Tag Archives: health

Blueberry Muffins with Pecan Crumble Topping

23 Feb

grain free blueberry muffins with pecan crumble topping

I’m a firm believer that life should be delicious.  And with summer here it certainly is!  Colourful fruits and crisp fresh vegetables abound just waiting to adorn our plates.  One of my summertime favourites is berries, especially fresh blueberries; but I don’t discriminate. If I can get my hands on strawberries or raspberries at a reasonable price I put them in pretty much everything! I know the season won’t last for long so I make the most of them while I can.

Which brings me to this recipe…

Blueberries are the hero of this wholesome snack, which also includes the protein power of almond meal.  Topping the batter off with cinnamon scented pecans adds a great crunch to a treat that does not disappoint.  Even better still is knowing that these little beauties are also good for you! They are gluten, grain and dairy free and are suitable for those following a low FODMAP diet.

So get your baking pans out a whip up a batch for easy breakfasts on the run or a yummy snack.

Blueberry Muffins with Pecan Crumble

muffin 1

Ingredients 

Blueberry Muffins

  • 1½ cups blanched almond meal
  • 1 tsp cinnamon, ground
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup cooked sweet potato
  • ⅓ – ½ cup maple syrup (depends how sweet you like your treats)
  • ¼ cup silken tofu (substitute mashed avocado for soy-free)
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • Muffin liners

Pecan Crumble topping

  • ¼ cup pecans chopped
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (add more if you like)
  • 2 tsp coconut oil or butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare crumble topping: Place  ingredients in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the coconut oil or butter in with the other ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Prepare muffins: Combine almond meal, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
  4. In a food processor, combine sweet potato, maple syrup, tofu, almond butter, vanilla and egg yolks. Purée until combined and smooth.
  5. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, until just combined; do not over-mix.
  6. In a separate dry bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites into batter.  Add blueberries and stir to combine
  7. Prepare muffin tin with liners.  Divide batter evenly between 12 muffin liners.
  8. Distribute crumble topping evenly among muffins and lightly press into batter.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 20 – 25 minutes.
  10. Cool completely before serving
  11. Leftovers may be kept refrigerated in a resealable container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

For a printable version click here: Blueberry Muffins with Pecan Crumble

If you make these, send me a pic and let me know your thoughts!

-Sarah xox

What is your favourite summer fruit or vegetable?

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Video

Are you a human being or a human doing?

20 Jan

just-be

I have a confession to make: I like being busy.  Like busy busy.

I came to this realisation over the holidays when I ran out of things to busy my life with.  The house was clean, I’d been to the gym, and friends were away.  It was just me, myself and I.  I had no flipping idea of how to just ‘be’ because I really just ‘do’ too much.

The concept of just sitting down and doing nothing felt obscure to me. As much as I wanted to chill out I couldn’t.  Finally faced with a day of peace and quiet, I found my head filled with thoughts.

If only there were an off switch!

Slightly frustrated I decided that maybe a more active approach to relaxation was in order. Sounds like an oxymoron right? Anywho, I decided to try something I used to do during times of stress which I find quite useful: one minute meditation.  It’s as simple as closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing.  If thoughts appear, just let them float by like clouds passing in the sky and then return your awareness to your breath.

I enjoy listening to this piano music as I breathe, but do what works best for you

I find this one minute is enough to transition me into a calm headspace so I can just ‘be’.

What relaxation techniques do you find useful?

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A new year…and it’s time to jump

2 Jan

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Happy New Year Diva Readers!!! My oh my it’s been a while since I’ve written to you, and I do apologise for my hiatus, but I’m happy to be back writing again.

2012 was a huge rollercoaster for me. There were highs, lows, and many a lesson learnt.  I started out last year with grand intentions about different aspects of my life, set specific goals, and really worked hard towards achieving them.  Some goals were a complete success, others….not so much.  But all in all 2012 was a great year, and the world didn’t end as the Mayans predicted which means…Hello 2013!

This new year brings with it a new outlook.  A fresh start in which many people make resolutions about their health or fitness.  And of course there are plenty of books, weight loss pills, and fad diets promising results which pray on these innocent people.  The fundamental flaw is not the products, the flaw is us.  They make us believe that we NEED something or someone to fix our problem, when in fact the truth is we are the only ones who can control our destiny.

This was the biggest lesson I learnt in 2012.  I must confess that for years I have been a ‘serial searcher’.  Always looking for something external to help me solve a problem or reach my goal.  I had lost faith in my own abilities; I had lost belief in myself that I ,indeed, could do anything.  I had to face the harsh reality that I was in charge of making things happen.  But why had it taken me so long to accept it?

FEAR.

It all boils down to fear.  

I realised that in order to reach my goals I’d have to do lots of scary stuff all the time.  I knew it was going to be hard and uncomfortable but I needed my self belief back and this was the only way.  In psychology they call this ‘radical acceptance’.  Knowing it’s going to be hard, not wanting to do it, but managing to do it anyway.  You face your fear and realise the world doesn’t end, and so your confidence slowly starts to grow.

It’s kind of like jumping off a tall cliff into the ocean.  You stand at the edge deathly terrified, but you muster up the courage to jump.  You fly through the air towards the ocean with a mixture of emotion; exhilarated yet anxious.  Then finally you hit the calm beautiful deep water, and realise you did it and you are alive.  Each time you jump off the cliff into the ocean, your fear gets a little less as your confidence grows a little more.

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And maybe that’s why change is so hard.  It’s scary. It’s unknown.  It’s easier to stay with the status quo.  But change IS possible.  You just need to believe that it is.  You need to believe in you!

Once you believe in yourself anything is possible.

“Face your fear. Do it anyway. Leap even before you think you’ve grown the wings to fly. Dare to dream. Take turtle steps towards your vision. You got this.” -Lindsey Lewis

Wishing you all the best for 2013.

-Sarah xo

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Motivational Monday: the gift of gratitude

3 Dec

“Be thanksful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough”
-Oprah Winfrey

Ah the holidays! Tis the season to be joyful and generous towards others, but also to ourselves.  The fun of shopping for presents and seeing the receiver light up when they open their gift is priceless.  It just feels good to give, and makes us feel happy!

Well what if I told you could bottle that feeling every day, and all without having to spend a dime?

I give you the gift of gratitude.  So often we dwell on the bad things that happen in our daily lives, and tend to forget about all the good!  But cherishing the little things in life and expressing gratitude can help you feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. It doesn’t have to be anything grand either.  It could be as simple as something that made you smile, something yummy you ate, or chatting to a friend on the phone.

Taking a few minutes at the end of the day to express gratitude is a simple action and the benefits are scientifically proven!  People who tried it every night for just one week were happier and less depressed one month, three months and six months later. Just follow the simple formula below and instantly reap the rewards of a happier, healthier life.

Look at all the beauty and be happy

How to bring gratitude into your life:

  • Every night before you go to bed, deliberately meditate on all the good things that happened in your day (try and think of at least 3 if you can)
  • Write the thoughts down in a journal, post some pictures, tweet about it, or just make a note in your phone
  • At the end of a few weeks look back over everything you’ve written.  How does it feel when you look at all these good things? Do you notice any themes?
  • Keep it up! Try making a habit of expressing gratitude as often as possible.  Put a reminder in your phone to prompt you once a week or so.  After a while you’ll find that you naturally start to appreciate the good things more as they happen.

For the month of December, I’ve challenged myself to express gratitude every day, and I urge you to join me!!!  I’ll be sharing my gratitude thoughts with you today, and you can stay up to date by following me on facebook. 

Today I’m thankful for:

  1. Herbal tea – lemon balm and honey is my current favourite!
  2. Reality tv shows – it’s my guilty pleasure I’m not gonna lie
  3. This song from Twilight – it is just so beautiful and soothing
  4. This poem by Scott Abel on why it’s so important to enjoy holiday food and drinks without the guilt

What are you grateful for today?

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Low FODMAP delicious

3 Oct

Being creative in the kitchen can be tough when you have a lot of food intolerances, but that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to a menu of plain chicken and rice!  The key to success is to adapt recipes and use friendly ingredients to create a healthy, balanced meal that still packs loads of flavour.  If you need some inspiration check out my latest pinterest board Low FODMAP delicious.  All the recipes have notes to help you make these dishes fructose friendly and Low FODMAP.  You can also check out my sweet and savoury boards for other ideas, or hit up my recipe page.  Time to tantalise those taste buds!

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Is a high-protein, low-carb diet best for weight loss?

28 Sep

With spring upon us and the weather heating up in Australia, more and more of us start to think about trimming our waistlines for the upcoming summer.  The magazines and media know this and run with it.  We hear about fabulous diets which will shed the kilos quickly, new exercises to target those trouble spots, or the latest detox to give you that boost you need.

But do they really work? And what is best for you and your goals?

Well that depends really! Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.  However, the one thing we should all practice is common sense.  And the best way to do that is dispel the myths from the facts!  Let’s take a look at a few fitness, food and wellbeing problems to see where fact or fallacy lie.

Fact or fiction: A high-protein, low-carb diet is best for weight loss?

The facts: Ok let me explain.  The properties of protein make it extremely satiating, which may cause us to eat less.  Eating less leads to an overall energy deficit which results in weight loss.  Also, restricting carbohydrates does lead to weight loss, but most of this is water loss.  Your body’s preferred energy source is carbohydrate, so reduced intake will cause your body to rely on its glycogen stores in the liver and muscle.  The liver and muscle store approximately 100g and 400g of glycogen respectively.  A low intake of carbohydrates in the diet will cause your body to mobilize these stores from the liver and muscle to be used by cells for energy.  Two grams of water are mobilized with every gram of glycogen leading to an initial weight loss of approximately 1kg.

And then there are the ketones bodies.  What the heck is a ketone you say? Well once your body has run out of glycogen and you aren’t feeding it more (low carbs remember), it must rely on other forms of nutrients for fuel.  So we start to breakdown our fat stores, producing ketone bodies as a by-product.  These ketone bodies are then filtered by the kidneys and cause an increased water loss (read here to understand how).

Because this loss can occur quite quickly, most people feel the diet is a miracle, but really its just plain chemistry at work.

The fiction: Any diet that lowers your overall energy intake will cause weight loss, so there is nothing special about this diet.  In fact it can be quite hard to maintain because of some of the side effects such as headaches, poor concentration, mood swings and tiredness.  There is also a lack of fibre which can lead to constipation.

Bottom line: Rapid weight loss does initially occur, but it is rarely maintained as most of it is water.  Once you start consuming carbohydrates again the weight will come back on.  Your best bet is to consume a balanced diet with moderate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.  Reducing your overall energy intake through smaller portion sizes, and increasing your exercise is best for long term sustainable weight loss.  The key is making a change in lifestyle and avoiding the diet mentality altogether.

What’s your best nutrition tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Coming up in part 2: the facts on sugar. Is it really as harmful as tobacco and alcohol? Stayed tuned to find out!

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Motivational Monday: Greatness

13 Aug

Happy Monday!!! How was your weekend?  I wanted to start off this week by talking about greatness.  Over the past few weeks we have seen some of the most talented athletes perform some amazing feats.  From death defying dives off a 10 metre platform to the grace and beauty of gymnastics, and the hardcore endurance of the marathon runners.  One thing all these participants have in common is greatness.

But they didn’t get to this point overnight.  It takes years of hard work, and dedication to make it to the top!  And along the way there are many triumphs and tribulations.  If there is one common theme among the athletes I’ve heard from it’s this: each one had a less than ideal lead up to the game, yet there determination and self belief never wavered.  It was mind over matter.

But greatness isn’t reserved for a select few.  There is greatness in each of us.  It is just a matter of finding out your strengths and working towards a goal.

No dream or aspiration is too large to obtain if you are willing to work hard to achieve it.  Just like the humble lump of coal can become a dazzling diamond, you too have the potential to be something great!

Here’s to a week full of greatness.

-Sarah xo

If you could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?
We are all great! Tell me one thing that’s great about you?

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Exercise: do what you love

9 Aug

I’m going to make a bold statement here: I hate running.

Nothing about pounding the pavement or tearing up the treadmill really appeals to me.  The only running mileage I clock up is the brief spurts of jogging I do when feeling particularly energetic on my walks. But then my lungs start burning, my face turns an interesting shade of red, and I return to the glory of my walk.

I am a walker. Not a runner.

And I’m perfectly ok with that.

However, just because I don’t run doesn’t mean I’m not fit.  Fitness is a very individual thing, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses.  You may be born to run, while some may be better at lifting heavy things, and others masters of mobility and flexibility.  The important thing when it comes to exercise is to just do something.

The options are endless when it comes to fitness and there truly is something for everyone.  So if you aren’t into running or going to the gym why not consider these options:

  • Sign up for a dance class
  • Play group sport such as basketball, soccer or football
  • Join a walking or hiking group
  • Get gardening! If you don’t have a green space of your own, volunteer at a community garden
  • For the more adventuresome folk, why not try rock climbing?
  • Make a splash: swimming and water sports are great in summer
  • Cycle to work or school and consider joining a local club to meet like minded folk
  • Try Crossfit if your after a short intense workout which is sure to get you fit
  • Setup some at home options: fitness dvds, exercise bands, and dumbells are all great options.
  • Head to the local park and let your body be your gym! Try one of these equipment free workouts.

Get your rear into gear with this lower body workout (click image for link)

If you choose an activity you love, you are much more likely to stick with it.  Movement really does matter for our health and wellbeing: it prevents disease, keeps our hearts healthy, and is excellent stress relief!  So if you don’t love what you are doing, try something new!  Fitness is meant to be challenging, but fun too.

I personally enjoy circuit style strength training which keeps my heart rate high and strengthens my muscles.  I do it because I enjoy it.

For me running sucks.  But it may totally be your thing, which is great! I’ve heard the post sweat mood boost is amazing.

But I’ve got my own way of experiencing ‘runner’s high’…

It includes sitting on the couch, with a bar of dark chocolate, watching the men’s olympic sprinting…

Now that’s an endorphin kick I really enjoy :)

-Sarah xo

Running: love it or hate it?
What new sport or exercise have you been wanting to try recently?

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Mind over matter

4 Aug

Your mind can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy at times, especially when it comes to health, wellbeing, and even sports performance.

The London 2012 Olympics sees some of the world’s greatest athletes falter under extreme pressure, or an underdog exceed everyone’s expectations.  All the competitors have proven their ability to make it to the top, however, athletic talent is only one factor to the equation.  Being in tip top physical shape is essential, but the power of a performance is also determined by the mind.

Strong mind, strong body

Sports psychologists help athletes deal with the incredible pressure using various relaxation techniques, positive psychology, and one of the most important: visualisation. The power of visualisation and mental training is tied to one important physiological fact: the mind knows no difference between an actual and an imagined activity.  “From the brain’s point of view, when you create an image of an act, that fires off the same neurons in the brain as physically performing the act,” says Victorian Institute of Sport sport psychologist Paulette Mifsud.

“The signal strength, if you like, is greater when you actually perform the act – when you actually lift your leg as opposed to thinking about lifting it – but the neural pathways are the same. And so visualisation strengthens that neural network so it’s more accessible, and becomes the pathway your brain follows naturally.” (Quote taken from ‘All Psyched Up’ by Amanda Hooton, Sydney Morning Herald 2012)

But this technique is not just for the elite.  Visualisation, relaxation, and positive psychology can improve all areas of your life!  Here are a few simple ways they can help:

1.  Heal with hypnotherapy

This alternative therapy is becoming increasingly popular to treat a variety of issues including overcoming addiction, pain management, and even treating irritable bowel syndrome.  However, the exact mechanism of how hypnotherapy works is still under question.  One suggestion is that hypnosis decreases activity in the part of the brain associated with daydreaming, and lets the mind become more open or ‘susceptible’ to suggestions (Source).

To read more articles on self-healing click on the image above.

Putting theories aside though, the benefits of hypnotherapy are becoming more recognized by the scientific community, and particularly for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.  I can personally say that I’ve tried it and noticed a marked improvement in my symptoms.  The process includes deep relaxation and training your brain to imagine your gut working synchronously and harmoniously.  It is also important to repeat these visualisations often, so they become the new ‘normal’.

Hypnotherapy can help a variety of ailments, and has few drawbacks compared to say drug treatments, making it an ideal choice to consider to improve your health.

2.  Think yourself stronger

As stated above, muscle strength is not solely determined by the size of your biceps.  Sure size does factor into the equation, but it is your ability to use those fibres which ultimately determines your strength.  So how can you improve your neural network and get fitter faster?

The easiest way is to ‘put your mind into the muscle’.  When working a muscle, such as your biceps, visualise and feel those muscles contracting as you progress through the movement.  The benefits of this technique include greater activation of the muscle, as well as more focused training because you are more ‘present’ in the activity.  Try it today and you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time!

3. Reduce stress and balance your body’s hormones

Stress is literally a killer.  Even though we’ve caged all the predators, our primal ‘fight or flight’ response remains unchanged.  When we detect a threat, our body sends out hormones that stimulate an increase in heart rate and breathing, among other things.  The problem is that these days we’re no longer fighting off lions and tigers, but mortgages, final exams, and the rising cost of living.  And so the stress becomes chronic and can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even a decreased immune system.

This interesting documentary looks into the chronic effects of stress on the body. Click the image to watch online.

So how’s a modern day gal or guy to cope?  Learn to relax by controlling your breathing.  Simply close your eyes, inhale for a count of 5, hold for 2, then exhale for a count of 5. Repeat this several times and you will find yourself becoming more centred and calm.

It is quite satisfying to know that your brain can better your health, and I hope you find my techniques and suggestions useful.  Why not try one today?  You are only one thought away from being better, faster, and stronger!

-Sarah xo

Do you use any visualisation of relaxation techniques?
How do you cope with stress?

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Motivational Monday: Green up your life

23 Jul

The other week I went to a wonderful presentation hosted by Green Villages (City of Sydney) on ways to green up your life, and in particular your home.  The panel of experts did a great job imparting their knowledge onto us eager green virgins.  By the end of the night I left with a wealth of information about sustainable living, and also how to become more involved with green projects in the community.  Today I wanted to share a few of the things I learned at the seminar, as well as some advice of my own (including recipes).

Here are my top three tips for living a cleaner, greener, and healthier life:

1.  Embrace second hand

I’m so surprised at the quality items that people often throw away.  In Australia, we have ‘hard waste’ days where you can dispose of unwanted items such as furniture or appliances, so keep an eye out for items that you are interested in (we managed to get a perfectly good flat screen tv once!).  Sometimes all they need is a bit of love to bring them back to life.

Another option is to check out thrift stores, garage sales, or auctions in your area.  You can find awesome vintage clothes, home appliances, or funky dish ware to cook up a storm. A few handy sites are:

2. Be a homemade hero

Store bought items are convenient, but come at a cost in terms of price and packaging.  I’ve personally made the switch from boxed chicken stock and almond milk to a homemade variety.  It may take a little longer to make, but the taste is far superior and I’m also saving lots of money!  Here are the recipes I use:

Homemade Almond Milk

(Low-FODMAP, gluten free, dairy free)

Makes about 2.5 cups

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup raw almonds
  • Filtered water for soaking
  • 3 cups filtered water for blending
  • Optional add ins: pinch of sea salt, stevia, or natural vanilla
  • Tools: Blender or food processor; nut milk bag, clean stocking, or fine cheesecloth for straining.

Method:

  1. Place the almonds in a bowl and cover liberally with filtered water. Refrigerate almonds overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  2. Drain almonds and discard soaking water.
  3. Place almonds in blender with 3 cups of filtered water, and any optional add ins.
  4. Blend on high for 2 – 3 mins.
  5. Strain milk through a nut milk bag or clean stocking into a clean jug.  Squeeze the almond pulp to remove as much milk as possible.
  6. Store milk in the refrigerator and use within 4 – 5 days.  This silky smooth milk is beautiful on its own, but you can also use it in smoothies, oatmeal, tea, coffee, or to make ice cream!
  7. Almond pulp will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.  You can use the almond pulp in a variety of ways. Gina from Choosing Raw offers a few good ideas here: 3 creative uses for Almond Pulp.

Simple blueberry almond smoothie: 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 tsp natural vanilla extract, sweetener to taste (optional)

Healthy Homemade Chicken Stock

(Low- FODMAP, gluten free, dairy free)

Ingredients:

  • 1.6 kg free range or organic chicken
  • Filtered water
  • 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 large stalks celery (including leafy parts), roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch spring onions (green part only) OR 1 bunch chives, roughly chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp mixed italian herbs
  • 6 – 10 peppercorns
  • Sea salt, to taste

Method:

  1. Remove chicken from packaging and gently rinse. Place in a large heavy bottom pan.
  2. Add vegetables and spices.
  3. Add enough filtered water to just cover the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Cover with lid and place over medium flame.
  5. When stock reaches a boil, turn flame down and gently simmer for 45 mins.
  6. After 45 mins, turn off heat and let stock cool.
  7. Remove chicken when cool enough to handle.  Carve chicken into pieces and enjoy beautifully poached chicken throughout the week. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, or even stir-fries.
  8. Strain stock through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Discard or compost vegetables.  Place stock in the fridge overnight.
  9. In the morning, skim off any fat that has formed at the top of your stock.  Use stock as desired, or divide mixture into 500ml portions and store in the freezer for future use.

Low FODMAP chicken noodle soup: Add chopped veggies, shredded poached chicken, and gluten free noodles to simmering stock. Cook until vegetables are tender and noodles are soft. Garnish with coriander and serve!

The best part about making things at home is knowing exactly what ingredients go in.  No added nasties, which makes for very happy tummies!

3. Support your local community

There are a number of ways you can support sustainability within your community, and meet great people at the same time. Consider joining a local community garden, which you through your local council or websites such as The Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network.  This is the perfect way to increase your knowledge of food and agriculture, especially if you’re more of a black thumb than a green thumb like me (it’s sad…all the herbs I’ve bought have died).

You can also be green with your dollar by buying at local farmers markets, or joining a food co-op.  Locally grown produce is less taxing on our planet as the food travels a shorter distance to the market or shop.  It is also important to be aware of what produce is in season.  A good guide is to look at the price per kilo.  Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually cheaper and higher in nutrients than those out of season, which may have to be imported from overseas.

Also take your own reusable shopping bags, and reuse plastic vegetable bags instead of taking new ones each time. Although these suggestions seem simple, they add up in the long run to reduce your footprint on the planet.  Remember small changes equal big results. 

Here are some useful sites to get you started:

If you live in Australia:

  • You can search Market Fresh to find out what’s in season, as well as what isn’t!
  • Buy the Seasons app for your smarty pants phone. It has loads of information about what’s in season, the length of the growing season, and what’s available year round.
  • Search for a Food Co-op near you
  • If you live in Sydney, head to Alfalfa house and raid the bulk bins (BYO containers)
  • If you want to go out for a bite to eat, then try these sustainable restaurants: Dank St Depot in Waterloo or Billy Kwong in Surry Hills (a personal favourite of mine!)

If you live in the US:

  • then head to Eat Local, where you can find produce in season and farmers markets near your area.
  • Buy the Seasons app for your smarty pants phone. It has loads of information about what’s in season, the length of the growing season, and what’s available year round.
  • Search the Food Co-op Directory to find one near you.
  • Buy reusable lunch boxes, shopping bags, or water bottles online at reuseit.com
  • Search the American Community Garden Association for a garden near you, or check out some of their useful resources.

I hope you find the links useful and take some action, great or small, to make your life just a little greener! Have a great monday and a fabulous week.

-Sarah xo

What is your best tip for living a greener life?
What do you make at home that saves you money at the store?

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