Just Label It – I Dare You!

Do labels really matter?  To date there are over 80,000 different unregulated chemicals in the US that are being put in our food, lotions, shampoos, laundry detergent and more.  The list is never ending, so I ask you again do labels really matter?  It’s important that you know what you are putting in your body as well as on your body.  As a rule of thumb I always read the labels to know what I’m giving to my family.  Reading the labels has never been more important than it is today.  Most companies figure if they can slap a label on their products they are in the clear.  What do all of these labels mean?  We want to help you cut through the clutter.  We’ve done the homework to find out what some of the top certifications are and what they truly mean.  Here is some insight into the most commonly trusted labels:

 

Certified USDA Organic: The USDA certification is one of the most popular seals.  This seal ensures that the entire product contains 95% or more of certified organic contents.  What that means is there is an enforced commitment from start to finish to make sure the product being produced is clean.  No usage of GMOs, no hormones or antibiotics, better soil quality and reduced exposure to synthetic pesticides.

Gluten Free Certified: The GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) is the top gluten-free certification in the world.  The GFCO stand for independent verification of quality, integrity and purity of products meeting the strict gluten-free standards.

Vegan Certified: The “Certified Vegan” logo is one of the easiest to recognize.  The Vegan Action trademarked logo stands for products that don’t contain animal products or byproducts.  They also ensure that the products have not been tested on animals.

Non-GMO Project Verified: The Non-GMO project uses best practices for GMO avoidance.  They focus on ongoing testing and reviews of potential at-risk ingredients, ingredient integrity and annual manufacturing facility audits and onsite inspections.

Certified B Corporation: One of the most prestigious certifications awarded to only the most outstanding companies that use the power of business to solve environmental and social problems.  These companies also work to meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Kosher Certified: Kosher certification is a process by which a company ensures their food is fit for consumption by observant Jews who practice a religious dietary protocol rooted in biblical tradition.

LEED Certified: LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices to ensure a green building and a healthy work environment.

 

In short certifications matter; some companies are really trying to do the right thing.  If you see any of the above seals on products you can trust what you are buying.  As a mother and a wife it’s never been more important to me to do my homework and educate myself about what I’m giving to my family.  Next time you’re shopping look at the back of the label, see if you know what some of the ingredients are.  You’re a rockstar if you know 50% of what’s in there.  A good rule to follow is the longer the list of ingredients the more toxic, look for products that have a short list, the smaller the list the better.  If you have any other tips leave them below, we’d love to hear them.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest.  Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 At-Home Date Night Ideas to Try Tonight

Leave work, pick the kids up, grab the dry cleaning, stop by the grocery store, cook dinner, help with homework….sound familiar?  Life has a way of grabbing us by the arm and dragging us along even if we don’t want to.  Finding time for a date night can be hard work so that’s why we’re here to help, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  These date nights are not just for a special occasion, so don’t feel limited.  We all know how hard it is to keep a regular date night, we’ve got you covered for the next 10 months, 1 date night a month!  If that’s not enough let us know and we’d be happy to give you some additional ideas.  Here are our favorites, give one a try tonight:

 

  1. Have a Game Night: Invite some of your favorite couples over for some friendly competition.  Serve snacks, drinks and let the party begin
  2. Have a Cultural Experience: Plan a meal from another culture, cook together and dig in.  Indian food, Paella & Sangria, Mexican food be as creative as you like
  3. DIY it Together: Is there a project at home that needs completing? Take a trip to the local hardware store, get your supplies, put the tunes on and let the good times roll.  Thinking about going green at home, check out the link to give you some great ideas http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/going-green-at-home.html
  4. Take a Trip: At home of course; plan your next vacation, get some travel books, print out some cool pics and start planning
  5. Recreate the Moment: Think back to one of your favorite moments or dates and recreate it at home.
  6. Get Artsy with It: Get a canvas and paint a picture for each other;  add food, drinks and music and it’s a party
  7. Fondue Anyone: Purchase a fondue set and make chocolate dipped everything (anything dipped in chocolate is good)
  8. Triathlon at Home: Be silly, pick 3 of your favorite at home activities (i.e. classic video games, board games, pizza eating) and compete against one another.  Up the anti by adding a little wager for the loser. If you have a competitive side this is the perfect activity, you’ll be having so much fun you won’t be able to stop laughing at one another!
  9. Plan a Picnic at Home: Put the blanket down on the living room floor, grab the picnic basket and have a great evening
  10. Set up a Tasting Night: Plan to taste some of your favorite drinks and food pairings.  Try to throw some new things in there to taste, you just might find a new favorite.

 

Have fun trying some of these at home date nights; for even more ideas (pics included) check out the link below:

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/romantic-rendezvous/45-at-home-date-night-ideas/

Let us know your favorite date night and if you have ideas that you love post them below!  Can’t wait to hear from you, enjoy.

 

 

 

 

10 Steps to Help You “Live Easy”

I heard the saying “Live Easy” the other day and it really resonated with me. So much so in fact, I decided to make it my own. I’ve decided that 2016 and every year thereafter will be lived easy; after all life is too short to live it any other way. I guess by now you’re probably wondering what “Live Easy” means. I can tell you what it means to me but I want to encourage you to find out what it means to you. Today’s blog post is all about helping you find your own path to “Live Easy”, but before we get started I want to tell you what it means to me. Living easy is living stress free and knowing that things will work out even when they seem hopeless. To live easy is to be happy in the lowest moments and always find the silver lining no matter what. Last but not least living easy is keeping a positive attitude at all times and uplifting those around you. Now that you know what “Live Easy” means to me I want to uplift you and help you put the “Live Easy” mantra to use in your own life. Here are 10 steps that I truly hope will help you do just that:

1. Identify what triggers your stress: Often times we think that negative events are what cause stress, but positive events can cause stress too. Major life events like purchasing a new house, planning for a wedding or even getting a new job can cause stress levels to be elevated. Be aware of what triggers your stress and figure out a game plan to manage the stress away. We all have different techniques that we use to relax. Figure out what relaxes you the most and incorporate these things into your daily routine to ward off the stress.

2. Keep a positive attitude: You would be amazed at what keeping a positive attitude can do for you. Replace your negative thoughts with positive ones. A very simple thing to do that can make a world of difference in your everyday life. I love repeating positive mantras to myself. Find some positive quotes and post them in places that you frequent. The uplifting words will have such a positive effect you’ll wonder why you weren’t doing this all along.

3. Stop caring about what other people think: When it comes to your happiness other peoples views shouldn’t matter. Focus on what makes you happy and do it; what other people think is irrelevant. Strive to live a life full of love and meaningful relationships, not a life full of regrets. Life is too short to wonder what if, don’t waste any of your valuable time thinking abut things that just don’t matter.

4. Focus on what you do have: Look around at everything you do have and be thankful. Most times we have a tendency to focus on the lack thereof and what we don’t have. Just know that it could always be worse than it is.

5. Learn to say No: Stop taking on more than you can handle and say no. We all have a tendency to be people pleasers and say yes to things even though we know we are already stretched too thin. Learn how to say NO, sometimes this is necessary to our own sanity. Life is busy enough with our jobs, family, etc., so do yourself a favor and just say no.

6. Overanalyzing things that haven’t happened: I’ve been guilty of this myself, you know worrying about a situation that hasn’t even happened yet. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why worry about something that hasn’t even happened yet? Stop stressing yourself out with all of the negative possibilities. Instead of thinking about a negative outcome, replace it with a positive one. You might be pleasantly surprised what happens.

7. Let go of the past: Leave the past where it is, in the past, enough said!

8. Stop worrying about things that can’t be changed: Another offense I’ve also been guilty of. I’ve learned to just let it go if there is nothing I can do to change it. There are some things that are just out of our control and we just have to accept that. Stop working to change an outcome of a situation that you have no control over. Why stress yourself out over something that you can’t change; hope for the best and move forward.

9. Embrace who you are: Love yourself and be confident in the person you are. Know that you are making the right decisions for yourself and find comfort in that. Know who you are and where you’re going. Focus on your life and how to be the best possible person you can be.

10. Live in the moment: Be open to life and all the possibilities that come with it. Life can be so wonderful but it’s all in what you make it. We are the captains of our own destiny, so take control and “Live Easy”

I hope these 10 tips help to guide you down the “Live Easy” path. Even if you don’t use all the tips just putting a few to use might do you some good. Give it a try and let me know if you see any immediate changes, we always love hearing from you! Make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay on top of all the latest, we’ve got some great things planned for 2016.

Christmas Countdown: Get Organized Today!

The Christmas trees are decorated, lights are hung and the countdown has officially begun! We’re days away from one of the biggest holidays we have all year and we’re here to help you get organized these last few days. The holidays can be such a stressful time and we want to alleviate the stress by helping you to finish your to-do list. We’ve taken the guess work out of it and prepared a handy list to help you wrap everything up and put a bow on top:

1. Start cleaning the house for your guests. Cleaning is not my favorite thing to do in the world but definitely necessary especially before guests arrive. Put out the fresh linens and towels so you’re ready when the company gets into town.

2. Wrap up your grocery shopping. Go to the grocery store now if you have anything left on your list to pick up. The week of Christmas pulls the largest crowds so brace yourself, you’ll need some patience to fight through the mob of people.

3. Pick up any last minute gifts. Gift cards are always a great option and now you can even purchase e-gift cards which really make it easy. A great app to help you manage gift cards is Gyft. Gyft allows you to buy, send, manage and earn rewards all at the click of a button.

4. Wrap all of your gifts. If you’re pressed for time grab some gift bags, a quick fix and stylish at the same time.

5. Bake your favorite Christmas cookies. Christmas Eve is a great time to do this. After you bake the cookies make sure to put some out for Santa.

6. Start prepping the kitchen. Put out what you will need for dinner the night before Christmas, that way everything is already out and ready to start cooking Christmas morning.

7. Go see a Christmas show. Now that your list is almost complete take some time to go and see a Christmas show like the Nutcracker. My daughter and I will be going to see the Nutcracker ballet this week and we are so excited. I’ll be sure to share some photos on our Instagram page.

8. Sit back, relax and enjoy! It’s time to make some new memories so get your cameras, phones and selfie sticks out and have some fun.

We’d love to hear about some of your family traditions and what makes Christmas special for you. Let us know below and make sure you follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with all the happenings.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Greenplicity! We’ll see you in the new year.

Winter Skincare Survival 101

Dry skin here, dry skin there, dry skin everywhere! Here at Greenplicity skincare is our thing! We’re bringing the spa to you with today’s blog post, so get ready to pamper yourself. The winter months not only bring harsh weather but some serious wear and tear on your skin. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to care for the skin you’re in, especially at this time of year. Today we’ve got you covered from head to toe, literally. We advocate using food grade ingredients and this pumpkin mask is no different. One of our mottos is “Food for the Skin” and this pumpkin mask is a very fitting treat for the skin (try not to eat it)!

Head-to-Toe Pumpkin Mask

**Yields 2 Body Masks

1 can of pumpkin
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup raw turbinado sugar

What you will need: Knife, cutting board, spoon, fork, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, storage container

To Make: Cook the oatmeal following the directions on the package. Once cooked place the cooked oatmeal in the refrigerator to cool. Allow to cool completely. In a medium size bowl use a fork to blend together the oatmeal, cinnamon, and olive oil. Let stand for 10-15 minutes and begin preparing the other fresh ingredients. In a separate bowl combine the canned pumpkin, grated ginger, orang zest, and orange juice. Stir to a uniform consistency before combining the two bowls. Once bowls have been combined add the sugar and blend well. Store in the refrigerator. The mask will keep for a few days but it is best to use when it is fresh.

To Use: Take a quick shower or long soak in the tub to soften your skin and remove surface dirt. Towel dry and apply a generous layer of mask over the entire body. Sit on your towel and let the mask work it’s magic for 15 minutes and then apply to the face for 3-7 minutes. Hop in the shower and rinse. Use a mild body wash and then moisturize with your favorite body butter or lotion. If you don’t have one you can find skincare goodies at www.greenplicity.com

Enjoy and make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest for more great ideas!