Green Options

Our kids will go through ice pops like water in the summer… well, let me restate that, they will eat as many as I will let them regardless of the weather outside.

During the hot days of summer, I want them to stay hydrated and I also want them to get good nutrition.  We are drinking lots of flavor infused water and gobbling up all kinds of frozen creations.

We like commercial molds because they contain all the necessary pieces and use a smaller space in the freezer.  However, ice cube trays & cups work well also.  For reusable “sticks” opt for plastic spoons or other easy to clean item.  We go through about 24 a day so I just toss things into the blender until its full, leftovers can be a nighttime snack!

Make a bunch every night, this is a good post dinner/before bed activity.   The kids love to choose the ingredients and help mix everything up.  There are a few simple ways to go about this…

Frozen Pops

It’s been hovering in the upper 90s here in Atlanta, and weather like this makes me crave ice cream like no other. This year, I’m on the hunt for my favorite vegan ice cream! The plan is to try new pints each week and share my findings right here. I know, it’s a tough life I’ve got.

This week, I tried out Ice Supreme. This is not just a dairy free ice cream treat; it’s almost completely raw and contains no soy at all. That’s handy, since it’s really easy when you’re cutting out dairy to go a little heavy on the soy. Moderation is key, right? What better place to start than with ice cream!

This Mociun bikini has got to be one of the most stylish organic suits out this season. It is designed with an adjustable halter neck, cute low-cut bikini bottoms, and is fully lined in neon orange on the flip side. 

Caitlin Mociun, is the founder and head designer of this label. She is a graduate of the RISD textile department and actively utilizes natural materials like hemp, organic cotton, and soy blends for her fashion collections.

Devidoll explains: “Though created with literature and art in mind each Mociun piece speaks to classic fashion as if it were created only for this purpose. This is intelligent, honest and striking fashion at its best.”

It’s summer vacation, and one thing parents often hear from children used to being stimulated by school all year is, “I’m bored!”.  Personally, I am never bored, so I have little compassion when I hear my daughter issue this utterance, but I have found a new book that I think will help her overcome the doldrums. Let’s Go Outside!: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature is a great resource for bored children.

Just as I have little understanding of boredom, I also never find myself needing an activity while experiencing nature beyond hiking and observing; however, children are a different breed. They sometimes need help focusing their energy.  Author Jennifer Ward provides 52 outdoor activities.  From “Playground for Poets” to “Five Fine Forts”, the summer boredom crisis is solved (and these activities are limited to warm summer months).  Furthermore, these games and projects are designed for children ages 8-12.  Here’s an example:

Let’s talk climate further. That will provide insight for add-ons necessary to achieve year-round comfort.

Yurts appear logical for my tropical climate where elements of nature aren’t so severe. Well, surprise, but no worry. Just know that maintaining yurt warmth can be an easier task than keeping cool.

Summer is upon us. The plants are in full bloom, and the sun feels great on your skin. The longer days give you more energy. There are barbecues, beaches and pool parties with your name written all over them! Since you will be spending all that time soaking up the sun, there a few facts you may be happy to know about sunlight and the healing powers of Vitamin D. Vitamin D has gone on for years as the single most underrated nutrient and only recently did it begin to get it’s moment in the spotlight. Research is showing that Vitamin D is known to help prevent osteoporosis, depression, prostrate and breast cancer and even affects diabetes and obesity. If that is not enough to get you to throw your bikini on, maybe these facts from  “The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D-an exclusive interview with Dr. Michael Holick”, by Mike Adams will help persuade you.

Well, it finally feels like summer has really begun.  With bathing suits, bare feet and less clothing a typical part of our daily lives, even the mind set changes.  We crave cool fruity drinks, a quiet moment in the sun (or shade, whichever you prefer) and a sultry, musky scent.  Ok, as for that last one, it may not be exactly what comes to mind when you conjure up a summer’s day.  But Lavanila Pure Vanilla Healthy Fragrance ($56) is the perfect match for warm skin and relaxed living.

A blend of Madagascar vanilla, freesia petal, patchouli and heliotrope, the frangrance is made of pure essential oils.  This delicious, slightly-spicy scent mellows when it soaks into the skin.  Leaves you with a lovely, warm, natural fragrance that lasts all day.

Are you looking for a cute eco bikini to sport this summer? If so, check out the Kelly B Ruffle Bikini. Kelly B was recently honored in Springtime as one of the Best Eco-Creative Swimwear Designers.

This adorable bikini sports:

-an adjustable triangle top that ties at the neck and back.

-bikini bottoms that sit low on the hips with a charming ruffle accent.

-a black with orchid strap and ruffle. 

The best aspect of these Kelly B swimsuits is that the fabric is 90% Organic Cotton blended with 10% Spandex. 

If you ever find yourself near Redding California, especially on June 21st, you should make an effort to visit Santiago Calatrava’s pedestrian bridge, which spans the waters of the Sacramento River. In addition to being a stunning functional work of art that attracts thousands of pedestrians, families, bicyclists and nature lovers, every year on the summer solstice the beautifully designed structure also functions as an accurate sundial.

Greening Hollywood, Paige Donner’s column, can be found on The Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paige-donner. Greening Hollywood is Donner’s media platform and green consulting business.

Summer is here and Deux FM’s Mystique string bikini is one of the sexiest eco-swimsuits out this season. It is made from remnant fabric with organic cotton rope ties.