Plastic-Free Bags

 

 

Lately I have been very conscientious of the plastic we use in our home, particularly plastic bags. Plastic grocery bags and sandwich-snack bags are some of the biggest culprits contributing to waste and putting our health, animals and planet in danger. Several stores in certain areas of the country have done away with plastic grocery bags. This effort alone is a good start and a strong statement, but it’s still not enough. I do my part to take reusable bags to the store and pack lunches, snacks and leftovers in reusable containers. There are many great alternatives now that make it convenient and cost effective for us all to do our part to minimize the use of plastic bags. This infographic from ECO SNACKBAG is an eye-opening breakdown of just how much of an impact you can really make by making the switch to eco-friendly options. Make every day Earth Day!

Summer Surprises from Ecocentric Mom

My May/June Ecocentric Mom boxes arrived this week and, once again, they are packed with stuff I have already started putting to good use.  This time around, I received both the “Mom” Discovery box and the “Mom-to-Be” box. While I’m not expecting (yet!), as a Doula I like to know and share the latest safe and eco-friendly products available for mama and baby. This month I discovered some great new stuff. Check it out…

May/June Ecocentric “Mom” Box

~Playmaker Nutrition All Natural Gummy Vitamins – So far, this might be the best surprise I’ve ever gotten through my Ecocentric Mom boxes….TWO full-size bottles of Playmaker Nutrition! I received the multi-vitamin, as well as the Calcium Vitamin D. These typically sell for $13.99 per bottle! Talk about this subscription box paying for itself! Best part is…my daughter loves them. I love them because they give my active 7 year old extra nutrients she might need without any added junk most vitamins contain…and they are made in the USA. I also received a 20% discount code.

~Licious Organics Raw Honey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie – what a great treat. These unbaked cookies come from an old family recipe and are made with only the finest ingredients. They are gluten, soy and wheat free and made with organic chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, peanut butter…and Utah Pink Salt. You would swear they were baked. Each cookie costs $1.20. I also received a 10% discount code.

~All Natural Chocolate Caramel Swirl by The Lovely Candy Co. – sweet treats! Love that these are made with all natural ingredients and contain no GMOs, no gluten or soy, and no high-fructose corn syrup. My daughter and I truly enjoyed the soft, buttery chocolate caramel. I received 6 caramels. A full 6oz bag sells for $3.99-$4.99.

~Boiron Arnicare Gel -another favorite. I am a big fan of Boiron products and recently purchased the Arnicare Gel. It works great for when my daughter gets those inevitable bumps and bruises from playing in the school yard. Arnica montana is a homeopathic remedy that helps with muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising. The gel is unscented, non-greasy, absorbs quickly and is paraben-free. I received the travel-size which sells for $1.99 and will be taking with me on my Summer travels. A full size sells for $10.99.

~The Sili Squeeze with Eeeze – what a great invention. This reusable squeeze pouch is ideal for toddlers and school-aged children. It is made of 100% toxin-free materials and has a free-flowing spout, making it safe and easy for them to use. You can fill it with smoothies, yogurt, applesauce and the like. Perfect for school lunches. I received one Sili Squeeze which sells for $14.99, along with a 10% discount code.

~ORGLAMIX All-Natural “Hot Mama” Eye Shadow – I love getting make-up samples and learning that there is a big variety out there that is safer than conventional brands. Orglamix is free of parabens, sulfates, synthethic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan. The eye shadow I received is the perfect natural shade I typically use. It sells for $9. I also received a 20% discount code.

~Antioxidant Rich Organic Nightly Repair Nectar by La Mav – I received a sample of this serum and used a little the same night. I have to say, I noticed a little boost in my tone and firmness almost immediately. It contains omega 3 and 6 in Acai Pulp Oil and Lingonberry Oil and is formulated to fight signs of aging and protect skin. I’m hoping this “natural botox” really does help smooth fine lines and wrinkles with continued use. The full size sells for $49.95. I also received a 10% discount code.

~Monarch Farm Rose Complete Rejuvenating Face Cream – Another great skincare product! I used this face cream just this morning and my face felt very moisturized and soft. It absorbs quickly and smells like a beautiful bouquet of fresh roses. It is made with Rose petal infused Rosehip Seed Oil, Rose Absolute & Rose Hydrosol, all formulated to regenerate the skin and fight the advancement of skin aging. I received the  travel size which sells for $5. There is also a 1.75 oz for $15 and a 4 oz for $25. I also received a 15% discount code.

~Rise & Shine Organic Coffee Body Scrub by Simply Rustic – I love coffee, but coffee on the skin? YES! This scrub will truly awaken your skin. It is 100% natural, loaded with antioxidants, and has so many benefits. The caffeine can help reduce inflammation from fluid build up, promote circulation and even breakdown fat cells! I received a $3 value travel size. A full 8 oz size sells for $12. I also received a 20% discount code.

~LrCrem Naturals “LeRevital Riche Body Souffle” – I love this stuff! It feels so light and fluffy on your skin and has such a pleasant, light, cherry scent. It leaves your skin feeling revived, moisturized and soft. Best of all, it is all natural…made with neem, rosemary, jojoba, avocado and essential oils. There are no extra additives, petroleum or parabens. I received a travel size which sells for $3. The full size (8oz) sells fo $24. I also received a 10% discount code.

~Wild Orange Natural Organic Solid Deodorant by Natures Natural – Finding the right natural and/or organic deodorant can be a challenge. Well, thanks to Ecocentric Mom, this is the 2nd deodorant I learn about that truly works for me! It has a great citrus scent and is 100% organic. I wore it all day today and it did the job! I received a travel size which values at $1.95. The full size sells for $5.95.

~Along with all these goodies, I also received a $15 gift card for KISS ME ORGANICS.

~Last, but not least….the topics for the Ecocentric Mom May/June Expert Tips Postcard were: “Eco-Friendly Picnics” and “A fun family workout that you can do with kids of any age.”

As if all that wasn’t enough, I also received the “Mom-to-Be” box,which included several of the same items, but some great new finds too…

May/June Ecocentric “Mom-to-Be” Box

~Sunshine Organic Herbals Healing Herbal Sitz Bath – this will make a great recommendation for my doula clients. This blend of healing herbs will help reduce postpartum inflammation, aches and pains and help speed up the healing process. I received a 1 oz bag that sells for $4. There is a 1/2 lb bag available for $16 or a full pound for $30. I also received a 10% discount code.

~Ancestry Shampoo Bar by SoapMuffin Organic and Holistic Products – I have yet to use this but love it already. It is made with raw coconut milk, fresh herbs and….the secret ingredient…clay. This shampoo bar claims to be rich in lather, leave your hair soft and manageable, and rinse out with no residue. If for some reason it does not live up to its claims, I’ll make sure to update my post! 😉 I received a travel size sample. A full bar sells for $5.

~Novena Organic Anti-Aging Mineral Sun Block SPF 30 – A few months back I received a sample of Novena’s Eye Gel in my Ecocentric Mom Box and fell in love with it. I know I will definitely be putting this sunscreen to use this Summer too. It is made using high quality ingredients that are safer and more effective than conventional brands. I received a full size which sells for $26.99.

~Knocked Up Nails – Exclusive 50% Ecocentric Mom Discount Offer to shop online for this pregnancy-safe nail polish line that has been featured on E! TV, Baby Talk Magazine, American Baby Magazine, etc.

The following items were featured in the “Mom” box as well:

~Licious Organics Raw Honey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie

~All Natural Chocolate Caramel Swirl by The Lovely Candy Co.

~ORGLAMIX All-Natural “Hot Mama” Eye Shadow

~Antioxidant Rich Organic Nightly Repair Nectar by La Mav 

~Monarch Farm Rose Complete Rejuvenating Face Cream

~LrCrem Naturals “LeRevital Riche Body Souffle”

~Wild Orange Natural Organic Solid Deodorant by Natures Natural

~Expert Tips Card

As usual, I was introduced to several products that I will most likely use again. Just about every single one I would recommend to clients, friends and family. If you’re interested in a subscription box service or know someone who would love to receive goodies every-other-month, I highly recommend Ecocentric Mom.  They never disappoint.

5 Tips to Green Your Summer Celebrations

Grilling season is here! With the excitement of picnics, parks and parties, it can be easy to overlook that your Summer celebration may be creating more waste. The sales of paper plates and napkins, plastic cups and utensils, bottles and cans of beverages go up in the summer and so does the amount of waste in our landfills. Understandably, dragging your finest china and cloth napkins to the beach or park is not as convenient. However there are some other easy and effective ways you can green up your BBQ festivities. In no particular order, here are the Top 5 reasons and ways to green up your grilling:

Gas Grill or Charcoal: Natural gas or propane is the more eco-conscious of the two.  While eco-friendly charcoal exists, grilling with gas is still considered to be better for the environment and your health, particularly if you are the chef! You will want to prevent you and your guests from inhaling carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals released by charcoal briquettes and lighter fluids. Don’t forget to cook with the lid down as much as possible to preserve energy.

Shop Local and Sustainable: When shopping for meats, veggies and fruits for your celebration, hit up a local farmer’s market, if possible.  At the store, look for meats and produce that are organic, sustainable and have not traveled too much of a distance. By supporting local farmers and green businesses you are helping support the local economy, reducing negative environmental impacts, and adopting healthier habits through eating more naturally.

Make your own beverages: Instead of juice boxes, bottled waters and other beverages, why not bring a couple of pitchers? You can fit a nice sized pitcher or two in a cooler, or make sure you have enough ice, and serve up some refreshing homemade lemonade, sangria or even just water! If you plan to serve beer, look into a keg instead. You can bring enough recyclable cups for your guests and provide them with name labels so they won’t lose their drink.

Avoid plastics and other disposables: If you don’t mind reusables, which really are most cost effective and eco-friendly, bamboo utensils and plates are great. Another, more unique option is to use reusable, cloth place mats instead of paper or plastic plates. Once guests are done with their meal, they can even wipe up with them instead of paper napkins…two in one! If you really feel you must purchase paper or plastic products, find those that are biodegradable, recyclable, made without bleach or dyes, etc. Whatever you do to lessen the carbon footprint you make will help in some way.

Lastly, bring a separate container or bags: preferably in a different color, and encourage all your guests to help take care of the Earth by recycling!

~This article was originally featured on Green Deals.org

 

Easy Compost Tips

I have always wanted to start a compost, but just assumed it would be messy, stinky and too much work. When I ran across the following infographic, I realized I was being silly. RiverbendHome.com does a great job of breaking composting into 5 easy steps and I had to share. No more excuses! I am finally convinced and ready to start my own organic compost pile. Even better, by this time next year, I have high hopes my compost pile will help provide a beautiful organic garden.

Spa Day with ESSIO

In my March/April Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box, I received a $10 gift card for ESSIO, the world’s first aromatherapy diffuser for the shower. After the past few busy and hectic weeks I’ve had, I was more than excited and willing when they asked me to sample and review their kit for my blog. ESSIO is such a simple, but unique and effective concept. It is also so easy to use! The kit comes with three different scents and they are very simple to install.  The attachment arm simply clips onto your shower head pipe…no tools required. You then take your favorite aromatherapy pod and snap it into place, making sure it falls under the water stream. Just turn on the water and let ESSIO begin to diffuse the rejuvenating essential oils into your shower. It’s such a great way to truly relax and unwind. It is especially great for those of us who are not able to indulge in a nice, long bath. With ESSIO, you can get the same benefits in a short shower.

The starter kit comes with three scents to choose from. The orange pod is called Breathe and consists of Cedarwood Atlas, Peppermint, Lemon, and Eucalyptus. It helps to decongest, clear your sinuses, and clear your mind. It has a very light scent, but I definitely could feel the benefits of the decongestion…especially since we are in full Spring allergy mode over on the East Coast!  The green pod is called Unwind and consists of Orange Sweet, Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lavender, Patchouli, and Vetiver. The Patchouli scent was a bit on the strong side, which I didn’t mind, but my husband was not a fan.  The pink pod is called Passion. It consists of Lavender, Orange Sweet, Palmarosa, Clove, Patchouli, and Cinnamon. Designed to awaken desire and sensuality, this was my favorite of the three. I love the scent and my skin definitely felt radiant after using it. In fact, all three aromatherapy pods left my skin feeling soft and revitalized at the same time. It was such an added bonus to my shower.  During days filled with crazy schedules, it really is great to come home and unwind with an ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower.  It’s like having a spa day in a just a few minutes. BEST of all, ESSIO is made with 100% Organic Essential Oils. I highly recommend adding this to your beauty and skin care regimen, or just regular every day routine.

ESSIO has been featured in People Magazine and the Wall Street Journal among other media outlets. To learn more about their products and order your own start kit, visit the ESSIO Website, or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Novica Giveaway

 I recently learned about NOVICA, one of the leading fair trade artisan online markets. Together with National Geographic, they give artisans around the world a place to share their talents and unique creations with the rest of the world. NOVICA offers a variety of products, from beautiful handmade jewelry to clothing, handbags, house decor and more.  I recently purchased the beautiful elephant earrings pictured above. They arrived from Thailand in a delicate pouch with a personally, handwritten note from the artisan. They also came with a brief description of the importance and symbolism of the Thai Elephant. I was very impressed and love my new earrings. Best of all, shipping is extremely reasonable and quick! If you’re looking for a truly special and unique gift for yourself or a loved one, I recommend browsing all the beautiful products on the NOVICA site. There’s something for everyone! Some favorites include: beautiful Wood Rings, stylish Blue Glassware, unique Abstract Paintings, and other Handmade Gifts.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I am happy to offer one lucky reader a Gift Certificate in the amount of $37.50 that can be used toward any item on the NOVICA website. The winner will receive a digital code to be used at checkout and may be applied toward shipping too. To enter is easy! Just click on the link below to be taken to the Raffle:

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Raffle ends on Thursday, May 22nd  at 11:59 pm (est). One winner will be randomly selected and all entries will be verified. Winner must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. Please provide a valid email so you may be easily contacted within 24 hours or another winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

To learn more about how you can support talented artisans and purchase fair trade items, visit http://www.novica.com.

Learn how you can make more of an impact by joining the NOVICA Community of Curators.

Find NOVICA on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and PINTEREST.

Reflections…

Happy Anniversary!

You registered on WordPress.com 3 years ago!

Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging!

I received the message above in an email yesterday. It made me realize a couple of things and somewhat inspired me to write and share a more personal post. For starters, wow, time flies! So much can happen in such a short amount of time and certain things seems like a distant memory. Still, when looking back, I can’t believe how fast time is flying. Someone make it stop!  Just last year, at this time, I was getting ready to finish up my 2nd year of homeschooling my daughter. Today, I’m in shock that her first year in a “traditional” school is almost over. I was so torn about having to go back to work and send her off to school. However, as usual, things have a way of working themselves out. I mean, landing a gig as the Spanish Teacher at her school was a pretty damn good sign that I was doing the right thing….for now. 🙂

She loves her school and has had a great year making new friends and learning new things. I would still do anything to be able to homeschool again…and I still keep that option open for the near future. But for now, I am so comforted in seeing how things have just fallen into place over the last few years.  Seeing her become an even more beautiful and bright little lady is what motivates me to keep working hard to realize my dreams. This way, I hope to inspire her and help her make her own dreams come true.  So now, with the month of May basically here, I count down the days for the school year to officially end. You can be certain, however, that the learning won’t stop!

As I get ready to finish up my Postpartum Doula Certification, I will also make sure to set aside some time for the little and I to do some “Summer Homeschooling.” I think it’s important to review a little during the Summer months to reinforce and help kids retain what they have learned. You can do this in so many different ways, from reading books to visiting parks, zoos and museums. I am especially excited because I was recently introduced to a special online program designed for elementary school students and had to share with you….

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I’ve been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.  Once we get started on it , I’ll make sure to report back on how it went! Thanks for taking the time to read this post. 🙂

Going Green with Social Media

 

I ran across this infographic from Recyclebank the other day while doing a little research and felt compelled to share. With so many people on social media today, it really is amazing to see that with just one small gesture we can help protect the environment in major ways. Who would think that pinning “green” ideas on Pinterest or shutting down Twitter for just one hour would have such a huge impact on the Earth? You can make everyday Earth Day by just practicing a few, or even one, of the following social media tips.

Have a Green Easter

Easter is around the corner and you may want to consider some safer, healthier alternatives for your kids. While conventional Easter egg kits seem convenient and easy, they are loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to your family. The following infographic from Door t0 Door Organics shows just how simple it is to create a variety of dye colors using simple and natural ingredients.  Think of it as an art and cooking lesson all in one! For more ideas on how to make your Easter safe and fun, check out my article from last year Happy Eco-Friendly Easter. Enjoy your holiday!

March and April Goodies for Mom

I’ve been enjoying some great new products the past couple of weeks, thanks to my Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box. Every other month I anticipate what new and useful products I’m going to find. With Mother’s Day coming up next month, you should really consider gifting yourself or a special mom in your life a subscription to Ecocentric Mom. Just look at all the amazing things I received in my March/April Box…

2 Degrees Food Bar ~It was a nice treat to find this healthy food bar in my Ecocentric Mom Box. I actually tried one for the first time just a few weeks ago and liked it very much. It’s not just tasty, but also vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and Kosher. The bars are made with Heritage Grains like quinoa, chia and millet. What I like most about 2 Degrees Food is that they donate a meal to a child in need for every bar sold. I received one bar in the Cherry Almond flavor which sells for $1.99.

BrewLeaf Organic Tea ~ I love trying new teas. I received a sample pack of caffeine-free Roman Provence Rooibos Tea by BrewLeaf. The tea leaves smelled fresh and the tea tasted fruity and yummy.  A regular 2 ounce bag can brew up to 25 cups and sells for $6.99 – $8.99. I also received a 20% online discount.

BluApple ~ Another great surprise! I’ve been meaning to purchase something to help my produce last a little longer in the fridge for a while now. BluApple is a safe and effective way to do just that. The apple-shaped blue gadget absorbs the ethylene gas that fruits and veggies emit, allowing them to last up to three times longer. I’m still testing the product out, but after a week my tomatoes still look good! A pack of 2 Bluapples sells for $9.99. I received one BluApple Sample Kit.

Oatmeal Grapefruit Face Wash Powder by Homespun Northwest ~ Talk about literally feeding your skin…this powder is made of ground organic oats, Kaolin clay and grapefruit essential oil. Just a pinch of it mixed in with a little water creates a face wash that is perfect for any skin type. Homespun Northwest also make a variety of natural and vegan, home, baby and other beauty products. I received a travel size of face wash powder which sells for $3.50. A regular 4 ounce size sells for $7 and there is a certified gluten-free version that sells for $8. I also got a 10% online discount code.

House Blend Organics Coconut Body Wash ~ Right now we have everything from coconut oil to coconut cereal in our home. A coconut body wash was very welcomed…and I am loving the House Blend Organics version. It has a nice, light coconut smell and rich lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Best of all, its ingredient list simply consists of organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, along with organic aloe vera and rosemary extract. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from dry skin and/or eczema and other skin issues. A regular 8 oz bottle sells for $14.95. I received a travel size bottle and a 15% online discount code.

MarieNatie All-Natural Lip Gloss ~ This came at the perfect time. I recently lost my favorite lip gloss and this Cotton Candy shade from MarieNatie matches almost perfectly. Best of all, it is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, phthalates and petro-chemicals. I’m going to have to check out the rest of the cosmetic line too. A full size lip gloss sells for $18. I received a travel size gloss, which sells for $5, and a 20% discount code.

Treefort Naturals Comfrey Salve ~ This all-purpose salve is sure to come in handy now that the warm weather is setting in and those pesky mosquitos and bug bites are coming back. The Comfrey Salve is handmade with natural and organic ingredients, containing only organic olive oil infused with comfrey and calendula, beeswax, and lavender essential oil. A full size tin sells for $8. I received a travel size tin and a 20% online discount.

Bach Original Flower Remedies ~ This line of natural remedies is a system of 38 plant and flower based essences developed by Dr. Bach. By placing a few drops in your water, you can help manage the emotional demands of everyday life. I received a bottle of Elm which “restores your normal strength and optimism when you are temporarily overwhelmed or burdened by responsibility.” This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been extremely busy lately and counting down to my few days of break for the Easter holiday. Call it coincidence, but after a hectic week and placing a few drops in my water bottle each day, I did not feel as stressed and had a very productive and positive week. J I received a regular size bottle of essence, which sells for $19.98, and a $4 online coupon.

Powernap 2-CD Set ~ Someone is definitely trying to tell me to relax! 😉 I am definitely not much of a napper, but this CD set may convert me. In the first disc, you can choose from 3 long “naps” or two 5 minute programs. Each “nap” ends with chimes and a gentle voice to wake you. The second CD contains 19 songs with guitar and piano melodies that can help you sleep, relax, meditate, or even just get your creativity flowing. I actually plan to incorporate these CDS into the yoga classes I currently teach. The CD set sells for only $9.99.

Eco-Friendly Organic Acai Seed Bead Hair Barrette by Terri Jean’s Adornments ~ My daughter snagged this one from me! The hair barrette is very unique and I love knowing that it was designed with animals, nature and the environment in mind. It’s nice to see the growing trend in jewelry and accessories made with fruit seeds and other eco-friendly materials. One small barrette like this one sells for $5 on Etsy. I also received a 15% discount code.

Sport Suds Laundry Detergent ~ This detergent is formulated to completely get out odor-causing bacteria, oils and dirt from fabrics and leave them free of any residue. Best of all, it is biodegradable, made with natural ingredients and is non-toxic. I have yet to give this laundry detergent a try, but plan to use it this week on the hubby’s gym clothes. I received 2 sample packets and a 20% disount code. Prices for regular size jars, pouches and tubs range from $20.95-$59.95.

Along with discovering so many new and great products, I also received a $10 gift card for ESSIO, the world’s first aromatherapy diffuser for the shower.  Of course, my Ecocentric Mom box would not be complete without the March/April Expert Tips card. It included: Tips for a Safe and Non-Toxic Vacation by Kathy Scoleri and A Healthy and Tasty Lunch Recipe by Alysa Bajenaru.

This Mother’s Day, I highly recommend you give Ecocentric Mom a try. You end up getting so much more than you paid for…and who doesn’t love getting a surprise package in the mail? 😉