Getting Honest in our Kitchen

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and The Honest Company  but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #NaturallyHonest http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I consider myself pretty health and environmentally conscious, and even more so since I became a mother.  It probably comes from my upbringing in the Pacific Northwest - where I was exposed to the glorious plethora of outdoor activities, gaining a deep appreciation for the Earth we live on.  Over the past several years, with the shift out of complacency and a deepening awareness of the damage our human lives easily cause to this big green planet we call home, I've constantly looked for ways to reduce our family's impact on the environment, as well as on our own bodies.  

It seems that every other day there is a new ingredient added to the list of potential toxins we are exposed to -- it's enough to make any person, let alone this parent, worried about what is put within arm's reach of our little ones.  This year, I've made a special focused commitment to living "Lean, Green & Clean," which essentially means that I am focused on making sure our family is being active, eating whole foods and reducing our environmental impact.  A lot of this commitment starts where I would say I spend a good chunk of my day, my kitchen.

From washing dishes, to putting together meals, our family spends a lot of time hanging out in the kitchen.  One of my personal favorite activities is baking grain-free goodies with Zion, teaching her that we can still enjoy delicious baked treats that follow our paleo lifestyle.  And at not even 3 yet, Zion has a love for baking and cooking that reminds me of when I was around her age and loved being in the kitchen with my mom.  The last thing I want to worry about while spending time with Zion, or even my husband, in the kitchen is the potentially toxic chemicals they might be exposed to.  That is why we recently made the switch to The Honest Company in our kitchen.

Zion is at the precious age where she practically lives for helping me out with whatever I'm doing and she wants to be able to do things independently that make her feel purposeful.  Now that we have switched out our old cleaning products for Honest products - I have no problem letting her help me wipe down our surfaces or load the dishwasher.  I love how she beams with pride when she is able to do the household chores with me.

The Honest Company is even helping to make our cooking adventures worry-free by helping us to clean our fresh fruits and veggies of any pesticides or wax residues they may have been exposed to before ending up in our kitchen.  And the added perk of knowing many of our produce items will keep fresher longer when using this wash is a total bonus!

Seeing these two smiles after baking yummy cupcakes makes me smile!!  I feel good knowing that we are using non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products --- so this mama doesn't have to worry about our fun in the kitchen, or even the clean-up afterward.  Check out more of the great natural kitchen cleaning products available from The Honest Company:

1. Aromatic Soy Candle // 2. Multi-Surface Cleaner // 3. Dish Towels // 4. Scrubber Sponge 

5. Dish Soap // 6. Suds Up Soap Dish & Brush // 7. Dishwasher Pods

Though our Honest journey has just begun in our kitchen, we won't be stopping there!  We plan on making the switch in all the areas of our home including laundry, bathroom and even diapers and wipes!  If you are like me, you may be wondering how much more you will spend when you make the switch to natural, eco-friendly products, and that is the best part, with the Honest Company's subscription bundles you spend close to what you would probably spend anyway and in return you gain the priceless gift of peace-of-mind!

You can sign up for special email offers and new product releases or better yet, start making the switch today with a FREE TRIAL of the Family Essentials Bundle or Diapers & Wipes Bundle!  First time customers of The Honest Company can save $10 off a $40 purchase using code: 10off40Pollinate (offer expires May 8, 2013 and is limited to first time customers only).

The Honest Company is a Certified B Corporation, which means they are dedicated to making a profound social difference, taking care of our beautiful planet and the people who inhabit it. Their products are designed to be effective, sustainable and safe! As a partner with Baby2Baby.org, a non-profit that provides baby essentials and clothing to families in need, you can feel especially good knowing that every purchase at the Honest Company is working full circle for the greater good.

Connect with the Honest Company: 

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram

       

Let's Get Organized with Thirty One Gifts

Even though I love being organized, I still have trouble from time to time being innovative.  When my friend, Kristin, sent me an email to let me know she was selling Thirty One Gifts, I couldn't help but get excited at the possibilities.  One thing that is a goal for me this year is to set up an office space in our apartment.  We've gone back and forth on how to do it, but after seeing some of the ideas in the Spring Catolog, I think I have my mind set!  Now to choose a pattern!

1. Fold'N'File // 2. Hang-up Home Organizer // 3. Room to Grow Bin // 4. Magazine Basket

 Isn't this office great!?  A simple desk with two leaning bookshelves and hang-up organizers mounted to the wall!  I would probably do less on the desk itself, but I love the aesthetic for keeping life and business organized.  Something that I desperately need to get better at this year!

1. Organizing Pack // 2. Tote-A-Tablet  // 3. Perfect Party Set

Another thing I have been gazing at are the on-the-go accessories offered by Thirty One Gifts.  We plan on making a vehicle purchase in the next year or so, so I will be on the go more frequently.  I have my mind set on beach picnics and weekend getaways!  I also need a good camera bag now that I have joined the DSLR community - the organizer pack on the top left is supposed to be perfect for that.

Would you like to score some of these great organizers?  GREAT! I'm hosting a virtual party this week and you can shop online at your convenience!

Here is some info about Kristin and Thirty One Gifts:

Hi! I'm Kristin, and I am a blogger and a Thirty One Consultant! I'm really excited to tell you guys a little bit about Thirty One Gifts. Thirty One is a Christian Company who's name comes from Proverbs 31. It's a wonderful company that empowers women to succeed. Thirty One gifts has allowed so many women to fulfill their dreams of supporting their families, staying home with their children, provide financial stability, and so much more. After I heard so many inspiring stories from women who had used Thirty One as a way to provide these wonderful things, I decided that I had to become a consultant myself. Thirty One has already provided me with a part time income that is helping us to purchase our first home. And let me tell you, it's a fun gig to have! You get to make money from having parties. Can't get much better than that! If you'd like more information on becoming a Thirty One Consultant, you can contact me at kristinmfleck@gmail.com. You can also host a party and earn lots of free product! Let me know if you are interested!

And now, on to some super fun news! Courtney is hosting on online Thirty One party this week! All this week, you can go to mythirtyone.com/kristinfleck and order all kinds of awesome goodies!

And this month, if you spend $35, you can get a small duffle for $10 or a large for $25!




Thirty One has so many amazing gifts, accessories, purses, totes, and more! Browse around, have some fun, and get some great new products! Happy Shopping!!

Be sure to keep up with Courtney and I on twitter, I'll be posting fun ideas for your Thirty One products all week!!

       

ExNay on the IcroMaveWay Simple Steps to Healthy Living Linky Party

Welcome to another week of Healthy Living! I'm so excited you're here and look forward to hearing your tips and simple steps towards a more healthy lifestyle.

For this month, Kristina is doing something a little different! 

There will be a giveaway with this linky party, so all the more reason to have fun and participate! 

Check out these awesome link-ups from last week:

Whole Grain Apple Popovers @ The Blissful Beet

Homemade Natural Cinnamon Coffee Creamer @ Just Simply Live

***

And now for my tip!

Probably one of the simplest things I've ever done:

I TOSSED OUT OUR MICROWAVE.

Yep, I banished it.

Sure, it takes away the convenience of zapping your food in a hurry, but it also gives me peace of mind (worth more than any convenience) in knowing that the food I prepare is not the packaged processed kind.  No microwave = I won't be tempted to buy that kind of junk.  

Plus, I just felt a need to rid our home of it.  There are articles out there on both sides of the fence as to wether microwaved food is as healthful as regularly prepared food, but I feel that with so much illness and cancer on the rise, I don't want to take any chances.  Erring on the side of caution.  (Much to the dismay of my convenience loving husband!)

What are your thoughts on microwaves?

***

Today, Kristina is offering a Family-Size NonPetro Jelly skin balm as the giveaway with this week's link up! Use this just as you would Vaseline or Aquaphor or lotion for that matter, but with more peace of mind, knowing there aren't any harmful ingredients in it! 

For a chance to win this awesome NonPetro Jelly, We'd love to have you link up your own simple steps (for added points not a requirement) and enter the raffleopter below.

Now it's your turn to share what you're learning! 

But first, check out these lovely ladies co-hosting with Kristina today!

Me!

Becca @ A Humble Bumble

Melissa @ A Day in the Life of a Mom & Wife

Kristine @ The Foley Fam {unedited}

And now, for the rules...I'll try to keep them simple :)

1. Follow Kristina and all the co-hostesses

2. You can post about anything you want, as long as it's a simple step towards a healthier lifestyle including tips for "green" living. I will ask that you avoid the following:

no processed foods

no artificial ingredients

nothing from a box

3. Share the love. Check out at least 3-4 other posts and introduce yourselves. The thing I love most about linky parties is that you get to meet so many amazing people! 

4. Have fun!! :)


I'd also love to have you put the button on your post or blog somewhere so that it's an actual "link" party! :) 

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And thank you so much for participating!! I'm thrilled that you're here and sharing with the rest of us!

Want to co-host next time? Just contact Kristina and we'll set it up!

And featured ladies, don't forget to grab the "I was featured" button! Excellent shares and I'm so glad you linked up last time!!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Outside the Box}

I am by no means a crafty lady, but occasionally I do like to try things that stretch me outside my comfort zone.  I've really enjoyed seeing gallery wall ideas on Pinterest, and other people's blogs, as well as in homes of some friends in my neighborhood.

I have been collecting items for a while to add create my own interpretation of a gallery wall, adding a little bit of a comfortable homey feel to our NYC apartment.  It is a bit of a struggle when living in NYC to allow yourself to be settled enough in one place to actually make your space "homey."  

Over the last couple of years we've moved three times, so I've been somewhat reserved to put in the time and energy to decorate and get comfortable.  But, alas, I've begun my gallery wall which I'm happy to be sharing with you here today!

 I've literally been throwing miscellaneous items into a box since before Christmas in anticipation of getting my wall started.  I've done a couple of Michael's runs, plus had miscellaneous craft leftovers from various projects I've attempted previously.

 I took all of my "frames" which were simply shoebox lids of varying shapes and sizes and covered them with scrapbooking paper.  I tried to pick a variety of colors, designs and textures that would still correspond with each other in some way.

 Next I added photographs using double sided tape, and dressed up each frame with scrapbooking stickers, and other fun things.  

Here are a few more examples:

 For the backing I used yarn and felt squares with hot glue.  

Make sure you measure your nails or picture mounts to help determine where you should place the yarn so that the actual mounts are hidden behind the pictures.

 Once you have a good collection of different items to hang, go ahead and put them up, you can always experiment with hanging them in different places until you find something you like.

 Here is my before:

 And after:

I still plan on adding a few items to my wall later on, including a few decals, 

and possibly some painted toilet paper roll flowers.

And of course more pictures over time.

What do you think?