The Ever-Elusive Search For The Magic Of Christmas

25Dec 2015

The Ever-Elusive Search For The Magic Of Christmas

Living room with fireplace and decorated Christmas tree.

As the sun sets on Christmas 2015, I thought this would be a good time to assess the success of this year’s efforts to find the magic of Christmas. After all, is this what this is all about?

Each year, the end of the Thanksgiving Day celebration marks the beginning of the race to Christmas. We shop for hours on end, both online and in local stores. We send out cards to friends and family. We gather together for parties and celebrations at our homes, places of work and worship, etc. We plan holiday trips to visit family in our hometowns or elaborate vacations to the far ends of the world. With all of this effort, we must be searching for something.

The Season of Subliminal Messages

Throughout the holiday season, our senses are attacked from all angles by subliminal messages on the “meaning of Christmas” and “the reason for the season”. Every charity known to mankind lets us know that it is time to open our hearts and wallets to help the poor, the wounded, the abandoned, etc. You cannot and must not pass the Salvation Army bell ringer without giving. Even the Girl Scouts are posted outside the local grocery stores to sell cookies. Turn on the television and you get bombarded with an onslaught of commercials, which depict families gathered together lovingly enjoying the latest electronic devices or toys.

All of these things tug at the heartstrings and pursestrings, but do they really help us find or recreate that ever-elusive magic of Christmas.

From my perspective, the answer is a resounding NO! The magic of Christmas is not based in commercialism as we are led to believe. It is something that cannot be bought with money.

The True Magic of Christmas

Perhaps the best thing and the worst thing about social media is that it provides a great platform for anyone and everyone to speak his or her mind at any given time. Often spontaneous musings or offline comments reveal more about one’s true feelings than do carefully pondered statements or prepared responses. Herein lies the key to solving the magic of Christmas.

If we look closely at the Facebook statuses and tweets of friends and acquaintances, we see a pattern at this time of year.

Nostalgia. Childhood memories of planning and celebrating Christmas at a time when life was slower, calmer and simpler.
Friends and Family. This is the time of year that we really miss our departed loved ones. We send up prayers for them and we relish in our fondest memories of them.
A greater feeling of Charity. During this time of year, we are more likely to have a spirit of giving to those who are less fortunate.
Greater Sense of Humanity. During the holiday season, most people really and truly want peace on earth, more than at any other time of year.

Car carrying a Christmas tree in a miniature evergreen forest

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the magic of Christmas really is not ever-elusive. It is right there all the time, just waiting for each of us to embrace it, not only on December 25th, but everyday. Imagine if we began each day drawing our strength from our foundations. The lessons learned from our loved ones, those here and departed, are the greatest gifts ever and go a long way to guide us each day. Taking time out to reflect on our experiences, plans and even limitations will save us time, money and help us avoid many of the mistakes we make in life. A mindfulness of the environment and respect for each other will foster a happier and wholesome life. I think this truly is the magic of Christmas!

25Nov 2015

Gratitude– A Key Ingredient In Healthy And Happy Living

by Sharon Halligan

Recent scientific and sociological studies note the importance of gratitude as a key ingredient in healthy and happy living.

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word, gratia, meaning grace and thankfulness. Current medical and scientific research consistently associates gratitude with greater happiness, which also facilities better physical and mental health. According to a note from Harvard Medical School, “[g]ratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build stronger relationships.” [1]

In the United States, one need not search far to find information on gratitude as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are rooted in gratitude. Unfortunately, many of us embrace this doctrine during the holiday season and then revert to old habits of constant states of dissatisfaction, inconsideration, greed, etc., once the holiday season ends. To that end, our society has created a world that is a ball of confusion, a perpetual state of unhappiness fueled by toxic interpersonal relationships, ill health and a compromised climate. As we all search for a solution for the many bad things going on in the world today, maybe if we focus on the true meaning of gratitude, and thankfulness, we can break the cycle that we currently are in, running uncontrollably in circles like hamsters on a wheel, never really making any progress.

Scientific Benefits of Gratitude

Generally, we are hard wired and require proof that any course of action is authentic. As such, current scientific studies specifically note positive benefits of showing gratitude (although we really should not need a reason to be grateful as it should be assumed to be the right thing to do).

People who are grateful generally are more hopeful and healthier.
People who express gratitude generally have better quality and duration of sleep than those who do not show thanks.
People who are thankful have increased self esteem than those who do not show thanks.
People who show gratitude also have greater empathy towards others and are more likely than those who do not show gratitude to be pro-social.
People who show gratitude and who list in journals the things for which they are grateful have greater resilience to problems that may arise.

Gratitude Is Heart Healthy

Another very important reason to show gratitude is that it is particularly good for the heart. [2] The correlation between the effects of depression, stress and anxiety and the increased risk of heart disease have been well documented, just as the positive effect of a good mental status as beneficial to heart health has been touted. It is no secret that grateful people are healthier than ungrateful individuals, with fewer cases of inflammation in the body and buildup of damaging plaque. To that end, being grateful has a big payout.

Teach The Children Well

The lesson of gratitude is great for children and serves to build stronger families and independent thinkers. In this age of preoccupation with physical things, and the ensuing deleterious impact on the environment in terms of trash and financial woes from overspending, gratitude for the sufficiency of what one has helps to raise children to be confident responsible adults.

Practice Mindfulness

The practice of showing gratitude hones the skill of mindfulness, which requires each of us to plan our lives very carefully rather than functioning on automatic. When we plan our activities, our budgets our schedules, etc., we save time and make better choices. We become aware of the potential pitfalls in life and avoid them to the extent possible.

Everyday Is A Day Of Thanksgiving

As we gather with family and friends to express gratitude for our lives, our happiness and health, it is important that we commit to make everyday a day of gratitude, giving thanks for our world, our love ones and our creator. This then becomes the starting point for a movement to create a healthier happier world for us all. To do so is to live green, be green.

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[1] http://www.newsweek.com/5-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude-398582#big-shots/undefined/0
[2] http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/11/23/456656055/gratitude-is-good-for-the-soul-and-it-helps-the-heart-too

04Jul 2015

Love And Baseball The Potter Way

by Sharon Halligan

On Thursday, July 2nd, Potter Baseball hosted the Annapolis Cook-Off at Arnold Ball Park in Arnold, Maryland, a wonderful event that reflected Jeff Potter’s vision and commitment to love and baseball the Potter Way.

Courtesy of Potter Baseball

Teach The Children Well.

What makes Potter Baseball so special? This program utilizes the sport of baseball as the core of its theme and cleverly incorporates other concepts, namely community service, health, respect for self and others and charity work, thereby creating a lesson in life. Each summer the program participants gather on weekends to play in tournaments in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. While on these tours, the team holds fundraisers for charities, collects food for donations and visits historic sites in the locales and supports their causes, such as the Bull Run Warrior Retreat. Often they experience the hospitality of area teams and their families who offer them accommodations.

14Feb 2015

Valentine’s Day: Get Your Love Jones At The Gym– Literally

by Sharon Halligan

Valentine’s Day is the day of love, and it is a great opportunity for women, whether in a relationship or not, to consider getting their Love Jones at the gym or through exercise.

A new study by the Center for Sexual Health at Indiana University concludes that many women interviewed experience orgasm with physical exercise. According to this report, these “corgasms” are linked to exercises for the abdominal muscles. The research, directed by Debby Herbenick, relied on online surveys to gather data and included responses by “124 women who had experienced exercise-induced orgasms and 246 women who reported exercised-induced sexual pleasure.” [1] The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 18 and 63, with an average age of 30. Most reported that they were either married or in a relationship, and 69 percent stated that they were heterosexual.

This study is significant for healthy green living because it gives women another really great reason to exercise, in addition to weight control, mood enhancement, prevention and management of a variety of health problems and mood enhancement. Also, sexual health is an important component emotional, mental and social well-being.

It is important to note that not all types of exercises were linked to the experience of orgasm. The study results indicate that 45 percent of the women stated that their first sexual experience while exercising was linked to abdominal exercises; 19 percent experienced orgasm with biking/spinning; 9.3 percent with climbing poles; and 7 percent with weightlifting and running. The remainder mentioned orgasm experienced with yoga, swimming, elliptical machines, and aerobics. More women stated that they felt sexual pleasure as opposed to orgasm phenomenon. The important takeaway here is that exercise can provide a healthy avenue in which a woman can learn to love herself, embrace her sexuality and cherish her body.

Love and sports

When one stops and ponders this concept, maybe it is not that unusual. After all, if you have ever taken any classes at a gym, think about how engaged the female instructors tend to be, particularly in the spin classes, weight training and both the water and step aerobics. I distinctly recall the level of excitement by the instructor in the Zumba classes approaching that of an old-time revival. We all recall the recent uproar at Wimbledon whereby female tennis players grunted and shrieked during matches, prompting the tennis associations to launch campaigns to ban such behavior. [2] Just maybe these women are responding to exercised-induced sexual pleasure. Of course, this would not be considered by the largely male executives of this sport, who probably would never give credit to any sexual pleasure to a source other than a man. Finally, take a trip to a Baltimore sports event, such as an Orioles or Ravens game. Even with the singing of the National Anthem, notice the crowd, especially the ladies, scream “O” with the last stanza. Maybe, just maybe the exhilaration of the sporting event is teasing their sexual pleasure.

Christian Grey has nothing on us.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you are at least somewhat familiar with the book and just-released movie, Fifty Shades of Grey. As I write this article, thousands of women are in line or online purchasing tickets to see this movie. Well ladies, now you know you do not have to pay money and sit on the sideline letting Christian Grey be the stimulus for your sexual pleasure. Spend your money on a gym class, a pair of running shoes or weights and take charge of your own orgasm or sexual pleasure. Share exercise routines with your husband or significant other to enhance your relationships. For the men– if you are still out there looking for that great Valentine’s gift, consider the gift of a gym membership or a commitment to exercise together to improve the romantic aspect of your relationship.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate love and life. Hopefully, it will serve as a time for women to love their bodies, embrace their sexuality and strive for good health through exercise. To do so is to live green, be green.

____________________

[1] http://www.livescience.com/19145-exercise-induced-orgasm-sexual-pleasure.html.
[2] http://www.bustle.com/articles/29044-why-do-female-tennis-players-grunt-as-wimbledon-approaches-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about.

21Dec 2014

Eleven Great Holiday Green Gift Ideas

by Sharon Halligan

Holiday gift giving can be difficult, and we here at LGBG have 11 suggestions for thoughtful holiday gift ideas that are green, sustainable, unique and sure to be appreciated by family and friends.

If you’re reading this article now, it is safe to assume that the Christmas gift shopping category still is staring at you on your holiday to-do list. Perhaps you are tired of the perfunctory shirts, belts, ties, food gifts, sweaters, etc. Maybe you don’t want to venture out to the crowded malls and shopping centers, or hopefully you want to find that great gift that shows that you care about the environment and that you want to make a positive difference in the world. You know that contributing to the collection of more “stuff” is not a good thing. As such, here are some suggestions from LGBG.

Consider giving experiences rather than things.

Gift giving can be a very special opportunity to show recipients, whether friends or family members, that you care about them and that you took the time to get them something that they would enjoy. Given that we are living in a society in which we generally are concerned with our collection of “stuff” and a looming fear that we are becoming hoarders, a gift of an experience becomes more attractive.

1. Tickets. These always are popular. They can be to a show, play, sporting event or a trip. If you purchase an experience that you know the recipient enjoys, this gift is guaranteed to be a hit.
2. Spa and well being sessions. A day at a spa with massage, healthy food and drinks, rest and rejuvenation is a gift that is sure to be remembered for a long time. Also, it may introduce the recipient to an experience that he/she may wish to continue.
3. Wine and gourmet food tasting. Sure to be a hit for a couple, who may enjoy a unique dating experience.
4. Lessons. There are lessons available for purchase for many experiences. Perhaps a surfing class for that friend who you know would like to try this, a zip line class for that daring friend, a golf lesson for someone who has mentioned often that they would love to play. Just maybe you have a friend who repeatedly voiced love for the cello and the desire to learn to play. Well, here is your way of saying.”I listen to you and want to help you achieve a dream.”

Gifts that Give Back.

Most of us have those very special friends, who consistently work to make the world a better place. A gift that echoes their focus on charity is very thoughtful and definitely will be appreciated.

1. Coffee gifts that change lives. Coffee has enjoyed ever-increasing popularity. During the holiday season, gift cards for the most well know coffee corporations can be found everywhere. This year, we suggest trying a new approach, namely Three Avocados, a nonprofit coffee company, dedicated to finding a creative solution to ending global water shortages, beginning with Uganda. The great thing about this company is that 100% of its net proceeds are used to provide clean water in Uganda and also education in Nicaragua.
2. Lipstick that fights AIDS. For the friend or love one who adores lipstick, skip the department store cosmetic department and order MAC Viva Glam lipsticks. The mission of this company is “to serve people of all ages, all races and all sexes affected by HIV and AIDS.”
3. Wine that gives back. Order wine from ONEHOPEWINE, a social enterprise “that integrates causes into products and services to make a social impact.” This group donates 50% of its profits to great causes, including the World Food Program and the Gateway for Cancer Research.
4. Buy a boot, give a boot. Toms footwear and accessories are very popular and makes a great gift ideas because “with every product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need. One for One.”[1]

Special interest gifts

Maybe your list includes friends with special interests who would appreciate a unique gift that acknowledges their enthusiasm for a particular activity.

1. Online reading subscriptions. These are perfect for people who like to read, particularly on-the-go, and who want to reduce their collections of paper copy to save space or to save a tree. Also, programs, such as Audible, offer audiobooks that can be downloaded to most electronic devices to be enjoyed while driving, walking, etc.
2. Personal hydrators. The personal hydrator by HydraPouch is an innovative way for runners to maintain hydration during races and to improve performance by eliminating the need to use paper cups.
3. Stock. A gift of a stock certificate is a great way to introduce a young friend or family member to investing. Purchasing stock from a company that makes a product or provides a service of interest of interest to the recipient will enhance this experience even further.

Celebrate the season.

We hope that you enjoyed our holiday gift ideas and will find something on this list to give to that special someone in your life. Of course, our goal here is to celebrate the season, celebrate life and the environment. To do so is to live green, be green.

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1. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/16/basic-bitch-gift-guide_n_6310274.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cresponsive-tablet%7Cdl40%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D583476

01Nov 2014

Final Thoughts On 2014 Midterm Election

by Sharon Halligan

The 2014 midterm election will take place on Tuesday, November 4th. Historically, midterm elections do not attract as many voters as presidential elections. However, there are many issues at stake, particularly on the state and local levels, that affect our daily lives, often more than national issues. Maybe you have decided not to vote in the midterm election, or perhaps, you think you have figured out how you are going to vote. Here are some observations and final thoughts, which may get you out to the polls or may make you ponder your choices further.

Green issues and sustainability are front and center.

Perhaps the most noticeable thing about these midterm campaigns is the emphasis on green issues and sustainability. Energy, the environment and climate control are front and center this election cycle. So this is a special election for proponents of green living and sustainability. Although supporters of the environment and healthy living have never required the validation by anyone or any organization, including major political parties or elected officials, to “do the right thing” to protect our planet, the fact that these issues now are central in the dialogue on government agenda, indicates a realization of the need to formally address concerns with pollution and depletion of natural resources. As such, we owe it to ourselves and the planet to get out and vote.

Additionally, it is important to note the cost of indifference at the ballot box.[1] If you listen carefully, much of the conversation and debate on green issues is coming from special interest groups. Not all proposals are good for the environment overall. Some proposed legislation needs to be rejected. When evaluating these issues, do not rely on commercials– 30-second sound bites that do not tell the whole story. For instance, in campaigns that promise to cut taxes, one message does not fit all situations. Some things are worth paying for, namely education, clean water and good roads for starters.

Construction vs. Destruction.

Many people decide not to vote in midterm elections because the political climate often becomes so toxic, complete with name-calling, spreading false information and labeling, that voters become so frustrated with the process, they often disengage. Consider this instead. Rather than tuning out, get engaged. Look carefully at the issues involved. The important thing to take away from this conversation is that the goal of electing someone for a political office should never be about destruction of any laws or conditions solely for political purposes. Rather, it should be about building something for the improvement of society. Beware of messages from politicians that only want to tear down something with nothing better to replace it or those who are so heavily funded by special interest groups that they are unwilling to consider any collaborative efforts to address issues. For example, why can’t solar, electric and fossil fuel energy coexist with continuing research efforts to improve the efficiency of each type of energy?

Reject the restrictions of labels.

Peel back the labels. No one political party can totally address the issues at hand. Rather, collaboration will work better to get the job done. Identify the issues important to you as a citizen and vote for the candidate that you think will do the best job, regardless of party affiliation. Also, take a look at any independent candidates. You may be presently surprised to see people willing to commit to issues when they are not bound by party affiliations. It is often said that “past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior.” To that end, rather than listening to what any politician is saying to get elected, it may be best to check that individual’s record. A great source to review the voting record of any politician can be found here.

Don’t let the race be given autommatically to the rich.

Face it. We live in a time when the often the winners of political races are the ones with the most money. Everyday we hear about how much money a candidate has in his campaign chest. These individuals are able to bombard the airwaves with their messages and drown out the underfunded candidates, who often are more suitable people to represent the general population because they are not beholding to special interest groups. A major step in promoting sustainability and healthy living is to reject this mentality, beginning with the realization that these commercials and advertisements most often lack full and truthful disclosure. So many large companies tout sustainability but are abysmal failures at it, all in the name of the bottom line.[2] It is important to research candidates to see who are backing them. Vote with a conscious and not just along money lines.

Keep state and local initiatives close to heart.

It is safe to say that we all want safe communities, good schools, clean and efficient transportation and green space for recreation and relaxation. Look to local and state initiatives to achieve these things, often through bond issues at the ballot box. Whether you or for or against the legalization of marijuana, expect that to show up now or sometime soon at an election. Perhaps there is a rogue delegate or state senator in your district, recall ballots are the way to get rid of them.

Conclusion.

If you sit down and seriously think about it, there are more reasons to vote than to not vote. We hope that you will engage the political process and use your vote for change this election, particularly to address the environmental, energy and green issues plaguing our planet. To do so is to live green, be green.

________________________

[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/09/01/politics-midterm-elections-president-obama-congress-editorials-debates/14942079/
[2] http://www.businessinsider.com/the-15-worst-companies-for-the-environment-2009-9?op=1

08Oct 2014

10 Absolutely Awesome Things About Autumn

by Sharon Halligan

Autumn is the most versatile season and presents optimal opportunities to enjoy many absolutely awesome things. By this time of year, most of us have recovered from mourning the passage of summer and are ready to embrace the best season of the year.

“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.C. Montgomery from Anne of Green Gables

Autumn has great symbolic importance. In terms of agriculture, it is the time of the harvest, and symbolically it is the season when many people and entities refresh their books and set goals for the new year. Students return to school with clean slates and lofty goals. Employees return to work after vacations with plans for the next year. Even the United States government begins its new fiscal year on October 1st.

So today, we here at LGBG are happy to list 10 absolutely awesome things about Autumn.

1. Autumn colors. Mother Nature never fails to deliver a dazzling display of color during the fall season. Beautiful shades of gold, yellow, green and orange can be found in flowers, fruits, vegetables and most notably trees, sunrises and sunsets. More than any of the other seasons, Autumn is the time for nature’s ultimate showcase. Additionally, the mild fall temperatures create the perfect environment to enjoy outdoor activities.

Beautiful fall flowers

2. The best of sports. Autumn is the best season for sports– hands down– with its numerous offerings. Let’s face it, after the Super Bowl in January and the NFL draft in the spring, there generally is only prognostication about football until the fall. Autumn signals the end of talk and the beginning of play. Whether it is the NFL, college, high school or Pop Warner, football is king. We get to watch, cheer, lament and even manage teams and compete in fantasy leagues. Once considered a “man’s” sport, the NFL now boasts increased popularity among females who now comprise 46% of its fan base. [1]

We cannot talk about Autumn without talking about baseball. Autumn is the showcase season for baseball with the MLB postseason. After suffering through the summer’s heat and humidity with its accompanying thunderstorms and often extended rain delays, we now can sit back and enjoy the best of major league baseball. The stakes to win the World Series are high, and the competition is stiff. As one of America’s favorite pasttimes, you can expect baseball to be a favorite conversation subject all over the country. An interactive map of baseball can be found here.

Baltimore Orioles advance to American League Championship Series

Autumn also is a popular time for NHL hockey. Preseason has begun, giving teams a chance to evaluate new players and offering fans an opportunity to get a look at their favorite teams matched up with rookie and veteran players. Finally, community sports are in full swing as parents cheer on young football, soccer and field hockey players.

3. Autumn holidays and festivals. We all love holidays and festivals. They afford us a brief respite from the routines of school and work, and they give us a wonderful chance to gather with friends and relatives. Autumn is a great season for holidays, including Columbus Day, Rosh Hoshana, Yom Kippur, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Additionally, we look forward to getting out and enjoying fall festivals, such as Renaissance festivals, book festivals and health fairs.

4. Autumn sunrises and sunsets. At the beginning of Autumn, as we return to school and work, we find that we generally start our days earlier in order to reach our destinations on time. As such, we get to experience more sunrises, that is, until the beginning of eastern standard time in late October. This is a very special and exciting experience that can be summed up beautifully by a Facebook friend, Nancy Neverosi Miller:

As I left for work this morning, walking to my car in the DARK, I thought, “God the one thing I hate about Autumn is the shorter days coming.” It kinda bummed me out until as I was driving to work I realized, it’s also the only time of year I get to watch the sunrise every day on my ride to work and although today’s was not the prettiest, I know there are some great ones yet to come. It’s all perspective, find the POSITIVE!

On the flip side, once eastern standard time begins, we often will find ourselves out and about, returning from work, school or running errand, attending sports practices with our children, or simply enjoying the outdoors. This puts us front and center to enjoy sunsets, which often are dazzling light shows that paint beautiful tapestries along the hillsides and neighborhoods. Autumn sunrises and sunsets are wonders to behold and have the added bonus of providing the perfect canvas for professional and amateur photographers to capture the perfect picture.

5. The season for beer. While beer is good year around, it is during the Autumn season that we get to experience more unique and delicious craft and seasonal brews. Of course, the Octoberfest celebration is largely about beer. Also beer is a staple for any sporting event and for most celebrations with family and friends. Autumn truly is about beer. It is a great time for brewery tours and pub crawls. Beer also pairs well with most of the hearty meals we tend to eat during the autumn and winter seasons.

6. A season for spirits. Autumn also welcomes the return to hard alcoholic drinks. During the summer months, most people avoid heavy hard alcoholic beverages as they do not mix well with heat and humidity. The more popular drinks are flavored vodkas, summer tropicals and light wines. During the autumn months with its chilly evenings, we forget about the tropics and return to brown warming liquor– rye, brandy, scotch and port wines, just to name a few.

7. Pumpkin is king. Over the past few years, the popularity of pumpkin has soared.[2] It is a very versatile fruit rich in fiber and nutrients. There are so many products on the market currently during the fall season that features pumpkin, including coffee, breads, candy, beer, etc. Pumpkin is the centerpiece of Halloween festivities.

8. Time for crafting. During the autumn season, many of us find ourselves crafting something, whether it be Halloween costumes or displays, scarecrows, etc. If you are looking for something really special and fun, try crafting a keg out of pumpkin. How’s that for building something?

9. A season for giving. Autumn is an important time for charitable giving and support. Perhaps the largest charitable effort during the fall season is the campaign for the fight against breast cancer. This is now a movement, garnering the support of many businesses, foundations, sports associations, etc. There are few, if any people, who have not been affected by breast cancer, whether personally or through family members or friends. In October, we are proud to take to the street, running, walking, and educating each other to raise funds and awareness to combat this horrible disease.

Another favorite growing movement during the Autumn season is Movember, which brings attention to prostate cancer. This is a great time for guys to grow mustaches and raise money and awareness to combat prostate cancer. Movember is an annual 30-day period where the mustache rules. Detailed information on this charity can be found here.

10. Fall fashion and style. While spring and summer seasons force us to dress down for comfort, the autumn season gives us the chance to dress with flair and creativity. One of the highlights of fall is fashion. We love shopping for dresses, skirts, tops, jackets, boots and shoes. Then we get to personalized our looks with colorful accessories, such as caps, gloves and scarves. Fall fashion is about looking good while keeping warm.

Scarves are a key part of fall fashion.

Autumn offers so much to enjoy. It is a colorful, exciting and enchanting season with many awesome things to do. There is something for everyone during this season, and we wish you the best Autumn ever.

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[1] http://www.adweek.com/news/press/nfl-scores-touchdown-female-fans-159674
[2] http://www.bevindustry.com/articles/86816-nielsen-study-examines-the-seasonal-popularity-of-pumpkin-flavor

16Aug 2014

Celebration of National Honey Bee Day

by Sharon Halligan

Today, August 16th, marks the annual celebration of National Honey Bee Day, and we here at LGBG are proud to be a part of this observance. This year’s theme, “sustainable gardening begins with honey bees,” is very appropriate because overall beekeeping is a backyard industry. Most beekeeping activities occur in municipalities, towns and suburban areas, rather than traditional farms.[1]

The growing popularity of backyard gardening and sustainable gardening has ushered in a greater concern for honeybees by advocates of green living. More than ever, environmentally consciousness citizens are getting involved in the effort to save honey bees. As we learn and practice sustainable gardening techniques, we better understand and appreciate the important role that honey bees play as garden pollinators. Thanks to the political actions of local gardening enthusiasts, several municipalities and townships have removed anti-beekeeping ordinances and restrictive codes.

14Aug 2014

Celebration of International Left-Handers Day

by Sharon Halligan

Credit: lefthander.com

Today, August 13th, is International Left-Handers Day, and we here at LGBG would like to salute lefties all over the world. We feel that focusing on left-handers is congruent with our belief that the most important component of sustainability involves the human factor and investment in people. As such, spotlighting left-handers helps to raise awareness of the difficulties this group of people face in activities of daily living with the lack of adaptive product design for their use. Additionally, the attention to the unique needs of lefties fosters greater consideration of the adaptive requirements of lefties by the right-handed majority population.

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