Let the Beauty of Nature shine through
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 30, 2008
It is so wonderful to discover all the bounties nature provides, from nutritious foods to give us optimum health, to roots and herbs created to heal our bodies when we are injured, in discomfort or suffering from dis-ease. We have been blessed with an added bonus from the thoughtful creator of thousands of organics and minerals which give us the ingredients for a special form of maintaining great health on the outside as well as within…
Natural Beauty Products. It only makes sense to care for ourselves on the outside with the same consideration of health consciousness as we give to the care of our bodies on the inside. Our skin is like a giant sponge, and by now we should understand there is a very good reason our ancestors relied so strongly upon Nature to provide everything we need in this aspect. I just love it when I find new places dedicated to natural beauty, and am especially impressed when I discover they never test on animals, as these are the only beauty products I will consider. Even though I have a good supply of home-made soaps and such, it is always fun to supplement this with delightful organics from different places around the world. Each of us is different in our own special way, and it is so sweet to be able to let the Beauty of Nature shine through.
Choosing the very Best in Nature
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 1, 2008
Shall we venture into one of my most favorite subjects surrounding natural health and aromatherapy? I can honestly say how healthy and alive I feel at the wonderful young age of 45, due to my passion of setting examples of a healthy lifestyle, so that those I encounter are encouraged to do the same. When it comes to vitamin nutrition, I am an avid student, striving to learn all I can to live a long, healthy and fruitful life.
Incorporating aromatherapy and finding the highest quality of essential oils to maintain physical, emotional and spiritual balance is essential. Those who know me, can attest to my love of the scent and many beneficial uses of my favourite herb, lavender.
Lavender Highland is an evergreen, woody shrub that grows about 3 feet high. It has pale green, narrow leaves and beautiful, violet-blue flowers. The entire plant is highly aromatic. Lavendula vera is also known as Lavendula officinalis and Lavendula angustifolia. All these names indicate a true lavender. The essential oil from a true lavender is prized for its ester content. (Esters provide a relaxing quality with a sweet aroma.) The best Lavender in the world, with the highest ester content, comes from the high-mountain region of Provence, France. This is Oshadhi’s Highland Lavender. No other Lavender compares to its exquisite aroma and unsurpassed therapeutic qualites for skin care, first aid, and stress.
Another favourite is Geranium Rose Organic. There are many species of Geranium and hundreds of varieties. Amongst them, there are a group that are used for their essential oil. The most common are Pelargonium graveolens, asperum, roseum, odorantisimum, and radens. Geranium is a perennial shrub with serrated leaves and small flowers, growing from one to three feet high. The entire plant is aromatic. As a group, the Geraniums have been ever-popular, once believed to be a great healing plant. The essential oil is one of the most versatile and seems to be particularly good for women.
As always, I am impressed with the selection of these great essential oils, along with organic skin and personal care, vitamins, minerals and much more, as can be found at Choice Nutritionals.
Cancer-causing agent in ‘Organic’ & ‘Natural’ Products?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 14, 2008
I have a very important message to pass along. I would strongly urge you to pay close attention, and also encourage you to check those labels! Educate yourself on what is in the products you allow your family and loved ones to use on a daily basis.
CONSUMER ALERT:
CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENT FOUND IN LEADING “ORGANIC” & “NATURAL” PERSONAL CARE PRODCUTS
A newly released study commissioned by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman (author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible), revealed the presence of the undisclosed carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane in leading shampoos, body washes, lotions and other personal care and household cleaning products claiming to be “natural” or “organic”. The study results, to be released this weekend at the Natural Products Expo in California, are already sending shockwaves through the “organic” and “natural” body care industry.
Laboratory tests showed that products certified under the USDA National Organic Program DID NOT contain this toxin, but most of the best selling personal care products claiming to be “organic” (but not USDA certified) contained the cancer-causing ingredient.
All leading self-proclaimed “organic” brands have at least a few individual “certified organic” ingredients, but for most of these top-selling brands, the product, as a whole, is not USDA organic certified, thereby allowing the presence of synthetic toxins. Similar studies have revealed the presence of this toxin in conventional personal care products, but this is the first study indicating the presence in misleadingly labeled “organic” and “natural” products.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/comingclean.cfm
May I have a spot of Organic Tea please?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 12, 2008
There is nothing like a delicious and highly nutritious cup of tea. Amongst my favourite herbal delights, drinking tea has got to be my top form of consuming natures finest. Not only for the wonderful aroma, which brings it’s own pleasure, yet the feeling tea gives me when I truly need a few moments of relaxation. Of course I have my own personal preferences, which include the lovely flavors of peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon grass, tila flowers, catnip, and hops, just to name a few. My daughter also has her own favourite… Madagascar Vanilla Red, which is made with rooibos and vanilla bean.
My family knows that I am quite enthusiastic when I recieve tea gift baskets. This is a form of giving that shows how much one cares, as it is a gift meant to pamper the person recieving the gift.
So, whether tea is offered and consumed in the form of ceremony or for the simple pleasure, remember that special person with a wonderful and lovely selection of tea gift baskets available for our own choosing.
Can you smell the Cinnamon and Honey?
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 7, 2008
Let’s talk about Cinnamon and Honey. Here are some interesting facts one just might like to take into consideration…
Bet the drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on honey and cinnamon… it is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a “ram ban” (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly world news, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists.
Heart diseases
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
Arthritis
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning, and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
Bladder infections
Take 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
Toothache
Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and f5ive teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day until the tooth stops aching.
Cholesterol
2 tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
Colds
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take 1 tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
Upset stomach
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
Gas
According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
Immune system
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
Indigestion
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on 2 tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
Influenza
A scientist in Spain has proven that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
Longevity
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink ¼ cup, 3-4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases.
Pimples
3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for 2 weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
Skin infections
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
Weight loss
Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in 1 cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
Cancer
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder for 1 month 3 times a day.
Fatigue
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that 1/2 tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
Bad breath
People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with 1 teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
Hearing loss
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restore hearing.
Well then, unless one has an allergic reaction to either Cinnamon or Honey, it would be a great idea to keep a good supply of these natural wonders on hand!
A delicious and delightful cup of Tea
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 5, 2008
The internet is a fabulous place to discover unusual items and unique gifts. It simply amazes me how much smaller the World seems, yet how much more is available than one could have ever imagined. I am definately one who looks for things that are extraordinary or different, and I do believe the Teaposy Tea Set most certainly falls into this category.
The Teaposy Blooming Tea Gift Set is a tea set where the tea is actually contained within dehydrated flowers. This flowering tea set also comes with six vacuum-sealed, handcrafted, natural herb flowers that are ready to blossom when immersed in hot water. The Teaposy Blooming Tea Gift Set is an artful fusing of aesthetics and some of the world’s finest white needle tea, rich in antioxidants, and infused with Jasmine. Take a few moments to view this video, and see if you agree that this blooming tea set is a gift to be remembered…
Antioxidants in Beans and Berries.. yumm!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 1, 2008
As an avid bean and berry lover, I found the following article to be quite interesting. I have been taught to follow the example of our veggie eaters in the animal kingdom, as Nature truly shows us the way to optimum health and healing. My family enjoys the delights of dining on every color of the rainbow. I suppose science will catch up someday…
‘Berries, Beans Top ‘Best Antioxidants List’
(HealthDayNews)
A variety of veggies, fruits and nuts battled it out this month for the top spot on a new list of the 20 most antioxidant-rich foods, ranked by nutrition scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In the end, small red beans won the day, narrowly beating out wild blueberries as the food with the highest concentration of disease-fighting compounds per serving.
Antioxidants fight damage to cells from rogue molecules called “free radicals.” Experts believe this assault on cells may fuel killer diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and even aging itself.
The new Top 20 list, published in the June issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, “is a relative ranking of the capacity of foods to interfere with or prevent oxidative processes and to scavenge free radicals,” explained list co-creator Ronald L. Prior, a USDA nutritionist and research chemist based in Little Rock, Ark.
Prior and his colleagues used the most advanced technologies available to tabulate antioxidant levels in more than 100 different types of fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts and spices. Their Top 20:
* Small red beans (dried)
* Wild blueberries
* Red kidney beans
* Pinto beans
* Blueberries (cultivated)
* Cranberries
* Artichokes (cooked)
* Blackberries
* Prunes
* Raspberries
* Strawberries
* Red delicious apples
* Granny Smith apples
* Pecans
* Sweet cherries
* Black plums
* Russet potatoes (cooked)
* Black beans (dried)
* Plums
* Gala apples
There’s “still a lot we haven’t learned” about why some foods are richer in antioxidants than others, Prior said. Even though the small red bean came out on top, “we don’t have a lot of information on beans,” he added.
Berries are better understood. “The components that contribute a lot of the antioxidant activity are what are called anthocyanins, the compounds that give many berries their dark blue color,” he said.
In fact, color may be key to spotting foods that fight free radicals, said Roberta Anding, an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman and a nutritionist at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“If you’re looking for the best places to get antioxidants, I will usually tell folks to look at the colors of the rainbow,” she added.
For example, “you’ll find lutein with some of the yellow pigments found in corn; orange can be the pigments from the carotenoid family that are found in cantaloupe, butternut squash and mango; red could come from things like lycopene, found in tomatoes and watermelon. And then the darker colors — the purples, blues, in berries,” she said.
But Prior cautioned that just because a food has proven to be antioxidant-rich in the USDA’s lab, that doesn’t mean all those nutrients will be successfully absorbed by the human digestive tract.
“As we learn more and more, we’re finding that, depending on the chemical makeup of antioxidants in different foods, some of them aren’t apparently absorbed as well, or else they are metabolized in a form where they are no longer antioxidants,” he said.
Whether a food is eaten fresh, frozen, processed or cooked can also affect its antioxidant potency — for good or ill, he said. Blueberries are best when eaten fresh rather than cooked in a pie, for example. On the other hand, research has shown that gentle cooking raises the antioxidant power of tomatoes, he noted.
Although experts are working hard on the project, ongoing efforts to come up with daily dietary guidelines for antioxidant consumption will be “a long process,” Prior said.
“How antioxidants behave, how they act within the body, the dose-response — we just don’t know enough about it,” he said.
For her part, Anding said people shouldn’t get too hung up on gorging on one particular food, but “cast your net widely,” eating generous daily servings of a variety of fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods.
Looking over the USDA’s list, Anding suggested creating what she called an antioxidant “power salad.”
First, she said, “put together a salad with a variety of mixed greens. Then I’d throw in some dried cranberries or blueberries from the health food store, toss in a few nuts, with a low-fat salad. Again — choosing from the colors of the rainbow.”
Going Organic this Valentines Day
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 8, 2008
I truly love Valentines Day. It is a great opportunity to get a bit festive, and express our Love for each other. Even though I do this sort of thing often anyway, it is great to have this theme to go by during our chilly month of February.
As I endeavor to search for lots of wonderful gifts to share with family and friends, I am always mindful of our Environment. When I found a place with fair trade gifts for valentines, I jumped right on it. This is fantastic! Not only did I find Organic Gifts and Natural Gifts, yet I found Planet Friendly, a healthier green alternative to birthday, anniversary, romantic or just everyday gifting. What fun it is to browse through a wide selection of organic gift baskets that overflow with tasty treats, fresh products, natural ingredients and the knowledge that what you buy is helping keep this planet user-friendly for years to come.
Organic Foods…
Produced by farmers who are careful to conserve soil and water, and enhance the environmental quality of the land around them for future generations, “organic foods” use no synthetic or artificial means in their growing process. Farmers also avoid exposure to toxic chemicals or pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water or food supply. Many believe that organic foods have a better taste and are overall healthier for you since the produce is natural and fresh and levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus tend to be higher in organic foods than processed counterparts.
Planet Friendly carefully searches for products that meet the various needs and desires of their customers. They know that you want healthier alternatives and look for the freshest fruit and widest variety of products to meet all your gifting needs.
As an example, I am totally delighted with the huge assortment of gourmet organic snack foods to be found in their Organic Ultimate Gourmet sampler! Inside a stylish natural basket with drop handles, discover delicious 100% organic snacks such as pretzel sticks, chocolate cookies, ginger cookies, cheddar cheese crackers, a chocolate coffee bar, chocolate-cinnamon crisps, dark chocolate espresso-vivani, banana chips and cherry oatmeal cookies. To complete this spectacular sampler, they also included 100% organic spicy brown mustard, grape jelly and sweet and spicy herbal tea sachets. What a great selection!
How splendid! Just what I need to satisfy my total Valentines Day experience.
Well then, I do hope all my friends and family enjoy a wonderful and Loving Valentines Day!
Delight your true Love with Organic Chocolate
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 22, 2008
Everywhere I look these days, I am surrounded by so many ideas of romantic gifts to enchant and delight ones true Love. Since days of old, the traditional love letter, at times accompanied by flowers and trinkets have served to bring smiles and blushes to lovers all around the World. Naturally, a delicious assortment of sweet and fancy candies are always a favourite treat.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my favourite candy is… you guessed it… chocolate! I absolutely love chocolate in all it’s delicious forms.
And seeing as Valentines Day is a special day set aside for lovers, I would like to share a wonderful idea which is certain to bring delight and enhance those most intimate moments. Organic Chocolate Massage Oil is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Totally organic and made with pure chocolate, and including Organic Palm Fruit & Sunflower Oil, Apricot Oil, Light Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Natural Vitamin E, and Cocoa Absolute, this is a natural gift that is certain to bring sweet pleasure to ones romantic moments, and may be added to your bath as well.
I found this totally romantic gift at Kate’s Caring Gifts, where you will find a wide selection of Earth friendly, and sustainably manufactured gifts for friends, family, and yourself. Oh yes, as an absolute must for the Vegan in your life you may wish to see what you think about Kate’s Organic Vegan Chocolate… yummm!
Well, as you know, I am always on the lookout for these great places to enhance my natural lifestyle, and am truly happy to share. I have made it a point to bookmark this site, and you can be sure I will be visiting often.
Enjoy!
Fresh Soy Candles… Breathe Easier Naturally
Posted by msterilinn on Dec 7, 2007
It’s no surprise that the use of soy candles is becoming increasingly popular across the nation. Candle aficionados now know that selecting soy candles to decorate and liven their home environment is not only a more financially and environmentally conscientious decision, but is a much healthier option as well.
Many of us know about the traditional benefits of candles. They are often used for relaxation, stress relief, decoration and even romance. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and scents. We all have our favorite preferences, and many people even stick to just one brand. But what many do not realize is that it’s now become imperative to make sure that the candles you’re burning in your home aren’t putting your health at risk. How can you be sure?
This is where soy candles come in.
Soy candles are made of soy wax, a mixture of hydrogenated soybean oil. This means that they burn clean into the air, as opposed to common paraffin wax candles, which have been known to produce soot and other inhaleable toxins such as formaldehyde, acrolein, benzine and acetaldehyde. It’s important to realize that these toxins have been known to clog and damage the lungs, and can sometimes even lead to emphysema—not unlike the effects of second-hand nicotine smoke. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the chemicals found in paraffin candles are not only toxic, but are carcinogenic and neurotoxic as well, and could cause issues with not only the lungs but also the heart, circulatory system and nervous system.
Sound a bit scary? Well, recent research has shown that the use of soy candles in the home increases the surrounding air quality by a staggering 90% as compared with traditionally produced paraffin or petrochemical based candles.
If you’re a candle lover, you’ve probably noticed the effects of paraffin or petrochemical based candles in your home. When you light it, you may notice that there is black smoke that emits from the wick. It stains the jar or candle holder and, after using for long periods of time, can even stain your walls, air vents, ceiling and other areas of your home. If you sit too close to burning paraffin candles, you may even notice a bit of soot accumulating on your skin or clothes, or in particle-collecting areas of your body such as your nostrils. And if you think that’s bad, just think of how it must look in your lungs.
Take charge of your health by burning soy candles instead.
By purchasing soy candles, you’re also making a stand in promoting the health of the nation’s farming community. Nearly 60 kilograms of soybeans are used to create just 10 kilograms of soybean oil, and the soy candle industry has the potential of using nearly 110 million bushels of soybeans annually, or one-quarter of the nation’s soybean crop. This is opposed to paraffin based candles, the chemicals for which are most often produced with foreign oil sources. In fact, the recent rise in popularity of non-food based uses for soy, such as in candles, has contributed to a significant rise in the economies of soy-producing areas across the U.S.—including Iowa, the home of more than 110 soy candle manufacturers and the self-proclaimed “Soybean Capital of the United States.”
But personal health and environmental sustainability aren’t the only reasons why consumers across the nation are making the change toward the use of soy candles. Another selling point, it seems, is the value.
See, one of the key reasons as to why soy candles burn so cleanly and safely is that soy wax has a lower melting point than the paraffin wax that is used in traditional candles. This means that soy candles burn cooler, as well as up to 50% longer. Cooler burning translates into quicker scent dispersion, for an even more amazing scented candle experience. And, it brings up yet another side benefit of soy candles: a longer burning time means more bang for your buck.
Soy candles are also much easier to care for, as they are completely water-soluble. Gone are the days of attempting to scrape off paraffin wax from the carpet or furniture; if a soy candle were to spill, all it takes to clean up the mess is a bit of soap and hot water.
Purchasing soy candles just makes sense. By making the change from traditional paraffin wax or petrochemical based candles to soy based candles, you’re making a solid commitment to your environment, your wallet and, above all else, your health.
Whilst searching for a great place to replenish my candle supplies, I was quite impressed with a certain company. Here is what they have to offer…
Our fresh soy candles are 99% SOOT FREE because there is NO PETROLEUM WAX in our fresh soy candles. We use fresh USA grown 100% soy wax in all our fresh soy wax candles.
Most high End gift stores or companies will use a SOY BLEND, soy wax plus Petroleum based paraffin wax in their candles… just so they can say the word SOY on their candles. Any paraffin wax will pollute your home with soot and pollute your homes air.
Naturally clean SOY WAX,
- 99% SOOT FREE
- Burns to the bottom
- No wick loss
- No tunneling
- HTP natural wicks
So Relax & look through our 100% all natural fresh soy candle collections and give someone special, or treat yourself, to a superior quality fresh soy candle like no other.
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“If you try a travel lodge instead of the usual hotels you stay at, you can save much more than you would by going on cheap flights. Anything saving measure is using car rental. Even for cruises, similar methods can be employed.”
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Organic Landscaping and Organic Lawns…
Posted by msterilinn on Jul 26, 2007
I found this interesting..
QUESTION FROM ORGANIC BYTES READER: (reference: Organic Bytes #113 ” How to Have the Best Looking Organic Lawn on the Block”) — You make good points about how to have healthy organic grass, but you should provide your readers with more information on how to rid of conventional grass lawns altogether. Are there more options?
RESPONSE FROM THE OCA: This is definitely true. As noted in our article, more than a third of urban water use is soaked up by grass lawns, and 67 million pounds of pesticides are used each year on these lawns. While converting your conventional lawn to an organic lawn is a HUGE positive step in reducing chemical and water use, even greater conservation can be achieved by transitioning your grass lawn into a low maintenance and diverse landscape of native plants - called “naturescaping. For those interested in taking their lawn beyond organic grass, PlantNative is an excellent website about naturescaping, including an excellent how-to section and directory of native plant nurseries.
Note to readers: If you have questions or comments about issues covered in Organic Bytes, like the reader above, please post them in our Organic Bytes forum here:
Organic Bytes Forum
