Wyoming & Montana road trip: Mount Washburn & Mammoth Hot Springs (day 6)

September 7, 2022 No Comments

The rain from the previous night continued into the early next morning. It was cold & wet when we awoke, the pitter patter of the water on our tent’s canvas walls singing like a lullaby & begging us to return to our warm sleeping bag. However, this was our last day in Yellowstone National Park, & we wanted to make the most of it.

Our first stop of the day was Mount Washburn. It was a long drive from our campsite, & by the time we reached the trailhead, the rain had stopped. We laced up our hiking boots, shrugged on our jackets, & began the trek up the mountain.

It was a chilly hike up, but the continual upward grade of the trail had us shedding layers after only a few minutes. All the while, we gazed around us at the breathtaking views of forested mountains illuminated by the warm glow of the early morning sun. As we walked, we heard an elk call through the trees, & we stopped for a few minutes, our breath hanging in front of us, hoping to hear the majestic sound again.

The clouds began to part just as we neared the summit. As we stepped onto the mountain peak, we were gifted with beautiful, clear blue skies & a gorgeous view of the valley below. Surrounding us on all sides were tall mountain peaks & fluffy white clouds. We had just enough time to take a few photos before the dark clouds rolled in again, obscuring our view.

The hike back down the mountain went by faster than the trek up. As we walked, we were met by a group of middle school-aged kids, who we recognized as the group we had crossed paths with just a few days earlier. The same kid from the Fairy Falls hike looked at us, caught sight of Joseph’s Colorado hat, & asked once again,

“Are you from Colorado?”

“Nope,” Joseph said again, grinning.

“Wait, I feel like we asked them that before!” the kid next to him exclaimed.

“She has a Maryland hat!” another kid exclaimed. Joseph & I laughed down the mountain. It was such a simple encounter, but the chances of running into the same kids for a second time, now on the last day of our trip in Yellowstone, felt almost fortuitous.

After we finished our hike, we headed to Tower Fall for lunch. The overlook did not provide much of a view – we could just barely make out the distant falls through the foliage of the trees. Joseph & I gazed at the plummeting water for a moment before we could evade our hunger no longer. We grabbed our food from the car & set up at a nearby picnic table for some much needed sustenance.

Since we had some extra time to spare, we decided to visit the Mammoth Hot Springs. Much of the area is still closed due to flooding, but the area around the springs is thankfully reopened for visitors.

As soon as we arrived, I was grateful we had come. The Mammoth Hot Springs are unlike anything I have ever seen. White & orange rock cascaded down like water, glistening in the sun’s light. We learned the incredible colors of the springs have been created over thousands of years as the hot water from the geothermal springs cooled & deposited calcium carbonate.

Walking around the springs, it felt as if we had traveled somewhere else in the galaxy rather than just another spot in Yellowstone. If I had seen photos of the white & orange landscape with barren trees poking out of the surface, it would not have taken any convincing to make me believe I was looking at Mars or another distant planet in our solar system.

The hike itself is not one I would recommend. We took the Mammoth Terraces & Upper Terrace Loop Trail, & it led us over the service road around the park, which had quite a bit of elevation & no shoulder for us to walk. We were constantly on edge as cars came flying down the hill we were climbing. By the end of the hike, we were hot & tired & had unfortunately seen very little of the actual attraction.

After our hike, we drove back to our campsite to shower & buy some wine. This was our final night in Wyoming, & we wanted to celebrate. We drove back to our spot on Yellowstone Lake from previous day, laid out our towels & relaxed. We ate dinner & drank our wine, watching the sun set & the ducks swim in the serene, still lake. When the sky grew dark, we returned to our campsite to make s’mores.

Just as we were scraping the marshmallows from out sticks with graham crackers & chocolate, the sky opened. Thunder rolled over our heads as rain poured down. We hurriedly doused our fire in water, grabbed our pajamas & dove into our tent. Soaked, laughing & happily eating our gooey, sweet s’mores, we leaned back with satisfied sighs.

Our Yellowstone adventure has come to an end. I have never seen anything like the colorful springs & explosive geysers we saw on this trip. Everywhere we went in the park, there was something new to see, & I was amazed by just how variable the landscape was. From geysers to waterfalls to tall mountains, there was always something new to see & explore.

Me watching the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake

The trip is not over, but this chapter is finished. Thank you Yellowstone for the adventure. Walking on this ancient land, it felt much like traversing into a different time. Often on our trips, we get to connect with locals & other travelers, & we always deliberately try to learn about where we are visiting & the people that live there. But Yellowstone connected us to something deeper – a rich history & a place where many have stepped on the land before us. Yellowstone was the first National Park to exist, & I can only hope that it will continue to be a special place for people to visit for generations.

The world is growing hotter, & Yellowstone is no exception. Because of the pollution of the world, & the unfortunate deliberate pollution of some visitors, the park’s springs & geysers already look much different than they did before. Species of animals, such as the ptarmigan, have been forced to move because of the hotter temperature. It is not often we are able to directly look at the effects of global warming, but visiting Yellowstone gave us a clear look at what our existence on this planet & the way we have treated it has affected other species & our home.

Making a change now won’t bring back the Yellowstone of 100 years ago. But it can ensure that Yellowstone National Park is still a place our children & grandchildren can one day visit. It can ensure that species of animals will not go extinct & the ecosystems unique to this park continue to thrive.

I am a strong believer that small changes make a big difference. No one person can stop global warming or save our planet, but when many of us incorporate just a few sustainable living practices into our daily lives, it can truly have an impact on a grander scale.

It’s been 150 years since Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park. Let’s work together to make sure it remains the unique landmark it is for 150 more.

This map was created with Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android

Health, Lifestyle

Sustainability & health: What’s the connection?

April 22, 2022 No Comments

Happy Earth Day!

Around this time last year, I posted a blog post about easy ways to incorporate sustainable living practices into your daily life. Today, I want to share with you why it is important to focus on sustainability, not just for the environment, but for our own physical & mental health.

Often, the mentioned benefits of sustainable living include reducing climate change, limiting fossil fuels, & making the world a cleaner place. These benefits are important, but they are not the only advantages of sustainable living. Like I always say, we only have two places to live: our bodies & the earth. We have to take care of both of them. Sustainable living practices help us to do that.

First, sustainable living practices encourage limiting waste in our world. This includes not only our garbage, but also food & water waste. Sustainable living practices encourage us to only purchase the foods we need to limit the amount of food we are throwing away. And, when we do have leftover food, it is recommended that we package it & eat it as leftovers the following day. Instead of focusing on meat-heavy diets, plant-based foods limit the amount of fossil fuels released into the air, but this is also a healthy choice for your body. Eating a diet heavy in animal-based foods raises your intake of saturated fats to unhealthy levels & it can increase your risk for disease, including heart disease & cancer. Eating plant-based foods, however, increases your intake of healthy dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy gut. It naturally increases our water intake, as many plant-based foods have water in them, & it supplies you with a number of antioxidants, which help prevent diseases.

I will never advocate for anyone to eat an entirely plant-based diet (while it is a healthy choice for some people, not everyone benefits from completely eliminating meat from their diet). However, when you do eat meat, try to choice organic and/or grass-fed options. These animals are raised in better living conditions, which is good for you & the environment. Fewer fossil fuels are used in the raising of these animals, & the meat is of a higher quality, which means there are fewer chemicals entering your body.

To reduce waste even further, if you are able, you can use your food scraps to create a compost, which can be used to nourish gardens. If you have waste from packaging, try to recycle or reuse what you can to keep your garbage levels low.

Second, sustainable living practices encourage reducing the amount of energy consumed. This helps decrease the amount of fossil fuels released. You can do this by making sure to turn off lights & electronics when not in use & by using energy-efficient light bulbs. This is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for your financial as well as mental health. Less money spent on energy means more financial freedom, & more financial freedom often means less mental stress about money. Additionally, if you are able to walk or bike to work or school, this can be a great way to take some time for your mental health & benefit your physical health, while doing something healthy for the environment.

Third, sustainable living often finds new ways to make products we use every day to have less impact on the environment. Using these products can be just as or even more enjoyable than their alternatives, which is good for your mental & physical wellbeing. For instance, switching to sustainable cleaners means fewer chemicals in your home, which is good for your immune & digestive systems. Similarly, switching to natural beauty products also decreases the amount of chemicals your body is absorbing, & they can even be better for your skin health. I often find sustaina b le clothing is softer & more comfortable than their alternatives. And for over a year, I have been using paper towels & toilet paper made of bamboo – it has had no affect on my life, & to be honest, I feel like these products are higher quality than their paper alternatives.

Sustainable living practices do not have to greatly disrupt your life. In fact, most of the sustainable living practices I have adopted have made my life simpler. My biggest recommendation for adopting a sustainable lifestyle is to take it one step at a time. What is one small change you can make in your everyday life to make the world a better place, & to benefit your own physical & mental wellbeing? It may seem small, but if every person made just one small change, we would be living in a much healthier & happier place.

Travel

Honeymoon West Coast trip: Crater Lake & Hood River (Day 9)

September 9, 2021 No Comments

Traveling into Oregon, the thing that struck us first was the smoke.

It hung low in the air, obscuring the views of mountains in the distance & leaving a lingering smell of ash.

Our first stop was Crater Lake. The hike was short but strenuous, straight up a rocky trail with a sharp drop to both sides. A wrong step could mean a nasty fall. Though my breaths were heavy & exhausted, I could not help continuing to exclaim how beautiful the view was. Blue mountains overlapped in the distance while pine trees stood tall below. Between the rocks, yellow & red flowers dotted the side of the mountain & swayed in the breeze.

When we finally reached the top of our hike, we teetered towards the edge, taking in the view of the still, blue lake surrounded on all sides by tall, forested mountains. Interrupting the glassy appearance of the water was one, small mountain that grew out of the center of the lake.

Crater Lake was a place we had been looking forward to visiting for the promised majestic views. And it was beautiful, but I cannot even imagine how stunning it would have been without the tint of gray that hung over the entire landscape, sometimes so thick that we couldn’t see the blue lake below.

When our thirst for the lake view had finally been quenched, we started slowly back down the side of the mountain, still stopping every once in a while to gaze out at the arresting views. When we arrived back at the truck, we ate a quick lunch & then began the long drive to Hood River.

Until today, I was not aware that Mount Hood is not just any mountain – it’s a potentially active stratovolcano, meaning it is an elevation of the earth’s crust built by layers of lava & ash. According to ScienceDaily, stratovolcanoes have occasional, explosive eruptions, but the lava is so viscous (meaning it is a thick & sticky consistency) that it does not travel far before hardening completely. Mount Hood has not had a major eruption since the 1790s (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]).

Mount Hood is our destination for tomorrow, but it still dominated our landscape today with its commanding presence. Mount Hood stretches nearly 8,000 feet into the sky, but its total height is actually over 11,000 feet (USGS, Peakbagger). It is the 28th most prominent peek & the 13th highest point in the United States (USGS).

It was difficult to capture the view in our cameras. The gray of the mountain blended with the gray of the sky, so we accepted this view as just for us & simply appreciated its beauty during our drive.

Our Airbnb was incredible! We had gotten a master suite with a private bathroom, walk-in closet (that we didn’t use), a large bedroom, & a separate room with couches, TV & a fireplace. Downstairs was a home theatre, a gym, &, our favorite addition, a heated pool! Joseph & I didn’t have the chance to do much swimming this past summer, so before we headed to dinner, we both couldn’t resist a dip in the water. We splashed around for a bit, & then changed into nicer clothes for a dinner at Hood River.

Mount Hood sign (Photo by Zaron on Unsplash)

A lot of the restaurants were closed because of COVID-19 or Labor Day weekend. We had initially wanted to go to pFriem Family Brewers, but they were full. Luckily, the hostess had a wonderful recommendation for another local restaurant not far away – Riverside. There was a bit of a wait, so Joseph & I took the opportunity to walk around Hood River & watch the setting sun over the water.

I have never seen such a beautiful & yet devastating view. The sun had turned burnt orange & barely managed to light the sky. Instead of its normal glowing rays, it was a perfect sphere, so much so that I could have mistaken it for the moon. During our walk, it hung low just above the mountain tops, where it reflected into the rippling water below. It was a picturesque view, yet we both knew it was caused by the raging wildfires not far away.

We had been seeing this type of sun now for months off & on, all the way across the country in Maryland, but this was the first time I had seen it so clearly & truly taken in what this view meant. Now realizing this, I wondered just how far away this type of sun could be seen. Was it visible in other countries? Could you see it across the globe? It was as if the earth knew one part of it was in pain, & it wanted to let the rest of the world know. Ironically, it seemed like it was earth’s way of sending smoke signals.

We ended our evening at Riverside for a delicious dinner all made with fresh, local ingredients. It started with the best bread I have ever tasted (which they make in house every day), served with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. I have to say, I am part Italian, so I have had this appetizer many times before, but never has it tasted so amazing. For an appetizer, we ordered bacon wrapped dates, which were served stuffed with marcona almonds & soaking in honey. It was the perfect blend of sweet & salty, with a lovely nutty finish.

For dinner, I ordered the stuffed piquillo peppers, which were soft, roasted peppers stuffed with creamy quinoa & roasted vegetables & drizzled with a creamy, spicy, orange sauce. The dish was entirely plant-based, which is a diet I try to mostly stick to when I am home but have been breaking for this occasion because it isn’t the easiest to keep while traveling. I was wary of ordering the dish because I often find restaurants struggle to enhance the flavors of plain vegetables & grains without meat or dairy, but this dish was delicious & one I would definitely order again.

The restaurant was directly beside Hood River, which provided a gentle breeze & a lovely ambience for our evening. Just beside us was the bridge that led from Oregon to Washington, & throughout the evening, we watched the cars’ lights reflect in the still water below & listened to the sounds of a distant train in Washington chugging by. We were also supposed to be able to see Mount Hood from where we were sitting, but once again, the smoke had obscured this view.

Often on my blog, I talk about the importance of self-love & loving others. Today, what struck me most is how important it is to love our planet. The earth is literally on fire right now, & many of us, myself included, are just continuing on with our daily lives.

I think for me, one of the hardest things is that I don’t know what to do to help, & when I think of ideas, I’m not sure what kind of difference they will make. I am not a firefighter – I can’t help fight the wildfires. I am not a politician, so I can’t help write legislation that will change carbon emissions or make us more eco-friendly as a country. I am not an engineer, so I can’t help make cars that run on electricity or homes that run on solar power.

But I think the most important thing to remember is that we all do play a role. Every little bit makes a difference, & some of the changes can be simple to make. Maybe it isn’t realistic for you to carpool to work, but maybe you can be more mindful of unplugging electronics you aren’t currently using in your home. Maybe you don’t want to eat plant based, but you could switch your household cleaners to eco-friendly ones. There are so many ways to help save this planet, & it’s good for you, too! I forgot how much better my body feels after eating a plant-based meal, but today, I was reminded of how often what’s best for us & the planet overlap.

Even when we are on the road traveling, we have two homes: Our body & the earth. Make sure you are loving them both the way they deserve.

Health, Recipes

Delight your guests with this easy & healthy strata recipe

May 10, 2021 2 Comments

Read to the end for a bonus quick & easy recipe to make with stale bread.

I hate wasting food. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. So, when the baguette in my fridge went a little stale, I immediately knew what I was going to make: Strata.

Strata is a classic American egg casserole dish made with stale bread cubes, eggs & cheese. It is one of my favorite breakfasts. It’s comforting & filling, but it also has lots of protein & carbs to keep me fueled for my entire morning. And it can be made ahead of time for an easy, grab-and-go breakfast.

Bell pepper & feta strata

Makes: 4 large servings

Ingredients:

8 eggs
1 cup milk of choice (I like unsweetened almond milk)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8oz day-old baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch dish with cooking spray.
Whisk together eggs, milk, & grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt & pepper, to taste. Toss bread cubes in egg mixture until coated, & then pour into the prepared baking dish.
In a nonstick pan, sauté bell peppers until soft. Top egg mixture with bell peppers, feta cheese, & fresh parsley.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the center of the strata is puffed up & the eggs are no longer liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Bonus Recipe: I had a little extra bread leftover (it was a BIG baguette), so I made fresh croutons. Honestly, I could just eat these as a snack.

Parmesan Croutons

Ingredients:

8oz day-old baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cover a baking pan in foil & spray with cooking spray.
Toss bread cubes in olive oil until coated. Add salt, pepper, & Parmesan cheese, to taste.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

Note: Bread cubes can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.

Health, Lifestyle, My Life

Grove Collaborative review: The easiest way to live an eco-friendly life

April 22, 2021 4 Comments

Grove Collaborative Unboxing Video

Read to the bottom of this article to learn about a special FREE gift just for you!

Happy Earth Day!

For some time, I have wanted to switch to more natural products & sustainable living practices. I made a few changes here & there, but I struggled with finding ways to reduce my waste or carbon footprint that weren’t unbelievably inconvenient. And many of the natural products that I encountered were far too pricey for my young adult budget. I knew switching to natural products was good for the environment & myself, but I thought it would have to be something that I did when I was more established with a full-time job & benefits.

Grove Collaborative changed everything. Grove is a natural home & personal care brand that delivers everything you need for a sustainable, healthy home right to your door. All of the products are made with natural ingredients that are healthy for you & the environment, & they all help reduce household waste. Additionally, Grove carbon offsets every delivery, & every purchase benefits the Arbor Day Foundation, which plants trees to help solve a number of the world’s problems today, including air & water quality, climate change, deforestation, & hunger.

Grove is a monthly subscription, but you can skip months & edit your cart to include the products you want, so it’s honestly a great way to get the products you want, when you want or need them. You can customize the process every step of the way.

My future sister-in-law (but already sister-at-heart) Joanna introduced me to Grove just after I moved into my new house. She was already a subscriber, & she recommended it to me when I mentioned that I wanted to switch to more sustainable products. After checking out the app, I knew immediately that it was something I was interested in, & I purchased my first box the same day.

Get your first box FREE by clicking here

I could not be more pleased with my first Grove delivery. My box contained silicone straws, reusable bags, walnut & cellulose sponges, bamboo tissues, a glass spray bottle, a glass soap dispenser, toilet bowl cleaner, moisturizing hand sanitizer, dishwasher detergent packs, gel hand soap, glass cleaner concentrate, toilet spray, three reusable cotton face masks, compostable cleaning wipes, & bamboo toilet paper. Now that I have had the chance to try out all of these products, I am happy to report they are all up to my cleanliness standards, & I am quite sure I am going to be a Grove subscriber for life.

The silicone straws are a cute, turquoise blue color, so now I can sip my summer drinks in style. They are durable, & the pack of four straws comes with a bottle brush to help keep them clean.

The reusable bags are adorable. I purchased a set of two, one large & one small, that had a lemon design to match my kitchen (which is tones of blue & green with lemon yellow accents). The bags are air-tight & keep my snacks fresh, & they are easy to clean as well. All you have to do is rinse them out with soap & water & let them dry.

Seedling Tissues by Grove on my coffee table

The walnut & cellulose sponge is another great product. The sponge scrubs as hard as I want it to, but it’s still gentle on my pots & pans & it’s durable, too. It’s made from plant cellulose & walnuts, so when the time does come to throw it away, it will naturally break down (no more plastic sponges sitting in landfills).

The bamboo tissues are one of my favorite products in this box. The tissues are thick & soft, which feels great on my irritated nose during allergy season. They are made from sustainable bamboo instead of trees, so there’s less deforestation. The bamboo toilet paper is made the same way, and, this may be too much information but to be perfectly honest, my butt has never felt more pampered. The toilet paper is three-ply, which I wasn’t aware that I needed but now that I’ve had it, I don’t think I can ever go back. It’s soft & thick, which means it feels good & I need less toilet paper per toilet visit. This means that, despite it maybe being a little more expensive than your average roll, it lasts longer, which I think makes up for the price.

I wish I had been using the moisturizing hand sanitizer all winter. It has a lovely scent, & it feels so good on my dry hands. After lathering up with hand sanitizer regularly for over a year now, I needed this product. It is my new best friend whenever I leave the house.

And speaking of COVID-19, the three reusable, cotton face masks I received are some of the most comfortable face masks I have ever had! They fit perfectly, which is something no face mask has done yet, & they are super cute. I love the striped yellow & white one – it perfectly fits my vibe. And the two green & blue toned masks match so many outfits. And they aren’t just fashionable! The masks have three layers, and the inner layer is anti-microbial, making it a great choice to stay safe during this pandemic.

Me & my new reusable face masks from Grove

One thing I often hear about natural cleaning products is that they aren’t as effective as the ones made with harsh chemicals. Until trying Grove, I actually believed this, but I am happy to report that this is a myth. The dishwasher detergent packs gave me sparkling clean dishes – I honestly think they look better than when I use my normal dish detergent. The glass cleaner concentrate worked wonders on my smudgy windows, & the toilet bowl cleaner got everything clean with minimal effort. And the compostable cleaning wipes are the first product yet that has gotten my counters as clean as I want them. I cannot wait to try more cleaning products from Grove.

Speaking of toilets, the toilet spray was also quite pleasant. I have used Poo-Pourri before, & I thought this had just as nice of a scent, albeit not as strong. So, if you’re looking for a more mild scent (Poo-Pourri has a very strong scent – it’s for the bigger poos), this toilet spray is a great choice.

The lavender & thyme hand soap smells so lovely, but it’s not over-powering or super feminine like a lot of nice smelling soaps are. Even Joseph liked it, & we almost never agree on a soap scent (he even put up his own soap dispenser in the bathroom because he can’t stand the lemon soap I have in there). My hands also feel squeaky clean after using this soap, which means it gets an A+ grade from me. The glass soap dispenser & spray bottle are both a simple but fashionable design that will match any decor, & they both have a durability to them that makes me believe they are going to last for a while.

Me & my new lavender & thyme hand soap from Grove

If you’ve been looking for a way to switch to natural cleaning products, reduce waste, live in a healthier environment, or just to live a little more sustainably, Grove is a great choice. The chemicals that are harsh for the environment are bad for our bodies as well. Grove makes it easy to make your home a healthy environment, for you & the earth.

Do you want to try Grove without the commitment? I have a great surprise for you. Use this link to try your first Grove box for FREE! If you don’t like it, you can cancel your subscription at any time (but if you enjoy lovely smelling cleaning & beauty products that are good for you & the environment, you’re going to love it).

Switching to sustainable living can seem overwhelming, but small changes, like using natural cleaning products or drinking from reusable water bottles, make an impact. It might not seem like much, but if we all do it, those small changes add up to having a big impact on our earth’s health.

We only have two places to live: Our bodies & our world. Appreciate them, love them, & take care of them.

Lifestyle

10 easy ways to live life more sustainably

April 20, 2021 5 Comments

You only have two places to live: Your body & the earth. Take care of both.

The idea of switching to sustainable living can sound overwhelming. Entirely eliminating waste from a house seems impossible, & I can’t even imagine how long an hour-long commute would take when ridden on a bicycle. But there are some small changes we can all make to help save our planet, & many of them won’t even affect the flow of your daily life.

Read on for 10 easy changes you can make in your life today to start living more sustainably.

1. Switch to Alt Linen

My new Alt Linen towels from my Be Kind by Ellen box

I know there are some spills that you just want to mop up with a paper towel & throw away, so the idea of switching to a cloth towel can be unappealing. But Alt Linen makes it worth it. When your towel gets too dirty to clean, you can send it back to the company, & they will send you a new one free of charge! Not only is it good for the earth, but I guarantee you will save money that would have been spent on endless rolls of paper towels that would have just been thrown away. Learn more about Alt Linen here.

2. Use reusable lunch bags & containers instead of plastic throw-aways

My new reusable bags from Grove Co. – stay tuned for the full review of my Grove subscription later this week!

I know it’s more cleaning, but it’s worth it. There is so much plastic waste on our earth, & using reusable containers & bags is an easy way to limit your own waste contribution. Plus, there are super cute containers out there that honestly make me happy when I eat out of them. Lunchtime just got a lot more fun & eco-friendly.

3. Use a reusable water bottle

My new Fill it Forward reusable water bottle from my Be Kind by Ellen box

To me, this one is a no-brainer. No matter what I am drinking, I can use a reusable bottle. And I can’t even tell you how much money I save by just filling up my water bottle at the sink instead of buying countless plastic bottles that are going to litter the earth. You can get a super cute water bottle, too, with little reminders to help you stay hydrated, so it’s good for your health, too.

4. Turn off lights when you leave the room

And while you’re at it, unplug appliances that you aren’t currently using. Of course, the refrigerator & stove should stay plugged in, but the blender sitting on the counter? It’s not doing you any good to keep that outlet in use. Save some energy & lower your monthly bill by turning off the lights & unplugging the electronics & appliances you aren’t currently using.

5. Eat less meat

Meat production is a contributor of climate change. You don’t have to go entirely vegan, vegetarian or plant-based, but consider eating less meat & subbing in plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, that contribute to the earth’s health. Or, if you think you will miss the meat too much, buy from local farmer’s who use sustainable growing practices. And make sure that food doesn’t go to waste! Eat your leftovers for lunch, or store them in the freezer for another day.

6. Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products

My new Grove Co. glass cleaner & reusable spray bottle – stay tuned to my blog for a full review of the Grove subscription later this week!

This is an easy one to implement. Instead of using products loaded with chemicals that are bad for your health & the environment, try products made with all-natural ingredients. Brands like The Honest Company, Mrs. Meyer’s, & Ecos create safe, plant-based cleaners that use bio-degradable ingredients.

7. Use LED lights instead of incandescent

LED lights last longer than incandescent, which means less wasted light bulbs. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient, which means they are better for the earth & your electric bill.

8. Put a “No Junk Mail” sign on your mailbox

To be completely honest, I just learned about this, so I haven’t tried it yet, but I am excited to give it a shot! Junk mail is annoying, & it’s a waste of paper. Save the earth & avoid having to sift through junk mail by putting a “No Junk Mail” sign on your mailbox.

9. Buy a water-saving shower head

It’s so easy to waste water without thinking about it. A water-saving shower head will help you save water by giving you the option to adjust the water pressure. If you don’t want to invest in a shower head, set a timer before you take a shower & challenge yourself to finish the shower before the timer goes off.

10. Use reusable grocery bags

Reusable grocery bags from WISELIFE Store

Reduce plastic waste by using reusable cloth grocery bags. They also hold a lot more food, which means less trips back & forth between the house & the car carrying in groceries.

Living sustainably is good for you & the earth! And as my dad always told me, “The best day to implement change is yesterday. The second best day is today.”

Health, Recipes

20+ healthy spring recipes made with fresh produce

April 9, 2021 5 Comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Spring is in the air, & that means it’s time for delicious spring produce!

Spring is the perfect time to start a healthy lifestyle. While the world outside is beginning to grow once again, you can commit to growth in your own life. With the weather outside getting warmer, there’s no better time to get out & start moving! And there are lots of spring fruits & vegetables that taste delicious & are beneficial for your health.

Look below for over 20 healthy spring recipes that can help you achieve your goals & have fun while doing it!

Breakfast

Berry Chia Overnight Oats

Have you heard of overnight oats? This delicious dish is so easy to make, & it’s prepared the night before, so it’s an easy grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings! Check out this delicious recipe made with fresh or frozen berries from Pinch of Yum. It has chia seeds for extra fiber, & you can sweeten it with pure maple syrup or another natural sweetener, if needed, to keep it healthy.

Asparagus & Fontina Quiche

Photo by Amy Neunsinger from Magnolia Table

Quiche is my absolute favorite breakfast food. I love the savory taste paired with the perfect cheeses & vegetables, &, of course, the buttery, flakey crust. This quiche recipe from Pure Wow was created by Joanna Gaines, the home improvement guru, & it does not disappoint. However, feel free to play around with the vegetables & cheeses added for different flavors!

One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus & Tomatoes

Photo by Liz Andrew/Styled by Erin McDowell

If you don’t have the energy or time to make a quiche in the morning, try this easy egg dish from Pure Wow that’s made with fresh asparagus & tomatoes. It’s a simple way to get in a balanced breakfast of protein & veggies.

Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata

Photo by Gentl & Hyers from Open Kitchen

For an even healthier, gluten-free alternative to quiche, try this Squash & Squash Blossom Frittata from Pure Wow. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish made with lots of vegetables, including zucchini, squash blossoms, tomatoes, & scallions.

Honeyed Ricotta Toast with Berries

Last but not least, if you’re in a big rush in the morning, try this easy toast recipe from Breakfast for Dinner that’s both savory & sweet. It has ricotta cheese for some much-needed protein, & it’s topped with delicious, fresh berries & honey to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Lunch

Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce

Are you ready to detox your body after a long winter? Try this delicious Rainbow Roll-Ups recipe from Pinch of Yum. They are packed with fresh vegetables, & the sweet & salty peanut sauce is dreamy & delicious.

Kiwi Strawberry Spring Rolls with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce

This bright & delicious spring roll recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef highlights all of the wonderful fruits of the season. It’s a fun & inventive way to get in your serving of fruits for the day.

Shaved Spring Vegetable & Apple Salad with Ginger-Dijon Dressing

Photo by Kirsten Buck from Buck Naked Kitchen

Salad doesn’t have to be boring. This spring vegetable & apple salad from Pure Wow has tons of fresh vegetables you normally wouldn’t expect to taste raw, but they taste so delicious that way! The ginger-dijon dressing really pulls the dish together with a fun, Asian twist. Leave the recipe vegetarian, or add your favorite protein for a more filling lunch.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries

Put an Asian spin on your traditional pasta salad with this cold soba noodle salad recipe from Pure Wow. It adds a fresh touch of spring by adding cucumber, strawberries, fresh mint, & cilantro. What really makes it pop is the spicy Asian dressing – you’re going to love it!

Asparagus Caesar Salad

Forget boring Caesar salad! Try this fun spring recipe from Pure Wow that uses fresh asparagus in place of the lettuce. That’s right – this recipe has no leafy greens! It’s a fun twist on the traditional salad that is going to delight your taste buds.

Dinner

Salmon Burgers with Slaw

This easy burgers recipe from Pinch of Yum uses canned salmon, eggs, & breadcrumbs (gluten-free alternative here) to create patties that are simple to make but taste delicious. The slaw is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a higher protein & lower fat content than the traditional dish.

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken & Asparagus

If you’re in the mood for some light Italian fare, try this delicious & easy bruschetta chicken recipe from Evolving Table. Instead of putting the tomato mixture on top of bread, it’s served on top of the chicken for a high-protein, zero-carb alternative. The bright asparagus is a delicious finishing touch that helps make this a filling but still low-carb meal.

Seared Ahi Tuna with Sesame Green Beans

This bright & beautiful Asian dish from Jessica Gavin just screams spring. It’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The ahi tuna is rich in protein & omega-3 fatty acids, & the sesame green beans are fully of nutrients such as Vitamin C, folate, & vitamin K.

Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

This chicken tacos recipe from Jessica Gavin is a current favorite in my house. The tart & sweet pineapple salsa recipe is so refreshing, & the chicken is cooked to a succulent perfection. Warming the tortillas in the pan at the end is the delicious secret to this tasty, balanced dish.

One Pot 15-Minute Pasta Limone

Sometimes, we all just need some comfort food. If you’re in the need of some pasta, try this Pasta Limone recipe from Pure Wow. Instead of topping the noodles with marinara or Alfredo sauce, it uses fresh lemon & basil. It’s a bright & delicious dish that’s still hits the spot.

Snacks

Fruit Pizza Crackers

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, try these Fruit Pizza Crackers from Homemade Ginger. You can use your favorite crispbread or crackers (use gluten-free if needed), & experiment with your favorite berries or other fruits for different, tasty variations.

Banana Sushi

This Banana Sushi recipe from My Fussy Easter is a super fun snack for kids & adults. Slice your banana to look like little sushi rolls, & then top the slices with your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for something healthier, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate & fiber-rich chia seeds are a great idea, or try nut butter & shredded coconut for some healthy fats & protein.

Desserts

Fruit Pizza

Make fresh spring fruits the star of the show with this Fruit Pizza recipe from Life Made Sweeter. You can top it with the recommended fruits, or use your favorites. The crust is made with oats for a gluten-free & fiber-rich alternative, & the “sauce” is made from Greek yogurt, which adds protein to the dish.

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

I love lemon! I will choose a lemon dessert before anything else on any dessert table – hands down. These Lemon Cheesecake Bars from Spoonful of Flavor are the perfect balance of tart & sweet, & the Greek yogurt & cream cheese filling has extra protein, making this a delicious, healthy dessert.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

The first fruit I think of when I think about spring is strawberries. I remember going strawberry picking when I was little & coming home to make delicious cobbler. These Strawberry Oatmeal Bars from Well Plated are made with whole wheat flour & old-fashioned oats for a fiber-rich dessert that’s just as sweet as the one from your childhood. The powdered sugar glaze is completely optional, but you can add it for a sweeter dish.

Lemon & Poppyseed Cake with Blueberry Glaze

Blueberries & lemon are a match made in heaven. This lemon poppyseed cake from Ana’s Baking Chronicles has a delicious, tart, lemon-y punch that’s balanced by the sweet blueberry jam & glaze for a delightfully balanced dessert. It’s the perfect treat for a lovely spring occasion.

No matter where you are in your health journey, I hope you found some recipes that inspired you. Cooking with fresh ingredients is a simple way to get more nutrients into your diet, & it’s a big step towards a healthier lifestyle. The bright & beautiful flavors of spring are a delicious way to eat healthy without even realizing it!

What are some of your favorite spring recipes? Leave me a comment below!

Lifestyle, My Life

Be Kind by Ellen Spring 2021 review: Be kind to your body & the earth

March 16, 2021 3 Comments

Watch my unboxing video on my new YouTube channel

Note: This article does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Sustainable living is simple, fun, & fashionable thanks to the Be Kind by Ellen subscription box.

Ellen DeGeneres was my childhood hero. I loved her mission of sharing kindness with the world through our gifts. Her way of sharing that kindness was through comedy & her philanthropy. She inspired me to always think about ways that I could use my own passions, such as writing & running, to help the world around me.

Ellen’s Be Kind box is a fantastic way to take care of yourself & the world around you. When I saw the advertisement online, I could not resist purchasing my own subscription that night. Every season, a new box filled with socially-conscious products are released. Every item in the box makes a positive impact in the world, whether it be for the environment or for another important cause, such as women’s health. And all of the items will help you feel better about yourself, too. It’s an opportunity to treat yourself with something special, & to feel good about it because you’re helping the world around you as well.

A different box is delivered each season of the year, & each box costs $54.99, but the items inside add up to over a $200 value! When you sign up for an annual subscription, you save 10% off of all four boxes. I personally signed up for the annual subscription, & now that I have received my first box, I could not be happier that I did.

I received my first box last week (watch the unboxing video here!), & after a week of using these products, I can confidently say that I adore each & every one of them. They each fit seamlessly into my lifestyle but help me to take better care of myself, & I feel good about using each of them because I know they are helping the world in some way.

The Spring Box was themed around the idea of setting new intentions for the year. Now is the time to think about the causes that mean the most to us, & setting positive intentions of how we can contribute meaningfully to them. It is the time to think about what things most touch our hearts & convict us to act, & then set up for our life the tenets, & the actions behind them, that will aid us in helping those movements grow & make a meaningful difference in our world.

The Be Kind by Ellen Spring Box was dedicated to giving back to brands that are doing their part to help our planet, & the creatures that call it home, to thrive. Keep reading to learn more about these amazing brands & the products they have created that have now become a part of my regular routine.

SAMARA Shoulder Bag

SAMARA is committed to making luxury fashion items that are both simple & elegant from vegan sources. All of SAMARA’s products are eco-friendly & affordable, so everyone can enjoy being fashionable while helping the planet. And SAMARA’s products are as eye-appealing as they are innovative – this brand is leading the way in the use of apple-based leather & recycled ocean plastics to create their products. My favorite part of this brand is that they are committed to giving back to the community as well. The Soular Backpack is an initiative founded by SAMARA CEO Salima Visram. This initiative provides solar light to students in East Africa, which eliminates the need for kerosene lamps that emit harmful & dangerous fumes, as well as helps students to study safely at home.

Personally, I love this bag. I don’t normally use a purse; I have always been more of a backpack lover. But sometimes I need something a little more fashionable & small for an afternoon or evening out, & this bag is perfect for that. It’s simple but elegant, a fashionable choice that carries everything I need without being overly bulky or attract too much attention. And, of course, I can feel good about using it, because I know it is made from sustainable materials & is helping the world in more ways than one.

The SAMARA shoulder bag in the Be Kind by Ellen box was designed exclusively for this subscription. However, you can find a similar bag in a range of available in four different colors here.

Alt Linen Kitchen Towel Set

I have always wanted to switch to reusable, cotton towels. They are better for the environment, & they have to be more cost-effective. The initial investment is more expensive, but after years of buying endless rolls of paper towels, I know I would have spent less if I had just bought a set of reusable linens. The problem is, they get dirty, & as terrible as it sounds, I didn’t feel like dealing with that. I felt like they would get stained to the point that I would not be able to get them clean in the wash (I have seen my paper towels after I use them, & I am often grateful I am just going to throw them away rather than try to wash them). No one wants to use a stained towel – as privileged as it may sound, it just feels dirty, even after it’s been in the wash. I like the feeling of a clean towel to dry my hands.

Alt Linen is the solution to all of my problems. They have created beautiful, white, reusable cotton towels & napkins to replace paper products. The best part is that you only pay for them once, & then you can replace them for free when they are worn! That’s right: You can send your used linens back to Alt Linen, & they will send you new ones for free. All you have to do is pay for shipping. There is now no reason not to use reusable kitchen towels. It’s more cost-effective, beneficial for the environment, &, thanks to Alt Linen, it’s actually more convenient, too.

You can purchase your own set of Alt Linen towels here.

Fill it Forward Water Bottle & Refill Tracking Stickers

Fill it Forward has created an entire community committed to making the world a better place just by drinking their water! With the Fill it Forward app, you can contribute to meaningful causes with every bottle of water you drink. Here’s how it works: You put a refill tracker sticker on your reusable water bottle. Then, every time you refill your water bottle, you scan the sticker with the app. According to the Fill it Forward website, with each scan, funding is donated to charitable partners that “specialize in creating sustainable solutions that help bring clean water & nutritious food to people in need.”

And the sticker does good for you, too! By scanning the sticker every time you refill your water bottle, you can keep track of how much water you are drinking, which can help you to stay hydrated.

The Be Kind by Ellen box came with the sticker & a lightweight, leak-proof reusable water bottle. Eliminating plastic water bottles also helps the environment, so this product is good for the world in so many ways. The Be Kind by Ellen Fill it Forward water bottle has positive affirmations written on it, so it’s good for your mental as well as your physical health. I love drinking my water while I repeat the mantras to myself. It helps my body to feel better, & it rejuvenates my mind as well so I’m ready to take on the rest of my day.

Aceology Ice Globe Facial Massagers

I am not good at giving myself self-care, & I don’t think I am alone in this. That’s why I created the Sunshine Box – to give people more self-care & joy. And that’s why I am loving these Aceology ice globe facial massagers. They are an easy way to give myself a little more self-care in my life.

Aceology creates vegan & cruelty-free products that help you take care of your skin. They make a variety of masks for all different benefits, including detoxification & skin illumination. And I can tell you first-hand, their facial massagers are so soothing & relaxing. They help to reduce face redness & puffiness, & they shrink your pores, which means less acne. They can also help with sinus, headaches, & muscle tension. Using these facial massagers literally brings a spa-like experience at home to you.

Starfish Project 14K Gold-Plated Bracelet

The last item in my box was a beautiful, gold-plated bracelet from the Starfish Project. The Starfish Project helps women who have been exploited and/or trafficked find freedom. Through vocational training, holistic care programs, & skill training, the Starfish Project gives these women the tools, skills & confidence they need to secure their independence. Additionally, all of the jewelry they make is quality-controlled, plated sustainably, & made by hand.

I love my new bracelet. It’s simple but elegant, a perfect piece to wear every day or for a fancy occasion. And every time I look at it, I think about the women this bracelet is helping, & it helps me to feel more empowered to take on my day as well.

A Final Note

Last but not least, I would like to touch briefly on the design of the box. Ashely Price, a Black female artist based in Houston, designed the beautiful art on the front of the box. Ashley left her corporate job seven years ago to create PinkLoMein. According to her website, Ashely says she is committed to reflecting “everyday people with a focus on women empowerment & positive affirmations” in her artwork. For the Be Kind box, Ashely said she wanted to represent “empowerment & simply feeling good about yourself.” The quotes in the women’s hair were meant to encourage recipients to be bold, brave, grateful, & most importantly, kind.

I absolutely loved my Be Kind box. It brightened my day when I received it in the mail, & the products I received have brightened every day since. If you are passionate about helping our planet & bettering the world around us, I strongly suggest subscribing to your own box. It’s good for you, & for the environment.

As I said in my unboxing video, take care of your body & take care of the earth: They are the only places you have to live.