An Eco-Friendly Way to Prevent Moldy Berries

FreshRaspberriesIt’s that beautiful time of year when our family starts to overdose on berries, yes berries! Those little blue, black and red pints of delight are everywhere in stores and will be popping up at your farmer’s markets before you know it.

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! Continue reading

Review: green+glam Shampoo and Conditioner

GreenGlam2It’s no secret that in my mind – when it comes to health and safety - the bath and beauty products we use are just as important as the food we eat and cleaning products we use. Read: No chemicals. So I was excited for this opportunity to review green&glam shampoo and conditioner, made by a company that claims not to sacrifice performance for the sake of being 100% natural.

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! Continue reading

Giveaway: Ettitude Bamboo Sheet Set (open until 5/14/13)

These days, creating a safe sleeping environment for the family can be a challenge with toxins in nearly all mattresses and bedding. One material that is a great choice for your bedroom is bamboo; it is grown without pesticides and is a rapidly renewable resource. It’s also the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Continue reading

Thrilled to Join the Ecocentric Blogger Team!

ECM-badge-blogger (1)Every now and then, we get news that makes our day. And let me tell you that a cranky, pregnant woman needs happy news more than anyone. ;-)  So I was thrilled when Ecocentric Mom told me I’ve been chosen to join their fabulous team of bloggers!

I know many woman claim pregnancy is the most fabulous thing ever. Miracle, especially at my age, sure. But fabulous? In my book, not so much. Continue reading

Green Your Spring Clean

2013_SpringCleaningIf there’s ever a time of year to open your windows and let the fresh air in while de-cluttering closets and cleaning often overlooked places, spring is it! Unfortunately, we can’t read the labels on so-called green cleaners and trust they are eco-friendly. Therefore, similar to our bath and beauty products, we must do one of two things: (1) make our own or (2) do our research. Continue reading

Using Cloth Napkins and Towels

MoreGreen_5Today, I’m thrilled to be guest-posting over at Life Renewed, where Emily has embarked on a fabulous initiative in 2013 called Green in 365. Each month, she is focusing on a few areas of the house or a special holiday, and every day, there is an eco-friendly post related to one of those areas! I just love each one of her daily short tips which are practical and easy to implement.

I’m joining three other guest contributors for the yearl-long Green in 365 series: Renee at Joyful Mom; Hilary from Accidentally Green; and Sara from Your Thriving Family. Each Wednesday, one of us will join Emily for a guest post with an eco-friendly tip for your home.

Please join me today over at Life Renewed for the Kitchen: Using Cloth Napkins and Towels. Hope to see you there!

I shared this post on The Gathering Spot and Green Sisterhood.

15 Ways to Use Vinegar at Home

Since joining the blogosphere, I have learned more tips and tricks about green and healthy living than I ever hoped for. I’m continuously amazed at what a great source of information my fellow bloggers are!

Some of the best tips, and ones I see over and over on eco-friendly blogs, are the many household uses for vinegar. I’m talking cheap, $3.00 for three gallons at Costco, white vinegar. Continue reading

Happy New Year Giveaway: Upcycled Sari Bag

Sari Bag 1THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Happy new year, friends! As we all embark on a fresh start in 2013, I thought I’d start it off right with a giveaway! I can’t think of a better way to thank all of you for a wonderful 2012 then by offering you a chance to win one of my new favorite things!

This one-of-a-kind bag is handmade by craftspeople in India from recycled saris. The layers of silk and rayon come in a unique combination of colors and patterns, ranging from jewel tones to earth tones. The bag has an inner lining of lightweight white cotton with a large central compartment and a single side pocket. The clasp functions in two ways: there’s a button and loop fastener, and a fabric cord that can tie the bag closed for greater security.

I love this fun, colorful bag and I know you will too. And thanks to Uncommon Goods you can win one of your own! Uncommon Goods has a slew of unique and creative gift ideas for all kinds of folks. Click here for more ideas for the gals in your life! I especially love their selection of recycled items like these.

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me what your new year’s resolution is!  

For extra entries, you can also choose from any or all of the following. Be sure to leave an extra comment for each entry telling me you did so and what your corresponding Pinterest, Twitter or Facebook name is.

Details: The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. The winner will receive a single Sari Bag shipped directly to them from Uncommon Goods. Due to the handmade and upcycled nature of these items, each bag will vary.
Neither I nor Uncommon Goods can guarantee all colors in photo will be incorporated into each bag.
I’ll choose one lucky person via random.org and notify him or her via email. You will have 48 hours to respond and claim your gift. If you don’t respond, I will choose another winner. Please note that although Uncommon Goods provided me a free Sari Bag, the opinions expressed here are mine alone.

I shared this post on Clever ChicksTiny Tip Tuesday, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Health 2day, Whole Food Wednesdays and Green Giveaways Galore

10 Ways to Think Outside the Proverbial Gift Box

I love the holiday season! That includes scoping out the neighbors’ holiday lights on the way home each evening; listening to holiday music in my office; gathering with friends for our annual HoliDaly party; sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree each night; and introducing K-bear to Santa, There is simply so much to enjoy!

What I don’t enjoy? The commercialism; the onset of Christmas in stores before Halloween candy has been handed out; the endless ads luring us to buy this and spend on that. I enjoy choosing gifts for my friends and family, but I prefer that those gifts that enhance our local community, celebrate local talent, provide to hard-working folks, or upcycle items in some special way, rather than simply put money into the pocket of another large corporation. Continue reading

2012 Soulicious Gift Guide: Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Handmade

Source.

Eeek! I’m so excited! When it comes to gifts, I love to seek out the unique, the useful and the fun. I also feel best when I spend my money on products that make the world a little bit better.

So move over Oprah’s Favorite Things! In the Soulicious spirit, I’ve scouted ten gifts for you that are eco-friendly, handmade or fair trade. They are all unique, affordable items you can feel good about giving, and those who receive them will be delighted. It was a tough job, but I’ve tested each and every one, and I hope you love them as much as I do. You might even find yourself buying yourself a special something for yourself, as of course you should! :-)

Happy gift giving … Fa la la la la, la la la la! Continue reading