Earth Hour is coming – March 28, 2009! March 16, 2009

And this Green Biz Mama will be participating, just like last year!

I started living a greener life before it became the thing to do.  I recycle, reduce consumption, walk or take public transportation whenever I can, use my canvas bags, etc.  Before partnering with Shaklee I made a lot of my own household cleaners.

It makes my family a little crazy at times, but they understand why I do what I do and that every bit helps.

So, will you join me this year?  All you have to do is shut off the lights for an hour starting at 8:30 pm your time.

http://www.earthhour.org/

1 Million in Bonuses by 3/31/09 – Get your share! January 25, 2009

With the Power of 10 incentive, Shaklee expects to pay one million in bonuses by March 31.  Get your share!

http://www.shaklee.net/sherylthompson/power_of_10v2

Shaklee has been able to grow in each and every recession since 1956. Not many can say or prove that!

Take control of in 2009.

Thinking of trying Shaklee? I’ll pay your membership fee! December 4, 2008

I love Shaklee and use the products all around my home – the kitchen, bath, medicine cabinet, makeup bag, and pantry.  My family is healthier and breathes easier.  My skin is glowing and looks better than ever.  My nails and hair are longer and stronger.

Would you like to bring Shaklee products into your home at a discount?  Become a member this month and I will pay your membership fee!  $19.95 pays for a lifetime membership; a lifetime 15% discount off of your purchases!

Not sure?  Take a look at my catalog – http://www.shaklee.net/sherylthompson/prodMain
If you see something you’d like to try, sign up, place your order, and I will refund the fee.  If you’d like to know what my family and I use, email me and I’ll tell you more.

This is not a company-wide promotion.

Happy shopping and thanks for looking!

Telecommuting = World Carfree Day everyday September 22, 2008

Well, almost everyday. I don’t have to fight traffic on my way to and from work, which is a blessing considering the distance I currently am from the interstate.  And with us being a single car family and hubby having a 45 mile commute, public transportation and I have become renewed our relationship.

Tell me, are you celebrating World Carfree Day?  Have you heard of it before?

Why is Now the HOTTEST Time to Join Shaklee? July 18, 2008

From now until July 31st, JOIN SHAKLEE ONLINE and get FREE SHIPPING!  Now more than ever, people need what Shaklee offers – better health and hope for the future in tough economic times.  This is a great way to get off to a fresh start with Shaklee! ACT NOW, because this promotion ends soon!

New people get FREE SHIPPING on their first order.  Here’s how it works:

• $19.95 Member Pack + 100 PV order (Points Given to Each Product) - FREE SHIPPING up to 9 lbs.
• $39.95 Distributor Welcome Kit + 100 PV order (Points Given to Each Product) - FREE SHIPPING up to 9 lbs.
• $299 GOLD Ambassador Program (BEST VALUE) - $8 off shipment of Mission PAK

Feel free to contact me to find out more about the Points mentioned above.  Our members do not have a monthly commitment to purchase!

Visit my website at www.GreenBizMama.com for more information or contact me.

Another reason to love Shaklee: Shaklee Wins Stevie Award! June 24, 2008

Shaklee Corporation Wins 2008 Stevie® Award for Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program

Shaklee is the first consumer products company to offset 100% of greenhouse gas emissions through the EPA Climate Leader’s program and use 100% green power PLEASANTON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Shaklee Corporation announced today that the company received the 2008 Stevie Award for the Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program at the 2008 American Business Awards held on Thursday, June 12, in New York City. The Stevie Awards were presented in over 40 categories including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, and Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program.

The Stevie Awards are the world’s premier business awards whose mission is to recognize and generate public awareness of excellence in the workplace. Shaklee received the award in recognition of numerous innovative projects, partnerships and achievements launched by the company in 2007, the latest in over fifty years of environmental stewardship and global “firsts,” including becoming the world’s first Climate Neutral™ certified company in 2000 resulting in a net zero impact on the environment.

In 2007, Shaklee became the first consumer products company to offset 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions through the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders Program and use certified Green-e renewable energy.

“We are honored to be recognized for our deep commitment to protect and preserve the environment. Shaklee was founded with the mission of making people and the planet healthier, values which are more relevant now than ever before,” said Shaklee CEO Roger Barnett.

“Our 750,000 members and distributors around the world believe that the right way to do business means doing what is right for people and for the planet. It is this innovative approach to business that has made Shaklee the environmental pioneer that it is today.”

Among other achievements in 2007, Shaklee partnered with Millennium Promise to facilitate direct emissions reductions by providing sustainable solar energy to electrify villages in Malawi, was selected by the nation’s leading child advocacy group, Healthy Child Healthy World, as the exclusive partner for a new video titled, “Creating Healthy Environments for Children” starring actress Amy Brenneman, and was awarded the Global Green USA Organizational

Design Award for outstanding leadership in spreading the message of improving the health of the planet through its network of more than 750,000 members and distributors.

2007 sales of the Shaklee Get Clean Starter Kit, offering non-toxic and environmentally-friendly cleaning choices, helped eliminate more than 23 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and prevented more than 10 million pounds of landfill waste compared to conventional ready-to-use household cleaners.

Stevie award finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists and Stevie Award winners are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

About Shaklee Corporation For 50 years, has been a leading provider of premium quality, natural nutrition, and personal care products, environmentally-friendly household products, and state-of-the-art air and water treatment systems.

In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to be Climate Neutral™ certified to totally offset its CO2 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment. With a robust product portfolio, including more than 50 patents and patents pending worldwide, Shaklee has more than 750,000 Members and Distributors worldwide and operates in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, and soon, in China.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in business worldwide.

Learn more about Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

To learn more about Shaklee, visit: www.greenbizmama.com or contact me.

Global Sponsor of the 2008 Stevie Awards is Dow Jones. Supporting sponsors of The 2008 American Business Awards include FIS Softpro, High Performance Technologies Inc., John Hancock, RCN Corporation, Richardson, and Ultimate Software. Media sponsors include the Business TalkRadio Network, CRM Advocate, and Human Resource Executive.

What is Project MAHMA? June 7, 2008

Moms at Home Making a Difference.  Families across North America of all shapes and sizes are making a difference in their lives, homes, and communities with Shaklee.  We’ve changed how we clean, supplement our meals, and how we work.  We’re literally changing our and our families’ lives for the better.

How?  We started by joining Shaklee, shopping for our usual types of household and nutritional products, and sharing our experiences with others.  Neat, eh?

Like I mentioned before, I would be a customer even if I was not an Independent Distributor.  The products I use have made a huge impact on my life, my home, and my carbon footprint.

If you’d like to learn more, visit http://projectmahma.com/sherylthompson or join us for a Project MAHMA call one Saturday from 10:00-10:45 AM (CST). Dial in (212) 990-8000; access pin # 6262.

As always, best to you!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Playing with my food – 2 kinds of (vegetarian) burgers, Teese, & Sheese May 23, 2008

Hey all! I figured that a major cookout occasion would be a good time to share about what I’ve been doing in the kitchen. Yes, Memorial Day is much more than an excuse to fire up the grill, but that is a given. I appreciate all the sacrifices that our enlisted and retired brothers and sisters have done for me and I thank you all.

I am the sole vegetarian in my home, In my extended family, too. Family gatherings usually involve food, mostly old-school, Southern Sunday dinner-type food; not always veggie-friendly. I’ve been doing my part, bringing hearty sides that are mostly vegan, low cholesterol, lower fat, and wickedly delicious. But when it’s time to fire up the grill, this girl needs a little more than side salads and dessert. I’ve always liked burgers and dogs, but wanted to try my own creations instead of always pulling out Boca or Amy’s. I haven’t found a dog recipe, but Yves, Lightlife, and Morningstar Farms have good ones. Tofurkey and Boca sausages are yummy, too. If you’d rather make your own, try Julie Hasson’s Spicy Italian Vegetarian Sausages. Oh man these are good! I’ve made them twice now, with beans and with tofu. They hold up to grilling quite nicely and made my omni family smile.

As for my burger recipes, a friend suggested adding a little pecan meal to a meatball recipe for a heartier texture (thanks Heidi) and it works! They were deemed the best ever by the family so I’ve made pecan meal a staple around here. The basic burger recipe makes four good-sized burgers or 16 meatballs.

Combine the dry ingredients and sit aside -

• 3/4 cup tvp
• 1/4 cup dry oatmeal
• 1/4 cup pecan meal
• parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, & pepper to taste

In a separate bowl, mix

• 2 T ketchup
• 1 1/2 T soy sauce
• 3/4 cup water

Heat until near boiling (about 2 minutes in the microwave), give a quick stir, and pur over dry ingredients.

Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir in 2 T nutritional yeast. Shape into balls or patties, then cook in a nonstick pan until browned.

They freeze well and are great to keep on hand. I made a double batch, and use one as crumbles to quickly toss into soup, chili, salads, tacos, etc.

I mixed up another batch and made bacon burgers! I added Bacos to the dry mix , added a few drops of liquid smoke to the wet mix, and added 3 T of nutritional yeast. Hubby liked these more than the basic burgers.

I’ve done some shopping, too. I bought some Teese and Sheeze online and am glad I did. They were a little pricey, especially with shipping (about $25 total), but both are really good.

I’ve had Teese on pizza, in a quesadilla, and on a veggie reuben. The Sheeze is cheddar, so I’ve had it in a grilled cheese & with crackers. I haven’t liked any vegan cheese cold and these work. The Teese has a nutty flavor that worked really well on the reuben (starring one of my veggie burgers). The Sheeze reminded me of a crock cheese spread. When I snag some pimientos I’ll make pimiento cheese & let you know how that is, too.

Remember to have fun with your food, this weekend and every day. Be safe, be well, and take care.

A little more about my green life May 21, 2008

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been a green mom longer than I’ve been a green biz mom.  I drove my mother crazy with my recycling, vegetarian-leaning, liberal ways, but I’m a better person and mom because of it.  I want to give our Mother as much love as I can and help heal her.  I know my individual efforts are small, but if each of us does our part, we can help.

Recycling is a given – paper, bottles, cans, dryer sheets, clothing – everything we can.  We donate the kids’ (and our) outgrown clothing to Goodwill, have reduced the amount of waste we produce and amount of energy we use, and reuse goodies that we can find.  I have an old console tv body that mom was going to toss and use it as a plant stand.  It means the world to me that my husband and kids are also on board, and that in general the world is becoming a greener place.  Even if it is the trendy thing to do.

Let’s go back to the beginning.  I was born at 11:59 pm on March 30, 1069…Too far back?  K.

When I was 12-13 I told my mom I wanted to be a vegetarian.  She said ok, then loaded my pate with meat, veggies cooked with meat, and rice cooked in chicken broth and told me to eat. She said that until I started cooking or had a job and could buy my own food, I had to eat what she cooked.  So I did.  Until I hit 17 and got my first real job (I wanted to work before then, but she wouldn’t allow it).  I started limiting meat and increasing veggies, bread, and cheese.  Oh how I loved cheese!  When I got my own place I discovered Books, Herbs, & Spices, a local  health food store, and became a regular.  My love of cookbooks and all things cooking blossomed then, and I saw food as an adventure.

[Yes, vegetarians can be heavy!  I just hadn't learned how to balance out the things I loved with things that I loved but should limit.  Even Fruity Pebbles is vegan, but that didn't mean I should eat it for breakfast, second breakfast, late snacks, etc.]

I also learned more about my impact on the environment and set on the path to reducing my contribution to Mother Earth’s pain.  I walked, rode my bike, and rode the bus more often than starting up the car.  I cleaned my apartment with vinegar, baking soda, Borax, & lemon juice concoctions.  Air freshener was usually some orange or lemon peel tossed in boiling water with a cinnamon stick or plain.  I bought a couple canvas shopping bags and took them everywhere – and had clerks put the plastic or paper bags inside the canvas bags.  I washed my cans and bottles & lugged them to the recycling center about 20 minutes from home.  And then DD was born.

I occasionally ate meat while pregnant because she craved it.  Then decided she didn’t like it.  Mom would drop off food after DD arrived – usually a roast or casserole – and I’d eat it because I was too tired to argue about it, hungry, and not up to cooking.  I went back & forth for a while flirting with a veg way of life and a generally healthier way of life.  Then I met hubby.  We ate out often.  By often I mean weekly.  I gained at least 80 pounds and was already heavy when he & I met.  I’m not sure how much I actually gained because I stopped weighing myself when I saw the scale hit 252.

Fast forward to more current events.  In April 07 hubster was away for a training session so I took the Toronto Vegetarian Association’s Veggie Challenge and was meat free for months.  Then I had a craving and fed it.  And regretted it over the following days while my body yelled at me.  Last October I joined Shaklee and started a new supplement regimen and between it and my way of eating I’d dropped a few pounds, gained energy, and reduced my blood pressure.  I’ve been visiting sites like Lime, Green Mommy Guide, and my fav veg communities and blogs for more tips and hints on keeping on track.  I participated in Earth Hour and spend my cash in places that do their part to save the Earth.  I receive and pay bills electronically and have cut down on a lot of mail.

I went veg for my health.  I went green for the Earth and my children.  I keep on this path because I couldn’t go back to living any other way  It’s a part of me and I know my family is happier and healthier because it.