Articles

Avoid Allergies the Sweet Way!

2013-05-21T02:15:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Honey's the Sweetest Thing

If all you know about honey is that Winnie the Pooh loves it, bees make it, and it tastes good, you're in for a sweet surprise!

Honey has many benefits nutritionally and even has antibacterial properties that can help heal wounds. In comparison to regular sugar, honey stands out! Here's a quick comparison:

Honey Sugar
Contains over 15 vitamins and nutrients Pure carbohydrate
Enters blood slowly at 2 calories/min Can cause severe blood sugar fluctuations- entering your blood at 10 calories/min
Not a contributor to osteoporosis Believed to leach calcium from bones, contributing to osteoporosis

Here are a few other benefits of honey.

Fights off Allergens

Local honey can actually teach your body to fight off allergens, thus making it a fantastic seasonal allergy preventative. This works because local honey is produced in the same bloom area as the one you live in, thus allowing you to build a tolerance to common seasonal allergens.

Boosts Athletic Performance

Research has shown that honey is a great ergogenic aid (performance enhancer), by helping to maintain blood sugar levels, and aid in muscle repair and glycogen restoration after a workout. It is still a sugar, but it releases slowly into the blood stream and does not create the spike in blood sugar that can become a strain on the pancreas and cause insulin level maintenance.

Fights off Bacteria

Honey is also a natural antiseptic that is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Honey can be applied topically directly to a wound. It also speeds up healing time by stimulating the wound tissues and by acting as a natural humectant; it is hydrophilic, or water loving, and acts upon a bacterial cell by pulling out it's water content, thereby dehydrating and killing it.

Heals Wounds

Honey used to be a battlefield medicine and is still known to be highly effective for burns and wounds. It is making a resurgence in medical use as you are now seeing bandages coated with honey.

Cures Night Cough

Recently the FDA advisory board recommended that over-the-counter cough medicines not be given to children under the age of six due to potential negative side effects. But honey at bedtime is a great alternative option without the harmful side effects. Honey works to quiet a cough by soothing a soar throat and allowing its high antioxidant count and antimicrobial properties go to work healing the body. (NOTE: honey shouldn't be given to children under one year of age due to the possibility of botulism.)

Get Your Share!

With all the benefits honey has to offer it's tempting to zip over to the grocery and grab the first bottle or bear you see on the store shelf. Stop! Instead look for a local vendor at your famers market. Many store brands are filtered and pasteurized which means that the flavor, health benefits, and immunization qualities are lost in the processing. To get the most from your honey look for 100% raw brands that are unpasteurized and locally produced.

Written with contributions by Dawn Combs of Mockingbird Meadows Honey and Herb Farm. Visit her website at mockingbirdmeadows.com

Buyer Be Warned: Toxic PVC Labeled BPA Free

2013-05-14T05:43:00Z

Posted By: New Wave Enviro and The Sara Snow Team

Just when you thought you had learned everything there was to know about avoiding Bisphenol-A (BPA), new research shows that there are more hormone-disrupting chemicals around you than you probably thought. In answer to consumers’ demands to drop BPA from products, many manufacturers have simply switched to using different, but potentially more toxic chemicals.

You can imagine our shock when we visited a Wal-Mart store and found 5-gallon plastic water bottles made in Mexico from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It seems that water bottles and food containers made of PVC are taking the place of products made with BpA. However, the perceived safety of using products made of PVC rather than with BpA is extremely misleading. PVC’s recycle code is 3.

By reusing water bottles and food containers made of PVC, you’re increasing the probability of ingesting the chemicals. Wear and tear from normal usage causes it to leach harmful chemicals from the products. According to research gathered by the Natural Resources Defense Council, PVC causes “liver cancer, brain cancer and some cancers of the blood… and has also been associated with mammary (breast) cancer.” Children might be more susceptible than adults to PVC-induced cancer given they’re in the early stages of developmentⁱ.

Not only does the chemical pose a great threat to our bodies, but to the environment as well. The manufacturing process of raw PVC itself is highly polluting. In addition, PVC is difficult to recycle and has been reported as the least recycled of all plasticsⁱⁱ.

The dangers of PVC have been cited more and more frequently, leading to PVC bans in virtually all European countries. Some U.S. cities are following suit. For example, Boston, New York, and San Francisco have already placed strict purchasing measures on products made with PVCⁱⁱⁱ.

To keep up-to-date on the latest news regarding PVC, visit the websites of organizations such as Green Peace, The Healthy Building Network, The Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Center for Health, Environment & Justice.

[i] www.nrdc.org/health/files/vinylChloride.pdf. “Congress Must Protect People from Toxic Chemicals Known to Cause Harm: Vinyl Chloride”. Natural Resources Defense Council.

[ii]http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/ThorntonPVCSummary.html. Thornton Ph.D, Joe. “Environmental Impacts of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Building Materials.”

[iii] http://www.chej.org/pvcfactsheets/PVC_Policies_Around_The_World.html “PVC Policies Across the World” Center for Health, Environment & Justice.

Stay up to date with the latest from New Wave Enviro here.

Bee Pollen

2013-05-06T18:41:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis have been used for millennia as powerful healing agents. Even ancient rock engravings and inscriptions on Egyption sacropgahi depict honeybees as sacred insects! Spring is one of the best seasons to try adding in bee pollen for its allergy prevention and nutritional powers; here’s a snapshot of what this superfood can offer!

Nutrition

Bee pollen contains proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The pollen actually contains more essential amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese; making it a complete protein. These little beauties are the perfect supplement to your diet as they are also rich in B-vitamins.

Allergies

Bee pollen is rich with flavonoids; compounds with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are known to significantly inhibit the allergic response as it interferes with the release of histamine.

Bee Pollen vs Tree Pollen

Bee pollen is what is produced by flowers and flowering fruit trees; different than wind-born pollen often responsible for allergies. Bee pollen is much heavier and resembles the consistency of sticky-tack. Bee pollen rarely causes allergic reactions but those with bee sting allergies are cautioned to start with only a few grains of pollen at a time.

How to Use It

Look for pollen that is local to your area to reap the greatest benefits. Sprinkle a few granules in smoothies, on top of granola, or add a little on top of salad.

Safety

Always start with a very small granule and work up to a larger dose. Those with gout should avoid bee pollen entirely as it raises uric acid levels in the body, leading to the progression of gout symptoms.

Additional Benefits

Anti-inflammatory
Asthma
Chronic fatigue
Immune system support
Infertility
Kidney disorders
Pain management
Prostate diseases

Getting Your Calcium

2013-04-29T18:26:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

We all know that calcium is needed to develop strong bones. But, did you know that it is also a key player in nerve and muscle function as well as blood clotting? And, how often do we really get the recommended amount? With more people opting for vegan and dairy free diets it’s important to know what other foods contain this vital nutrient.

How much do I need?

The current Recommended Dietary Allowance of calcium for adults age 19-50 and men 51-70 is 1000mg per day. 1200mg of calcium is recommended for women over 51 and for men over 70.

What non-diary sources of calcium are available?

The calcium content of these foods is shown in decreasing order. All are excellent dairy-free sources of calcium. Remember that if you eat a rainbow of colors every day you’ll get a great variety of nutrients, including calcium.

Blackstrap molasses

Collard greens

Tofu processed with calcium sulfate

Calcium-fortified orange juice

Soy or ricemilk

Commercial soy yogurt

Turnip greens

Tempeh

Kale

Soybeans

Okra

Boy choy

Mustard greens

Tahini

Broccoli

Almonds

Almond butter

Earth Day Roundup Show on Marie!

2013-04-22T21:59:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

The Earth Day roundup show on Marie, only on The Hallmark Channel (noon/11c).

Last Wednesday I jumped in the car and headed for the studios of Marie, the new Marie Osmond talk show on The Hallmark Channel. I was there to record a segment for her Earth Day show, airing today!

My focus of the segment was products that make living a green life easier and more affordable than ever.

Here are a few of my featured favorites:

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Kit

This 7-watt Solar Panel and Battery Pack is the answer to the guy/gal who really wants solar panels on the roof but can’t get there yet. The panels in this portable pack (called the Nomad 7 Solar Panels) are 30% smaller than comparable panels and 14 times more powerful. The Nomad 7 Panels charge up the Guide 10 Plus in 20 hours (the Guide 10 can also be charged from a USB source in an emergency) which gives you enough solar charge for 3 MP3 players, 2 Smart Phones, a 50% boost to an e-reader and a 25% boost to a tablet device. All of this means that you can charge those devices you rely so heavily on, even when the (electrical) power is out. Because it would take a lot to knock out the power of the sun! [$159.99 goalzero.com]

AOC 23” IPS Monitor

This monitor is Energy-Star and EPEAT Silver certified for its green packaging and production. The display’s LED backlight panel requires 50% less energy than typical monitors for low power consumption and it’s completely free of toxic mercury! The e-saver function and off timer help to reducer power and its plug-and-play capabilities allow you to plug in Blu-ray players, game consoles and other devices effortlessly through the integrated HDMI port. [$199; B&H photo and Amazon.com]

Switch LED Dimmable Bulb

This LED bulb lasts 25 times longer than an incandescent (with an 80% energy savings over the lifetime of the bulb) and can burn for at least 25 years or 25,000 hours! Believe it. This is the only liquid-cooled LED bulb using a food-grade and completely safe liquid (the same liquid that’s found in pasta, beer and cosmetics). They are designed with the cradle-to-cradle methodology in mind and all parts are either recyclable or reclaimable! [40w $40; available online and in stores nationwide]

Reusable & Washable Bowl Covers

Finally you can ditch the plastic wrap in your kitchen and avoid being exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals…plus save the planet from some non-degradable, fossil-fuel-based garbage. The essential pack from this Etsy artist contains 3 bowl covers in small, medium and large. Each cover is made with a 100% cotton colorful fabric and lined with a food-save, water resistant, BPA free Nylon Rip Stop. You can wash the covers by using water and dish soap in your sink or tossing them in the laundry. [$15.50 Etsy.com/MyWayMomma]

White Cloud Green Earth

Gone are the days of scratchy recycled bath tissue and paper towels that don’t pick up. White Cloud launched GreenEarth, a line of FSC certified paper goods made of 100% recycled fibers, because they believe that families shouldn’t have to go out of their way to go green or pay more for high-quality, eco-friendly products. They feature familiar aspects like triple-roll bath tissue and Choose-a-Size paper towels. The GreenEarth line is available exclusively at Walmart and priced the same as most conventional products. [$2.97 2-pack paper towels; mywhitecloud.com]

Indosoles on Roozt.com

This is a members-only shopping club where every brand offered “gives back.” Each fashion-forward featured company is making a positive impact on their community, environment, with their employees or with humanity as a whole. And for each member that joins (it’s free to join), Roozt provides a meal to an American in need. I especially like Indosoles; a company taking old motorbike tires in Indonesia and repurposing them into wearable products, fashionable shoes. For every two pairs made, one tire is taken out of a landfill. [$40 http://www.roozt.com/index.php?vID=Indosole]

The first Earth Day happened in 1970 in Ann Arbor, MI…my home town! But we’ve come a long way, baby. Each of these products shows that living green, today on Earth Day and EVERY day, can be more affordable and easier than it ever has been before. And you know what that means – there are no more excuses! So, Reduce your trash, Reuse what you have and Recycle yesterday’s ideas until you’re living a little bit greener.

(White Cloud is a sponsored portion; I shared about White Cloud GreenEarth products because I believe in their mission for making eco-friendly products affordable and accessible.)

Getting Your Veggies

2013-04-15T22:15:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Getting everyone in your family to eat a plate full of veggies may seem like a daunting task if it hasn’t been your lifestyle. Eating vegetables as a family while your kids are still young is the best way to encourage good lifelong habits.

But if you’re trying to inspire your family after years of being veggie-less, don’t despair. Follow these tips and enjoy the transformation to hungry herbivores!

1^st Be a Role model

The best way to encourage your kids to do anything is to lead by example. Look at your own habits first and make sure they’re witnessing you grazing on the right things.

2^nd Start a Garden

You don’t have to go all out and plow your backyard for a large garden. Work on small plots or even in a few large containers. Choose plants that produce a big yield; green beans, zucchini, lettuce, kale, and tomatoes are great to start with. Encourage your child to play an active role in the gardening process. Let them pick out seeds, water, and harvest. They will develop pride in the food they’ve grown and will be excited to make it into a meal!

3^rd Experiment with Cooking

Vegetables taste different depending on how they are prepared: raw, steamed, sautéed, baked, or grilled. Experiment with cooking in various ways to see if there is one your child prefers. Great options include pureeing them in soup, baking, and adding juiced veggies to smoothies.

4^th Dip ‘em

Kids love to be in charge of their food. Dipping is one way to let them have a little independence. Offer vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, and carrots that are raw or steamed. Great dips like hummus, peanut or almond butter, tahini, vegan yogurt, or pureed tofu with olive oil and herbs have loads of flavor.

5^th Dice ‘em

If you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working, than that food processor in your cabinet may become your secret weapon to sneak in important veggies. Add finely chopped vegetables to anything you can think of: spaghetti sauce, muffins, and soups are just a few common examples.

If you’ve started at the top of the list and made an effort to encourage an appreciation for pure foods this method is okay. But remember that you are encouraging lifelong habits… sneaking in veggies may not show your child how wonderful they can be.

A New Vegetable a Week

2013-04-07T23:19:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

A New Vegetable a Week

Getting your toddler to eat his or her vegetables can really can be fun when you make it a priority. While we all know it is best to lead by example and help them learn to love food, sometimes a different preparation is all it takes to make a difference.

New Vegetable a Week…

Get a calendar and some stickers for your older toddler. Tell them the plan- “We are going to try a new vegetable each week!”. Get them excited about being part of the process. As they have a serving of the new vegetable each day put a sticker on the calendar. Not only will your excitement encourage them to continue to try new things, seeing a sticker on each day will provide even further motivation.

Each day try a new preparation method. Steaming, sautéing, grilling, roasting, boiling, stir-fry, and panning are all great methods of preparation. To get the best nutrition from your vegetables remember the three Rs: reduce the amount of water used, reduce the cooking time, and reduce the amount of exposed surface by limiting cutting, paring, and shredding (in other words, big chunks are better than slivers).

And, remember, your kids don’t need a whole lot for the benefit to still be there. A serving size for a typical child is 1/3 to 2/3 cup of juice, 2 to 4 tablespoons cooked vegetables, or 1/2 to 1 whole carrot or tomato. Even these small amounts really contribute important nutrients to your child’s diet.

Making it Simple

At the beginning of the week cut and prepare vegetables to place in glass containers in your refrigerator. Having them already prepared for cooking or snacking increases the likelihood that the foods will be eaten.
Add something to the vegetable. Sprinkle with organic Parmesan cheese, serve with a low-fat yogurt dipping sauce, hummus, or a light dressing.
Serve with other favorite foods. If your child is a big pizza fan get them to try a pizza loaded with veggies. Or serve them alongside their favorite slice.
Bring the new vegetable with you! Keeping the serving sizes in mind, bring an individual container while you are out for the day. Give your child plenty of opportunities to get their sticker!

Nutrition for Your Hair

2013-04-01T16:02:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Salmon

Salmon is known for its high amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and high-quality protein. The healthy fats give hair an unbelievable shine while protein is responsible for hair strength. Keep the integrity of your hair with iron and Vitamin B-12, also found in this wonder fish.

Beans

Beans are beautiful. With zinc, iron, biotin, and protein these little power players pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. Biotin deficiency is often responsible for brittle hair. Keep your locks long and strong by getting plenty of this fiber-rich food.

Sweet Potatoes

That orange color is due to the carotenoid pigment in the sweet potato plant. Carotenoids are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which protects your scalp’s health. Include other orange produce like carrots and boost your scalp’s beauty.

Low-fat Dairy

Skim milk, yogurt, light cheese, the list goes on! Stock up on these foods that are high in calcium and quality protein. Whey and casein are two high quality ingredients that will increase hair strength.

Whole Grains

Lower cholesterol and prevent thinning hair simultaneously when you stock up on whole grains. Don’t be fooled by “whole wheat” which is not the same as whole grain.

In Season: Asparagus

2013-03-25T01:10:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Cook it!

The best thing about in season fruits and vegetables is that they taste better now than any other time of the year. Do the planet and your taste buds a favor by preparing fresh, local produce that’s growing now in your area. Eating in season means more nutrients, better quality, vivid colors, and more varieties to choose from. So what are you waiting for!?

Steam ‘Em

Munching on asparagus as a mid-day snack is simple if it is steamed ahead of time and placed in a BPA-free glass container for easy access. For steaming, place water in the bottom half of a steamer pan set. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Trim off the dry ends of the asparagus and add to the steamer basket for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness, or until tender.

Dip asparagus in your favorite organic dressing or have them plain with a pinch of dill and a dash of lemon juice for extra zest.

Oven Roast

Roasting asparagus is the best way to develop its woodsy flavor. Because it hardly takes any preparation, it’s so easy to get from the garden to the table. Preheat your oven to 425, trim the dry ends, brush lightly with 1-2 teaspoons olive oil, and spread on a cookie sheet or baking pan. Roast in the oven for 5-10 min, or until tender.

Right out of the oven is the prime time to sprinkle on a bit of strong cheese for a savory side dish. Goat, parmesan, and gruyere are great choices.

Grilling

Follow the same directions as above, but omit the baking sheet, and turn once on the grill top during cooking. You’ll have those nice grill lines and a deep smoky flavor!

Pan Roast

Pan roasting is the perfect way to lock in valuable nutrients. In a large sauté pan with a lid, add asparagus, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 clove of garlic. Heat on high, covered, for about 5 minutes tossing asparagus lightly with tongs occasionally. You’ll notice a slight browning and nice tenderness upon completion.

No Trace Spring Break

2013-03-18T17:16:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

They say, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, and without proper planning, that could include a much bigger footprint than you realize, no matter where you’re heading off to. This year make it your goal to travel in eco-style and leave without a trace!

Rest in peace

Choose a hotel that has been approved for the Green Seal Certification, which grants hotels this certification based on environmentally responsible practices.

http://www.greenseal.org/certproducts.htm#lodging

Hide your wallet

Save money by opting for pictures instead of trinkets and souvenirs and you’ll not only save money, you will make a positive impact on the environment. Many tropical places sell tortoise shells and other knickknacks that encourage negative behavior.

Respect the ‘reef

Coral reefs are living animals and touching them can permanently damage their beauty. The reef is coated by a natural mucous membrane that, when touched, is removed. It’s similar to receiving a painful rug burn for humans. Admire from a distance and keep your space!

Observe local customs

In Italy it is absolutely imperative for travelers to wear conservative clothes when touring churches. Also be aware of views on photography and personal space. In places like Africa you’ll want to ask before you take the picture of a native in their beautiful, traditional dress. Protect your destination’s environment by doing your homework ahead of time.

Two birds, one stone

Stay green and active by choosing green activities like biking to tour your travel city! Places like Napa offer wine tours where travelers bike between locations and historic cities like Savannah have bike tours that allow you to see the sites up close and personal.

Herbs for my Oily Skin?!

2013-03-10T17:48:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands create an overproduction of oil. The excess oil can wreak havoc on our skin by clogging pores and, thereby, causing blemishes. Although oily skin is primarily a result of genetics, diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills, and cosmetics can be to blame. As eco-conscious women, it can be hard to solve the oily skin issue without opting for harsh chemical-laden products. But we’ve found the recipe that does it! And who knew the answer was right in your pantry?!

Herbal Sauna

INGREDIENTS:

Lemongrass

Licorice root

Rose buds

DIRECTIONS: A few times a week, simmer together 2 to 4 tablespoons of the herbs, dried or fresh will work, in 2 quarts of water. Once the mixture has simmer for a minute or so, and while still steaming, place the pot on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish. Immediately after, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air-dry or pat it dry with a towel. The herbal water can be bottled as a toner and spritzed or dabbed onto your skin with a cotton ball.

Inspired by Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch

**licorice root should not be used during pregnancy or nursing. It should not be used by persons with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke**

Green Your Pet Care

2013-03-04T03:22:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

There's no denying, a dog is a man's best friend. Or a purring, fluffy cat if that's more your style. With pets such a big component of the average family, including them in your quest to go green is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and protect their health.

Here's a list of some first great steps to take.

Pet Food
• Look for brands that use canola or olive oil rather than animal fat
• Avoid the terms "by-product", "by-product meal", and "meat and bone meal". These are the leftover parts of meat not eligible for human consumption (and shouldn't be for pet consumption either)
• Avoid unnecessary additives like colors and dyes
• Make sure the product meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to ensure complete, balanced nutrition

Fleas
• Read the label! Avoid products containing malathion, chlorpyrifos, tetrachlorivinphos, phosmet, naled, and diclorvos as these chemicals are dangerous for both the environment and your pet
• Prevent fleas by good green grooming

Grooming
• Avoid commercial dog and cat shampoos and sprays loaded with all those chemicals
• Opt for products with plant and essential oils
• All grooming products should be fragrance and dye-free

Safer Cat Litter
• Cat litter generally contains crystalline silica which is a known human carcinogen. Avoid it by buying litter that is made from recycled newspaper, cedar, wheat, corncobs, alfalfa, peanut hulls, or oat hulls
• Clumping litter should be avoided all together as the clumping in the litter box can do the same in cat's intestines! This is possible by accidental ingestion... is the litter box close to your cats food bowl?
Note: Do not compost dog/cat waste! Potentially harmful parasites in feces can ruin healthy compost and endanger your health!

Toys and Beds
• Look for chew toys made from recycled plastics and organic fibers
• Look for dog collars and leashes made from dye-free organic hemp and cotton
• Dog beds should be made from dye-free materials, all those toxic chemical dyes can potentially harm your pet

Planet Green has a great page that will make the search for green pet products easier! Visit their page at http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-pets/green-pets-stuff-resources.html

How do I use these chakras to live a healthy, abundant life?

2013-02-25T01:07:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

How do I use these chakras to live a healthy, abundant life?

Meditate.

Meditating on these chakras is a very powerful tool for letting go of accumulated blocked energy. Maybe you are dealing with low self-confidence and self-esteem. Try focusing your attention on the abdomen during your mediation and see that space filling with a bright, beautiful light. Make it a practice to find an area that needs some attention in your life and go back to these descriptions to find where to direct your meditation practice.

Practice Yoga.

Yoga is another powerful tool for using the chakras. Hip opening poses like pigeon are incredible for getting in touch with some emotional issues we may have related to money, survival, and our need for material things to fill a void. Heart openers like bridge pose are another essential part of a balanced practice. If your studio takes requests, ask for a pose that opens a chakra you are working on.

Journal.

Journaling is powerful tool that may help to bring up the issues that are normally ignored. When we ignore issues and problems that are troubling us, there is never a resolution. Years of unwanted baggage build up to create blocks in every area of our lives. Start a practice of journaling for a set amount of time during the day. You may find it helpful to set a timer for five minutes. During this time write as quickly as possible. Make it a point not to think too much. Just begin to write down whatever is on your mind. After a few weeks of making this a daily practice you will begin to notice patterns in your daily thoughts. Review what you have written and see if there are thoughts and experiences that are no longer serving you. This is a great exercise in letting go of unnecessary baggage.

Part 2: Get to Know Your Chakras

2013-02-18T04:49:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Whether you’re a devout yogi and meditating-extraordinaire or just curious about alternative wellness therapies, learning more about the chakras can help in your quest for a bountiful life.

Root Chakra- represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded

Location: base of spine in tailbone area
Emotional Issues: Survival, financial independence, money, food

Sacral Chakra- connection and ability to accept others and new experiences

Location: lower abdomen, about 2” below navel and 2” in.
Emotional Issues: sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality

Solar Plexus Chakra- represents our ability to be confident and in control of our lives

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach are
Emotional Issues: self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem

Heart Chakra- our ability to love

Location: heart center
Emotional Issues: social identity, ability to give and receive love

Throat Chakra- our ability to communicate

Location: base of the throat, including the neck and shoulders
Emotional Issues: communication, self-expression of feelings, creativity

Third Eye Chakra- our ability to focus on and see the big picture

Location: forehead between the eyes
Emotional Issues: intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions

Crown Chakra: highest- represents our ability to be fully connected to spirit

Location: very top of the head
Emotional: inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirit, pure bliss

Get to Know Your Chakras

2013-02-12T04:09:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The 7 Chakras are areas in our body that we call energy centers. These energy centers are spaces through which energy flows. When energy is blocked in the Chakras, this can lead to illness both physically and emotionally. That is why it's important to understand what each Chakra represents. In this three-week series we want you to explore where each Chakra is, what it represents, and how you can take the issues associated with that Chakra and unlock that blocked energy. We hope that with this knowledge you may find a balanced, beautiful life.

You can begin to explore your chakras this week by journaling about areas in your life you’d like to work on. Perhaps you’ve been feeling like you can’t speak up at work? Or maybe you have been feeling torn between spending quality time with your friends when you are busy taking care of the kids. Any area we feel a disconnect or discomfort resonates with an area in the body that corresponds with a specific chakra. By bringing light to these situations you can begin to tune in to those chakras that need the most attention.

You’ll Need:

A journal or special document on your computer to explore your thoughts and feelings.
10-15 minutes daily for journal time

5 Simple Ways to Get Organized!

2013-02-04T05:10:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Start in the Kitchen

With most families spending the majority of their time in the kitchen, start here for maximum benefit. Make your grains, spices, and snacks match by storing them in easy-to-spot BPA-free glass containers. The esthetic and ease of use will quickly brighten your pantry.

Want to do it on a budget? Shop thrift store and re-sale shops and stock up on old glass jars and other (preferably see-through) containers.

Unify the Office

With papers, bills, and to-do lists piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your home office. Simplify your home office by organizing papers and files into sleek, solid color boxes with clearly marked labels. The clean design will add “structure” to the space while providing useful storage.

Organize your Drawers

Every house has a junk drawer. Make sure every drawer isn’t a junk drawer by using easy to install moveable drawer organizers. Because they aren’t fixed, it’s easy to add or remove items while keeping things spotless.

Have a “Throw Bowl”

At your local thrift store, find a cute bowl for the kitchen counter or entryway. Make this the place you throw your mail, car keys, phone, etc. when you walk through the door. There will be no more cluttered counter space when everything is in one area and you’ll always know where to find your keys when you’re late for your morning meeting.

Think “Double Duty”

Choose products for your home that work double duty. Find beds and sofas with storage options beneath the cushions or bed frame. Another great option are ottomans with removable lids for storage.

KLUTCHclub: A Monthly Subscription Box for Health and Wellness

2013-01-28T00:36:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

At SaraSnow.com we are constantly looking for ways to make small, simple changes toward a healthier lifestyle. Often, when people get busy, eating healthy and exercising seem nearly impossible. But KLUTCHclub might make that a little bit easier. This monthly subscription service sends a box of holistic health, fitness, and wellness products direct to their members’ doorsteps. We can’t think of a better way to be inspired to get healthy!

Why The Sara Snow Team loves KLUTCHclub:

If you read our content at SaraSnow.com we know you like to stay up to date with the latest health, fitness, and wellness trends. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the time to research the countless websites that are providing products and services to facilitate our health and wellness goals. That’s where KLUTCHclub comes in. They’ve done the research for you, so you can try their favorite products without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the product or that price tag it comes with. KLUTCHclub also goes the extra mile by partnering monthly with various health charities.

How KLUTCHclub works:

1. Create an account and select the subscription plan that’s best for you.

They offer a variety of subscription plans; whether you’re trying it out for 1-month or committing for the long haul.

2. Receive your KLUTCHclub box right at your door.

Your box will contain $50+ worth of products and services, such as snacks, a new workout, and holistic body-care regimes.

3. Gain access to member-only discounts and deals and earn rewards.

Receive exclusive promotions and earn KLUTCHbucks for a variety of activities redeemable for free health-related gifts.

We know that sticking to your goals can be hard. Why not have a little fun along the way? Try out KLUTCHclub and be re-inspired every month by testing out products and services that put you first!

KLUTCHclub is offering 50% off all January box orders when you mention the code SARASNOW50 at checkout.

A day in pictures

2013-01-23T21:51:30Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant again, maybe it’s because we just moved across the country and I’m finally feeling settled; whatever the reason I find myself relishing in the long, quiet days that Silvia and I have together.
Yesterday was one of those days and I happened to have my camera (aka: iPhone) with me at every turn.

Here is a look at our day:

When we left the house Silvia had to take as many friends and toys with her as was humanly possible. And managed to carry them with her all through the grocery store.

After stopping by an open house (the real estate market is INSANE) we had lunch in a park overlooking the ocean.

Then went for a little “hike” down the mountain. Plenty exciting for a 2-yr-old.

: Next it was home to bake cupcakes to celebrate Makana’s would-be 10th birthday.

We lost our sweet Makana girl very suddenly, just over a week ago. She almost made it to her 10th birthday. And we miss her immensely!

But last night we celebrated Makana and sang Happy Birthday to her…

…you could say it was the icing on the cake of a beautiful day.

Going Meatless

2013-01-22T00:58:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or a hardcore carnivore, going meatless has health benefits for everyone. To satisfy everyone in your family try these meat substitutions without feeling unfulfilled!

Tempeh- has a tender and chewy texture with incredible flavor.
Seitan- has the same chewy and dense texture as the meat of ground beef! Good substitute for meaty dishes like sloppy joes.
Tofu- very popular among vegetarians, this alternative is extremely versatile. It is also a great source for Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins like iron.
Beans- tasty and affordable, beans are a great way to increase your resistance to free radicals
Legumes- are filled with good fats, antioxidants, and fiber. This class of veggies ranges from peanuts to lentils.

Avoiding Processed Additives

2013-01-14T05:08:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Food additives have been around since ancient times, though not without controversy. The legal definition for a food additive is a substance that has been specially approved by the FDA after thorough testing for safety. Periodically, substances may be removed from the GRAS or "generally recognized as safe" list as more sophisticated analytical testing for evaluation of safety are developed. Because science is always changing it is important to be aware of those additives still being questioned. To protect yourself from the dangers in your pantry consider the following list of additives.

Artificial Dyes: Red, blue, green, yellow, and FD&C colors

Artificial Sweeteners: In chewing gum, diet soda, and sugar-free foods

BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated hydroxytoluene): These oxidants are used to preserve fats and prevent foods from going bad

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Enhances flavor of citrus-based fruit drinks and soft drinks

Potassium Bromate: Found in white flour, breads, and rolls

Propylene Glycol: Found in brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze… but found in dairy products as a thickening agent

Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite: Prevents botulism

Monosodium glutamate: Flavor enhancer known to cause headaches, chest pain, high blood pressure, and nausea

Olestra: Prevents the digestive system from absorbing fat. Also prevents the absorption of fat soluble vitamins! Found in Wow! Chips .

High Fructose Corn Syrup: Increases your risk of type-II diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer

Yoga for You

2013-01-07T05:11:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

With its countless health benefits and body sculpting capabilities, yoga is a powerful exercise for everyone. It’s easy, though, to feel intimidated by a room full of yoga-pros when you are just starting out. So, we’ve developed a guide to mastering a few at-home poses before making your yoga class debut.

Best Down Dog

Plant your feet on the ground and walk your hands away from you until your body makes a perfect V.
Rotate your shoulders down and away from your ears while keeping your heels lifted and pressing your hands evenly into the mat.
Slowly take your pelvis up towards the ceiling and back to feel your body lengthen.
Imagine a string pulling your tailbone up to create a natural arch in your lower back.
If possible, bring your heels toward the mat, stretching out your hamstrings and calves.
Be sure to release and relax your neck while softening your gaze and focusing on your breathing.

Perfect Cobra

Lie facedown on the mat while stretching your legs back, touching the tops of your feet to the floor.
Spread your hands evenly on the floor, directly under your shoulders.
Keep your elbows close to the body while slowly pressing down and straightening the arms to lift your chest off the floor.
Open through the chest by pulling your shoulder blades into the back and opening the ribcage.
Hold the pose for 30 seconds while focusing on your breath, slowly breathing in through your nose and out through your nose.

Fantastic Fish

Lying face-up on your back, bend your knees, and as you inhale, lift your pelvis a few inches off the floor. Slide your hands with palms down underneath your bottom. Keep the forearms and elbows close to your sides.
As you inhale, lift your torso and head away from the floor. Then, release your head and back onto the floor. As a beginner, the back of your head will most likely rest on the floor. But with more practice, your gaze will shift so that you are looking at the back wall and the crown of your head will be the only part touching.
Depending on your comfort, keep knees bent or release the legs so that they lie flat on the floor.
Be sure to avoid straining your neck. If there is any discomfort release the pose.

Easy Ways to Freshen up Your Fridge!

2012-12-31T01:35:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

It’s so easy to go to the store week after week and pick the same foods without much thought. Instead of opting for the same ‘ol thing consider focusing on which nutrients may be lacking in your current diet. An easy way to do this is by keeping a food diary for a few days and noticing any patterns. Always have cheese and crackers in the afternoon? How about trying cheese and celery instead to get more greens? These simple changes can add up to make a huge difference!

You’ve kept track of your intake and you’ve been to the store and stocked up on your new and improved foods, now what? The best way to ensure that those fresh, nutritious foods are actually consumed is to reorganize your refrigerator! Follow these simple steps to make sure that your fridge is armed and ready when hunger strikes.

1. Keep the good stuff at eye-level.

Make sure that the healthiest items are the first thing you see when that door opens. You want to have nutritious foods be appealing! Store fruits, vegetables, and unseasoned whole grains in clear containers so they are your go-to items. Even better, get a beautiful bowl to store grab-and-go fruits in for easy and enjoyable snacking.

2. Lose sight of not-so-healthy items.

Those leftovers from your “splurge night out” of pizza and breadsticks would do much better if they were stored in a plain, opaque container out of eyesight. You can still plan to incorporate less nutrient dense items into your meal repertoire but the key is to plan and not make them snack items. Pairing pizza (and other similar) leftovers with a big salad is a great way to avoid wasting food. The goal is to cut back on mindless eating.

3. Make fruits, veggies, and whole grains accessible.

Take some time early in the week to prepare fruits, vegetables, and grains like rice and quinoa so that they are easy to use at a moment’s notice. It’s hard when hunger strikes to think about taking time to prepare healthy food. A great way to incorporate more whole grains is to have brown rice and quinoa cooked and stored in glass containers for easy mealtime prep. Make fruits and vegetables easy to use by washing, chopping, and storing in glass containers as well.

Making your fridge work for you is the best way to making healthy eating habits last for life. Be sure to regularly purge outdated items, clean, and organize your shelves so that eating great becomes second nature!

Green Child Magazine spent some time with Silvia and I!

2012-12-27T16:08:51Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

A favorite moment from 2012:
I talked to Green Child Magazine about natural parenting, green families, and cutting back on stuff!
Green Child Magazine

The Perfect Gift for Under $50!

2012-12-21T17:38:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

$29.95 Multi-Strand Bracelet

The Leakey Story:

Founded in 2002, Katy and Philip Leakey are the owners and pioneers of the natural, African-made, sustainable jewelry and elegant, handcrafted products called The Leakey Collection. Both Katy & Philip are impassioned individuals with a strong conviction to connect communities worldwide and to nurture our planet with sustainable practices. Their love for nature combined with their talents in interior design and arts gave birth to a collection of high end fashion jewelry, a new skin care line, and home interior accessories in pure natural elegance!

Based in the Rift Valley of Kenya, East Africa, these renowned designers used natural elements of fallen wood, sustainable grass and “bush fired” porcelain to create uniquely exotic products. Each colorful piece contains vibrant design appeal while giving back to those that produce it.

The Leakey Collection protects the environment while giving economic opportunity to local communities in Kenya. Its natural elegance distinguishes this high end product line as one of the world's premier offerings.

Sold in stores worldwide, The Leakey Collection is also a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation and Green America.

Shop now!

Twas a night in Connecticut

2012-12-20T14:01:21Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

I’ve been intentionally avoiding some of the ongoing coverage of the Connecticut school shooting. As a pregnant mother of a small little girl, it’s just more sorrow than I can handle right now. But this, from the body of an email, I had to read… and was this that made me cry.

I know it will be too religious for some, and to those I’m sorry if it offends. That is certainly not my intent. But if it offers hope and encouragement to some others, than it has been rightly posted.

’twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:30

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”

“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

“come now my children, let me show you around.”

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Holiday Sit

2012-12-18T16:18:06Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

It’s been a crazy few months; learning I was pregnant and deciding to move half-way across the country all within a week or two will create a little craziness! And then came the packing up and the moving…then the home search and unpacking. Finally yesterday, I heeded my own advice and I sat for an hour. Silvia was down for a nap. For once my computer wasn’t screaming to me. So I picked up my kindle and sat down to read. Of course this pregnant lady could only stay awake for about 20 minutes, so a nap happened in there too. But even when the phone woke me up after only a few minutes of shut eye, I felt 100% refreshed. It was a good reminder of how much we all need to rest and recharge, even for only a few deep breaths, every day, especially during these crazy holi-days.

How to Wash your Cashmere

2012-12-17T16:34:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

A true cashmere sweater can be one of the best essentials in your eco-fabulous wardrobe. This luxurious fabric comes from combing out the under-hairs of Kashmir goats that are now raised around the world. Because the fabric is so long-lasting it truly is a great eco-investment, with proper care. But you don’t need to make washing your favorite sweater stressful. Follow our tips for washing your cashmere with care and making it last!

Flip the item inside out and focus on cleaning parts that have odor buildup, such as the underarms.
In a clean, chemical-free sink, combine cool water with a wool or cashmere shampoo
Place your cashmere in the basin and use your hands to gently agitate the water and detergent
Soak the item for at least thirty minutes- some color loss is normal so don’t panic if the water changes color.
Remove from the sink and rinse well with room temperature water until the water runs clear. This will probably take 2 to 3 rinses in a basin full of clean water.
Lay flat on a clean towel and press the water out with another dry towel until it’s damp-to-dry. Do not rub the cashmere.
Place the damp item on a flat rack for further drying

Yuzen Giveaway

2012-12-11T00:04:33Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Just in time for some last-minute Holiday gifting!
Share a Yuzen Box experience with someone you love. This is one of my favorite things on earth!

You have until Friday at midnight to click the link below and follow the deets for your chance to win one of three Yuzen boxes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alternative Gift Giving

2012-12-10T21:30:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Alternative Gift Giving

It's tempting to hit the standard department and big box stores as the holidays approach each year, but this year, consider giving some socially responsible gifts instead.

The benefits?
Because these are gifts you can't buy in a store, they include less waste, waste that usually takes the form of wrapping and packaging. And you can share the wealth. These are gifts that are shared with families and cultures outside of your own. Finally, many people report that they feel more fulfilled when they give a socially responsible gift than they typically do on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

Here are three types of Socially Responsible Gifts:

1. The gift of belonging.
Give a membership to an eco organization like Co-Op America, the Sierra Club, or a local charity group.

2. The gift of necessities to those who need them.
Heifer International is one of my favorite examples of this. You, from the comfort of your living room, can give a cow to a family in need. Each animal representing opportunity for self reliance for a family living in poverty.
OxFam is another fantastic one! OxFam allows you to give a cow, building tools, an emergency toilet (outhouse in disaster areas), blankets, or even a house. Necessities for those who need them most.

3. The gift of opportunity.
This is my personal favorite. Micro-Finance allows everyday people to make investments that directly address poverty, creating business opportunities for the world's working poor. For years, instead of giving gifts to each other, my family has donated for micro-loans to a bank that we funded in an area of Africa. We've traditionally done this through FINCA.
MicroPlace is the micro finance company that I traveled to Kenya with to, visiting borrowers who have benefited from loans by people like you and me. When you invest through MicroPlace your money actually functions as an investment. When the loan is repaid, you get to reinvest. In this way, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

Try Socially Responsible Gifting this year. And may your holidays be bright!

Winterize Your Ride

2012-12-03T04:16:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

The key to driving in extreme weather conditions is making sure that your car is up to winter standards. This will also help to ensure that you are driving as efficiently as possible, not wasting unnecessary resources. Stay safe and green this season by following these guidelines.

Check the battery in your car and make sure everything is working properly. Look for signs of corrosion and have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge if it is more than three years old.

Check the treads in your tires to avoid sliding in icy road conditions

Keep operational fluids at full levels, like your oil and antifreeze, which keep your car’s motor running and prevents freezing

Prepare a kit with water, jumper cables, and scrapers to help in the event of an emergency

Properly inflate your tires, including the spare! You can expect that you will lose 1lb per square inch when the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Also every pound below the optimal tire pressure reduces your fuel efficiency by 3%.

Keep your engine lubricated by getting an oil change. This maintains the oil’s viscosity, since oil tends to thicken, as the air gets colder. Oil that is too thick will not properly lubricate the engine.

Replace your wiper blades to make sure you can see, especially when fat snowflakes are showering your windshield.

Check the status of your four-wheel drive and be sure it is working correctly. This means making sure the systems engage and disengage easily.

Take your time when driving in unfavorable conditions. Aggressive driving in any type of weather can lower your fuel efficiency by as much as 33%. And in bad weather it can mean the difference between making it to your destination and not.

Quick Tip! Prep Your House for Winter

2012-11-26T02:41:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a 1/8-inch gap along the front door's threshhold is the equivalent of having a two-inch hole in the wall. Home sealing (weather stripping windows and doors) can reduce your energy bill by 10 percent, according to Energy.gov.

Applying Weatherstripping (Via Energy.gov)

To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add 5% to 10% to accommodate any waste. Also consider that weatherstripping comes in varying depths and widths.

Weatherstripping supplies and techniques range from simple to the technical. Consult the instructions on the weatherstripping package.

Here are a few basic guidelines:

Weatherstripping should be applied to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20°F (-7° C).
Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before making a cut.
Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.

When weatherstripping doors:

Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
Apply one continuous strip along each side.
Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
Use a thickness that causes the weatherstripping to press tightly between the door and the door jamb when the door closes without making it difficult to shut.

For air sealing windows, apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame. The weatherstripping shouldn't interfere with the operation of the window.

Greener Cookware

2012-11-13T04:24:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Teflon ring a bell? It’s probably not for the best reason. This extremely slippery synthetic substance may prevent your eggs from sticking to the pan but it begins to deteriorate after the temperature of cookware reaches about 260 °C and can cause flu like symptoms in humans. Protect yourself from unsafe cookware by opting for these other options!

Carbon Steel
This is a great option for cooks because it heats quickly and withstands high temperatures. It is good for high-heat searing, stir-frying, and low-fat cooking. In some cases carbon steel can react with acidic foods like tomato sauce, altering the taste, so it may not be ideal for all dishes.

Caring for Carbon Steel Cookware
Hand wash with hot water and sponge only (no soap or scouring pads), dry thoroughly, and treat with cooking oil to maintain surface. To prevent rusting season frequently and especially before the first use.

Cast Iron
Cast iron is a great go-to cookware option because it distributes heat evenly. It is perfect for browning, frying, and baking. Cast iron is relatively nonstick, if well seasoned. Like carbon steel cast iron can react with acidic foods altering taste and possibly discoloring the pan.

Caring for Cast Iron Cookware
Hand wash with hot water and stiff brush (no soap). Dry thoroughly and treat with cooking oil to maintain surface. Season before the first use.

Cleaning with Coconut Oil!

2012-11-05T03:28:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

By now you have probably heard all about the health benefits of coconut oil. An oil once thought of as being bad for your cholesterol is now revered for being good for your digestive system and metabolism, good for your immune system and blood pressure, good for heart disease and weight loss, good for energy levels and stress levels, and good for your skin, nails and hair. It’s almost as if its magical!

And, as if that wasn’t enough… just wait, because there’s more!!

Coconut oil, which is naturally antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral, is also great for cleaning!

Here are two great uses that I’ve found:

I’ve long told people to mix olive oil and lemon juice to make a natural furniture polish but I recently discovered that coconut does the job just as well, if not better. Go with about 2 parts coconut oil to 1 part lemon juice. Try it first on the under-part of a table and if it works well there, then go to town!

If you’re stuck trying to remove the clingy, annoying adhesive from a sticky label, simply mix together about a teaspoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda adds a scouring agent so be careful not to use this on delicate surfaces. Spread the paste over the stickiness, let it sit for a minute or two, then rub off.

So, get to work! Hasn’t anyone told you your house is a mess?!

Healthy Halloween Lessons

2012-10-29T03:19:00Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

Think Outside the Box

Unfortunately homemade treats are no longer "allowed" for trick or treaters but there are still ways to think outside of the conventional candy box. Go for food-less treats like stickers, pencils or coins. Or pick healthier treats like raisins, granola bars or fair trade, organic chocolates. I see people come to my house who would do a whole lot better if they got a bag full of granola bars rather than sugary candy.

Enjoy, Within Moderation

Though I might feel one way about food and treats, it doesn't keep me from allowing Silvia to enjoy the festivities a little. This year she will still walk door to door to a FEW houses and collect treats in a bag, and I'll probably let her even nibble on a piece or two, but I'll dispose of the rest before she even has a chance to realize what she's missing. None of us need to eat that much sugar. In fact, there's a great new video out there talking about the effects of sugar on our bodies. http://www.therealbears.org/

According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Caucasian kids and 1 in 2 minority kids are expected to be insulin dependent by the time they reach adulthood, and right now cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in American children under the age of 15. It's time we start taking getting healthy (by doing things like weeding out sugars) seriously.

Love Thy Neighbor

I've said before that I think one of the best lessons we can learn as advocates of green living is that soapboxing and alienating our neighbors will do nothing to accomplish our goal. It's best to play the game and enjoy the festivities when the moment calls for it, but do so in moderation. And at the same time, find small ways to make a difference and encourage others.

Milk Alternatives

2012-10-22T02:01:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Whether you are lactose intolerant, or choosing a vegan lifestyle, finding a dairy free substitute is serious business.

Once you’ve taste tested your way through this list of delicious dairy-alternative, you won’t want to look back!

Soy Milk- this is the most common dairy substitute on the market today. It is filled with bio-active components, vitamins, fiber, and essential amino acids

Almond milk- high in antioxidants, vitamin D, and healthy fats, almond milk is a favorite among many. Unsweetened versions are great for baking.

Rice milk- while it’s very low in fat, rice milk is also a great source of calcium, and a good source of carbohydrates

Hemp milk- made from the seeds of the hemp plant (does not contain THC), hemp milk is great for smoothies, shakes, and desserts as it has a thicker consistency. Hemp milk contains no soy, gluten, sugar, or cholesterol.

Coconut Milk- this dairy alternative is high in manganese, phosphorus, and iron. Unsweetened versions are great for cereals, curries, and other sauces.

Happy Relationships

2012-10-15T02:01:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Do you feel like your relationship is in a rut? It’s easy to go day to day passing your significant other like two ships in the night. But don’t you remember the time when you couldn’t get enough of each other? This summer, make it a goal to rekindle your friendship and find the spark that made the two of you fall in love. After all, there is nothing better than being head over heels for someone who feels the same for you!

Be Kids Again

Get outside, make a mess, or play a game. Working together as a team promotes a sense of unity.

Focus, Focus, Focus

We all have our flaws. Focusing on what we don’t like about others only promotes more negative thoughts. Try instead focusing on what you love about your partner. Do they have qualities that you wish you had? Remind yourself that those annoying things you see are only a small part of the whole person. Quickly dismiss them and fill your mind with complimentary thoughts that shed your mate in the best light.

Thank Them

No one is forced to become a part of, or stay in, a relationship. Having someone to share a life journey with is truly a blessing. Your souls are partners and they choose one another because they think being together will bring happiness. Thank your partner by choosing to spend time with them, focusing on what you love about them, or telling them how happy you are to be together.

Compliment

At the beginning of a new romance compliments are thrown around like loose change. It felt good hearing how beautiful or handsome you looked in a new outfit or how proud you were of an accomplishment at work. Don’t forget that the need for recognition and approval is still there! Both sides benefit from inspiration and support from the other.

Best Nutrition Apps for your Smart Phone

2012-10-08T03:23:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Lose It!

Tracks calories consumed and calories burned while keeping track of your overall goals. There is a database of foods, both found in stores and in restaurants, which you can select based on your intake. You can also search exercises and load your own to make searching easier.

FoodPlanner Lite

A weekly meal planner is a great way to stay on track during a busy week. Create your menu on a Sunday after shopping and use it to get nutritional information from your meal choices throughout the week. By planning meals ahead, you are more likely to stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Fooducate

Use the Fooducate app the next time you go to the grocery to choose healthier foods. The app was created by dietitians and allows you to scan the barcode of a product to see the product highlights as well as alternatives for healthier options. There are over 200,000 products with simplified nutrition information that will make grocery shopping easier.

Mint Nutrition

Best for those who eat on the go, Mint Nutrition is perfect for getting nutritional info about your favorite restaurants. The app lets you store frequent meals to make accessing information easier.

VeganXpress

With only a few vegan friendly food apps, VeganXpress is a fantastic guide for eating out. The app is a comprehensive collection of restaurant suggestions, snacks, and drinks that are all vegan.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas for the Busy Mom

2012-10-01T01:30:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

We know breakfast is the most important meal of the day but it is often hard to prepare when you are pressed for time. Here are a few easy options that will provide you with energy to start your day. This fall as you get the kids back to school, put your health first by making a healthy breakfast a top priority!

Fruit and Cheese Combo

Great for the mom who has to grab and go, an apple and sharp cheese is a quick morning meal. The combination of fiber and protein will jump start your metabolism and ward off hunger.

Almond Butter Waffles

Frozen, high fiber, whole grain, organic waffles are a great option for early mornings. Top with your favorite nut butter, a few chia or flax seeds, and you have an easy out-the-door meal.

Homemade Egg Muffin

If actually using the stove and dirtying a frying pan in the morning has you missing out on a nutrient-rich egg breakfast, then try this recipe. Lightly spray a microwave safe bowl with an organic cooking spray, such as canola oil, and pour ½ cup egg whites into the bowl. Microwave, covered, for one minute while toasting a whole grain English muffin in the toaster. When both the egg and muffin are cooked, add a slice of organic low fat cheese and you have the perfect egg muffin!

Fruit Smoothie

Combine your ingredients in the blender before bed and all you have to do is push start in the morning! For great smoothie ideas visit the recipes tab. Here is one of Sara’s favorites: Healthy Fruit Smoothie

Fruit Parfait

Combine your favorite fruits, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, and 2 Tablespoons of slivered almonds for a refreshing breakfast to start your day.

The Sustainable Way to Remove Fall Leaves

2012-09-25T01:09:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Although reds, oranges, and yellows look beautiful hanging from the trees, piles of leaves can ruin your lawn. Just a thin layer of these autumn beauties can suffocate your grass and prevent it from receiving sunlight and oxygen. The result is a brown landscape that then has to endure a long winter. Protect your lawn this year the sustainable way to ensure a fresh turf and healthy environment.

Forget the fire and plastic

Lines of garbage bags on the curb and towers of smoke billowing from the backyard aren’t sustainable solutions for protecting your lawn. Plastic bags are piled high in our landfills and will sit for hundreds, maybe thousands of years before they degrade, despite the fact that the leaves inside are a compostable material.

Fire is equally damaging as burning leaves releases dangerous toxins like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, the same junk that has been linked to respiratory system irritation.

Leaf mulch

The alternatives to burning and bagging are both beneficial to your health and your garden. A proper mulching mower can make the process easy. Simply mow over a layer of leaves and transfer the shredded leaves to your gardens and other landscaped areas.

Leaf mulch is an excellent choice for garden beds due to its weight. The heaviness of the leaves will ensure proper protection, as the leaves are less likely to be carried off by the wind. Additionally, leaf-mulched soil contains more bacteria thus improving overall soil quality.

A layer of leaf mulch on your garden is also a great way to protect your hardy vegetables from the winter elements.

Compost

Whether you have your own compost pile or you are looking to donate to a yard-waste collection program, composting is the perfect way to omit the garbage bag. Check with the recycling program nearest to you to find a yard-waste collection program. Often, you can bag your leaves in paper or biodegradable bags and set them out on special collection days. Or simply pay someone to come “suck” them up with a large vacuum and transport them for you.

Get crafty

A scarecrow just wouldn’t be a scarecrow without his proper filling of leaves. Think outside the box and use your leaves in new ways. If stuffing scarecrows isn’t your think, consider pressing leaves into an album or setting them out as a table decoration at a fall get-together.

Health Claims Explained

2012-09-17T03:19:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Fat Free. Low Sodium. Sugar Free. That’s just a handful of the health claims that packaged foods regularly claim. But what do these mean and what dietary and health claims can you really trust?

To help demystify the label check out the list of definitions below. All of the definitions are currently approved and regulated by the FDA.

Calorie-free: less than 5 calories

Sodium-free: less than 5 milligrams

Fat-free: less than 0.5 gram of fat and no added fat

Cholesterol-free: less than 2 milligrams

Sugar-free: less than 0.5 gram

Low: would allow frequent consumption of a food low in a nutrient without exceeding the dietary guidelines

Low-calorie: less than 40 calories

Low-sodium: less than 140 milligrams

Very low-sodium: less than 35 milligrams

Lowfat: less than 3 grams

Low in saturated fat: less than 1 gram and less than 15 percent of calories from saturated fat

Low in cholesterol: 20 milligrams or less, with less than 2 grams of saturated fat

High: 20 percent or more of the Daily Reference Value for a nutrient

Good Source: Contains 10 to 19 percent of the Daily Reference Value for a particular nurtient

Sweeter Sweeteners

2012-09-10T03:35:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Sweeter Sweeteners

Sweeteners get a bad rap… for good reason. We are all on a sugar high that is raising insulin levels, expanding waistlines, and increasing our risk for disease. To still enjoy the sweetness of life choose a smarter sweetener!

Evaporated Cane Sugar- closest to plain ‘ol white sugar, but without all the processing. This way it keeps more nutrients (that would have been lost in processing).

Stevia- no calories, no glycemic index, and 100 percent natural!

Agave Nectar- good dose of vitamins and minerals with a low glycemic index

Sucanat- this is an organic unrefined cane sugar that is minimally processed to retain the good vitamins

Maple Syrup- simply the sap from maple trees… pure and simple. Packs more calcium than milk and loaded with zinc and manganese!

Honey- incredible antifungal and antibacterial properties, great for both eating and using as a topical ointment

How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Prevent Hearing Loss

2012-09-04T03:14:00Z

Posted By: John O'Connor

According to John O’Connor, an activist for healthy families and healthy aging, a healthy lifestyle is one that includes steps to keep your hearing in as good a shape as possible. And it all boils down to these six tips and six steps.

A Matter of Volume

The intensity of sound is measured in decibels. Sound that reaches 85 or more decibels can damage your hearing, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. To give you an idea of how loud that is, consider that normal conversation is about 60 decibels. Many powered construction tools ,such as chainsaws, create sound at more than 100 decibels.

How Often is Too Often?

One time can be one time too often. Although chronic exposure to loud sounds is bad, you don’t have to be a construction worker or someone in another loud industry to harm your hearing. Experts say even being exposed just one time to a very loud noise can leave you with permanent hearing loss. So keep an ear out for potentially damaging sound environments, and steer clear.

Other Causes of Hearing Loss

Exposure to loud sound is not the only thing that causes hearing loss. The simple process of aging also results in some loss of hearing for many people. Heredity plays a role here; some families are more prone to becoming hard of hearing than others. According to the Mayo Clinic, an ear infection or injury, such as a ruptured ear drum, can also cause hearing loss.

How to Protect Your Hearing

There are many things you can do to keep your ears in good shape for life:

1. Try to find a job that doesn’t expose you to loud noises. If you must work in such an industry, always wear earplugs or other protective devices rated for the decibels to which you are exposed.

2. Enjoy music within safe decibel ranges.

3. Take care of ear infections right away. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, make sure to take all of it.

4. Don’t ignore a fever. Some illnesses, such as meningitis, that cause high fevers can harm your hearing.

5. Do not poke things in your ears.

6. Keep your ears clean and avoid a buildup of wax.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

You may be experiencing a decrease in your ability to hear if you begin having a hard time understanding someone talking to you. This can be especially true when you are in a room with background noise. You may also need to turn your television or radio up to hear it better.

What to Do If you Have Difficulty

If you think you might have hearing loss, talk to your doctor. He will test whether there are any ranges of sound which you can’t hear clearly. If you do have some hearing loss, there are many hearing aids available today that can help you hear people around you so you can enjoy a high quality of life again.

Get Fresh Challenge Wrap Up!

2012-08-31T16:42:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Challenge: Continue to follow our tips and tricks for getting fresh as you sail with ease through the new school year. Studies show it takes three weeks to form a habit. Follow our tips and tricks for one more week and you’ll be feeling fresh in no time!

Fresh Tip: Keep the challenge fun for the whole family by logging your progress on a calendar or to-do list on the refrigerator. Stickers and colorful markers are great incentives for the little ones.

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Get Fresh Challenge #5 - Get Naturally Beautiful!

2012-08-29T13:32:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Challenge: Simply use less products everyday! You’ll reduce your risk of being exposed to toxic chemicals that find their way into beauty products everywhere. Get a reusable bag and go through your medicine cabinet. That eye shadow you purchased on sale that you never wear? Put it in the bag. Go through the rest of your products and try to get down to the bare minimum. Face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, mascara, and lip balm are my essentials. After a week of keeping extra products in the bag you’ll see how little you really need. Hey! A fresh faced, au naturale you is always more beautiful!

Fresh Tip: Natural does not mean safe. The beauty industry has yet to develop standards for taglines like “natural” and “organic”. To be certain your exposure to harmful chemicals is limited just scale back on all those products in your medicine cabinet.

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Get Fresh Challenge #4 - Cook More!

2012-08-27T14:24:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Challenge: Cook at home! Get your apron on, round up the kids, and make cooking a family activity. It’s so easy to get into the routine of picking up a meal on the way home from work or heading out when the schedule gets hectic. Make it mandatory to eat at home 3-4 nights during the week. Remember, picking up a pizza is not a home-cooked meal!

Fresh Tip: Weeknights too busy to make cooking fun? Pick one day and purchase all your ingredients in advance. Planning ahead can make getting food on the table a whole lot easier!

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Get Fresh Challenge #3 - Get More Sleep!

2012-08-24T17:10:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Challenge: Get to bed 30 minutes earlier. Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation can lead to cravings, stress, and altered cognitive awareness. Your goal? 6-8 hours every night! That means being mindful of your daily routine. Be aware of your schedule and plan for a full eight hours; each day may be different but getting into a routine just takes a little practice. For those of us that don’t fall into a dreamy sleep as soon as our head hits the pillow allow an extra thirty minutes to unwind.

Fresh Tip: Start a bedtime routine. A bubble bath, aromatherapy, meditation, or a calm CD can foster peaceful sleep. Stimulants like email, television, or a phone call would be better saved for the afternoon.

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Get Fresh Challenge #2 - Eat more Fruits and Veggies!

2012-08-22T03:49:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Challenge: Opt for fruits and veggies in place of packaged items when reaching for a snack. Better yet? Make half of your plate fruits and veggies at mealtime. If you’re still hungry for a second helping at lunch and dinner stick to the challenge and have seconds of fruits and vegetables only! Remember, the greener it is the leaner it is and better for you!

Fresh Tip: Store prepared fruits and vegetables in glass containers at eyelevel in the fridge. Seeing those beautiful foods first will make healthy eating a no-brainer! Trying to cut back on your intake at dinnertime? Make vegetables the only option for seconds at the table.

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Get Fresh Challenge #1 - Get Hydrated!

2012-08-20T05:08:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

Your first challenge in the 2-week long challenge to Get Fresh is to GET HYDRATED!

Challenge: Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go. And don’t be afraid to refill it in sinks, drinking fountains and wherever else the well flows. Follow the 8x8 rule! Your goal is 8, 8oz glasses of water daily. The standard Nalgene water bottle holds 32oz, fill it up twice and you’ve met your goal. Exercising during the day? Double that number!

Fresh Tip: Flavor your water naturally with organic cucumbers, lemons, limes, or fruit. Add one of these ingredients to your ice cube tray for flavored ice!

Keep us Posted: Send us a message, your tips for success, or a picture of you engaging in the challenge! Reach us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow) and Twitter (@SaraSnow).

Sara Snow's Get Fresh Challenge Introduction

2012-08-18T06:58:00Z

Posted By: The Sara Snow Team

It’s that time of year again, a transition from the lazy days of summer into the cool, fresh, days of fall. It’s this time of year when we often notice a shift in priorities too. From school registration to fall sports our schedules find a way to get even busier. That’s why for the next two weeks we want you to put you (or even just a little bit of you) first and get fresh with us as we make a few lifestyle changes that will help us all feel as vibrant as the changing leaves we are soon to be surrounded by.

Here’s what to do: Log on to www.sarasnow.com every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next two weeks. That’s where we will provide you with new tips and tricks for living your freshest life. As you accept each day’s challenge you can use Facebook and Twitter to show us what you’re doing to stay active in the challenge. At the end of the month, one lucky winner, drawn at random from the responses received on facebook and twitter, will receive a prize basket full of green goodies hand selected by Sara Snow, including a signed copy of “Sara Snow’s Fresh Living”.

The more you participate the better your chances are to win!

Remember, send us your pictures and personal tips (recipes, time saving tricks, whatever!) for staying on track with the challenge. Tweet us at @SaraSnow and post to Facebook www.facebook.com/TheSaraSnow

The Get Fresh challenge starts Monday!!

Ask and You Shall Receive

2012-08-17T20:29:43Z

Posted By: Sara Snow

As moms, we have a right to stand up for the health of our families. In fact, it’s more than a right, it’s a responsibility. I’ve built a career (one that is mostly sidelined right now as I stay home with Silvia) around promoting, educating about, and helping people fight for healthier, more natural products and ways to live our lives.

Which is why a few months ago I posted a petition asking people to demand that Graco remove harmful chemical flame retardants from their children’s products…things like stroller and car seats. They listened! All it took was the ask.

Then this week because the people at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics asked, Johnson & Johnson has announced that it will reformulate its products and remove some of the “chemicals of concern” found in their adult and baby personal care and cosmetic products.

Now, inspired, Seventh Generation is calling on all personal care and cosmetic companies to “follow the Precautionary Principle” and remove all hazards from all products. They say there’s no reason it can’t be done since, “we’ve been providing parents and others with products that supply peace of mind for 25 years.”

And now, it’s up to you! What will you ask for? Safer parks in your neighborhood? Cleaner air in your city? Purer drinking water in your state? Stricter ingredient and labeling standards in your country? More love in your world?

Just ask! You’ll be surprised by what you’ll get.