My Bon Ami {Review}

The literal translation for Bon Ami is "Good Friend" and that's no lie! I was deep in a full home cleaning, as Kevin's Mama was in town for Juliette's birthday party and I knew people would be in and out of my place. I wanted it to look as good as it could, given I have a crawling, exploring messy eating almost 1 year old! Enter Bon Ami, "America's Original Natural Home Cleaner."

Armed with All Purpose Cleaner, Dish Soap, Liquid Cleanser and Powder Cleanser I began to tackle the apartment, top to bottom. I usually use a few other natural cleaners which I love, but it's always great to try something new, give another brand a try. I was pleasantly surprised at the ease at which I forgot about my old products. Bon Ami has won me over.

Originally developed in 1886 as an alternative to the grittier quartz based options that were stocking shelves in the 1880's. There's something about a company that has been around this long that has me in awe, not only because they stayed true to their customers, but also to the planet. Their ingredient lists reads like so: limestone, baking soda, epsom salts, soda ash, corn alcohol and natural essential oils. Products come packaged in 100% post consumer recycled plastic and recycled paper labels (with the sweetest little chick mascot!). Their entire line is hypo allergenic, non-toxic, biodegradable and sustainable.

The price points are amazing as well, each product is mere dollars! What ailes me is that I've never heard of this line, where have I been, and where has it been!? Now that I've found it, I'm going to be telling everyone to pick themselves up a set of all products to try. My counters are sparking, my bathtub gleaming and dishes are, well, ready to eat off of!

Bon Ami indeed!

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Eco-Mama: Harvest Time

As summer winds its lazy warm way through these pleasant August days...it's suddenly harvest time on the family farm. Its a time of year where you try to squeeze in as many outdoor cook-outs and long evenings under the stars...a time to swim, a time to enjoy...and a time to frantically handle everything you planted coming on at once! There's nothing like peach trees snapping their branches they're so laden with fruit, corn that's passing into overripe by the half day and tomatoes plunking off the vines...so, we all set about to pick, cut and freeze many many bags of each, make peach cobbler, pie, jam, and tomato sauce to be frozen. Plans for this upcoming weekend include a lobster steam with cornbread, peach pie and tomato salad in celebration of my sister's birthday. What better way to end the last weekend of august??!!

Pictured above is about 1/16th of what is ripe for the picking, and quickly passing. I made pickled corn relish, tomato sauce and a peach cobbler instantly, and have to make and freeze even more peaches, and simmer some jam. Its all so delicious and makes me really feel like a hunter gatherer. Ahhh summer, organic gardening, and dirt in my toes.

For all the urban dwellers out there who don't have a garden or access to a share, shopping the farmer's markets for all your produce needs is just as important. It's the best way to eat fresh, local and seasonal. with the ever stronger push to re-kindle those instincts in us, the farmer's are also just as happy to provide. Make fresh tomato sauce, dry a few of your favorite herbs, [because those prices on one bunch of herbs in the dead of winter in NYC will make you wish you had spent $2.50 on some now]. Enjoy homemade pizza, cornbread and corn chowder...its easy and so delicious! Invite a friend or 2 over and call it an event with a tablecloth, bottle of wine, your "fanciest" tableware and don't forget to take some photos!

as always, take care and do something you call greening-it!
your Portland Eco-Mama,
~mariah

My reading this week is:
Living in The Family Room on the Martha Stewart blog.
In particular: The September issue of Living with a feature on MS Living decorating Editor Rebecca Robertson's NYC loft home, the amazing handmade chalkboard and color coordinated storage art wall and swing for her son. Amazing and such good blues!

Just Picked Up: Alba Cream Shave

I'm a product junkie, no question, I love trying new bath/shower/bodycare products but I am loyal to some. Alba Botanica Shave Cream is a mainstay in my lineup. I switch back and forth in scent, but I always come back to this jojoba, vitamin E enriched soap-free formula. My favorite scents are coconut lime & mango vanilla. Priced under $6 bucks you can't go wrong.

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Checking out for summer with Eco-Mama in Maine

Hello and happy august! I hope all of you are at it and doing eco better than before...in the high high heat of summer.
I have been in the midst of some major transitions, but all in the best ways possible. I moved to Portland Maine in January, and went though some changes which was a true test. It unfolded as a scramble from near desperation to the discovery that I was and am fully capable of handling everything that comes my way and enjoying some of it too!! Life is beautiful, what can I say, but love each moment. I am proudly working at an organic grocer over-seeing the coffee and candy/chocolate departments. Couldn't be happier to participate in "good organic practices" and classes that teach me where our food and body products come from. (more on that knowledge at a future date).
I am here to post some images of summer...that's all, just to share some of the homegrown goodness that's come from my work and need for organic produce and outdoor time. I've gained my summer's worth of vit. D and toned my body while working, weeding and tending to...also from running and playing on the beach. I've found some breath and balance too.

Until next time, I hope everyone feels good about their eco choices, and eat local, seasonal and fresh!!
ciao,
mariah

Oh, check out Lonny Magazine (love it!) and look for this article on page 41: Slowing It Down featuring Dominique Browning