Take care of You
If you don't take care of yourself, there won't be enough for you -- or for anyone else -- to go around. So make sure you're getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night and that you're eating right. When you reach for that candy bar or artificially sweetened food, remember that eating fresh and natural foods minus the chemicals is better for your health. Read labels. If the ingredients are one's you can pronounce or can't readily identify, don't buy the product.
When you purchase food look for the "USDA Organic" label because these national standards define organic as those foods that are produced without the use of most conventional pesticides and without synthetic fertilizers. Food products cannot use the USDA Organic seal unless at least 95% of their ingredients are organic.
Additionally, the food can't be genetically modified, irradiated to kill bacteria, or fertilized with sewage sludge from waste treatment plants. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given organic feed and no antibiotics or growth hormones. Currently, there are no organic regulations for fish.
Also look for foods that are NON GMO Project Verified and make sure when you buy whole grains; you're really getting whole grains. Look for labels that say 100% Whole Grain (47g or more per serving) vs. Just Whole Grain (8g or more per serving) at the beginning of the ingredient list.
When buying meat or poultry, it says 'natural,' that may mean the meat just hasn't been fed hormones in the last 12 months before finding its way to the grocery shelf. Ask for 'never never' meat -- as in never used growth hormones or antibiotics. Grass-fed is another step up in terms of flavor, quality, and nutritional benefit."
Plant a Garden
Not getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables? Plan a garden. Gardening, a wonderful distraction to everyday life, allows us to focus on the task at hand. In doing so, it actually helps to decrease stress. The great thing about gardening is that you'll also benefit from all the fresh locally grown produce. If you don't find gardening appealing, enjoy another hobby on a regular basis - dance, tennis, and bird watching - any hobby that allows you to escape and live in the moment.
Learn how to say NO
Before you agree to paint a friend's house, host a dinner for 40, join one more networking group, go over your schedule and figure out if it's coming to come with a price. Saying yes to everything can often create stress and unnecessary activity in our lives keeping us from the things and people that mean the most to us. Evaluate what each activity will take, the pros and the cons, and how it will impact your precious time.
Take a Trip with a Friend or Loved One - Leave the kids at home
Family vacations are fantastic and important. However, Mom and Dad have got to have their time away from the kids. Parents need to connect as romantic partners. If you don't have kids, or the kids are long gone, you still need to get away every now and again. For a long weekend -- or a week or more vacation. Planning a fun getaway is a great way to have something exciting to look forward to, dream of and talk about.
A Few of Your Favorite Things
We all remember that song Julie Andrews sang in the "Sound of Music" -- "My Favorite Things." Well, make a list of what yours are. It might be enjoying that first cup of coffee of the day outside sitting in your garden. Maybe it's having a glass of wine at night looking at the stars, talking a long walk by the shoreline or volunteering for an important community event. Make sure you do at least one or more of these activities daily to put a smile on your face.
Live. Love. Laugh.
Live to your fullest. Love a lot and laugh daily. If you do this, the best in life will come to you and your heart will be open to receiving.
LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST in iTunes
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For great recipes, creative living inspirations and more, visit my website and blog at SimplyDeliciousLiving.TV
Did you know that many household cleaning products, while even used "as directed" could be hazardous to your health as well as the environment?
Many household products are toxic and can be hazardous to your health, they can also pose a threat to the environment if they end up getting into our drains and waterways.
On product labels, have you ever read words like flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic? If so, in the future, why not consider safer and more "eco-friendly" alternatives.
Looking for less toxic alternatives isn't always easy, either. Even when a product is listed as "safe" or "green," it can be masking as environmentally friendly. This is called greenwashing and can be very confusing to consumers who are trying to make more eco-conscious cleaning product choices.
The best mode of operation is to look for statements that read: non-toxic, non-petroleum based or free of ammonia, phosphates, dye and perfume, and that read "biodegradable."
Stay away from products using words such as: DANGER and POISON. Products labeled CAUTION or WARNING contain the least toxic, but can still cause harm.
Green Cleaning Recipes from Care2.com
How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit
Shopping List
Creamy Soft Scrubber
Pour ½ c. of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture-like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn't leave grit. Note: Add 1 tsp. of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar to keep the product moist. Otherwise, just make as much as you need at a time.
Window Cleaner
Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.
Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
Furniture Polish
Vinegar Deodorizer
Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5% vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom. Use them for cleaning. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.
MOLD KILLERS
Tea Tree Treasure
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.
Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse.
Makes two cups.
Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82% of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle. Spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. Smell will dissipate in a few hours.
Visit: www.Care2.com
This article by Maryann Ridini Spencer also appears at SustainableVentura.TV
In ancient Rome, around the time of 278 A.D., St. Valentine, a priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II, was executed on February 14. The Emperor decreed that young men could not marry and have families, as the he felt that it would detract from their duties and commitments as soldiers. Legend has it that St. Valentine performed wedding ceremonies for young lovers in secret. Eventually, St. Valentine was caught, imprisoned and beheaded for these acts of love and kindness. The fact that St. Valentine was executed for love makes him a much loved, heroic and martyred romantic figure.
Just before his execution, he is said to have written a letter to his jailer's daughter, signing it "From Your Valentine."
Throughout the ages, Valentine's Day has been celebrated in many ways across the globe. It's been recorded that Valentine's Day greetings date back to the Middle Ages, with written Valentine sentiments coming much later.
While some may look upon Valentine's Day as a becoming somewhat of a commercial holiday, it's important to remember the true meaning of how and why the day is remembered.
This Valentine's Day, how are you planning to show your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, father, children and other family members and friends your love?
A beautiful card? A romantic dinner? A gift of a dozen red roses or a box of candy?
Whatever you decide, here are some ideas that I hope will inspire you:
*For a very special Valentine - a great gift for a woman to receive is a locket (with slots for photos inside). That way she can wear her locket close to her heart -- always. And for a man, a pocket watch, also with room for the photo.
*Poets such as John Donne, William Shakespeare, Dickinson, Gibran and Browning set hearts afire with their words. Purchase a book of love poems (or download them from the internet), and then read and share the poems with your loved one by a roaring fire.
*If you're good at taking photos, building a book of memorable pictures of the places you've visited together, and the places you'd like to visit, can be made and bound on online publishing sites such as lulu.com and blurb.com.
*Create a series of special cards (the size of index cards) on nice card stock. You can purchase these types of cards at stores like JoAnn's, Michael's, Staples and Office Depot to name a few. Decorate the cards by writing and painting on them, even attaching photos. Come up with a series of things that you will do for your loved one and document this on each individual card. Some ideas could include: A massage after a long day at work, preparing their favorite meal, packing a picnic lunch to share on an ocean bluff, a day get-away to a spot you'll both enjoy. Have fun and get creative!
*Surprise your partner with an unexpected weekend get-away (or even a night away) to a romantic bed and breakfast. (Minus the computers and electronics!)
*Prepare your partner's favorite meal and share a romantic movie classic together.
Love is precious and our time on earth is limited. Remember to tell the ones you love, how much they are loved. Celebrate your love on Valentine's Day - and better yet, every day.
For simply delicious, easy-to-make recipes and creative inspirations for joyous living, visit my blog at SimplyDeliciousLiving.com.
Listen to THIS "Celebrating Love on St. Valentine's Day" PODCAST, CLICK HERE.
Here are some green tips to help save the planet that can also help you save on your pocketbook!
•Buy local, fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables
Save on greenhouse gas emissions and use less gas when you visit the grocery store. Plan your trips and carpool with a friend. You'll cut down on local pollution and also contribute to the local economy when you buy local.
•Efficient Transportation
Is your car a gas guzzler? If so, why not opt for an energy saving vehicle or better yet, if you can, walk, ride a bike or take public transportation!
•Energy Efficient Living
Discover how to make your home more energy efficient, CLICK HERE.
•Green Your Office
You can help save the environment buy employing sustainable practices at the office. READ MORE.
•Green Cleaning
Clean your home, yourself & your environment using healthy Green Products. LEARN MORE.
•Buy Recycled Paper Products
Products made with 100% recycled paper require less water in the manufacturing process. Recycled products also reduce waste going into our already overcrowded landfills.
•Carry a water bottle and Recyclable bag everywhere you go
Avoid buying bottled water when you can bring delicious tasting tap water with you in a BPA-Free, recyclable container. You'll save money, your health (drinking water is healthy and you'll save the environment.
A great way to reduce plastic bag use is to keep reusable bags in the car, your purse/briefcase/backpack, etc., where you will remember to take them into the store. Use reusable produce bags instead of the plastic bags at the store and Farmer's Market.
•Easy retrofits for water conservation
Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators in your kitchen and bathroom sinks are simple and inexpensive ways to conserve water. Low-flow showerheads and aerators can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50%. The cost of heating the water can also be reduced 50%. Using less water and energy keeps money in your pocketbook and saves our natural resources!
•Smart irrigation
A landscape can be both beautiful and water efficient. Set your irrigation timers at season appropriate watering cycles set to water only in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation and wind interference. Get water to the intended targets, the roots of your garden and lawn.
REDUCE•REUSE•RECYCLE IN 2013!
By Maryann Ridini Spencer, From Sustainable Ventura
The December Holiday season is a great time to celebrate with family and friends.
However, while it's a joyous time, it can also be a stressful and demanding time. Perhaps you'll have a houseful of guests? If that's the case cleaning, cooking and entertaining can be daunting. Maybe you have a lot of gifts to buy in a down economy or perhaps it will be the first season you'll be without a cherished loved one?
•Ask for help. If you're the host for a big event, seek out assistance for shopping, cooking, cleaning and sharing the holiday-related chores.
•Make a list and do check it twice. Planning ahead and designating a budget for gift shopping as well as entertaining items, will allow you to limit your trips to the store and the pain on your pocketbook.
•Maintain your health (and your waistline!) during the holidays. Get regular exercise, eat right and make sure you get enough sleep. Indulging too much in alcohol, sweets and cakes will not only make you feel bad, it can cause guilt and stress levels to rise. (Not to mention panic when you step on the scale!).
•Create an escape. If too much family togetherness is getting you down and you find yourself needing a breather -- clear your head and take some time for yourself doing what you like to do. Try talking a long nature walk, reading a good book, listening to a symphony or watching a good movie.
•Spread the JOY. If you're feeling alone at the holidays, get social and volunteer your time at a church, temple or community event.
•Do your homework before traveling. If you're traveling, check the weather and plan for unexpected delays. Don't wait until the last minute to pack or get to the airport. If you're traveling with children, bring games, reading material and other amusements that can keep the children interested if you're delayed. If you're not a fan of plane food or those high calories, unhealthy snacks you find at airports, you may also want to pack your own meal and bring some healthy snacks along. Eating right will keep you feeling balanced and positive.
•Get creative. A great way to get in the spirit is to plan a fun arts and crafts or baking day with family and/or friends. Put on your favorite music, get creative and enjoy the company.
•Surround yourself with LOVE. Fill your heart and your time with those people and things you truly love. Take heed of the past, if you know a situation is going to cause you too much pain or stress, avoid it. Make this the best holiday season ever!
On Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 4:30-7:30pm, The Ventura Chamber of Commerce presented the "Haunting at the Harbor" Business Expo at the Four Points Sheraton on Schooner Drive in the Ventura Harbor. The event featured over 60 local businesses showcased in tabletop exhibits, food vendors, a silent auction and raffles and prizes. The "Sustainable Ventura" TV Series was on hand to talk to attendees.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT VIDEO
"Sustainable Ventura," hosted by Maryann Ridini Spencer and Ray Olson, airs on Caps-TV VTV's Channel 15, Thursdays at 8:30pm. It rebroadcasts Monday-Thursday and Saturdays at 9:00am, Sundays at 8:30pm and every other Wednesday at 8:30pm.
Halloween costumes, depending upon how elaborate you intend to get, can cost at a minimum, $25 dollars on up per costume. If you've got several children or family members to outfit, the costume bills (along with candy and other fun fare) can really start to mount.
So why not get creative with reusable, eco-friendly Halloween costumes? How do you start? Look in your closet. What do you have that might (when paired with certain items), make a great costume? Maybe you have all the items you need or perhaps you may have to buy one piece rather than an entire costume. Another great resource is check with friends and relatives. See what you can mix and match. Thrift shops, where others trade in their wares, are also a great place to find the little nuances to add to your costume. Below are some great ideas for reusable Halloween costumes to try:
Princess -Pair a long gown with gloves (short or long). Wear a tiara and carry a star wand. Your Halloween subjects will bow in appreciation.
Cowboy or Cowgirl- Flannel shirt with Jeans, cowboy boots and hat. You might even tie a red bandana around your neck. Don't forget to carry some rope - to lasso in your candy of course.
Halloween Masked Man- Everyone knows the iconic white mask from the John Carpenter Halloween movies. How to create this look? Black pants, black top and white mask of course. BOO!
Hippie or 70's person- Think colorful. For girls and women - pair a long skirt with a flowered top. Wear several long necklaces and dangly earrings. A headband around your head or floppy hat also works. For a man - pull out some ripped jeans and wear a cool t-shirt with a peace sign (or your favorite band logo). Put on the boots and/or sandals and maybe a funky hat. Now you're lookin' groovy!
Witch - Pair a black skirt and top with pointy hat. Bring a long a broom (or for a wand, carry a long glow stick!). Instead of black, you can also opt for being a good witch and wear blue or white. Whatever it is you choose to do, just remember to say, "Bippity Boppity Boo!" Now you're ready to caste some spells!
Vampire - I vant to drink your blood! To transform into a creature of the night that would even give Bram Stoker a scare, almost any type of dress with creative make-up will do. (If you have a red or black cape, fantastic. However, the only purchase that might be needed to complete the look - Vampire fangs! (Even a red lipsticked-mouth with droplets of blood dripping from the corners will do!).
Maid - Coffee or tea anyone? A maid's outfit might be anything from a black dress or skirt and top paired with a white apron. Don't forget to carry your broom, feather duster or even a silver serving tray!
Hobo -To create the look of an authentic hobo, try wearing some ripped or patched jeans or pants. An oversized jacket and t-shirt and a funny looking hat add great touches. Of course, don't forget your hobo stick (a long stick with a red kerchief pouch - which can double as another place to stash your candy!).
Hollywood director - Lights! Cameras! Action! If you want to get the look of an old time Hollywood director - wear some jeans or black pants, paired with a white or dark top. Don't forget the beret, dark shades. You might also want to carry a video camera to document the Halloween fun!
Let your creativity run wild.
Creating your own costume will be
almost as much fun as going out Trick-or-Treating!
LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST, CLICK HERE!
To VIEW HALLOWEEN COSTUME IMAGES, CLICK HERE!
*Original article by Maryann Ridini Spencer appears in print in the Sustainable Ventura Newsletter & Blog.
It's important for everyone to take a break from life as they know it and revel in the delicious luxury of vacation and of not doing anything - or doing as they please.
The complications of life, work and juggling many tasks often lead to stress and stress can definitely take a toll on one's body, physical appearance and health!
While it's important to take little breaks (like weekends) and enjoying regular hobbies and activities, there's nothing more potent than jetting off to a tropical vacation spot or taking an historical tour of a European location.
Vacations are a great way to connect to yourself and to those you love. Travel that gets commemorated in a picture album is also a way to relive the pleasure of a vacation long after the vacation ends.
I'm still delighting in a recent trip my husband and I took to Hawaii. I find that whenever I look at the many photos we took, I get a happy, energized feeling. I almost feel as if we are there!
Some great tips to keep your vacation stress free:
•Get a Vacation Account
Keep a savings account stash of cash just for vacations. Figure out what your budget will allow, then put away a certain amount of money each week on an ongoing basis. You'll be surprise how it adds up.
•Plan ahead
Research your destination. Talk to friends who might have traveled to the spot. Get recommendations for accommodations, food and sightseeing. Research information on the net. Better yet, perhaps an acquaintance might know some of the locals you can contact before you leave home. Some of my best experiences have transpired when I've contacted friends of friends. I've gotten some great, personalized tours of places that could have never been duplicated otherwise.
•Speak at least a few words
Knowing to say hello, goodbye, thank you, yes and no along with "Where's the toilet?" and some other important phrases can serve you well. While you may not be in for taking a Rosetta stone course, you can always find an English translation dictionary on Amazon.com or in your local bookstore.
•Understand the customs and local you're visiting
Americans have a bad enough rap as it is overseas. So, why not get caught up on the local customs? Research the country and towns you'll be visiting. When you get to your destination, you'll feel like a local and get a great education while you're at it!
•Get some of the local currency before you leave home. Travel with secure Traveler's checks.
While you may want to pay for everything on your trip with credit cards (a good idea to keep accurate records), you may also want to have a few dollars in your pocket of the local currency. Traveler's checks are also a great way to go because they're refundable, if lost or stolen and usually within 24 hours.
•Pack well
Find out the weather of the locale you'll be visiting at the time of your visit. Bring various layers of dress just in case. It's always a good idea to pack wash and wear and clothing that looks great no matter how wrinkled it gets. Bring multi-purpose clothes. For women, a dress you can wear during the day with sandals and at night with a pretty scarf or different jewelry to jazz it up. For men, a jacket that can be worn casually and with/or without a tie. (So at night, you can get into that exclusive restaurant!).
•Let work know you are on vacation (try not to answer emails)
A vacation is when you vacate your usual life. So put away the computer and texting. Let the office know you'll be unreachable. Make sure you have someone qualified to cover for you just in case there's a problem at work. Don't feel guilty. You deserve your vacation. It's also a good idea to post your pictures on Facebook when you get home. (It's NOT a good idea to let everyone know you're out of town!).
•Take lots of pictures
I know some folks that moan and groan that they have to get their picture taken. However, these same folks love seeing the photos post-vacation - especially as the years go by. So tell your family, spouse, friend or anyone else on the trip with you to, "Chill!" You're making memories here! Many new cameras also have video capabilities. If a picture says a thousand words then a video can, well you get the idea.
•Bring home a memorable item that will represent your trip
I always love to pick up a local artist's painting, watercolor or stencil when I travel. That way, when I look at them hanging on the wall at home, the memories flood back.
You might also pick up a beautiful piece of furniture that you can ship back or some other item that has meaning just for you.
Vacations are all part of Simply Delicious Living, so enjoy your trip, even if it's a weekend jaunt, you deserve every moment. To find out more about simply delicious living, visit my blog at simplydeliciousliving.com
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