January 16, 2009   

MORE BLUE AGAVE Organic Blue Agave & Raw Blue Agave Nectar in larger sizes		MORE HOME COOKING Sharing time at the family table:  Beef, Stout & Chestnut Casserole with Fair Trade Organic Dark Brown Sugar		MORE TIME OUT Taking time out for a cup of honey-sweetened tea

This year, instead of making New Year's resolutions, we decided to make New Year's commitments. They're short and simple (but decidedly not simplistic): In 2009 we're committed to:

Being even more socially and environmentally responsible

While we’ve always been dedicated to sustainable agriculture and fair labor practices, this year we plan to bring newly certified Fair Trade cooperatives into the fold and new sizes of Organic Blue Agave and Organic Raw Blue Agave (44oz, in stores soon) to the market. We’re also expanding our environmental commitment to carbon neutrality and green energy development. Stay tuned for news! (And let us know what you're doing for the cause. We'll share your story in upcoming newsletters.)

Spending more time at home with family and friends

Home and hearth can be especially welcoming during these wintry days. We’re nestled in with our favorite winter-weather recipes—especially deep, rich, savory soups, stews and casseroles. Our recipe for Beef, Stout and Chestnut Casserole with Wholesome Sweeteners Fair Trade Organic Dark Brown Sugar will warm you to the core. We're curious: What do you make this time of year to keep you and yours warm and toasty? Drop us a note at info@OrganicSugars.biz and share your favorite savory seasonal recipe.

Taking time out

Time, even just a bit of it, can do amazing things. Take a 10-minute time-out (there’s no reason the kids should be the only ones to enjoy all that deep-breathing time!). Here are some ideas...

• Sit with a cup of tea (sweetened gently with any of our Fair Trade Organic Sugars, Blue Agave nectars or Fair Trade Organic Amber Honey) and do nothing but enjoy its fragrance, gentle steam and subtle flavor.
• Take the dog on a longer walk. You'll both feel better.
• Write an old fashioned, pen-on-paper note to a friend you haven't talked to in a while just to say "hello, I was thinking of you."
• Breathe. Rest. Relax. You deserve it!

Where in the World?

We never know where a Wholesome Sweeteners' "ARE YOU CERTIFIABLE?" t-shirt will show up... This photo was taken at the top of one of the Caribbean's most famous landmarks. These ancient pitons are volcanic plugs. They provide not-so-subtle clues to the area's prehistoric volcanic activity (which helped build the perfect soils for growing sugar cane). The island is indeed a traditional sugar cane producer and is one of the biggest producers of Fair Trade bananas in the world. These pitons are also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where in the world is he?

If you think you know where our stalwart hiker is (and for bonus points, which of the island's two pitons he's standing on), drop a note to info@OrganicSugars.biz by February 1, 2009. Please note "Where in the World" in the subject line and be sure to include your shipping address. Three correct submissions will be chosen at random to receive a Wholesome Sweeteners "care package." (And if you spot a Wholesome t-shirt, snap a photo and send it on, we'll be happy to include it in our "Where in the World" feature.) We look forward to hearing from you! 

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