Fundraise with Tea's School Days

It's that time of year again!

Tea's School Days Fundraiser will be held this spring from 2/27/17- 3/6/17.

For those of you who are new to Tea, twice a year, Tea Collection partners with 400+ schools and non-profit organizations across the U.S. to offer  an opportunity to shop Tea + raise money for their organization. When you sign up, you'll receive a special promo code to share with your community that offers 15% off + free shipping. At the end of the fundraiser, Tea donates 15% of your communities sales back to your organization! Shop Tea and raise money, it's that easy! Sign your organization up by February 20, 2017. 

Tea's School Days was created to expand their charitable efforts and give back to schools in a big way. That’s why, twice each year, Tea donates more than $60,000 to schools around the country. 

Sign up here.

International Book Giving Day

Valentine's Day just got some competition.

International Book Giving Day

Give a book to a loved one or click on the link to find out how to give books to those in needs and to literacy programs.

Winter Homeschool Resources

Winter Blues?
Break out of post holiday let down and engage your homeschoolers in winter themed activities and lessons.

Winter themed Art projects at the Unlikely Homeschooler.

President's Day Unit by the DIY Homeschooler.

Groundhog's Day mini unit by DIY HOmeschooler.

The Great Back Yard Bird Count 2017 (February 17-20)

Daily kid news at Dogo

Informative news for the whole family at Democracy Now

Watch the activities of animals

Bald Eagle in SW Florida. 

Hummingbird Nest  in California.

Brown Bear underwater camera in Alaska.

Vampire Bats in Michigan.

Women March on Washington 2017; commentary

I wrote the Facebook/Instagram message below this morning while reading post after post of a copied and pasted response to yesterday's participants in the Marches across the world. Over six million women, men, children peacefully marched in solidarity in Washington D.C. and over 650 Sister marches worldwide during the Women's March on Washington 2017. 


The post that irked me was being shared by relatively young white women many who consider themselves informed with a slight conservative lean.I don't think the women sharing the post understand and are only focused on this as being a response to a political disappointment.  



I wrote this 

If you don't like Marches, don't go. 

The whining/complaining/maligning about women, men and children that peacefully marched is sanctimonious.
It is divisive when we must come together as a gender and a country. Hold space for those who do not feel equal or protected in their country even if you do. 
You may feel equal to men already, some women don't.
You may not use contraceptives, or care how much they cost, or how easily it is to access them, some women do and do. 
You may never need to safely terminate a pregnancy, but some women will.
You may not care if your salary is equal to a man in your exact job, a lot of women do. 
It might not bother you that women are disproportionately represented in government, it bothers a lot of women. 
You may never use paid maternity leave, a lot of women would. 
This isn't about Trump or Clinton. Don't fall for that distraction. 
It isn't about your singular experience as a woman. It is about all of us and the women who come after us.
You may not agree but you don't need to tear other women down either.
Rise above. 
Hold space.

The official program for the March 3, 1913, National American Woman Suffrage Association’s procession in Washington, D.C.

As bothered as I am, I forgive them.

They don't know.

They do not know we have been able to vote for less than 100 years.

They don't know that the birth control they have apathy for was a crime to have or dispense for most of the 20th century.

They do not know about the Women's Liberation movement that began in the 1960s to give women equal pay, control over their bodies, and equal rights in the Law.

They don't know a husband could legally rape his wife until 1972 in the United States.

They do not know until women like my mother had to have her husband's permission to have a bank account. Or that my grandmother was placed in a orphanage so my Great-Grandmother could find a job after her husband passed away.

They do not know that contraception was illegal until after World War II and even still married couples waited until 1965 to have contraception legally. 

They just don't know how long the fight was.

They take for granted rights and privileges that were fought for.

They don't know.

We know.

We see.

Don't allow distractions to separate our gender. White against black, Pro Life against Pro Choice. Conservative op-eds shared widely have painted a picture of exclusion and have help whip up the bystander and on lookers into a frothy self righteous frenzy. Division makes for good TV and shares on social media. They are counting on nullifying the unification from the March with the anger from conservative pro-life women  that felt unwelcome at an event sponsored by Planned Parenthood, NRDC, Emily's List, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and other human rights groups.

They seemed to miss the point of the march entirely. Photos after show Banners of "Stop Killing Babies" and "Pro-Life Feminist" at the march show they did indeed come, they were not barred and  hellbent on inserting their  message in a Women's Rights March of limiting reproductive .

Women, do not be distracted by discarded signage, who from what group marched when, do not all yourselves to be divided, or who grabbed pussies or who you voted for. They are counting on that. 

They know together we are stronger.

They know together we are powerful.

Together we are unstoppable.

Rise above.

Hold Space.

Durham Costco Organic List June 2016

Disclaimer:

This list is compiled by a real human who is often wrangling a precocious 10 yr old during my monthly Costco run.
I am not a professional and have only been recognized once. I get lots of weird looks and some great questions about what I am up to with my camera and note pad--
If you see me, say hi! I'd love to meet you!

Please remember when going through the list that I am not compensated by Costco and receive nothing but OCD satisfaction by compiling and publishing this monthly list to further my own agenda of raising awareness about GMOs and the availability of clean, affordable, healthy food in the area.

If you have seen an error or a forgotten item, let me know or snap a pic of the new item's tag and send it to me.

 I'll add it to the list. Prices are fluid and may change over the course of the month.

Key:

(GF) Gluten Free

KS/KSB-- Kirkland Signature Brand

#/lb-- pound

( * ) Asterisk denotes that this item is being discontinued forever, a seasonal item, or a brand change. 

New items spotted:
The Honest Co Organic Honest Mineral SPF 2/3oz  {I purchased this and will do a review soon}
Amy Lu Organic Maple Breakfast Links 2lbs
Coleman Organic Spinach Florentine Chicken Sausage 36oz  
Cedar Lane Organic Vegetable Hummus Wraps 6ct 
KS Organic Coconut Oil 84oz

Meats:
Coleman Organic Whole Chicken (2 per package) 2.49 per lb
Coleman Organic Boneless Skinless Breasts 5.99 per lb
Coleman Organic BS/SL Thigh Meat 4.49 per lb
Coleman Organic SL Drumsticks 1.99lb
Plainville Farms organic Ground Turkey 3 – 1lb units 14.99
KS Organic Ground Beef 4 lb Sell Units 19.99


Cheeses:
Galbani Organic String Cheese  pieces 10.99
Organic Creamery Sliced Colby Jack 24oz  10.49
Kolios Organic Greek Feta in Brine 14oz  7.99
Bufala Mozzarella Imported From Italy  17.6 oz  11.99
KS French Comte Imported From France 17.6oz  8.99
KS Parm Reggiano  8.49 per lb
KS 6 month aged Manchengo 7.49 per lb
Ford Farms Coastal English Cheddar 6.99 per lb
La Gruyere Swiss Gruyere Cheese 10.89 per lb
Dubliner imported Irish Cheese 5.99 per lb
Jasper Hill Cave Aged Cheddar 9.99 per lb
Holland Gouda Wedge 4.69 per lb
Delice de Bourgogne imported from France 11.99 per lb
Sartori Bella Vitano Espresso 8.29 per lb


Dairy:
Stoneyfield Organic Yo Kids Smoothie 24/3.1oz  10.99
Stoneyfield Organic Super Smoothie 12/6oz  8.79
Kerrygold Imported Pure Irish Butter 1.5lbs  7.69
Horizon Organic Half & Half 64oz  5.99

KS 1% Organic Milk 3/64oz  10.89
KS Fat Free Organic Milk 3/64oz 10.49
KS 2% Lowfat Organic Milk 3/64oz  11.79
KS Organic Whole Milk 3/64oz  11.99

KS Organic Brown Eggs 24ct  6.99



Cold Case:

Hannah Organic Tzatziki sauce 30oz   7.99
Wholly Guacamole Organic Guac 3lbs  9.99
Organic Good Foods Chunky Guac 3/10oz  10.49
Organic Jack’s Cantina Style Salsa 48oz  6.49
Hannah Organic Hommus 32oz  5.99

Cedarlane Organic Veggie Barley Soup 2/30oz  9.99
Harry’s Organic Tomato Basil Soup 2/30oz  10.69
Harry’s Organic Tapioca Pudding 2/32oz  10.99
Love Beets Organic Cooked Beets 4/8.8oz  7.99
Don Lee Farms Organic Veggie Burgers  36oz  12.69
Don Lee Farms Organic Veggie Bites  price unknown
House Farms Organic Firm Tofu 4/14oz  5.69
Monterey Pasta Organic Spin/Four Chs Ravioli 38oz  11.39
Pasta Prima Organic Spinach/Cheese Lasagna 36oz   12.99
CedarLane Organic Vegetable Hummus Wraps 6ct  12.99

Columbia Nitrate Free Sliced Herb Turkey  2/1lb packs 13.79
Amy Lu Organic Maple Breakfast Links 2lbs 13.99
Coleman Organic Spinach Florentine Chicken Sausage 36oz  14.59

Sambazon Organic Acai Juice 64oz 7.99Suja Organic Mighty Greens 59oz  8.99

Produce:

Organic Carrots 10lbs  6.99
Organic Peeled Carrots 5lbs  5.99
Organic Sliced Apples 8 – 4oz bags  7.99
Organic Spring mix  1lb Clamshell 4.49
Wholesome Garden Organic Spinach 1lb clamshell 4.49
Organic Power Greens 1.5lbs  4.99
Organic Bananas 3lbs 1.99
Organic Gala Apples 5.5lbs  15.99
Organic Blueberries 18oz Clamshell  5.99
Organic Squash 3.5lbs  6.99
Organic Raspberries 12oz clamshell  4.79
Organic Blackberries  12oz clamshell 4.99
Organic Green beans 2lbs  5.99



Fresh Goods:
La Tortilla Factory Organic Whole Wheat Tortillas  20ct     5.59
Alpine Valley Organic Multigrain Bread 2/24oz  6.59
Dave’s Organic Good Seed Bread 2/27oz  6.99
Dave’s Organic 21 Whole Grain Bread 2/27oz  6.99
Udi’s GF Whole Grain Bread 30oz  7.59
Sunrise Organic Energy Bars 32oz  9.99

Dry Goods:
KS Organic Coconut Oil 84oz 18.89
KS Organic EVOO 2 liter  13.89
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt 48oz 1.89
KS Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder 13oz  3.49
Spice Lab Pink Salt 5lb  9.99
Spice Lab Himalayan Salt Grinder 16oz  4.79
KS Pure Sea Salt 30oz  2.79
KS Organic No Salt Seasoning 14.5oz 7.99
McCormick Organic Oregano 2.5oz  3.99
McCormick Organic Basil 2.85oz 3.29
Red Star Active Dry Yeast 32oz 4.49

KS Organic Maple Syrup 1 liter 10.49
KS Organic Honey Bears 3/24oz  12.99
Nature Nate’s Raw Honey 44oz  14.79
Wholesome Organic Blue Agave Nectar 2/36oz  10.99
KS Organic Salsa   2/38oz jars   7.69
Sun Maid Organic Raisins 2/32oz  9.39
Mariani Organic CA Pitted Dates 40oz 10.39
Mariani Organic Apricots 40oz  11.39
Made in Nature Organic Calimyrna Figs 40oz 10.99
KS Organic Pine Nuts 24oz  22.99
Better than Bouillon Organic Beef Broth 16oz 6.39
Better than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base 16oz 5.99
KS Organic Cane Sugar 5lb  7.79

Mayorga Café Cubano Organic Coffee 2lbs   13.99
Subtle Earth Organic Med/Dark Roast Coffee 2lbs  12.89

Royal Organic Sona Masoori (white rice) 20lb 15.59
Della Organic Brown Basmati Rice 10lb 12.39
Organic Thai Brown Jasmine Rice 10lb 11.99
C&F Foods Organic Quinoa 4lb  11.59
Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa & Rice 6/8.5oz  10.99
Stober Farms Organic Milled Flax 48oz  7.29
Nature’s Intent Organic Chia Seeds 2 lbs 7.49
Manitoba Harvest Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds 28oz 11.99
Nature’s Truth Organic Black Beans (dry) 10lb 13.69
Giorgio Organic Sliced Mushrooms 12/4oz  9.99

S&W Organic Black Beans 8/15oz cans 6.79
KS Organic Tomato Sauce 12/15oz cans 7.99
KS Organic Diced Tomatoes 8/14.5oz cans 6.49
KS Organic Tomato Paste 12/6oz cans 6.79
Paisley Farm Organic Marinated Mushrooms 35.5oz  7.49
Lindsay Naturals Lg Black Pitted Olives 6/6oz  8.39

Morinaga Organic Silken Firm Tofu 12/12.3oz 14.99
Pacific Foods Organic Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup 6/32oz 12.89
Amy’s Organic Lentil/Minestrone Soup 8/14.5oz cans  13.59*
Pacific Foods Organic Chicken Bone Broth 6/32oz 16.99
KS Organic Chicken Stock 6/32oz 11.69
Paesana Tomato Basil 2/25oz 6.99
Bertolli Organic Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce 4/24oz  9.49

Organicville Organic Sesame Teriyaki 35oz  5.69
Fresh Gourmet Organic Croutons 32oz  6.99
Garofalo Organic Pasta Variety 6/1.1lb bags 8.99
Nature’s Earthly Choice Organic Quinoa Penne 2.2lb  7.89

Annie’s Homegrown Organic Mac & Cheese Variety 12/6oz 12.49
Mott’s Organic Applesauce 36/3.9oz cups   11.99
KS Organic Applesauce 24/3.17oz  9.99
Organic Go Go Squeeze Variety 20/3.2oz  10.89
Organic Happy Squeeze Kale Apple & Mango 12/3.5oz  10.39
Betterbody Foods  Organic LivFit Super Food Powder 25.4oz  18.99

KS Organic Peanut Butter 2/28oz  9.99
Sunbutter Sunflower Butter 2/16oz  8.79*

KS Organic Ancient Grains Granola 2/17.6oz  7.49
Nature’s Path Organic Flax + Pumpkin Granola 35.3oz  7.89
Sunrise Organic Energy Bars 32oz  9.99

Wild Planet Sardines in EVOO 6/4.37oz cans  9.99
Wild Planet Albacore Pole & Troll caught Tuna 6/5oz cans 14.99
KS Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon 3/6oz cans 11.99
KS Wild Alaskan Salmon Boneless/Skinless 6/6oz cans  12.99

Vermont Village Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 64oz  5.99
Heinz Vinegar 1.32gal  2.99

KS Organic Vanilla Soy Milk 12/32oz 13.89
KS Organic Plain Soy Milk 12/32oz 13.99
KS 2% Organic Choc. Milk 24/8.25oz  16.99
Honest Kids Organic Variety Juice Pack  40/6oz 10.69
Capri Sun Organic Variety Pack 40/6oz  13.59
Apple & Eve 100% Juice Organic  27/6.75oz  10.69
Mott’s Organic Apple Juice 2/128oz bottles  8.99
KS Organic Lemonade 2/96oz bottles  5.99
Organic Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade 2/96oz bottles  7.99
ALO Aloe Vera  Drink Variety 12/16.9oz  13.99

Snacks:
KS Organic  Corn Tortilla Chips 4.99
Stacy’s Organic Plain Pita Chips 28 oz  7.29
Late July Organic Sea Salt Snack Chips 24oz  5.99
Riceworks Organic Sea Salt 20oz  5.99
Tostitos Organic Scoops 22oz  5.89
Bare Snacks Fuji Apple Chips 14oz 9.99
Snack Factory Organic Pretzel Crisps 28oz  6.89*

Luke’s Multigrain & Seed Crackers 20oz  6.99*

KS Roasted Organic Seaweed 10/0.6oz packs 8.99
Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks 42 ct  14.99
Organic Clif Kid Zbar Variety 36ct   16.99
Organic Clif Bar Trail Mix Bar 18 ct  18.99
El Camino Real Bakery Organic Simple Bites 20oz  7.99
KS Organic Animal Crackers 64oz  9.99

Nichols Farms Organic Roasted/Salted Pistachios 32oz   16.99
Hoody’s Organic Cashew Unroasted/Unsalted 40oz 16.99

Frozen:
Organic by Nature Organic Mix Veg 5 lbs  6.89
Organic by Nature Organic Green Beans 5lbs  6.89
Organic by Nature Organic Baby Peas 5lbs  6.59
Organic by Nature Organic Edamame 4lb  8.99
Path of Life Broccoli Florets 4 ct/1 lb each  6.49
Good Grains Organic Quinoa & Kale 4/10oz (2.5lbs)  9.99
Dr. Praeger’s Organic Kale Burger 12ct  13.99
Don Lee Farms Organic Chipotle Black Bean Burgers 12/4oz 13.99

Cascadian Farms Organic Berry Blend 3lbs  10.89
Rader Farms Organic Mango Chunks 4lb  10.99
KS Organic Strawberries 4lb  9.99
Sunrise Growers Organic Sweet Cherries 3lb  11.69
Sunrise Growers Antioxidant Blend 3lb  10.49
Organic Wild Blueberries 4 lb  15.89

Chloe’s Organic Soft Serve fruit pops 16 ct  11.99
Organic Whole Fruit Juice tubes 24/3oz  9.99
Julies Organic Strawberry Yogurt Bars 12ct/3oz  10.39
Wawona Organic Fruit Pops 18/2oz  9.99

CJ America Inc. Organic Pot stickers 2 lbs  10.49
Cox Seafood Will Raw Key West Pink 40/50 Ct per lb 2lb  16.39
Cox Seafood Wild Raw Texas Browns 60/70 Ct per lb 2lb  12.99
Trident Wild Alaskan Pollock Burger 12/4oz  11.69
KS Raw Sea Scallops 15-20 ct /2lbs  29.99
Orca Bay BL/SL Flounder Fillets 3lbs 13.79
KS Wild Sockeye Salmon Indiv-wrap 3lbs  26.99

Coleman Antibiotic Free BL/SL Chicken Breasts 4.5lbs  16.99

Pets:
Pampered Pet PB Dog Treats  4lbs  12.59

Nature’s Blend Wild Birdseed 40lbs 16.59


MISC:

EOS Organic Lip Balm 5 ct Variety Pack 10.99

The Honest Co Organic Honest Mineral SPF 2/3oz  13.99
The Honest Co Baby Shampoo and Body wash 2/17oz  14.99

Orgain Organic Protein Powder Chocolate 2.74lb  29.99

Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt 2x 6lb bags  7.99

Isopropyl Alcohol 2x32oz  3.59

Hydrogen Peroxide  2x32oz  1.99

Dual Compost Drums 2x50 gallon drums  149.99
Pro Concepts Hen House Chicken Coop  185.99

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda 13.5lb  5.75

ECOS Laundry Detergent 210oz Lily & Magnolia 12.99
Green Shield Organic Free & Clear Detergent 200oz  13.79

Howdy!

Hello Chewies---

My hiatus from the blog is over and I am back in the saddle! Our family move to Virginia and then NC was long drawn out and something I dont want to repeat.

I've missed writing the blog and hunting and gathering at my local Costco for the organics and nongmos. I'm looking forward to deeper involvement with the Blog and interacting with the readers.

Have a wonderful weekend, get your feet in the dirt and watch for the June Costco organics list! 

Organic Monster Bites

I adore a good crunchy apple smeared in peanut butter. It is so good, like dessert good. I'd snack on apple slices dipped in peanut butter a few times a week. It is something I used to do, before kids.  Like many Moms, I have a child with a food allergy. Food allergies change the entire scope of your life, especially when they are severe. Food allergies have risen 600% in the last 15 years. YIKES!!  I live with a child who has severe food allergies. I admit, I miss my peanut butter. I never realized how much of I ate until it became verboten in my house.

I've found a few good substitutes, Soy Wonder, Wonderbutter, and Sunflower butter. The latter option if ok, and is best on a sammich. Soy butter is thicker and works really well when trying to substitute or replicate peanut butter awesomeness. With organic roasted soy butter, I've been able to replicate some treats for my whole family to enjoy. 

This is a little creative snack-- with a switch out to soy butter, it is allergy friendly. Keep your choices organic. I've seen a variation with fresh strawberry tongues. A good friend of mine Abbie suggested using freeze dried strawberries! A dried fruit or freeze dried fruit option will certainly survive the lunch box trip to school.

Here is what I chose:

Pink Crisp Organic Apple
Wonder Butter
Raw, Organic Sunflower Seeds
Organic Banana Chips

1. Slice apples into quarters.
2. Cut out mouth shape--- make it big.
3. Cram in as many sunflower teeth as you can
4. Dollop of soy butter to hold in the 'tongue'
5. Enjoy or pack into a container for sack lunch. 

Call to Action -- Connect with Your Senator

@RepMike #HR1599 would stop states from labeling #GMOs! #StopTheDARKAct Moms want to know what is IN the food!!! pic.twitter.com/mNXu136Ns5

— Mostly Chewy (@MostlyChewy) July 23, 2015

A Small Setback

As readers  know by now, H. R. 1599 has passed in the house by a narrow margin.

You can see how your Congressperson voted HERE.
If s/he votes No, please find them in twitter, Facebook, and call them. Thank them for listening to their districts and voting well.

Do the same if your Congressperson voted Yes, tell them how you feel, how this will affect your vote. Tell them WHY their vote screwed the pooch.

The twitter tag #HR1599 is now trending on twitter. Citizens are NOT happy about the obvious power play to obfuscate our food by enacting a voluntary labeling scheme and overriding any and all labeling laws passed by states. Monsanto must be collectively shitting their pants.

We have the Power.

The people do.

We always have.

We have just been convinced we are too small, too late, too weak, too poor to make a difference.

I know we can.

We are so close to tilting the table the companies who want to keep us in the dark are SCARED.

Do your civic duty, call and write to your Senator.


Now is not the time to delay.