Eco-Chic at the Shore– What’s in your bag?

Finally, in New York, there have been some consistently good, sunny beach days and I’m quickly scrambling to set aside some time to soak up some sun.   Plenty of time to show off a nice healthy glow at my sister’s wedding in September.

Luckily there are several beaches nearby – and I’ve been surveying my friends on where they’ll be headed and when.  So beach destination is a ‘check’.

Next, I need to rummage through last year’s beach gear – found a couple of patterned bottoms and tops to bikinis, none of which match, is that in style though? Never mind, I think I’m going orange this year... 

Other musts for the beach are the skin care products to keep our skin from getting damaged, a beach towel and a nice tote to carry all my stuff there. 

I need to keep my products as natural and as eco-friendly as possible – what are my choices?  There are some really great affordable finds out there and I went on a hunt.  These unique products stood out - all of which are reasonably priced and can be purchased online.  Three Cheers – let the summer beach weekends begin!!

Dry lips - can't have that!  Try one of these two choices for organic lip balm:

·         Organic Essence, Organic Lip Balm ($4.99) – This balm contains USDA Certified Organic ingredients and also boasts less wasteful eco-friendly packaging as well!  Comes in great flavors such as Vanilla, Grapefruit and Mint!

·         Phoenix Botanicals, Organic Lip Balm (3 tubes for $16.00) – Made right here in New York with local plants in the Northeast.  Ingredients are all organic – flavors include rose, vanilla and mint.  

      

        Don't sweat it – enjoy this light and fresh body spray - 

·         SuperNatural Botanicals, Beach Body Spray ($12.00) – Light and refreshing spray that is clean and natural.  Made from oils, aloe and purified water - it is an instant natural aromatic pleasure.

        Wrap me very tight!  Check out these beach towels - 

     

        Bamboo Dreams®Beach Towels from Yala® ($39.50) – These colorful and fun towels are oh so soft, even for the most sensitive skin!  They are made from 70% viscose from Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton.

        Look sun kissed, not sun slapped!  A natural sun screen –

Solar to Polar® Ultra ($29.00) - A great solution for people such as myself with sensitive skin – this product is made from •100% natural, 70%+ certified organic ingredients and still protects me from harsh sun rays.  It’s gentle, light and moisturizing.

Carry me to the shore!!  This tote carries it all!!

     

Rebagz, Carry Anything Anywhere Bag ($54.00) – I hate having the same bag as everyone else – cliché - I like to mix and match everyday wears with some unique finds.  Rebagz, Carry Anything Anywhere Bags were the answer to mixing up my beach gear.  I love the orange and silver – but those who really enjoy something uniquely bright – try the multi-color bag.

 What other organic and eco-friendly products are your favorites?  Enjoy the summer fun - enjoy the Spirit for Living!

  

A Day in the City with ‘Super Eco Girl’…

It’s an absolutely gorgeous Saturday and I’ve started the day by finishing up a juicy murder mystery on my Kindle before heading out the door just before 9am.  Along with my purse, I always carry a spare cotton bag to carry any of my day’s purchases (I just hate all those plastic bags…).

Today I have quite a list going – “to do’s” of which several will become “ to - didn’t really have time for that on this beautiful sunny day” before long.  But first, I’m headed only a few blocks away where several vintage and thrift shop stores line the street.

How lucky I am to have great vintage and thrift shops.  These are not the old, dusty shops that feel like you’re rummaging through your grandmother’s attic.  These shops are clean, neat, even some with trendy décor.  Racks are full of dresses, skirts, many well know designers such as DVF; gently worn, that are great to get another few years use out of. 

After raking through hangers of clothes from the shops in my neighborhood, I’m ready for some lunch.  Never a shortage of places to eat, but a favorite of mine is Caravan of Dreams.  The food is all organic, vegan and kosher certified so I know no pesky chemicals will enter my body today.  I order a glass of the sangria and the Caravan Burrito which is oh so yummy!

On TV, in magazines and other media I often see the "top 10" tips to being green or eco-friendly…and rarely do I see or hear “natural or organic eating” on the list.  Eating natural, whole foods and avoiding processed foods, is a key factor in helping the environment.  Why?  One example is chemicals used in farming and food production.  Many chemicals cannot be disposed of, leaving residue or traces in our drinking water, our produce and our animals. Heavy topic but in short eating whole non processed foods can make you feel energetic and healthy as well as helping the environment.

Last week, I was at this party wearing my new (lightly used) favorite top and some awkward individual’s can of beer tipped to far forward onto my sleeve.  So off next to the dry cleaners….

Many organic and natural dry cleaners have popped up in the last year.  Why did they start appearing? Well, interestingly the major synthetic chemical used in dry cleaning is linked with several side effects such as irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat.  It can also cause dizziness, headaches and nausea.  So due to more public scrutiny and the EPA watching, the industry has started to look for safer, less harmful ways to dry clean.   It turns out that California plans to phase out the major synthetic chemical used called perc by 2023.

And how fast the afternoon has come and I’m a little spent - looking for a nice bench to park on for a bit.  Many parks hide in and around the pavement of the city.  I walk past this small neighborhood one and find a small little quiet area.  It's lovely - surrounded by lush plants and newly planted tulips and other spring flowers.  I take out my Kindle and try to find another great murder mystery to start….

Inspirational Women Series #2 - Patricia Adkins

My favorite entries –the inspirational women who surround me…

The second inspirational woman that I’d like to introduce is Patricia Adkins. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Patricia for many years…she’s that “one of a kind” childhood friend. She lives in Lindenwold, New Jersey with her loving husband, Mike and daughters, Lily and Chloe. She is a wife, mother, philanthropist and writer to name just a few. Patricia has a heart of gold and is a true kindred spirit. She is a wonderful friend and you’ll see why I she is an inspiration.

What is a typical weekday like for you?

My weekdays are filled with getting my oldest (Lily) to school, entertaining my youngest (Chloe) and trying to squeeze in work. I try to plan my yoga lesson plans with my girls--they have a lot of fun on the mat--so it is a nice way to work and play. I try to fit writing and researching in when they are asleep (although I've done an occasional interview while hiding in the bathroom).

How does your day start?

It should be yoga, but with two little ones, my yoga practice has to wait. First, I check my calendar and then mentally make my 3 goals for the day while I get dressed. Then it is the mad dash to school and whatever activities my youngest has.

What are your first thoughts upon waking up?

Can I go back to sleep?

When you are not running around…What do you do to unwind?

...read, take a yoga class, drink wine, play Barbie’s with my kids, get a massage...

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

I love spending time outside--time in country at farms or a park or at the beach or on a mountain. I also love being outside in the city--a whole other environment with so many amazing things to discover. We love to travel and discover-even if our travel just takes us a few miles away.

With whom do you love sharing these experiences with?

With my girls and my Mike. I love sharing the world my three loves.

Who or What drives your Spirit for Living?

A long time ago, I was most passionate about my career. Then I had Lily and a few years later, Chloe. I am most passionate about my children--and the world we are building for them. I want to leave this world better--I want my children to make the world better for my grandchildren, for everyone's grandchildren.
 
I think we all have a purpose--some deep, divine path that is ours alone. Finding my path and walking it--that drives me.


In our house, God is first, always. Some days we have to remind ourselves of this--knowing that we have God's unconditional love drives my spirit and I hope to build the same legacy for my children.

I’ve always admired your affiliations to and work for nonprofits. Which ones are you favorites and why? Or which ones do you contribute to and why?

There are so many amazing charitable organizations. Many large organizations work to make major political, social and educational changes on a macro-scale; while the smaller grassroots organizations drive local change in communities (both geographic communities and those communities formed by a common goal). My favorite is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. It is close to our family's heart because of Lily's brain tumor--but Alex's is bigger than cancer. The organization was founded by a little girl--Alex Scott--who was really sick. She wanted to help other children who were also sick. And when she died at the age of 9, she had raised over $1 million. Her spirit has inspired other children and adults to make a difference everywhere. This message of hope and action reverberates beyond cancer. It is a beautiful thing.

And personally, Alex's Lemonade Stand gave me hope when Lily was in-patient at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I heard Alex's mother, Liz Scott, speak and thought, wow, this woman lost her daughter and here she is--helping all of us cancer-moms, save ours. In so many ways, Liz Scott saved me that day. She gave me hope.

We host a Lemonade stand on our front lawn each June-last year we raised nearly $10,000. Other charities we love: Friends of Jaclyn Foundation--an organization that matches children with brain tumors with collegiate sports teams. Lily was adopted by the Temple University Woman's Lacrosse team. She is their sister and it really gives her exposure to inspirational, positive women.

I also love St. Jude's--which provides free and cutting edge medical care to sick children. So many of our cancer-friends were treated at St. Judes. We are forever grateful for their continued health.

And I love the work of The International Ecotourism Society (my first post-college employer) and for their work to make travelers into sensitive, "green" and respectful individuals. They also work with the travel industry to create best practice models for sustainable, sensitive and diverse travel opportunities. Becoming an eco-tourist is a fun and wonderful way to make a positive impact on the environment.

In Philadelphia, I've recently discovered Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit that provides needy children (from birth to teenager) with the things they need -clothes, toys, gear, shoes, underwear. They accept gently used items--so it is a great way to recycle your old stuff without throwing it out.

How can others look to get involved? What do you suggest as first steps?

As a professional, I use my skills and expertise to make an impact. I try to host 2x monthly karma yoga classes to raise money or collect items (like for Cradles to Crayons) for organizations that need it. I've also volunteered as a writer, a PR girl and just as a helper. I think every individual has a cause that is dear to their hearts. Sometimes something just speaks to you--and that is what drives your donation. While, I am not an advocate for bragging about donations--I think we all have a duty to share what causes speak to us and what causes need our help. If it speaks to you--chances are it will speak to your friends too.