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6 Outside Exercise Routines that are Perfect for Spring

April 4, 2012 0

Have you been cooped up in the gym all winter? Springtime is the perfect time to cancel your gym membership and move your exercise routine outside. Not only is exercising in the great outdoors a great way to green your exercise routine, it will boost your moral and you give you a daily dose of nature. Here are my 6 favorite activities that you can easily do outside this spring, no energy or water usage required!

1. Swimming
Instead of swimming laps in the chlorine-laden swimming pool, hit your local body of water and get your swim on! Also, by swimming in a natural body of water you skip the less than eco-friendly amenities of the swimming pool, there is no wasted water, chemicals or energy to heat the pool.

2. Running or Power Walking
Skip the treadmill or elliptical machine and take your running outside. You will get a workout that is just as effective as the treadmill when you take a route full of hills, bridges, or stairs. I will take running outside any day over running inside – the view alone is worth it.

3. Hiking
One of my favorite spring time activities is hiking – think of it as your StairMaster in the great outdoors. Plus, when will you ever encounter a deer, squirrel or other furry friend while “hiking” on the StairMaster? – OK, besides Fido or Fluffy. It would also be fun to incorporate geocaching into your hikes – which are great when you are hiking with the kids.

4. Paddleboarding, Canoeing or Kayaking
Skip the rowing machine and row for reals! Paddleboarding is by far my favorite outdoor exercise that involves rowing (paddling). In fact, I plan to add it to my daily routine in the summer when Eben and I can get up, grab the boards and hit the water first thing in the morning. Paddleboarding is the ultimate core workout, it literally works every musical in your body! However, canoeing and kayaking are excellent rowing exercises.

5. Urban Exercising
If you live in the busy city, don’t worry, you can still get a fantastic urban workout. Hit your local park and use parts of the urban landscape to workout. For example, you could do pull ups on the jungle gym at your local playground. You can ride your bicycle or skateboard to work everyday and even jog laps around the playground while your little one plays within sight. 

6. Biking
A stationary bike is great in the winter, however in the springtime get your bicycle out of the garage and take it for a spin. You can incorporate your bicycle riding into your routine by using it rather than your car for getting to work or running errands. And bicycling is the perfect family activity, since people of all ages can enjoy a good bike ride.

Friends, I am wondering -what is your favorite outside exercise routine?

Favorite Organic Cleansing Scrub | Very Clear by derma e

April 3, 2012 0

Today, I wanted to share with you my absolute favorite organic cleansing scrub – Very Clear Cleansing Scrub Exfoliatet by derma e. Why do I love the Very Clear Cleansing Scrub so much? Let me break it down for you.

1. It’s Good for You, the Environment + Never tested on Animals
All of it’s ingredients are certified organic, eco-friendly, paraben-free and cruelty free. What’s not to love?

2. It’s Smells Fresh + Clean
I love the smell of the special blend of tea tree, willow bark, rosewood, lavender and chamomile. Think: a fresh, earthy and clean scent.

3. It Works
I use the Very Clear Cleansing Scrub every time I take a shower and it is great for removing dead skin, unclogging pores, and keeps my skin clean, balanced and blemish free. To be honest, I haven’t had any breakouts since using it. I also like to use it on my chest and back to keep those areas beautiful too!

4. It’s Affordable 
A 4 oz bottle costs $13.95 which may sound like a lot – however, I have been using this particular bottle since last June and I still have a couple of days of product left. You don’t have to use a lot, just a small drop to get the job done!

5. Recyclable Packaging
When I am finished with the product, the entire packaging is recyclable and I can pick up a new bottle from my local Vitamin Shoppe – which happens to be on the way to Eben’s school.

I haven’t tried the other products in the Very Clear Family yet – but there are on my list to pick up!

What is your favorite go-to organic facial cleanser? I would love to hear your recommendations?

Full Disclosure: I received samples of derma e Very Clear Cleansing Scrub from derma e to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I have been using derma e for almost a year and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

How to Make Organic Sweet Pickles with Your Children

March 14, 2012 0

Finding fun ways to get more vegetables into your children’s diet is always great. Especially, when those vegetables taste so yummy, children will be begging you for another. Sweet Pickles fit this bill – not only are they fun to eat, they are a super fun way to spend a spring morning with your children. Check out my step-by-step directions and make your own organic sweet pickles with your little ones. By the way, have you checked out some of the online cooking classes that are available  – these would be perfect for learning how to make other healthy snacks for your family.

Have you ever made pickles with your children?

Education Resource via Online Cooking

Olli Lolli Organic Hoodie Keeps Allergy Medication Close to Your Child

March 14, 2012 0

If you have a child who has a life threatening allergy, you know how important it is to keep their life-saving medication close by. Olli Lolli has created organic hoodies that are specially designed with the Olli Pocket, a built-in pocket that holds your child’s emergency epinephrine auto-injector, asthma inhaler or insulin injector, keeping it close by for when they need it. The pocket also has a tag where you can write all of our child’s emergency contact information. The hoodie comes in green or purple and sizes x-small, small, medium and large.

I love the idea of empowering children while promoting allergy awareness at the same time!

P.S. While Eben doesn’t have an allergy that requires him to carry medication – he is allergic to penicillin, so I completely understand the importance of allergy awareness. 

Does your child have a life-threatening allergy?
Would your child benefit from an Olli Lolli hoodie?

+ Ollie Lolli Hoodie $59.95
+ Ollie Lolli

48 Hours to Tell Congress to Label GMOs

March 6, 2012 0

Hello, Friends!

I just called my Senators and Representative to tell them to support labeling of genetically engineered foods! We need to make as many calls as possible in the next 48 hours!

Today, an estimated 75 to 80% of processed food in the U.S. contains GMOs (genetically modified organisms). For the past 15 years, Americans have been denied the basic right to know what’s in our food, despite the fact that more than 50 countries around the world already require labeling of genetically engineered food.

Even communist Russia and China label GMOs, allowing their citizens the fundamental right to know what they’re eating!

Why not the U.S.? Because giant biotech and seed companies like Monsanto have written the rules for our governmental regulatory agencies and paid billions in lobbying, public relations and campaign donations over the past two decades.

Right now members of Congress are writing a letter to tell the FDA that it’s time to label genetically engineered foods. In the next 48 hours your Senators and Congressperson needs to hear from you immediately so you can have the Right to Know what you’re eating. Click here to find the number to your local representatives.

Every voice counts!

source
photo via Timothy Valentine

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