Better Bags for a Better Planet

"Dang it!" I mutter as I get to the front door of the grocery store.... I forgot to bring my cloth grocery bags in! "Next time" I would tell myself. I was attempting to think green and be kind to Mother Earth. My forgetfulness was so frequent that it began to irritate me. I thought about hanging a reminder on my review mirror or placing a post-it on the dashboard. This was now a personal challenge. Gheesh....how hard could it be to remember? I got honest with myself and admitted that Eco-bags would always be an afterthought until I changed my behavior and made it a habit. It took a good two weeks of getting to the front door, muttering "dang it" and swiftly turning myself around to retrieve the bags from the car. Did I know that Americans go through 1 billion plastic bags annually? Did I know that it takes an estimated 12 billion barrels of oil to produce all those plastic bags? Did I know that the average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store? I knew none of this, I just wanted to embrace thinking green and this seemed like a good first step. Now that I use cloth bags I am happy to report how handy and durable they are. The 8 or so plastic bags I used to carry are condensed to two cloth bags. I use cloth bags to pack food to go or towels and sunscreen for the beach. I don't have all those plastic bags cluttering my kitchen. Eco-friendly bags are a great habit once you make them just that. -Monica

FaceBook Freebie

Hey FB family....thanks for your support! We have surpassed our goal of 1,000 members and keep adding more!
As a special thanks, we would like to offer a FREE SOAP GIFT SET with every $20 order you place @ http://www.sistersky/.

Important: Please type in "FACEBOOK" in the Ordering Instructions section upon checkout. Limited time only while supplies last! Order now!

Work Out and Count It!

So I do this every year......I put a giant wall calendar next to the treadmill. When I work out I mark the date box with a big blue X. On the days I am "too busy" to work out the day is marked with a sad face.....yes, a little dramatic but there is a purpose. This calendar is a reminder of how many times I am investing in fitness over the month. Being a new year.....I see so much potential to keep my commitment to working out. The X is not picky. If I hike with my family on Saturday, I get an X. Walking the dog, rollerskating or dancing the night away.....I get an X. The point is to make both structured workouts AND fun time activities with friends and family a part of keeping fit and healthy. Never underestimate the power of the X to keep you motivated. Try it. Maybe it will work for you! -Monica

Sister Sky Reaches High in 2010

SISTER SKY IS ON FACEBOOK......please become a fan!
Who we are: Sister Sky is owned by Marina TurningRobe and Monica Simeon. Yes, we really are sisters! We are members of the Spokane Tribe and grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Eastern Washington.
What we do: Sister Sky manufactures, markets and distributes a complete line of natural bath and body care products inspired by Native American herbal wisdom. Our products include Sweet Grass Body Lotion, Cedar Shampoo and a very soothing line called Kevin's Cure for senstive, dry skin conditions like eczema. Check it all out at http://www.sistersky.com/.
Our Mission: As Native American business women we hope to diversify the economy on our reservation and create a positive impact with job creation and entreprenuer inspiration . Our greatest hope is to build a honorable company to pass on to the next generation who aspires to work hard, follow a dream and be successful.
Please check out our FaceBook Page at: http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Spokane-WA/Sister-Sky/230340194280?ref=nf

Jump in the Water is Fine....

This past Saturday, while boating with my sister and her family on the beautiful Spokane River the kids were bugging us to go to "the rock." My children are teenagers, which means they are not easily amused. Seems as if being pulled on an inflated tube at high speed behind a boat gets boring. As we make our way to "the rock" they are excited. When the boat stops they dive out and swim to "the rock." Once there, they climb up 40 feet and stand around mustering up the courage to lunge off the edge into the water. The boys are hot shots so they jump, hit the water with a thud and then swim back to do it all again. My daughter, Leah stands at the edge contemplating. She leans over, she looks down, she hesitates. She talks to others who are jumping. She gathers information. She is getting tips. She is observing the various jumping styles. By now a few other boats have come to "the rock" and everyone is cheering her on. On the count of three.....one....two.....three.....she jumps. She lets out a little scream on the way down but she hits the water in fine form. She pops up a few seconds later with a giant smile on her face. Later she shrugs and says, "it was fun once I got over being afraid. It really wasn't that bad." How true is this in life? Whether it's in business, a career, a relationship......eventually you just have to jump and usually the water is fine. Now that's real....FB readers: click on "view original post" below to see a picture of Leah on top of "the rock."

My Skin is Stressed...

Your skin can have a variety of reactions to stress: from pimples, rosacea, eczema and splotches to rashes and dryness.

The following are common effects of stress on your skin:

1. Skin Flare-Ups: Stress can increase oil production with can cause pimples, redness and rashes to develop.

2. Dryness and Dullness: Stress can reduce skin's moisture creating a breeding ground for dead skin cells to accumulate which results in a dry and dull complexion.

3. Eczema: Those affected by eczema tend to notice more flare-ups when stress is high.

The skin is the first and best indicator that you're under some sort of stress. A well balanced diet, plenty of water, adequate sleep and regular exercise can help your body cope with stress and its effects on skin.

Forget IQ - Do I have EQ?

I am emotional. On most days I believe I am intelligent. What is this "emotional intelligence?" Do I blend the two and is there a recipe I need to follow?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) refers to your ability to effectively manage yourself and your relationships. Increasing EQ has been correlated with better results in leadership, sales, academic performance, marriage, friendships, and health.
There are 5 characteristics of the EQ person:
1. Self Aware: They constantly evaluate WHO they are and WHY they make choices. Deep reflection.
2. Self Control: They are masters at managing emotions. Think before action.
3. Self Motivated: Nobody needs to kick 'em in the butt. The have a strong desire to achieve based on solid core values.
4. Empathetic: They are in tune with others. They come from a place of listening to understand instead of listening to be right.
5. Relationship Focused: They have fantastic interpersonal communication skills and easily gain trust and confidence from others.
EQ is something that can be learned. It is a bit like a muscle. If you train it daily, it becomes strong.....to the point of second nature.