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Showing posts with label Etc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etc. Show all posts

The Vegan Backpack that will Revamp your Style

A fashionable backpack is a great addition to any wardrobe. Backpacks can be stylish and functional, allowing you to carry everything that you need in an organized, hands-free way. 

GUNAS Cougar Backpack

The Cougar Backpack from GUNAS is gorgeous! I have it in gray and the construction and quality is amazing! Made from beautiful, 100% textured eco-polyurethane, this bag is a classic! Compact, yet large enough to fit all of your essentials, its simplicity is a thing of beauty. The interior lining of the bag is made from recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, there are two small pockets inside the pack, as well as a zippered pocket, to help keep things in order. The light-weight, fabric shoulder straps make this bag quite comfortable to carry too! Finally, the recycled metal hardware with gold plating is sturdy and utilitarian, but also gives this backpack a chic, modern look! 

GUNAS Vegan Leather Backpack

Perhaps you caught on to the best part about this bag . . . it's vegan! There is a common misconception that leather is simply a by-product of the meat industry and that in purchasing it, we’re preventing waste. If you really think about it, that logic is fundamentally flawed. Leather is a very lucrative good that people would want even if animals weren't slaughtered for meat. In fact, leather is the most valuable part of an animal, pound for pound. Because leather doesn't require refrigeration, food safety testing, and has such a high mark-up rate in the fashion industry, leather is also the most profitable part of an animal. For that reason, leather is not so much a "by-product" of the meat industry as it is a "co-product" that directly contributes to the demand for factory farms and the profitability of slaughterhouses. Also, by purchasing leather goods under the guise of leather being a by-product, people are inadvertently contributing to greater and greater demand.

Not to mention, raising animals for food and leather requires a tremendous amount of energy and resources! It's also important to remember that the actual process of turning skin into leather requires very harsh chemicals, including mineral salts, formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives, and various oils, dyes, and finishes, many of them cyanide-based. Bleh!

Gray Cougar Backpack from GUNAS

All bags from GUNAS are 100% free of animal by-products! That means no silk, no fur, no wool, no down feathers, no leather! Did I mention that they're absolutely adorable too?!? 

GUNAS Backpack

The link below will save you $20 USD off of a purchase from GUNAS!

GUNAS New York

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References: Slaughtering the Amazon & 7 Reasons Wearing Leather Is Actually The Opposite Of Cute

**This is NOT a sponsored post and the link for $20 off is part of GUNAS's Refer a Friend program that is open to anyone who has previously made a purchase.**
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Is your mattress affecting your health?

This post is an advertorial in collaboration with Avocado: Green Mattress*

Avocado: Green Mattress
Photo courtesy of Avocado

Is your mattress toxic?

It's easy to find luxurious, green alternatives to conventional beauty products, but cleaning up your home can seem like a daunting task. The impact that building materials and furniture have on people's health is often overlooked, not least of all because they are often expensive or infeasible to replace.

However, when you consider that you spend approximately one third of your lifespan sleeping, it's time to evaluate what it is that you've been sleeping on. Hidden in a traditional mattress, you will commonly find several materials that are linked to reproductive damage, thyroid problems, endocrine disruption, brain damage, and cancer.

A quick search for the toxins found in a standard mattress and you will come up with a list that includes:

  • Antimony (a heavy metal similar to arsenic) 
  • Formaldehyde 
  • Pesticides 
  • Plastics (including polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride) 
  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other chemical flame retardants 
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 

You're not eating your mattress and you're not slathering it all over your body, so what's the big deal??

Avocado: Green Mattress
Photo courtesy of Avocado

Perhaps the most troublesome issue with mattresses made from volatilve organic compounds (VOCs) and other cheap, harmful materials is that they tend to off-gas. This release of gases that were trapped, dissolved, absorbed, or frozen into a material can have a serious impact on your health as they increase the chemical burden on your body. For instance, as you sleep, your body repairs itself via processes that eliminate free radicals that have accumulated throughout the day. These healing processes can be negatively influenced by excess chemicals in the body. Not to mention, for babies and young children who are still developing, inhaling these toxic chemicals can have even greater consequences.

As with all healthy lifestyle decisions, it's important to look for the least harmful options whenever possible.

Avocado: Green Mattress
Photo courtesy of Avocado

Avocado: Green Mattresses

The next time that you are ready to buy a mattress, consider purchasing one that is made from natural and organic materials. Avocado makes green and eco-friendly mattresses, using 100% natural Dunlop latex harvested from sustainable tree-tapped sources, natural Joma New Zealand wool, and certified organic cotton. 

In terms of comfort, Avocado's green mattresses ensure proper spinal alignment and balance from an 8-inch support layer of 700-1300 individually tuned coils made from 100% recycled steel. Encased in their own fabric pockets in 3 distinct zones, these coils float independently to reduce motion transfer. They also provide optimal ergonomic and joint support by allowing your body shape to better contour to the mattress. Most importantly, they provide better edge support to ensure that Avocado mattresses are more durable.

Did I mention that Avocado products are handcrafted in the USA and that the company offers a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty, easy financing with Affirm, as well as free shipping or in-home delivery/setup options?

What if it's not the right time to buy a new mattress?

You really can't go wrong with a purchase from Avocado! However, if a nontoxic mattress isn’t in the cards right now, don’t stress! There are a few things you can do to prevent off-gassing and reduce your exposure to the dangeious chemicals that may be hiding in your current mattress.

For example, wrapping your mattress in food-grade polyethylene (a form of plastic that does not contain harmful dioxins or phthalates) will significantly reduce off-gassing.

Additionally, if you recently bought a new mattress, allowing it simply to air out in a well-ventilated area before you sleep on it will prevent you from being exposed to VOCs when they are at their peak.

You can also start small by swapping out your sheets and pillows with less toxic alternatives. I recommend checking out Avocado's pillows made from certified organic latex and natural Kapok fill. Additionally, each pillow is wrapped in a certified organic cotton cover that has a luxuriously high thread count!

Avocado: Green Mattress

Avocado: Green Mattress
Photos courtesy of Avocado

Whether or not you choose to purchase your next mattress from Avocado, do your research and find a brand that is transparent about their materials and certifications.

Through the month of February, promo code BBM100 will save you $100 off any standard or pillow top mattress!!

Avocado: Green Mattress
Photo courtesy of Avocado


*The links provided in this post are affiliate links. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.


couple laying on a natural green bed and smiling
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Spicy Ginger Tea with Lemon

When I was little, my Grandmother and I used to have tea parties in front of the fireplace whenever I slept over her house. To this day, I am still an avid tea drinker and I can often be found attached to a cup of Matcha or English Breakfast Tea. There is just something so comforting about a warm cup of tea! 

Although I love so many different varieties of tea, when I feel a cold coming on or like my immune system needs a bit of a boost, I automatically reach for spicy ginger tea with lemon! It's super easy to make and helps me feel better in no time!

Spicy Ginger Tea with Lemon

Here's what you'll need:

  • Water
  • Ginger Root
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Lemon Juice
  • Maple Syrup, Raw Honey, or Agave Nectar
  • Himalayan Pink Salt

Immune Boosting Tea

The immune system is incredibly complex, but its primary objective is to protect the body from disease. Research suggests that ginger helps balance the immune system and restore proper function. Specifically, in 2008, scientists discovered that ginger activates T-cells (article here). T-cells are white blood cells that migrate to the thymus to mature and differentiate before becoming active in the immune system. These cells play a critical role in the body's adaptive immunity, the body's tailored immune response to specific pathogens.

Just as ginger aids digestion, you've probably heard that cayenne pepper stimulates gastric juices that bolster the body’s ability to metabolize food and toxins. But that's not all that this potent spice has to offer! Cayenne pepper is full of beta carotene and other antioxidants that support the immune system. It also aids in breaking up and moving mucus so that it can be eliminated from the body to help relieve congestion.

Lemon is rich in vitamin C which stimulates white blood cell production and protects your cells from oxidative damage. Because the atomic structure of lemon juice is similar to the digestive juices found in the stomach, it too aids digestion and helps ease an upset stomach.

I like to incorporate maple syrup in this tea because it is packed with antioxidants and I enjoy the flavor that it adds. However, raw honey (check out my post about honey here) and agave nectar also add a lovely sweetness that balances out the tart kick from the other ingredients in this tea.

Finally, I add a little bit of Himalayan pink salt because it helps support a healthy pH balance and promotes sinus health.

Ginger, Lemon, Cayenne Pepper, Maple Syrup, and Himalayan Pink Salt Tea

For one cup full of tea, I like to steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh ginger root in 1 cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes (the longer, the better). I keep the pieces of ginger pretty large so that I can easily pick them out, but if you grate your ginger, it will pack a spicier punch (just make sure to strain your tea if you go this route)! I then add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of pink salt. Just give your tea a little stir and you're good to go!

I also like to make a concentrate of this tea so that I always have it on hand when I need a boost! All I do is add 3 tablespoons of ginger to 1.5 cups of boiling water and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. Next, I add the juice of 2-3 lemons, 1.5-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of pink salt. This concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or so in an airtight container. Just give it a shake before you add it to about half of a cup of hot water. Obviously, the less water you add, the more potent your tea will be.

Enjoy!
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide

With so many sales around this time of year, the holiday season is perfect for stocking up on essentials and trying new things. Not to mention, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to your favorite clean products!

To make the gift buying process a bit easier, I have compiled a list of my most coveted green beauty and home products! I have organized all of my picks by brand and have included links, as well as prices for everything (USD). I hope that you find this helpful and please feel free to comment on this post with any questions or feedback that you may have. Happy shopping!

Holiday Gift Guide

Favorites by Brand

Beauty

100% Pure

Acure Organics


Agent Nateur


Alima Pure



Jane Iredale


Josh Rosebrook


Kari Gran

  • Lip Whip - $16 for Tints / $21 for Colors

Kjaer Weis


Laurel


Lily Lolo


May Lindstrom


Odacité


One Love Organics


Osmia Organics


Pai


Parlo Cosmetics

Parlo's entire product line falls between $4 and $12. Woo woo!!

Code blushingbme saves you 20% sitewide!


Rejuvenate Beauty Company


Code shop15 saves you 15% on your first purchase!

Sheer Miracle


Code candy25 saves you 25% off sitewide!

W3ll People

Wellborn Essentials


Code blushingbme10 saves you 10% off sitewide!

Stadler Form Jasmine Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser

Home

Abeego


Buckaroo Organics


LunchSkins


Mountain Rose Herbs


Stadler Form


Where to Shop


*The coupon codes provided in this post for Parlo Cosmetics, Rejuvenate Beauty Company, and Sheer Miracle are affiliate links. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion regarding my favorite products. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.
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5 Tips for Clean Eating on a Budget

If you would like to eat cleanly but feel like you just can't afford to, you're not alone!

There is a high premium on organic items in almost every grocery store and the "Natural" aisle is often secluded from the rest of the market, as if to indicate that you need to hand your wallet over before entering.

Don't fret!

Tips for Clean Eating on a Budget

Your health is too precious for you not to be eating in a balanced way that supports your well-being. Grocery shopping is an investment in you! You need real, nourishing food, not processed junk! 

It's time to prioritize your health and shop smart!

With a little planning and a greater awareness of your buying habits, you’ll be able to make healthier choices without spending more.

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Here are a few tips for maximizing your money:


Set Your Budget and Stick to It!

Take the time to determine what's reasonable for you to spend on groceries each week. If you have been eating out a lot or sneaking out for coffee on your lunch break (I'm so guilty!), now is the time to assess the monetary impact that those splurges are having on your finances.


Plan Ahead and Make a List

Meal planning is a great way to stick to your budget and to help you focus on healthy choices when you're bombarded by tempting treats at the market. If you shop with intention, you'll be more apt to purchase just the ingredients on your list. With meals picked out for the week, you will also be less likely to want to eat out and let your deliciously healthy food go to waste. 


Look for Produce That's In Season

Not only is this a great way to support local farmers, but fruits and vegetables that are in season are often less expensive. Keep in mind that you can stock up on certain items and freeze them for later. My husband and I do this with berries so that we can have delicious smoothies all year round!

Also, consider when it is critical to prioritize buying organic. Check out these lists from EWG that outline the fruits and veggies that are most and least affected by pesticides.


Check Out Online Shops

You are probably paying a premium on organic items at your local market. There are several online shops that now specialize in healthy goods. Vitacost is my jam! About once a month, I like to put in a bulk order to stock up on essentials. Plant-based protein powder, cashews, date syrup, you name it! Be sure to price check the web against your usual grocery store to determine exactly what's more economical to purchase online. Vitacost also have coupon codes available all of the time, so be sure to take advantage of their additional discounts!

Thrive Market is also a great option for healthy online shopping, but there is a $59.99 yearly membership fee.

I've also found great prices on Amazon! Just make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable seller.

Stock Up on Essentials

When you see a great deal on your favorite essentials, stock up! We keep huge jars of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in our pantry at all times. I also have so many cartons of crushed tomatoes that I could easily survive a zombie apocalypse (with some serious heart burn, mind you). As long as you know that what you're buying has a long shelf-life and keeps well, don't be afraid to buy extra when there's a sale!

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I hope that you find these suggestions to be helpful and please comment below with your favorite tips for clean eating on a budget!

Also, if you like this kind of post and are interested in what my husband and I purchase from Vitacost or our local market, please leave a comment below!
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Summer Weekend Essentials

My husband and I are constantly on the go in the summertime! Because we like to make the most of the beautiful weather, our weekends are jam-packed with activities. I put this travel bag together at the beginning of June and haven't unpacked it since! It's filled with multi-tasking summer essentials that I just adore!

Summer Weekend Essentials

Skincare

Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap
  • Facial bar soaps may not be the easiest to travel with (I like to wrap mine in Abeego), but this product is a must have! The oils and butters in this soap are incredibly nutrient-rich! Not to mention, the inclusion of Black Australian clay and dead sea mud help balance and tone the skin. 

Pai Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream
  • I use this cream as my morning moisturizer just before applying makeup. It absorbs quickly, leaves my skin feeling velvety soft, and has a citrusy, floral scent. 

Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap

Makeup

Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil in Paper
  • This is my go-to pencil for the waterline to create an eye-opening effect. You really can't go wrong with anything from Alima Pure!

Glory Boon Highlight in Sol
  • This stunning powder highlight is going to knock your socks off! It has a spectacular champagne shimmer that leaves my cheekbones with a healthy golden glow. This highlight makes for a gorgeous eye shadow too! Love it! 

Hurraw! Sun Balm
  • This silky balm has SPF 15 and a tangerine, vanilla scent that smells like dessert! 

Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream in BB3
  • This full coverage cream is so pigmented that I don't feel the need for concealer. It has a beautiful, luminous finish with SPF 25, which makes it perfect for summer! When I am looking for a little less coverage, I like to thin this cream out with a bit moisturizer (check out my previous post about How to Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer).

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Precious
  • Precious melts flawlessly into the skin and gives the cheeks a glowing flush of color that is gorgeous for spring and summer. With a luxuriously creamy texture, this pale coral blush blends evenly onto the skin for a natural, luminous finish that wears nicely throughout the day.

Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara
  • Hands down the best mascara that I have ever tried! 

Parlo Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in Strut
  • Yes, I am obsessed with this beautiful tinted balm! It's so easy to keep on hand and the pigmentation is gorgeous!

Parlo Cosmetics Natural Mineral Eye Shadow in Under the Break
  • This highly pigmented shadow is a gorgeous, vibrant green with a stunning shimmer that reflects light beautifully! Code blushingbme saves you 20% at Parlo Cosmetics!

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer
  • This is my favorite bronzer of all time! I love blending it on my temples, around my hairline, and lightly across the bridge of my nose for a gorgeous summer glow! 

W3ll People Bio Brightener Invisible Powder
  • I use this superfine powder to set my concealer and create a nice, healthy radiance. I also dust it across the tops of my eyelids to set cream eye shadow. 

W3ll People Expressionist Mascara in Blue
  • The color of this mascara is not as vibrant as it is in the tube, but it brightens the eyes in a way that adds interest to the face. I will often apply this on top of my Lily Lolo mascara to create a sultry dark blue that is perfect for nighttime.

Pai Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream, Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap; Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream in BB3; Alima Pure Natural Definition Eye Pencil in Paper; Parlo Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in Strut; Parlo Cosmetics Natural Mineral Eye Shadow in Under the Break; Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Precious; W3ll People Expressionist Mascara in Blue; Lily Lolo Vegan Mascara; RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer; Glory Boon Highlight in Sol; Hurraw! Sun Balm; W3ll People Bio Brightening Powder; Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body; Zoe Organics Insect Repellent; CleanWell Hand Sanitizer; Yarok Feed Your Style Dry Shampoo; Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray

Body

CleanWell Hand Sanitizer
  • I carry hand sanitizer with me at all times and this one works via active botanicals and comes in a convenient spray. I prefer the Orange Vanilla scent as I find the herbaceous aroma of the Original version to be a bit overpowering. 

Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body
  • I am incredibly pale and douse myself in sunscreen whenever outdoor activities are on the agenda. This sunscreen is moisturizing and doesn’t leave behind a ghostly white cast. 

Zoe Organics Insect Repellent
  • This bug spray consists entirely of organic botanical oils that detract bugs so that you can enjoy your time outside without having to worry about pesky bites.

Hair

Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray

  • Sea salt spray is a summer staple for achieving tousled, beachy waves. This spray is packed with organic aloe vera gel and sea kelp extract to provide moisture without the crunch. The inclusion of natural gold mica also adds a subtle shimmer.

Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray

  • This hair spray is perfect for taming flyaways and summer frizz! While it can dry a little hard if you get too much in one spot (this can be solved by a quick brush out), this spray is never sticky or flaky. 

Yarok Feed Your Style Dry Shampoo
  • This dry shampoo keeps the grease ball look under control, pumps up the volume, helps hold hairstyles in place, and has a lovely lavender-citrus scent.

What are your summer weekend essentials?


*The Parlo Cosmetics products featured in this post are affiliate samples. As always, however, I have presented my 100% honest opinion. I cannot, nor will I ever, accept compensation in exchange for a positive review.
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Review: 100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish

Ok, true story...

The first time that I tried this nail polish was when travelling in the passenger's seat of a car. Why I thought that a mobile manicure was a good idea, I have no clue! However, it turned out great! Not only did it apply evenly on the go, but it also dried in no time!

If you are searching for an affordable line of 10-free polishes, I highly recommend 100% Pure's Creamy Polishes! The color range is stunning and the formulation is ridiculously smooth! I do have to warn you that the colors online are not quite true to the actual hues. Therefore, I suggest conducting a quick online search for some additional images of the shades that intrigue you. Packaged in rectangular glass bottles with simple white caps, these polishes retail at $12 USD for 0.5 fl. oz (14.7 ml).

Review of 100% Pure Creamy Nail Polishes

100% Pure Creamy Nail Polishes: Seafoam, Mint, and Deep Sea

Here is a quick outline of my experience with these gorgeous polishes! To really put these polishes to the test in their natural state, I didn't use a base coat or a top coat. However, 100% Pure sells both (base / top).

  • Luxuriously smooth consistency that allows the polish to glide onto the nails nicely

  • These polishes are a bit thicker than the Treat Collection polishes that I recently reviewed. Because of that, they can get are ever so slightly gloopy if you don't move quickly.  

  • Long, flexible brush that easily disperses polish over the nails

100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish Brush

  • 2 coats results in nearly complete opacity   

  • Each coat takes about 2-5 minutes to be dry to the touch

  • Glossy finish that starts to dull a bit after about 2 days (I think a shiny top coat would definitely extend the brilliant sheen)

  • I noticed a few indentations and some minor chipping toward the tips of my nails after 4 days of wear

  • Removes easily without tinting or staining the nails


From Left to Right: Seafoam, Mint, and Deep Sea
Top: One Coat & Bottom: Two Coats

10-Free Nail Polishes are free from the following: formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and animal ingredients

Have you tried any 100% Pure Creamy Polishes? Do you have a favorite 5-free polish?
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Delicious Cucumber Rice Salad!

This refreshing summer salad is incredibly healthy and amazingly simple to prepare. My husband requests this salad on a near weekly basis and I love making it because it's light and packed full of flavor, but still fills me up. It is also very easy to customize, so feel free to experiment with whatever you have around the kitchen!

Cucumber Rice Salad Recipe

The addition of hummus in the dressing for this salad provides a lovely creaminess and a bit of protein! You can definitely make your own hummus if you are feeling ambitious or you can skip the hummus altogether and use tahini in its place. A bit of cayenne pepper also gives it a hint of heat. My husband has an aversion to olives, but I also enjoy the briney, salty bite of a few black olives in this salad. 

Cucumber Rice Salad Recipe

Serves 3+

Ingredients

  • 1 English Cucumber
    • Sliced & quartered
    • I like to use an English cucumber in this recipe, but a standard garden cucumber is just as delicious! 
    • I don't usually peel the cucumber, but feel free

    • 3/4 cup of Brown Basmati Rice
      • Farro works wonderfully too!

    • 1/4 cup of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
      • Chopped

    • 2 Small Avocados
      • Cubed

    • 1/2 of a Bell Pepper
      • Diced

    • Salt + Pepper

    For the Dressing...

    • 1 cup of Hummus
      • I generally use store-bought hummus in either a garlic or Mediterranean flavor

    • 1/3 cup of Rice Vinegar

    • 1 tablespoon of Maple Syrup

    • 1 teaspoon of Fresh Ginger
      • Minced

    • 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
      • I usually add 1 to 2 teaspoons, but adjust the heat however you prefer it

    Directions

    • Prepare the rice according to the directions associated with the product that you are using

    • While the rice is cooking, add all of your dressing ingredients into a large bowl
      • Stir until smooth
      • Add oil, lime, or some additional vinegar if you prefer a thinner consistency

    • When the rice has cooked about halfway, add your sun-dried tomatoes to the pot to soften them up and add a nice flavor to the rice

    • Add the chopped veggies to your bowl and gently fold to coat with the dressing

    • Once the rice has fully cooked and cooled for a few minutes, add it to your bowl and stir to combine

    • Add salt and pepper to taste


    That's it! You can eat this salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator until it is nice and cool. 

    Enjoy! 
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    Turmeric

    Although it has been used for thousands of years, turmeric's popularity is exploding! Commonly associated with Indian cuisine, there is much more to this warm, earthy spice than meets the eye!

    Turmeric - anti-inflammatory - benefits

    As part of the ginger family, this root is not only a fabulous flavor enhancer, but it is also believed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. As a Biomedical Engineer, my studies have led me to the realization that inflammation and disease are intimately intermingled. In an effort to protect itself, the body triggers the inflammatory response to orchestrate a defense against infection and to coordinate tissue repair and regeneration. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, things can start to go haywire! For instance, the inflammatory process can be initiated even when there is no injury and then doesn't end when it should. 

    Curcumin, the chemical in turmeric that gives it its bright yellow hue, is also thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Everything from cancer to Alzheimer's disease to joint pain and even headaches have been linked to inflammation. Therefore, the potential to decrease chronic inflammation has made turmeric and other natural anti-inflammatories seriously buzzworthy!

    While the amount of curcumin in the turmeric that you add to your favorite curry is minimal, there are also potent supplements available. 

    If you are looking for ways to incorporate more turmeric into your diet, here are some of my favorite turmeric treats!

    • Try adding some turmeric to your most loved smoothie!

    What are your favorite recipes that incorporate turmeric?

    Reference: Yale J Biol Med. 2006 Dec; 79(3-4): 123–130. Why Cancer and Inflammation?
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    Abeego Food Wraps

    If you are an avid plastic wrap user and would like to find an eco-friendly alternative, check out Abeego!

    Abeego Food Wraps - Sustainable food storage


    Abeego, a Canadian company established in 2008, produces reusable flats constructed from pure beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin that are infused into a fabric made of hemp and certified organic cotton. This particular construction was thoughtfully selected for its preservative qualities to help slow down the rate of decomposition, ultimately leading to less food waste. Available in a variety of sizes, these flats can be used in the same manner as plastic wrap. They can then be washed in cool water with a gentle dish soap and left to dry for continued use. According to their website, Abeego wraps should last over a year with proper care.

    While these flats are not as sticky as cling wrap, they are decently self-adhesive. The warmth of your fingers is enough to aid in the sealing process and then the beeswax stiffens the wraps when they are placed in the refrigerator. Abeego flats stain and crease easily, so I like to make sure that I promptly rinse them with cool water and avoid contact with oily foods. Unfortunately, Abeego is not suitable for the dishwasher, microwave oven, direct heat, or high temperatures. It is also recommended to avoid contact with raw meat to preserve the sanitation of these reusable wraps.

    There are plenty of uses for these wraps beyond food storage too! If you like to portion out bar soap, I find that Abeego is a great way to keep the chunk that you aren't using fresh!

    The variety pack of 3 Abeego Wraps (small, medium & large) retails for $14 USD. 

    Bee's Wrap is an American company that also focuses on sustainable food storage. Their sandwich wraps conveniently come attached with a string and wooden button that help make them nice and secure! The patterns available are also super cute!


    Have you tried any plastic wrap alternatives?
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    How to Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer

    Spring is the perfect time to start getting serious about daily sunscreen. I don't know about you, but I am less diligent about protecting my skin throughout the winter months when its consistently cloudy and I am trapped indoors. I recently reviewed Josh Rosebrook's Tinted Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30 (review here) and while it is darn near perfect, it also comes with a high price tag. Not to mention the fact that if you enjoy the coverage of a foundation, you will have to layer this cream with additional products.

    Juice Beauty, Pai, Raw Elements, Fitglow Beauty, Josh Rosebrook, Alima Pure

    Making your own tinted moisturizer is a great way to use up products that you already have in your arsenal and customize your coverage. It will also speed up your routine because you won't have to spend time layering your lotions and potions. Here are a few tips to help you whip up the perfect tinted moisturizer!

    • Oil and water are immiscible. Therefore, to prevent your moisturizer from breaking up or separating throughout the day, you'll want to blend oil-based products with other oil-based products and water-based products with other water-based products.

    • Make sure that your SPF is face friendly to avoid annoying breakouts. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you may want to spot test a small batch of your moisturizer before committing to a large quantity.

    • If you are sensitive to certain scents, I recommend mixing together a sample of your moisturizer so that you can be certain that the combined aromas won't be too overwhelming. 



    • Make sure that you mix your customized tinted moisturizer well! Particularly when using mineral foundation, blend your creation thoroughly to avoid clumps and unevenness. 

    All you have to do is combine your ingredients and enjoy!

    Have you tried creating your own tinted moisturizer?
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    My Favorite Berry Smoothie!

    My husband and I love starting the day off with smoothies! They are quick and easy to make, and we enjoy coming up with our own unique concoctions. Smoothies can also be quite filling. After drinking this berry blend, I am left feeling nourished, energized, and ready to take on the day!

    Berry Smoothie Ingredients

    This is one of my favorite berry smoothies! It has a bright, sweet flavor with a bit of earthiness from the addition of wheatgrass. Although wheatgrass is an acquired taste, it has amazing health benefits due to its high chlorophyll content. I find that the date syrup and vanilla powder add just enough sweetness to balance out the flavor of the wheatgrass, but a touch of maple syrup also does the trick! The cashew butter adds a little bit of protein and a luscious creaminess to this smoothie. While you can use fresh berries, I love the icy, thick texture from frozen berries. If you only have fresh berries on hand, including a few ice cubes will give you that same frostiness. This recipe is very customizable, so feel free to substitute with your favorite berries and butters!

    Berry smoothie recipe

    Serves 1

    • 1-1.5 cup of frozen berries 

      • I used a mixture of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries
      • You can buy fresh berries and freeze them or just pick up a bag of your favorite berry blend

      • 1 teaspoon of acai berry powder

        • Frozen acai works well too!

      • 1 cup of almond milk 

        • Cashew milk and coconut milk are also delicious in this smoothie!

      • 1 tablespoon of cashew butter

      • 1 teaspoon of wheatgrass

        • I used powdered wheatgrass in this particular smoothie, but my husband and I use fresh wheatgrass quite frequently. Keep in mind that you will have to blend your smoothie longer with fresh wheatgrass. 

      • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean powder

      • 1 teaspoon of date syrup


      Place all of these ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add water or some additional almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.

      I hope that you enjoy this smoothie! 

      Kitties love smoothies too!
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      Review: Treat Collection Nail Polish

      How annoying is a gloopy nail polish that is so thick it's impossible to apply evenly and takes forever to dry?

      If you are searching for a gorgeous line of 5-free polishes that are incredibly easy to work with, you need to check out Treat Collection! This Berlin-based brand has a stunning color range of fussless polishes that apply like silk! Packaged in elegant, square glass bottles with sleek gold caps, these polishes retail at $18 USD for 0.5 fl. oz (15 ml).

      Treat Collection Nail Polishes: Laughing Out Loud, Outdoors, and Snow Drops

      Here is a quick outline of my experience with these gorgeous polishes! To really put these polishes to the test in their purest state, I didn't use a top coat or a base coat.

      • Flexible, mid-sized brush that easily disperses polish over the nails and creates a crisp line at the cuticle

      • Luxuriously smooth consistency that allows the polish to glide onto the nail without leaving any streaks

      • 2 coats results in almost complete opacity (Snow Drops has a sheerer formulation and required a 3rd coat) 

      • Each coat takes about 3-5 minutes to be dry to the touch

      • Beautiful, glossy finish that starts to dull a bit after about 2 days (I think a shiny top coat would definitely extend the brilliant sheen)

      • I noticed minor chipping toward the tips of my nails after 4 days of wear

      • These polishes are not quite pillow proof! I woke up to several indentations after applying this polish the previous afternoon. While it didn't ruin my manicure, it was a bit surprising! However, these impressions seemed to smooth out nicely with wear.

      • Removes easily without tinting or staining the nails

      Swatches of Treat Collection Nail Polishes in Outdoors, Snow Drops & Laughing Out Loud
      From left to right : Outdoors, Snow Drops & Laughing Out Loud

      I am so impressed with these Treat Collection polishes! They are incredibly pigmented, gorgeously glossy, and apply with such ease! The color selection is outstanding and there are a few different finishes to choose from (sheer, shimmer, classic). The brush supplied with these polishes is awesome! It is just flexible enough to cover the nail nicely and in a controlled manner. The staying power of these polishes is also noteworthy, but beware that they do indent slightly. I still need to try these with a top coat and a base coat, but I am officially obsessed! What color should I test out next?

      Review of Treat Collection Nail Polishes in Laughing Out Loud, Snow Drops & Outdoors

      5-Free Nail Polishes are free from the following: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor. 


      Have you tried any Treat Collection polishes? Do you have a favorite 5-free polish?
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      10 Under $30 USD - Natural Beauty Products that you will Love

      My 10 Under $20 post was so popular that I decided to establish a series! Here are ten of my favorite indulgences that are each $30 or less:


      100% Pure Maracuja Mascara

      $25 for 0.24 oz (7 g)

      The formulation of this mascara is quite wet, so it really coats the lashes in a way that thickens and volumizes. Because it can get a bit clumpy, I recommend giving your lashes a quick curl and wiggling the brush back-and-forth at the base of your lashes before swooping the wand upward. This will help deposit the most product at your lash line to make your lashes look full and lush.

      100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

      $25 for 1 fl oz (30 ml)

      If you would like to minimize the dark circles and puffiness underneath your eyes, this cream is perfect! It is packed full of caffeine from green tea and coffee, which has wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits. This eye cream also contains natural anti-aging ingredients that are meant to nourish and brighten. 100% Pure also makes this product in a 0.3 oz size for $15 if you would like to test it out before committing to the larger tube or if you are trying to save space when travelling.

      Au Naturale Lipstick

      $22 for 0.13 oz (3.69 g)

      This soothing lipstick has a creamy, moisturizing formulation that is soothing on the lips. I have only test one shade, Marrakesh, but it is so beautifully pigmented that one coat straight from the bullet is all that you need for great coverage.

      Ilia Pure Eyeliner

      $24 for 0.01oz (0.33g)

      With bold, lasting color, this creamy liner glides on without tugging or skipping. It can also easily be blended out for a more dramatic effect. Nightclubbing is featured in this post and provides a sophisticated hint of midnight blue to any eye look. It is also a great way to subtly change up your routine if you are looking for an alternative to black or brown liner. 

      Josh Rosebrook Lift

      $22 for 4 oz (120 ml)

      I love the volume and texture that my stick straight hair gets from this spray! When my hair starts to go a bit flat, I just flip my head over and massage my roots for a few seconds to restore the gorgeous, tousled effect. Check out my full review of this product here.

      Kjaer Weis Eyeshadow Refill

      $27 for 0.043 oz (1.2 g)

      These eyeshadows blend with such ease and the color selection is gorgeous! Cloud Nine is one of my favorite inner corner highlights and I often use it on top of RMS Beauty Living Luminizer for a striking, eye-opening look!


      RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer

      $28 for 0.20 oz (5.67 g)

      This bronzer is my jam! I mention this product all of the time because the color of this product creates such a lovely, sun-kissed glow! There is also a subtle, golden shimmer that provides a gorgeous warm, radiance. RMS Beauty just released a Contour Bronze shade that I cannot wait to test out! 

      Vapour Illusionist Concealer

      $24 for 0.11 oz (3.11 g)

      This brightening concealer has great coverage and wears nicely throughout the day. I like to warm this product up on the back of my hand before using my fingers to tap it into place because I find that it can tug a bit when applied straight from the tube.

      W3ll People Bio Brightener Invisible Powder

      $24 for 0.21 oz (5.9 g)

      I use this superfine powder to help set concealer and cream eye shadow. It imparts a healthy radiance to the face and the almost undetectable shimmer provides a soft-focus effect.


      W3ll People Bio Brightener Stick

      $29 for 0.4 oz (11.3 g)

      This highlighter is ridiculously creamy! The satiny texture is smooth and luxurious, allowing this product to melt easily into the skin. The gold shimmer provides a stunning iridescence that imparts luminous, healthy glow without being the least bit glittery.


      What are your under $30 faves?
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