gorgeous clothes for kids

We have just received some samples from Frugi's beautiful new Autumn/Winter collection and the quality is remarkable. The organic cotton that they use for all of their yummy items is so soft to the touch and the fabric is thick, hardwearing and perfect for autumnal days. We love the berry and earth inspired colour pallet including green tea, apple and blackberry hues. The lined cargo trousers, which cost £27 are a real find being both super soft and comfy, yet v. practical for romping in the woods and exploring. Another favourite is the reversible snuggle fleece in choc chip and tulip wood. Oh, and Frugi do lovely items for babies too. Plus if you are after a bargain, they have a sale of all their summer items at the moment, up to 70% off!

organic milk squeeze

According to a report in the Indy today dairy farmers are the latest to feel the credit crunch and are abandoning organic practices in favour of cheaper cattle food and higher yields. Cost of organic feed has gone up by as much as 80% in some cases (some of it is flown in from China!!?) and the 36p per litre of organic milk received by the farmer now leaves him out of pocket. Farmers need prices to increase by at least 4p but the competitive nature of the nation's supermarkets makes that unlikely. I like the novel solution from a group of organic dairy farmers from around Britain who practice tai chi with their cows (in the same field rather than encouraging the cows to join in - apparently the milk has increased levels of wellbeing), who have launched a site called Chakra Checkout. Choose organic milk rather than a fizzy drink for example to help balance your Sahasrara or crown chakra, the solar plexus will benefit from more healthy foods so carrots are a good choice to increase personal power, sensitivity and joy while the heart chakra, Anahata is more in alignment when you choose items that are kinder to animals and people, like fair trade products. I am not an advocate of the dairy industry, preferring to drink nut, seed or soya milk instead but those green consumers who do drink organic milk would be best off buying from local farmers or through local shops. 

organic real ale unveiled

Jez likes real ale, and has the beard to prove it, so when he discovered this fruity little number grown on the biggest smallholding in the world (alledgedly), he was very excited. Laverstoke Real Ale is brewed in North Hampshire on the 2,500 acre biodynamic site run by ex-formula one champion, Jody Scheckter. He started the farm in order to create the healthiest and best tasting food for himself, his family and customers and says, "my goal was to be self sustaining in food - now I can be self-sustaining in organic ale as well!" If this flavourful brew is anything to go by his produce is indeed very tasty and I for one am pleased to see such a dramatic career change. The ale is available from Waitrose from this week, priced at £1.99 a bottle.