True Blue Friends

Recently my jet-setting mom returned from Hawai'i with a story that could only be hers...

She and her friend stopped to fill up their rental car. Mom 'locked in' the pump and sat to wait in the car with her friend. "Hmm," comments her friend, "It looks like it's raining ouside." Mom looks out her window, pauses and then screams, "Norma, get out of the car RIGHT NOW!" Mom then launches herself out of the car, through the gasoline shooting from pump and ran straight into the gas station yelling, "Someone HELP ME!" (This is SO my mother....the stories I could tell!)

It takes a moment for the startled people in the station to understand what she needs and in the meantime a homeless man on his bicyle stops and shuts off the gas.

A customer then went with Mom to the pump and brought out some kitty litter to put over the spilt gasoline. He told Mom & Norma to wait for the fumes to go down before they started the car. Time passes and as they decide it's time to go, the customer returns, tells them it's too dangerous to start the car and he nervously does it, backing it out of harm's way.

What started as a hilarious adventure at the gas pump (and eventually ended with a $70 bill) became a perfect example of 'True Blue Friends' in this world. The man on the bicycle didn't have to stop, nor did the customer need to spend the time helping Mother and risking his own safety. They wouldn't take compensation, but merely accepted profuse thanks and went about their day.

When I started www.truebluefriend.com I had in mind my 'true' friends, those who support me and are the people I can confide in and laugh with. But there are other types of valuable friends out there - the ones that are often anonymous, but no less equal in regard. Here's to them, and to you.

Best,

Nicole

Green Gardening

It's just the right time to get out there and garden! At least it is for us Minnesotans, and here are tips & advice from the great Dean Pettis:

Composting's 4 Neccessities -

1. Brown Waste - leaves, paper bags, paper, coffee grounds, straw, etc.
2. Green Material - alive scraps (banana peels, apple cores, etc.)
3. Air
4. Water

Be careful not to put animal waste (bones or grease) into the compost area or milk products. Turn occasionally to mix waste and voila! Compost ready for your garden. To get more information, visit: www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3296.html

Go Chemically Green in Your Yard -

We noticed one day that all of our neighbors' sprayed yards in our cul-de-sac were barren (barren of weeds and wildlife), but our chemical-free yard was a buzz with birds (and truth be told, dandelions). Moral of the story is to create an environment that THE environment can enjoy too.

Preen, a natural corn-glutten meal product prevents any seed from germanating - so use after plants / grass have taken hold for the season. Flower Pharm and All Seasons Oil Spray are great chemical-free ways to treat insect issues. And a man, a beer and a dark night will help to keep deer away from your 'watered' plants.

Landscaping Tip -

Be careful using rock as a coverage for plants - it may look pretty, but soaks up the suns strong rays, literally cooking the ground underneath, which in turn cooks your plants that are planted in the 'hot bed.' Mulch is more earth-friendly and makes for happier plants.

And, when you're out in the sun, be sure to put on All Natural Sunscreen. You can find it at: http://www.truebluefriend.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=81

Ciao for Now! ~ Nicole

Welcome to True Blue

Greetings to you from True Blue ~

I knew when I was seven - hauling my trusty red wagon down a country gravel road to distant neighbors selling my homemade treats - that I was meant to be in the retail market and connecting with people. After working in marketing for several years, I decided that when I retire, I'll have my own little store and do something I really want to do. That's when I thought, "Why wait until you're retired (like in 50 years)? Carpe Diem!"

So the dream was founded, but after visiting many retail tradeshows throughout the country I almost gave up my dream because STUFF is everywhere. STUFF mass produced in China to entice you to buy - STUFF to fill up your living rooms and closets. Then it hit me - create a place where people can go to find unique gifts, eco-friendly and made in places you would want to vacation.

And what better way to connect with people than through a weekly blog? I even have blog vows (it's a big step):

• To send weekly updates
• To be real
• To be relevant
• To listen &
• To share.

We can all learn from each other so sit back, have a 'cuppa' and enjoy the read!

And while you're surfing, visit http://www.truebluefriend.com/ - a destination spot for eco-friendly gifts and home decor.

Ciao for now!