Posts tagged ‘gorgeously green’
A Morning Shot of Raw Juice
There’s something about Fall that propels us from the lazy days of summer into a whirlwind of activity. Chalk it up to back-to-school vibes or the crispness of the air around us, but this season always seems to spur transitions of all kinds. A few of my personal changes this Fall have included starting an exciting new job and putting the finishing touches on the re-launch of this website (coming in November 2011!), so I understand how important it is to maintain balance and wellness – and keep the flu at bay.
One of the ways I’ve tried to keep myself healthy is drinking raw juice blends in the morning. Typically I juice whatever is in the fridge – beets, celery, carrots – and throw in apples for sweetness and ginger for spiciness, adding more or less according to taste. Gorgeously Green’s Sophie Uliano recently wrote about the importance of an alkalizing diet this time of year, so many of the vegetables and fruits she recommends are perfect for juicing at home. Or if you need more of a set recipe, check out Kris Carr’s popular Green Juice recipe.
Green Energy Blend from Sidewalk Juice
However, if you’re like me, breakfasts are typically rushed and I don’t have time to prepare juices daily. If I know I’m in for a crazy week, I make a Sunday stop at Sidewalk Juice on Valencia Street, which sells delicious, made-to-order organic juices. Ideally you are supposed to drink raw juice the day it is pressed, but I purchase their Green Energy juice (made with spinach, kale, apple, lemon, ginger, celery, parsley and cucumber) in the half-gallon size and drink it daily over the course of a week. The business will even deliver to your home if you’re really swamped. To your health!
Sidewalk Juice is located at 3287 21st Street at Valencia. Call them at (415) 932-6221. The business is open every day from 9am-7:30pm and from 9am-6:30pm during the winter. The half gallon Green Energy blend I buy is $24. Cash only business.
Gorgeously Green DIY Face Cream
Whenever I’m in the mood for a do-it-yourself beauty project, I turn to Gorgeously Green’s Sophie Uliano for inspiration. One of my favorite skin-soothing formulas is her Geranium Almond Face Cream. I use it as a base before applying sunscreen in the morning. Give it a go and see the difference it’ll make on your complexion!
One word of advice: Make sure your oils and base are the same temperature when combining and whisking, otherwise they won’t fully bind!
Eco Inspirations: Greenista Chat with Sophie Uliano
Image Courtesy of www.GorgeouslyGreen.com
A dose of inspiration is sometimes all we need to get our creative juices going. For the start of 2011, I’ll be posting a mini series of interviews with three passionate women who have embraced their Higher Purpose and created businesses that reflect their true values. From running a green living multimedia company to starting a clean cosmetics brand, the words and actions of these entrepreneurs is proof that with dedication and energy we, too, can realize our dreams.
My first featured Greenista is Sophie Uliano, the New York Times best-selling author of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life, The Gorgeously Green Diet and Do It Gorgeously. Sophie is a Green Expert and speaker whose appearances on many television shows, including “Oprah,” “The View,” “Good Morning America” and “The CBS Early Show,” have inspired women across America to live a Gorgeously Green Life.
She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of GorgeouslyGreen.com. Sophie is my favorite green guru and I cannot even begin to describe how inspirational, friendly and motivating she is. Take a look at our interview below and glean some insider tips on starting a green blog, writing a book or breaking into eco multimedia.
Image Courtesy of www.GorgeouslyGreen.com
You recently referenced Goethe’s quote “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” What was the inspiration behind writing the original “Gorgeously Green” book and what were the actions you took to beginning it? How did you tap into your boldness?
I had the idea for a while and I just realized that the only way to get anything done is to start it. Even if you think it’s a load of rubbish or you can’t really do it/finish it – you’ve just got to be bold, make the start, work on it every day and the rest follows…
There is so much greenwashing used by companies to advertise their products or exaggerate their contributions to society/cleaning up the environment. How have you been able to cut through all that false information to report on the most accurate claims? Do you have a team that works with you?
I don’t have a team because I can’t really trust anyone else’s opinion. My readers are very loyal and I feel a great sense of responsibility to them, so I make it my business to check out any and every company or product I recommend. Sometimes I make a mistake or something slips by my attention, but I always try to correct it when the fault is mine. I’m very wary of greenwashing!
“Gorgeously Green” started as a book but has evolved into a strong green multimedia platform – i.e. a series of books, website, online store and how-to videos. How did this transformation take place? Do you proactively plan for the future, or seize opportunities as they come along?
I think everything nowadays has to have a multimedia platform. A book really can’t exist without a website supporting it. The more you add to your platform, the more value you give your readers.
What are the biggest challenges you have encountered in growing your “Gorgeously Green” brand and how have you overcome or sidestepped them?
Manpower! I like to micro-manage and do it all myself, but I wish there were 10 of me because there just aren’t the hours in the day. I have so many ideas up my sleeve, but finding the time to implement them is my greatest challenge.
What was the process of choosing a name for your book(s) and creating your signature logo?
The name just came very easily, as I knew I wanted it to be about becoming Gorgeous from the inside out. The logo was more of a big deal. I wanted an icon/image/woman who was sexy but also very classy and elegant – my inspiration was obviously Vargas. That said, it took about 50 drafts to get the image right!
You make “going green” fun, accessible and motivating for women. Your message never comes across as threatening or pushy. How are you able to do this despite knowing about all the scary toxins we come into contact with daily in our homes, schools, workplace and community?
Because I’m easy with myself! I walk the middle path. I couldn’t be extreme even if I wanted to. All I do is share the way that I live, which most of the time is very imperfect!
Can you describe a typical day working on the “Gorgeously Green” brand?
One hour of social networking, two hours of blogging and creating content for G.G. and other sites. One hour of answering emails and two or so hours in creative development.
The “Gorgeously Green” website now boasts a team of green experts. How were you able to engage these individuals?
They are all people that came to me wanting to align their platform with mine. Some of them are great friends.
Have relationships with mentors shaped your career path? If not, what people or circumstances have made a difference/contributed to your path?
Oh yes, I have two writing mentors (Jane and Marcus Buckingham) and a host of Spiritual mentors, who support me in every positive project I set out on. Mentors are imperative.
What is the future of the “Gorgeously Green” brand? When we last spoke, you mentioned a possible TV show in the works and a fourth book.
Yes – a TV show is next on the books and is probably the most important step in expanding my brand.
What important advice do you have for an entrepreneur/writer looking to create his/her own green multimedia platform or seek a position in an existing one?
Look at how you can make your writing/message easy and accessible for everyone. Always look for a good media angle (sound bites), and work your social media like a loon!
Greener Pastures Ahead: Design Your Life in 2011
Image Courtesy of www.Green-masters.com
That which matters the most should never give way to that which matters the least.
We are the designers of our time or, more broadly, our life. This is a key insight I took away from my first semester of graduate school. The topic came up during my “Critical Thinking For Business Redesign” class, and I’ve decided to reframe the lessons I learned into a 2011 “Critical Thinking for Life Redesign” mission. Now, this type of thinking doesn’t require making sweeping resolutions you probably won’t keep, or tackling a complete life overhaul. Rather, it requires looking inward to tap into what simply makes you happy. Or makes you tick. Or makes you want to get up in the morning, excited for another day. Basically, it’s the best (and most fulfilling) use of your time.
Seem unrealistic or too difficult? After all, you’ve probably written down your 2011 Resolutions already and stuffed them in a drawer, glad to be done with that task. Well, go find your list or a clean piece of paper if you haven’t made one. I’ve boiled down Life Redesign to three steps that can be applied to any area of your life – from going green to becoming better at your job.
- Define your Higher Purpose. This doesn’t have to be saving the world from starvation, or rescuing every stray kitten. It could be something like “Improve my eating habits,” “Switch to clean, non-toxic personal care products” or “Travel to Spain.” You can have many Higher Purposes – you are not limited to one! – though I would recommend focusing on no more than two at a time.
- Write down relevant Opportunity Statements. These are concrete and well-defined actions you must take to further your Higher Purpose. For “Improve my eating habits,” an opportunity statement could be “Make dinner at home four nights a week” or “Allow only 25 percent of my shopping cart to contain pre-made, processed food.” By being specific and concise (write down a single action – no and’s allowed), these statements give you an easy framework of next steps to make your Higher Purpose a reality. Aim to start with two or three, and then add on (or revise) as needed.
- Remind yourself frequently of your Higher Purpose and track the progress of your Opportunity Statements. Whether you want to make an eye-popping dream collage to hang on your wall (see Sophie Uliano’s recommendation on GorgeouslyGreen.com), or prefer to go the journaling route, find the inspiring method that keeps you accountable and moving forward. Take a picture of your list and have it as your computer background, or put up Post-It notes around the bedroom mirror – use your imagination!
Though I must admit it isn’t made from recycled materials, I received Moleskin’s Wellness Journal, which is part of the company’s limited edition Passion series, for Christmas and it has been perfect for my 2011 Life Redesign plan. The majority of the notebook is focused on health-related goals (such as diet and an exercise log), but there is also a section for Inspiring Quotes and Images, as well as empty tabs and pages to fill with whatever I like, such as keeping a list of books to read or jotting down random business ideas. I keep the journal in my purse and update it as needed, but if you aren’t looking to be as dedicated, keep it by your bedside for a morning or evening recording session. Any tiny step towards realizing and creating the life that makes you happy is worthwhile.
When we respect and take care of ourselves, we will – by extension – be taking care of the planet. And you can’t get any more green than that!
Greenista’s Healthy Brain Candy: What feeds your passion?
A Breath of Fresh Air: Natural Cure for Pesky Seasonal Allergies
For the San Francisco girl, springtime brings sunnier skies, outdoor dinner dates, gorgeous blooms in Golden Gate Park…and the unfortunate arrival of seasonal allergies. If the idea of escaping from the winter flu only to encounter a daily stuffy nose or sinus congestion is enough to drive you back indoors, it’s time to look for a healthy solution that lets you embrace Mother Nature.
Instead of popping a pill, why not try an all-natural, centuries-old approach to curing your pollen woes? While perusing the aisles of my favorite alternative drugstore Pharmaca in Cole Valley, I came across the Baraka Sinus Care Kit. The set came complete with a Neti Pot, French Atlantic Sea Salt and Sinus Rejuvenating Oil, and has successfully buffered me against the severe allergy symptoms I typically battle during this time of year.
Image Courtesy of SinusSupport.com
Neti pots, which have been used for thousands of years by practitioners of Ayurveda and yoga, are teapot-like devices used to run a saline solution through the nasal passages. This practice, according to Baraka and alternative medicine practitioners, rinses out undesirable dust, pollen, mucous and other matter from the nose to maintain optimal, healthy breathing conditions. My soothing blue, ceramic Baraka Neti pot is made in the United States and is lead-free. In addition, the company, which is a small, U.S., woman-owned business, gets all of its salts and essential oils from sustainable sources – definitely a green biz model to support!
The whole nasal-rinsing process seemed intimidating at first, but now that I’ve gotten the hang of it and experienced the benefits firsthand (it has even helped with my minor sleep apnea), I’ve incorporated the Neti pot into my normal routine. I use it every other day (experiment to see what works best for you) and use the invigorating sinus oil daily whenever I feel an allergy-induced headache or nasal stuffiness coming on.
There are plenty of great videos online that make mastering the Neti pot easy (see Body+Soul’s demonstration), as well as a selection of Neti products favored by top green gurus such as Sophie Uliano. So treat yourself to a breath of fresh air this spring by splurging on a Neti pot of your choice!
**Additional tips: Make sure the water is warm (not hot!) and that you are using purified, distilled water, such as water from your Brita. High-quality salt from your local supermarket can be used, but I personally prefer Baraka’s French Atlantic Sea Salt, which is filled with minerals.
Kicking Off Unwelcome Stragglers on the Green Bandwagon
Courtesy of AwaitingRain.Typepad.com
Companies from different sectors are jumping haphazardly on the green bandwagon, peddling green promises and claims that, when scrutinized, don’t measure up to the hype. This sudden free-for-all of green marketing is both misleading and destructive, as it fosters skepticism among consumers of what is and isn’t green and redlights smaller competitors who really are struggling to make a difference. So how do we make educated decisions on where to spend our precious dollars? By turning to reputable sources, of course.
Everyone has a favorite green blogger/reviewer they turn to. I personally favor Sophie Uliano, author of the New York Times best-selling “Gorgeously Green” books and founder of GorgeouslyGreen.com. Her product and company recommendations are all personally-tested and reported in a fair and non-biased way – with a fun, British-type of flair.
I’ve also occasionally turned to my Los Angeles Greenopia guide, which offers a listing of green businesses – from restaurants to fabric stores to hair salons – in a select number of U.S. cities. In my opinion, the earlier version I own includes recommendations that don’t quite stack up to green criteria today. However, between the currently-available, updated editions and the informative newsletter that Greenopia sends out once a month, you’ll be all set for your sustainability needs.
But what has really caught my attention recently is Certified B Corporation. This new type of corporation seeks to solve social and environmental problems through the power and influence of business. Serving as a type of third-party certifier, companies come to B Corp for evaluation of their sustainability standing, which includes looking at all aspects of their business (from sourcing to production to sales). This aids in true transparency for both customers and investors / shareholders. Green leaders such as Method and Numi Organic Tea have already jumped on board, helping to position B Corp as the source for evaluating and recommending environmentally-responsible leaders. Check out their video below and see if your favorite company has signed up. Make sure that how you spend with your green dollars counts!
