the conscious decision blog
Homemade Non-toxic Finger Paint for Toddlers
The sensory experience of finger paint is wonderful for toddlers and children. The connection to colors, the nurturing of creativity, and the freedom of expression are invaluable. Plus finger painting improves motor skills and introduces shape concepts. Here's an easy recipe for homemade non-toxic finger paint. INGREDIENTS: 4 tablespoons of sugar1/2 cup of cornstarch2 cups of cold water4-6 jars or glass containers1 set of vegetable-based food coloring DIRECTIONS: In a medium saucepan combine 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Add 2 cups of cold water and heat over medium heat until the mixture is thick. Divide into four or more containers, and add natural food coloring as desired. Let your DIY finger paint cool completely and enjoy!
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4 Tips for Creating a Natural, Eco Space for Baby
Baby is on the way and it is time to nest. more moms are making the #conscious decision to create a natural, eco-friendly baby nursery. Style, sustainability, safety and function need to strike a perfect balance. here are a few tips to achieving this nesting dream and designing a sustainable nursery. Style | Choose soothing, tranquil colors that make the room feel spacious and uplifting. Refreshing colors amplify natural light and decrease the need for electric light. To find the right color scheme consider creating your own mood board using magazine clippings and photos, or use a pinterest board. This will help you visualize a clear aesthetic. Safety | When painting baby’s nursery use a low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and ventilate for a couple weeks before baby comes home. When shopping for baby's mattress look for organic cotton, wool blends that are naturally non-toxic, and fire retardant. Sustainability | Eco nursery furniture options are readily available. Reclaimed wood dressers and shelves add a rustic flare to modern rooms. Most major retail outlets, and local baby boutiques, now offer beautiful cribs made from FSC certified wood, finished with a low-VOC, water-based stain. Sustainable bamboo flooring, furniture and fixtures also make stylish, eco-friendly room accents. Function | Consider a sound dock to play soothing tunes. Install energy saving lamps and light bulbs. Make sure the lighting is flexible so you can go from bright light to soft light. Stock shelves with cloth or biodegradable diapers, organic clothes, blankets, sheets and non-toxic toys. But remember that key to a functional nursery is to keep it simple, the less clutter the better. caregiver and baby will love spending time in this natural, modern, eco-friendly baby nursery. Happy nesting!
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Heart-Shaped Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Show your love by baking with love. These cute heart-shaped, vegan sugar cookies are sure to put a smile on your partner’s face. This vegan sugar cookie recipe is organic so you can indulge with a healthy twist. #Conscious Eating INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups organic powdered sugar1 cup soft organic coconut oil1/8 teaspoon sea salt1/2 cup unsweetened organic almond milk1 teaspoon organic vanilla1 1/2 cups unbleached, organic flour2 tablespoons cornstarch1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar1 cup organic strawberry preserves DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, vanilla, sea salt, coconut oil, almond milk Stir in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the base cookies. For the top cookie use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make interior hearts. Make an equal number of top and bottom cookies.Place cookies on prepared cookie sheets about 1/2-inch apart.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 minutes.Spread strawberry jam over the bottom cookies and create a sandwich with the top cookie. Sift or sprinkle powdered sugar over cookies and serve!
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5 Tips to Rev Up Your Sex Drive for Valentine’s Day and Beyond
Sex is invigorating, enlivening and strengthens relationships. Yet, as Valentine’s Day approaches the pressure to create a romantic evening can feel forced. But don’t let the pressure build up! Having a reason for romance can be tons of fun. Here are a few simple tips on how to improve your sex drive on Valentine’s Day and beyond.REST UP | Take a nap. Feeling rested is proven to enhance sex drives. And the benefits create a positive cycle. Rest improves sex and sex improves rest!DRESS UP | Try dressing the part. Wear what makes you feel your best. Dressing in a costume for your partner can be fun but it is more important to select something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you feel turned on your partner feels turned on. ACTIVATE | Do something for yourself. Pamper you body by getting a massage or mani pedi. Or hit the gym. Even if you're not going to lose 10 pounds by Valentine’s Day you'll feel better knowing you did something to jump start the journey. SPARK THE SENSES | Create an aromatic environment. Essential oils are proven to enhance the senses and trigger your brain and body to get its groove back. The smell from the oil stimulates the pituitary gland which controls your hormones and indirectly affects your sex drive. These effects are featured in detail in the Kamasutra, the ancient sexual bible. Three essentials oils that can work their magic on your mind and body are : rose, jasmine and ylang ylang. Click here for special offers on aromatherapy products + free organic samples. FANTASIZE | Envision the intimate things you would love to do with your significant other. Having a clear mental image can help you create the right type of mood. You don't have to act out every fantasy but imaginative ideas can increase your sex drive and stimulate motivation. Happy Love Day ! Every day is an opportunity to make your life better. #conscious decision
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Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad
Make the #conscious decision to keep Winter fare light and healthy with this delicious, refreshing salad recipe. The sweet earthy beets work beautifully with zesty citrus and creamy feta. Great as a side dish or main course. INGREDIENTS: Vinaigrette 3 tablespoons organic red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons organic whole grain mustard 2 teaspoons finely chopped shallots 2 teaspoons finely grated grapefruit peel 1 teaspoon honey 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 dash of salt and pepper Salad 3 red beets, tops trimmed1 tablespoon organic olive oil2 organic pink grapefruit, cut and segmented1 organic oranges, cut and segmented 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or cashew feta alternative1/4 cup chopped fresh basil1 tablespoon of copped fresh oregano 1 tablespoon of copped fresh chives DIRECTIONS: VinaigretteIn a small bowl combine vinegar, mustard, grated grapefruit zest, honey and whisk. Gradually add oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper, while whisking. SaladPreheat oven to 425 degrees. Sprinkle olive oil, salt, and pepper on beets. Wrap each beet in foil. Place in oven. Roast until tender 45 - 55 minutes. Remove foil and cool for 20 minutes. Rub off skins (optional) and cut into round slices. Plate the luke warm beets, citrus, feta, and herbs, drizzle on vinaigrette and enjoy!
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5 Toxic Baby Care Ingredients to Avoid
There is a reason why the organic baby care trend has taken off. No parent want to use toxic baby products on their precious little one. The EPA has acknowledged that babies and children are 10 times more vulnerable to carcinogenic chemicals than adults. This has well-informed caregivers reading the labels before purchasing personal care products for their children. The next time you need to decipher an ingredient label here is a quick list of harmful skin care ingredients to avoid for your entire family. 1. Fragrance or Parfum | Manufactures can legally hide synthetic chemicals as “trade secrets”. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and more. 2. 1,4-dioxane | A low cost manufacturing process called ethoxylstion generates 1,4-dioxane as a by-product. To avoid this chemical stay away from PEGs, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) often found in body wash and lotion. 3. Formaldehyde | 1 in 5 cosmetic products contain ingredients that generate formaldehyde. But the label will keep it hidden. Avoid these formaldehyde related chemicals: DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, 1,3-dioxane, and hydroxymethylglycinate. 4. Petroleum/Mineral Oil | 40 percent of all baby lotions and oils contain mineral oil - made from petroleum aka crude oil. Petroleum products slow the skin’s ability to release toxins and reduces normal cell development.CLICK HERE for FREE Organic Diaper Cream samples. 5. Parabens | Even low doses of parabens have been associated with organ and developmental problems. Steer clear of all parabens including methylparabens, ethylparabens, propylparabens, isopropylparabens. When making a conscious decision about children's personal care products many parents prefer pure, organic, botanical ingredients that benefit baby and the environment. We hope now you know what harmful chemicals to avoid in baby products.
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Top 5 Eco Destinations for 2016
Planning a vacation this season? Connect with nature by embarking on an Eco Adventure that you will never forget. Here are a few of our top Eco Destinations located near and far. WHERE? Ventana Inn | Big Sur, CA WHY? This eco-chic resort sits on 243 acres off the Pacific Coast Highway. Forest blankets this sustainable tourism destination and stars fill the sky. As a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program Ventana upholds guidelines to purchase and serve seafood from sustainable sources. Ventana’s onsite organic garden provides herbs and vegetables to serve along side local, sustainably sourced organic fruit, and meat. WHERE? The Villas at Stonehaven | Tobago, West Indies WHY? This tropical resorts sits on 11 acres of land which adjoins 260 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Tobago is home to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve the world’s oldest legally protected rainforest. It contains a diverse mix of wildlife and endangered reefs - a true retreat into nature. WHERE? Alila Villas Soori | Bali WHY? Alila Villas Soori was designed to meet Global EarthCheck's eco standards for sustainability including the use of local materials and landscaping, heat-reflective roofs, and organic food. A combination of indigenous volcanic rock and abundant plants organically cool the villas. Open courtyards provide natural ventilation and lighting minimizing the use of both air conditioning and artificial lighting. WHERE? The Cristalino Lodge | Brazil WHY? A 28,167-acre rain forest reserve in southern Mato Grosso envelops Cristalino’s wooden bungalows. Canoe or swim in The Cristalino River, or enjoy nature walks and wildlife viewing. The bungalows feature a natural ventilation system and make use of solar water heating and bio-waste treatment for responsible tourism. WHERE? El Monte Sagrado | Taos, New Mexico WHY? With a rich blend of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures Taos, New Mexico offers a unique retreat from the hectic world. El Monte Sagrado is one of the only sustainable resorts in the region where you can enjoy the lush landscapes, sacred grounds, a flowing indoor waterfall, an art gallery, or local adventures like rafting and skiing.
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Super Green Smoothie Recipe
Kelly Weston, the founder of I’m Fit & Happy - a home fitness and nutrition program - recently came to the Erbaviva headquarters to us a pilates class. The workout was effective and fun and we can’t wait for our next class after the New Year! Kelly also brought in a wonderfully nourishing Super Green Smoothie that kept everyone energized after her high intensity workout. We are happy to share this healthy green smoothie recipe with you! INGREDIENTS: 3 handfuls of clean spinach2 small peeled oranges 1 sliced cucumber1 ripe cubed avocado32 ounces of water DIRECTIONS: 1. Blend spinach and water until smooth. 2. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. *Add ice to make smoothie cold. This detoxifying green smoothie is a wonderful natural energy booster to keep you going throughout the day. Phytonutrients in the leafy greens boost your immune system. Plus many people report natural weight loss when choosing a smoothie in place of a typical breakfast. To learn more about Kelly Weston and her I’m Fit & Happy plan click here.
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5 Natural Ways to Rescue Dry Skin
Fall weather is in full force and Winter is just around the corner. The brisk wind chill may be a welcomed change but keeping skin hydrated and rejuvenated may be a challenge. When skin becomes dry the epidermis is unable to maintain normal moisture levels resulting in dull complexions, but a few simple tweaks in our daily routines can help keep skin bright and balanced. Here are five natural ways to care for dry skin in the fall.
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