Me and my sista sporting our shades on this year’s Easter egg hunt!

If you haven’t been diligent about wearing sunglasses over the years, it’s time to start. Here in Colorado, where we live at high elevation and enjoy lots of sun, my family and I are nearly never without them. Wearing them regularly offers a myriad of benefits that can sometimes be easy to forget about.

Need a refresher?  Here are three reasons never to leave the house without shades.

1. For protection. The number one reason to wear sunglasses is because they protect the eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause such eye damage as cataracts, photokeratitis and macular degeneration. To ensure your eyes are protected, choose sunglasses that clearly indicate they block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

It’s also important to make sure kids wear sunglasses.Children’s eyes are even more susceptible to damage from UV rays because the lens inside a child’s eye is clearer than an adult’s, allowing more UV to enter the eye. Plus, damage from UV rays in cumulative with the risk of harm growing over the years, so the sooner the eyes are protected, the better. Consult your optometrist for advice on the best kind of sunglasses for your needs.

2. To improve your vision. If you wear corrective lenses, purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses is a great idea. If you typically wear contacts, prescription sunglasses may be an ideal alternative. This is especially true if you’re active and outdoors frequently, as your eyes may become itchy or watery from the effects of the sun, sand and wind that may be present. You can also add glare protection to prescription sunglasses to further combat light bouncing back from reflective surfaces like a car windshield or body of water.

If you wear eyeglasses in favor of contact lenses, prescription sunglasses are a simpler, more fashionable alternative to clip-on sunglasses. Plus, sunglasses help protect the delicate skin around the eyes and will keep you from squinting, which is one of the main causes of crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles. And, since they’re available for virtually any prescription, including bifocals and progressive lenses, it makes sense to opt for prescription sunglasses when you’re outdoors.

3. For style. Sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays protect your eyes, and the prescription varieties help you see. So, what else are sunglasses good for? Style, of course! Whether you’re in the market for kid’s, men’s or women’s sunglasses, there are plenty of options to suit everyone’s individual tastes. And it’s not just non-prescription options that are stylish. You also can find prescription sunglasses with trendy frame shapes, everything from classic aviators to vintage cat eye.

No matter which frames you choose, always remember to wear your sunglasses. Even in the winter or on overcast days, the sun’s rays are still present and can cause damage to your eyes. So, stash a pair in the car, or make a habit of grabbing them before you leave the house for the day. It will help set the stage for healthy eyes for years to come.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by LensCrafters. I received a nominal fee for posting what I think is important and useful information.

Source.

There’s no doubt in my mind that yoga helps improve the overall pregnancy experience. I did it consistently throughout my first pregnancy with K-Bear and whole-heartedly attribute my natural (and quick!) labor and delivery to both the physical and mental benefits it provided me. I only wish I have been as dedicated this time around!

Creeping up on the third trimester, I’m determined to practice more regularly. Yoga allows the body to better cope with the inevitable changing hormones and creeping scale. Many yoga practicing, mothers-to-be report that it helps alleviate common discomforts and aches that come with pregnancy. It also helps you learn to let go, listen to your body, and breathe, attributes that come in extremely handy during labor and delivery!

As I embark on a more regular practice in the next three months, I thought I’d share some yoga tips to motivate myself, as well as other prego mammas out there.

1. Your pregnancy yoga wardrobe doesn’t have to be elaborate. But avoid baggy tops, tops that are too revealing and high waisted leggings or pants that constrict your belly. Go for low-waisted athletic capris, pants or shorts and fitted t-shirts; check out discounts with an Athleta coupon. The clothes you choose should be comfortable.
2. Don’t limit yourself when you’re practicing yoga just because you’re pregnant. Instead, use extra props such as blocks, cushions and chairs. The idea is to get the most out of each and every pose while being safe. And while it isn’t necessary to buy pricey props, it is essential to use a yoga mat which will help prevent slips.
3. Be gentle. Even if you are an experienced yogi, your body is different when pregnant. Never over stretch and always listen to what your body has to say. You are out to help, not hurt.
4. Practice from the comfort of your home. This will help you avoid putting it off just because you’re too busy to go somewhere to practice. All you need is a good DVD or video to get started. Also, you don’t have to go all out. Just a few poses every day can make a difference.
5. Focus on poses that help strengthen and lengthen your back, abdominal muscles and glute muscles. These are not only important for maintaining good, straight posture, but also for holding the pelvis in the correct position. In other words, they let your posture adjust while your body goes through the many changes in pregnancy.
6. During savasana, relax and don’t be scared to lie or sit in a different manner. What felt comfortable pre-baby belly may not feel comfortable to you now, which is completely normal. If corpse pose doesn’t feel good, it’s okay. Try reclining bound angle pose or even lotus. Comfort is the first priority here.
7. If you can, practice yoga in the water. Why? Simply because water helps in supporting the body during the various poses. It gives it more balance as the joints plus muscles tend to move more freely. In addition to that, aqua yoga works great for toning the body, and bonus – you feel light as a feather in the water!

With these tips in mind, I’m ready to tackle a few more monthly rainforest yoga classes at the Butterfly Pavillion, as well as take advantage of the weekly classes my building has started offering. Hooray for a growing belly and time on my mat!

Did you practice yoga while pregnant?

We love this new canvas print that hangs on the main floor and makes us smile every day!

Dear Baylor,

Happy birthday, buddy! You would have been 13 today! That’s 91 in human years, and quite an accomplishment. It’s been exactly two weeks since you left this earth for your next adventure, and slowly but surely, we are learning to live life without you.

It’s tough you know. You were by my side since you were just 12 weeks old, a Border Collie/Aussie Shepard/Blue Heeler mix, young and spirited, straight off a ranch in Steamboat. Not so different from me, just 25 and full of the same crazy spirit! I’ll never forget the ride home, you sitting in my lap while I drove, me making a promise to take care of you until the day you died. I’m so happy I was able to keep that promise to you. After all you gave me, how could I not? Graduating first in your puppy class was just the start.

I still smile at the memory of you as a puppy, riding on the ledge above the back seat in my old Jetta. I suppose the view from there was best! You always were one for views, hiking everything from riverside trails to fourteen-thousand-foot peaks with me over the years. Teaching you to play frisbee on our many walks was probably one of my greatest accomplishments. You never wanted to leave home without it, and certainly caught quite a few in your day; even winning a competition or two.

Stopping to admire the view and loving life.

I was so grateful for your companionship as I left the bubble of Steamboat for the foothills of Fort Collins. Thrilled to have you trail running and mountain biking by my side on new trails. I could have done without the wine you spilled on SoulDaddy the first time you met him, but lucky for us both, he stuck around for many more glasses!

It’s hard to believe you were just a year-and-a-half when he came into our lives. I was grateful that you both quickly bonded; you always were an excellent judge of character! From a townhome in Fort Collins to our first home in Windsor and beyond, you made every move without a hitch. You simply lived for life, for being by our side – even at our wedding, for the next walk, the next swim, the next stick, the next frisbee toss. We should all remember to keep such simple joys top of mind!

So many memories, I’m having trouble choosing pictures for your collage!

Of course, you weren’t without your quirks. I could have done without the time you chewed all the seatbelts in the Pathfinder while I went shopping. I was thankful you left me with at least the driver’s seat belt to drive home with. Or the blinds. You chewed multiple sets of blinds in all three houses, and once destroyed the house so badly I thought we had been robbed! We’ll never know exactly what set you off – someone at the door maybe or in the yard – but I do know that SoulDaddy has developed really great blind repair and installation skills.

From a young age, you didn’t have a great track record with kids, inevitably resorting to nipping and herding at their quick movements. I remember when I was pregnant with K-Bear, everyone was worried that you wouldn’t do well with a baby or toddler in the house. Everyone but me. You were smart. I knew you’d know this one was different, and would be as gentle with her as we were. And you were. From the day we brought her home to the day you died just 11 days short of her third birthday, you were her best buddy. You looked after her constantly. A mom can’t ask for anything more.

Always by my baby’s side. I only wish you could meet her new sister-to-be!

You were so good to me buddy, to us, and I can only hope we returned the same favor. I’m so sorry we didn’t know you were sick. I’ve thought through all the what-ifs over the past weeks, but ultimately, life plays out as is does for a  reason. I didn’t have to obsess over an impending, cancerous end, and you got to curl up with us in bed your last night at home.

The house is most definitely quieter without your squeaks and whines, and that took some getting used to. Chance moped for days; he misses his buddy! But even Lew is coming out of her shell a little more each day. I think she knew you were sick and it saddened her. She’s better now, and I know you are too. Life will never be the same without you, just as my life wouldn’t be what it is today without your friendship and love.

Chancey misses your cuddles and kisses.

I miss you buddy. I wake in the morning only to see you aren’t there, but I always remember how incredibly excited you were for the start of another day. Never a morning person, it’s my mission to capture just a little of that excitement as I start each day without you.

Here’s to endless frisbees and hikes under Colorado bluebird skies. To our memories. To our dreams. Until we meet again.

Happy Birthday, Bubbas.

xoxo,
Momma

Although berries don’t usually stick around in our fridge long enough to grow mold, occasionally it happens, and usually more quickly than I anticipated. But not anymore!

Wash ‘em with Vinegar

You’ve heard me tought the magical benefits of vinegar before, from cleaning to soothing sunburns. Now we can add another use to the list: preserving berries! The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, thus extending their life.

1. Mix one part white vinegar with ten parts water.
2. Add the berries and swirl.
3. Drain, air dry and refrigerate.

 Happy berry season!

Chocoholics unite and yes, make a better brownie (in six easy steps)!  This recipe is inspired by one I found in Oprah Magazine of all places and it’s a definite keeper. All guilt is replaced by the healthy fats of avocados and the antioxidant power of raw cocao and raw honey! An OMG, are these tasty!

Ingredients

- Base:

• 2 c. walnuts
• 13 ounces pitted baking dates
• 1/8 tsp. coarse sea salt
• 1/8 tsp. orange zest
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1/2 c. cocoa powder

- Frosting:

• 3 avocados, pitted and peeled
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 c. raw cocoa powder
• 1/2 c. raw honey
• 1/4 c. chopped walnuts

Directions

1. In a food processor, mix all base ingredients.
   
2. Pat down in an 8-inch square baking pan.
   
3. Puree all frosting ingredients in a food processor. It will be nice and creamy!
   
4. Spread icing on base.
   
5. Cover and freeze at least 3 hours.
6. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve cold. Enjoy!
   

Don’t forget to visit additional participating blogs for some fabulous food inspiration! Recipes are in order of the courses, starting with appetizers and ending with desserts. In between, you’ll find beverages, soups, salads, breads, main dishes and side dishes too! Happy eating!

Now, I instill those same simple practices in K-Bear. After all molding the next generation’s little brains around energy-saving techniques is never easier than it will be now!

That’s why I’m happy to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR program’s Team ENERGY STAR, an initiative developed to engage and educate American youth and their families about saving energy in the home. This year, ENERGY STAR partners PTO Today and LG Electronics have brought in the heroic characters from the new movie EPIC, to help kids learn about the importance of saving energy while having fun at the same time.

Watch the Trailer

Join the Fight

Team ENERGY STAR empowers kids to help protect the climate through easy-to-implement, money-saving actions, and provides them an outlet for sharing their passion for preserving our environment. Kids can join Team ENERGY STAR and get easy-to-download educational and interactive materials, such as a comprehensive Action Kit with the ENERGY STAR Home Check-Up, an EPIC-themed activity booklet, and a Professor Bomba’s Binoculars kit to help kids see the world in a whole new way.

Being part of the team involves the following simple steps:

• Take action to reduce your energy use at home
• Help your family and friends save energy
• Encourage your family and friends to take the ENERGY STAR Pledge
• Inspire others by sharing your story

What is ENERGY STAR?

Many of you are probably familiar with the blue ENERGY STAR logo. In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 50 million cars — all while saving $24 billion on their utility bills.

Making energy-efficient choices at home can save families about a third on their energy bills without sacrificing features, style or comfort.

• When purchasing new household electronics and appliances, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. The ENERGY STAR label is the trusted symbol of superior energy efficiency.
• If looking for a new home, consider one that has earned the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today, delivering energy efficiency savings of up to 30 percent when compared to typical new homes.
• If looking to make improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve your home’s comfort.
• Energy-efficient practices are important too. Teaching the whole family to take small steps at home to save energy—like turning off the lights when you leave the room, unplugging chargers from the wall when devices are finished charging, programming your thermostat to save energy when you’re away, changing out incandescent light bulbs to ENERGY STAR certified ones—add up to big energy savings.

Why Does it Matter?

About 70 percent of the electricity we use comes from power plants burning fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels causes greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change – a real and urgent challenge affecting people and the environment worldwide. Global warming has already led to rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and shifting rainfall patterns, among other changes. Unchecked carbon pollution can lead to long-lasting changes in our climate that threaten human health, society, and ecosystems. To learn more about climate change and what you can do to reduce its impacts, visit the EPA.

Smiling to be outdoors on his last camping trip, summer 2012.

Unbeknownst to us, Baylor was riddled with cancer in his chest and lungs. I came home from work and he was sick, so sick, and having trouble breathing. All but Chance the cat were there to say goodbye. But the emptiness in our home now is palpable. We are all adjusting in our own way. We invited Lew onto the bed last night in an attempt to quell the loneliness. She’s never asked to come up before, but stayed between us all night.

Lew has never been without Bay while living with us 10+ years.

Frankly, my weekend was spent wiping tears and looking for Baylor around every corner. Though no longer by our side, I take solace hoping he is chasing endless frisbees beneath an open sky.

He would have been 13 next week. I hope by then, in celebration of his birthday, I will have assembled my small memorial to him to share with you all.

I am happy for all the many, many trails walked together.

In the meantime, I apologize for the lack of post today – or even this week – as I take time to grieve.

A dogs love knows no boundaries.

After trying many all-natural and organic bath products over the years, I can tell you they are not all created equal. Some are greenwashed, while some that aren’t just don’t make me run to buy them again. This shampoo and conditioner however, makes me want more!

I have hair with a personality of its own. I like to wear it naturally, but my curls don’t always look great (read: fuzzy), or last, so I tend to end up straight ironing it, especially on work days or special nights out. My go-to brand for shampoo and conditioner is Giovanni Eco Chic, a family-owned company dedicated to biodegradable ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and not testing on animals.

But even that doesn’t make my hair look like this:

Ok, so I’m no beauty queen, but I felt so good about my hair that I wore it out naturally to a dinner and concert for SoulDaddy’s birthday. It was shiny, soft and manageable. I also got compliments from my family about how great my hair smelled as I hugged them goodbye!

Like a lot of natural shampoos, you won’t get a ton of lather with this one, but that doesn’t deter from the effectiveness. I only wash my hair twice a week, and two squirts of both the shampoo and conditioner were enough for me. Speaking of, I love that it comes in a pump bottle to control of how much you use!

All green&glam products are:

• Formulated with Certified Organic ingredients
• Sulfate Free
• Paraben Free
• Vegan
• Cruelty Free
• Toxin Free
• Available for purchase at organicbeautynow.com.

The team at green&glam are a passionate group driven to create natural beauty products that rival the performance of even the biggest names in beauty while keeping the world, and its inhabitant, beautiful and pure. I love that it was created by a mom who became fed up with the toxic ingredients found in beauty products and the lack of regulation in the United States. With big beauty brands jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon and “greenwashing” consumers, Tara Verkuil wanted to create a collection that anyone can use without worry, knowing that every ingredient used is natural, safe, and good for you.

Now that is mom power!

At $22 per 8 oz. bottle, it’s a bit pricier than other all-natural products. But you get what you pay for. In this case, it’s effective natural ingredients that did wonders for my hair. It’s one of the best eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners I’ve ever used.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received items from green&glam for the purpose of this review.

That’s one of the many reasons I am thankful for the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) annual list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce. Alternatively, they also produce an annual list of the least contaminated produce! Together these guides provide the knowledge you need to determine when organic is a must … or not

Apples once again top the dirty list in 2013, followed by strawberries, grapes and celery. For the second straight year, EWG expanded the Dirty Dozen list with a Plus category to highlight two crops – domestically-grown summer squash and leafy greens, specifically kale and collards. According to EWG, “These crops did not meet traditional Dirty Dozen™ criteria but were commonly contaminated with pesticides exceptionally toxic to the nervous system.”

Genetically Modified Crops

Surprisingly, Genetically modified plants, or GMOs, are not an issue as they are not often found in the produce section of grocery stores. EWG reminds us, “Field corn, nearly all of which is produced with genetically modified seeds, is used to make tortillas, chips, corn syrup, animal feed and biofuels. Because it is not sold as a fresh vegetable, it is not included in EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Nor is soy, another heavily GMO crop that makes its way into processed food.”

The most likely GMO produce to be found in produce aisles of American supermarkets are zucchini, Hawaiian papaya and some varieties of sweet corn. However, while most Hawaiian papaya is a GMO, only a small fraction of zucchini and sweet corn are GMO. This is excellent news for our family who can’t eat enough sweet corn-on-the-cob come summer!

Dirty Dozen Plus

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Cherry Tomatoes
4. Cucumbers
5. Grapes
6. Hot Peppers
7. Imported Nectarines
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet Bell Peppers
13. Kale/Collard Greens +
14. Summer Squash +

Clean Fifteen

1. Asparagus
2. Avocados
3. Cabbage
4. Cantaloupe
5. Sweet Corn
6. Eggplant
7. Grapefruit
8. Kiwi
9. Mango
10. Mushrooms
11. Onions
12. Papayas
13. Pineapples
14. Frozen Sweet Peas
15. Sweet Potatoes

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Remember, EWG’s list is meant to be a guide. At the end of the day, eating conventionally grown produce is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. These lists will simply help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are therefore the most important to buy organic.

Ultimately explains EWG, “You can lower your pesticide intake by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and choosing the least contaminated produce.”

I shared this post on Natural Living Monday, Fat Tuesday and The Gathering Spot.

Which means as soon as we know boy or girl, I’ll start trading decorating, gathering and, if need be, trading in a whole lot of pink for blue! So I was very excited to receive not one but two Ecocentric Mom boxes in the mail this week. I reviewed the Mom-to-Be Box on Wednesday; today, let’s take a look at the Baby Box. 

A Peek Inside

• Tummy Tickler USDA Certified Organic Apple Juice. I’m not one for giving my kids juice, but I am for having special treats on-hand for those moments that include screaming in public. These spill proof bottles feature Disney characters on top and 100% organic apple juice inside. I’m setting this aside for the next plane trip. 
• Nature’s Gate Baby Shampoo and Wash (full size). I couldn’t find this on the EWG Skin Deep database, but in addition to smelling absolutely divine, it’s free of parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth/coco sulfate, phthalates, butylene glycol and synthetic fragrances. It’s also cruelty free. However, it’s not, unfortunately, tear free, so you’ll have to careful to keep it away from baby’s eyes.
• Bamboo Bailey $10 Gift Card. This online store features eco-friendly, natural and recycled products for the whole family, including information about the companies that provide them.
• Fyrefly Organic Baby at Breast Tea. I wasn’t much of a milk maker the first time around, so I’m a bit worried I’ll have the same production issue with baby #2. I was happy then to see this blend of fennel-anise licorice-like flavors with spearmint and lemon that have historically been used to support lactation.
• Cocomo Joe Baby Bar. Kids of teething age will no doubt enjoy these teething bars. You’ll love the ingredients: organic coconut, organic raw coconut nectar, organic raw maca root powder, organic chia seeds, organic raw coconut oil and organic cold pressed vanilla extract.
• Mama Willow Tree Little Tree’s Trinity Creamy Body Oil. The little message to baby on this package of massage oil is irresistible. I imagine the lavender, chamomile and rose scents inside are perfect for massaging a new baby who needs a good rub. I’m thinking mom might benefit from this too!
• Frego $5 Gift Card. I’m looking forward to purchasing new to-go-ware for our lunches. Frego contains no BPA, PVC, polystyrene or lead and is freezer, dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.
• Good Greens Bar. This bar is not only gluten-free and vegan but also full of “superfoods” and natural greens. I’m stoked to have found an alternative to the Larabars stashed in my work desk, and the 40% coupon is a great bonus!
• Little Green Pouch. This reusable pouch is perfect for pureed foods on the go. Wish I had this for K-Bear! BPA and phthlate-free, dishwasher and freezer safe, this tool is going to get some definite use with the new baby.
• Novena Organic Bearberry Skin Brightening Moisturizer. This facial moisturizer claims to prevent and treat brown spots caused by pregnancy. I can’t attest to that yet, but it does go on light and smooth.
• WEXY Biodegradable Snack Bags. These biodegradable, reusable and recyclable bags are great for both snacks and diaper bag use. While I hate to use plastic bags, there’s almost always a need to keep them on-hand for stinky diapers and these are a great eco-friendly option.
• Baby Bits Wipes Solutions. I’ve actually thought about making my own reusable wipes and solution, and this product takes care of half of that for me! The bits of soap dissolve in hot water for use in a spray bottle or wipes warmer. The 100% vegan and herbal ingredients are reported to keep baby rash free.
• True Natural Baby and Family Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion. This 100% natural, gluten, nano-particle and fragrance free sun lotion won Delicious Living’s 2013 Beauty Awards for Best Natural Products. It’s broad spectrum protection at its best.
• Ubbi $30 Diaper Pail Gift Card. I’ve got a diaper pail already, but these powder coated steel versions with rubber seals to prevent leaks and super cute colors to brighten any room look like a great choice.

Overall, there are a few nice size items and lots of great samples in this month’s Ecocentric Mom Baby Box. What a great way to try new, all-natural products safe for you and baby!

Interested in purchasing an Ecocentric Mom Box? Use code ECOMOM10 for 10% off any of their subscription plans!

Disclaimer: As part of the Ecocentric Mom Blogger Team, I received an April Baby Box to Review. All opinions are 100% my own. The links to Ecocentric Mom within this post are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase using one of them, I get a small portion of the sale. Its their way of saying thanks for all my hard blogger work.

I shared this post on Natural Living Monday and The Gathering Spot.