Author: KAREN ORLICH

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TOP 5 ECO-LOVING VALENTINE GIFTS!

Show your love with eco-loving Valentine gifts that care for your loved ones AND the planet!  Here are our Top 5 favorite, earth-loving gifts from around the globe:

Chocolate by Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC)

Mmm, chocolate that’s delicious and good for the planet!
ESC‘s mission is clear – provide premium chocolate that has a positive impact on Earth’s species, habitat, and humanity.

Every chocolate bar prominently features an endangered animal with details about the species status.  ESC carefully sources its chocolate to honor your health and the health of our planet with certifications from the Rainforest Alliance (protects environmental, social and economic sustainability), Non-GMO Project, USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan Action, and Orthodox Union Kosher.

And, their “extreme dark” (i.e. greater than 88% cocao) chocolate is some of the best tasting on the market and one ounce per day is recommended for good health!  ESC also donates 10% of net profits to species and habitat conservation.  In addition, the Company ethically sources its chocolate from small cacao co-ops that employ sustainable farming practices which help ensure humane working conditions!  www.chocolatebar.com

 

Jewelry from Global Girlfriend 

All women-made, fair trade products with the goal to dream big and change lives!  Each item you purchase funds a seed money micro-grant through Camfed (Campaign for Female Education).  The grants then help a woman in Africa launch a small business venture to support herself and her family.

Most noteworthy — our favorite choice for eco-friendly accessorizing includes the Healing Hearts stretch bracelet made from recycled magazine paper and $.50 of every purchase supports health care of children in need.
www.globalgirlfriend.com/

 

 

 

Plantable Flowers

Who doesn’t love a Valentine’s Day classic? — a dozen red roses!  Beautiful and romantic but when they only last days or weeks, the sentiment and nature’s beauty are quickly lost and resources wasted!

This year try a potted plant or flower bulb so your love can “grow” in the coming months.  What’s more romantic than that?!

All of these eco-loving Valentine gifts are sure to show your passion for people and planet.  Enjoy!!

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HOW TO– DIY REUSABLE FABRIC GIFT BAGS AND WRAP!

 

Reduce the stress and waste of gift wrapping by making SIMPLE tie fabric gift bags and wrap.  These handmade, reusable fabric gift bags are always a nice personal touch, plus they can be customized for the receiver (think favorite color, pattern, or sports team—the fabric choices are endless)! This is a fun, DIY project to do with the kids, too.  Let them choose fabric and ribbon to create their own gift bag designs!

k.o. ecolife offers three suggestions from SIMPLE to SIMPLEST:

WHAT You Will Need

*Fabric

*Scissors [sewing ‘cutting’ AND ‘pinking’ shears preferred (for ties)]

*Ruler

*Fabric Glue

 

 

Fabric Gift BAGS

 

Step 1: Begin by cutting fabric to desired size

 

Step 2: Next, fold side edges down Œ” on wrong side of fabric and Press with iron

 

Step 3: Then, turn top edge down 3-4” on wrong side of fabric and Press with iron

 

Step 4: Fold entire fabric in half (right side facing out), Align edges and Press with iron

 

Step 5: Lay fabric flat and Apply fabric glue sparingly to underside edges of top edge fabric (this will be used later to fold down at the top of bag for a decorative touch (and it hides the wrong side of the fabric inside the bag)

Step 6:  Continue lightly applying fabric glue to remaining seams EXCLUDING top seam

Step 7:  Lastly, press fabric together at seams and let dry

Step 8: Insert present, fold down top edge – Voila!

 

Step 9: (optional) Cut strips of fabric using pinking shears (to prevent fraying) to create bag ties/ribbon or buy pre-made

Fabric Gift WRAP

Step 1:  To start, cut fabric to desired size using either pinking (to prevent fraying) or cutting shears

Step 2:  Next, cut strips of fabric using pinking shears to create bag ties/ribbon (optional) or buy pre-made

Step 3:  Place gift in center of fabric on wrong side and gather at top

Step 4:  Finally, knot ribbon around gathered fabric – You’re done hun!

Fabric Gift ROLL WRAP

Step 1:  Firstly, size fabric using either pinking (to prevent fraying) or cutting shears

Step 2:  Then, cut strips of fabric using pinking shears (to prevent fraying) to create bag ties/ribbon (optional) or buy pre-made

Step 3:  Next, place gift in center of fabric on left or right side and roll item until you reach the opposite side

Step 4:  Lastly, knot ribbon on each end – Perfecto!

Enjoy your DIY, reusable fabric gift bags and wrap, gift-giving with no disposable wrap, ribbon, or tape!  And, thanks to you, you’ve just given Mother Earth a gift!! 🙂

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Master the Basics: Must-Know Strength Training Moves —Arnold Squat Press

đŸ‹ïžâ€â™‚ïžMaster the Basics: Must-Know Strength Training Moves!đŸ‹ïžâ€â™€ïž
Continue your strength training journey with us…Whether a beginner or expert!đŸ’Ș
We’re sharing total-body moves that will set you on the path to building a stronger, more resilient you!

The Arnold Squat Press builds core, legs, shoulders and cardio strength!!

⚠Arnold Press is an iconic exercise and effectively builds the shoulder muscles; however, proper form is critical as it targets a delicate area prone to injury.⚠
✹ Choose a dumbbell just heavy enough to complete 10 reps but by the 8th rep, you’re slightly strained and glad it’s almost over!
✹ Position your feet hip-width distance apart and always pull in your ab muscles to support your lower back.
✹ Remember to breathe normally through the exercises. Don’t hold your breath!
✹ Squeeze your glutes, abs, & shoulder blades. Do not arch your lower back.
✹ Raise dumbbells in each hand to starting position with arms bent, weights in front of your shoulders and palms facing in.
✹ Lower into a squat, pushing hips back and down as if sitting into a chair keeping heels flat. Thighs should be parallel to the ground.
✹ Avoid allowing knees to cave in toward the midline or push forward past your toes.
✹ At top of the squat, begin rotating your palms out but only to about a 45-degree angle with your torso then finish pressing up.
Depending on your fitness level, complete 2-3 sets, 10 reps each. YOU GOT THIS!! 👏đŸ’Ș👏

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WINTER WARMUP CHICKEN & BROWN RICE CROCKPOT / PRESSURE COOKER STEW

We’re in the peak of cold, dreary winter weather (for most of us), so it’s ideal CROCK-POT / Pressure Cooker season!  Dust off this make-your-life easier appliance to enjoy a ‘set it and forget it’, delicious Winter Warmup Chicken & Brown Rice Crockpot / Pressure Cooker Stew — YUM!!

Winter Warmup Chicken & Brown Rice CrockPot / Pressure Cooker Stew (serves 4)

Ingredients:

4 cups (1 box) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
2 Medium-sized Chicken Breasts
1-2 Medium-sized Organic Sweet Apples (diced)
1 cup Organic Kale (chopped)
1 cup Organic Collard Greens (chopped)
1/2 cup Organic Squash or Zucchini
1/2 cup Instant Brown Rice*
1/4 cup Dried Split Green Peas or Lentils (optional)
1/2 Tsp each Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Turn crock pot on high and add chicken broth and chicken breasts.  Or, if using a pressure cooker, there should be an option for stew or rice dishes.

Dice 1-2 medium sized sweet apples.

Chop 1 cup each of kale and collard greens.  Dice 1/2 cup squash or zucchini.

Add ingredients as you prepare or all at once.”

Add 1/2 cup instant brown rice.  *Can use slow cook rice as well but will take significantly longer to cook in the crockpot.  A pressure cooker can manage this with ease in less than an hour.  Use the rice option to set correct time.

And, if you’re looking for a greater protein and fiber punch – add 1/4 cup dried split peas or lentils.  Lastly, add 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Stir thoroughly.  Add additional salt and pepper as stew cooks (to taste) or leave for others to add upon serving.  Keep heat on high until chicken is thoroughly cooked.  Can reduce to low heat to simmer all day.

Smells and tastes delicious!!

Enjoy this Chicken and Brown Rice Stew recipe throughout the cold weather season.  And, easy to freeze any left overs in jars or freezer safe containers for six+ months.

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6 ECO LOVING SUSTAINABLE VALENTINE GIFTS

Show your love with eco-loving, sustainable Valentine gifts that care for your loved ones AND the planet!  Here are our Top 5 favorite, sustainable gifts proudly fair trade certified or made in USA:

Beauty Products from Mom Bomb

We love this Company’s mission and their products!  The perfect gift to pamper the ones you love.

Each bath bomb is handmade with an all-natural, vegan, luxurious essential oil blend.  They fizz to dissolve as you soak and won’t stain the tub.  Each bath bomb leaves your skin soft, moisturized and your body and mind mellowed out like a spa getaway!

And, 100% of every dollar of profit they make benefits their non-profit, mombomb.org which supports moms in crisis with grants towards restorative services like meals and laundry so that moms in crisis can be present where they are needed most.

Candles by Good Chemisty

Also, Good Chemistry creates fun fragrances, cruelty free formulas and the know how to cause a positive reaction.  These kits include biodegradable, earth friendly wax blend candles with reusable glass containers.

 20% off now using coupon code: ‘SWOON24’

Chocolate by Alter Eco

Can’t have Valentine’s Day without chocolate in our opinion!

Alter Eco creates decatant chocolate bars and truffles using fair trade, organic, non-GMO, grass fed milk chocolate.  Their mission commits to using the best, natural ingredients with no carbon impact while also helping the farmers in their supply network.

20% off now using coupon code: ‘VDAY20’

And, all chocolate packaging turns to compost not landfill.  Additionally, the Alter Eco Foundation works directly with cacao farmers.  The Foundation’s purpose is to help farmers transition their crops to regenerative agriculture, a next-generation approach to farming that is already showing significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Do-It-Yourself Cookies

And, we love a good DIY gift idea and a healthy,  delish cookie is a win-win!

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle AND sharing a homemade treat in a repurposed container is the perfect choice.  We used an old jelly jar and gift box and added Valentine ribbon and decorative hearts!

Jewelry from Greater Good 

All fair trade products with the goal to dream big and change lives!

A beautiful choice for accessorizing includes the Recycled Magazine Inspiration Necklace made from recycled magazine paper and $.50 of every purchase supports health care of children in need. www.greatergood.com/

Plantable Flowers

Surely, who doesn’t love a Valentine’s Day classic? — red roses!  Beautiful and romantic but when they only last days or weeks, the sentiment and nature’s beauty go to waste!

So, this year try a potted plant or flower bulb so your love can “grow” in the coming months.  What’s more romantic than that?!  Amaryllis bulbs come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red and don’t even need water.  Easy peasy!

All of these eco-friendly Valentine gifts are sure to show your passion for people and planet.  Enjoy!!

 

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TOP 5 HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS!

TOP 5 HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS!

It is absolutely scary what’s in trick-or-treat candy! Before you buy that super-sized bag of artificially flavored and colored candies this Halloween, consider these fun and healthy Halloween treats!

CHOCOLATE

What would Halloween be without chocolate?  We are thrilled to see that popular candy companies like Nestle and Hershey commit to removing artificial flavors and colors (and more recently added sugar in Nestle’s dark chocolate) from all or some of their chocolate brands. However, cancer- causing, artificial preservatives like TBHQ, BHA, and BHT remain.

Try to avoid the milk chocolate and preservatives and go for individually wrapped, antioxidant-rich, dark chocolate mini bars sold by Unreal Snacks and 100 Grand.

Unreal Halloween Peanut Butter Cups are mostly organic and very kid-friendly for those who don’t like dark chocolate but still maintain 36% less sugar than leading brands. They keep sugar to a minimum, without using sugar alcohols like erythritol, stevia or artificial sweeteners. And, no soy ingredients, no artificial flavors, no preservatives or fillers. [$28.48 for 40 individually wrapped cups]

100 Grand now sold under the Ferrero Candy Company based in Luxemburg (purchased Nestle in 2018) makes fun-size bars without all the scary ingredients we see in many US-based candy companies. These are sold everywhere!

CITRUS PUMPKINS

Seriously, can these be any cuter?  Clementines, mandarins, tangerines, and oranges can be transformed into delicious, mini pumpkins with the help of a black marker.  Great project to do with your kids too.  Crooked smiley faces are fine!

FRUITY CHEWS

The Torie & Howard candy company features unique, naturally flavored, organic, non-GMO chewie fruities and hard candies.  A healthy replacement to Starbursts!  These include flavors like blood orange & honey, pomegranate & nectarine, pink grapefruit & honey, and pear & cinnamon.  All yummy!  [21.16oz bag includes 50 fruities – $15.99 at Torie & Howard].

LOLLIPOPS

If you want to be really scared this Halloween, read the ingredients on those suckers that are handed out freely at your neighborhood restaurant and barber shop.  Normally full of artificial colors, flavors and SUGAR, they are a toxic shot to your kiddo’s system.  However, we found YumEarth Organics which offers individually wrapped, certified organic, real fruit extract, and kosher pops.  They are also free of gluten, tree-nuts, peanuts, GMOs, dairy, soy, and artificial colors/dyes [138-30oz container of variety assortment – $15.49 at Amazon.com.]

MINI-STAMPS

A fun alternative to candy for those with allergies — Halloween-themed stamps!  The assortment includes pumpkins, ghosts, spiders, and more [variety pack of 8 – $1].  In addition, this is also a nice option for the numerous kids with food allergies.  Many other non-food items are also available at Dollar Tree and Oriental Trading at unbeatable prices!

Make it a ‘Happy’ Halloween with these healthy Halloween treats for all!!

 

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IMMUNE-BOOSTING BERRY, PEAR, KALE, ANTI-AGING SMOOTHIE

 

This berry, pear, kale, anti-aging smoothie is also an immune-boosting power shot!

Enjoy the health benefits of pear and berries rich in fiber and anti-inflammation benefits that aid in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol according to Christine Mikstas, RD, LD with WebMD Medical.

Paired with kale and spinach which are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, this recipe will leave you looking and feeling young with its anti-aging ingredients!

Traveling?! — Take on-the-go in THE POWCH!

INGREDIENTS: (serves 1-2)

2 cups cold filtered water
5 cups chopped kale
6 cups chopped spinach
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberry
1 medium pear coarsely chopped
1 medium avocado

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all in the blender and enjoy!

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NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST 2023 KICKS OFF TODAY!

Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) kicks off on March 8th as the world’s largest natural, organic, and healthy products event! Produced by healthy lifestyle leader, New Hope Network and co-located at the Anaheim Convention Center with Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, the event brings together an inspired community of industry members and exhibiting companies.

Known as the best venue to spot innovations, the exhibit halls are filled with companies that are shaping the future of food and wellness! The event will include over 600 up-and-coming brands making their event debut and an estimated 60,000 to 65,000 attendees, according to New Hope Network.

60% of total attendees include buyers from retailers such as Albertson’s, Kroger, Aldi, 7-Eleven, Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, GNC, Costco, Cambridge Naturals, PCC Markets, Earth Fare, Natural Grocers, Healthy Edge, Medly, Jimbo’s Naturally, Natural Grocers, FreshThyme seeking the hottest new products in the health and natural products industry.

The U.S. natural and organic products industry sales grew an estimated 7.7% to $274 billion in 2021, with sales on track to surpass $300 billion by 2024 and $400 billion by 2030, according to Nutrition Business Journal and SPINS.

Natural Products Expo is a business-to-business trade show and is not open to the public but we’ll be providing day to day reporting of the events and latest product innovations! Follow our coverage of the show @koecolife on Twitter, FB, and Instagram and @NatProdExpo and #ExpoWest on Twitter and Instagram.

About New Hope Network

New Hope Network is at the forefront of the healthy lifestyle products industry. With solutions for the complete supply chain from manufacturers, retailers/distributors, service providers and ingredient suppliers, the network offers a robust portfolio of content, events, data, research and consultative services. Through all its actions, New Hope Network aims to cultivate aprosperous high-integrity CPG and retail ecosystem that creates health, joy and justice for allpeople and regenerates the planet. For more information visit www.newhope.com.

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HOW TO FIND GRATITUDE FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE

Let’s be real, sometimes it’s a struggle to find gratitude about anything. At this time of year, we (in the US) are focusing on family gatherings and the concept of being ‘thankful’. It’s a time to pause and focus on the big (and small) parts of our life that make us happy. But, most do not continue this practice EVERY day, and does it really matter?! Well
YES!!

THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Numerous credible, health professionals and advisers believe in the benefits of practicing gratitude for physical and mental health.

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Most notably, The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reports from a research study titled “Counting Blessings vs. Burdens” that in an experimental comparison, those who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercise more regularly, report fewer physical symptoms, and feel better about their lives as a whole. Additionally, they are more optimistic about the upcoming week AND are more likely to achieve personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) compared to those who record hassles or neutral life events (Robert Emmons & Michael McCullough, 2003-2006).

Alternatively, studies show that individuals experiencing physical, mental, or emotional pressure (i.e. psychological stress) are more susceptible to health problems.  The National Cancer Institute reports that people who experience intense and long-term stress can have digestive problems, fertility problems, urinary problems, headaches, viral infections, depression, anxiety, and a weakened immune system. Evidence from experimental studies also suggests that psychological stress can affect a cancer tumor’s ability to grow and spread.

ADVISORS

Conversations With God author Neale Donald Walsch states, “Every act is an act of self-definition.” Therefore, “Everything we think, say, and do is a demonstration of our highest and our most sacred values and spiritual beliefs.”

Walsch believes we are “lost as a civilization” if we do not practice this standard.

So, how do we find gratitude in our lives? Mindful magazine, “Gratitude for the Lousy Ingrate”, recently shared five helpful tips.

5 SIMPLE HOW TOs

Begin With Gratitude for Your Body

When we take a moment to appreciate what’s happening in our bodies right now, with a spirit of curiosity, we honor all that our bodies do for us every day.

Allow Gratitude to Connect You to All Living Things

When we awaken awe and gratitude for our interdependence, we can infuse a spirit of loving-kindness toward all beings, including ourselves.

Awaken the Flow of Gratitude in Nature

The outdoors offer gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) opportunities to be present with our sensations and our surroundings. Awaken gratitude for the Earth by going outside and noticing what arises.

Counteract Resentment

When we cling to our ideas of what we want and resist the way things are, we invite resentment into our lives. Gratitude invites us to let go.

Nurture a Sense of Gratitude

Use meditation exercises to connect with your body and breath and the present moment. This is a gentle way to nurture a felt sense of loving-kindness and gratitude. We recommend The Shine app which can be downloaded or found as a podcast called The Daily Shine.

It may seem overwhelming at first but eventually, it will become automatic and routine to do all five daily. Give it a try–you only have your health and happiness to gain!

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TRY A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO BOTOX — FACE YOGA!

TRY A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO BOTOX — FACE YOGA!

Face yoga is a natural alternative to botox, fillers, and other more invasive procedures, that can bring lasting results if done regularly.  The technique uses a variety of massage and exercises to target your face, neck, and shoulders.

BENEFITS

Medical researchers at Northwestern University, Loyola, and others find that face yoga may be effective in improving the structural appearance of your face by strengthening the muscles of the cheeks and face providing a more youthful appearance.  According to Healthline, face yoga practitioners also report it may help to:

  • control face muscles
  • promote proper nostril breathing
  • firm the neckline
  • reprogram muscle memory
  • improve symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disordersTrusted Source
  • make your face more symmetrical
  • reduce the appearance of dark underage circles
  • improve confidence
  • tone face muscles
  • correct sagging
  • generate positive emotions
  • make your face less rounded

SYMPTOMS

Erika Walljasper, Licensed Esthetician and Certified Face Yoga Instructor, focuses on holistic skin care at Facial Boutique.  Facial yoga allows for the release of tension in the face and neck. “By taking more control of facial muscles, it helps us to recognize furrowing, clenching, and straining.  All of these movements that we do on a regular basis without really thinking about it, create blockages in the face and neck,” according to Ms. Walljasper.

These blockages prevent blood flow and lymphatic flow which are essential for skin health and whole body wellness.  “Our neck is the gateway to the rest of the body.  We want the neck to stay open and tension released to lift muscles of the face, contour the jaw, and help firm the skin on the neck,” Walljasper states.

We have over 60 muscles in the face and neck and half don’t get used.  Face exercises help lift and strengthen these muscles to avoid botox, fillers, and cosmetic surgery.  Additionally, we can learn how to release tension in the face and neck and take control of facial muscles and the aging process!

EXERCISES

Check out three, free introductory exercises offered by Ms. Walljasper in her 5-week Face Yoga Introductory Course – teaching 15 exercises using the Glowinface Face Yoga method.  She believes in a whole body wellness approach to take control of the body as we age.  Her next online session begins soon and can be found here: https://www.erikasfacialboutique.com/face-yoga 

Let us know what you think of the introductory exercises. Do you see improvement? We hope to report back after completion of the course with before and after pics!