable details. ipiit allows you to customize dietary concerns - cellulose, Non-GMO verified (or not!), etc. to help you know info that won't be found on the label.

2. Start a little garden. It's easy to regrow lettuce scraps as well as grow sweet potatoes from spuds. A little space and a lot of love can yield fruits, vegetables and herbs! This is a great way to cut costs on organic produce.

3. Shop local, organic farms and farmer's markets. Not only will you be supporting the livelihood of local farmers, but you will be amazed to find the costs of produce lower than mainstream grocery stores. Many farmers offer packages and deliveries to take advantage of seasonal grows at affordable rates! (Added bonus: less possibility of a contaminated, extended journey to your table!)

4. Familiarize yourself with brands that offer products you'll repurchase. One of my favorites is Wild Oats, they offer a variety of products from oatmeal to salsa to pasta to sauce. I can easily replace processed, bleached and pesticide-grown foods without breaking the bank. Check out a brand's website, social media pages, blogs and write letters. If their PR and contact doesn't impress you - move on! There are lots of great organic options out there. Note: Keep an eye on brands that have been bought out by bigger corporations; there is no guarantee (or requirement for such) that their new owners will adhere to their past non-GMO or organic standards. Notably Annie's and Applegate have been bought out.

5. Get smart with what's happening in congress and where the future of GMO labeling and banning lies in your area. Unfortunately, all but one of my state representatives voted in favor of HR-1599 aka the Deny Americans the Right to Know Act. America seems to be riding Monsanto's bandwagon pretty steadily, so I have to make sure to keep an eye and ear on what loopholes and close-door deals are to come in the future. It is also essential to keep taking action - don't stop sending letters and emails. Keep the conversation going. If we give up on voicing our concerns, we will become complacent - we cannot accept GMO's as a part of our ecosystem, economic system or food standard.

I hope some of these tips can help you steer clear of brands and products that don't suit a non-GMO lifestyle. Let me know if you have any tips to keep your family healthy and pesticide free!


xoxo TSM