Hot Trends and the Inside Scoop at Natural Expo West

Herein are the ramblings of an exhausted participant of the Natural Products Expo West. Over the past 10 years I've been involved with the natural products industry in a variety of capacities. I've attended hundreds of seminars, conferences, or trade shows, and served on numerous panels, or made presentations to various professional organizations. It has been well beyond just pet products, these experiences include human food, supplements and personal care items too. I was happy to serve on a panel and also give a presentation at the Natural Products Expo West this year in Anaheim, California. Expo West is much more than the premier trade show for the healthy products industry. It attracts more than 53,000 natural industry professionals from across the globe sharing, learning and exchanging ideas and information with one another. It incorporates the Nutracon conference, the Healthy Baking Seminar, the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, and the Supply Expo, which together represent the entire life-cycle of healthy products. Thirty years ago, Expo West was a tiny show, regarded as an event for hippies and the fringe. Today, Natural Products Expo West ranks in the top 100 shows in the US and one of the fastest 50 growing trade shows in all of North America. This year it covered 300,000 square feet of the Anaheim Convention Center and featured over 1,900 exhibitors from over 30 countries. The reach is so huge because it includes natural and organic specialty foods, supplements, health and beauty personal care, natural living, household products, everything organic and pet products too.

This week's episode of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show covers highlights of the Expo West. It's all about the current and hot trends for healthy living, from my perspective. This year's Expo has even more energy and buzz than usual. The education and events were heavily attended, with people using social media activities, posting comments live via Twitter and Facebook. Personally, I found tweeting boosted the experience and interaction levels. I engaged in online discussions with people attending the education sessions or expo, despite having not met them in person.

What is it about the health and wellness industry that continues to experience such growth and fascinate consumers? Well part of it is that the concept of health and wellness has evolved to mean everything is connected. From the earliest ages, what we eat, the environment in which we live, even interactions with other species all have an impact. Despite advancements in modern medicine, there is an even greater interest in healthy and alternative lifestyle management. During one of the sessions I attended, it was discussed that most physicians still practice disease management, instead of proactive optimal functioning living.

The panel experts discussed that healthy living must be introduced at the earliest ages in life rather than when "health problems arise". The notion is that long before the onset of age-related diseases, such as obesity, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s or diabetes, people can affect their health starting at childhood. Some experts believe that many diseases begin to germinate in childhood, which is why they urge consumers to start making changes early in life. Reducing exposure to pesticides and toxic chemicals is perhaps one of the most important, but a close second is to start with a healthy diet of foods minimally processed, without artificial colors, flavors or ingredients. Fresh foods are best. Prioritize what foods you can select as organic, and do your best to wash produce thoroughly before consuming. Carefully select vitamins and supplements for quality and potency. Most of all, read labels and ask questions. The Natural Products Expo West is an important annual industry event because it continues to bring forth product innovation-and discussion about what can help promote healthy living naturally. I hope you take the time to look at what you consume and read labels. Regardless of your budget, my advice is to avoid pre-made foods (usually anything in a box), reduce sugar intake, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits when possible. I'm not a doctor, nutritionist or health professional, nor do I suggest this post is complete in its health advice. It is merely my opinion on the benefits of consuming natural products in your life. Oh- and don't forget your pet too. Better nutrition makes a huge difference in a dog or cat's life.
-Rick Rockhill

A Day of Zany Fun at the Natural Products Expo West

Every year I attend the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. It's a huge industry trade show for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, media and service organizations within the natural and organic industry. This year I was a speaker at one of the conference sessions, and gave an address about trends in Pet Health and Nutrition. I also sat on a panel discussion with three other industry experts discussing regulations, pet nutrition and the vitamin/supplement products too. I really enjoy participating in conferences and try to speak at a few each year. For me, today was all about getting around to all the trade show booths. Like everything I do, I try to have fun and look for interesting things along the way. Well either that or strange things seems to find me. In any event I almost always have a camera handy. Take this first photo, above left. It was for a company that makes all kinds of things with ginger- cookies, candy, etc. The people working the booth all had their faces made up to look something like ginger root- all flaky and layered. It struck me as amusing. Click on the photo above left to biggify it and check out their faces more closely.

above: Then there was this cute bumble-bee girl who was so bubbly. I just had to get a photo with her.

above: And then the cow-girl. Or should that be cow-woman. Or bovine-female? ah, fugget-about it. I just like finding creatures like these for photo-ops for the blog.

above: and then there was this smokin' hot blond chick, wearing a skin-tight black patent-leather body suit. The guys walking by were all bumping into each other, as their heads were turned watching her as she stood in her booth.

above: these are always so corny, but I got a kick out of it for some reason.

above: who says just because its natural and organic that it can't be fun or taste good? These samba girls were dancing up a storm and attracted quite the crowd, too. Tomorrow I'm back at Expo West to make my way through the show floor. Still plenty more to see, and miles to go before I sleep.
-Rick Rockhill

I’ve being asked so many times: “Why don’t your write your blog, you have so many valuable thing to share?”. While lack of spear time is a main excuse; “mistake phobia” would be foremost; since English is not my mother language I try to spear myself from public embarrassment (therefore my upfront apology).

Well, I guess today is the day. It is an official launch of my blog. I hope you enjoy it and find some valuable and interesting information.


Could’ve they done any better …

Oscar Award! Couldn't be any better subject to début to the world of fashion and style gossiping.

To my surprise, this year most of celebrities succeed to escape the Worth-Dressed-List (I will not add fuel to the fire and would leave them along to lick their wounded egos). But could’ve the Best Dressed done any better? Here is my thoughts.

It seem to me it was a pact between the ladies of the red carpet - strapless gowns. Love them. But why?

It is the most complimentary way to display the most essential part of women’s body back, shoulders and neck. It is as well a perfect pedestal for instant glamorization. Was interesting to note that single handed number of celebrities took advantage of it. So many gorgeous gowns displayed, so many necks was wasted.





Kate Winslet’s classic and elegant look was created by adding Tiffany’s necklace to her simple, slick, champagne shimmer gown. Though, it wouldn’t be my choice of accessory . I would suggest more modern approach - a standout, statement necklace (let’s say from Lanvin Collection).

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s choice of Dries van Noten gown was a little bit to casual for such event, considering she was a nominee. Though in was great color to outline the blue shade of her eyes. But she could glamorize her look by swapping earrings for a necklace (before & after picture, necklace from TANDYA Collection).



Amanda Seyfried was too monotonic and mellow in that gorgeous Armani Prive Gown. The color of her eyes, skin tone and make-up was diluted with a tint of dress. Was missing some contrast, some life.

Kristen Stewart - have never seen her as elegant and beautiful, though something delicate on her décolleté would add sophistication.

Julianne Moore - I found her Calvin Klein gown a bit too pale for her complexion, and the choice of jewelry wasn’t constructive.



Rachel McAdams - Love her Elie Saab Haute couture gown, romantically elegant, but I would favor to see her with necklace, rather then earrings. (Tiffany Aria Necklace; H.Stern Nature Collection)

Carey Mulligan - was beautiful in very original Prada gown, which to my opinion was originally designed for much taller girl therefore pairing with those sandals was not complimentary. She should’ve chosen lighter color platforms, which would visually elongate her legs.




Milye Cyrus either was not comfortable in her outfit, or her outfit was not comfortable, which threw her posture of the roof , and made it very unattractive.

Confidence is girl most valuables possession. Proper posture is the best display of confidence, and as important as a choice of your dress.

And of cause, Congratulation to all the Winners of 82nd Oscar Award!

Images courtesy of People.com

The Palm Springs Savant & Co Radio Show

The week's edition of The Palm Springs Savant & Co radio show featured guests Kim Laidlaw from the Guide Dogs of the Desert, and Jim Casey, Executive Producer of the new independent film Expecting Mary. Click below to listen now or download as podcast from iTunes.

Cupcake Quest: Dulce Cupcakery

The Cupcake Quest continues yet again. I recently discovered Dulce Cupcakery, based here in the Coachella Valley. They are quickly becoming a popular provider of positively palatable cupcakes. (Dulce is the Spanish word for sweet, and is pronounced "dool-say"). In this photo above left, is a variety of mini-cupcakes, they are packaged so nicely here in this box, don't you think? I placed the box on the passenger seat as I drove home. As I stopped at one of the traffic lights on the way home I reached over, picked up the box of Dulce cupcakes and stared though the window pane. My mind ran away for a moment as I dreamed about their flavor...HONK!! HONK!! blared the car from behind. The light had turned green. I carefully placed the box down again and continued driving. I could hardly wait to get home and dig in. Using my hand-free heads set, I called home and reported that I had the cupcakes in my possession. "Don't eat any before you get home" John scolded me. I told him there was no way I would do that anyway, as I still had to take photos of them for the blog. Welcome to my world of nonsense. Anyway, here are a few close-ups of these wonderful mini-cupcakes from Dulce:

above: As soon as I got home I put a few on a serving plate so I could savor them. They all looked delicious. I first had one of the chocolate ones, which was quite good.

above: then I had a "Dulce Corazon" which was a vanilla cupcake with raspberry filling and butter cream frosting. It was really delicious, especially considering I am a chocolate fiend.

above: I went to the Dulce website to look around. Check out this Mermaid Cupcake they have on their website, now doesn't that look fun? As always, this is not a paid post, but I should thank Loretta from Dulce for letting me taste her delicious cupcakes. It was hard to decide which ones I liked best. If you live in the Southern California, particularly the Palm Springs area, Los Angeles or San Diego, Loretta told me she can deliver her delectable cupcakes to your home or event. I was so impressed with the variety of cupcakes Dulce makes, I went to their website and copied their menu so I could share it with you. Call Loretta if you live locally and want to order some. All photos and descriptions below are from the Dulce website:
Dulce Cupcakery Menu:

cupcake traditionales:

• la crema -vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting

• muy chocolat! -chocolate cake with lots of chocolate chips & buttercream frosting

• el coco-nut -coconut cupcake with coconut buttercream frosting topped with coconut flakes

• citron - orange cupcake with cream cheese frosting topped with white chocolate

• chocolate pretzel – a little salt & sweet twist on a chocolate cake

• polka dots – this cupcake has both chocolate and vanilla chips!

• dulce’s red velvet –we don’t want to be like everybody else, so we add chocolate chips to our red velvet! Just want to make sure these are extra rich!

cupcake especiales:

• the maya -chocolate and chipotle - sweet and spicy! dulce’s signature cupcake!

• el bon bon - chocolate cupcake filled with a creamy chocolate center, topped with buttercream frosting

• cola & chip – cupcakes for a movie night in! Real coca cola baked right into the cake and topped with a chocolate covered potato chip!

• dulce corazon - chocolate or vanilla cupcake filled with a cherry or rasberry center & buttercream frosting

• pb no j -yes, that would stand for peanut butter - no jelly :-) (unless you reeeeeally want it, we can add it just for you!). topped with peanut butter buttercream!

• chocolate orange -chocolate cake, mini chocolate chips and and an orange stick smack dab in the center. orange butter cream topped with an orange stick chunk - (are you kidding me?!!!) we would never kid you about chocolate! It is the bomb!!

• the bada bing – rich chocolate cake with a bing chocolate covered cherry on in the center and on top!

• moon pie - this one is oooey, gooey and oh so good! Chocolate cupcake, marshmallow in the center, covered in more chocolate and topped with more mini marshmallows, a moon pie!

• whopper crunch - bite into this cupcake and crunch right into that ol' candy favorite, a whopper! It’s in the center and on top too!

• banana cream pie – heavenly! banana flavor galore and topped with a chocolate covered banana chip!

• the betsy (as in ross!) – simple and sweet; white cake, chocolate dipped blueberry and strawberry slice on top. dulce’s red, white & blue! this sweet thing is seasonal~

the breakfast collection:

• coffee espresso - perfect for breakfast! coffee and chocolate baked together and topped with a chocolate espresso bean!

• captain crunch -remember that?!! captain crunch with crunchberries! a saturday morning cereal type of cupcake.

• bacon & chocolate -if you luv salt & sweet, this is your cupcake! rich chocolate cupcake baked with bacon bits and topped with a nice bite size bacon piece that has been dipped in chocolate on one side. Makes my mouth water!

SUPER especiales:

• cupcake sandwiches "a cupwich" - yes that's right, a sandwich! pick a flavor of cake and we shmear the center with buttercream filling and dip it in chocolate - yyyyyyum!
• cupcake pops, "popcakes" -the dessert on a stick! mini's made into a pop or "paletas" in spanish, dipped in chocolate! A HUGE hit with the kids :-)

Adventures of Sheldon & Duncan: The Floor Plant Monstrosity

It's been awhile since I've written about the antics of the poodles. Until now. Welcome to The Adventures of Sheldon & Duncan: The Floor Plant Monstrosity. We went out for a few hours and returned home to find two stalks on one of our floor plants had been chewed down to stubs.

We walked over to the sofa and found the following evidence:

and then I looked to the side chair and saw more carnage:

The poor plant had been gnawed off and left for dead...

above: Can you guess who is the guilty party in this monstrosity?
-Rick Rockhill

Book Review: The Color of Style by David Zyla

On this week's broadcast of The Palm Springs Savant & Co, I started the show with a brief segment about a new book called The Color of Style, by David Zyla. Following the broadcast I received a few e-mails asking more about the book, so I thought I'd write a brief post about it here. This book is a fun read, particularly for women seeking fashion advice. Zyla states his mission as showing the reader how to select colors to "attract love, enhance your power, restore your energy, make a lasting impression and show the world who you really are". Zyla claims there is a secret to knowing what to wear; I must admit to agreeing with his theories. Of interest, the author explains the eight basic colors- five express who you are and three neutral colors that complete your wardrobe. Among key points to consider are knowing yourself and what colors work with you and who you are. Zyla counsels the reader on how to shop and select clothing, for example, not to look at a dress, but to look at a dress on you (while wearing it). Consider factors such as the occasion you will be attending (job interview, an important meeting versus a relaxed meeting). The color of the garment is an important factor to help determine the success of the event. Having started my career in men's ready-to-wear fashion, I share the same opinion on making purchasing decisions as they relate to fashion: Zyla recommends that if you have to think too long, the garment needs to go. He states that if you don't get the instant wow, then pass. When I was in the apparel industry, I would often ask clients: "Do you LOVE it?" When they hesitated, even for a second, I yanked it out of their hand and barked back: "If not, then forget about it. we'll find something else" This often startled shoppers who expected me to be pushing any garment just to make a sale. As a sales professional, I never wanted to sell something unless it was just right. Regardless of the budget you may have for apparel, consider picking up a copy of The Color of Style, it is a handy book and a pleasant read too.
-Rick Rockhill