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Pagan holidays have evolved into many of our Hallmark holidays today.  Saturnalia became Christmas; All Hallow’s Eve became Halloween and even our celebration of that most important woman in our lives originated in ancient festivals as well.  Mother’s Day is this May 13th and the modern holiday of brunches and bouquets is one with quite a history.

In ancient Greece, the traditional holiday of Mother’s Day started out as a non-traditional feast for Cybele, an exotic, mysterious goddess who arrives at parties in a lion-drawn chariot accompanied by wild music and wine.  And while most of our mothers don’t make quite the entrance she did, Cybele was known as Magna Mater, “Great Mother.”

In ancient Rome, the festivities were centered on a celebration for the vernal equinox also honoring Cybele whom they considered the “mother” of all gods.  It coincided with the first day of the year that was longer than night meaning that winter gloom was gone and mother earth was brighter each day.  Their honoring of Cybele, though, was a solemn one with a statue of the goddess carried in a long procession complete with richly goods and precious works of art.

With the introduction of Christianity, the celebration to honor Moms became a part of the church calendar during Lent with the intent to honor the Virgin Mary and the “mother church.”  People would go “a-mothering” and visit their home church and family on what was then the only real holiday for the working class.  Children would pick wildflowers along the way home and gift them to their mothers and eventually this tradition became Mothering Sunday and included a tradition of gift-giving that we carry on to this day.

From a religious holiday grew a commercial holiday (no surprise there).

In the United States, Mothering Sunday was revived by Anna Jarvis [put this before the UK] who founded the Mother’s Day Work Club in five cities to improve sanitary and health conditions.  After her own mother passed, Jarvis began a nationwide campaign to make “Mother’s Day” a recognized holiday by the government.  Jarvis’ revival of Mothering Sunday caught on strongly in the 1920’s in the United Kingdom thanks in large part to the deployment of so many American soldiers during WWI and the eagerness of shopkeepers to market their wares. The holiday of Mother’s Day was promoted with zeal by the church and merchants alike.

While Jarvis herself became embittered by the commercialization of Mother’s Day, there is nothing kinder in my mind than a reason to buy your mother a gift to thank her for her kindness and sternness and patience and love.

Since it started off a celebration of a goddess, treat your mom like a goddess by indulging her with the gift of amazingly soft bamboo clothing or bamboo sheets!  Fresh new styles have arrived spring while bedding is available in a variety of colors and patterns sure to fit any mother’s décor.

Green Earth Bamboo is happy to help you pamper your mother with an incredible Mother’s Day Sale!  Between May 7th – 13th, receive $15 off any $100 order and free shipping on orders over $200!  Use Coupon Code MOTHER12 at checkout.

Happy Mother’s Day!

If we can celebrate Labor Day with appliance sales and commemorate Memorial Day by purchasing mattresses at incredibly low prices, then surely it makes sense shop green in honor of Earth Day.

Bamboo clothing offers a sustainable fabric option for eco-conscious shoppers.  Viscose from bamboo is harvested from the quickly growing bamboo plant growing at a rate of 1-4 feet per day.  Bamboo grows without the use of pesticides, herbicides and the earth surrounding needs not be disrupted as bamboo requires no irrigation and can be harvested by cutting at the root (leaving it to regrow).

While one might think eco-friendly clothing equals drab clothing, let Green Earth Bamboo prove that wrong!  Check out these NEW ARRIVALS of sizzling items for women featuring stylish cuts and fresh colors for spring!

Spruce up a closet with a versatile and beautiful Chloe Skirt with pockets that goes from day to night easily with its mid-length style.  Available in the staple black and for a bit of a kick to any outfit a Riviera blue is also available.

Add a bit of layering to a wardrobe with a Kalin short-sleeved top available in trendy stripes, beautiful basic colors of fern or black or a fun and lively Paradise pink!  For a long-sleeved look, choose the comfortable Lela top with dolman sleeves fitted just below the elbow.  Super soft and super sleek, the top is a perfect complement for bamboo skirts and bamboo pants!

Perfectly paired with bamboo leggings is this Maddy Tunic with a scoop neck and flattering drape for anyone still working on their summer swimsuit figure.

Don’t let the comfort end when it’s time for bed.  Snuggle into bamboo bedding wearing this ultra-feminine Luna Pajama set available in black, paradise pink and a soft peach.

Green Earth Bamboo is excited to offer Earth Day savings starting today and ending on April 23!

Get $10 off orders over $100 (use coupon code EARTHDAY10 at checkout) or get $15 off orders over $150 (use coupon code EARTHDAY15 at checkout).  In addition, receive Free Shipping on all orders $200 and over!

Happy shopping and Happy Earth Day!

When I need invitations I order them online at best-little-wedding-shop.com. They have very unique invitations to choose from to fit everyone’s budget. Check out the graduation party invitations, discount wedding invitations and the photo invitations. I also like that you can order green wedding invitations made from recycled paper stock. Another fabulous place to shop on line is a fun little store called Green Earth Bamboo. I really like the bamboo towels. They are super absorbent and very luxurious. While you’re on this wonderful site make sure to take a peek at the bamboo clothing and bamboo sheets too.

You will find the most affordable wedding invitations at-best-little-wedding-shop.com. They have graduation party invitations and anniversary invitations. I love the photo invitations. You will also find save the dates, themed wedding party favors, accessories and gifts. For those of you getting married they have wonderful wedding announcements to choose from too. Check out Green Earth Bamboo for all of you wedding gifts. They carry fantastic bamboo sheets and duvet covers in awesome colors and prints!

As we continue our month of Earth Day awareness and look to find ways to live a more eco-friendly life-style, we also welcome warmer weather and in some parts of the country the return of those pesky summer pests, the mosquito. Lounging outdoors last night enjoying the balmy climate and arranging my subsequent bamboo trellis project, I was driven inside by the flying pests. Determined to help keep my life chemical-free this month, I scouted around for organic ways to fight off mosquitoes this summer.

Listed here are some all-natural strategies to combat mosquitoes this summer:

Take away standing water: Although mosquitoes can breed in both water and trees (determined by the species), I do not advocate eliminating all of your trees. You can, however, get rid of little patches of water such as empty flower pots, birdbaths, and clogged gutters to discourage the skeeters from hanging out within your yard.

Wear light-colored clothes: Not only will it keep you cooler but it could keep you bug-free as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Take it one step further for comfort and select bamboo clothing!

Use wind energy: Mosquitoes are disrupted by moving air so if the night is stagnant with no breeze, consider an outdoor fan to keep the mosquitoes away.

Make your sweat a repellent: While this may not be the most appealing solution, many suggest drinking a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar or adding more garlic to your diet regime to repel mosquitoes. A less odorous solution is to attempt taking a Vitamin B1 supplement daily.

Protect your yard: Sprinkle garlic powder through your yard to create an all-natural barrier for mosquitoes paying certain attention to the regions surrounding porches and patios. This rewards both us humans and our four-legged buddies.

Make your own repellent soap: Add 10 - 15 drops of crucial oils per ounce of liquid soap (several recommended Dr. Bonner's soaps). It is possible to use anything from lavender to rose geranium to lemon balm to peppermint. Wash with it prior to and right after spending time outside. You'll repel the mosquitoes and smell fantastic simultaneously!

Make your own repellent: One more solution would be to combine 25 drops of essential oils with ¼ cup of organic apple cider vinegar inside a jar. Dab on skin and clothes before heading outdoors.

Make your own candle repellent: Buy a simple burner candle and combine water with crucial oils such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus or catnip. A mixture of several oils works best. The heat from the candle will evaporate the oils into the air which should offer you a 3 -4 feet radius of a mosquito-free zone.

Use some herbs: Crushed parsley in a jar of apple cider vinegar tends to make an amazing repellent. Or if you're doing some eco-friendly grilling, add some sage or rosemary to the grill to discourage mosquitoes from joining you for dinner.

Let your plants battle for you: Incorporate some horsemint, rosemary, marigolds, ageratum or catnip in your garden, be it potted or in-ground. These plants have rather odorous qualities that mosquitoes will steer clear of. To make them more effective repellents, crush the leaves to release their scents.

While you are spending more time outdoors thanks to these ideas on staying mosquito-free, take some time to plant a bamboo garden or try a delicious outdoor bamboo recipe!

In the 1930's Superman was nicknamed the "man of steel" because back then steel was viewed as the ultimate symbol of strength and durability. Today we'd be much more likely to call him the "Man of Bamboo". With excellent reason.

In our 21st century scientists, architects, and builders have found the new steel for this age... bamboo. Strange as it sounds, bamboos tensile strength and durability match or exceed steel. Our Superman would be proud of the new nickname when he learns of bamboo's power and feats of strength.

Spanning the River Min in Saechuan is the largest suspension bridge on the planet, held together completely by bamboo cables. Metal detectors will not find any iron or nails on the entire bridge structure. A bamboo bridge sounds far fetched till you discover how effectively the ancient and modern Chinese have harnessed the power of bamboo. Bamboo cables were the earliest structural element in the background of engineering to be used for suspension bridges, which originated in China and the Himalayas. A bamboo cable 2-inch diameter can support 4 tons and these ancient bridges spanned distances up to 76 meters with no central supports.

Bridges are not the only structures where bamboo proves it strength. "Anything built with steel, I can do in bamboo faster and just as cheaply," stated Colombian architect Simon Velez. He ought to know, Velez designed the largest bamboo structure ever built: the 55,200-square-foot Nomadic Museum, a temporary building that debuted in Mexico City and takes up half of the Zocalo, Latin America's largest plaza.

Building is only part of bamboo's wonders, durability is one more. Jules Janssen was in Costa Rica in 1991 when a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck. Touring the epicenter hours later, he found every single brick and concrete building had collapsed.
"But 20 bamboo structures built there by coincidence held up marvelously. There wasn't a single crack," stated Janssen, a civil engineer and specialist on bamboo's physical properties.

Bamboo proves its worth not just as a constructing material but as an inspirational design as well. Taipei is home to the tallest skyscraper on the planet. The entire design is based on a bamboo shoot as a result of the Chinese belief system with bamboo.

Add versatility to bamboo's list of talents, as displayed by the bamboo organ of Las Pinas built in 1824. This is certainly not a reed instrument, yet it creates a potent musical voice. Bamboo is the crucial element in an organ that will develop notes light as air or make music that could pound your socks off. (Speaking of socks, it is intriguing to note that although bamboo can make buildings of steel, it's also versatile enough to also produce luxuriously soft bamboo sheets and bamboo clothes!)

Superman might think "the man of steel" is catchier, but "the man of bamboo" is all about strength and style.

Bamboo tends to be more of a restaurant title than a main ingredient - think Bamboo Garden with a lunchtime buffet rather than a heart-healthy ingredient for your home-cooked dinner. But bamboo, long a diet regime staple along with a remedy for what ails you in Asian countries, could be a critical ingredient in the fight against cancer and heart disease in the US.

Currently, we know that bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar are purifying agents that will keep us healthy regardless of whether it is with their antibacterial properties or as a supply of Far Infrared Rays that may be absorbed by the human body to help boost circulation. (Much of this may be attributed to the presence of phenols which give bamboo its antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties, the study found.)

But now researchers have found that bamboo contains antioxidants, an important buzzword in the fight against cancer. A post published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety pointed out that bamboo shoots "contain anti-carcinogenic agents," and that "bamboo-derived pyrolysates have been proposed to have antimicrobial and antifungal activites and to protect neurons from oxidative stress."

For all those searching for a healthier diet plan, there's more good news about the health benefits of bamboo shoots. The study, led by Nirmala Chongtham, a botany professor at Panjap University, found that research suggests that they [bamboo shoots] possess health benefits "from cancer prevention and weight-loss to lowering cholesterol levels."

Young bamboo shoots "are rich in nutrient elements, primarily proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fibre and are low in fat and sugar." While some could take multi-vitamins daily, one could very easily pop some bamboo shoots as they're a great supply of thiamine, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and E, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and chromium, and include 17 diverse amino acids, eight of which are crucial for human health.

And if you are wanting to combat a lifetime of greasy food or just consume a healthier diet, throw some bamboo shoots into a salad to make the most of the phytosterols, phytonutrients that are similar to cholesterol but have been shown to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestinal tract and help lower "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Some smaller markets within the States carry bamboo fiber that can easily be added to baked goods, sauces, cereals and other foods inside your pantry.

So not only are you able to make your diet regime much more eco-friendly by including a sustainable ingredient like bamboo, but you can make it healthier too!

Clothing is among the most significant supplies for your baby, as well as the comfort of one's baby's clothing should be your top priority-especially infant clothing! Whether it is bamboo clothing or bamboo sheets, here is what to consider when choosing what to buy for the infant:

The Climate - Choose pieces that warm your baby in winter and keep him/her comfortably cool in the summer.

 Fabric Choice - Select clothes that are produced from soft fabrics and steer clear of those which are made of stiffer materials.
 Irritation - Pick pieces without thick seams, which can cause irritation to the baby's skin.
 Fit - Select clothing that is roomy enough for baby's movement and growth.

Another major consideration is the safety of the material that your baby's clothes are made of. With increased incidences of asthma, eczema, spots, nappy rash, bugs along with other hypersensitivity-related illnesses, more and more parents are becoming concerned about their baby's well being in relationship to their clothing. A terrific strategy to stay away from these allergies and skin sensitivities would be to choose fabrics without toxic substances like pesticides and fabric finishing.

Organic infant clothes are made from toxic-free substances and are also free from flame retardants, petrochemicals, heavy metals and other toxins which may be hazardous to your baby's health. Asthma, skin allergies, poisoning and even cancer are the health risks that are connected with utilizing traditionally grown crops such as cotton.

A smart option for parents who are attempting to steer clear of toxic substances in their children's clothing is organic baby clothing. Organic child clothing is produced from supplies from organic crops, which are not sprayed with any synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Plus, going organic not only benefits baby but our entire ecosystem! A single shirt produced of 100 percent organic material saves more than 33 pounds of synthetic fertilizers and chemical compounds.

One type of organic infant clothing is adorable bamboo infant clothes and accessories for the eco-friendly mom and dad from Green Earth Bamboo. Their organic infant clothes, blankets and sheets are:
Hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and anti-static
Ultra soft and cozy for baby
Naturally wicking which makes it super absorbent
Naturally resistant to odor, which keeps your baby's clothes and bedding super fresh
Temperature regulated, so your child keeps cool in the summer and warm within the winter
Free from chlorine and formaldehyde
Eco-friendly and organic, pesticide free, sustainable and made from a renewable resource

With all that bamboo infant clothes and accessories has to provide, the selection should be clear. Bamboo infant clothes and bamboo blankets are the best decision for you as well as your infant!

April brings showers leading to May flowers as well as the annual celebration of Earth Day across the globe. In honor of the occasion, let's take a look at where our carbon footprints could make a smaller impact starting with transportation.

It's a struggle against tradition to encourage public transit use in several places. The majority of us waited eagerly for that rite of passage recognized as the driver's test and couldn't wait to get our hands on a set of keys. Vehicles mean independence and self-sufficiency and freedom, all things excellent.

In reality, though, our love of vehicles is responsible for 28% of all United states greenhouse gas emissions. And while I would adore for us to possess a chance to flag down a bamboo taxi, pedal a bamboo bike or even catch a bamboo train, I'll instead encourage all of us to choose one day throughout the week of Earth Day and use only public transportation for that day.

Wonderfully green reasons to make use of public transportation include:

 Public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. That is the equivalent of emissions from 4.9 million households.
 Public transportation use saves the equivalent of 900,000 auto fill-ups of gasoline each day. (According to the most current Texas Transportation Institute report on congestion, individuals who reside in regions with access to public transportation save more than 300 million gallons of fuel annually.)
 In the event you choose to trade in the 20-mile roundtrip commute in a car in favor of utilizing public transport, your annual CO2 emissions will reduce by an impressive 4800 pounds a year.

Following the national trend of electric automobiles and hybrids, public transportation systems are investing in diesel-electric hybrids which can be 40% more fuel efficient than standard buses. Even the normal bus-stop is getting an overhaul with an emphasis on installation of solar technology into existing buildings and platforms.

British designer Tiffany Roddis has even come up with a sustainable remedy for providing comfort and protection from the elements while waiting for the bus or train. Her EcoShel Sustainable Bus Shelter is created of sustainable and recycled components and uses solar panels and pressure pads to power the heat and electricity. To encourage more folks to take advantage of public transit, the shelter itself provides comfy seating and hyperlinks schedules employing GPS so commuters know exactly how far away their mode of transport is.

And if riding the bus for all of its environmental rewards isn't enough for you, consider the monetary savings that come with making use of public transportation. You'll be able to save more than $9000 a year if you select to ditch your automobile in favor of mass transit. And to assist our economy, know that for each and every $1 invested in public transportation $4 is generated in financial returns.

So until the day when we can fill up our automobiles with bamboo fuel, contemplate giving your nearby transit method a chance. It is both carbon-saving and cost-saving!

For more tips on eco-friendly living during this month of Earth Day, go to Green Earth News' Green Is Grand section.

I found this awesome website with a variety of affordable wedding invitations to choose from. Best Little Wedding Shop also has very unique invitations including wedding thank you cards and save the dates. They have a wide variety of invitations to fit everyone’s budget. While you’re surfing, take a look at Green Earth Bamboo for everything bamboo. They carry wonderful bamboo items from bamboo clothing to bamboo sheets. I buy all of my gifts on this fun site!