“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma

(Image by foodswings via Flickr)

We’ve all been there. It’s 5:00, we’re starving, and we have no idea what to make for dinner. This is when the frozen pizzas or mac-n-cheese usually come out. If eating healthier is on your list of New Year’s resolutions this year, you are probably going to have to put a bit more planning into mealtime. It doesn’t have to be painful though. I try to sit down with a cookbook or two over the weekend to plan for the week ahead. Not only does this help with my grocery shopping, but it puts my mind at ease, knowing that I have healthy meals planned for my family.

Check out some of my favorite resources for healthy recipes and meal ideas:

Cookbooks:

• The Family Dinner by Laurie David – My copy of this book is tabbed with recipes I want to make like Moroccan Chicken Tagine and Slooooow Cooker Curry.


• The EarthBound Cook by Myra Goodman – Filled with planet-friendly, healthy recipes, this cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen. We love the Whole Wheat Crepes recipe because it is easily customizable to both kids and adults.


• The Homesteader’s Kitchen by Robin Burnside – The emphasis of this book is on using fresh, local and organic ingredients to create nourishing meals like winter vegetable stew and vegetarian enchiladas.


• Power Foods from the editors of Whole Living Magazine – My newest cookbook purchase boasts “150 recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients”. So far, the soba noodle, tofu & veggie stir-fry and the chicken with fennel & carrots have been big hits around here.


• The New Basics by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins – An oldie but a goody, I refer to this book for everything from basic tomato sauce to polenta casserole (and they have some awesome cake recipes too!) 

Blogs and Websites:

• Dinner A Love Story – This sweet blog by veteran food magazine editor, Jenny Rosenstrach, is a wonderful resource for dinner inspiration. Not only does it give you the inside scoop on cooking for a family, but it has excellent, family-friendly recipes too. My fav? Chicken Curry with Apples.


• Food for My Family – Minnesota mom Shaina Olmanson serves up healthy homemade recipes with enticing photography and a side of humor.


• EatingWell.com – A searchable database of healthy recipes from the publisher of Eating Well magazine. 

What are your go-to resources for healthy recipes?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com

We are well into the New Year and some of those freshly made resolutions are on the verge of abandonment.  There’s no question – resolutions are hard to keep. We generally start off with the best of intentions, but with no plan in place they are often destined to fail. By the end of January the sad truth is many resolutions will be broken. 

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps to keep you motivated and on track for 2012 and beyond. 

1. Make a plan with actionable steps

Take the time to make a detailed plan. Think about how you will reach your goals. Once the overall plan is made break it down into smaller actionable steps. Creating manageable steps will make the plan feel less overwhelming. 



2. Write it down

Take your plan and actionable steps and write them down. Writing down your resolutions will bring them to life and make them feel real.  Having them in writing shows a level of commitment and dedication.  You can then check them off as you reach each goal. This will create motivation and inspiration to continue with the original plan well into the New Year.



3. Find a way to hold yourself accountable

Share your goals with others. Tell your family, friends or community what you are trying to achieve. Think about ways they can be supportive and let them know.  Find support groups on line or in person. Being accountable to someone other than yourself will help keep you on track. 



4. Let go of self-judgment

Don’t be too hard on yourself. We are only human and it’s OK to make mistakes. If your plan gets derailed, don’t beat yourself up. There’s plenty of time to get back on track. 



5. Don’t wait until tomorrow

The time is now. You made the effort to make the resolution so take the time to make it happen.  

Happy New Year!

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com 

Photo credit: We Heart It

Diet and exercise resolutions are soooo 2011. This year, let’s vow to treat ourselves to a healthy dose of TLC. Repeat after me: 

1. I will shampoo less frequently to maintain my hair’s natural oils and improve manageability. 


2. I will get regular massages, even if that means giving up a fancy dinner out or a new pair of shoes.


3. I will try meditating for at least 5–10 minutes a day and not beat myself up if my mind starts making to-do lists.


4. I will wash my face before I go to bed NO MATTER WHAT.


5. I will visit a makeup counter for a refresher course, and throw out any shades I’ve been using since college.   


6. I will attempt to get at least seven hours of sleep each night, preferably more.


7. I will take slow, deep breaths when I feel stressed out to increase the flow of chi throughout my body and calm my nerves.


8. I will get regular pedicures (hello, calluses) even if no one sees my feet but me.  


9. I will immediately book a trim should I catch myself playing with split ends.


10. I will not, under any circumstances, leave the house without at least an SPF 15 on my face and neck.  

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma

(Image credit: MorgueFile)

Feeling anxious about holiday gifts? Staying up until the wee hours making cookies? Shopping until you drop? It’s easy to get a holiday headache at this time of year. Instead of making yourself crazy, give yourself permission to slow down and really enjoy the holiday season this year. Use these tips to make the holidays a more mindful and meaningful occasion:

Get organized:

• Keep your calendar updated no matter how busy you get.
• Make a list before you shop.
• Don’t leave all the gift wrapping until the last minute.

Don’t try to do it all:

• Every single bus driver, teacher and nice neighbor does not need a gift.  A thank you card and a kind word are often more than enough.
• Don’t stress yourself out making 5 kinds of cookies. Choose one kind and have it be your specialty. 
• Delegate! Send your spouse to the mall or have your kids help wrap gifts. 
• Postpone unnecessary activities until the New Year.

Stay healthy:

• Eat well and drink plenty of water (yes, my mother told me to say that!)
• Enjoy the holiday treats and spirits but don’t overdo it or you’ll pay later.
• Don’t forget to exercise. You’ll need all the extra energy it gives you! 

Find time to relax:

• Allow for 10 minutes of meditation or quiet time each day to recharge.
• Treat yourself to a yoga class, a spa treatment or a coffee with a friend.
• Take a breather each evening to sit with family and enjoy holiday decorations or read a holiday story together.
• Keep a journal of holiday memories to help you be mindful of what you appreciate each holiday season.

How do you slow down and enjoy the holidays?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com 

                          Photo courtesy of The Beauty Department

What do you get when it’s cold outside and dry inside? A cruel combination never ceases to suck the moisture out of hair and skin. Extreme weather like this calls for creative measures.

• Unless you have super-oily skin, switch to a creamy cleanser. You’d be amazing by how much gel and foaming washes strip skin of moisture. Better yet: skip washing your face altogether in the morning. 


• Throughout the day refresh skin and revive makeup with a hydrating mist. I keep one at my desk and one in my bag at all times. 


• Press a face balm or oil on top of you makeup—especially around the eyes and cheek bones—whenever skin starts looking dull and foundation looks pasty. Typically late afternoon. 


• Sometimes all you need is cuticle cream to combat dry hands. After all, it’s your fingers and nail bed that tend to be the roughest. The same salve (I like Watkins lemon-scented version) will give nails a buffed, glossy look— a plus when you don’t have time for a manicure. 


• Simple but highly effective: Don’t go to bed without putting on lip balm. You’ll prevent and eliminate cracked chapped dry lips. Choose a balm (like J.R. Watkins) that contains natural beeswax and plant oils, not petroleum-based ingredients which interfere with the body’s natural moisturizing mechanism,


• Smooth static, frizz, and fly-aways by switching to a richer conditioner and/or apply a leave-in conditioner or serum from mid-shaft down, before styling.


• Lackluster skin is a sure sign that your moisturizer isn’t cutting it. Buff away dry, dead skin cells and restore radiance by whipping up one up this easy Honey Face Mask recipe (honey is a natural humectant): 
  
  
  1. Combine one tablespoon sugar with 3 tablespoons honey
  2. Spread a thin layer and clean skin and leave on face for 15-20 minutes 
  3. Dampen fingertips and gentle scrub mask in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Rinse and moisturize as usual.

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma

                                        Photo: Squash Gratin

If there is one holiday deeply rooted in tradition, it is Thanksgiving. Each year, as families cook up their own version of the Pilgrim’s harvest feast, they create their own family traditions that get passed on year after year.

That said, my initial idea for this blog post was to share a special Thanksgiving recipe that has been passed along in my family for years. We have a few of those floating around – like Grandma’s cranberry salad with the special sweet mayonnaise topping. But I realized that my favorite part of Thanksgiving isn’t making the same recipes every year – it’s the fun of finding new recipes to try. For me, the tradition is the search itself. I sit down with a pile of cookbooks and magazines, dig through my enormous recipe file or search online and until I find the perfect recipes to make for my family! 

Desserts are my favorite and I have made some real winners like this Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce – where thoughts of health and calorie counts go straight out the window!  But along with a decadent dessert, I always make a vegetable side dish – usually something with dark leafy greens or Brussels sprouts, packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Maybe I’m fooling myself, but I feel better about eating a gigantic meal when there are some healthy vegetables involved!

This Squash & Greens Gratin is super easy to make and will look beautiful sitting on your Thanksgiving table! 

Squash & Greens Gratin

• 4-5 cups winter squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks (I prefer butternut)

• 4 cups greens, chopped (mustard, collard or turnip greens, kale, Swiss chard)

• 1 leek, halved and cut into chunks

• 2 large onions, cut into large chunks

• 5-6 small to medium cloves garlic, left whole

• 9 T olive oil

• 2 T chopped rosemary

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken stock 

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375.  Butter or spray a large roasting pan or casserole dish.

Place squash, greens, leek, onions and garlic into roasting pan.  Toss with 6 T olive oil, rosemary and salt & pepper.  Pour in the wine or chicken stock. Roast 30-40 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and 3 T olive oil together in a small bowl.  Sprinkle mixture over the vegetables and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes - until the vegetables are soft.  Enjoy!!

Do you have favorite, family recipes you make every year at Thanksgiving or do you look for new ideas each year?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com

           [Photo used under Creative Commons from D. Sharon Pruitt/Flickr]

Thanksgiving is a holiday loved by many.  Not only is it the start of the holiday season, it’s also a time for family gatherings, holiday meals and a time to offer thanks for all that we have. It’s also the perfect time to show your thanks by giving back to the planet.  

This Thanksgiving, kickoff your holiday season on a greener foot with these simple, eco-friendly tips:

1. Don’t use disposable products. When you gather a large crowd together it’s sometimes tempting to use disposable plates and utensils.  Using disposable, single-use products creates a tremendous amount of unnecessary waste.  Also consider using reusable napkins instead of the single-use paper disposables. 


2. Buy local. Most produce in the U.S. is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and then has to travel long distances before being sold. Buying locally grown food whenever possible helps protect our environment and puts money back into the local economy. 


3. Stay local.
   
   
   
   • Flying. Flying isn’t a very green option, but there are steps you can take to make it more eco-friendly. If you are planning to fly try to find a non-stop flight.  Flying direct means flying fewer total miles, less take-off and landings and less emissions released. 
   
   
   • Train, bus or carpooling. If possible, use public transportation to get to your destination. You will save on gasoline and will also help save the planet. Carpooling is another great alternative to driving solo. Each of these alternatives will save you money and reduces pollution due to auto emissions.


4. Recycle.  During your Thanksgiving feast set up a convenient recycling station near the garbage cans.  Encourage guests to recycle and clearly label recycling bins. If the recycling system is user-friendly, bottles, packaging and empty containers will easily find their way into the bins rather than the trash can.

As you can see, it’s simple to make Thanksgiving, and all of the holidays that follow, easy, eco-friendly, and fun holidays for all. 

What ‘green’ tips do you have for Thanksgiving?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Elizabeth Dehn, BeautyBets.com 

                                    Photo Credit: We Heart It

Forget the turkey. On Thanksgiving Day, I load up on two things: stuffing and pie, preferably pecan. Oh, and plenty of bubbly, which goes with everything. Basically, the least-nutritious things on the buffet. Come Black Friday, when everyone else is waiting in line for cashmere sweaters and giant flat-screen TVs, I start some sort of detox (I do the same thing in January, post NYE). Before you stop reading this post and reach for a Twinkie, rest assured I’m not about to suggest anything gimmicky or extreme, like drinking only lemon water for 11 days straight (see Master Cleanse). Instead, I’m here to make this super easy. Because although there are no shortcuts to a true cleanse or “elimination diet”—no alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy, wheat, soy, red meat, nuts—there are safe and easy detoxifying tricks that will leave you feeling energized and healthier after a holiday of carbo-loading and couch crashing. 

Drink Your Veggies. Because goodness knows you haven’t been getting enough of them at all of those holiday parties. The most convenient way to play catch-up is to mix up a green drink. Packed with probiotics, and more vitamins and nutrients than a salad bar, a daily dose will improve digestion, circulation and immunity. They look like an algae pond and kind of taste like one, but you’ll get over it once your skin starts to glow—another welcome benefit. Try: Vibrant Health Green Vibrance

Brush Your Body.  Yes, I realize how strange that might sound, but our bodies eliminate a significant amount of toxins through the skin. You can encourage the process by using this ancient technique, which not only softens and exfoliates skin but improves digestion, reduces cellulite, and increases blood and lymph circulation. Brushing only takes a few minutes and is one type of detox you can do daily: Start at your feet using long strokes and work your way up, taking care to brush toward your heart. And please don’t reach for you hairbrush. Special natural-bristled brushes can be found at most natural food stores  and drugstores for less than $10. I like the ones from Earth Therapeutics.

Sweat it Out. You could hit the treadmill, but a faster, lazy-girl’s approach is to soak in a steaming tub filled with all sorts of detox-enhancing goodies. My favorite DIY bath soak recipe includes hydrogen peroxide and fresh ginger, both of which increase sweat and encourage toxin elimination. For the recipe, visit BeautyBets.com.

Take a Juice Day. Or three if you can. Nothing counteracts impurities in our bodies, purges out the build-up of a poor diet, and restores regularity (hey, it’s important!) like giving your body a break from heavy, unhealthy foods. The gentlest and easiest way to do that is to do a fruit or juice fast. Lately I’ve been reaching for Genesis Today’s line of organic “super-fruit” juices. These time-honored fruits, such as Acai and Goji Berry, improve natural energy (oh so essential on a detox), gastro-intestinal health and antioxidant levels in the body. They’re super potent, like contain no sugar or additives. I also reach for them instead of sports drinks, soda or coffee after a night of too much bubbly!

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma

Photo Credit: thekitchendesigner.org via Flickr using Creative Commons

Do you give much thought to the contents of your trashcan? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t. But each person’s contribution adds up to a lot of waste sitting in the landfill. According to the EPA, nearly 80 million tons of waste from packaging and containers alone, finds its way to the landfill each year.

Much of the contents of our trashcans could be avoided if we made a conscious effort to reduce it. Follow these tips to limit the amount of waste you kick to the curb each month:

In the Kitchen:

• Store leftovers in reusable containers instead of using disposable plastic bags and wrap. 
• Buy groceries with less packaging – such as whole fruit instead of pre-cut fruit in plastic containers; large boxes of crackers instead of individual packages. 
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins at mealtime.
• Buy only what you need and avoid buying mega-sized boxes of product that you don’t really need and won’t use up before the expiration date.  
• Compost food scraps – it’s easier than you might think. (Here’s an easy how-to guide)
• Use everything you have.  Did you know that Americans waste 40% of the food we grow and raise? We can do better!!

In the Bathroom:

• Clean the bathroom using reusable cotton rags or microfiber cloths instead of paper towels.
• Choose reusable razors instead of disposable.  
• Buy fewer products and look for items with multiple purposes – like foundation with sunscreen or a dual lip balm and cheek color.
• Buy refillable products for cleaning and personal care when possible.

In the Laundry Room:

• Choose concentrated laundry detergents that come in smaller packages.
• Skip the dryer sheets and use reusable wool dryer balls or other eco-friendly methods to soften laundry and reduce static cling.

Throughout the House:

• Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable.
• Reuse junk mail or printer mistakes as scrap paper.
• Find creative ways to repurpose things you already have – like these ideas for toy storage using wooden and cardboard boxes. 
• Donate used clothing and other items to shelters or thrift stores. 
• Recycle everything you can. 
• If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!

How do you reduce waste at home? We’d love to hear your tips and ideas!

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.

“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Lori Popkewitz Alper, GroovyGreenLivin.com

          [Photo used under Creative Commons from vdrg dansschool/Flickr]

Halloween is a favorite holiday for young children and the young at heart. This last night in October is not only filled with thrills and chills, it’s also is a chance for family and friends to gather together to catch up, collect candy and show off their creative costumes.   

Although the big day is rapidly approaching, there’s still plenty of time to put a little green in your Halloween. Here are some simple, affordable and fun ways to make this Halloween eek-o-friendly:

1. Use a reusable trick-or treat bag. Use a reusable tote to collect your candy. A pillow case also makes a simple, inexpensive candy bag. Have your kids decorate the bag with their favorite Halloween creatures using fabric markers.


2. Support local farmers. Buy your pumpkins and fall decorative corn from a local pumpkin patch or farmer’s market. No Halloween is complete without letting the kids pick out their own pumpkins to decorate. When you buy local you are supporting the local economy.


3. Find a costume swap in your area. Organize your own costume swap among friends or participate in an official swap. A swap is a great way to recycle your old costumes and find slightly used “new” costumes for the entire family.  


4. Keep it simple. Every year I find myself getting caught up in the Halloween decorating frenzy. It’s tempting to add more and more decorations to my already overflowing Halloween box. This year we are planning to reuse what we already have without buying new. We might also tap into our own creativity and make a few decorations from scratch. 


5. Offer a healthy alternative. Most kids will reach for the unhealthy treat, but there could be a few that will choose the healthier alternative. In past years I’ve handed out healthy treats, pencils, stickers and toothbrushes (big hit with the parents!).  It’s also nice to have an alternative for children with food allergies.

How are you planning to green your Halloween?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.