13.1 Training Program Update

As the holiday season is in full-swing, it is becoming increasingly harder to stay on task with my training program. In order to successfully run P.F. Chang's Rock-N-Roll Half-Marathon in January, I've determined that it is imperative to start keeping a journal. If I write down my nutrition, supplements, and workouts I will be able to review how much I am eating, how my weight and body fat percentages are fluctuating, and use my journal as an all-around motivating tool. I did end up pulling a muscle in the middle of my back which is not only causing me discomfort, but is also making it difficult to take deep breaths. I am going to continue to work through the pain and most of all remember to be diligent to stretch! Stretching is something I have neglected, and this incident was a nice reminder to stay focused on a well-rounded workout.

I also realized that I haven't been taking in enough calories. Since I started my program a few weeks ago, I've had trouble falling asleep because my stomach was crying "Feed Me!" I didn't want to start breaking down muscle so I started drinking protein shakes before bed. I did a lot of research to find a shake that was dairy free, and found an excellent brand called Vega. Brendan Brazier, an Iron Man triathlete founded this plant-based meal replacement and has experienced excellent results! There are 25 grams of protein per serving and it comes from hemp, yellow pea, brown rice, flax and chlorella. It has a nice flavor, and definitely takes care of my hunger pangs. Overall, I am looking forward to the big event in Phoenix, and it will help keep me inspired even as I enjoy all of the colorful and festive food during the holidays.

The Gift of Spirit - Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum

One of the most impressive products I've tried so far in my search for an organic skincare regimen that works best with my problematic skin is the Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum by Organic Apoteke. I bought this remedy from Spirit Beauty Lounge, which is quickly becoming my favorite on-line boutique. Spirit carries hard to find product lines, but also mixes things up by offering beautiful reusable shopping bags, trendy evening bags made of reclaimed or renewable materials, and jewelry that is not only made of recycled goods but is absolutely gorgeous. (My favorite bracelet is the Alex and Ani Tigris bangles in Russian Silver). I want one of everything from this store, and the fact they have amazing personalized customer service only makes me want to patronize them more. When I first received the Rasayana serum, my face was having a bit of a temper tantrum. I stared at the bright orange formula in the bottle, and was actually a little intimidated to try it. The packaging also had a sticker that read, "I'm active and might make you blush." Needless to say, it sat in my cabinet for a few days until I said to myself, "ah, what do I have to lose?" It did make my skin turn a little red but only for 10-15 minutes. I used it before I went to bed so it had time to work while my skin was at rest. I woke up the next morning with noticeably smaller pores, smoother lines, and best of all my face was calm and clear. There were no red 'blotchies' as is usually the case, and frankly I was quite amazed. I've been using it in the evenings ever since with excellent results. I not only recommend this first-rate product, but also the full-line of Organic Apoteke. I have been using the Buttermilk Cleanser as well as the Balancing Rose Toner, and am thoroughly enjoying their calming effect. Next, I will be ordering the "Staff Favorite" Detox Mask, and am sure I won't be disappointed. Please be sure to check out Spirit Beauty Lounge for a wide variety of beauty products and chic accessories that you're sure to love. Spirit also has fabulous gift ideas, so get your wish list ready!

Two Gems from Dr. Hauschka

Two personal care products that I knew would be a challenge to find are an effective deodorant and a perfect lip balm. Enter Dr. Hauschka. Dr. Hauschka has been the front-runner of natural beauty for 40 years. After many attempts at trying natural deodorants, I felt like I was offending people with my 'eco-stink'. Plain and simple, they just weren't working out for me. So, after reading several reviews I bought Dr. Hauschka's roll-on deodorant. There are 2 scents to choose from, Fresh and Floral. I bought Fresh, and it holds up to its name. It keeps me feeling fresh all day, has a mild citrus scent, and a little goes a long way. I will definitely purchase this again because it's wonderfully effective, and I wouldn't want to chance having my mother tell me that I'm "a little stinky" again. What are mothers for anyway? (Thanks, Mom).

In my quest for a "greener" lip balm that was free of parabens and other toxins that I don't want in my personal care products especially on my mouth, I bought Dr. Hauschka's Lip Care Stick. Not only is it nourishing, but I can also go for 6-8 hours without having to reapply. It has a great texture, is completely soothing, and even works on those dry, winter days when it feels like your lips may fall off. I will never have to go looking for the lip balm "holy grail" thanks to Dr. Hauschka. To purchase these items or to view more of Dr. Hauschka's line, visit www.saffronrouge.com. Kirsten only carries the highest-quality brands in the industry and has outstanding customer service.

Animal Proteins Be Gone!

(Well, not entirely...at least yet). Instead of going "cold turkey," (pardon the pun), I am slowly transitioning to a plant-based diet. There are, of course, both pros and cons to joining either Team Herbivore or Team Carnivore over the long term. The more I study, however, the more I discover that animals are not only being injected with hormones to cause them to grow as big as they can in the least amount of time, but a recent study directed by UC San Diego's School of Medicine also shows that a molecule, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), specifically from animal proteins has been discovered in human cancer tumors. For me, the most eye-opening finding is that this molecule is present regardless of whether or not the animal was organically raised, free-range or farmed in a factory! I always thought if I was paying a lot extra for organic meat, it was perfectly safe to eat. For more information on the study published just last week, visit Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Now I realize at some point, you might want to throw your arms up in defeat and say that everything in our modern culture causes cancer. We are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information on a daily basis, but I believe each of us has to find a balance that harmonizes with our values, beliefs, and lifestyle. Personally, I have struggled with skin irritations and stomachaches. I need to eliminate what is adversely affecting my health and am on a mission to figure out what causes this unwanted inflammation in my body. As a result, I am slowly weeding out animal proteins from my diet starting with dairy products and taking baby steps from there. I wanted to include four of my favorite vegetarian recipes that make me forget meat even exists:

Steph's Favorite Breakfast:
½ cup organic old-fashioned oatmeal
¼ cup Pacific almond milk
Half of an organic banana, sliced
¼ cup organic blueberries
5-6 raw walnuts
Organic brown sugar, just a pinch

Preparation: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add ½ cup dry oats and cook on low-medium heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and ENJOY!

Steph's Favorite Lunch:
I found this recipe from Sophie Uliano's book, Gorgeously Green. It is easy to make and absolutely scrumptious. Sophie has other amazing recipes to choose from, all of which have been big hits with my husband. Here's hoping Sophie writes a cookbook next!

Gorgeously Green Crunchy Wrap:
Whole-wheat tortilla
3-Tbsp hummus
1 avocado
4 black olives
Extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and ground pepper
¼ cucumber, sliced thin
Lettuce leaves
1 carrot, grated

Preparation: Warm the tortilla. Then take the hummus (I buy a local brand that is pre-made) and spread on top. Next, mash an avocado, and spread it over top. Drizzle a little olive oil on with some salt and pepper. Then add your olives, carrot, cucumber, and lettuce. Roll into a wrap and see what I'm talking about!

Steph's Favorite Chili for a winter evening:
This recipe is from my prized website, Cooking Light. Subscription members have free-on-line access to their recipe database. I originally received a subscription to this magazine as a gift, (thanks, Christina) and I've been renewing ever since. (If you think this might be the right gift to give to your loved one this holiday season, click here).

Chunky Vegetarian Chili
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 (16-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add sugar and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. I add green chilis to mine to make it a little spicier but either way it is delicious and flavorful. It also got great reviews!

Lastly, I just happened upon this recipe on cookinglight.com as well, and had all of the ingredients to make it. I threw it together last night and it was sheer perfection. The presentation is gorgeous and the taste is exquisite, especially if you like butternut squash. If I continue to find more recipes like this one, I'll become a vegetarian sooner than I anticipated! My husband and I give this a 5 out of 5 stars.

Quick Fall Minestrone (FYI, there's a lot of chopping involved so it's not necessarily "quick")
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
2 1/2 cups (3/4-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
2 1/2 cups (3/4-inch) cubed peeled baking potato
1 cup (1-inch) cut green beans (about 1/4 pound)
1/2 cup diced carrot
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups chopped kale
1/2 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1 (16-ounce) can cannellini beans or other white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2 1/2 minutes or until tender. Add broth and the next 7 ingredients (broth through salt); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Add kale, orzo, and beans; cook 5 minutes or until orzo is done and vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with cheese.
Note: I did not use potatoes per the advice of other reviewers. I also simmered mine for about 15-20 minutes because I like my butternut squash to be soft, and then once I added the kale, orzo, and beans, I cooked for another 15 minutes. The results were delightful!

I'm Dreaming of a "Green" Christmas

As Christmas quickly approaches, I've already started shopping around for fun, eco-friendly stocking stuffer ideas. Here are some of my favorites so far:

For the outdoorsy type (or anyone with a busy lifestyle): Klean Kanteen bottles from www.springhome.com. When my husband and I are on the go, we like to fill our own water up from home to cut down on the environmental impact of bottled water. We typically use plastic bottles because we have so many of them, and they also fit well in the water bottle cages of our bikes. Unfortunately, these hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA. Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it disturbs hormone signaling in our bodies. BPA, a synthetic xenoestrogen, is linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and is harmful to young children. The Klean Kanteen is a stainless steel water bottle, free of BPA and toxins, and the 18 0z. fits into standard bike cages. They can be purchased at this environmentally conscious website that offers a host of eco-friendly products.


For the chocolate lover: Endangered Species Chocolate Bars from www.chocolatebar.com. This praiseworthy company not only makes decadent chocolate, but they also set commendable business standards. They only buy their cacao from small farmers to help sustain their habitats and communities, and make sure the workers are humanely treated and paid a fair price. They also give 10% of their profits to help support endangered species! I give Endangered Species Chocolate Bars my highest recommendation, and enjoy their chocolate on a daily basis. It’s like celebrating Christmas every day!



For the coffee spiller: www.ochelly.com. If you are constantly frustrated with the little coffee spills on your carpet, then you’ll be happy to give “I Am Not A Paper Cup” to your significant other. Reusable and eco-friendly, they eliminate the need for paper coffee cups altogether, and are especially great to take to work. My favorite part? They have a secure lid.


For the candle addict: www.grasshopper510.com. This “green” website offers reclaimed, repurposed, recycled, and sustainable items to choose from! I love their Soybeam candles, and there are 4 heavenly scents that are sure to please. You can reuse the recycled glass jar once the candle is gone. The packaging is made from recycled materials, and printed with soy-based inks. An eco-find for sure!


For the “peanut” in your life: www.organicrush.com. A darling bib and burp set that is 100% certified organic cotton, and certain to put a smile on Mom’s face. Organic rush has many other fun, creative eco-friendly gift ideas!




For the gardener: www.organicstyle.com. A great book for gardeners who need a little extra guidance. Provides helpful solutions to common problems in an easy to read and enjoyable manner. Organic Style is also a great website for a variety of gifts.



For your furry friend who always obeys on command: Ha! (We love ‘em anyway!) www.organicstyle.com. Your little sweetie will definitely be your best friend for life after discovering a 24-piece Gourmet Canine Confection box in their stocking. The treats look so good, you may even be tempted to try one!



For your eco-challenged loved one: www.organic-essence.com. A winter-perfect organic shea cream in the world’s first biodegradable jar. There are delicious scents to choose from including grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass, and vanilla orange. Your loved one will appreciate a step in the right direction after realizing such an ingenious concept!

For anyone who digs a little retro-style: www.treadlightgifts.com. LP drink coasters are created from an original record, and come in an assortment of 6 vintage labels. They are sure to be a conversation item in your living room. Tread Light Gifts is also a member of 1% for the planet, and offer creative gift ideas for many different occasions.


For the girly-girl: www.soapandpaperfactory.com. This is one of my favorite on-line boutiques. Their recycled papers are made in gorgeous prints, and their coveted soaps are made without waxes, petroleum, and animal bi-products. I recommend any and everything from this site. They also give you ideas on how to make use of leftover materials. Love it!

Dear John, "Where have you been all my life?"

After finding out about all of the chemically-laden ingredients in shampoo, conditioner, and styling aids, I decided to give my beloved Bumble and Bumble hair products the boot once and for all. Again, I find myself engrossed in the personal care section of Whole Foods, meticulously reading labels trying to determine what the safest, most effective products will be. I finally come across John Masters and remember reading some great reviews in Sophie Uliano’s book, Gorgeously Green, about how much she adores his line. I unscrew the cap from the Organic Bourbon Vanilla and Tangerine Texturizer and immediately want to eat it. This stuff is intoxicating and smells like orangesicle sorbet. I also inhale deeply of his Organic Citrus and Neroli Detangler, and I knew I found what I had been looking for. John Masters’ philosophy is “caring about yourself and caring about the earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive.” His products are certified organic and are made without GMO’s, parabens, DEA’s, MEA’s, TEA’s, sodium laurel sulfate, artificial color, artificial fragrance, or petrochemicals. I also bought the Organic Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo and Conditioner for damaged hair. Both the shampoo and conditioner work into a creamy lather. They also smell wonderful and treat me to a spa-like experience where I feel perfectly pampered. The detangler helped me to effortlessly get all of my tangles out, and the texturizer defined my curls and gave my hair great volume. If you don’t have a Whole Foods or store that sells John Masters near you, I highly recommend Future Natural to shop for his full line of skin and hair care. A double bonus! I was completely happy with all of his products, and know John and I are a match made in dreamsicle heaven.

The Benefits of Composting

I was so proud of my husband when he suggested the other day that we start composting. It’s great when your significant other is on-board with “going green!” There are many benefits to composting, namely that it helps the environment, we eliminate up to 40% of our trash, it turns our waste into something useful, it’s the best fertilizer available, and it’s FREE!

We have a sweet little garden in our backyard, but due to our dry, arid climate our parched soil doesn’t make for ideal growing conditions. Producing our own rich compost should really make a huge difference. I started researching a variety of composters because I am anxious to order one. There is a mess of information to go through, and many pros and cons for each style. We just have to decide what we are willing to put up with.

First, there is the bin style that looks like an upside down garbage can. We live in the foothills, and I can only imagine what kind of furry creatures would be attracted to our composter. The bin style also takes the most time to produce compost, possibly up to a year. You have to continually stir it, but the biggest downside is that you can’t keep adding scraps. Once you have a batch of compost going, you have to start a second batch. Many people end up buying two bins to accomplish this goal. In my opinion, it’s too much to deal with, plus I'm afraid that I might find critters enjoying a picnic in my backyard every day.

The second style of composter is the tumbler. This is a great choice since I am a little concerned about varmints running around. The unit sits above ground and is fully enclosed. You spin or crank depending on the model, and it locks in heat and moisture so you can produce compost in 6-12 weeks. There is also a fancier version available that has a dual-drum so you can continually add new material to it. You put your waste in the outer drum, and the finished compost flows into the inner drum. The biggest complaint I’ve read about the tumbler design is sometimes it can be hard to crank depending on where your compost has settled. There have also been design flaws where problems have ensued with the axis, which may not allow for proper spinning.

Third, there is the worm variety. You put your material in a unit filled with worms. You don’t have to deal with your compost at all because the worms happily do the work for you. Even though my mother was a 7th grade Biology teacher, and I was once used to playing with all kinds of slimy, scaly, furry creatures, I just can’t stomach the thought of having worms. I would be too grossed out.

Finally, there is the electric composter. This is my favorite, of course, because it is no-nonsense. Yes, I realize it’s the least “green” of the lot, but it only uses 10 watts of power, about as much as a night light. It costs on average about 50 cents per month, and is a lot less than the diesel-fueled trucks that would be hauling it off to the dump. The great thing about this style is weather is not an issue! Since heat is a necessary part of the composting process, you can’t produce compost in the wintertime. The electric composter can be placed indoors or out, and works regardless of cold or rain. They produce no odor, are fully automatic, new material can be added at any time, and you get finished compost in 2 weeks. Voila!

Regardless of what style we finally choose, it will be a joy to pick fresh, delicious vegetables from my garden, enjoy them at the dinner table, and send the scraps right back to the garden. What a beautiful thing.

Chemicals in Cosmetics

My sister-in-law and I have known each other since high school. We still tease each other over bad fashion, big hair, and scary blue eye shadow. There is something we still hold dear about those fluorescent jelly shoes but that’s another story. As sisters and as friends, we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, great laughs, fond memories, and, of course, the occasional hair pulling. The one thing we've both struggled with as individuals has been our skin. From breakouts to dryness to severe irritation, both of us have spent a decade on the prowl for products that would give us clear, glowing, beautiful skin. Living on opposite sides of the country, whenever we had opportunity to get together we would go through one another’s makeup bags, make suggestions to try and help each other, and genuinely empathize over the other’s skin woes. We’ve even been known to text or e-mail the name of a new product we thought might be the “holy grail.” But much to our dismay, we never found what we were looking for. Our skin just looked, well…bad.

I began to do more research and became increasingly disturbed after reading information on the Organic Consumers Association website about 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is a suspected carcinogen and is found in high concentrations in ingredients such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polysorbates, and laureth that are readily found in personal care products. Ironically enough, I happened to be in my second semester of Chemistry and immediately e-mailed my professor about this. I remember it was 1AM and I couldn’t sleep because I was just sick over reading about the lack of ethical responsibility on the part of conventional labels and even some organic brands! My professor responded by saying that there was such a negligible amount of toxins in each of these products that it shouldn’t cause rise for concern. Was he kidding? I counted the number of products I use on a daily basis, and embarrassing or not, I average about 20, (and this is not including manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair color every 6 weeks. And, yes, I’ve even been known to get Botox). I’ve been a heavy consumer of personal care products since the age of 15, and I’m supposed to think that all of the chemicals in the 20+ products I use per day over time doesn’t amount to anything! I decided to do some further investigation and discovered that the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded that “the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is a cause of concern.” This was after a study showed an increase in the number of nasal passage cancers in workers exposed to dioxane. I also learned sodium laurel sulfate can react with other chemicals to form cancer causing nitrosamines and dioxane, it can interfere with the reproductive system, cause eye damage, hair loss, and increased skin sensitivity. As if all of this information wasn’t alarming enough, I then found out that 1,4-dioxane wasn’t the only culprit amassed in personal care products. There’s also diethanolamine and triethanolamine (DEA and TEA), which can form carcinogens when mixed in products containing nitrate preservatives. Talc has been linked to ovarian cancer; coal tar dyes have also been linked to different forms of cancer, and can be found in cosmetics and lipsticks. Parabens are known hormone disrupters, can affect fertility, and have been found in breast tumors. Toluene found in nail polish may cause spontaneous abortion to women exposed to it, cause liver damage, and may also attack the central nervous system. This, by no means, is an exhaustive list. There are many thorough resources out there that will tell you exactly what different ingredients are and how they can affect your body. One that I recommend is www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition is the leading international authority on this topic and has written a number of books all of which are very insightful.

Needless to say, I started educating myself on ingredients so I would know exactly what I was slathering on my skin. I gave a speech in my Cell and Molecular Biology class much to the horror of my classmates. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has outstanding materials to use in order to shine light on this topic including fact sheets, recent news, talking points, and even outlines how to host a healthy cosmetics party to help spread the word.

Several months had gone by since my sister-in-law and I had talked, and when we were finally able to catch up again, surprisingly found out that she too had been researching the very same thing! Plus, she had already switched over to more organic products than I had. We were both righteously angry with all of the major cosmetics brands that we had given thousands of dollars to over the years that not only helped to exacerbate our problems, but also potentially damaged our health. Ever since, we’ve been exploring all of these exciting new brands that we had never heard of before: Suki, Pangea, Dr. Alkaitis, Living Nature, Organic Apoteke, Suzanne aux bains, and Alima Pure, just to name a few. It’s like starting all over again, so we share what works and what doesn’t which saves time, money, and frustration along the way. Please note that not every product labeled "organic" is free of toxins. There are actually organic companies undergoing litigation because they were still putting harmful ingredients in their organically marked products. You must read labels. As I have mentioned before there are several on-line boutiques that have already done the legwork for you. If you are a busy mom, have a demanding career or anything in between, you can purchase products from these websites with absolute assurance that what you’re buying has already been carefully researched for its safety, effectiveness, and standards of business practice. These boutiques include Spirit Beauty Lounge, Saffron Rouge, and Future Natural. The goal of most of us is to care for our bodies and live long, healthy, productive lives. My hope is that you will utilize this eye-opening information for the health and well being of you and your loved ones.

Training for a Half-Marathon

I've discovered that I do better when I have an event, like a half-marathon, to train for. Otherwise, I get a little bored with my exercise routine and easily lose motivation. I ran two half-marathons this year to see what all the hype was about, and I loved it. The energy that the runners bring, and the electricity that surrounds me makes me excited to be alive. I am inspired by all of the women who have amazing bodies to show for their hard work. I am invigorated by the people cheering me on at every mile giving me the extra boost I need, and the rush of adrenaline I get as I reach mile 11, then 12, and finally 13, is awesome. Both runs this year were learning experiences more than anything. I learned to become more in tune with my body, discovered what my limitations are, the importance of stretching and weight training, what I should eat, and how much I should drink. Training for a half-marathon introduces stricter discipline, and that discipline spills over into the different compartments and areas of my life.

Lately, I have been getting a little antsy and decided to look for a run that might stir a little excitement. I found one on January 18, 2009, in Phoenix called P.F. Chang’s Rock N Roll Arizona. They have 70 bands and 40 cheer squads, give away P.F. Chang’s gift certificates, t-shirts, and finisher medals. They also have a finish line party, and award tickets to the headliner concert that evening. My birthday is in January so I thought this would be the perfect way to celebrate. I have exactly 10 weeks to train, and start on Monday. I will run 4 days a week, weight train 2 days a week, and then take Sundays off. I will blog about my progress each week, my highs and lows, which will also help me to be accountable and keep on track. This week I will run 3 miles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and then 4 miles on Saturday. I am so thankful to have a treadmill because the days are shorter and it is getting really cold, so this leaves me without excuse to get my runs in.

My husband has been my biggest inspiration for staying in shape and discovering my inner-athlete. He participated in Primal Qwest Montana in July of this year which is coined the ‘World’s Most Challenging Human Endurance Competition.’ He Mountain biked and hiked a total of 500 miles in 10 days. He is also the president of the adventure-racing club in our city and motivates me to reach new heights in challenging my mind and body. He is pretty amazing, and his passion for healthy competition has caused me to 'up my game' so much more than I otherwise would have.

If you are interested in marathons, triathlons are other events across the country I recommend you check out www.active.com and www.marathonguide.com for more information. Also, be sure to check out Nike’s shoe recycling program at www.nikereuseashoe.com. Challenge yourself to reach new peaks in 2009!

The Body Deli is Delicious!

On a rare day when I receive outstanding, personalized, customer service I feel like shouting it from the rooftop. Not only did I have a great conversation about the delicious collection of products with the experts from The Body Deli, but I was also impressed at how well their raw, organic “skin food” works! They went out of their way to make sure I was getting exactly what I needed for my skin type, and also followed up with an e-mail to make certain I was happy. They have a delectable looking menu on-line and will also send a “take-out menu” with your order. (It’s darling!) So far I've tried the Sea Cucumber Gelee and it was nothing short of sheer bliss! It was shipped on ice as it’s supposed to be kept in the fridge. I chose USPS priority shipping and it was still nice and cold when I received it. The gelee is perfectly refreshing and sinks right into my skin. After a long, stressful day, I love to come home and wash all the dirt and pollutants from my skin and use the gelee to "feed my face" the essential antioxidants it needs, and to help calm, soothe, and tone down redness. Their philosophy is to feed the skin premium “super foods” as to get the added benefits of live enzymes, minerals, and amino acids. Just as we nourish our body so it functions at its optimum, we should also nourish our skin in much the same way. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Alicia Silverstone, and Robert Downey, Jr. are also big fans of The Body Deli! I highly recommend their products and guarantee that you will be delighted at their first-class customer service. I’ve already placed my second order! Bon appétit!

When You Eat Can Make a Difference

I come from a family of overeaters. I am Italian and have understood from an early age that food is an essential part of our culture. When I am with my family, much of our time is occupied by planning what our next meal will be, how it will be prepared, and when we will eat. It’s all very organized and well thought out. Because food has been such an integral part of my upbringing, I am in school going back for another degree in Nutrition. Much like my mother, I have yo-yo dieted and tried almost every fad diet out there. Of course, these crazy diets never work. A girl can’t live on a strict diet of chicken and green beans, let alone for two weeks straight! What was I thinking? As a result of my education, I have been able to pick up some great tips along the way. I have also been inspired by some of my professors who have helped me to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. I have successfully dropped 12 pounds since last year and have been able to keep the weight off. I’ve done this by eating smaller meals throughout the day. I always eat breakfast, and usually have the same thing that consists of low-fat plain organic yogurt from Trader Joe's, organic blueberries, and Nature’s Path Organic Pumpkin and Flax Granola.

Now the biggest change I’ve made has been lunch. I eat two lunches every day. This may sound strange but I take what I would have normally eaten for lunch at one sitting and divide it in half. Usually I will have a sandwich on some kind of sprouted whole grain wheat, but instead of eating the whole thing, I will eat half at noon and the other half about 3 hours later. I also eat a fruit or vegetable at each sitting, and maybe some Garden of Eatin’ Multi Grain Organic Tortilla Chips. Before I started this new “lifestyle plan” I would be starving come 4PM so I would snack on whatever I could find without managing what I was eating. Eating a second lunch has literally made all of the difference. I still have dinner around 6:30PM and try to eat a lot of vegetables. Some of my favorite meals include "veggie night" where I might bake butternut squash in the oven with a little sugar and cinnamon, steam a Jerusalem artichoke and stuff with a tiny amount of organic whipped butter and sea salt, and sauté zucchini with a can of organic diced tomatoes. At the end of the week, I like to buy a whole wheat pizza crust at Whole Foods, organic marinara sauce from Trader Joe’s, and cut up all of the leftover vegetables I have in my fridge, and top with a little mozzarella. I also subscribe to Cooking Light and am a huge fan of their on-line recipe program. You can type in any ingredient, and they give you a whole list of healthy recipes for that particular item. I will be sure to blog about some of my favorites in the future. As we approach the holidays and travel home to celebrate with friends and family, I just want to encourage you to find ways to eat well, be satisfied, and feel your very best.

A Shining Green Star

I am so thrilled with the new foundation I just bought from Spirit Beauty Lounge that I couldn’t wait to rave about it. It was an Editor’s Pick from Elle magazine who had given it a “Green Star” award. Okay, drum roll please, (trust me, it’s worth it). It is the Nvey Eco Moisturizing Foundation, and it is simply fabulous. The foundation almost feels like a mousse when pumped on to on the back of my hand. It is super light and smoothes on beautifully. As I’ve mentioned before, I have hypersensitive skin and the Moisturizing Foundation is made with chamomile, cucumber, and calendula, so it is soothing and non-irritating. The best part about this foundation is the radiant, dewy glow it imparts. I will admit there have been days where my face looked like it could crack because my old foundation resembled dry, ultra matte lacquer. I had been using a conventional foundation that I discovered was loaded with all sorts of chemicals. I was constantly breaking out because this “toxic cocktail” was so thick that my skin couldn’t breathe, but I still felt like I needed to use it to cover up my woefully blemished skin! It was literally like a viscous cycle! I am, however relieved to say that thanks to Nvey Eco, that battle is over. A "Green Star" indeed!

Do You Recycle?

I am constantly amazed at how much trash my husband and I generate. After all, there are only two of us! I was taking the trash out at least every other day until we decided to get serious about recycling. Our system can be a little chaotic but it works for us. If you are brave enough to walk into our garage, you may wonder if we are moving in or out because we have boxes, bottles, plastics, old lamps, shoes, and clothing strewn about in disorganized piles. Messy or not, it is our ambition to be responsible consumers. It is increasingly important to save these recyclables instead of having to make brand new products from virgin materials. I will admit that it does take a little extra time, and though we haven't mastered the art of creating an impeccable system in the corner of our garage, it is still worth it. Why? First, recycling materials cuts down on the amount of toxic pollution that invades our air and seeps into our water sources. It reduces our need for incinerators that also pollute our air and are often times located in neighborhoods that may threaten the health and well being of our fellow citizens and loved ones. Recycling also helps to preserve our forests and wildlife. Did you know that almost 95% of the original forest area in the United States has been cut down? In order to decrease the number of trees we are chopping down we should strive to use a little more creativity in our day to day activities. In my opinion, grocery bags should be banned all together. There isn't any reason why we all can't purchase several reusable grocery and produce bags. My favorite is the insulated tote because it's roomy and great for helping to keep things cool during the drive home. It may be some time before grocery stores initiate a 'bring your own bag' rule so until then, if you have to use grocery bags please recycle them or take them back to your grocery store for reuse.

Recycling also creates jobs and boosts economic growth and development. There is money to be made from salvaging these materials. Many "green" stores and boutiques will only ship their goods in packaging that is made from 100% recycled materials. A few of my favorite on-line stores who are committed to using recyclable materials include Saffron Rouge, Spirit Beauty Lounge, and Future Natural. If you need help finding a local recycling center, please visit www.earth911.com, and they will direct you accordingly and give you more information on ways to recycle. Remember small changes can make a huge difference in helping to keep our planet green, clean, and beautiful for generations to come.

My First Beauty Product Review

I hope to review a whole host of cosmetics and personal care products. After suffering from severe skin irritations, red blotchy skin, and acne I decided to try a couple of products from the Pangea line. After foraging through the array of Organic products on the beauty aisle of Whole Foods, I found Pangea and read that I could actually plant the packaging in my garden and grow medicinal herbs! I love to garden and was so intrigued by this resourceful idea that I decided first to purchase their Facial Scrub. I usually wear foundation, concealer, and powder so trying to remove all of my makeup can often times pose quite a challenge. After cleansing, I use this scrub to help get rid of any excess makeup residue left behind. Pangea's Facial Scrub has become my secret weapon in helping to combat clogged pores, especially on my chin, and greatly reduce blackheads and blemishes. This scrub helps to clean my skin much better than any cleanser can alone. It smells delicious, like a cranberry cocktail, and the granules are very mild and never leave my hypersensitive skin red or irritated! In fact, the adzuki beans and cranberry seeds are so mild that it can be used on a daily basis. Exfoliation is such a key component to clear skin but retinoid products are too harsh, and most scrubs can only be used 2-3 times a week. This scrub has definitely become a staple in my beauty routine. Not only am I looking forward to a lasting, more beautiful complexion, but I am also excited to see what little surprises pop up in my garden. What a treat!!

Eat Local

I look forward to every Tuesday morning when a local farm, Los Poblanos, delivers fresh, organically grown produce to our doorstep. The swiss chard, figs, Jerusalem artichokes, eggplant, and roasted chili are among some of my favorites. It is a pleasure to support my local economy, and even more of a pleasure to eat of these wonderful, nutrient-dense foods! The produce I receive is some of the tastiest I've ever eaten. I also love the fact that the farm is fairly close to where I live and I am not contributing to further pollution and poor air quality. Sometimes watching the exhaust from the hundreds of thousands of tractor trailers on our inter-states makes me cringe. Whatever I can do to cause less environmental damage to our planet, I happily will! As a Nutrition student, I incessantly talk about my love for food, amazing recipes, and my passion for organic, "clean" living. Friends and family in other states have often asked me how they can find farms, co-ops or farmers markets in their local communities. Here are some very helpful websites to help in your quest for outstanding, locally grown foods: www.localharvest.org, www.eatwild.com, www.sustainabletable.org, www.eatwellguide.org, www.theorganicpages.com.

Finally, I will leave you with one of my favorite recipes from Farmer Monte. You will need fresh figs, goat cheese, and thinly sliced prosciutto. Cut the fig down the middle length-wise and stuff a little bit of goat cheese in the center. Take a small piece of prosciutto and wrap around the body of the fig. Warm in your toaster oven for 5 minutes or until the goat cheese is nice and warm. They make for wonderful hors d'oeuvres and are certain to wow your guests!