Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Herbal Bath Bag Greener and More Natural Body Care Green Tip #4


Green Tip #4 
Greener and More Natural Body Care.

Herbal Bath Bag
2 tbsp. of Lavender and Chamomile
1 tbsp. of Raspberry leaves
1 tbsp. Comfrey leave
1 tbsp. Ground oatmeal
muslin tea bags (optional see greener option below)

Place herbs and oatmeal in center of muslin bag.  This makes enough for several bags.  Make sure bag is completely close then you can just throw into bath as water is running.

The herbal bath bag helps to soften and soothes skin with an extremely awesome scent.  It is important to reduce the amount of chemicals we put on and in our bodies.  Our skin is our largest organ and everything is absorbed through it.  This is a delightful and aromatic way to relax and rejuvenate minus the chemical overload in most commercial products. 

Don't forget that Mother's Day is right around the corner, make some to share with Family and Friends, and help us reduce the chemical dependence we have acquired due to commercial consumption.  A Greener life is easier than you think. 

For those that have Libre Tea Glasses, you can skip the muslin bags and steep your herbs before bath time and add when in.  I will usually steep for 20 minutes to make it nice and strong.  No waste of bags and all the benefits!  You can also make this mixture and store in a glass jar with lid and just scoop out into your Libra Glass.  LibreTea Website






This Months Tips
Green Tip#1                Green Tip#2
Green Tip#3

Green Giveaways Going Now
Green Earth Giveaway Hop with LVR Organic Yoga Pants, be sure to Enter!
Green Earth Giveaway Hop with Reuseit, To-GO Ware Bamboo, enter here.

To-Go Ware Bamboo Giveaway ends 4/22 #GreenEarthGiveawayPL


To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil

We are Celebrating Earth Day all month long with some amazing Eco friendly products!
To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensils are awesome!
 Made from sustainably harvested bamboo- Organic
Lightweight, strong and long-lasting
Carrycase made from recycled plastic bottles (PET)
Heat- and stain-resistant
Won't impart or absorb flavors
Hand-finished with natural, food-safe wood oil
Includes fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks, plus carrycase with carabiner
Carrying Case is hand wash recommend. 
Utensils are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommend. 
 

One of my amazing readers is going to be winning a set of their own!  US Only.  Winner will be contacted by email and have 24 hours to respond with shipping information  no PO Boxes.  Enter the refflecopter below and then enter the other great ECO friendly giveaways in the linky!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from a ‘Pitch List ‘ Blog. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. The blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments.

Bai-5 Calorie Antioxidant Infusion #Giveaway Ends 4/21

Bai-5 Calorie Antioxidant Infusion is a refreshing and delicious beverage made with the coffeefruit.  This super antioxidant rich blend has 8 different exotic flavors to choose from.   
No Artificial Colors*No Preservatives*Never Hot Filled
 
GMO FREE
Antioxidant Packed, 2000+ mg
Only 5 calories per bottle
  BPA Free
  Vegan
Gluten Free and Soy Free
  Low Glycemic Index
  Organic Coffeefruit
  100% Natural

 
Now for the Giveaway!  Three lucky readers are going to be winning a Variety Pack!
Giveaway is US Only and ends 4/22 at midnight.  To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below, and Good Luck!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. Winners will be notified by email from a ‘Pitch List ‘ Blog. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. The blogs participating may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments.

 

Delicious Bai-5 Calorie Antioxidant Infusion Review

We are a very active household. We like to bike, run, hike, swim, go camping, and pretty much any activity where we are outside.  I mention this because I like to look for beverages, along with our Water, that provides a clean way to rehydrate the body during and after activities. 
I was excited to learn that I was going to be reviewing a couple of the Bai-5 Calorie Antioxidant Infusion.  While looking into the company I noticed that that the CEO and Founder, Ben Weiss, is very passionate about what he does.  The History of how Bai-5 got started was with a sip.  While on his travels around the world, it was in Indonesia that he came across "Coffeefruit".  Then he started mixing this high antioxidant rich plant with other exotic juices to make the perfect Bai-5 Calorie Antioxidant Infusion drinks.  You can read more on the start here.


BPA Free and Never Hot Filled
At first I was very discouraged that they were only available in plastic bottles.  Then I discovered that the each bottle is BPA Free and Never Hot Filled!  So often, beverages and processing plants use heat to fill their plastic bottles, for packaging, and that heat leaches the toxic plastics into the beverage or food.  Since bai never uses Hot Fill, you have a cleaner beverage.  This was a selling point for me.  I never like to purchase foods or beverages in plastic, but I feel much better about this bottle.  Just remember to please recycle when you are done. 
Are they Fair Trade?
While browsing bai's blog I noticed how they are "Direct Trade".  This is very similar to "fair trade', but it goes a step farther.  Because they buy directly from the coffee grows, they establish fair pricing without the middle man, fees, and such taking away from the coffee growers.  This supports fair wages for the coffee growers and better for consumers as well.  Sounds like they a win for both sides.  You can read the information here.
 
Features 
  • GMO FREE
  • Antioxidant Packed, 2000+ mg
  • Only 5 calories per bottle
  • BPA Free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free and Soy Free
  • Low Glycemic Index
  • Organic Coffeefruit
  • 100% Natural
No Artificial Colors*No Preservatives*Never Hot Filled
I have told you about the company and the product, but how does it taste?  It tastes amazing!  There are 8 flavors to choose from and all have a delicious, delightful, easy, and refreshing taste.  With my running, I have tried many sports drinks, and I like these BEST.  So often sports drinks are loaded with sugars, preservatives, enhancements, and electrolytes that you don't need unless you are a Pro football player.  These recharge the body naturally without all the extra junk, making it better for you and your little ones.  My 9 year old daughter is a Gymnast, training 3 hours every night, and I felt much better giving her one of the Bai-5 drinks over another commercial sports drink. 

I think the Sumatra Dragonfruit is my favorite, but I enjoyed each of the unique taste of them all.  If I had to say which was my least favorite it would be the lemon.  Don't misunderstand, I still enjoyed it and will be getting it again, just to let you know the lemon has a nice "tart" taste.  The 8 flavors to choose from include Sumatra Dragonfruit, Panama Peach, Malawi Mango, Limu Lemon, Costa Rica Clementine, Ipanema Pomegranate, Brasilia Blueberry, and Congo Pear. 

Plus, they have a new flavor on the way, Molokai Coconut!  It will be released June 1st and will deliver a rich coconut flavor unlike any you have tried before.  I love Coconut, so I am super excited about this!  Coconut is great to recharge after a hard workout or run, but I have not been impressed with the taste of most.  After reviewing the 8 above, I am positive its going to be a great addition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bai Bands, LLC Mission Statement
 "Our mission at bai is to share the powerful antioxidant goodness of coffee's superfruit with the world while impacting our communities locally, inspiring individuals personally and always moving forward toward optimum, healthy living."~~Bai Bands,LLC
 
BUY 
You can purchase bai drinks in packs of 12/ 18 oz. bottles.  Each variety is priced differently ranging from $23.35 to $31.58.  If you wanted an assortment 12 pack you can select the Green Mix or Red Mix, both priced at $28.15 for 12/ 18 oz. bottle Packs. 
 

 

The Mind Can Be A Powerful Tool


 
The Mind can be a powerful tool. 
Using your mind to gain better health with emotional Wellness
Use mental images.  When I am running I see myself taking easy breaths, I see myself finishing strong and happy, and I see everything around me as a gift of Nature.  If I was to see myself struggling, gasping for breath, tired, and sore I would have a more difficult run.  The same can be true for stressful situations.  If you see yourself getting frustrated, angry, losing your temper....you will.  When I am getting frustrated with everyday events, I take deep breaths, see myself happy, and handling all my tasks with a smile.  I give myself a visual goal and believe me this works!  Avoid negative self-talk.  If you tell yourself "I am too tired to work out", "I am too sick", "I can't do that", than you will lock those visions into your mental subconscious and you will be what you claim.

Be confident in the power your mind has on you to hasten healing, improve health, enjoy healthy eating, and all everyday activities.  If you think positively towards your healthy eating changes you will look forward to that meal and make your goals more obtainable.  When Cancer patients believe in their healing, they give themselves the "power" to heal.  This has been very success for those in recession and moving forward towards a longer healthier life.

Take a few minutes each day to practice a mental relaxation.  Think of this as a way to talk to your body, change behaviors, and promote healing.  As you become more comfortable using your mind you can see things you want to change in the past, the future, and the present.  If you believe you can make healthier choices, walk longer distances, and have the will power to cut the negative habits in your life, you will.  Take deep breaths and feel your body getting stronger, healthier, and happier.  You can use a Mantra like this.  "I am getting healthier and stronger everyday".  As you do this you become a more powerful positive person.  You will know you can tackle problems, beat back obstacles, and succeed.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Celebrating Earth Day all Month Long Green Body Scrub Recipe


Going Green Tip #3
Greening your Body Care 
 
Easy Natural Body Scrub Recipe
1/2 cup sea salt
1/4 cup of warmed Coconut Oil or Olive Oil. 

Good for all skin types!  You can use this amount easily for your entire body.  I have made larger batches and kept in glass jars and when needed just scoop out the amount needed and heat then.  This also makes for a great gift for Mother's Day coming up! 

One of the great things about this recipe is that there are no toxins or preservatives.  This makes for a great budget friendly green body care item.  Take the time this April to "Green" your foods, your body, and reduce the waste on earth.

This Months Tips
Green Tip#1                Green Tip#2

Green Giveaways Going Now
Green Earth Giveaway Hop with LVR Organic Yoga Pants, be sure to Enter!
Green Earth Giveaway Hop with Reuseit, To-GO Ware Bamboo, enter here.

National Walking Day- Are you Walking?

April 3rd is National Walking Day-Get Up and Move!
 
 
Let's face it, with work and family schedules we tend to forget about being active. Since today is National Walking Day, you will notice more people getting outside and taking a nice stroll of at least 30 minutes. I encourage you to get outside and take a walk as a by yourself, with a friend, or as a Family.  Also, take the time to talk to your kids about why being physically active is important for good health. I just read a recent study mentioned that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women are at risk for heart disease that is just crazy to me.  We need to become a more Health oriented Nation. 
 
One great benefit to Walking and Running is that is helps keep your heart pumping and lean.  We all want lean strong hearts as we age.  Plus, walking helps to banish the bulge.  A lot of Americans are struggling with weight and this can be reduced with a daily activity.  Start small.  Start with 30 minutes today and see where it takes you.
  
Many ways to enjoy your Walk
  • Head to a museum.  Arizona residents head over to the Sonoran Desert Museum.  That is one of our FAVORITE places to walk.
  • You can walk to work
  • Walk on your lunch break
  • Walk to the corner store
  • Make a stroll around the Mall, just no stopping and shopping!

How are you going to Walk today?

Good Eatin' Hop 4/2

 
Welcome to the Good Eatin' Recipe Hop
hosted by
The 'Pitch List' Bloggers

Every Tuesday you can join us to share great recipes.........
There are no specific themes. 
Add your recipe of choice to the linky.
No Giveaways Please...all giveaways will be removed.
We Love Comments! Please Share!




Monday, April 1, 2013

Celebrating Earth Day all Month Long Green Tip #2

Green Tip #2
Greening Your Kitchen

Pack Lunches in Reusable Containers
The amount of packing used for lunches and meals on the go is upsetting.  Help us reduce by starting today to use only reusable containers like bento boxes, reusable sandwich bags, and reusable liquid containers.  These should be "BPA FREE" and I always recommend "Made in the USA".  Why not support Local? 
 
 
This small step alone can make a HUGE difference in the environment.  You will be buying and throwing away less while saving money.  2012 was the year we made all our lunch packing green and clean.  If you are a large family, I recommend buying in small amounts to stock pile your lunch packing items.  You can start now for the next school year and your own Lunches.

 
For more detailed information see....
 

This Months Tips
Green Tip#1               

Green Giveaways Going Now
Green Earth Giveaway Hop be sure to Enter!

Staying Healthy While Traveling List Hopping for Health 4/1

Gluten Free for Jen

Welcome to the Hoppin For Health Blog Hop!
This is just a fun motivational hop with one common goal- Getting Healthier.
If you have any get fit tips, healthy recipes and eating tips, or on a weight loss journey of your own feel free to join us!
 
Check out the below blogs who are all on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle! 

This past week we enjoyed the Sunny, I mean rainy, state of Florida!  Actually I you grew up in Florida, so I know it rains practically all year long.  I was actually a little surprised with how much it rained while we were visiting, but we still had a blast! 

 
On this week’s Hopping for Health I wanted to share was my list for items while traveling.  These are all things I never leave home without and how we eat on vacation. 
  •  Organic Soap- I will be using organic essential oil Dr. Bronner's Bar of Soap for this trip.  I know that sometimes it’s nice to see what the hotels offer you, but we are a green family that cares about what we put on our bodies and what then goes into the water.  It's only a week, but we want to nourish our bodies and not strip it from chemicals, fragrances, and toxins.  Just for the trip I use the liquid lavender soap as shampoo.
  • Digestion Tea- This is something I take on all Trips!  You’re traveling and things might get backed up from traveling or the type of food you are eating.  To avoid any undue stress on my digestion and keep things running smoothly, I will have my tea bag on hand if needed.  The idea is to eat clean the entire trip, but just in case I will be ready.  
  • Healing Balm-It always happens, someone has to fall, scrap something, cut something, or get a bug bite.  I will be ready with my trusting healing balm that cleans and soothe all skin irritations.  We used this a few times J
  • Sleeping Balm- While at hotels, it always takes us a few days to get comfortable and able to sleep in a new place.  I want to make sure everyone get a calming night sleep, so we will be using the sleeping balm right away.  This always is a great item to carry and home at home.
    Vitamin C- Since we traveled by plane, a germ infested incubator; we took extra Vitamin C and will made sure to take it during the trip.  This gave our immune system a little boost to stay protected.
  • Sunscreen- This is a must have.  We went to adventure parks, the beach, the pool, and needed to make sure our skin is protected all day.  The Sunscreen will need to be a natural non chemical one as well.
  • Hats- Even though we will have Sunscreen on, the extra protection will be need on days that we out all day long.  This is something I have forgotten in the past and then we waste money on tourist hats.  I was ever so happy to have these, we carried them with us everywhere and they protected us from Sun and Rain.
  • Bring your Water Bottles.  We do not want to buy plastic bottles there so we brought our everyday water bottles.  This kept us from wasting and supporting plastics.  It’s important to make sure you drink enough water while traveling.  After being on the plane you naturally get dehydrates ad it’s important to rehydrate.  
  • We booked a room with a fully stocked kitchen.  This was important to me because we have a very clean diet and I don't want us be bogged down with a week of convenience, fast food, and processed foods.  I am happy we have a fridge and oven, this way we made our lunches, dinners, and breakfasts.  The first things we are did after our check in, was head to the grocery store.   The food we purchased for breakfast, lunches, and the occasional dinner was the cheaper than one lunch at Disney! 
     
    While it is fun to go to restaurants and be served and have nothing to clean up after, the effects of this experience can be a health set back.  Often you are not sure the quality of food used in your meals, and we like to eat Organic and GMO free.  The best way to stay on this lifestyle is forget the convenience and make it ourselves.  When we did eat out I was sure to pick refreshing salads, light on sauces and dressings, and smaller portion meals.  I was so surprised how BIG most regular meals are.  We had thought that we would eat at some of the adventure parks while out, but I packed veggies, fruits, and protein bars for myself.  I did not like the selection of foods offered and really disliked the price of these "park foods".