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Easy DIY Liquid Hand Soap
*This post was updated August 2022. I started making my own liquid hand soap back in November and wish I had done it sooner. Store-bought hand soaps create so much plastic waste, are commonly tested on animals, and most have harmful artificial fragrances in them. They also really don’t last very long and can become an expense you can decrease by making your own. Some notes on the three (yes, only three!) ingredients used in this liquid hand soap recipe: Castille Soap – I get this in bulk at my local PCC. I bring in an old (clean) plastic peanut butter container, ask the cashier to weigh it for me,…
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Earth Day 2019 – Current Environmental Issues and Ways You Can Help
Earth Day is an important day to remember how great a gift our planet and her beauty is. Although I think of every day as a chance to make my life more sustainable, I know most people do not live that way. I hope this post will educate you and help you live a more eco-friendly life! Current Environmental Issues Air Pollution – Animal agriculture releases almost one-fifth of the world’s greenhouse gasemissions. Read more about this issue here. Ocean Pollution – 80% of marine pollution comes from land-based sources. Read more about this issue here. Global Warming – The United States comes in second only after China in global-warming pollution, producing 16% of all global CO2…
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What I Ate During My First Week as a Vegan
I never thought I would go vegan, simply because I love seafood and cheese too much to give them up for the rest of my life. But I also love animals and the environment with a deep passion, so I decided to go vegan for the month of April in celebration of Earth Month (Earth Day is April 22ndthis year). Before I dive into what I ate during my first week as a vegan, let me give you a little background on my eating habits so you know how I went into this new diet. (Veganism is not simply a diet, but the food aspect is all I’m going to…
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DIY Orange Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner
I don’t know about you, but I am in full-on spring cleaning mode. I spent March decluttering (let’s be honest, though…I’m still decluttering (eye roll)) and now I’m ready to do the actual down-and-dirty work of cleaning my house. Winter can make a space feel stuffy and I personally LOVE a clean, organized, and fresh smelling environment. Last fall, I started experimenting with making my own cleaning products in an attempt to decrease my plastic consumption. Not only am I finding that I actually really like what I’ve made, but the recipes are affordable, easy, and fun to make! Plus, they are ALL-NATURAL and NON-TOXIC. Can I get an amen?!…
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My 2019 Goals
I’ve always loved setting new year’s goals and resolutions. I get so motivated by the thought of a fresh start, even if January is just another month on the calendar. In past years, I’ve only put a little thought and effort into the changes I wanted to make for the new year, with very little actual plan to make things happen. The funny thing is that I love planning, so really digging deep into my goals for the next twelve months and coming up with a strategy on how I’m going to accomplish them only seems natural. However, this year is the first year that I’m actually doing it. I…
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Homemade Spiced Chai Mix
There’s nothing more cozy than sitting by the fire with a hot cup of chai on a cold day. Or walking though the snow with a hot mug full of the creamy, spiced drink. Mmm I can see the steam rising as I type this. YUM! I have been making this chai mix recipe as long as I can remember. It is delicious and perfectly warming for those cold winter days. It also makes a great gift! Just put the mix in a jar and add a homemade label on a pretty ribbon. Without further ado, here is the recipe for my favorite winter drink! Spiced Chai Mix Ingredients: 3…
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Quick & Easy Energy Balls
I am a snacker. Chips, popcorn, nuts, crackers, apples slices, cut-up veggies with hummus…you name it. My go-to snacks are basically anything that I can eat on the go or while I’m working. These energy balls are super quick and easy to whip up, take no cooking whatsoever, taste delicious, and are good for you! Win WIn WIN! THE RECIPE 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal 1/2 cup peanut putter 1/3 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Once combined, use a small spoon to form into 1″ balls. Place on a baking sheet covered in waxed…
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Everyday Glowy Beach Makeup Look
I know some people don’t like to wear any makeup to the beach; they see no point in it when they’re just going to go swimming anyways. But I, being the makeup-loving and almost-always-wearing person that I am, like to wear makeup when I’m on vacation…even to the beach and pool. I just got back from spending a week in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and had plenty of opportunities to sport a glowy complexion. Thanks to makeup, of course! I am practically religious about applying sunscreen to my face EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. no matter the weather. If there’s natural daylight, you can bet your skin is receiving some of those…
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Superfood Protein Salad
Are you looking for a delicious plant-based, high protein meal full of nutrients? If so, then this salad recipe is for you! It has 20 grams of protein per serving that keep you full for hours, plus loads of flavor. AND it’s pretty quick and easy, too! The Recipe: Total Time: 15-20 minutes Servings: 3 entree salads Nutrition: 334 calories and 20g protein per serving Ingredients: Chili-Roasted Almonds 1 cup raw almonds About 1-2 tsp olive oil 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp sea salt Salad 4 large handfuls mixed greens 1 cup cooked, chilled quinoa 1/2 cup cooked, shelled edamame 1/2 cup kidney beans…
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Coffee Smoothie
First of all, who doesn’t like coffee? Especially in Seattle…during autumn! Even if you don’t drink regular coffee, you might still sip on some decaf from time to time. After all, studies have shown that coffee-drinkers live longer than those who don’t consume the caffeinated beverage. And it doesn’t matter what kind of coffee you drink – you can still reap the longevity benefits and make this delicious and healthy breakfast smoothie! I love it because it only has five ingredients, kind of tastes like a chocolate shake (even though there’s no chocolate in it), and is under 300 calories! You can even make it the night before a busy…