We are delighted to announce our web site has an events section and The Directory is live. So please visit www.lifeinbalance.co.za to let us know what you think, post blogs and suggest ideas for investigation. The Life in Balance community is active and alive and we would love you to participate on all levels. Enjoy the latest newsletter and if, by chance, you don’t want news from us anymore please click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter.

The new issue of Life in Balance will be online later today so make sure you visit the website www.lifeinbalance.co.za.

Feedback from the first phase of the Life in Balance Directory has been incredibly positive. Companies and individuals have commented on the fresh, user-friendly layout, the opportunity to advertise specials, discounts and highlight individual products and services that will help all South Africans embrace a natural, healthier, more balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

Durban, committed to hosting a carbon-neutral 2010 FIFA World Cup™ event, adopted a number of approaches and strategies. One of these initiatives is the Greener Guidelines Series, aimed at professionals and the public, which can be easily adopted by residents in all parts of South Africa.

Still keeping track with the Goal Gym, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the muscles needed to do what you say you are going to do are in need of constant attention. It is very easy to make promises and have the best intentions but in reality it all comes down to what you do per day that will determine whether you are an achiever or not. Simple steps like writing down just five things to do per day to help you achieve your goals can be a motivator in helping you keep track of your progress.

Five extraordinary voices of our time took centre stage at The Cape Town City hall for The Badilisha Poetry X-Change and swept their audience away on a river of words. Some were incomprehensible, others were revolutionary, a few were heart wrenching and most questions posed, unanswerable but juicy food for thought. The lingering result is a mind switched on to the power of language and its ability to transform and heal.

Thought June was all about the World Cup? Think again. A host of indoor and outdoor activities are on offer, including an opportunity to win a case of wine or tickets to the Stellenbosch Wine Festival.

Do you want to grow organic vegetables but don't know where to begin? This is the perfect book for you - whether you have green fingers or not. Packed with practical, inspiring advice, time-saving tips, step-by-step instructions and personal anecdotes, this book is for beginners and gardening gurus alike.

A fan of Life in balance - Cat Glennie shares her household tips for using cucumbers, from stopping fog on a bathroom mirror to pest control. In salads , cucumbers provide essential vitamins that boost the health ratio of your greens.

NASA and the National Climatic Data Centre recently reported that January to April 2010 was the warmest on record (their data goes back to 1880). The earth had its warmest April globally and the smallest snow cover extent in the US. The race is to find solutions for runaway climate change has never been more urgent.

Woolworths’ Julian Novak confirming a rollout of products using free range eggs after the Dear Woolworths campaign, whereby Woolworths was asked to stop using battery eggs, is great news. Attention is now turned to the Ethical Egg campaign, aimed at Shoprite/Checkers, Pick and Pay, Spar and government. We urge readers to become informed about the horrors of battery farming and get involved.

Cheral Kennedy’s (www.livingmatter.co.za) Moon Phase Gardening guide supplies all the information you need for gardening in June. There’s plenty to do, despite the season.

While walking to my local shops whenever possible is the healthier and more environmentally friendly option, there are times when it is not practical – rain and heavy items are two that come to mind. Now, ePower Trucks, a UK company that supplies electric trucks, tractors, utility vehicles, golf buggies, tugs and other vehicles, has developed a range of road-legal buggies ideal for local, short-distance (50km +) commuting.

Almost every pet suffers from some sort of skin condition. Even veterinarians are lost when it comes to treating skin allergies and “hot spots” and many acknowledge the severity of this ailment. Treating with cortisone or changing to another flavour of processed food will not solve the problem. Skin allergies and conditions can be cured. All that is required is a holistic and natural treatment. If you adhere to these five easy steps you will cure your pet's skin condition.

With the City of Cape Town’s announcement that it plans to start selling Green electricity, Capetonians will soon have a chance to opt for power produced at the Darling Wind Farm on the West Coast.