Little Inkers

"Little Inkers uses only high quality PVC/phthalate free inks as well as soy and orange oils processing products. They carefully research suppliers and only buy from manufacturers, who share an equal commitment to the environment and the people who live and work in it".

{language and images courtesy of Little Inkers}

Healthy, Eco Vacuum Cleaners 101

With little ones, furry family members and allergies, getting the right healthy, eco vacuum cleaner for your lifestyle can be a great investment. You'll want to look for one that is energy efficient and also helps maintain healthy air quality. A motor machine which recirculates toxins back into your home is not the best for you and your family. Your vacuum needs to have a great suction for a deep clean, limiting bacteria and germ growth.

A Few Vacuum Pointers:

• Upright vacuums are best for deep cleaning pliles and carpets. Canister vacuums are best for cleaning floors, stairs, drapes, and upholstery.
• Avoid hepa type filters. They can be 55% lower in efficiency than a true HEPA filter. Keep an eye out for an authentic HEPA filter, they filter out over 99% of airborne bacteria and microscopic spores. They cut down on allergens, trap flame retardants, and toxic pesticides that bind to household dust.
  
• Bagless vacuum cleaners are great, helping lighten the landfill load. But while emptying compartments dust and allergens disperse back into the air. For severe allergy sufferers, opt for an eco friendly bag.
• About 1 in 5 households buy a new vacuum cleaner each year. Look for a sturdy machine that comes with a long warranty and has a plan for part replacements. You might spend a bit more upfront, but just think of the long term savings of not having to continuously buy cheap vacuums.
• More power does not mean it’s going to clean faster- or better. Try to get a vacuum with a low amp motor {eight amp is ideal} or at least one that offers a power saving mode. No need to buy a super heavy vacuum either.

At A Glance

• National Geographic's Green Guide has awarded the Dyson DC 25 Ball 'Greenest Buy'. Parts and labor are covered for five years giving it a long shelf life.
• The Bissell 16N5 Health Home Upright Vacuum is designed to filter and improve the home’s air quality. It has antimicrobial protection to limit the growth of germs and bacteria. They also have an AireTight HEPA filter system that traps 100 percent of dust mites, pollen, ragweed, and mold spores, and 99.9% of pet dander.
• The Electrolux EL6984A UltraSilencer Green Canister Vacuum Cleaner is energy efficient and quiet and 55% of the plastic comes from recycled materials. It has a washable HEPA filter, is easy to store, and comes with bags.

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Gummi Bear Candelier

While not made of actual Gummi Bears, this Candelier by Kevin Champeny is made from 5,000 hand-strung acrylic gummi bears! Only ten will be made and each one is a bit different!

{Images and information from FUN...By Design}

Food Should Taste Good : All-Natural Additive-Free Tortilla Snacks

Food Should Taste Good is a line of healthy tortilla chips that are all natural, kosher, low in sodium, and free of gluten, cholesterol, lactose, trans fats, preservatives and GMOs.


The founder, Pete Lescoe, says that, "the most important lesson I learned along the way is that food tastes best when it is made with quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. This simple idea inspired me to take wholesome, all natural ingredients and capture their great flavor by cooking them INSIDE a chip to create a new kind of snack. It just felt right to call my company, Food Should Taste Good, Inc. Its a lot of work to live up to the name, but I wouldn't want it any
other way."

Their tortilla chips are available in wide variety of flavors like multigrain, olive, jalapeño, chocolate, the works {like the everything bagel}, sweet potato, lime, yellow corn, blue corn, cheddar and white cheddar.

The site also includes some yummy, easy recipes to make as dips. Because a chip without dip is almost silly.

Inspiration Pad

Get one at :Inspiration Pad

Outdoor Summer Exercises

With rising hot,hot,hot temperatures take your workouts outdoors! The opportunities to have fun while getting fit are endless. Just please remember to hydrate well{before, during and after any activies}.

• Walk or run {get a buddy...maybe even commit to a 5k}.
• Dust your skates off {just don't forget the protective gear}.
• Hula hop or jump rope {easy and super fun...burns calories quickly too}.
• Ballin'! Shoot some hoops, or batter up, or grab a racket and play some tennis.
• Refresh yourself and go swimming all while having fun and toning.
• Bike around your neighborhood, or take a little scenic tour.
  
• More fun workouts here.
  

Extend the Life of Your Cosmetics

We've talked about extending the life of our makeup before, but here are some more tips {with some of the previous ones mixed in as well}. The key to extending the life of your make up, simply is to keep germs off the makeup and out of your makeup bag.

• Pour your daily cosmetics onto a stainless steel palette, and use brushes to apply it. If you never touch your hands to the opening of a liquid product or your lips to the edge of a lipstick, it will stay bacteria-free longer.
• Sharpen your eye and lip pencils each time before use.
• Don't keep a makeup bag in your car. The preservatives will heat up and the cosmetics will degenerate.
  
• Extend the shelf life of cream-based products like foundation and concealer by placing them in the fridge.
• Wipe the top of lipsticks, with a paper towel, if you have not used them in awhile.
  
• Clean your makeup brushes.
• Wash your makeup bag every few months, unless something has spilled then try to wash it as quickly as possible. Or buy a new one ;)
• Wash your hands before and after applying your makeup.

Microwave Cooking & The Hidden Dangers

Microwaves have been around since 1967 and ninety percent of American homes have at least one. Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy that produce radiation, which has been known to decay and change the molecular structure of natural occurring amino acids in food.

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Studies show that microwaves actually change the nutrients, minerals and vitamins in food to produce radiolytic compounds. In one of the most in depth microwave studies, Swiss scientist Hans Hertel found that microwaved foods do quite a number on our blood & physiology. In his study, participants who ate food cooked in a microwave experienced a decrease in hemoglobin levels, and an increase in white blood cell count and cholesterol levels.

Some potentially harmful effects of zapping out food include:

• Microwave ovens turn some minerals into cancerous agents.
• Foods from a microwave can cause tumors in the stomach or intestine. This may be an explanation for the increased rate of colon cancer in America.
• Regularly eating microwaved foods can cause an increase in cancerous cells in human blood.
• The radiation dangers involved with microwaved food can cause decreased immune system function in humans.
• A steady diet of microwave cooked food can cause your body to shut down its hormones production.

Microwaves are unsafe for baby milk. Heating formula in a microwave causes the loss of vitamins and essential nutrients. By heating breast milk, in a microwave, some of the protective properties and nutrients are also destroyed. Warm a bottle by holding it under warm water or setting in a bowl of heated water. It's much safer and far more beneficial to your baby.

While convince plays a huge roll in our lives many times try and use ovens, or the stovetop to heat your meals. They are safer alternatives as they heat by circulating hot air and heat to raise the temperature. Clearly there will be many times you are in a rush, but just try and cut out the microwave as much as possible.

Let's Move!

The always lovely First Lady, Michelle Obama, has created the Let's Move! campaign to bring more awareness to child obesity and the negative effects it presents for our future. The campaign focuses not only on getting kids moving, but also on improving the food sources in public schools across the nation. As always, it takes a group effort though to make a great, positive impact, so if you can, see where you can lend a hand.


The Chefs Move To Schools program, encourages Chefs to get involved with their local schools to help students learn where food comes from and develop healthy habits. If you are a super whiz Chef, or know someone that is, learn move about the program here and how you can make an impact. {and I've seen all of your amazing food posts, so I know there are plenty of amazing blogging Chefs here!}

Parents, guardians, family, friends, nurses, teachers, doctors, all around awesome people, looking to add to their already busy schedules can join the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for a wealth of resources and tools to help schools become a healthier place for children. Let's Move! ;)

Happy Monday Dear Friends!

To-Go Ware Utensils

Founded by Stephanie Bernstein in 1997, To-Go Ware was inspired by a desire to make personal, reusable utensils as common as reusable coffee mugs. With the slogan “Reduce Your Forkprint,” the company is run along strict social and environmental standards and supports a triple bottom line business ethic.


To-Go Ware's bamboo flatware includes a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks. They come in cute, convenient holders made from recycled plastic bags and are available in five fun colors.

olsen Haus : : Pure Vegan

"The philosophy of olsenHaus is anchored in the universal truth, respect for all beings, with a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world. We are committed to being 100% animal-free / cruelty-free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environmental impact.

We are continually seeking out affordable and innovative methods that lessen the impact of our products. We are pushing factories and suppliers for more recycled materials and safer processes. We also actively aim to educate through our products. We encourage accountability, and welcome feedback."

{language and images courtesy of olsen Haus}

The Stress of Running Late

I'm a huge fan of promptness. I think repeated tardiness is rude and I also think that being far too early isn't fair either. Especially, if arriving for a dinner party, you don't want to ravel the hostess by arriving 30 minutes early while she hasn't had a chance to put together the finishing touches that makes every party host proud.

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Being late can cause stress, worry, anxiety and turn into frustrations or anger. With everything already on your plate, why add stress with tardiness. Elevated levels of stress, can have physical effects on your body:

• Anxiety
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Mood swings
• Muscle tension
  
• Intestinal problems
  
• Poor diet choices

If you are always running on the late side, take a look at your family and friends, and maybe even colleagues. It might be causing them stress or putting strain on your relationship. For some people, they truly are not phased by being tardy, but for those of you could use less stress try committing to fixing any tardiness problems.

• Admit that you have a bit of a problem with punctuality and commit to your loved ones that you will make a valid attempt to squash it. Show that you value and respect their time. {note: they may not take you seriously...at first} ;)

• Try to stop over scheduling yourself in a single day. Spread out your commitments for more achievable time frames.
  

• Set yourself up for success by being honest with how much time it really does take to get dress, do your hair, make up, get your little ones lunches ready, drop them off , etc.
  

• Come early until you find a happy medium. Wait either in your car, walk around, or catch up on your emails, or just enjoy some quiet time to yourself before meeting at your scheduled time.

Footzyrolls

Footzyrolls are stylish ballet flats that are great to have in your purse for when you are traveling, or maybe get caught in the rain, or just if you need to rest your feet for a bit after a long walk to meet up with your girlfriends for lunch ;)



They waterproof and skidproof and super easy to clean. Each purchase comes with a shoe bag for your heels and a cute drawstring pouch.

Cuffed White Jeans

I think I might have accidentally clicked something on my camera and changed the settings without knowing. For some reason I could not crop or resize them without the entire image morphing lol. So I had to leave them as is, all exactly the same. Which I don't mind all that much for this one time, but I really want to get my camera settings back to how they were. I just wish I knew how to.

I'm wearing an Eddie Bauer shirt, which I had originally had tucked in and added a belt, but I really just felt like being completely comfortable so I changed my mind. Jeans are Paper Denim and Cloth, seen here, and my heels are Kelsi Dagger.

I hope you are having a great week!

DIY Self Tanner

You can quickly make a natural {depending on the lotion you use} self tanner, that gives you a perfectly sun kissed, bronzed look in an instant. Simply mix your favorite lotion with cocoa powder and apply. You can easily adjust for skin tone, by gradually adding in the cocoa power. Remember, it will only last until your next shower.

No orange shade or streaks. You can see exactly where you are applying it, and as it is blending in you do not have to worry that you might have missed a spot, or that your knees, elbows and ankles will be a darker shade, as it can happen with self tanners that darken throughout the day.

Keep in mind that you want to use a lotion which is complimentary in scent to the aroma of cocoa. I used a light coconut scented lotion, and the combo smells amazing. Of course, an unscented lotion would be great as well. A lotion with a slight shimmer would look great around your collar bone and shins. It's best to exfoliate before applying any self tanner, and waiting a few hours after shaving before applying. Have fun! :)

KOR ONE BPA Free Hydration Vessel

KOR ONE Hydration vessels are dishwasher safe, made from a non-leaching material called tritan, hold 25 ounces of water and features a sleek, non-screw, flip top.



Five dollars of each purchase is donated to nonprofits that focus on water related causes. Each color represents a different cause. Ice Blue for Ocean Protection, Sawgrass Green for Watershed Protection, Sunrise Orange for Container Recycling & Orchid Pink for Global Water Crisis.

Added super cool bonus is that each bottle is designed with a place for your KOR Stone. A discshaped token with a motivational message that fits inside the flip top. You can create your own personal message on the KOR Water website.

TOMS + charity : water

TOMS and charity: water have come together as one for the limited addition Water Project Shoe. Five dollars from each sale of either The Water shoe or The Map shoe goes toward building a well in Sekura Village in Northern Ethiopia that will provide clean water to its village for at least 20 years. In addition, TOMS is keeping its “One to One” word by donating a pair for every pair sold to a child in the village.

The vegan friendly shoe is made from recycled materials and I love the feature of a line map of Africa on ash canvas. It is $58 with a percentage of the proceeds going to the completion of the well in Sekura, and a complimentary pair of shoes on the little feet of a child.

Good news is that it seems the shoe is sold out, helping provide clean water and shoes. If you follow me on twitter, you know I am patiently waiting for the availability of the Map Shoe over at www.charitywater.org/TOMS ;)

Veggie Burgers...With An Unordered Side of Hexane

I love veggie burgers. Unfortunately, research is showing that some veggie burgers come with a side of hexane. Which is a colorless flammable liquid alkane derived from petroleum and used as a solven. It listed as a hazardous air pollutant by the EPA and is linked to skin disorders and complications in the nervous system. Yum! Who wants seconds? Although, studies have been inconclusive and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate it.

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So you might be wondering what in the world is it doing in our veggie burgers? According to the agricultural non-profit Cornucopia Institute, hexane is used to process most nonorganic soy ingredients in vegetarian burgers, protein shakes, & energy bars. It is also used to remove or lower fat content. And to add to it, depending on the extraction method, hexane can also be found in vegetable oils.

Before you rush and throw out all your veggie burgers, know that the ones which are completely organic or soy free are free from hexane. Tempeh and tofu products, made with whole soy beans are usually all ok, and Morningstar veggie burgers are made with soy are 100% hexane free. Other soy free veggie burgers are Amy's Organic California Veggie Burger and Asherah's Gourmet Organic Quinoa Vegan Burgers.

Happy Friday! Have a super weekend!

The 411 On Soy Milk

Soy milk has a bit of a mixed rap, standing between people swearing by its health benefits and others who are wary of it. With the range of opinions, it can be a bit difficult to decide what to do. Although there still are some grey areas, the positive benefits still seem to out weight the negatives, so let's review of some points so you can make the call for yourself.

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Soy milk is a great alternative to regular cow milk especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant, vegetarian or vegan. It is low in fat & cholesterol and high in protein & fiber. Research suggests that it is linked to reducing and preventing the recurrence of cancer. The FDA authorized companies, in 1999, to label foods containing soy protein for their ability to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Which is the number one cause of death in the US.

Some of the benefits of soy milk over cows milk are:

• Contains isoflavones {thought to improve bone retention and help with PMS and menopausal symptoms}.
• Has some nutrients not provided by milk such as selenium, magnesium, riboflavin, zinc, vitamin B12 & fiber.
• Higher dosages of vitamin D, A & iron.
• Does not contact casein.

Things to keep in mind:

• Some argue that the high levels of phytic acid in unfermented soy milk and soy foods reduce absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc.
  
• Soy milk only has about a quarter of the calcium that dairy milk contains. However, calcium is easily obtained by many other food sources, such as almonds and leafy greens.
• Soy is a very common but silent allergen, with many people not being aware they are allergic! If you are allergic, keep in mind that terms like “lecithin,” “vegetable protein” and “natural flavoring” all point to soy.
  
• While isoflavones, are believed to be beneficial as they can help compensate for low estrogen levels in the body and potentially prevent many female health problems, the amount of soy could be an issue. Women who consume excessive amounts have been believed to be at a higher risk for breast cancer. However, according to a recent study, the higher a woman’s intake of soy foods, the lower her chances of cancer recurrence and death.
• Like all food, soy is best in its natural form.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet of vegetables, grains & proteins, with a bit of soy intake is an incredibly healthy way to eat. However, weigh the pros and cons of soy milk for yourself. Listen to your body and read labels for the least processed, remembering that flavored soy milk, carries more fat and calories.

7 Foods Experts Say Not To Eat

As women, we are always on the search for foods and products that will keep us forever young, feeling healthier, slimmer and more energized. Just as important as it is to be aware of foods that are good for us, on the flip side it's always important to be wise to foods that we should probably avoid as well. Here is a look at a new list of foods which some experts name as foods to avoid.

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• Canned Tomatoes have bisphenol-A. Actually, all metal cans are lined with BPA but it's the acid in the tomatoes that causes the lining to leach, according to Fredrick von Saal, PhD, an is an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies the health risks associated with BPA. Fix: Make your own.
  

• Microwave Popcorn, according to Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist for Environmental Working Group, says that chemicals in the lining of the bag, which include perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) are linked to infertility and possibly even certain cancers. When you microwave the corn, the chemicals are released and end up in your snack, and accumulate in your system for years. Fix: Pop in a skillet.
  

• Non Organic Potatoes. Jeffrey Moyer, chair of the National Organic Standards Board, confirms that potatoes get their nutrients directly through the skin, also sponging any toxic chemicals that come down the water pipeline. Moyer, also a Farm Director at Rodale Institute adds, “I’ve talked with potato growers who say point-blank they would never eat the potatoes they sell. They have separate plots where they grow potatoes for themselves without all the chemicals." Fix: Always buy organic potatoes.

• Conventional Apples. Expert Mark Kastel, co-director of the Cornucopia Institute, a farm-policy research group that supports organic foods, says that of all the fall fruits, apples are the most pesticide laden by far. The reason being is they are individually grafted {descended from a single tree} to maintain a consistent, distinct flavor and thereby lack a natural ability to resist pests. Fix: Always buy organic apples.
  

• Farmed salmon is treated much like factory chickens, crammed into pens and fed everything they don’t normally eat {think poop}. Besides mercury, they contain high levels of PCBs, brominated flame retardants, carcinogens and pesticides such as dioxin and DDT. "You can only safely eat one of these salmon dinners every five months without increasing your risk of cancer," says David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany. Fix: Buy wild-caught Alaska salmon.

• Also on the list is Corn Fed Beef and Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones.

For the best organic food, eat what is grown closest to you. If you need help finding your local farmer check out Local Harvest.

Summer Reading

1) Someone Knows My Name
2) The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
3) The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
4) Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
5) Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Productive Obsessions
6) Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System---and Themselves

I am incredibly behind on my reading...of books. So, I have made a promise to myself to take some time out and just read. I think that reading is very personal and that you should make your own rules and follow what's right for you {I think that about things in general too, not just books ;) }

• I let myself not finish a book. If I get a few pages into it and I'm just not feeling it, I quickly move on to the next one. Although when I did read Water for Elephants, I was not interested in it for awhile, but still kept going and did end up getting hooked. So, I do make exceptions to my own rules.
  
• In some cases, I think it's perfectly acceptable to see the movie first.
• At times, I read more then one book at once.
• I don't reread books.
• I judge a book by its cover.

What are you reading this Summer?

Shoyu

Shoyu is a traditional Japanese soy sauce derived from fermented soy beans and wheat. It is an essential ingredient in Japanese cooking, prized for its savoriness. Shoyu's popularity comes from its ability to complement natural flavors without overpowering them. It is also incredibly versatile, working in marinades, salad dressings, dipping sauces, and a condiment.

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As for its health benefits, scientists have given particular attention to the brown pigment in shoyu, which is thought to have anti-cancer and lofty antioxidant properties. It is believed to aid in digestion of grains and vegetables, as is also a great source of antioxidants such as lechitin {increasing metabolism and assisting in weight loss} and vitamin E, which can help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Shoyu, a fermented soy food, may even have the ability to ward off cancer.

When buying shoyu and other soy products, always look for non-GMO soybeans and buy organic, when possible, for best quality. Keep in mind that it is high in sodium, so a little goes a long way.

Red, White & Blue!

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Happy 4th of July!