The Large Blue Butterfly

Animal Tails has introduced 5 new endangered species to their line of organic clothing. I always like to research each wildlife a little further. The large blue butterfly has an interesting story.

Its habitat is across Europe, but was declared extinct in England in the 1970's. Scientists at first thought it was because of butterfly collectors. But then (this is the interesting part) Professor Jeremy Thomas made an unusal discovery. The large blue can only survive if there is a certain species of red ants living in the habitat. Who would have thought? Obviously, Professor Thomas is smarter than most of us.

When in the caterpillar stage, it hatches on thyme buds. The ants then carries it back to their nest and there it feeds on ant grubs until it becomes a beautiful butterfly. Climate change in England made the ants go away, thence also the large blue butterfly.

Now to the happy ending. Habitats were restored on 50 former sites to bring back the ants. Then the butterflies were brought in from Sweden. Success!!!

There is still lots of work to be done; but isn't it a thrill that we can reverse the damage done.

The Large Blue Butterfly is featured on Animal Tails' girls t-shirts, rompers, hats and blankets. See them all at http://www.rubij.com/

Sandy's List

There's Craig's List, Angie's List; and now, Sandy's List. It's a list I alone will create. I'm not sure of all the criteria. For now, it's just little things that has made a positive difference in my lifestyle and I want to share them.

Right now, there is one item on my list: nasal rinse.

Probably not what you were expecting.

First, a little background. I now know I have had allergies all my life. But being a farm girl growing up in the 50's, I don't think I ever even heard the word allergy. I do remember always sneezing and lots of headaches. That didn't travel far with Mothers of that era. If there was no fever, you weren't sick; simple as that.

Fast forward to when mother (me) and daughter (Stef) went to an allergist to be tested.  This has been quite a few years ago, but I'll always remember the shame of that day. Young teenager, Stef, and I were filling out our separate history records before testing. I was still smoking at that time.

Talk about a red flag!!!!! "I see you're a smoker, Mrs. Ronfeldt. Do you smoke in front of your daughter?"

"No - well, hardly ever - sometimes - I won't any more." That was just the beginning of a very long day. Every room I was led into there was the announcement "We have a smoker here." I saw the disgust in their eyes.
After all the tests and humiliation, I was told I was allergic to Iowa. In other words, environmental.

Which brings me back to Sandy's List. I have been on so many treatments through the years; but nothing has helped me as much a nasal rinse. I know it sounds gross, but does it ever work. This is what I use:

It only takes a few minutes a day, totally safe and no side effects. If you suffer like me, please try this. And no, I'm not a paid spokeperson (although I would be available).

Adventures in Cooking

As you all know, the Ronfeldt family (which is now just Ron and myself) have been changing our eating habits over the last few years. We've been cutting sugar and processed foods from our diet (except, of course, Wimmers hotdogs).

What started as a work project has turned into a fun project. Guess what. I love finding new healthy recipes and cooking. Please notice I said cooking, not baking. Two completely different tasks; one fun and the other torture.

I have always enjoyed preparing a meal for others and now I feel inspired. I try to find a new recipe every week or so to try on Ron. Tonight it was a Puerto Rican dish; camarones enchilados. Shrimp in a zesty tomato sauce with cilantro and avocados on whole wheat tortillas. We both thought it was quite tasty, so it will be a "keeper".

Not all new recipes have been successes. I still can't get the taste out of my mouth from the "Basil Pork Chops". I haven't used basil since.

My point is don't make your evening meal just something to get over with; make it an event to share with family. I know today's families are overbooked with activities, but please try to make an effort for this one time of day you are sitting down, all together, looking at each and not the T.V. and reconnecting.

Your kids will thank you some day for the memories.

(Picture from Real Simple magazine, Yolanda Ramos recipe, May issue)

Guilty Pleasure.

Forgive Mother Earth, for I have sinned.

I've been trying so hard to save you, our bodies and minds.

Ron and I started about 3 years ago to get back to the basic of healthy living. We have cut out almost 90% of processed food. I worked to find new recipes to utilize all the basic food groups. Plus, we always recycle. We feel fulfilled and a little superior to those who take the fast food route.

But, I have a confession to make.

We love burned Wimmer hotdogs. Yes, I said it and I feel the weigh of shame already lifting from me.

Every so often in the summertime, we indulge: Grilled burned Wimmer hotdogs (they have to Wimmers, or no deal), Bushes Original Baked Beans and Lays' Potato Chips. I refuse to look at the ingredients - it would spoil the moment.

So, am I a hypocrite? Please say "no". I'm trying to be honest here, and I need to get this off my chest.

I guess what I'm trying to say is "I'm trying". I believe we need to lead a more organic life; the planet's future is in our hands. I do want pecticides, antibodies and hormores out of our lifes. But, occasionally, I backslide.

I'll try to do better after the grilling season is over.

My project.

About 5 years ago I bought one of the buildings on the square of Harlan, Iowa, my home town. I rented the first floor with plans to renovate the upstairs, which had been vacate for over 50 years. I've been doing a little every year.

I've certainly had an educate on restoring and renovations. Just like my business of Rubi J, I'm learning as I go. This weekend I'm been putting sealer on the pine ceiling. Up and down the ladder; "wax on, wax off". My legs, neck and back need Mr. Miyagi to apply his healing hands to me.

But, believe it or not, I do enjoy this; although my mind wanders as I apply the dripping sealant.

I think in terms of movies and movie slang. Hey, someone could make a movie about this: "The Karate Grandma falls into The Money Pit". But who would play me in this blockbuster?

Imogene Coca is out. She has passed away. Bless her, I know she would have been happy for a job since her character died in Animal House Vacation.

And Mick Jagger is  probably too busy.

Those were the only two I could think of since at various times in my life, people have told me I look like them. (Strange; I not offended.)

Oh well, maybe I'll see if Carol Burnett is available.

New Products and New Prices!

Well, I finally got all the new Animal Tails products on Rubi J's website. I had several "do overs" and there might still be a few mistakes. I probably should of let my 8 year old grandson do it.

We have added 5 new endangered wildlife in our products; 3 in the girls' line and 2 in the boys'.  Also, we now carry baby blankets and hats; all organic cotton, of course. These new rompers are short sleeved and we added the 6-12 month size besides the 3-6 month. All of the new t-shirts are short sleeved.

As I said in an earlier blog, I ordered before manufacturing begin and got a great discount. I'm passing this savings on to you. Check out our new prices at: http://www.rubij.com. 

As another bonus, I'm offering until June 30, 2010, 20% off on all Animal Tails products.

Just enter the code TAILS20 when you check out.

This baby girl's gift set will be given away in July to a lucky fan of our Facebook Page: Rubi J Organic Clothing. Become a fan today.

Another "sneak preview"

I wrote last I would have the new "Animal Tails" products on the website by the weekend. The weekend is over and it late Monday afternoon; and I still don't have them online. I'm taking a break from working on the website to enter a new blog about why I'm late.

Wait a second. If I wouldn't take a break to explain why I'm not finished with my work, I might get done with the task at hand.

I think I'm starting to understand my problem. Bye. Got to get back to work.

Cool stuff, isn't it?