My Conserving Project for May

I am very concerned with making sure we do our part to conserve and reuse.  Our planet does have a great amount of resources, but why should we waste and squander them?  We recycle items in the home, but where I struggle is in plastic bags.  I try to always grab our canvas grocery bags to reduce the need for plastic bags, but often I forget to take them into the store.  I know that seems crazy, but I am sure a couple of you can relate.  For the month of May I am dropping the plastic bag completely.  I will not accept a plastic bag for groceries, shopping, outings, or any where I go.  I will be carrying my canvas bags with me.

The reason so often I forget my bags is because I have them sitting in the back of the car.  I have bought some really cute bags in my day, but they are bulky and take up space in the car and the grocery cart,(bags to right).  Because we buy a lot of produce we like to have some sturdy bags and I like to be able to wash them.  Honestly when we need to make a quick run into the store we don't think about going to the back of the car to filter through which bag to grab.  These small concerns are why I have just a few plastic bags in my house every now and then.  Also, I never think about using my grocery bags for regular shopping as well.  I am excited to say I found the perfect solution and it is a elegant GREEN idea.

Conserving Now is a company that started with Mom who noticed that many people carry bags and forget to grab them, like me.  Her daughter and her came up with the Static cling reminder to "Grab your Bags".  Here is their story....

After watching shopper after shopper exclaim at the checkstand that they had forgotten their reusable bags - AGAIN! - it became clear to us that people needed a little help to change the habit and convenience of plastic bags. My mom and I have always believed that simple actions can have a huge impact. Never did this lesson seem more important – we were passionate about helping others create change in their own lives. Inspired by our idea of change, we have developed classroom lesson plans, provided information for getting involved, sold gorgeous reusable bags and reached out to create a community.  And what an amazing community it is: Over 200,000 members, each receiving a FREE static cling reminder.  Partnerships with incredible towns and cities, as well as small and large businesses nationwide.  Classroom Education Kits have been distributed across the US and Canada.  With so much progress, and so much more to do... we hope you will join us!

 You can see a News Coverage of Company on Las Vegas News Now

 Gale and Meghan's Bags are truly gorgeous!  I told them about my struggle and how I wanted to drop the plastic bags for good.  They sent me the Envirosax 5-1 pouch.  This is a small pouch that hold 5 very sturdy, beautiful, and convenient bags!   The pouch fits comfortably in my purse and I will never be forgetting my bags again.  Envirsax pouch contains five Eco-friendly bags because shopping is never a one-bag affair!

• Convenient- easy to carry in your handbag
• tested for strength and safety
• lightweight yet strong, holds 20 kg (44lbs)
•  fully washable- won't fade
• water resistant
• fashionable and fun-great gift ideas
• solution to one -use plastic bags
• 100% recyclable- "please recycle"

Envirosax has many styles to choose from.
Educating your children, classroom, and friends.

GRAB your FREE Static Cling Today!  Just got to this Form and fill out to have one sent to you!  Don't forget tell them I sent you! 

I am taking the challenge to drop the bag!  I actually started a week ago and happy to say I have not accepted one plastic bag.  I will be updating on my shopping, bags, and the convenience.  Be sure to stay tuned because one lucky reader will be getting their own Envirosax single bag!   I will be posting the Giveaway mid May so be sure to come back and enter.  These are the best shopping bags I have ever carried!
Giveaway is LIVE head over to enter!!!!

Who will take the Challenge with me?

"Not all garbage ends up at the dump. A river, sewer or beach can't catch everything the rain washes away, either. In fact, Earth's largest landfill isn't on land at all.  The Great Pacific Garbage Patch stretches for hundreds of miles across the North Pacific Ocean, forming a nebulous, floating junk yard on the high seas.   See Mother Nature Network for more.

 

Mother's Day Giveaway Ebates

Welcome to our Mother's Day "SuperEvent"Hosted by Full Price? Never! with contributing bloggers CuzinLogic and MyCraftyLife.

 

Being the super cool company that Ebates is...they are offering up the chance to win {1 of 50} $50 prizes and one grand prize of $250!That's $2,750 up for grabs!!!

Green your Mom Giveaway Hop, $25 Gift Certificate

What better present to give your mom for Mother’s Day than a Green Gift? I’m teaming up with EcoCrazy Mom and Simple City Life to bring you the Green Your Mom Giveaway Hop, May 1-7, 2012.

Wildwood Soapworks has a wonderful assortment of Organic body care.  I absolutely fell in love with their Lavender Lemon soap bars, and you can read more of my review here. 


I am currently using a few additional items of Wildwoods and have been very pleased with my experience.  I think it has a lot to do with the quality of their ingredients.  For one the essential oils used are of the highest quality therapeutic oils.  The Lavender is a high altitude wild grown Bulgarian Lavender which makes it the best quality for therapeutic use.  All the plant and essentials oils are of the highest grade and scrutiny before use.

Since this is a Mother's Day Hop I wanted to share my second most treasured item of Wildwoods, the Golden Slumbers Sleep Balm.  I received this item to try and was a little skeptical.  I have been using Rescue Remedies Sleep for so long that I thought nothing could do as good a job.  My first night with the balm I tried it and was asleep in 15 minutes, and I was very surprised because I am a night owl.  I love to stay up after tucking the kids in bed and relaxing with a book.  Although, since I started the Slumbers Sleep Balm my reading time has been drastically reduced.  This is actually a wonderful thing.  I fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up very rested without an alarm clock.  The essential oils are specially designed to aid in a relaxing bed routine.  For those that have no trouble falling asleep only to wake a few hours later wide awake, this has shown to help as well.  Essential oils have long since been used in aiding in the healing arts. 



I have used the Slumber Sleep Balm on my children when they were too restless to fall asleep, when they have had an off night with nightmares, and for family members visiting.  I found that even when the balm helped me into a very relaxing sleep, I woke up completely awake and alert to my daughter having a nightmare.  The Sleep Balm is completely 100% organic. 

Wildwoods has products for Baby, Mommy, Pets, Teas and Bath scrubs, Balms, Soaps, Shampoos, Insect deterrents, bath accessories, and Lotions.  Slumber Sleep Balm is $6.95.  This is cheaper than the previous sleep and rest aid I used, completely organic, and works better.  

Now the GREAT news.  This Green Clean Company is going to give one happy reader a 

$25.00 Gift Certificate!!!  The event will begin at 12:01 AM EST May 1, 2012 and end at 11:59 PM EST on May 7, 2012 US ONLY EVENT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to stop by all the other blogs in this event and Good Luck!

I have not been paid for this review, it is mine and mine alone.  I received my bar for just being a new follower on their Facebook page.  I am not making any sales in this post either.  I just love the product and the mission of this company~~Natural, Organic, and Safe!  The Company is so friendly, be sure to stop by Facebook or twitter and tell Sally that Kelley's Passion sent you! 

 I just want her to know how much I appreciate her Passion for clean wonderful products! 

Huge Tropical Traditions Giveaway Event ARV $275

I'm so excited to bring you another Super Event Giveaway! This week is all about Tropical Traditions and their amazing Coconut products! Hosted by Full Price? Never! with contributing bloggers CuzinLogic and MyCraftyLife.

About Tropical Traditions: Tropical Traditions has a long history of cultivating superior coconut oil. Founders Brian W. Shilhavy, BA, MA and Marianita Jader Shilhavy, BS, CND actually farmed it themselves in the Philippines which lead to their understanding of the health qualities of coconuts. Once back in the states they recognized a need to find quality coconut products and they filled it! Maybe their most famous product, Coconut Oil is the first thing that people think of when it comes to Coconut products, but Tropical Traditions offers so much more! From organic food to skin care items!

Learn More About Tropical Traditions: Website, Twitter #1, Twitter #2, Google+, Pinterest, Facebook, newsletter.

Personal Review: Heather from Full Price? Never! had the pleasure of reviewing some TROPICAL TRADITIONS products. Here are her thoughts: "I've always loved coconut, but I'd only really ever experienced it in desserts {sad but true}. Who knew that there were so many products that could be made out of coconuts... and that they would be good, really good. We immediately made a bunny rabbit cake and used the coconut chips as the fur. How could we not? Then I sat down and watched Tropical Traditions YouTube channel to get some inspiration. Did you know they have video's of their popular coconut recipe's using their products {don't watch this hungry, they look so good}. Since I was still learning about how to use everything I watched the video that showed 100's of ways to use coconut oil {you can see a list here too}. I really was interested in the Organic Virgin Coconut Teeth Cleaners. I'm very sensitive to the taste of toothpaste... it's my least favorite thing to do so I was thrilled to use Tropical Traditions! The taste was very mild and left my teeth feeling clean and my breath feeling fresh! My next project will be to make brownies using the Organic Coconut Flour with the recipe on the package. Yum! Tropical Traditions get's two thumbs up from me!" Come Check out all the great products by clicking here.

The Giveaway- One lucky winner will get a prize collection of Tropical Traditions best sellers valued at $275 including:

Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - 32 oz.Coconut Cream Concentrate - 32 oz.Coconut Chips - gallon pailCoconut Flour - 2.2 lb bagCoconut Water Vinegar - 32 oz.Moisturizing Lotion - 8 oz.Moisturizing Cream - 4 fl oz.Lip Moisturizers - 1 setHair Oil - 8 oz.Teeth Cleaners - 1 setNatural Deodorants - 1 set

This giveaway starts at 12:01am April 30th and ends at 11:59pm May 6th {est}! Must be aged 18 or older and live in the contiguous US to be eligible to win.

Enter on the Rafflecopter Form Below! GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nutrition in the school

Yesterday I had a wonderful opportunity to talk about nutrition in my sons classroom. We had a great time, and I enjoyed using a new visual aid called "choosemyplate.gov".      
First Lady Obama has taken on Nutrition to be her theme of interest for this term. You can read more about this on Obama Foodorama.  She is making big changes in school lunch programs, you can see some of those changes at Bet  
I have long thought the food pyramid to be a bit confusing when explaining it to others, and love the new "choose my plate". I thought this was an easier way to explain and have kids visualize their food choices.

We took each section and talked about what food are in each group, servings, creative ways to eat healthy, snacks, what is moderation, and digestion.  I had the kids each take turns making there own plates using the Felt food choices. 

This was very successful and the kids all enjoyed asking questions and making their plates.  I think I will be using this aid for small children as well, since it is fun and visually easy to understand.

I made my own DIY felt board and purchased the felt cutouts at Felt Source.  This is a wonderful fun activity for kids of all ages.  If you want to explain healthy eating with your children, and have fun doing it, this is it.  Unfortunately, they enjoy it so much that we have it out all the time now.  I have my fingers crossed that we do not lose any of the felt foods.





I was touched by the wonderful thank you card the 4th grade class made me.  We had talked a little about heart health and beneficial foods.  Thank you Ms. Langdorf for allowing me the opportunity to share my passion.





I did stop by the school lunch room and briefly talk with the head of the lunch program.  She did mention that next year there are a few changes taking place.  Instead of a main and side of choice, kids will be given a main, a vegetable, and a fruit placed on every plate.  She was concerned with the amount of food that might be thrown away and wasted.  It is a real concern that I think about as well, because of this possible waste we pack our lunches.  I think that instead of possibly wasting food, we should be talking to kids about making good choices, like today.  It is their responsibly to learn to eat healthy giving them educational tools to help them learn this.  I was impressed with the "Raw Bar" and assortment of fruits and vegetables.  She said that the raw bar is always a huge hit with the kids, except the cauliflower.  I think a lot of kids have a little trouble with cauliflower :-) 

What are your thoughts on some of the changes you can expect for next year school lunch programs?

Remember to visit Nourishing Interactive.  They are a fun website with lots of free printable pages, games, and educational resources. You can print these out for at home educational use. 

Earth Day Project

Wordless Wednesday

Are Earth day projects.  In class the kids talked about conservation and importance of carrying your own bags when shopping, so you stop using plastic bags.  She finished her earth bag.  

Celebrating Earth day!!!  You can pick up your own decorate bags at ConseringNow.com

Does your diet affect PMS?

Does your diet affect PMS?  For some it does.  Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome are not the same for everyone.  We have come a long way in the last 10 years to understand more about the emotions and changes woman undergo during this time frame, and yes diet is showing a contributing factor.

Symptoms of PMS (but not limit to)                                                 

• bloating, cramping
• food craving and aversions, over eating
• emotional highs and lows
• anxiety, tension, irritability, uptight
• lack of motivation
• Fatigue
• fainting spells
• Hyper-somnia or insomnia
• breast tenderness
• swelling
• headaches
• back pain, abdominal pain
• joint or muscle pain
• weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• feelings of anger, rejection, and more

Prevention is key.  Most woman experience a difference physically and emotionally during the week leading into their menses.  If you notice a great deal of the these symptoms and/ or they interfere with your daily activities then lets change a few things.

• Nutritionally a whole foods diet with minimal processed foods is a nice place to start.  Reduce the intake of sugars, refined carbohydrates, salt, caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, and dairy products will help to balance the body and the changes it experiences. 
• Also, increase your essential Fatty acids that you can find in seeds, nuts, and fish! 
• Regular exercise is a huge benefit!  Exercise increases the oxygen levels in blood which helps with nutrient absorption.  Exercise also helps in releasing toxins from the body and balancing hormone levels.  
• Stress management.  
• Weight loss.  

Most of the woman who experience PMS have habits of a highly processed diet.  In a nutritional analysis published in 1983, Guy Abraham stated that "PMS patients consumed 62 % more refined carbohydrates than woman who did not have PMS.  Also, the study noticed 275 % more refines sugar, 79%  more dairy products, 77% less manganese, 78% more sodium, 53% less iron, and 52% less zinc.  The study also went on to suggest that specifically a diet higher amounts of dairy products will experience symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, and irritability."

What can you do?
1. Choose high quality carbohydrates like brown rice, whole grains, rye, oatmeal, barley, farro, and whole wheat.
2. Choose low fat or fat free dairy products and use moderation.
(These two steps shown to have great improvement on breast tenderness.)
3. Join a positive social group.  A study by Dr Anita Rapkins M.D. showed that woman who suffered from PMS had a decrease in serotonin levels after ovulation.  Studies have long shown that abnormal levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.  This is why the antidepressant Prozac is popular in elevating serotonin levels.  While taking Prozac can be a simple way of elevating serotonin, other studies shown that getting involved in social groups was just as successful in raising levels.  I personally feel this to be a more natural way to find an inner peace.  For one your can potentially balance yourself while finding support and friendship for times when needed.  This is how stress management can be effective.  Join a book club, tea group, fitness group, and ext to raise serotonin, decrease depression, and gain support! 
4.Step away from the normal American diet.  Increase fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and eat healthier.  A cleaner diet of whole foods has many health benefits but will aid in decreasing symptoms of PMS.  Following the Preventive recommendations will have you PMS free in no time.  

Specific Nutrients beneficial in decreasing PMS.  Focusing on a balanced healthy diet, unprocessed, will give you the needed nutrients listed below.

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Essential Fatty acids 
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Trytophan

 Additional reading 
New Study Shows Relief of Premenstrual Syndrome with Regular Isha Yoga Practice 

Mixed up Monday Link up

Welcome to Mixed Up Monday Link Up! The rules are SIMPLE and the promotion and readership you will gain is HUGE! Make new friends, find some new followers, and have fun while doing it all!

THE RULES:

[1] Follow your host: MamaNYC is in the #1 s lot for Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Plus. Make sure you are following MamaNYC before anything! 

[2] Follow this weeks Featured Follow [#2 slot on FB, Twitter, and G+!]

*Featured Follow: I am looking to feature YOUR blog for the Featured Follow! Every week I will select one blogger to feature in the #2 slot on every linky for Mixed Up Monday meme. Interested? Fill out THIS form and I will feature your blog in the coming week(s). Hurry up and fill the form up to ensure a spot as soon as possible! I will send you an email letting you know which week you will be featured. 

* The Featured Follow blogger must include a Mixed Up Monday Link Up post with the 3 linky codes for their scheduled week. I will provide a full HTML code for the page and linky tools to make things easier for you! This is a GREAT opportunity for promotion and gaining followers will be a cinche! 

[2] Add your links: Pay attention to the linky! Be sure to leave your correct links for each of the three linky tools. Here are some examples to get you going and understand the exact way to insert each of your links:

[CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE THIS REALLY SMALL IMAGE!]

[2] Follow at least [3] three other bloggers for each network [Facebook, Twitter, and Google+]

[3] Leave a comment to ensure you are recognized and hopefully followed back! This will let the other blogger know that you are following from Mixed Up Monday and thereafter they can follow you back.

[4] The more you follow, the more this will work: Although I have asked you to follow at least 3 other bloggers, I would recommend following ALL {or as many as you can!} of the participants. 

[5] Have LOTS of fun and come back next Monday to do it all over again!

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This weeks Featured Follow is Kelley over at Kelley's Passion For Nutrition!

Be sure to follow and like Kelley on Facebook & Google+ Plus! Here is what Erica has to say about her blog:

"I have a great passion for food and the effects it has on the body, both inside and out. Everything you eat and do not eat has a profound effect in hair, colon, eyes, energy, and more.  I love the traditional dishes and like to mix history, wellness, fun, and fitness into a great little ball of living healthy."

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SPREAD THE WORD!
This isn't mandatory, but it will really help us spread the word! Use the button below to help share this Monday link up with your readers. Insert it onto your blog sidebar or a directory page that you keep to share all link up's! 

   <a href="http://mamanyc.net/category/weekly-memes/mixed-up-monday/" target="_blank"><img src="http://mamanyc.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/mixed-up-monday.png" height="125" width="125"></a>

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TWITTER LINKY!

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GOOGLE+ PLUS LINKY!

Giveaway for Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil!

I mentioned last week that I have been using coconut oil for years but changed to Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard.  I personally think it's a cleaner oil and does great whether you are baking, sauteing, eating raw or cooked.  It has a wonderful taste and aroma that really brings out delicious healthy dishes.  When Tropical Traditions sent me their Gold Label Standard Oil, I feel in love with it right away.  I noticed it had a cleaner taste in the dishes then the oil I was previously using.

You might be wondering what the difference is between Refined, Virgin, or the Gold Label Standard of Coconut Oil.  It can be confusing at times but you can see more on that at Tropical Traditions "How is Coconut Oil Produced". 

I was impressed with Tropical Traditions as a company.  I enjoy hearing how a company starts because they wanted to make something better for their family.  They knew they wanted to keep it as little processed as possible and use natural resources to do that. I recommend watching their short educational video to know more about this company!

They offer different size containers to meet your families needs, 16 ounce, 32 ounces, 1 gallon, and 5 gallon.
They offer a variety of item in coconut flours, shredded coconut, creams, vinegars, hair products, body products, household products and more.  You can read more about these products on Tropical Traditions home page.

Just to visualize the many ways you can use this delicious Oil check out how to use coconut oil.  You will see frying, puddings, desserts, dressing, and more.  I just used it in making my homemade marinara sauce and it was great! 



I am very excited to tell you that Tropical Traditions is going to be giving one of my wonderful readers 1 quart of their Gold Label Standard Coconut Oil!

Addition reading
A guide to buying Coconut Oil online

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday/ Titanic 100 years later

Wordless Wednesday/ Titanic 100 years later April 14, 1912....... we still remember!

National Geographic Kids/ Titanic