And The Winner Is....

First, I want to thank everyone that participated!  I loved reading your fav jewelry and health advice.  So without further ado....the winner of my first giveaway for a Stella and Dot tribute bracelet is....

I am especially glad that E picked Pat's name out of his soldier bucket because she happens to be a survivor herself. 

Congratulations Pat, I couldn't be happier you won. 

It's crazy that a health scare is what it takes for many of us to wake up and change our diets and live healthier ways.

Also, I just had my first open house with alex+von selling 100% Pure at my Theas' house. 

It was a huge success.  I loved meeting new friends and sharing these new products which I have become so passionate about.  I couldn't be more pleased with ladies wanting to make healthier choices when it comes to skincare and beauty products.  So chic and modern!

Happy Halloween

I am thrilledabout Halloween coming up in a few days.  I have my healthy treat idea for E's school, costumes ready (including non-toxic face paint for E's scary skeleton costume), pumpkins aching to be carved, spooky decor (thanks to E), and plenty of little monsters running/crawling around. 

I wanted to share a few of my favorite Halloween recipes with y'all. 

Pumpkin Seeds 

 

2 cups of pumpkin seeds

1.5 tablespoons butter melted

1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

dash of cayenne pepper

Combine ingredients, stir, and place in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 18 minutes.  Enjoy!

Healthy Spooky Spiders

Ritz

Peanut Butter

Pretzel sticks

Raisins

Spread peanut butter on a cracker, place half of the pretzel sticks as legs, spread another cracker with peanut butter, combine, add a little peanut butter on raisins to make eyes! 

My other creations over the years:

 Easy spooky mouthes.  Just use slivered almonds for the teeth. 

 Eyeballs!  Peanut butter, powdered sugar, chocolate, and M&Ms

Ghost Pretzels. Pretzels dipped in melted white chocolate with sprinkles as features.

My family over the years:

 

 A family picture with our new pup Remy in Miami. 

 E as a skunk and Mamma preggers with baby X.

 Family pic in 2009, growing......

 And completed! 

Pumpkin Tradition

 E's pumpkin shot in 2007

 X's pumpkin shot in 2009

Baby M's pumpkin shot in 2011 (hat was MIA)

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!!!!

Peeps, don't forget to leave a comment on the previous post about my giveaway.  Deadline is Oct 31st!!!  Seriously, who doesn't want free jewelry?!?!?

October Treat: Giveaway!!!

I recently hosted a Stella and Dot jewelry party for my new friend Robyn.  I had a blast hosting, it was great to get to know Robyn better, and it didn't hurt to be surrounded by all the gorgeous jewelry.  I think others had fun too based on the sales that were made that night :)  I love their unique and fierce jewelry and I seem to get the best compliments whenever I wear it.  How can you not love this? 

I got a call from Robyn a few days back.  She so generously wanted to gift me their breast cancer Tribute Bracelet.  I was touched that she thought of me and what I went through.  This just tells you what kind of lady she is.    

You might remember from my previous post, that a lot of companies use this time to make a profit selling products that have ingredients that have been linked to cancer.  It is important to support this cause but to do so cautiously.  Luckily, their jewelry isn't hurting anyone and the proceeds go to a good foundation.  That is why I am 100% behind the Stella and Dot Tribute Bracelet ($36).  It is a beautiful simple piece that can be worn alone or combined with other bracelets or a watch. 

During the month of October (which I know has only one week left) 20% of the Tribute Bracelet sales will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.   

Trust me, this bracelet is a hot item.  It has sold out 3 different times this month!  You can purchase it at www.stelladot.com/robyngroves to wear in support of, in honor of, or in memory of anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.  Just about a week left, so get on it post haste.  Plus, lucky you, we could be twinsies!

Just in case they sell out again or you don't want to sacrifice the dough, Robyn will generously give one lucky reader the Tribute Bracelet for free.  The catch is you must "Like" her Facebook page by clicking here.  It can't hurt to tell her "Hi" or that Livin' The Green sent you! 

Subscribers* to Livin' The Green can enter the giveaway by:

1.  Checking out Stella and Dot

2.  Leaving a comment about how you stay healthy or your favorite piece of jewelry that you saw.

That simple.

*If you need to subscribe, just enter your email in the top right side of the page!

One lucky reader will be selected and the bracelet will ship to you asap.

Deadline is October 31st.

I can't wait to read your comments!

Why I Love Scotch

I love scotch.  Scotchy, scotch, scotch.  Here it goes down, down into my belly.   -Ron Burgundy

Funny thing, I do too.  Not only can it turn a crappy day around, but also, it can quickly get you party ready.  I bet you didn't know that it is downright healthy.  Pregnant ladies, even for you.  Scotch is healthy for you and your babe.  That's right, I am a huge believer in it.

Now before you go all rock star on me, I should clarify.  I am talkin' about the gorgeous non-toxic, chemical free nail polish made by Scotch Naturals. (Editorial note- this one shouldn't go into your belly!)

Switching to a "cleaner" lifestyle hasn't been the easiest for me or my wallet.  There is a lot of misleading information and green washing.  You have to really search deep down in order to get truthful information.  It can be hard to do, especially for folks that don't know exactly what to look for and are quick to believe.  I am one of them.  I think I find something that is amazing, then after some further research, I realize that it isn't so black and white. 

That being said, I feel absolute confident in recommending Scotch nail polish.  I have a nasty nasty habit of biting my nails and wearing nail polish helps me break the habit.  As I was sitting on the couch a few weeks ago, watching Dexter and gnawing on my week old painted nails, I realized that I am probably ingesting disgusting chemicals from my polish.  Not only that, but our nail beds are so porous, I figured I was likely blocking them from breathing and suffocating them with chemicals instead.  No bueno. 

Skip to last weekend, alone (with a fab group of ladies), I found myself in the desert (my best girls bachelorette party).  In a haze (hangover), I stumbled upon (shopped in a posh boutique) Scotch Naturals.  I remembered reading about it in my general health/beauty research (my typical form of procrastinating and avoiding cleaning/picking up) and wanted to try it.  When I saw it on this fateful day, perfectly displayed with the colors radiating out of the glass, I knew that I had to snatch one up and pass the good word on to ya'll.  I fetched a trendy grey color, two voice recording parrots for the kids, and gorgeous peacock earrings for moi.  My haze quickly turned to clarity.  Leaving the boutique, I had a little bounce to my step.  Kinda funny how spending $ impulsively can instantly cheer me up while simultaneously frustrating the Husband. 

According to Scotch.

Scotch Naturals™ polish has a lot in common with the women who wear it. We are smart, fun, and forward thinking. We care about the environment, and we come in a wide variety of colors. When we want to look and feel our best, we choose natural products, knowing it’s not just healthier for us, but for the world around us.

Making the change to non-toxic nail polish is one you won’t regret. Scotch Naturals is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional polish. Our revolutionary water-based formula delivers long lasting, salon-quality results in a stunning array of sophisticated shades.

Our polishes contain none of the chemicals found in typical nail polish. We are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals. We are truly non-toxic.

They even make a line for kids.  If I had a little girl, I am sure this would be the only thing aloud to touch her precious nails. 

Check out their website at www.scotchnaturals.com.   They run about $15 and they sell a Cocktail Trio for $48.99.  You can get any three colors, the top coat and a nail buffer.  If you buy the Cocktail Trio you can get 20% off the Soy Nail Polish Remover or additional colors.  Plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more.  Check it out, they sell some wicked colors.  After browsing the website I think I need a few more colors and the Soy Nail Polish Remover.  I also would recommend the base/top coat.  My nails look great, but I would like a little more shine :)

  

Now if you don't buy Scotch, please, please, please, read the label and stay clear of phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde.  These are the big 3 no nos.

Now that your nails are looking lovely and healthy, why don't you slather 100% Pure Hand Buttercream on for a truly magical eco-marriage. 

Bottom line, I love this stuff.  I love that it has no smell whatsoever and it goes on so smoothly.  I feel safe knowing my nails can look fierce without sacrificing my health.  Here's to Scotch.  Now go pour yourself a drink!  -Cheers    

Treat: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Halloween is hands down, my favorite holiday.  I adore the crisp, cool morning, the leaves changing, comfort food, spooky decorations, and dressing up.  It also makes me want to transform into a domestic diva.  No, this is not a trick, rather a sweet treat, especially for The Husband.  I don't know what comes over me, but I suddenly feel like cleaning, cooking, and doing crafts. Scary!

E is probably more excited about Halloween than Christmas, Disneyland, snow, candy, and sadly his family.  As early as September he wanted to start decorating the house.  Superheroes have been replaced by skeletons, goblins, witches, bats, vampires, and mummies.  Last week we made a calendar for October because I wanted him to realize that even though it is October, Halloween doesn't come for another 31 days.  My child doesn't really even care about the candy!!  He is more excited about all the decorations and spooky critters at home and in stores.  Today he asked me if we can ask Santa for a new soccer ball with a witch chasing a goblin on it.  Adorable! 

Do to the fact that we MUST get pumpkins wherever we go, they are rather quickly taking over my house.  Being surrounded by them, I felt inspired.  As you may know, I drink my Amazing Grass Amazing Meal smoothie every morning.  Today I wanted to see if I could transform it into a delicious pumpkin smoothie.  I guess I am sick of Starbucks having all the fun with their insanely good pumpkin spice latte (one that I seem to constantly crave).  Even  though this isn't a warm, cozy treat, it might just make you smile and your mornings a little yummier. 

Pumpkins are not just the perfect squash to carve silly or spooky faces into, they are actually really healthy.  They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients.  They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins,  and minerals, and both the flesh and seeds are equally nutritious.  Best part, they will not hurt your waist line (unless it is in a pie) because they are low in fat and calories.    

Pumpkins are high in:

Alpha-carotene and beta-carotene- these are powerful antioxidants and are pro-vitamin A carotenoids, meaning the body transforms them to vitamin A.  The beta-carotene might also reverse skin damage caused by the sun and act as an anti-inflamimatory.  Alpha-carotene is thought to slow the aging process and also reduce the risk of developing cataracts and prevent tumor growth. 

Fiber- one-half cup serving contains 5 grams of fiber.  Fiber helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, protect the body from heart disease, controls blood sugar levels, promotes healthy digestion and plays a critical role in weight loss. 

Vitamins C and E- the C in pumpkins boosts immunity, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and regulates cholesterol levels.  The E in pumpkins promotes healthy skin by protecting the body from sun damage and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. 

Potassium- aids in balancing fluid levels in the body, promotes strong bones, is necessary for energy production, and helps to control blood pressure. 

                                                                                     *according to Jennifer Murray from Suite 101

Pumpkin Spiced Latte Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 tsp of maple syrup

1 frozen banana

sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice (I got this at Trader Joes)

* 1 scoop of Amazing Grass Amazing Chocolate Meal

*optional.  I do this for my morning breakfast and love it.  On the days I need an extra treat,  I add some dark chocolate chips.

Also, I left out kale.  I do blend it into my smoothies for added nutrients. 

There are so many options you could do to add a little flare- vanilla ice cream, yogurt, chia seeds, spinach, dark chocolate....  

If you make smoothies regularly, get in the habit of freezing bananas.  I always have them in my freezer and they do wonders for smoothies.  They make it creamy and add just the right amount of sweetness. 

FYI- this smoothie without the Amazing Grass powder is only about 195 calories.  With the Amazing Grass it close to 305.  Not bad for a breakfast with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.  Plus it keeps me satisfied (and the kids) until lunch.

Directions- combine all ingredients and BLEND baby BLEND!

You will be so happy you made this.  I actually look forward to getting out of the bed in the mornings because of it.