I have just returned from a wonderful and well-needed month of visiting friends, family and their sweet new babies!  It was the perfect way to end the summer and although it was definitely difficult to say goodbye, I am ready to welcome the start of fall and all of the delicious treats it has to offer.

That being said, I have an empty refrigerator and am off to my local farmers market today to restock and plan my menu for the month.  So I thought I would share with you what is in season this September to give you a head start on your shopping list and some delicious recipes to match!

September Seasonal Produce Grocery List:

Recipes:

Butternut Squash Chestnut Soup

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Saged Brown Butter

Visit our Fall Seasonal Recipes Pinterest Board for more delicious ideas featuring produce in season now!

The post Seasonal Produce Calendar: September Grocery List & Recipes appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

Though recently I have been intrigued by one particular supplement that involves an issue that is close to my heart – that of Omega 3 fatty acids.  This type of fatty acid is essential for overall health to aid in everything from optimum brain functioning to heart health and can only be obtained through diet.  The main reason that it popped up on my radar is that the majority of people are obtaining them through fish oil supplements or salmon.  But both of these solutions raise concern about the consumption of such a large amount of fish products.

The first cause for concern is the unsustainable way the oceans are being overfished.  The majority of the salmon sold in the U.S. are farmed in the Atlantic and on the Avoid list of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch because of their negative environmental impact.

The second is increasingly alarming because of the high levels of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that they contain which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified as cancer causing agents.  A study of more than two metric tons of salmon showed that farm raised salmon contained significantly more PCBs than wild caught salmon.  Studies have also shown that the amount of PCBs found in the most commonly sold fish oil supplements would require warning labels according to California’s Proposition 65.

The issue of PCBs is especially concerning for women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant because of the potential harm to the baby.  PCBs have been found in some prenatal vitamin supplements that contain fish products.

But all is not lost.  There is an excellent alternative that will give you the dose of Omega 3s you need to achieve your optimum health fish-free!  And the answer is….drumroll please…  flaxseed!!!  (Ok, so I indulged in some Christmas Vacation this weekend and couldn’t resist the reference.  And I guess I gave away the surprise in the title of this post.)

The best way to get your Omega 3s from flaxseed is through ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil.  These are recommended over whole flaxseeds because it increases absorption into the system.  According to the Mayo Clinic, one tablespoon of ground flaxseed has 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3s), 2 grams of fiber and 37 calories.  Flaxseed also contains a high level of lignans which may help prevent certain types of cancer.  So not only do you get your Omega 3s naturally, but you also get the health benefits of the fiber (helps with digestion, weight loss, lower cholesterol) and lignans which you won’t find in fish oil.

And the best part is that it is easy to take!  You can use it on cereal, yogurt, smoothies, salads, veggies, rice, pasta and just about anything else.  The taste is subtle, a little nutty but not usually noticeable.  I actually have grown quite fond of it.  And I put it on everything.  You can also add the oil to salad dressings, stir frys, rice and whole host of other meals.  And it doesn’t leave you with a stinky fishy aftertaste.

Here is one of my favorite recipes that includes flaxseed!

And here is my favorite organic flaxseed meal I add to anything and everything!

How do you like your flaxseed?

The post Benefits of Flaxseed: Why You Should Choose this Fish-free Omega 3 appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

I saw my first hammerhead shark, something that has been at the top of my bucket list, and it was a baby!  But it was dead and bloody on the beach, most likely having suffered at the hands of a fisherman, and my heart sank to a low that left me devoid of energy.

Then I received a call from the patrol and someone had found a turtle hatchling!  I was able to help rescue a brand new baby loggerhead turtle who was struggling to hold on as he had clearly used up his first burst of energy that was supposed to get him into the ocean safely.  It was amazing!

I think the events of the morning are a good representation of my summer observations here in Atlantic Beach, Florida.  And despite the many miracles I have witnessed, I have also seen many heartwrenching examples of the negative impact humans are having on our marine neighbors.

The two other turtles I saw this season were dead, large pregnant mothers whose carapaces (shells) had been torn open most likely a result of being struck by tanker ships.  I also saw the head of a shark eerily staring back at me from the beach (see above photo), a gruesome example of the lack of respect our species repeatedly shows toward an intelligent species that has been around for hundreds of millions of years.

Since it is my love and passion for marine life that inspired me to live sustainably in the first place, I feel it is my duty to share some resources and information to help us all be better stewards of our oceans.

1.  Educate yourself and your loved ones on the issues surrounding our ocean – Some great resources are Oceana, National Geographic, Conservation International, WiseOceans and Sea Turtle Restoration Project.

2.  Choose sustainable seafood – Destructive fishing methods and overfishing are two of the biggest causes of the decline of our oceans health.

3.  Support marine conservation measures -Some examples are the ban of shark fin trade, sea turtle conservation, protection of marine reserves and reducing destructive fishing methods/overfishing.

4.  Do not buy products that exploit marine life – These include shark fins, tortoise shell jewelry, coral decor, and harvested shells, starfish, urchins, etc.

5.  Say no to Seaworld and other amusement aquariums – These parks employ abusive methods of capturing the animals as well as poor living conditions.  Some films to catch that cover this issue are Blackfish which is in theatres now and The Cove.

6.  Get involved – There are so many incredible projects and opportunities out there where you can actually make a difference and have a life changing experience at the same time!  Read here about my experience doing marine conservation in the Seychelles and here for a thorough list of activities you can do worldwide!  And if you can’t take the time or travel, there are many awesome organizations to support such as Manta Trust, Surfrider Foundation and Shark Savers.

7.  Visit a Marine Protected Area – There are many marine parks along the coast of California and Florida where human activities are restricted and as a result marine life flourishes so make sure you take advantage and enjoy seeing these ecosystems thrive as they should.

8.  Reduce your footprint on the ocean – Here’s a guide featuring ocean friendly travel tips!

And remember, reducing your consumption, making conscious informed decisions as a consumer and reducing your carbon footprint are all great ways to help our oceans overall!  Let’s all strive to be the best stewards of the ocean we can be so our children and the generations to come can enjoy all of the life, nourishment and beauty the marine world has to offer!

The post A Call to Action: 8 Ways We can Save Our Seas appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

June Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Grocery List: Southland Farmers Market Association

June Seasonal Recipe: Grilled Halibut with Peach and Pepper Salsa: myrecipes.com

Preparation

Also, check here for summer grilling recipes including this seasonal produce as well as DIY Face Masks you can make from the ingredient list above!  Now none of your fresh produce will go to waste!

The post June Seasonal Eating Grocery List and Recipe appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

The recent explosion in the media on the subject of the super-resistant strains of bacteria found in antibiotic-treated ground turkey had me thanking my lucky stars that I made the choice to eat organic meat.  This prompted me to look further into the health risks of  the mass produced meat offered up by the industry.  And what I found left a very bad taste in my mouth.  At least I think I have finally found a way to stop spending money going out to restaurants, or at least those that do not have organic meat on the menu.

Here is what I have found on what to look for in the meat that you eat:

Antibiotic-free – Consumer reports did a study on ground turkey and found that turkey raised with antiobiotics contained high levels of bacteria including enterococcus, E. coli, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella.  90% of the meat tested contained one of the five strains and over half were resistant to three or more antibiotics.  Organic meat and antibiotic-free meat also contained bacteria but they were much less resistant to antibiotics.

Grass-fed – A scientific study that spanned three decades published in the Nutrition Journal found that grass-fed beef had higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and cancer fighting properties than grain-fed beef.  It also had lower levels of cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Hormone-free – Dairy milk from cows treated with hormones have higher levels of IGF-1 which is a natural growth hormone in humans.  Early studies showed a relationship between levels of this hormone and the development of cancers including prostate, breast and colorectal.  The EU has banned the use of synthetic hormones in its meat since 1981 and has banned the import of meat treated with such hormones.

Nitrate-free – Nitrates are preservatives found mainly in cured processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon and lunch meats.  These can increase risk of heart disease according to the Mayo clinic.  Nitrates are also carcinogenic and ingesting high doses of them can increase risk of cancer.

Vegetarian-fed – Many of the mass produced meat farms grind up cattle and animal parts and feed it back to the livestock.  This is dangerous because it can cause diseases such as the mad cow disease, aka bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

The easiest way to know that your meat was not raised with growth hormones or antibiotics, was fed 100% organic feed and had access to the outdoors is to make sure it has the official USDA Organic Seal (see above).  This verifies that the producers were reviewed and met the standards of animal health and welfare.

For more information about the criteria on organic labeling and other labeling of meats, you can visit the USDA Organic website here.

The post Organic Meat vs Non-Organic: Decoding the Danger Behind the Labels appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

1. Everyday Coconut Super Hydrating Body Wash & Super Hydrating Body Lotion: This skin soother is a great deal at 31 cents a gallon and is made from the fair trade virgin Coconut Oil extracted by hand from organic coconuts in West Africa. This oil is loaded with natural antioxidants and protects the skin from damaging free-radicals while also sustaining the Alaffia company which generates funds to conduct community enhancement projects in West African nations in order to reduce poverty and gender inequality.
2. JĀSÖN^® thin to THICK Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner: This no-nonsense volumizing shampoo went to work instantly and gave my hair a much needed boost of volume after only one wash. At roughly $8.50 a bottle this product wont break the bank and the JĀSÖN^® company has been using only natural ingredients in their products since 1959.
3. Kiehls Super Fluid UV defense SPF 50+: Although a bit of a splurge, I seem to have just found this $39 in store product for $26 on Amazon! I say, either way, this product is worth the investment because it is the ultimate in wrinkle prevention with maximum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays . Kiehls has been dedicated to using all natural products since 1851 and the ultra light consistency of this product makes it practically unnoticeable when added under makeup.
4. Crystal Body Deodorant Stick: I wouldn’t believe it if you told me a month ago that there is a natural deodorant that is odorless and actually works but I found one! This crystal stick is odorless, paraben free, aluminum free and hypoallergenic and best of all it is clear and leaves none of those chalky deodorant stains behind on dark clothes!
5. Lush Charity Pot: This vegan product is made in a 100% recyclable pot that you can bring back to Lush and refill with its natural blend of Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil and other natural ingredients. As a person who constantly has dry hands from washing them all day, this is a great product to keep in your purse. 100% of the proceds go to help grassroots organizations in areas that help communities with environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights.

The post April: Top 5 picks for Natural Beauty and Skincare Products that Work! appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

First off, Kayden is now a whopping 21lbs and in the 98 percentile in height!! I say this, a little to brag, of course, but to also give hope to any of you that gave birth to a preemie, that everything will work out just as it should. The doc didn’t tell me in those first couple nail biting months when we were driving to the hospital to weigh in Kayden every other day (thank goodness) that KJ started out in the 1 percentile of weight at 5lbs 13oz. So it just goes to show you that nothing can hold back our little ones no matter what the birthing circumstance are! He is now crawling fast as lighting, climbing, eating solids, and pulling himself up on everything possible (gulp) and also finally sleeping through the night (better late than never) and all around just a cheery bundle of joy! I will be continuing to post on the Mommy Spot on the sanity savers and/or the complete mysteries that continue to come up everyday in motherhood.

We did, unfortunately, lose our best friend and first furry son, Ranger, early this year at the young age of six. It has been a huge devastation and we miss him terribly and think about him everyday. We know he is up in dog heaven though, still guarding Kayden and sending us big sloppy kisses and taking up all the room on the couch with the other doggies. We will always love him and hold a special place in our hearts for our baby Ru.

Nessy has some amazing news to report as well! She is two months into a brand new job where she gets to work with veterinary hospitals to provide the best medical care for our pets!  She is loving the challenge of the new position and the fact that she gets to work alongside sweet puppies and kittens every day!  She even adopted the newest member of the Vick family, Albert! An amazingly sweet and adorable grey and white tabby kitten!  She is in love with both her new kitten and her job and is excited to write about the trials and tribulations of trying to live a sustainable lifestyle while managing the life of a sales rep.  She is also moving into a new place and is looking forward to sharing her adventures in decorating on a budget!

We would love to hear any requests on topics or information you would like to hear from us.  We always want to keep an open forum as you are all part of our Spot family!

The post 2014 Update from The Sustainable Spot appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

I have decided to kick off the season of warm delicious comfort foods by creating a mouthwatering collection of healthy recipes on Pinterest that covers everything from appetizers to turkey to side dishes to dessert.  There are even gluten-free vegan versions of stuffing and pumpkin pie!  I have never seen so many wonderful healthy alternatives to the traditional heavy dishes that add extra flavor with fresh natural ingredients!

Here’s a taste of what’s in store on our Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Pinterest board!  Stop on by and check it out!

Stuffed mushrooms veggie appetizer courtesy of Best Health Magazine

Pear Prosciutto Hazelnut Stuffing courtesy of Eating Well

Butternut Squash Gratin courtesy of Best Health Magazine

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots courtesy of Food and Wine

Apricot Glazed Turkey with Fresh Herb Gravy courtesy of Food and Wine

Espresso Gelees with Candied Pistachios courtesy of Food and Wine

Hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Bon Appetit!

The post Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

With the holidays coming up and the increased buildup of trash that will accumulate as a result, I thought it the perfect time to make a note of what exactly is recyclable and what is garbage.  We can help divert literally tons of trash from landfills with a little bit of conscious effort when choosing which bin to throw our things away in.  Hopefully this resource will act as your holiday cheat sheet to save you time and hassle in the months to come!

Recyclable curbside (Must be clean and dry)

Holiday cards (without plastic or music inserts)   Envelopes           Catalogs               Magazines

Junk mail             Boxes    Wrapping paper(plain)  Gift bags              Aluminum foil    Aluminum pie plates

Aluminum serving trays                       Plastic bags         Plastic bottles    Plastic cups

Cans      Glass jars            Glass bottles      Cartons             Plastic outer wrapping

Produce bags     Cardboard pizza boxes

Cardboard rolls in toilet paper and paper towel rolls        Cereal boxes (and most food storage boxes)

Newspaper        Printer paper

Wine bottles

Recyclable at specific locations (look up recycling destination near you at Earth 911)

Batteries              Water filters       Cell phones/electronics                                Printer ink cartridges

Cooking oil          Packing peanuts               Wine corks          Car batteries      Motor oil

Christmas trees

You can also lookup a complete list of exactly which items are accepted from the recycling programs in your area by entering your zip code here.

And with all of the festive feasting this season, now is a great time to start composting your food scraps so that by spring you will have nutrient rich fertilizer to use in your garden!  Here’s a simple cost-effective way to start!

Hope you all have a happy holiday season!

The post Holiday Cheat Sheet: Recycling Resource Guide appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

1. Don’t constantly compare:

For Mom: While it is easy to get caught up in your style of parenting, whether it be on demand feeding or scheduled feeding, breast-fed or bottle fed, realize that everyone’s experience is different and every baby is unique. Be understanding of other people’s methods, there is no right or wrong way to raise a child, so be open when you see other mothers doing things differently than you are.

For Baby: A big lesson I learned through this last few months is to not compare your baby to every other baby you encounter. Sometimes your friends babies will be sitting up before your baby is, or sleeping through the night faster than your little one did, or vice versa. Every baby is different and will reach his or her milestones when they are ready.

Tip: Give the baby books a rest: While I did find some very helpful tips from the baby books that I read when I was pregnant, it became maddening because I was reading too many. There were so many conflicting suggestions that insisted it was their way or the highway that I became debilitated by the conflicting schools of thought. Most moms I talk to have said the same, remember that the babies in those books are the “best case scenarios” for that school of thought and no way in particular is the right or wrong way. Your baby is unique and wonderful and will have his or her own routine.

2. Listen to your instincts and your doctor:

I had no idea how opinionated people were about child rearing. It is an uber sensitive issue and people are always offering their opinion (usually unwarranted) on how to raise your child. Remember that the term “mother knows best” has been around for ages for a reason, trust your motherly instincts and when you don’t know the answer to a question, ask your pediatrician to help guide you!

Tip: When I first met with my pediatrician, I made sure that I could contact her anytime through email. This has come in handy when I have non-urgent issues that I need answered. There have been many 2AM feeds accompanied by a quick email to my pediatrician about everything under the sun which then get answered in the AM. This allows me to get back to sleep knowing that I will get the best answer possible in the morning.

3. Find your zen:

I have read over and over that babies can sense your mood and now that I am a mom I have found that is completely true. If I am stressed out, Kayden tends to get fussy and agitated so I have really tried to manage my emotions by staying as calm as possible. Don’t feel like you need to be supermom all the time, focusing on your baby is a full-time job so give yourself a break when some other duties fall by the wayside.

Tip: Getting out of the house will help you relax and get some fresh air. In the beginning, days would go by and I would barely leave the house. I then made myself include a walk or a drive into my schedule and that did wonders for my psyche. Schedule an outing during nap time, the motion of the car or the stroller usually helped put Kayden right to sleep!

4. Ask for help:

This was a tough one for me because I tend to want to think I can take care of everything myself but it is so important to ask for help. For my husband and I, we are lucky enough to have both our wonderful parents in state who are more than happy to visit and take care of Kayden. Time away from the baby can give you the ability to recharge and feel rejuvenated when you get back to your little one.

I also utilized breastfeeding support groups that were available for free through my health care network and I can’t emphasize enough how much these helped me. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to breastfeeding and overcame a lot of challenges with the help of the lactation consultants in that group. I recommend looking into what support groups your network provides and going to a class or two. Just knowing that I wasn’t alone in my struggle was reason enough to make it there every week!

Tip: For those who don’t have family close or need some middle of the night assistance, Mark and I used a home care agency to find amazing nannies that can be scheduled around the clock. These were a lifesaver when the sleep deprivation was really starting to get to us so please seek out one in your area! If you are in San Diego, let me know and I can recommend a few!

5. Don’t forget about yourself and your beau:

It is important to take care of yourself and your marriage during this time even though sometimes it feels impossible. When Kayden turned 3 months old, I was able to check him in at Child Watch at my local YMCA and workout for an hour or so a few times a week. This was such a sanity saver and it allowed me to focus on myself and my health a few hours a week.

My husband and I will also schedule a dinner date or movie date while Kayden is being watched which allows us to reconnect and reflect. There are so many changes that go on in a household after the baby is born that it is important to make sure you are on the same page and to spend some quality time with the person you started this journey with in the first place!

Tip: Try not to spend the entire date night talking about the baby. Make sure you allot some time to adult topics and events going on in each others work and life.

The post My Top 5 New Mom Tips appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

So, in an attempt to start the season off right, I have collected some recipes that will cater to my cravings without leaving me on the floor after crashing from my sugar high.  I have decided to try and make it a fun challenge and hopefully discover a few go to treats that I can continue to use when I’m feeling extra sweet.  These would also be great to make if you are hosting a Halloween haunt of your own!  And of course, I found most of them on my beloved Pinterest and have created a healthy sweet October treats board for you to follow if you like!

Here are a few that I am dying to try so far!

Salted Cookie Crust Chocolate Mousse Pie (courtesy of Mix It Up)

This healthy recipe uses ingredients such as rolled oats, coconut oil, tofu and applesauce to sweeten this decadent looking slice of heaven!

Blueberry Tartlettes (courtesy of A Couple Cooks)

These treats are made with blueberries, vanilla extract, salt, greek yogurt, honey, dates, almonds and mint leaves.  Sounds refreshingly healthy and sweet!

Raw Cocoa Dessert Truffles (courtesy of Haute + Healthy)

These truffles only take 4 ingredients and 5 minutes start to finish!  Made from dates, cocoa powder, coconut oil and almonds.

Pear Blueberry Crumble (courtesy of Simply Delicious)

With pears in season, this is a perfect recipe for dessert!  I plan to top this warm dish with frozen greek yogurt and honey!

I am extremely excited to try my hand at these and will report back to let you know which ones were my faves!

Do you have any healthy treats I should try and add to my recipe list?

The post Healthy Dessert Recipes: Sweet October Treats appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

Once I have had my fill of mass shootings, biblical floods and political catfights, I turn on my computer and peruse facebook for a few minutes before I force myself to check emails.  My facebook feed is always an interesting mix of photos and updates on blissful newlyweds, dream destination vacations, sweet new babies, political news and the latest crises facing the ocean.  Half the time I bounce from oohing and aahing to groaning and moaning from one post to the next.  And I will be the first to admit I am guilty of every single one of those types of posts so I am not judging, merely making an observation.

And while I am always genuinely happy for my friends and inspired by their life events,  I also find the experience somewhat exhausting and emotionally draining.  I am always left with some lingering twinge of envy and the overwhelming feeling of the grass always being greener.  And for all practical purposes, my grass is pretty green.  Or at least I usually think so before I see my friend who just married Brad Pitt’s younger twin, honeymooned on a private island, jumped out of an airplane only to land in turquoise tropical waters face to face with a whale shark and sold their business to Facebook for 100 billion dollars.  Did I mention she has a private jet and identical triplets?!

And as if that’s not enough, we have Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and a whole host of other social media mediums to toot our horns and tout our triumphs.  At any given time I feel like I should be having a debate with Alec Baldwin (which is actually a dream of mine although I don’t think I could disagree with Jack Donaghy), building my dream home with a staple gun and some modge podge and creating a visual masterpiece out of a photo of my waffles ( will they look more delicious in Hudson or Willow?).  Is it any wonder we have such unrealistic expectations of what our lives should be?

Looking back, one of the best times in my life was when I was completely off the grid.  Granted I was in tropical island paradise (toot toot, beep beep) but I did not miss out on anything by not fervently checking news outlets or facebook frenzies.  Instead I was able to gain something more, something I’ve searched for my entire life, mental clarity.  And that is probably the only thing we can’t buy these days (on Amazon or HauteLook or One Kings Lane or Groupon, believe me I check those emails).  For that is truly priceless.

So I guess you are all wondering where I am going with this and I am kind of wondering the same myself.  But I guess with the change of season and the onset of cooler weather comes more time at home where I find my mind wanders and my iPad does not leave my lap unless nature calls.

I have decided to make a goal for myself.  That goal is to spend a few less hours a day online, to skip the news and instead do something that helps me focus on my green grass.  Whether it be yoga ( I still haven’t mastered the meditative mental quietness but I will continue to give it a go), a spin class ( yeah I prefer dancing on a bike like it’s a nightclub in Vegas at 2 am), or even simply spending some time alone with my thoughts, I think it is important to clear the mind.  And in this crazy culture we live in, it is crucial.

And for all of you out there that have already achieved this feat of balance between zen and men, I would love to hear what it is that helps you get there.  Because unless I am literally on an island where there is no signal, I find it hard to lower the volume and shut out all of the noise.

The post Mental Cleanse Challenge: Keep Calm and Enjoy the Green Grass appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

And we have been so busy catching up that we have decided to post once a week during the month of August…stay tuned for new updates coming soon!

The post Sustainable Sisters Reunite to Celebrate Baby Kayden! appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

I was so impressed by everyone’s creative and delicious summer dishes that I thought I would share them with you.  They were simple, healthy and quick to make and I am definitely going to keep these on my list of top picks for the next time I need a dish to bring to a party.  The last one is one that I have made several times at home for just Stu and I that have made it on my regular rotation and are deliciously addictive.  Hope you enjoy!

Basil Feta Watermelon Blocks from Self.com (see photo above)

1 watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1.5 inch blocks

3 oz crumbled feta

2 large basil leaves, sliced thinly

Scoop out top of watermelon blocks, fill with feta and top with basil.

Burrata Tomato Salad with Crostini from White on Rice Couple

1 lb cherry tomatoes, washed and halved

8 oz fresh burrata cheese

fresh basil

olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

baguette, sliced thinly and toasted in the oven

Arrange tomatoes and burrata in a bowl, drizzle oil and vinegar, sprinkle salt and pepper and top with plenty of fresh basil.  Serve with crostini baguette slices and enjoy!

Skinny Baked Jalapeno Poppers by Skinnytaste

12 jalapeno peppers, washed, seeded and halved

4.5 oz neufchatel cheese (or light cream cheese)

2 oz low fat shredded Mexican cheese blend

1/2 cup egg whites

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1/8 tsp paprika

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Please share your favorite foodie finger foods in the comment section below!  Thanks!

The post 3 Simple Healthy Appetizer Recipes Fit for Foodies appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

In a matter of ten weeks, I learned about the intricacies of the coral reef ecosystem, how to identify 50 species of coral and their complex scientific names and how to hover inverted and write underwater to record them just to name a few.  In fact, I was so deeply moved by the experience that I wound up staying for a year, working for the expedition company, becoming a dive instructor and pursuing a graduate degree in marine conservation.  And on top of it all, I met my now husband.  My volunteer experience gave me a new perspective on life, new friends around the world, a new career I am passionate about and the man of my dreams!

Diving into another day of work!

Here are ten reasons why you should participate in a volunteer expedition!

• Learn something new – Whether you want to learn how to scuba dive, become a safari guide, become fluent in a foreign language, teach others English, rehabilitate elephants, or build homes for those in need, you can find an expedition that will help you achieve it.
• Get certified – From CPR to First Aid to PADI to TOEFL, you can find many certification programs included in expeditions that will help your career once you get back home.
• Work hands-on –  In our world of technology, sometimes we never get the chance to really work face to face with what we are truly passionate about.  There is something so raw and satisfying about seeing and feeling firsthand the project you are involved in and being able to have tangible and measurable results.
• Great for traveling solo, as a couple or with friends.
• Complete immersion in local environment, culture and communities.
• Helping others and the environment.
• Meet like-minded people from all over the world and form lifelong friendships.
• More affordable to stay at destination for extended period of time.
• Looks good on your CV/resume.
• Career change – It’s a great way to gain experience in a field you may want to pursue.

Here are some great resources to help you find your perfect volunteer expedition!

Global Vision International – This is the company I went with and loved!

WiseOceans – WiseWork opportunities

I am so passionate about these programs that this is my second post on volunteer expeditions.  I wrote about my experience in a previous post you can read here!

The post 10 Reasons Why You Should Go on a Volunteer Expedition appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

1. Boppy Newborn Lounger

2. Double sided Boppy nursing pillow

3. Aden and Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets

4. Cloud B Sleep Sheep

5. BabyGanics Hand Sanitizer

The post Video Product Review: 5 New Mom must haves appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

One thing I don’t like about my blissful beach days is the fact that it leaves my hair dry and brittle.  I have tried everything from leave in conditioners applied before my day out to over the counter deep conditioners globbed on generously afterward and nothing seems to fit the bill.  And they all break my budget.

So I decided to try some at home remedies and have found the sweet relief I have been searching for!  Here is what helped me!

Avocado Coconut Banana Hair Mask from Kibby’s Blended Life

Blend 1 avocado, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp raw honey, 1 banana, 1 can organic coconut milk.  Leave on for one hour and rinse.  The honey will lighten your hair a bit as well so you will have smooth silky sunkissed locks!

Tip – Keep the rest of the blend you don’t use in baggies and freeze them to keep for your next beach day.

Coconut Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment from Huffington Post

Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon coconut oil and apply to ends of hair, avoiding scalp.  Leave on for a few hours for best results.

Tip – You may need to heat up coconut oil by rubbing together in hands to get it into liquid form from solid.

Egg Yolk Olive Oil Hair Repair from The Daily Glow

Whisk 1 egg yolk (2 for longer locks) in mixing bowl.  Beat in 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Add 1 cup lukewarm water to mixture to dilute and apply to clean wet hair.  Comb through hair completely and leave in for 5 minutes.  Rinse with cool water for extra shine.

Tip – Do not rinse with hot water because it could cook the egg which would make for a messy cleanup and less desirable results.

What do you do for your hair post beach day?

The post 3 Natural DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Treatments appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

I am not sure if it was the mixed cocktail of natural ingredients I put on every night or just sheer luck or genetics but I figured I would share what I found on my quest to keep clear skin. Pregnancy is hard enough  with the hormone changes, weight gain, frequent bathroom trips and limited clothing options that the last thing you need is to be lathering a bunch of greasy and ineffective goop on your belly night after night.

Below I have highlighted natural products and strategies that I think really assisted in the elasticity of my skin. This is completely a personal opinion and experience and may not work for everyone so please list your personal favorites in the comments section!

Lifestyle

Follow a prenatal nutrition plan: Following a pregnancy nutrition and diet plan can be key to not only helping with stretch marks but also assisting with morning sickness. The foods you choose to eat can help with skin elasticity while also making sure the little one is getting all the nutrients he needs.

Consistent Exercise: It is very tempting to shrug off your workout routine during pregnancy but toning muscles will allow your skin to firm up and will also help with labor and delivery.

Stay Hydrated: Moisturizing is a key factor to avoiding stretch marks but hydration starts from the inside out. Well-hydrated skin is not only more pliable than dehydrated skin, it’s also less prone to stretch marks. Eliminate any beverages that contribute to dehydration such as caffeine and sugary drinks.

Products I love:

LUSH Therapy massage lotion bar: This is my ultimate favorite product for stretch marks, not only because it is handmade and Eco-friendly but it is packed with cocoa butter and shea butter as well. This bar also mixes lavender and neroli giving it a citrus scent instead of the really chocolate aroma many of the cocoa butter lotions have.

At $10.95 a bar it is also one of the best priced stretch mark remedies on the market. I also loved the fact that it was in bar form which, for me, meant a more controlled and accurate application.

Vitamin E Oil– Although this is commonly recommended in most articles for help with scars, it is also amazing for the prevention of stretch marks because it highly promotes skin elasticity.

Nightly regimen: Layer the LUSH Therapy bar and the Vitamin E Oil on areas of concern. To take away greasy feel and add a beautiful jasmine smell add LUSH Silky Underwear dusting power which is actually just another layer of grated Cocoa butter.  Good luck and enjoy!

The post Natural Remedies that kept me stretch mark free during pregnancy! appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

I am also excited to dive into some DIY projects that I have found on Pinterest that will keep my creative juices flowing and make my home a little less lonely while he is gone.  Although I will admit that I may need the help of my hubby to finish some of these pieces.

Check out my Summer DIY Project Pinterest Board for a preview and I look forward to sharing my progress with you!

Here’s a sneak peek!

Cooler Stand by Birds and Soap

Mosaic Tile Table by Centsational Girl

Wine Bottle Tiki Torches that Repel Insects from Fox 

Pastel Pink Skinny Jean Makeover by The Little Giggler

What fun projects do you have in store for summer?  Please share!:)

The post Summer DIY Projects appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.

Here are some tips on how to make your travel more ocean-friendly!

1. Don’t buy souvenirs from the sea – Avoid purchasing coral, shells, tortoise shell, shark fins, starfish and live pets like hermit crabs from souvenir shops.  Many are endangered and exploited for the sole purpose of the tourist trade.
2. Keep it clean – Be sure to collect your trash from the beach during your visit and never dispose of anything overboard while on a boat.
3. Explore the wild and pass on the animal park – Take advantage of the natural beauty by visiting  a Marine Protected Area near your destination that is rich with biodiversity and budget-friendly.
4. Don’t be held captive on a cruise – Cruise ships are not the good stewards of the sea that they should be so pass on the party boats that have had more than their share of recent disasters.
5. Eat local and sustainable seafood – Enjoy the fresh fish from your destination and take a moment to check the Seafood Watch List from Monterey Bay Aquarium to select the most sustainable choice.
6. Be an observer – When snorkeling, free diving or scuba diving do not touch or take anything from the wild.  Bring a camera and take pictures that capture the natural state of the environment you enjoy.
7. Select an eco-friendly sunscreen – Many ingredients in popular sunscreen brands are harmful to coral and other marine life which make a huge impact with 4,000-6,000 metric tons of sunscreen entering the oceans every year according to Jean-Michel Cousteau.  The Environmental Working Group has a list of sunscreens that are less toxic to you and the environment.
8. Travel light – If you are visiting a remote island, don’t take a ton of toiletries and other disposables.  Remember what you leave there most likely stays there as there are no landfills to put trash.  In the Maldives, there is an entire island of trash that gets blown into the ocean for lack of other disposal options.
9. Reuse creatively– Bring reusable items and pass on the multiple water bottles and plastic cups offered by the resort.  If you plan on enjoying multiple frosty beverages poolside, ask for your them to simply refill your cup.
10. Choose Eco-tourism Activities and Operators– When booking hotels and signing up for fishing, diving, jet skiing, parasailing and other activities, be sure to go with operators that don’t exploit the local environment and work efficiently.
11. Reduce plastic footprint – The majority of plastic finds its way into the ocean and then is broken down into microscopic pieces consumed by marine life which then finds its way up the food chain to us.
12. Reduce carbon footprint – The ocean absorbs the majority of all CO2 in the atmosphere causing ocean acidification which threatens all marine life.

Hope you have a wonderful summer vacation somewhere beautiful!

The post Summer Vacation: 12 Ocean-Friendly Travel Tips appeared first on The Sustainable Spot.