“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.

We’ve all made lists, resolutions, goals or thought about a few things we’d like to work on in 2012. Is making time for you on your list this year?

                        Image found at: http://instagr.am/p/eyXdT/

We’re taking advice from Beauty Bets to make sure we set aside time for ourselves this year and revamp our beauty regimen. For our bodies and minds, we’re resolving to make sure we get enough sleep and find ways to squeeze in physical activity to our busy schedules.  

Winter can be a trying time of year to be motivated, but the payoff from small changes to your sleep and exercise habits can help reduce your stress (and it’s definitely worth it). Here are a few tips to get you started: 

• Allow yourself leisure time: read a book, take a nap, do something you enjoy!


• Take a few minutes every day to stretch! Stretching releases tension and improves how you feel overall.


• We’ve all heard it before, but do simple things to add in physical activity to your life by taking the stairs, parking farther away or taking the long way to a meeting.


• Pamper your tired muscles (after workouts or a long day) with Deep Muscle Cooling Gel and Deep Muscle Warming Balm, both designed to relieve muscle pain and tension. Follow with a good night’s sleep, and your body will be thanking you!

How are you taking time for yourself this year? What activities do you make a priority?

“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.

If you’re anything like us, perhaps one of your New Year’s resolutions was to make more home-cooked dinners. And if you’ve had anything close to the winter we’ve had in Minnesota, you’re definitely craving savory comfort food.

Enter Spaghetti and Meatballs, the no-fail standby meal. We’ve put a Watkins twist on the old favorite. Enjoy the recipe below, and let us know how you keep your standby meals interesting!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Watkins Original Allspice Meatballs

3/4 cup/175 mL onion, grated

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Sea Salt, ground

1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Nutmeg

1/4 tsp/1.2 mL allspice

1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Watkins Black Pepper

1 lb/450 g ground beef

1 lb/450 g ground pork

2 tbsp/30 mL Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil

Herbed Pasta

1 lb/450 g cooked pasta

2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil

2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Parsley

1/2 tsp/2.5 mL bay leaves, crushed

Meatballs: Mix together all ingredients except oil. Shape into about 30 meatballs. In 10-inch/25-cm skillet heat oil over medium high heat and sauté meatballs, turning occasionally, until desired doneness (about 12 to 15 minutes).

Combine ingredients and pour over warm pasta.

 Serve with your favorite spaghetti sauce.