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.

Tee Shirt a Month Giveaway for a Year

Congratulations to Catherine from Washington, DC! She was randomly selected to receive a BOTF tee shirt each month for 13 months. We are so excited to ship out her first shirt...DC Delicious!

Catherine - hope you enjoy your first tee and all that follow!

A special thanks to all of you - your response has been heartwarming. So many of you share our commitment to the support of American made products and a more eco-conscious mindset. Please continue to contact us with your thoughts and feedback.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for future giveaways!

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

Sometimes it's as Simple as a Glass Jar

You never know what may spark your brain to connect with an idea. This is really a small idea...probably one that you already do. But for me it was an "enlightenment". And it involves glass jars. Lots of them.

I was reading through "50 Things you can Reuse" and #26 jumped out at me. "Reuse old glass containers" jarred me a little. You see, I am in dire need of storage containers, and I'm trying to stay away from the plastic ones. I made up my mind to look for some American made glass containers, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. But, wait, I already have lots of glass jars in my pantry, in the frig, and on my counter! In the past, when we used up the contents of the jars, we always threw the glass in the recycler container. Wouldn't it make more sense to reuse the jars? Since I buy lots of natural, organic foods from farmer's markets, I have many interesting styles, shapes, and sizes.

You would think I just won the lottery or something - I'm so excited about this! The reusing possibilities are endless. I'll just name a few of my ideas ...a really cute fresh flower vase for yourself or a gift, storage for rice, flour, sugar, cereal, etc. (make sure the jars are food safe, with airtight lids), mixing jar and storage for homemade salad dressings, mason jar beverage glasses (so cute), candy jar, reusable water container, picnic/lunch food and condiment containers, hardware (nails, screws, washers,etc) or office odds and ends such as paper clips, pens/pencils, personal items such as cotton balls, cotton swabs.

The main reason I am out of reusable plastic containers is that I love to send food home with people after entertaining. I usually don't get them back. So, you know I'll be filling those jars up with leftovers for friends and family, and I am sure they will reuse them even more. Yes!!!

Got more ideas? We're always listening!

Check out this site for some great "reusing" ideas http://www.squidoo.com/reuse-everythng


Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/
Click here for BOTF Facebook Page

Supporting Eachother for a Better World

This morning, while I was enjoying my shower, a memory popped into my head. Not just any memory...but one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. It got me thinking....

Let me take you back a few years (well maybe more than a few!). My husband, Joe, was playing in a rock band, and I went out for the night to see him. I was very pregnant - probably 8 months. Needless to say, my belly was huge. Being a band member's wife, I was very aware that curious eyes would be on me, and I was not feeling especially attractive. The night went well until IT happened. After the last song of the night, I started to walk toward Joe, who was backstage. Somehow I tripped, and managed to slide across the dance floor on my pregnant belly. I mean, you could have spun me like a top! I don't remember anyone helping me - I pulled myself up, kept my head up high, and marched back to my husband, who after making sure I was ok, just laughed the whole thing off.

Now, looking back, I see that one of my biggest fears happened that night. I made a public fool of myself. But guess what - my world didn't fall apart. Time didn't stand still. Life went on. I fell, but pulled myself up, and became a stronger person in the process.

The reason I wanted to share this with you, is because of a trend I have been seeing lately. We've all been guilty of it at times. I'm seeing alot of finger pointing, finding fault because a person or company isn't "green enough", or maybe embarking on a mission or involved with a group or charity we don't understand.

When a person (or company) makes the decision to make changes or to actually DO something to try to help a situation, each small step is so meaningful. If they are on the wrong track and fall, instead of standing back and watching, criticizing, or laughing, we should take the opportunity to offer a hand to eachother. Each step that's taken to move forward, no matter how small, will work toward the greater good.

I know so many of you are trying hard to make a difference in the world. Making changes and taking action aren't easy. But know, even when you fall and all eyes are on you, you can pick yourself up and continue on. Even if it is only you. Stand tall and keep you head held high. The world will be better for it!

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World

http://www.brandofthefree.net/

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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