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Spices do much more than add flavor to food! Check out a few of our favorite tips and fun facts:

• Chili Powder: can help reduce pain when applied directly on the skin (LivingStrong.com).
• Oregano: has remarkable bacteria-fighting power (marksdailyapple.com)! Beauty bonus? Makes a lovely scent for your skin, similar to patchouli (marksdailyapple.com).
• Thyme: cold season is wrapping up, but throat gargling with tepid thyme water or a few sips of thyme tea may help with coughs and sore throats (nutrition-and-you.com)!

What’s your go-to spice tip?

            Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens http://bit.ly/RrJnX7 

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite traditions, and folks, it’s only two weeks away. Get your pen ready, planning starts today! Many mavens of this beloved holiday recommend starting 2 weeks ahead, and we agree. Doing this will make the process much, much easier (and more fun) in the long run! 

What you should be doing now: 

• Write out your guest list. Determine how many guests you’ll be serving and account for any food allergies or preferences. Any vegetarians? Do you need gluten-free ingredients? 

• Plan the menu. Write out your shopping list and think about what can be prepared in advance. Go ahead and purchase your non-perishables this weekend to make sure you’re stocked up! 

• Decide on your turkey. What type of turkey do you plan to serve: fresh, frozen, organic, local? If you’re going for a fresh or local turkey, you’ll need to place the order from a butcher. Do this today. 

• Get inspired! There are oodles of planning resources from around the web to inspire your inner hostess-with-the-mostess. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started: 

          Martha Stewart’s guide to Everything Thanksgiving

          Creative Fall Centerpieces from Better Homes and Gardens 

          Bon Appétit. Have you seen the Thanksgiving Issue!? Enough said!

Have you started planning yet? Share your tips with us! 

Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect weekend to ready your tricks-and-treats for the festivities! Planning for cookies or cakes? Trick: Add a little zest to your treats with 2 tbsp. of Orange Peel. Simply add to sugar cookies or cake batter where orange flavor is desired (and remember to reach for your Watkins Vanilla)! 

“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 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 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.

“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: Alison Maclvor on Flickr (Creative Commons)

Last weekend it was our turn to bring post-game snacks for our two boys’ soccer teams. Instead of grabbing individually wrapped, marginally healthy snacks from the grocery store, we decided to make our own granola bars. The treats were a huge hit and I’m not sure if people were more surprised that they were homemade or that my husband was the one who did the cooking!

Sadly, it is all too easy to grab processed, overly packaged snacks for lunchboxes, team treats or anytime you need nourishment on-the-go. Things like granola bars, mini bags of crackers and individual tubs of applesauce are available at almost every food store and pretty much accepted as the normal way to buy food. But think of all that packaging that ends up in the landfill?

All it takes is a little mindfulness and a change of habit to create portable snacks without the wasteful packaging. Try these easy tips to make snack-time more sustainable – both for your family’s health and for the planet:

• Instead of buying individually packaged bags of cookies or crackers, get a large box and split it up yourself.
• Skip the plastic baggies and carry snacks in reusable containers or snack bags.
• Buy nuts, seeds and dried fruits in bulk and make your own trail mix. (I usually add some chocolate or carob chips in too!) 
• Don’t forget about fresh fruit – bring whole apples on a road-trip or a bowl of cut up orange slices for the team snack.
• Instead of individual juice boxes, mix up a large container of 100% juice or ice-cold water to bring to the park.

What are your sustainable snack ideas?

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