7 Dish Washing Tips for Super Stars Without Dishwashers

Where the dish magic happens in my kitchen.

My friend Eden requested a dish washing recipe. I don't have one, but I do have some suggestions:

1. The best "green" hand dishwashing liquid brands are Trader Joe's and Seventh Generation. This is based on my experience which I admit is somewhat limited because once I discover something works I don't stray.
2. Baking soda is great at assisting with the cleaning of tough pots and pans. 
3. Dish cloth or sponge? The jury is still out. Both seem to be safe as long as you use heat (microwave, boiling water, dishwasher) to kill the germs shacking up in them. Use whichever feels the best to you and roll with it. 
4. You've probably noticed it's harder to clean a dish once the remains of food and sauce have been chilling out for a while. If you don't like cleaning dishes to be hard--and why would you-- do the dishes right after your meal or at least rinse them off really well.
5. Protect your hands, Goddess! Cover your glamourizers with a pair of rubber gloves. If you're not going to wear gloves (I admit I don't), at least massage with hand salve or shea butter after washing. Detergents are all about stripping oils, my friends, and they can't distinguish between your pots and your skin. 
6. Do whatever it takes to make the time spent dishwashing enjoyable. I spend about an hour a day handwashing dishes. That's an effing long time to be miserable, so each day I decide to have fun instead. I appreciate the adorable little knick-knacks decorating the windowsill I face while washing. I listen to inspirational lectures or the Wendy Williams Show. I burn a scented candle.
7. I only wash dishes when I feel like it. Washing dishes when you are tired from a long day of work, sick, or otherwise exhausted sucks. If you live with others, get everyone in the house to rinse off the dishes after eating and deal with it when you can. Better yet, ask someone else to help out (especially if you're sick, germykins). Try "bartering" your dish washing services for something that you will enjoy like a home-cooked meal or NetFlix viewing queue domination.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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Go Green USPS Forever Stamps

I found these Go Green stamps at the Adelphi post office today while I was there mailing the deposit for our new apartment. I feel I should mention the postal workers there were sweet as pie. One worker gently guided me to a two day mail envelope. The woman behind the window called everyone "baby" and "sugar" and wished me a great weekend with sincerity. Another worker took the time to notice and explain to an old woman she had a slip for UPS or "the brown trucks" before she waited on line for 15 minutes. Love is in the air in 11238.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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Spotlight on Baking Soda #13: Safe for Hair? BGLH Reports

Seems like people are over shampooing these days. A couple of my friends have mentioned that they use baking soda as an alternative. My favorite natural hair care blog, Black Girl Long Hair, offers an examination of the pros and cons of using baking soda to clean hair.

Famous No Poo'er, Richard Glover

Do you include baking soda in your hair care ritual? I don't. I'm kinda hooked on Beautiful Curls and the benefits of baking soda don't seem to be overwhelming in comparison to sulfate-free natural products, but I'm curious to read about your experiences.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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DIY Earring Display from Aye' Shanti Designs

My friend, the brilliant accessories designer Shanti, shows us how to make a gorgeous unique crochet earring display. Visit her blog for a step-by-step tutorial.

Finally a cute way to organize my post earrings!

Check it out, along with her fabulous Caribbean inspired journals and jewelry, at Aye' Shanti Designs.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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Sarah Copeland's Newlywed Cookbook is too beautiful!

I just wanted to share the gorgeous promotional "movie" for The Newlywed Cookbook: Fresh Ideas and Modern Recipes for Cooking With and for Each Other. I wish our at home meal experiences were like this. It's inspiring me to step up my game from defrosted veggie dogs!


The book looks equally lovely. Lots of great colorful images of fresh produce and other ingredients. I probably won't buy it for myself as it's not particularly vegan-friendly, but it has tons of recipes featuring wholesome foods I imagine would entice omnivores couples who want to enjoy healthy, soulful meals at home together.

Pink Olive, my favorite stationary and baby gift shop is hosting a party to celebrate the book on Saturday, April 21 2-5pm. I hope to stop by.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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Spotlight on Baking Soda #12: Treat Bug Bites & 50 More Uses!

One of my favorite green living resources, care2.com has an article listing a whopping 51 fantastic uses for baking soda! My favorite tip from their list:

Treat Insect Bites & Itchy Skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower. For specific tips on bee stings, see Bee Stings: Prevention and Treatment.

I can say from personal experience with mosquito and flea bites that this doesn't look too glamorous but it really provides relief.

Bee at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (He did not sting me.)

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/51-fantastic-uses-for-baking-soda.html#ixzz1q5V6gsKg

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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I Share Downsizing & DIY Ideas with Krrb

I recently teamed up with Krrb (@krrbsale) to share tips on downsizing and to show how to make your own laundry detergent.  Here's an excerpt:

Sometimes your life is cluttered with items that were once useful but aren’t needed anymore. It’s why Olivia says every few months you need to reexamine your belongings for what is really necessary. People’s lives and in turn, their priorities are always shifting. When our needs change, it’s an opportunity to share with other people, says Olivia. 

"Krrb is a fun, friendly and safe place to connect with your neighbors for local and in-person commerce" (buying, selling, renting, giving, and trading). It's like the love child of Craiglist and Etsy. Please join the community by April 8th to enter their Sell Everything contest and maybe win an iPhone 4S. You can also check out my Krrb corner featuring craft books, fake hair, and other random things I need to get rid of.

Let's face it, I'm never going to learn to knit!

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning.   

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