I admit I don't make my own soap or shampoo, though I am so impressed by those that do. But the truth is, by the time I get done buying all the ingredients to make whatever it is, I am not sure how much I have helped the environment because everything to put in my final product comes in a package, is likely shipped in a box, etc..... So I read ingredients so very carefully and make the best choices I can. But it can get pricey if you buy it all at your local natural market.
I discovered Lucky Vitamins and that was my answer! I know it saves me a great deal of $! I just placed an order today and they gave me this link, suggesting I send it on to friends. So I am posting it here. Their selection is huge, each product has a place to click to read ingredients, and the savings are usually 30 % or more off of retail prices. They sell personal care products (our toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunblock, etc), our vitamins, and a myriad of other products that I keep discovering. I bought stainless steel water bottles, natural nail polish for the girls, and probably more that I no longer recall.... They sell non GMO lecithin, by Now Foods, which gives us some brain power and is oh so yummy on salad and other foods! I buy my favorite hemp oil, by Nutiva in the 16 ounce glass bottle that I prefer.... I could go on. But I won't because if this sounds interesting, you can click and look yourself. You can search for products by brand or by the category you seek. So enjoy!
Click on the link, check out what they have and their prices, and let me know if you have trouble making the $100 minimum for free shipping. I never do! Shipping is not really that expensive if you just want a few items, but if you think of what you use in a month or two, it is usually pretty easy to get it all at once! http://refer.luckyvitamin.com/a/clk/YSPKf
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Day 2 in NY and Cafe Viva
Day 2 of our trip to NYC involved a reunion at a friend's apartment complex on the Upper West side. She introduced us to Cafe Viva Gourmet Pizza, located on Broadway, near West 95th Street. The Cafe offers a large variety of pizza options, including a selection of vegan pizzas, wheat free, and gluten free options. The menu included a variety of pasta dishes, and they offered a large selection of dairy free (vegan) desserts. Some ingredients were even organically grown. The prices were reasonable and I think this is an excellent option for those craving pizza, living in the NY area, and wanting to choose the healthiest option around!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Central Park and Whole Foods Market NYC's Holistic Center
After lunch, as we walked near Central Park, you could feel the energy change. As we entered the park, now we were on grass, with some beautiful old trees, and people scattered about. The children ran to climb the rocks and trees, and we stopped to allow them this simple pleasure. We all looked around and realized they had found us a wonderful local for taking photos. Being in the park felt so differently than walking through the bustling city. The air felt noticeably fresher and cleaner and I felt myself relax. We stayed likely a half hour and then came the bathroom call from my youngest.
Luckily, a friend simultaneously had the same urge, and she mentioned that Whole Foods Market was nearby. I was thrilled because it was on my list, in addition to numerous restaurant options. The Columbus Circle Whole Foods Market, located at 10 Columbus Circle is huge. Known by my family to have clean bathrooms, not to mention carrying so many items we like to buy, we ran off to use their facilities and explore a bit of the store. Their prepared food department provided us dinner. My daughters' favorite item, and likely my own, was their faux "chicken salad". Likely made with either seitan or texturized soy protein (I have to admit that the ingredients are no longer in my memory, the taste was rich, and if mashed smaller, would have been a delicious filling for a sandwich. Their options are generally interesting, their ingredient choice relatively wholesome, thought the amount of vegan options is a bit limited, considering they are in New York City. However, it was adequate to get us through Day 1 of our New York City adventure.
So curious about Day 2? Check back tomorrow!
Luckily, a friend simultaneously had the same urge, and she mentioned that Whole Foods Market was nearby. I was thrilled because it was on my list, in addition to numerous restaurant options. The Columbus Circle Whole Foods Market, located at 10 Columbus Circle is huge. Known by my family to have clean bathrooms, not to mention carrying so many items we like to buy, we ran off to use their facilities and explore a bit of the store. Their prepared food department provided us dinner. My daughters' favorite item, and likely my own, was their faux "chicken salad". Likely made with either seitan or texturized soy protein (I have to admit that the ingredients are no longer in my memory, the taste was rich, and if mashed smaller, would have been a delicious filling for a sandwich. Their options are generally interesting, their ingredient choice relatively wholesome, thought the amount of vegan options is a bit limited, considering they are in New York City. However, it was adequate to get us through Day 1 of our New York City adventure.
So curious about Day 2? Check back tomorrow!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Some Reasonably Priced Wholesome Meal Options in NYC
When we planned our trip to New York City, I researched restaurants. Prior to traveling, I try to google "Vegan Restaurants" and whatever local I plan to visit. Most restaurants that provide vegan options offer wholesome, healthy food, though occasionally there are exceptions. I check out the menus ahead of time, generally, so I can make a choice that sounds both interesting and nutritious.
This time, I utilized Happy Cow http://www.happycow.net/. It is a searchable database for vegetarian and vegan restaurants and natural food stores that provides information for spots around the world. I also noted restaurants that were recommended by acquaintances who had been to or frequent restaurants in New York City. I noted the names and addresses of the restaurants that were in the vicinity of where I would be meeting a group of friends from college (and their families). Happy Cow even had the option of looking at a map, to assist in picking out the most convenient spots.
That day, I turned my list over to a friend who made the final call. The restaurant he chose, Le Pain Quotidienne, http://www.lepainquotidien.com/, located at 922 7th Avenue, right on the outskirts of Central Park, seemed like it would be an ideal local and had food that would please both the small group of vegans, as well as the carnivores and pescetarians (vegetarians who also eat seafood) in our party.
The ordering process was simplified, as all vegan (made up of completely plant derived ingredients / no animal products) items had (v) after them on the menu. I ordered most of them for myself and the girls to try! My favorite entree was The Six Vegetable Quiche. The serving size was small, but the flavor was excellent. It was served with a small side salad. We also shared a Mediterranean Plate which came with an assortment of their baked breads, hummus, babaganoush, and quinoa tabouleh. That was pretty standard, and the quinoa tabouleh seemed more like cold quinoa, rather than tablouleh, as the absence of the parsley and tomato, or enough to be visible was obvious. But it was interesting, and fresh bread is a drawing point.
For the road, we grabbed a couple of Seasonal Cannelé (v). They were moist and delicious, a bit like a sweet wet muffin. I think they and the quiche were memorable. I would recommend this restaurant and if you click on their link, you will see that they have locations across the country, as well as across the world. So wherever you are, consider dining at Le Pain Quotidienne. The atmosphere was comfortable, the ingredients fresh and mostly organic, and the offerings likely have something to please every palate!
So to hear the rest of our dining experience in New York, check back tomorrow!
This time, I utilized Happy Cow http://www.happycow.net/. It is a searchable database for vegetarian and vegan restaurants and natural food stores that provides information for spots around the world. I also noted restaurants that were recommended by acquaintances who had been to or frequent restaurants in New York City. I noted the names and addresses of the restaurants that were in the vicinity of where I would be meeting a group of friends from college (and their families). Happy Cow even had the option of looking at a map, to assist in picking out the most convenient spots.
That day, I turned my list over to a friend who made the final call. The restaurant he chose, Le Pain Quotidienne, http://www.lepainquotidien.com/, located at 922 7th Avenue, right on the outskirts of Central Park, seemed like it would be an ideal local and had food that would please both the small group of vegans, as well as the carnivores and pescetarians (vegetarians who also eat seafood) in our party.
The ordering process was simplified, as all vegan (made up of completely plant derived ingredients / no animal products) items had (v) after them on the menu. I ordered most of them for myself and the girls to try! My favorite entree was The Six Vegetable Quiche. The serving size was small, but the flavor was excellent. It was served with a small side salad. We also shared a Mediterranean Plate which came with an assortment of their baked breads, hummus, babaganoush, and quinoa tabouleh. That was pretty standard, and the quinoa tabouleh seemed more like cold quinoa, rather than tablouleh, as the absence of the parsley and tomato, or enough to be visible was obvious. But it was interesting, and fresh bread is a drawing point.
For the road, we grabbed a couple of Seasonal Cannelé (v). They were moist and delicious, a bit like a sweet wet muffin. I think they and the quiche were memorable. I would recommend this restaurant and if you click on their link, you will see that they have locations across the country, as well as across the world. So wherever you are, consider dining at Le Pain Quotidienne. The atmosphere was comfortable, the ingredients fresh and mostly organic, and the offerings likely have something to please every palate!
So to hear the rest of our dining experience in New York, check back tomorrow!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
New York Naturally
Off to an informal college reunion in New York, I went with my daughters last Friday. So how does a holistic girl do this? Well, as I don't drive, we used public transit for most of the journey. First I would like to sing the praises of Mega Bus. We took it from Boston to New Haven, as we were staying about half an hour from there, in Connecticut, but this bus line has routes around the country. A friend told me this company might be cheaper, when I was grimacing at the price of Greyhound and Amtrak services to the same point. The Mega Bus starts at $1 per person for the first person that reserves for a particular route! The price increases as the bus fills up. We were reservation numbers 5, 6, and 7 for our return trip, and so our return trips to Boston were just $6 each! Traveling on a Friday to get there, reserving about 2 weeks in advance, reservation numbers 12-14 was just a bit more expensive, at about $11 per person! The whole trip, for myself and two children was $53 round trip. I was amazed and excited! Planning a trip somewhere in the US? Check out Mega Bus at http://us.megabus.com/?news=google09sale&gclid=CMn3z-_Lt7ECFYFo4Aod7WwAlw
So how is this part of the holistic lifestyle? Think about how much gasoline is saved.... That bus had about $100 people on it! And all the money saved can be put into buying organic and natural food on the road, and visiting some awesome dining spots! Curious what we did and ate in New York City? Check back tomorrow when we will talk food.............
So how is this part of the holistic lifestyle? Think about how much gasoline is saved.... That bus had about $100 people on it! And all the money saved can be put into buying organic and natural food on the road, and visiting some awesome dining spots! Curious what we did and ate in New York City? Check back tomorrow when we will talk food.............
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Part of the Holistic Life is Recognizing How Intricately We All Are Connected
As today I am preoccupied with the passing of a very giving, loving being, I ponder our interconnectedness. According to spell check interconnectedness is not a word, but surely it is. Sometimes when we begin living a more natural life, we find it easier to distance ourselves or cut off relations with those who live differently. Perhaps for some this is necessary, but it comes with a price. Life is so much about living together on this planet, ideally all organisms harmoniously. Our goal is to live in a way that least harms others, including the plants, the animals, other humans, and those yet to come. As important as how we physically live our lives and what we do, is how we relate to others. If we separate from others, we can not educate or inform them of what we have learned. We can't serve as an example if we are living in solitude, as no one sees.... And though at times people may seem disinterested, if we live our lives and share with others why we do what we do, good likely will come of it.
Beyond this, living life in a way where we reach out to those in need, give of our time, our love, sometimes our money, all this is part of the holistic life. We are all part of a larger organism, the Earth, and so we benefit all as we help any. Reaching out to others benefits both them and us, as giving is good for the soul. I dedicate this day's post to my mother-in-law Joanne. You always were there for us all in so many ways. May all you did for us and tried to do, inspire each one of us, friends, family members, and those who just happen to be reading this post to go out and do for another, what we can, when we can. We are all connected and it is a blessing to share our love, time, and abilities. Thank you Mom for sharing your love and giving so much of yourself. In loving memory of Joanne Bouley (July 3, 1945 - July 25, 2012)
Beyond this, living life in a way where we reach out to those in need, give of our time, our love, sometimes our money, all this is part of the holistic life. We are all part of a larger organism, the Earth, and so we benefit all as we help any. Reaching out to others benefits both them and us, as giving is good for the soul. I dedicate this day's post to my mother-in-law Joanne. You always were there for us all in so many ways. May all you did for us and tried to do, inspire each one of us, friends, family members, and those who just happen to be reading this post to go out and do for another, what we can, when we can. We are all connected and it is a blessing to share our love, time, and abilities. Thank you Mom for sharing your love and giving so much of yourself. In loving memory of Joanne Bouley (July 3, 1945 - July 25, 2012)
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Living The Holistic life When Traveling
As we plan for a 5 day journey, myself and the girls, I am starting to pack my bags..... Now we travel by train and bus, so we must pack light and wisely. Two things I always bring help me feel a bit cleaner and safer on the road with young ones.
I adore Seventh Generation's Disinfecting Wipes http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Disinfectants?gclid=CLq226maprECFcHb4Aod-ztzfw. Now for home, I keep a bottle of the spray for cleaning in the bathroom, but for the road, when traveling light, a small tub of the wipes is perfect..... great for sanitizing the toilet seat of the bus or train, when needed. My other staple for my backpack for any journey we take is EO Wipes to Go (a 10 pack of their wipes) http://www.eoproducts.com/Products/Hand-Sanitizer-Wipes---Lavender-10-ct-Resealable-Pack__636874121338.aspx. These are great for sanitizing hands for eating, when there is no bathroom (or clean one) in sight.... So these definitely are a must for us. Both products have ingredients better than any such products I have seen.... no triclosan or other harmful anti-bacterials.... just natural botanical based ones in the Seventh generation product (from thyme oil) and alcohol and lavender in the EO product.
We always bring some water too. For traveling, the mini Poland Springs waters are our favorite and easily accessible. And we stop prior to leaving at Whole Foods or a natural market, to get some good emergency foods, some bars, crackers, corn crisps, etc... just in case we can't find food fast enough for hungry mouths....
The day of the trip, we make sandwiches and cut up veggies for the journey. We pack our favorite liquid soap in small containers and grab clothes, toiletries, etc., and then we are ready to hit the road....
So, as we are unsure whether we will have internet access, this may be the last post until Wednesday, so if you enjoy these daily posts, let me know.... consider Joining the Site as a follower.... Click on the blue rectangle to do so. And in the next few days, click on any past blog posts you did not read, or give yourself a refresher..... Send in comments for future topics you would like to learn more about.... And I will post again on Wednesday of next week, if not sooner.... So until then, I wish you a great day and week ahead!
I adore Seventh Generation's Disinfecting Wipes http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Disinfectants?gclid=CLq226maprECFcHb4Aod-ztzfw. Now for home, I keep a bottle of the spray for cleaning in the bathroom, but for the road, when traveling light, a small tub of the wipes is perfect..... great for sanitizing the toilet seat of the bus or train, when needed. My other staple for my backpack for any journey we take is EO Wipes to Go (a 10 pack of their wipes) http://www.eoproducts.com/Products/Hand-Sanitizer-Wipes---Lavender-10-ct-Resealable-Pack__636874121338.aspx. These are great for sanitizing hands for eating, when there is no bathroom (or clean one) in sight.... So these definitely are a must for us. Both products have ingredients better than any such products I have seen.... no triclosan or other harmful anti-bacterials.... just natural botanical based ones in the Seventh generation product (from thyme oil) and alcohol and lavender in the EO product.
We always bring some water too. For traveling, the mini Poland Springs waters are our favorite and easily accessible. And we stop prior to leaving at Whole Foods or a natural market, to get some good emergency foods, some bars, crackers, corn crisps, etc... just in case we can't find food fast enough for hungry mouths....
The day of the trip, we make sandwiches and cut up veggies for the journey. We pack our favorite liquid soap in small containers and grab clothes, toiletries, etc., and then we are ready to hit the road....
So, as we are unsure whether we will have internet access, this may be the last post until Wednesday, so if you enjoy these daily posts, let me know.... consider Joining the Site as a follower.... Click on the blue rectangle to do so. And in the next few days, click on any past blog posts you did not read, or give yourself a refresher..... Send in comments for future topics you would like to learn more about.... And I will post again on Wednesday of next week, if not sooner.... So until then, I wish you a great day and week ahead!
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