Chick-fil-A Upcycling Project

chickfila

As a Chick-fil-A mom panelist I was given the opportunity to try their Chicken Tortilla Soup for a fun upcycling project #chickfilamomsDIY. While my husband had tried the soup and thought it was spicy and filling, I took the container and turned it into something that I already normally do – upcycling cartons for the garden. The challenge was to turn the Chick-fil-A soup bowls into something that is usable and in turn, helping to reduce waste for our planet. I thought up and down, left and right, turned around in circles and finally decided to reuse it as a seed planter. It was hard to think of something different having seen my fellow Chick-fil-A moms create some truly wonderful projects, but gardening is a great love and enjoyment of mine so why not turn the soup bowls into something I can use in my garden?

Whenever I do end up with plastic containers, I always use them for seed starting for plants that I can transplant into my garden or for the garden club students at my son’s school. A plastic tray can be easily carried and sturdy enough so that the seeds can grow on their own and at a much faster pace than if they were in the ground. I can move the tray in various spots around the house to absorb some sunlight or underneath a lamp during the days when the sun is hiding.

My upcycling project this year for the Chick-fil-A moms panel was easy but serves so well in what I need it for. I always tell myself that if something can be upcycled and given a new  chance at life, then reuse them whenever possible.

If you’re interested in learning how to upcycle your plastic containers, think about what you can use them for that gives them a longer purpose. Planting seeds and starting seedlings is a great and healthy way to grow your own vegetables, herbs, and even certain fruits. Below is a photo of Arugula seeds that I planted a few days ago with my garden club students. It’s super easy to achieve – all you need are some organic seeds of plants or flowers you wish to grow, organic soil, water, sun, and a safe place to grow them. Plant the seedlings outside according to their instructions or growth limit so that they can grow to their full potential.

cfa-dyi

If you’re interested in learning more about Chick-fil-A and their endeavor to help protect the earth, visit their website: www.chick-fil-a.com for more info.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Thayers Natural Products

 

 

thayers

With the rise of environmental and health awareness around the world, it’s no wonder we are getting smarter and more conscientious of the products we buy and companies we support. I came across Thayers (https://www.thayers.com/) while at the Natural Products Expo and was happy to learn that Thayers has been around for over 100 years in the natural health industry. With a generous variety of personal care and health remedies, Thayers has steadily grown to be well-known throughout the country. Family-owned and operated, Thayers originally began with a family of doctors and grew their products using ingredients found in nature to help relieve certain ailments and illnesses. Their witch hazel formula can be found in many of their products and is a major component in personal health remedies.

thayers

Currently, Thayers products include Witch Hazel (made with organic ingredients), Witch Hazel Body Bars, Dry Mouth Sprays, Lozenges, Lip Balms, and their newest editions of Healthcare Remedies. The Healthcare Remedies include Allergy & Sinus Relief, Dry & Itchy Skin Relief, and Arthritis & Joint Relief. I was given samples of their Witch Hazel astringent and toners, body bars, lip balms, and healthcare remedy collection. I have to say that the Lavender Mint Witch Hazel smelled wonderfully and cleansed my face really well after each wash. Witch Hazel has been used therapeutically for many centuries and are used mainly for beauty treatments nowadays.

witch-hazel

There are many health benefits to Witch Hazel but it is mostly known for its astringent and antiseptic properties, which are useful for treating inflamed or irritated skin. The tannins found in the Witch Hazel plant have potent antioxidant properties and can be used to treat many types of skin conditions including minor cuts and abrasions, skin inflammation, and eczema. Witch Hazel is best used as a topical treatment and should not be ingested.

Besides the Witch Hazel astringent, my other two favorites are the lip balms and the soap. The lip balms gave me a nice minty feeling and kept my lips moisturized for awhile. But since I tend to bite my lips more often than I should, I did have to reapply the lip balm several times a day. The Witch Hazel soaps stayed in its shape quite well and that’s one thing I’m always concerned about. My husband uses soap and it makes me sad when I see soap being wasted in the shower because of the running water. The Thayers soap kept its shape well enough that the soap lasted a long time and lathered up pretty well.

You can find Thayers at most natural grocery stores or at online retailers including Thayers own website: https://www.thayers.com/.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Review of The Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen

ewg

Ever wonder why certain foods must be purchased organically grown and others are not as strictly enforced? Well, that’s because organically grown food are not sprayed or treated with toxic pesticides and herbicides. The soil and irrigation do not contain pesticides or toxic chemicals thereby ensuring a much cleaner crop down the line. Non-organic food however, are grown with heavily used pesticides and herbicides to maintain their growth along with being genetically modified for a bigger crop.

Each year or so, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes their “Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen” Shopper Guide listing twelve of the most heavily contaminated fruits and vegetables versus the “cleaner” fifteen most popular fruits and vegetables that are not heavily sprayed with chemicals. I’ve attached the graphic for you to see, but you can also go online to their website to download a copy to print out and keep (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php)

VEGGIE GARDEN - NEW

Here is the infographic for 2016 which I’m sure in 2017 one or a few of these will change. These types of food are tested and measured for the residual amount of toxic pesticides so the most heavily treated ones are on the top.

The Dirty Dozen are ones you should always buy organic while the Clean Fifteen are ones that, while may not always be organic, the residual toxic chemicals are at lower risk.

 

ewg

We might not always have the luxury of buying organic food all of the time. But there are certain foods we should really pay attention to how they’re grown. Now more than ever, we need to be diligent about what we buy, who we support, and how to keep our bodies and mind clean. Organically grown food are easier to find now and prices are more reasonable than years ago. When you plan your shopping and know what you’re buying then organic food will naturally become the first choice when you shop.

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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California Water H2O Challenge

 

Cal Water H2O Challenge

Living in California definitely has it’s advantages – fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful coastal scenery. But like any other state, there are also drawbacks in the rewards. Take for instance the water drought California has been dealing with for the past few years. One would think we would get an abundance of rain with the sunshine, but rain just hasn’t been a friend during the last couple of years. That’s why conserving water is so important for the state of California. Without water and clean water that is, our health would be greatly affected and the environment will deplete as well.

This year I was approached to write about California’s Cal Water H2O Challenge. As an environmental advocate, I find the value of conserving water and educating others on this matter an important part of living in this world. It’s not just California who needs to concentrate on conserving water but everyone around the country. Water is one of the most precious resources and we need it to survive. Below you will find details about the Cal Water H2O Challenge and how you can get involved.

waterchallenge

The Cal Water H2O Challenge is a project-based, environmentally-focused
competition for classrooms, grades 4-6. Designed in conjunction with
NAAEE, the WestEd K-12 Alliance, and Cal Water, and aligned with the
Common Core State Standards and complimentary to the Next Generation
Science Standards, Cal Water H2O Challenge offers a unique opportunity
for upper elementary teachers to facilitate their students’ learning of
standards-based content, while developing the core understanding of
environmental principles necessary to becoming science-literate citizens.

Since running the Garden Club at my son’s school for the past 3 years, I’ve learned a lot about water conservation as well as teaching the students the necessity of it. As the drought no doubt will continue for another couple of years it’s important for me to teach my son and the students about conserving water. One of the important lessons I impart on the kids is about distribution of water. While my son learns to dump his unused water in our garden to feed our plants, at school I try to teach the students to do the same. Too often I see kids just throw away the water bottle instead of recycling at the school. I’m not sure if the teachers dump the water in the plants around the school – which I hope they do – but whenever I see a child pour out the water on the ground, I stop them and tell them to pour it in the plants. I then explain to them that not only are they helping to water the plants but because of our drought situation, the school is watering the grounds less. And the “ah-ha!” moment that alights in their eyes is such a delight as they realize that there is no need to waste water. Kids are constantly learning and it’s important to teach them the values and structures of being responsible and caring.

calwater

Although the Cal Water H2O challenge is for certain school districts in California, on the site you can take a pledge for your school or classroom to show your support for water conservation. But the most exciting part of this competition is winning prizes! Here are the prizes offered to the winners:

Grand Prize
Class Celebration: Classroom tent-camping
trip to the Santa Monica Mountains with
NatureBridge
Class Funding: $3,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

2nd Place
Class Celebration: A Pizza Party
Class Funding: $2,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

3rd Place
Class Funding: $2,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

4th Place
Class Funding: $1,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

All Participant Prizes
Student Recognition: An official certificate of
participation for every student
Teacher Recognition: A teacher certificate
Teacher Gift: An AMEX gift card

And here are the important highlights of the competition:

* Registration for the Cal Water H2O Challenge ends on January 31,
2017

* The students of participating classrooms initiate, develop, and
implement a 4-8 week-long project (or longer at teacher discretion),
focusing on caring for water. This class-based project explores water as
a global resource and as a local resource, while tackling a local water
problem in an individual and community-based endeavor.

* Upon completion of the project, students create a final portfolio
documenting their work. This portfolio, along with accompanying
cover sheets, student reflections, and a teacher reflection, constitute
the final submission. Submissions are due February 28, 2017.

* Objective Rubric: Judging of the competition will be conducted by a
panel of experts working in education and/or an environmental field
and will use an objective rubric, developed with the help of the West
Ed / K-12 Alliance. This rubric evaluates the water topic choice, project
goals, action plan, and outcomes, long term benefits, integration with
student learning and curriculum, student participation, impact on
student learning, presentation, and impact on teacher practice.

So if you do live in California and would like your school to participate in the challenge, please visit the contest website for more info about registration:

https://challenge.calwater.com/

Remember that registration ends on January 31, 2017, so as soon as school resumes after winter break, tell your teachers, your principals, anyone who is involved in the school district about this exciting, educational, and rewarding competition! Even if your school doesn’t win tangible prizes, remember that the students will win merits in responsibility and caring for the environment.

Best of luck to your school and don’t forget to register!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Give the Gift of Nature – Holiday Edition

BAY LEAF TREES

Jingle bells are jingling, cold weather approaching, and bright colorful decoration are upon us as the winter holiday season has quickly arrived. Each year it seems as if stores are putting up their holiday decorations earlier than the last and advertisement for Black Friday deals have literally attacked my inbox even months before. I have barely put away my Halloween decorations before ads of sales and savings make their way into my mailbox. And each year I tell myself to start shopping earlier so that I don’t stress out during the holiday season when everyone else is buying presents at the last minute. I want to relax and savor moments of freedom and quietness from the rush of crowds sure to camp out at my favorite stores.

But buying should be done responsibly and with the environment in mind. Not only are the holidays the most festive time of the year, it is also the most wasteful. We may spend thousands of dollars buying gifts and wrapping paper and decorations without really thinking about the impact all of these things create for our planet.

If you’re still looking for gift ideas, below I’ve listed companies and gift ideas with the environment in mind. Most of these items can be found at natural grocery stores as well as certain major supermarkets and specialty stores. You can also find their products on their website.

FOOD GIFTS:

Sure, most people enjoy receiving gifts of food for the holidays but choosing the right ones are important if you take extra care in buying the right kind. Food gifts can be gourmet or simpler depending on who you’re giving it too and how personal it is. And if you’re a great baker, baked goods should look as delectable as possible and try to only use natural and organic ingredients.

Gourmet Coffee and/or Tea – when giving coffee or tea, choose brands that take coffee and tea seriously. We may feel inclined to buy the ones we see in supermarkets, but take care in choosing companies that grow coffee from Rainforest Certified plantations and are Fair Trade. Both certifications verify that coffee is grown without damaging precious land and resources and proceeds go back to the farms and workers. Tea should be high quality and preferably grown without any pesticides or herbicides. There are many varieties of tea but the most popular ones are green, black, oolong, and chai. Coffee should be organic as well to ensure the beans aren’t sprayed with toxic pesticides or grown in chemically treated soil. Just like any other non-organic food, chemicals can leak into the food you eat and into your body. Good organic and fair trade companies include Newman’s Own Organics (http://www.newmansown.com/) which donates all proceeds to charity and Equal Exchange which supports small farmers, their communities, and the environment (http://equalexchange.coop/).

Gourmet Snacks – I love making food baskets for individuals who enjoy opening up the gift and selecting something different to try each day. When it comes to snacks or food in baskets, it’s a nice thought to pack items that the recipient don’t usually get for themselves because they’re hard to find. Buy items from brands that are the recipient’s favorites and in similar categories so you can include several different products. Recently I tried a new brand of organic popcorn called Quinn (http://www.quinnsnacks.com/) and I was so impressed with their products that I had to buy a few bags to give to my nieces and nephews. I enjoy freshly popped popcorn but not the kind that you find in chemically treated plastic bags. Quinn Microwave Popcorn come in a special non-toxic microwavable bag using only organic, Non-GMO Certified corn. The ingredients are simple yet the flavors are full of complex sensations. The popcorn are airy and light and taste as fresh as if you plucked the corn from the field and popped them on the stove. There are currently five different flavors of microwave popcorn and the boxes are cute and whimsical enough to put into gift baskets. If you’re making a theme out of the gift baskets (which is always fun!), I recommend a movie theme to include Quinn Microwave Popcorn, healthy sweets such as organic chocolates and gummy candy (http://www.surfsweets.com/), some natural soda or juice, and DVDs or movie theater tickets.

quinnsnacks

(Sorry, Elf on the Shelf…all the Quinn popcorn were popped!)

NATURE GIFTS:

In going along with the theme of natural gifts, giving gifts that come from nature is suitable for many. Nature gifts include anything that comes from and gives back to nature. When purchasing gifts made from nature, try to buy sustainable products which means products that can regrow and does not take away from its natural source.

Plants – There’s something quite unique about plants as gifts. Plants can be great gifts for virtually anyone of any age and interest. The recipient doesn’t have to be a plant lover to enjoy plants. When you see a beautiful plant in a decorative pot it always brings a smile no matter what. But take care in buying plants that are easy to manage for the novice and for the more experienced gardener, give them something unique and more complex. Visit your local nursery or buy online from well-known nurseries and farms. Be careful when buying plants from grocery stores as most of them are conventionally grown and may not last as long. Plants make great gifts because they can last many many years and can also be planted into the ground to last even longer.

Experiences – While experience gifts can fall into almost any category, this year give the gift of nature. A great and meaningful experience gift can be an annual membership to a museum or park. Many museum memberships can be low cost but offer so much for members. If you know the interests of your recipient, give them museum memberships tailored to what they like – art museum for art lovers; nature museum for the conservationist; automotive museums for the car lover, and so forth.

GIFTS FOR THE HOME:

Buying gifts for the home can be tricky especially if you don’t know the recipient well. But gifts for the home can be meaningful and useful no matter who you give them to. Just keep the gift simple yet elegant and consider a gift that can be used multiple times.

Keeping the house clean – For that one person who is a clean freak but also an environmentally aware shopper, consider giving gift baskets from companies who produce eco-friendly supplies. A great company to try would be If You Care (http://www.ifyoucare.com/) where all their products are sourced and manufactured using renewable, recyclable, and sustainable materials. And of course one of my most favorite home care company is Earth Friendly Products (ECOS). With their new line of environmentally-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products (http://ecos.com/), you’ll definitely find some great products to put inside the basket. Try their newest Hypoallergenic Dish Soap in Winterpine scent which is perfect for this holiday season.

Putting together a non-toxic, sustainable household gift basket is a great way to show you care about your recipient and help them become more “green” as well. The gift basket can include items such as natural cleaners for the home, natural sponges and reusable cleaning cloths.

winter

For the gardener – Gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding experience a person can have. When you grow your own garden whether full of edible plants or not, you are enjoying the beautiful gifts of nature while giving back to nature as well. Consider a garden basket for a specific garden or yard. Try a butterfly garden where the recipient can plant flowers and plants that attract butterflies. Add in seeds, some plant seedlings, gloves, shovels, and pruning shears and your recipient will enjoy a bountiful garden for many years.

For the food connoisseur – Who doesn’t love food, right? Especially if the food is delicious and healthy. But consider giving gourmet food to make the recipient feel extra special and appreciated. Go beyond even that and buy from farmers markets and locally sourced farms and manufacturers. Locally produced products helps these smaller companies, reduce carbon footprint, and are usually very unique and special. You can find locally sourced products at natural grocery stores and your neighborhood small business shops.

There are many factors to consider when buying gifts to help the environment as well as making it special. When you give gifts of nature that are sourced responsibly, promote healthier living, and are naturally beautiful, you are showing your gift recipients that you care about their health and well- being.

Happy Holidays and have a fun and safe shopping experience!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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