The Tee's in the Mail

Congratulations to Kevin T of San Francisco! His name was randomly selected to receive a "New Growth" T-Shirt in our latest giveaway.

Thank you all for your support. It's fun meeting more and more of you, hearing your interpretations of our BOTF designs. Very cool!

Be sure to check our Facebook page for future giveaways and promotions!

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World

http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Click here to check out our Facebook Page for events, info, and special discounts/giveaways!

Good People Make the Difference

We're truly enjoying our experience at the Reston Farmer's Market at Lake Anne. The warm community atmosphere, the tranquility of the lake, the array of wonderful produce, meats, bread, dairy and all the vendors offering so many beautiful, unique products make this market extraordinary!

As always, it's the people that make the difference. We've met many interesting people as they shop the market, and made some new friends with "locals" that frequent the market regularly. We've also developed friendships with many of the vendors.

One vendor who really shines is Pat Greer of PL Greer Designs. I love to hear Pat speak of her craft...she is gifted, inspiring, and very humble. Most of her jewelry designs are one of a kind, and she handcrafts each piece to perfection. Pat's artisan jewelry has a unique ethnic flair, using sterling silver, copper and brass.

If you're drawn to jewelry that makes a statement, whether it be bold or subtle, make sure to stop by PL Greer Designs on Saturdays 8am-1pm at The Reston Farmer's Market at Lake Anne, or take a moment to browse Pat's website.

http://www.plgreer.com/


Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/
Click here to check out our Facebook Page for community, info, and special discounts/giveaways.

All Your Favorite BOTF Tees

Summer is going by so quickly! We've been in a whirlwind lately, displaying at Artscape in Baltimore, Saturday and Thursday nights at Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne, and Sundays at the West End Farmers Market at Cameron Station. There are more great locations on the calendar and we'll make sure to let you know as they get closer.

We're excited about the growth that Brand of the Free is experiencing. Because of your support, whether it be through a purchase or spreading the word, BOTF tees are popping up all over! It's cool to meet new people who are thrilled to find us because they recognize our designs. Those of you who are able to come out to the markets - we enjoy getting to know you more each time we visit, and appreciate your support and input/feedback BIG TIME!

We want to thank all of you very much for your support!

One of the ways we thought of to say "thank you" is to give away a years worth of BOTF tees. When you sign up for our newsletter, you will be automatically entered. (if you are currently on our newsletter email list, you are already entered!) The lucky winner will receive a BOTF tee a month, for 13 months. Yes....now THAT'S the way to get all those designs you've been wanting!

If you're not signed up for our newsletter yet, you have until midnight on July 31st to be eligible for the giveaway. Good luck and enjoy the rest of the Summer!

You can sign up on our Facebook Page or enter your email address on the left side of our BOTF website http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/
Click here to check out our Facebook Page for community, info, and special discounts/giveaways

Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne

We found a wonderful farmers market, and could not wait to share it with you!

The Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne is an amazing experience. The atmosphere oozes warm community, and the music is wonderful. Not to mention the vendor/artisan market is located right at the lake...it can't get much better than that!

Remember to bring your market bags - I promise you will fill them up! The aroma of kettle corn will entice your senses, and you will find wonderful breads, baked goods, fresh prepared foods, meats, cheeses, produce, honey, fresh flowers and plants and so much more.

You will love the variety of the artisan vendors. So many quality items, including bath and body products, handmade knit shawls, handcrafted and vintage jewelry, vintage linens, baskets, organic baby clothes, tees, apparel...the list goes on and on.

If you are in the area, make sure to stop by the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne on Saturdays, 8am-12 noon. (the vendors side is open an hour or two longer)

We will have our Brand of the Free display set up on Saturdays. Be sure to stop by and visit! ("like" us on our Facebook Page for updates on upcoming events)

http://www.restonfarmersmarket.com/ Info, vendors, directions, hours

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World

http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Click here to check out our Facebook Page for community, info, and special discounts/giveaways

Soap Making With a Passion

Handmade, natural soap is definitely high on my list of favorite things. I love the way it makes me feel when I see an array of beautiful soaps, take in the fragrances, and finally make my selection so I can take some home to experience the sheer creaminess of the lather. Not many people fully understand my attraction to soap, but that changed one Sunday afternoon at the Bethesda Central Farm Market.

As my husband and I were walking through the market, Mystic Water Soap lured me over with a beautiful display. As I was touching and smelling all the soaps, the owner and soap maker, Michelle Burns, introduced herself. She was very friendly and helpful, and her passion for handmade, quality soaps shone through as she shared some information about her soaps, and also a little of her personal experiences.

Michelle has always been drawn to traditional handicrafts. She's led a very interesting life, from her early years living with her grandparents on their farm in upstate New York, to San Francisco, where she worked in a restaurant which led to her becoming a professional cook. She traveled the world, and spent most of her adult life living in Italy, where she learned to make soap from local olive oil. Michelle's cooking background influences her soap making - color, appearance, and interplay of scents are very important to her.

If you share my love of wonderful, handmade soaps (or know someone who does) make sure to check out Mystic Water Soap. You will find Natural, Bath, Sea Salt and Specialty soaps. She also offers bath and body products. You can purchase Mystic Water Soap products at markets, festivals, order directly by phone or email, or find them at Smile Herb Shop in College Park, MD.

http://www.mysticwatersoap.com/ Available products, contact and ordering info, festival/market schedule

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/
Click here for BOTF Facebook Page Conversation, fun, info and special offers

Discover “The Slow Cook”

Wow-I just came across the most interesting website. My quest for information on “real” and nutritious food leads me in so many directions, that sometimes the whole subject could be overwhelming. At the same time, the compulsion forces me to keep digging for as many “nuggets” that I could find. Well, I happened upon a goldmine!

Ed Bruske, of “The Slow Cook” is a former reporter for the Washington Post who believes in “self-reliance, growing food close to home and political freedom for the residents of the District of Columbia”.

He really pulled me in with his Manifesto:

“Enough of food fads! Enough of food porn! Enough of celebrity chefs (except Mario Batali)! It’s time to take back control of the food we eat and the pace of our own lives. Things should grow and cook in their own time. Reject fast food! Reject waiting lists at over-hyped, outrageously expensive restaurants! Reject food out of season! Sit, eat drink. Enjoy good food made by caring hands. Enjoy food eaten slowly, in good company.”

Thanks to Ed Bruske for all of the wonderful information that he has made available on “The Slow Cook”. It will take a while for me to dig through all of the info there, including recommended cooks, links, food writers, movies, recent articles, and archived blogs, and I will enjoy every minute of it!


Check out “Tales from a D.C. School Kitchen”. Eye opening info! http://www.theslowcook.com/2010/01/21/tales-from-a-d-c-school-kitchen-part-three/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://brandofthefree.net/

Bask in the Sunshine of the Eastern Market

Looks like the sun will be shining on the Eastern Market DC this Saturday! It’s going to be a great day for strolling along, appreciating some long awaited warmth while perusing the produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods that the market has to offer. And who could resist checking out the latest offerings from very unique vendors – a vast array of jewelry, art, photography, hand made knitted hats and scarves, graphic tees, vintage linens and furniture…the list goes on and on.

It’s hard to fully describe the Eastern Market…it’s a warm, cozy combination of aromas, sights, sounds and some of the most interesting people around. We look forward to seeing some of our old friends. For those of you, who have never attended the Eastern Market, plan to come and see what you’ve been missing! We’ll be looking for you!

Eastern Market Info: http://www.easternmarketdc.com/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Welcoming the New Year

It’s hard to say good bye to 2009 because it was a great year for us - we’ve met such wonderful people! We especially have enjoyed getting to know a lot of you at the Eastern Market in DC. It’s always a pleasure meeting face to face, although we also really appreciate our Facebook, Twitter and online friends!

Today, we would like to say thank you for your friendship and support! BOTF’s mission is to offer thought provoking designs while supporting American workers and businesses. It is also important to us to offer the choice of 100% organic cotton, which is grown in the USA. Through our conversations, you have shared your support for that mission and have also offered many suggestions and input. Please, keep it coming – we are listening!

We are looking forward to 2010 with excitement! New designs will be released and keep your eyes open for BOTF’s 12 shirt giveaway! More info to come!

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebrations….whether at home or out partying! Have a Wonderful, Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!!

Sincerely,

Joe and Bernadette Maluso

The True Gifts of Christmas

This year, we are truly enjoying the Christmas Season! A pile of beautiful snow was dumped on the DC area, and we thoroughly love it! Being Northeast Ohio natives, it doesn’t feel entirely like Christmas without at least SOME snow! So, Yippee!

With everything going on during this Holiday Season, please take a moment to breathe in the peace of friends and family. Sometimes as we jump through the hoops to make for a “perfect” Christmas day, we allow the real gifts to go unnoticed. All we have to do is stop, take a breath, open our eyes and hearts, and see what is around us. The magic is already there and can not be bought in a store.

As we count down to Christmas Day, we would like to wish you peace and happiness!

DC Party Capital

Wow - Fall has arrived and the holidays are right around the corner! Hope you are enjoying this crisp and colorful time of year. We are keeping very busy, but as always taking some time to enjoy life!
Grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and take a moment to check out BOTF's latest release - D.C. Party Capital! Your request for some long sleeve styles came through loud and clear. Party Capital is available in long sleeve, a perfect addition to your tee wardrobe or great for gifts.

Be sure to use the coupon below for a great discount!

Three reasons Brand of the Free Designer Tees stand out in a crowd:

· Super soft ring spun cotton with designs that continue to turn heads. Look at the new "D.C. Party Capital" on our web site. http://www.brandofthefree.net

· "American Made" which keeps money in the US and helps our economy by employing local American workers at a fair wage.

· 100% organic cotton (and regular cotton in select styles) while using non toxic water based print inks. This makes for toxic free, clean and healthy garments that are environmentally sound.

If you're in the DC, MD, VA area come and see us most Saturdays at the historic Eastern Market on 7th Street near Pennsylvania Ave. in DC. We will be in the Hine School parking lot across the street from the main market.
As always, we would love your input. If you have any ideas or comments please let me know as they are always welcome.

Coupon GOGREEN35

Brandofthefree.net

The Journey to Organic and Greener Living

Each journey is sparked by an initial idea or chain of events. I would like to take this blog in a different direction today, and share the events that led to my personal quest and interest in organic apparel. My journey toward a greener and more organic lifestyle began with a trip to the hospital.

Since I was a teenager, I experienced some really painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, including excruciating migraines, chest pains, heart flutters, stomach pains and muscular aches and pains. It would happen off and on and when it became unbearable, I would go to my doctor. And each time, after many uncomfortable tests, I was told there is nothing physically wrong with me. I felt like my family, friends and doctors looked at me and saw “hypochondriac” and that it was “all in my head”. I tried to stay positive about life and just tried to ignore the symptoms.

A few years ago, I had chest pains and a stifling heaviness and pressure in my chest. My doctor insisted that I go straight to the hospital. I was admitted, and while there, I had many tests, and again I was told that my heart was fine. That’s when I got curious. Something made me think about the Chinese food I had eaten for dinner the night before and also for lunch, right before the symptoms started. I kind of remembered something being said by a friend about something called msg….

I did some research and found a site about monosodium glutamate (msg). After reading some of the posts, I realized that the stories were just like mine. After years of living with the same symptoms I had, the posters cut msg out of their diet, and most of the symptoms went away. A light bulb went off in my head (fluorescent light of course!) and I immediately started reading all the information I could find on the subject. After much research, I started a quest to eliminate msg, aspartame, sulfites and caffeine from my diet. I started focusing on fresh real food, including meats, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Little by little, one step at a time, I stopped eating fast food, most restaurant food, msg laden snack foods, soda pop, and frozen or canned processed foods. No more boxed or canned soups, store marinated meats, gravies or quick meal mixes. Guess what? My symptoms all went away, and I feel so much better now! Every once in awhile I will eat something by mistake and suffer the consequences. However, I now know that I am in control of how my body feels. When you fuel your body with fresh, pure, and organic foods as much as possible, you will reap the rewards with a new vitality. And a little inside info for you-when you cut out the msg, you develop your natural tasting abilities again, and truly enjoy natural flavors. The chemical taste of fast food and processed food is no longer pleasant.



The next logical step for me was to realize that our skin absorbs chemicals from everything we put on it: lotions, cosmetics, hair care, and also pesticides, chemicals and toxic dyes and inks used on our clothes. I started to look for organic cotton clothes for myself and my family, and that lead to our support of organic farming and organic apparel. I developed a new respect for the care of my own body, and also the earth that I was blessed with. That led me to make small, greener choices. We started Brand of the Free.net as a company that offered American made apparel, and then branched out to offer organic products because it was important to us to offer the best quality to our customers. I believe we can all make small changes to increase the quality of our lives and the world around us.

Hopefully my story will spark some curiosity and you will research what msg truly is, and how it affects you and your children. You will be amazed at how our food supply has been invaded. Please email me @ bmaluso@brandofthefree.net with any questions you may have, or leave a comment to share feedback and/or personal experiences.

MSG Info:
http://www.msgmyth.com/
http://www.msgtruth.org/

Brandofthefree.net Better Apparel for a Better World
www.twitter.com/blmaluso

Model Nation

There is such a buzz in the air. As a nation, we feel the wave of change as we witness our first black president take office. Although we have many differences of opinion, I believe we can all agree that we want what is best for this country.

For a long time we have let our differences tear us apart. Sometimes it feels that we are not the United States at all. Instead we feel disjointed, looking for flaws and mistakes in our leaders instead of supporting the men and women who serve our country. There have been mistakes made by every elected official. You know that is true, because they ARE human, right? There is no such thing as a perfect human being. But there are human beings who make a commitment to themselves to make this world a better place, whether they are serving our country through the government or military or through raising unselfish, fruitful children who will help build communities and strengthen this great nation. We need to respect and honor all forms of service, especially when lives are put on the line.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. stated in his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,

“But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred”
He goes on to say, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

These words are very powerful and really made me stop to think. We have a great, beautiful country. Let’s all be a part of building it into the Model Nation that it should be!

Please read the complete MLK speech. http://www.usconstitution.net/dream.html

Brand of the Free Apparel - Model Nation T-Shirt
brandofthefree.net Made in America and 100% Organic