Enjoy Aromatherapy While You Vacuum!

If you like adding essential oils to your DIY cleaning products, here's another easy way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while you clean. All you need is a vacuum, some cotton balls, and the essential oil of your choice.

I chose lemon essential oil because it is uplifting. (Who couldn't use a mood lift while cleaning?) Also, lemon gives the karate chop to negative feelings that medicinal smelling essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus can bring up. Chances are you've used those while cleaning your bathroom, so enjoying some lemon oil afterwards while you vacuum can help bring you back into the happy zone.

Lemon essential oil also increases concentration and awareness. No dust bunny will be left behind once you've inhaled some of this!

Watch my video to see how simple vacuum aromatherapy is.



You may need more oil than what I suggested in the video depending on your vacuum. I think at least 3 drops on two cotton balls is minimum.

If you don't have a vacuum, just inhale some oil straight from the bottle. Whatever it takes!

Visit the Aura Cacia website to learn more about the aromatherapy benefits of many essential oils and pick your favorite! Let me know if you try this and which oil you choose. 

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Save the Planet with Recycled Gold!

Most of us know about "blood diamonds" but did you know the gold band that the diamond is set in might not be too politically correct either?

"The Best Way to Save the Planet from Gold Mining" on ethical jeweler Brilliant Earth's blog highlights the environmental price of being blinged out.

[G]old mining is extremely bad for the environment. Modern gold mining methods generate about 20 tons of toxic waste for every gold ring. Gold mining pollutes the air and water with toxic substances like cyanide and mercury. The leading cause of mercury pollution today, ahead of even coal-fired power plants, is gold mining. And it’s partly because of gold mining that the Amazon rainforest is being destroyed and that mercury levels in fish are so high.

Blogger Gregg Krauss suggests we simply stop mining for gold and start re-using the gold we already have.

In 2012, if the world had re-used or recycled less than 3 percent of existing gold supplies, it could have satisfied 100 percent of global demand. And by recycling about 5 percent of gold jewelry, all the world’s gold needs could have been met last year.

Recycling gold seems like a no-brainer to me. I mean, we are required by law to recycle plastic bottles, which, unlike gold, degrade in value with each recycling. Also, these days you can make some serious cash by recycling grandma's gaudy gold.

I wanna popularize the phrase "Cash-4-Gold: Not just for hood rats anymore!" How cool would that look on a reuseble grocery tote bag?!

Seriously, I'm totally inspired to get rid of the gold name ring I've been hoarding since 1993, a.k.a. my Wanna-Be-Gangsta-B**ch phase, when it would have been cool had my name actually been spelled correctly. (#TrueStory: My mom spells my nickname at least 3 different ways!) Maybe I'll have it melted down into my future wedding band. *Cough*

I'm a fan of vintage jewelry, but if I had to buy something new I totally love the idea of recycled gold. Would you wear recycled jewelry?

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G-BOMBS Tofu Scramble Recipe [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Tofu scramble is totally Vegan Basics 101. Whether you eschew eggs or just want to impress a special vegan overnight guest, knowing how to make good tofu scramble is superimportant. Good tofu scramble isn't just about not cutting the tofu into huge cubes like a weirdo. It's about exploring your taste preferences and having a superfilling and nutritious breakfast.

Thanks to last week's lesson at Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I'm kind of obsessed with Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his G-BOMBS based Nutritarian diet right now. For breakfast, I made this tofu scramble that includes greens, beans (tofu), onions, mushrooms, and seeds (tahini and gomasio). If you eat berries with this, you'll have a breakfast designed for super immunity! (If only I had put strawberries on my side salad. Doh!)

Interview with Raw Vegan Personal Trainer, Ramona Cadogan

Ramona Cadogan is a New York-based science teacher, tutor, personal trainer, pilates teacher, hula hooper and a raw vegan chef who enjoys a healthy holistic organic raw vegan lifestyle. She enjoys Olympic lifting, crossfit, and bikini fitness. She has participated in a number of obstacle courses like the Warrior Dash and Spartan Races.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Ramona when she wasn't moving and ask her a few questions about fitness and food. 

How did you end up becoming a personal trainer?
I became a personal trainer to help people get over their challenges with fitness. I provide a fun but challenging routine base on my client's fitness level.

Why did you decide to adopt a raw vegan diet?
I became raw vegan because [I care about] other animals and [because of the] health benefits, even though I did not have health challenges when I was not on a plant based diet.

Did you see that commercial about how chocolate milk is a recovery meal? Bananas! What's your favorite meal or snack to eat after a work out?
After a workout my favorite food to eat would be sprouted quinoa and lentils as well as a large salad with all greens, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, and lemons as a dressing.

Do you have any tips for people who want to incorporate more physical activity into their life?
In order to incorporate more activity I would suggest splitting up the workout. 10 to 20 minutes in morning, 20 minutes during lunch, and 20 minutes in the evening.

I think it's awesome that you teach people to hula hoop! I love hooping; it's so fun it barely feels like exercise! What are the benefits?
Hula hooping is another form of fitness I teach to connect the mind, body, and soul. When the hoop is going around your body I ask people to meditate and connect to their inner child. Also while you are hooping I encourage people to let their mind rest and and let the hoop flow with your body and connect with your spirit.

Connect with Ramona on Facebook to learn more about her academic tutoring, fitness, and raw vegan services.

Wanna learn more about a raw diet now? Check out this free awesome Guide to Raw Foods from Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

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7 Reasons to Travel with Coconut Oil

You needn't abandon healthy habits just because you're away from home. Carry your commitment to supreme self-care with you by packing a jar of coconut oil. Here are just a few ways you can use the very versatile oil to treat your body right on the road.

1. Shaving cream
My personal research has uncovered that wishing leg and armpit hair won't grow during vacations doesn't work. (Le sigh.) Fortunately, rubbing coconut oil onto wet skin before shaving makes the experience a pleasure and leaves skin feeling extra silky. Who needs shaving cream!

2. Hair Conditioner
Hotel toiletries are always a drag. Not only are they usually full of yucky synthetic chemicals, they generally suck too. I love using coconut oil as a deep conditioner. I comb it through damp hair, put on a complimentary shower cap, and let it work it's magic for 10-30 minutes. Afterwards I wash my hair. (Forgot to pack healthy shampoo? Use baking soda.) I also use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner, but I don't recommend that use for folks with oily or thin hair.

Visit GreenLivingLadies.com to read the rest of my post and learn 5 more reasons to travel with coconut oil. I'm a thrilled to be a guest writer on that awesome blog today!

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What to Do If You Break a CFL Bulb

Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and mercury is toxic. That's why you can't just toss CFLs in the trash or recycling bin. If you ever accidentally break a CFL bulb you'll wanna take extra care to clean up the mess in the safest and most responsible manner.

Click here to read the steps to take to clean up a broken fluorescent bulb as outlined by the EPA.

A few key points from the process:

• Shut off central air conditioning or any fans.
• Open windows and air out the room for a few hours.
• Do not use a vacuum.
• The EPA suggests using sticky tape to get up bits of glass, but a sticky lint roller would probably be easier to use.
• Dispose of the collected waste according to your local guidelines for CFL recycling.

Read "I Broke a CFL. Now What?" at Earth911 for more info on CFLs, mercury exposure, and recycling.

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Sandwich Verde with Tomatillos, Avocado, and Scallions Recipe [Vegan]

Many moons ago I belonged to The Bed-Stuy Farm Share, one of the best CSA's ever (imho). I was constantly confronted with a bounty of beautiful veggies I had no idea what to do with. It was a great way to experiment in the kitchen!

Sandwich Verde is one of my creations that worked out particularly well. It's just all kinds of creamy green goodness!

Sandwich Verde: Tomatillos, Scallions & Avocado

Source: www.oliviacleansgreen.com

Course: Snacks and Sandwiches

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1-2 slices thick and hearty whole grain bread
• Earth balance or butter, (or maybe a thin schmear of tahini for more protein)
• ¹⁄₂-1 whole avocado sliced
• 1-2 tomatillos sliced
• 2 green onions/ scallions sliced
• salt
• white pepper
• garlic powder or 1 clove minced fresh garlic
• cilantro
• lime

Directions

1. Butter the bread.
2. Pile avocado on one slice of bread. Top with tomatillos and green onions.
3. Season to taste with garlic, herbs, and spices.
4. Squeeze a wee bit of lime juice over everything.
5. Top with other slice of bread or serve as an open face sandwich.
6. Enjoy!

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I originally shared this recipe on VegWeb.com. VegWeb boasts status of "The World Largest Collection of Vegetarian Recipes." It's a great online community for opinionated home cooks. Check them out to find for more yummy recipes and to share your own.

Thanks so much for reading this blog entry! I hope it was helpful. Wanna keep nerding out about creative green living? Let's stay connected: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Newsletter // Bloglovin' // YouTube