Today being Earth Day, or “Planet Day” as it has been referred to at REDD today, we are going GREEN:

Each year Earth Day focuses on something we should do every day: consider how we can be more ecologically responsible.

A large part of this is a focus on buying local foods, when available. In my opinion, nothing can be more local than something someone plants and harvests themselves at home.

If you live in a city or anywhere that lacks the proper space for a full garden, there are plenty of options now for planting indoors, on window ledges, and even in upside down hanging bags. I am not personally familiar with them, but would be interested in perspective on their effectiveness of producing fruit.

Robert Redd is represented by the fruit of the tomato plant, in years past referred to as the “love apple.”  Below is a link to a fairly comprehensive site on how to grow these delicate plants.  I personally have witnessed thousands of tomatoes grow over the years; my grandfather planted them every spring that I can remember.  It can be a challenge to have them grow to their full potential, but with the right amount of effort and the right conditions, they will produce a fruit that will make you never want to buy another one from the grocery store…unless you absolutely have to.

How to have successful tomato plants

I encourage each of you to take time and plant something this spring. It’s a wonderful experience, for both you and the environment.

Happy Earth Day and Happy Easter Weekend!

Note: If you are adding your own artistic color to eggs, always be certain you use food-safe dyes when there is a chance the eggs may later be eaten.

Here are a few of the different ways eggs have been and are decorated and colored:

•  Etched:  Traced back to Macedonia, this process involves dying the egg, applying a layer of wax in a design, then bleaching off the color leaving only the wax-covered areas with color.

•  Krashanky:  The Ukrainian word means color,  and these eggs are dyed a solid, brilliant color, often REDD to symbolize the bloodshed by Christ on the cross.

•  Pysanky:  The term comes from the word pysaty,  meaning to write,  and this describes how the egg is decorated. Intricate designs are drawn in wax on the eggs, a process closely related to batik. The eggs are then dyed many colors. Ukrainian artisans are famous for their pysanky.

•  Fabergé:  Probably some of the most famous and most expensive Easter eggs known are those created by Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé in the 1800's. The eggs were made of gold, silver and jewels and most opened up to reveal exquisite tiny figures of people, animals, plants or buildings. A total of 57 eggs were made. These are obviously museum artifacts of high value.

•  Binsegraas:  The Pennsylvania Dutch traditionally wrapped the pith of the binsegraas, a type of rush, in coils which were glued to eggs. Then interestingly-shaped scraps of calico cloth were pasted on the egg. The Polish use colorful rug yarn formed into elaborately-designed coils, although they, too, originally used rushes.

•  Jeweled:  Designs are created by gluing any manner of sequins, beads, flowers, etc., onto blown eggs.

•  Cut-Out or Carved:  Blown eggs are used also for these creations where a portion of the shell is cut away. The exterior is decorated, and the inside filled with a little scene to be viewed through the cut-out section. These can be exquisitely elaborate.

•  Calico or Madras:  Eggs were wrapped in calico or madras cloth and then boiled. The water released the dyes from the cloth and transferred to the egg. Since most modern cloth is colorfast, these are rarely made nowadays. This type of egg is not to be eaten, due to the danger of the dyes.

No matter the style of egg enhancement you choose touse this Easter, make sure you are doing this with the whole family, as even the littlest of artists are sure to enjoy the fun!

While March Madness is technically already underway with the new first round coming to a close tonight, we all know that tomorrow is the REAL kick-off. It’s officially time to get out your brackets and let the games begin.

There are bracket pools out there from every sports site known to man (and woman). But in case you are running behind and haven't gotten your fill from the three office pools, two neighborhood pools, and one family pool you are already in, here are a couple of options:
 

ESPN Tournament Challenge


CSB Sports.com

Who do you think will take the crown?  Post your national champion pick as a comment below. We will give away one shirt to a randomly selected person who chooses correctly.

And remember, tomorrow is also St. Patrick's Day. Make sure to wear your Green REDD so you don't get pinched -- because what could possibly be more awkward than getting pinched while cheering on your great upset pick?

Good luck ‘o the Irish to you!

In the midst of all of the emails, tweets, texts and wall posts of today’s electronic world, I ask you: Is the handwritten note dead?

If you answered “yes,” I will inquire further:

Why?

We may argue that today’s world is too fast-paced and that “snail mail” is too slow. But I wonder if these are excuses. True, there are times that necessitate rapid responses from the recipient and require us to take advantage of speedier ways of communication. At the same time, I contend that there are a few times that always call for a handwritten note, no matter how busy we may be.

Life is not so short but that

there is always time enough

for courtesy.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Expressing Gratitude

Both ladies and gentleman should use handwritten notes to express gratitude. In addition to thanking people for gifts, handwritten notes should be used in business to thank people for their time. I had a professor in graduate school argue that the handwritten note is actually a sign of a successful businessperson: No matter how “important” you may become, there’s always time to write a note.

2. Communicating Sympathy & Condolences

We should also use note cards to communicate sympathy and condolences. In these situations, a handwritten note indicates that the recipient is sincerely in your thoughts – enough for you to take the time to sit down and write it down on paper.

So, yes, a handwritten note may take longer to get there. But along with the "memo," the recipient receives a momento. Your handwriting automatically makes the message more personalized.

Similarly, your choice in stationery design and paper quality is another way to express yourself in a tangible way. 

Redd carries premium stationery cards.

I also recommend Crane Paper and Caspari

When was the last time you wrote a personal note? When did you last receive one?