I Need Your Feedback on This

When I started my business years ago I decided to offer a few products that I found difficult to find locally but felt were the best in quality and price.  SweetLeaf stevia was one of those items.  I strongly believe in the quality and value of the product, and I enjoy using it in my home regularly.  What I've noticed more and more is that SweetLeaf Stevia has gotten a lot more mainstream.  I now see it at Kroger and Walmart, and you can also get it from amazon for a lower price than I can normally sell it for, plus free shipping!

I'm wondering if the time has come for me to liquidate my current inventory of SweetLeaf Stevia and stop offering it through the store.  What do you think?  I don't know if others are also finding these products in local stores, or if you have any issues with shopping at amazon.

My goal with what I offer isn't to try to wrangle you into buying everything from me.  The idea was always to help you conveniently get items that are really good, and not necessarily easy to find in your local area.  I will continue to recommend SweetLeaf Stevia regardless of whether or not I personally sell it.  I just don't know that it is continuing to serve you for me to keep it on the shelves.

Your thoughts?

Supermom News: More Nuts, and some new products!

Hey friends!

We're Going Nuts!

I am so pleased and how quickly our first raw almond order was filled. The second order should be here next week! Because of how quickly the orders are turning around, I am going to go ahead and continue to offer almonds for at least another week or two. So, if you were thinking about getting almonds, you still have time!

Even better, I have also been able to get some raw cashew pieces and raw walnut pieces! I will have the initial order here next week, and will be able to order more after that if there is enough interest. For the cashews and walnuts you can order as little as 5 pounds!

New Toothpaste!

I know that many of you are just as cautious about fluoride as I am. My family has really enjoyed using the Miessence brand toothpastes, and I appreciate the organic ingredients. However, I know that for most of us, we like a good bargain price, don't we? Well, I have now got some new toothpaste in stock with a price you will love! This peppermint toothpaste is free of sugars, has no fluoride, no propylene glycol, and no sulfates that are in virtually every commercial toothpaste. The Oral Select toothpaste tastes good and is sweetened with cavity-preventing xylitol. It is a whitening, plaque-preventing, tartar-control formula. Best of all, it is on an introductory special right now at less than $3 per tube! I have a limited quantity of this, and depending on how it sells this month, I may or may not be able to get more. So, if you want some, this is your chance. Clickety-click!

PMS and other pesky issues relieved!

I am really pleased to be able to offer you a new product: Vitex with Dong Quai. Whether you're having trouble getting pregnant, suffer from PMS, or are entering menopause, Vitex can make life easier for you. Also called chaste berry, Vitex is known for its ability to nourish and support the female endocrine system as it regulates estrogen and progesterone levels.

I decided to try Vitex because I was experiencing overwhelming PMS symptoms and extra heavy menstruation. I was amazed at how much relief I had in the very first month of using it! Highly recommended.

You can still take advantage of this GREAT deal!

Are you already shopping for Christmas? I've got a great early-bird deal that is pretty awesome! When you buy a Funline Slackline I'll send you a set of Mashoonga! Sabers for FREE! (*very limited quantities*)

The slackline has been my family's greatest discover for this year. We have had hours of fun and entertainment using it outdoors. We even got my husband's parents to try it! (His 71 year old Dad did pretty well!) It has been really cool to see how each of us has improved on it, especially since it seemed so difficult when we first started.

The Mashoonga! Sabers are used on a daily basis around our house. They were also a big hit at one of our birthday parties here in the summer. Kids and adults seem to be drawn to the whacking power of the Mashoonga! :) Loads of fun, so keep these in mind for Christmas gifts for kids of all ages.

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I hope you have enjoyed getting up to speed on what's new at Supermom's. I am busily planning some fun things to share with all of you in the coming months. If you have not already joined us on Facebook, you should! :)

Enjoy what's left of fall! Winter's on the way! :)

~Erica

Family Fitness and Fun

It's always interesting to me to meet other families and find out what's working for them as far as healthy living, and where their challenges are. It is easy to get used to the way things are in my own family and not realize where others struggle.

My children are very active in their play, running around outside, swimming, gardening, chasing each other, playing sword games, running with the dog, etc. but I have been realizing lately that many families do not get outside or enjoy active play so much. Oftentimes children are so used to indoor activities that they are not inspired to get outside and do something else.

I'm so excited about the new category of products at the store! Family Fitness and Fun is where we will be bringing you some of our favorite active games, toys, and fitness products; items that I hope will bring lots of fun, active play, and family enjoyment to your home!

The first two products we're sharing are very exciting:

I've got 6 guys from ages 7 to 40 around here, and every one of them got super excited when they saw the Mashoonga Sabers in action. (frankly, my daughter and I could see good reason to get Mashoongas for ourselves!)

More than just your average sword play, Mashoonga!® is a new competitive and high energy contact game played with Mashoonga! Sabers™. Using speed, coordination, tactical skills, and more, your whole family will get a kick out of this fast and fun game!

The foam tube of the Mashoonga! Saber™ is soft, flame resistant polyethylene, with an additive for strength, durability and UV protection. The foam is covered with washable nylon sleeves to protect and prolong the life of the foam. The strong polycarbonate core tube is light weight and flexible. The soft yet durable hand grip is made of durable silicone compounds.

Each set includes complete game instruction and rules, plus two 35-inch Mashoonga! Sabers, one blue and one red. Click here to buy.

Slacklines are a fun new form of exercise and sport that is great for kids of all ages! My entire family was inspired by the videos showing all of the tricks and fun things you can do on a slackline, and it really appealed to me as a fun core workout.

The Funline Slackline is fast and easy to set up and take down, so it is very transportable. Can you imagine how fun it will be to take your Funline with you to a friend's house or on a road trip to set up for some active fun for the kids at a rest area picnic area?

A great way to get the whole family outside and improving balance, focus, coordination, and to strengthen all of your core muscles!

The Funline is the ideal slackline for children and beginners, thanks to less flexibility in the line and a rubberized grip surface that makes staying on the line easier. A super fun activity for a birthday party, too!

Bouncing (even gently) is a very healthy activity, activating the lymphatic system, which in turn activates the immune system. Wonderful for brain development, too!

Slacklines are also the hottest new accessory for skaters and snowboarders because the you can use it as a portable rail! Click here to buy.



Both Mashoonga Sabers and Funlines should be in stock and ready to ship by June 26. You can pre-order now. (credit cards will not be charged until your order is ready to ship)

Safe Sunscreen

The Environmental Working Group evaluated 500 sunscreen products in 2010, and ours was one of only 39 that were evaluated to be safe and effective.

Check out the Hall of Shame to learn some of what's wrong with the sunscreen industry. It is dismaying to see how many products are labeled specifically for babies and young children that are extremely dangerous.

My own sister was diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) several years ago (thankfully she is ok today), so sun protection is very important in our family. I'm always looking for safe products that truly protect from the sun's rays as well as being free of carcinogenic ingredients.

Finally, a natural product to help diabetics!

I was delighted to find out about this excellent product that has been proven to greatly help type two diabetics as well as others struggling to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Depsyl is an herbal blend that does a great job of stabilizing glucose levels, as well as reducing cravings for the foods that tends to cause blood sugar problems.

You can read all about the ingredients and the way it works here. Soon I'll have an informative video that'll show you more, that includes testimonials from people that have been helped by this product!

I expect it to be ready to ship by Nov. 15, but you can go ahead and place your order now if you like.

Here is one testimonial:

"Didn’t want to say anything until I had tested for a while but…………
………………….I LOVE DEPSYL!
As you know, I have been playing tennis 3 days a week
and working out with a trainer 3 days a week
but because of work and everything else, I still wasn’t eating properly
so I couldn’t lose any weight.
I remembered what Carol said about how Depsyl calmed her cravings.
As you know, I am a carbaholic.
So when I do get to eat it is usually pasta, pizza, sandwiches, etc.
and I love ice cream and soda.
All things guaranteed to put the pounds on.
Well, I began taking the Depsyl that you gave me.
The first couple of days I took two, twice a day
but that was too much for me
and I think lowered my sugar levels too much since thank God, I’m not diabetic.
So I cut it down to one pill twice a day.
It has now been 2 weeks
and I haven’t had pasta, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, etc.
because I’m not craving them.
For probably 30 years I’ve eaten those items as a large part of my diet
and never thought I could give them up
without craving them or feeling horrible from a “lack of carb” headache.

I’m a believer!"

Learn more about Depsyl here.

Raw Almonds for Sale!

Almonds are a delicious and nutritious snack, but the ones we get in the grocery store have been pasteurized, so the greatest health benefit has been heated right out of them.

This fall we are trying something new. Get in our our big bulk buy of fresh, unpasteurized almonds from California! At just $6 per pound, you can get these wonderful almonds in increments of 20 pounds.

Since these almonds are fresh, they will stay nice at room temperature for 9-12 months or more. If you store them in the fridge they'll last for years, and in the freezer they'll last for a really, really, really long time. :)

These almonds are not certified organic, but the farm that they come from has not used any pesticides in at least 15 years.

The almonds are shelled and fresh!

This is a pre-order. That means that you will order and pay for your almonds now. I will be placing our large order (many hundreds or even a thousand pounds or more) around October 15-20. Once they arrive here I will be shipping them out to you.

Feel free to go in on this order with a friend if you like. Almonds are great for Christmas gifts too!

This is a one-time opportunity. These almonds are just sold once a year when the fresh harvest comes in. There is a slight possibility that I may be able to take another order in November, but for right now this is the only time I can be sure of that there will be enough supply to fill the orders.

Click here to order.

Anise Toothpaste--Yummy!

Up until the other day we'd been using the mint toothpaste. When we ran out, I decided to give the anise a try. Boy-oh-boy I loooove it! There isn't as much of the salty taste as there is with the mint, and the licorice-y flavor is not too much, not too little.....just right!

If you are looking for a safe, natural, fluoride-free toothpaste, do check out the mint and anise options from Miessence. We are very happy with them!

New Flavors of Sweet Leaf Stevia!

I'm so excited about the two new flavors from Sweet Leaf Stevia! Check 'em out:

Hazelnut will be popular with coffee drinkers that are looking for a healthy, zero calorie way to sweeten and flavor their favorite beverages.


People have been asking for a Berry flavored stevia for as long as I've been selling it. I'm so glad it's finally here! This is a great addition to the collection, and will be especially yummy to sweeten plain yogurt, to use as a fun new twist in the healthy lemonade recipe, and even in tea!

Both flavors are in stock now, though I expect they will probably sell out fast.

Also, Lemon Drop, Cinnamon, and 2 ounce plain liquid stevia is also all back in stock and ready to ship! :)

Gentle Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin

Some exfoliants feel like you're taking sand paper to your face. This one feels heavenly!

Natural jojoba beads safely and gently remove dead, dry surface skin cells, promoting a renewed and glowing skin. Contains organic lavender to calm and soothe the senses.

A build up of dead skin cells causes a rough and dull appearance. Exfoliating the top layers of dehydrated cells promotes a youthful, glowing skin.

I love this product even though I don't really need the sensitive skin products. The jojoba beads feel wonderful!

Enjoy a sale price on this and all Miessence products from now until July 17.

Baby Bottom Mist

I never have understood the point of diaper ointments that are gunky and difficult to spread. If your baby has a sore bottom, they sure don't want you smearing ointment all over the painful area! Finally, here is a perfect solution that makes sense and is completely safe.

A soothing and calming diaper area salve in a convenient spray. Use daily and at the first sign of redness or irritation for quick relief. Hygienic and convenient. No need to touch sore bottoms; just spray and soothe. Also beneficial for itches, rashes, nicks, scrapes and cuts, sunburn, windburn and other skin irritations. Helps to restore skin to its natural healthy softness.

All Miessence products are on sale from now until July 17.

Sunscreen

Tis the season to use lots of sunscreen! In the past I've really struggled with the issue of using sunscreen because of the many harmful ingredients in most of them. Everybody acts like it's a no-brainer to use sunscreen to protect from future skin cancer....but what kind of protection is it to use toxic chemicals that can cause cancer? Yikes.

I was really pleased to see this list explaining about the carcinogens and toxins that are commonly used in sunscreens at the Good Guide. You can read all about it here. (Be sure to read about the dangers of Triclosan--you can barely find soap products in stores that don't have this in them. I've even seen baby products, high chairs, toys, and kitchen equipment infused with this dangerous chemical. I avoid it every chance I get.)

I am extremely happy to have a truly safe, effective, organic sun screen available in the store. We have been using it and finding that it works well. A little goes a long way, so one tube seems to be lasting us pretty well. Although it goes on white, thanks to the zinc oxide, it rubs in pretty well.

There is an entire product line of safe, organic body care products available from Miessence. We are loving everything we use from them, and see that it goes a long way. You can get safe foaming hand soap, some lovely skin care products, and lots more.

What's the difference between the various types of Super Mom and Super Dad vitamins?

I'm often asked what the difference is between the various multi vitamins that I offer at the store. Here's a quick answer:

Super Mom Multi Vitamins with Spirulina: Comes in tablet form and you only need to take two a day.

Super Dad Multi Vitamins with Spirulina: Same as above, except does not contain iron.

The tablet form works out to be the most economical way to get these vitamins. ($12 per month for an excellent product!)

Super Mom V-caps: The same excellent product, in capsule form. Some people find these easier to swallow. You have to take 4 a day of these.

Super Dad V-caps: Again, same as the Super Mom V-caps, just without iron.

You don't have to be a woman to take the Super Mom vitamins. Guys, I promise you--you won't grow a uterus if you use these. :)

I personally take the Super Dad tablets because I do not like extra iron in my diet.

I get emails from customers all the time telling me how much these vitamins have helped their health, helped them have healthier pregnancies, given them more energy, and more! They are very good and I'm pleased to be able to offer them to you. :)

Healthy Sun Screen--Finally!!

Commonly available sun screen products are some of the most dangerous products in the market. Typically they are full of chemicals that are known carcinogens, parabens, and petroleum products. Ironically, the products specifically for babies and children are usually the worst!

I am so pleased to now be able to offer this excellent sun care product that is safe and effective for the whole family.

A water-free nourishing balm with natural minerals that help reflect damaging ultraviolet radiation. Microfine zinc oxide offers protection from harmful rays whilst organic olive oil keeps the skin supple. Potent antioxidants including natural vitamin E, beta carotene and polygonum extract, protect the skin from premature aging and prevent damage caused by the elements.

The Reflect Outdoor Balm is actually tested to 29.5 SPF.

"Due to regulations in Australia for SPF ratings, ONE Group (makers of Miessence products) would have to have this product manufactured in a licensed SPF facility (instead of their own manufacturing plant) to claim an SPF higher than 15. ONE Group submitted it for third party testing which gave it a rating of SPF level 29.5"

So, the product has an SPF of 29.5, it has been tested to this level but it's not labeled or advertised that way.

ONE Group did not want to let go of manufacturing control, risking exposure of possible synthetic ingredient contamination by having this product manufactured by a licensed SPF facility that uses synthetic chemicals.

Purchase it here!

This Deodorant Passed the 16 Year Old Boy Test!

It's been a very long time since I've been aware of the dangers of aluminum and other harmful chemicals in most deodorants and antiperspirants. I've tried a few natural alternatives like the crystal thing and some other potions, but mainly I have found that they didn't seem to work well and weren't convenient to use.

Since adding the Miessense Organics line of products, my own family has been test driving their deodorant and I just had to let you know what we're finding:

It's easy to use and truly is unscented (Which we like. Scented varieties will come later on.)

I asked my 16 year old son to give it a try. He did, and just came in to tell me that he has no underarm odor in over 24 hours since using it! (and that included him going to a concert where it was hot and sweaty!) If THAT isn't a testimonial, I don't know what is!!!

My husband, a professional firefighter and EMT is also using it and finding it works well.

I've also used it and am also finding it very effective. (My armpits don't stink. There. I said it.) ;)

I am so excited about this!

As I learn more about the toxins in everyday body care products, and how the damaging effects accumulate as we get older, I am thrilled not only for myself, but especially for my children to have a really safe way to take care of these needs that won't cause their health to suffer later on.

You can purchase Miessense Deodorant here.

Finally! Organic Skin Care!

Today I am about as excited as I've ever been about a new product. I have been literally bouncing up and down since my product shipment arrived a few hours ago!

For many years I have been learning about the many dangerous chemicals and carcinogens that are present in the common lotions, cleansers, cleaners, and body care products available today. It is a shame when even supposedly "healthy" products still contain dangerous parabens, petroleum products, and more.

Thankfully, I have found the Miessence brand, and it is one that I am SO excited about! This company produces organic, botanical products that are TRULY safe, healthy, and beneficial for you. Plus, they work GREAT and smell SO good!

I first learned about Miessence probably 2 years ago, and was incredibly impressed with the products and the overall integrity of the company as far as their dedication to TRULY providing safe, certified organic products (not just pretending to be "natural" for marketing purposes). I always grow this business completely debt-free, so I had to wait to add these products at a time when I was comfortably able to do so. Last week I made the decision, and I am VERY excited about it!

Truly, I could not give you a higher recommendation than I can for these products. I know you are going to love taking care of yourself so well!

I have many Miessence products in stock for those of you that want to order items along with your regular purchases, but you can also visit my Miessence web site to see and purchase all items from the full range of products. If you see items there that you would like to purchase through Supermom's Health and Wellness, send me an email to let me know, and I'll try to get it in stock for you.

I'll have more information for you about these *great* products in the future, but I just got them all added to the site and wanted to let you know about it. Go check 'em out!

From a class member

I just wanted to say a special thank you--
the healthier eating class moves slowly enough that I don't get totally frustrated
and it means so much to me that you really are there to help with questions and suggestions. Thank you so very much.
~Peggy

If you haven't joined my 10-week healthy eating class yet, you should! I get emails every day like this one from people that are finding the information encouraging and practical.

You can read more about it and join at a BIG discount here.

Stevia Tabs are In Stock!

Some of you have been waiting for Stevia Tabs to get back in stock. They are here now. Yay!

This product has been reformulated a bit to make it even better, so I'm sure you're going to love it.

Stevia Tabs are great for carrying in your jacket, purse, or bag to sweeten your drinks while out and about. They come in a handy tin and are little round tabs similar in size to an Altoid.

From a class member

One of the first things I have my class members do is to figure out what their goals are in relation to healthier eating.

Today I got this great email from one of my new class members, and I loved it so much that I asked her if I could share it with you all. She was kind enough to agree, so here it is:

I wrote out a list of positive and negatives for eating healthily:

Positives:
End of arthritis like join pains, asthma, frequent bronchitis, bursitis, heartburn, tendinitis and other dis-ease.
More energy.
Better sleep.
Better overall health.
Increased attractiveness which makes me more marketable professionally and romantically. Longer life.
Money saved by eliminating 3-pepsi a day habit=annual trip to Europe and adopting a starving child from the back of a magazine or whatever my dream my be. 600 less empty Pepsi bottles in the landfill. We can all become healthy, green, and financially wise, loving, and powerful together!

I just love her sense of humor (more marketable romantically!! LOL) and the way she realized how much of her health AND money is being given up by her Pepsi habit. This made me wonder what I might have lurking around that could be turned into doing good for others as well.

You can learn more about the class here.

Tis the season...for dry skin!

It's dry skin season again! Between cooking, cleaning, the bathroom, kids, and a dog, I must wash my hands dozens of times every day. It's great to have clean hands, but it sure does dry out my skin in the winter months!

So I'm back on with my love affair with the All Natural Lotion Bar. I avoid chemical hand lotions (which includes almost everything on the market) and I'm quite sensitive to fake scented stuff. Plus, with needing to be at the computer, take care of contact lenses, and everything else in a day, I don't like having my hands all goopy.

The All Natural Lotion Bar is a stick (sort of like a deodorant tube) that allows you to rub lotion wherever you need it. Right now the backs of my hands and in between my fingers are the dry spots, so I can rub lotion right on without getting my fingertips touched, so I can keep on typing or doing whatever else I want to do without any interruption.

All natural ingredients and a light, pleasant, natural scent. Just my kind of thing! You can find it at the store here.

Grandpa Read's Quiet Time Tales

Do you wish that there was something gentle, classic, and beautiful for your children to watch and listen to?

Do you miss the simplicity of shows like Mr. Rogers and wish you could find something comparable for your children today?

Grandpa Read's Quiet Time Tales is the answer! These beautiful, friendly, and gentle DVDs share classic children's stories with your children in a way that will delight them.

Each 60-minute (approx.) DVD features Grandpa Read, who reads 5 classic children's stories with your children, as well as illustrations and an original song. Grandpa is accompanied by his faithful canine companion Champ, and some special fish friends, Sparky and Wanda.

My very energetic little boys are ages 5, 7, and 8 and they loved watching the sample story and songs. The warmth, humor, friendliness, and classic stories was just the sort of thing I was looking for!

What a wonderful gift for a family with young children, or for a new big brother or sister that needs a calm and enriching activity to do while mommy feeds the new baby! I plan to use these as a quiet educational activity for little boys who need something worthwhile to do when I help other siblings with their school work. :)

Enjoy a discounted price as we accept pre-orders for a limited time. Products will be shipping in early December, so you will be sure to have them by Christmas.

You can now watch a 12 minute sample video here. Gather up your children and enjoy!