Killer bees, black widows and roaches, oh my!

Critters and the desert seem to go hand-in-hand. Killer bees, black widows, cockroaches and scorpions are just a few of the local 'pests' that creep out Arizonans.

But, if you're looking for a pest control option that won't leave chemical residues lingering in your home and is more kid and pet-friendly, look no further. Arizona Organic Pest & Termite Control claims that "it doesn't take nuclear waste to kill bugs," and uses more natural ingredients to kill those unsightly pests.

I'm not an expert on pest control, let alone 'organic' pest control, but I would recommend checking out their website and asking questions. I can't imagine that it's healthy for any member of the family, (four legged included), to be exposed to bug spray chemicals --- or have it circulate in our air long after the house has been sprayed - ick!

Dave the Garden Guy

If any of you watch AZ Family Channel 3 News, you will occasionally find Dave the Garden Guy promoting his great organic tips and tricks for all things green.

Dave is known for his organic gardening products and methods. He has a couple of books and articles for everyone from those of us seriously lacking a green thumb to the pros. You can purchase products online and submit questions for Dave...or call him while he's on the air during his channel 3 segments.

Here's a clip from Dave's segment courtesy of AZ Family

Jason's Deli offers organic

Jason's Deli now offers 21 organic products! If you haven't been to the deli, it's a must try for the whole family. It's my husband's favorite place to eat --- he's slightly obsessed with their pulled pork and soup combo. They've got everything; soups, salads, pastas, wraps, sandwiches and deserts -- AND now some organic options. Woo hoo!

Find the Jason's Deli closest to you:

• Phoenix, AZ - Metro Center 10217 North Metro Center Phoenix, AZ 85051
• Scottsdale, AZ - Shea Blvd & Scottsdale Rd 10605 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• Glendale, AZ - Arrowhead 17275 North 79th Ave Suite 100
  
• Gilbert, AZ - Baseline & Cooper 1065 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 101 Gilbert, AZ 85233
  
• Chandler, AZ - Ray Rd & I-10 7230 W. Ray Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226

Check out the Jason's Deli website for nutritional and menu info.

Another organic CityNorth addition

CityNorth will also be the new home of Green Bone Bakery, in the Nordstrom's court. Green Bone Bakery offers organic, environmentally-friendly or recyclable pet products. Visit the store with your pooch and you may even receive a free treat.

Brady, pouting because he hasn't been to Green Bone Bakery yet

Verde' Maison: A more natural approach to skincare

I've been on the hunt for more natural skincare products for the past few months. I figured that years of slathering chemicals that I can't pronounce on my skin can't be without some consequences. Luckily, someone recommended that I check out Verde' Maison which is about 10 minutes from my house. (yippee!)

The organic skincare store will be one of the new inhabitants at CityNorth, (also at the Promenade), and is dedicated to providing skin and body care "free of parabens, propylene glycol, sls's and petrolatum." Verde' Maison boasts everything from makeup and skincare to inhouse facial and waxing services. They've also been known to have "Cash & Carry" events at their stores offering 13% off of your bill when you pay with cash. Check 'em out!

Got Chocolate?

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Glendale Chocolate Affaire in historic downtown Glendale.

The chocolate connoisseur's heaven featured music, food and the best of the best of local specialty chocolate vendors. We found so many tasty treats; olives, roasted nuts, dips, wine-laced chocolate truffles, fudge (even goats milk fudge! It was awesome!), chocolate coated everything from strawberries, cheesecake, bananas to rice crispy treats and chocolate waffles.

Local favorite Kokopelli Winery, (and a winery known for using organically-grown grapes), was on hand for purchases (bottles and by the glass) and offered wine and chocolate pairings. I was also lucky enough to get my hands on a 6 flavor, dark chocolate sampler from vegan and organic chocolatier , Wei of Chocolate, which I LOVED.

Courtesy of Wei of Chocolate.com

It's not your typical tasting dark chocolate, but more exciting with it's spices and herbs, (like dark organic chocolate with hints of lavender and other good stuff for their Inner Peace flavor). And just think, new research suggests that dark chocolate is actually GOOD for us!

If you're looking for something cool to get your valentine next weekend, or any time for that matter, definitely check out the Wei of Chocolate varieties. I'm officially hooked!

Organic for mamas & babies

Aside from the organic food choices for children, parents can also find various organic baby products ranging from organic clothing to bedding and toiletries. We all want to protect our little ones, especially when their health is so vulnerable external toxins, pollutants and chemicals. Now, I am by no means an expert on organic anything...and I don't yet have children. However, I have been hearing of some great up-and-coming Arizona companies that are carving out their niche in the organic baby product market. They're all very cool so I would definitely recommend checking out their websites.

Nature Baby Organics - Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nature Baby Organics is a great resource for those parents seeking a more organic lifestyle for their little ones. The owners, Brian and Tammy, started Nature Baby Organics after finding a lack of one-stop organic baby product sites available for their own child. They are a member of the Organic Trade Association and offer everything from eco-friendly nursery furniture and organic bedding to feeding gear, toys and lots of other great finds that are "organic, recyclable, and/or sustainable". You can even get a gift certificate for other moms-to-be or find their wishlist and shop online.


Wildflower Diapers - Another Scottsdale, Arizona-based business focusing on cloth diapers, organic baby carriers and a variety of other eco-friendly and / or organic baby accessories. Wildflower Diapers began when company founder, Shannon, wanted to be able to stay at home with her youngest child and decided to fill a growing need in the community for cute and modern cloth diapers. The company is also a member of the Organic Trade Association and has a showroom in Scottsdale. They even offer cloth diapering seminars as well as workshops to help moms and moms-to-be, (even the dads!), decide which baby carrier is best and how to properly wear them. Gift registry is also available.

Mother's Milk Boutique - Also in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mother's Milk Boutique also offers a variety of organic products for baby and mom. Breastfeeding support groups offered as well as gift registry.

Go Go Natural -Chandler, Arizona - based business. Offers variety of organic baby products. Gift registry, gift certificates and layaway available.

ErbaOrganics - Not technically an Arizona company, (So. California)...however, I've heard wonderful things about this certified USDA Organic line of pampering products for both mom and baby.

Here are a few online support groups for mom's looking to bring a more organic or eco-friendly lifestyle to their families.

Go Green
Organic Living
SemiCrunchy

And check out Ideal Bite to sign up for "free, eco-living tips" for moms delivered to your inbox.

Please let me know if I am missing any other great AZ companies. And thank you for supporting local!

Great Farmers Market for Southern AZ

For all of you southern Arizonans out there, here's a great farmer's market for you to find some organically grown products and support the local Arizona economy.

The owner of one of the booths, Yoga Saguaro, even has organic, vegan, fair-trade chocolate in 6 varieties (courtesy of local company, Wei of Chocolate)... yum, as well as a variety of Queen Creek Olive Mill EVOO, and Southwest Bee Supply Mesquite Honey, among other things. And did you know Arizona has a lavender farm in the White Mountains!? Check out the Yoga Saguaro booth for some of their products too. Here 's the schedule for the Yoga Saguaro booth:

Wednesday - Green Valley Market at GV Mall--10- 2 p.m.
Thursday - Tubac Market, Nob Hill, 10-2 pm
First Thursday of the month, Sierra Vista Farmers Market, 10-2pm
Friday at the University of Arizona,Farmer's Market, Main Gate at 6th St & University, 10--2 pm. Saturday - Rincon Market in Tucson, Old Spanish Trail, 9-2 pm
Sunday - St. Phillip's Market, River and Campbell in Tucson, 9-1 pm

Check out this article from the Green Valley News and Sun and the Yoga Saguaro website for more info.