This is truly one of the best personalized books that I See Me! has created to date and it will definitely become a family favorite in “Mom’s” house. The illustrations alone are fabulous, and little ones will love seeing their name throughout the pages of the book.

To learn more about I See Me! Personalized Books, or to order a wonderfully unique gift for a special child in your life, please visit ISeeMe.com.

*Company generously provided a review copy and images for this piece.*

Looking for a way to relax in the summer? How about a picnic trip to the beach? Grab your bathing suit, sunglasses, and suntan lotion as well as some picnic essentials. Even though you are heading to the beach, it is possible to use and think of supplies that you can find that will be eco-friendly. For example, find a beach chair that’s made out of recycled materials and remember to recycle your plastic bottles if you bring water to the beach!

Lightweight and Durable Beach Chairs

Consider finding a chair that is made of lightweight recycled materials with a durable frame so it folds up for easy portability. If the chair has a wide seat, multiple back positions, an integrated cup-holder in the right arm rest, and a pillow, you’ll have a relaxing time sitting in your new chair. A chair that folds up and has backpack straps will also be helpful because it will leave your hands free to carry your other picnic items! Not to mention it will be easier for you to hold everything as you walk to the recycling bin where you can recycle the materials that you brought to the beach, such as magazines that have been or plastic bottles.

Earth-Friendly Lounge Chair

If you’d rather work on your tan, find an earth-friendly lounge beach chair that’s perfect for you! It will be ideal if it comes fully-padded with an adjustable reclining backrest so you can stretch out your legs to avoid sand. The ideal beach mat will also be extremely portable. Find one that’s lightweight, has an adjustable shoulder strap, and a zippered pocket that’s large enough to hold magazines and personal objects such as a wallet or shirt. If the mat is made out of a durable frame, this will ensure that it is built to last.

Folding Chairs for a Beach Home

How about finding a sleek and stylish chair that will work right outside your home? If you live in California or another area that has beach homes, you may be fortunate enough to own one or to rent one at some point. When you do enjoy a beach home, invest in a chair, such as a folding low-back chair that’s made from recycled materials. The chair may look like it’s made of wood but it’s really made from sturdy recycled materials that are helping save the earth. You will enjoy relaxing on the chair while feeling good about your purchase. Plus if the chair is weather resistant, that’s even better.

So get ready to have a delightful picnic on the beach and find beach chairs and combers that are comfortable and extremely affordable.  Carry all of your other beach picnicking items and strive to help preserve the earth. You’re already doing it by buying eco-friendly beach chairs that are comfy and chic.

About the Author

Paige One enjoys writing articles about interior design, traveling, fashion, and more. Find Picnic Baskets for your beach outings during the summer and have fun stocking up on the latest accessories!

Recipe by Claire Robinson

Ingredients

2 medium apples, such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or McIntosh
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
2/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Caramel
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 cup powdered sugar

Preparation

PREHEAT oven to 425 degrees F.

PEEL, core and chop apples, you should have 2 cups.  In a small saucepan over moderate heat combine apples and water.  Place a piece of parchment paper over the apples, so they are touching and cook over moderately low heat until apples are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in pumpkin pie spice and Natural Bliss until well combined.  Over moderately low heat, stir in cornstarch mixture and bring just to a boil.  Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

LAY 1 sheet of pastry on board and cut it into 4 equal squares. Place 2 Tbsp. of cooled apple mixture in the middle of the upper part of the dough and fold over the bottom part. Seal the edges with a bit of water and crimp with a fork. Arrange the pastries on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the other pastry sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pastries from oven and transfer to a cooling rack.  Let cool 15 minutes.

IN a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and whisk in 2 Tbsp. of Natural Bliss to make a thick icing consistency. Drizzle the icing over the pastries. Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes. Enjoy at room temperature.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss.*

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

For breakfast or as a nutritious snack, the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread is simply scrumptious! Moist and bursting with raisins and dashes of cinnamon – you won’t know that this isn’t made with wheat flour! This all-natural bread only has 2 grams of sugar per serving, as well, and “Mom” loves that it is not made with any partially hydrogenated oils, which is typical in store bought brands of cinnamon raisin bread.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

Hungry for pizza? Pizza for dinner is made simple, quick and gluten-free with the 2 pack of pizza crusts from French Meadow Bakery. Sized to be an individual pan pizza, which is perfect for engaging your young chefs in the kitchen, just add your favorite toppings, bake and enjoy!

Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies

Can we get a YUM?! These individually wrapped, perfectly portioned chewy and gooey fudge brownies are almost sinful! Made with no trans fats, artificial colors or preservatives, the brownies are an excellent choice for a gluten-free indulgence after dinner! Okay, who are we kidding – an indulgence anytime, no baking required! 

To learn more about French Meadow Bakery, and all of their gluten-free offerings, visit FrenchMeadow.com. Their website also offers a printable $1.00 off coupon for use in retail stores – click here.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

To all of you workaholics: stress is not a good thing. In fact, stress is one of the leading causes of both minor illnesses and chronic disease. But before you start stressing about your stress, know that there is a simple way to fight it each and every day.

By introducing and regularly including the following five foods into your diet, you will be fueling your body to fight unnecessary anxiety. The best part is that you don’t have to stress about eating stress-free! Most of these foods are grab-on-the-go, affordable, and guilt-free. 

1. Almonds

Almonds are nature’s potato chips. But instead of being loaded with saturated fat and a lifetime’s recommendation of salt, these crunchy treats are packed with vitamin E (for powering your immune system), vitamin B2 (for combating bad moods), zinc, magnesium, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. As almonds are high in fat (though healthy unsaturated fats), try to stick to a ¼ cup serving per day. If you pack a PB&J for lunch every day, why not switch to almond butter on your favorite sandwich. An excellent choice is Trader Joe’s preservative-free Almond Butter with Roasted Flax Seeds. The added bonus: the fatty acids in flax seeds can assist with reducing depression.

2. Blueberries

Ever heard about good things coming in small packages? Blueberries are no exception to the rule. In addition to being rich in stress-fighting antioxidants and energizing vitamin C, the high-fiber content of blueberries can assist with stress-induced cramps and constipation. 

3. Avocados

Is your weakness after a rough day at work Ben and Jerry’s ice cream? Unfortunately, after polishing off a pint, you may instantly crash from the high sugar content and become even more stressed about the calories. Sorry ladies, stress isn’t like a new boyfriend; you can’t get over one with another. Next time you need that creamy, fatty texture reach for a deliciously ripe avocado. An average avocado offers more depression-fighting potassium than a medium-sized banana. The vitamin B6 found in avocados can alleviate PMS symptoms, and vitamins A and E keep your skin clear – talk about stress relief! 

4. Complex Carbohydrates

Like exercise and dark chocolate, carbohydrates release serotonin, the happy hormone. Complex carbohydrates, like wheat pasta, brown rice, and high fiber oatmeal, are absorbed more slowly in your system than simple carbs, such as white bread, sugary cereals, and the processed stuff that only comes to life in the microwave.  Since complex carbs take longer to digest, the serotonin lasts longer in your system. If you have trouble sleeping, a small portion of complex carbs can ease you right to sleep – just don’t overdo it, as a belly full of sugar can keep you up even longer. For quick fixes, author of Food & Mood, Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, suggests adding a swirl of jam to your 100% whole wheat bread.

5. Because sometimes being healthy just isn’t enough…

Yes, being healthy is your best option, but it isn’t necessarily the option you’re always going to choose. Whether it’s fast food delivery, gummy peaches, a whole bag of pita chips, or frosting from a jar, sometimes you just have to give in to the urge to splurge. While this list could have included fish, bananas, beef, or dairy as top 5 stress relieving foods (which they all are), not worrying too much about the way you eat or the occasional splurge is the best stress relief you can give yourself. Sesame chicken, anyone?

Strawberry Bliss Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup frozen sliced strawberries

1/2 cup Apple NESTLÉ JUICY JUICE All Natural 100% Juice

1/4 cup Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Vanilla

Preparation

PLACE strawberries, Juicy Juice and Natural Bliss in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss.*

Although the spring semester is almost over, it’s never too late to start thinking up ways to make your life on campus a little better for the environment. In fact, with finals over you’ll have some time on your hands to plan for your eco-friendly return in the fall. You may not have access to all of the same amenities you enjoy at home (like your mom’s organic vegetable garden, solar panels, a pick-up recycling service, or your family’s electric car), but there is actually a lot you can do to reduce your carbon footprint on campus.

Here are just a few ways to employ the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) while you’re working towards your own bright future.

1. Hike, bike, and bus. One of the easiest ways for most college students to save the environment along with a little money is to eschew the use of a personal vehicle. Yes, a car is a symbol of freedom and it can be quite convenient. But the truth is that most college students can’t really afford all of the expenses that come with a car anyway (insurance, registration, gas, parking, etc.). And whether you live on campus or nearby, you’re likely close enough that you rarely have use for a vehicle anyway. Plus, most campuses offer some kind of discount on bus passes, which are likely a lot less expensive than keeping a car in any case. By making the decision to non-op your car, leave it at home, and walk, bike, or ride the bus, you’ll make a big difference for both your budget and the environment.
 
2. Conserve. There are so many ways you can conserve, even when you don’t have access to low-flow toilets and alternative energy. For example, you can wait until you have a full load of laundry to run the washer and then use only cold water. You can get long-lasting, low-energy CFLs for your dorm room and use natural light as much as possible. And you can turn off the AC unit and electronics when you’re not in the room.

3. Recycle. Nearly every college campus has instituted some type of recycling program so that all you have to do is take the cans and bottles that build up in your room to a designated drop-box in order to ensure that they don’t clutter up the landfill. However, there are other ways to recycle, as well. For example, when getting rid of clothing of furniture you can donate to a charitable organization (like Goodwill), or if you’re dumping electronics that no longer work you can contact the local trash company about dropping off hazardous materials for free.

4. Ask for organics. The campus cafeteria may not offer organic or local options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t request them. With enough student signatures on a petition you can get the attention of the administration, and if you do the research and present them with locally-sourced, organic options and ways to save money on these items, you might actually do something good for your college and the Earth at the same time.

5. Start a community garden. If you simply can’t get the organic foods you want on campus, think about organizing a community garden. You don’t have to pursue an MSW online in order to help others in your community, and by starting such a project you can bring students together to do something that is good for them and the environment, as well as involving the campus in an outreach project that could have resounding positive ramifications.

Ingredients

1 2 lb black sea bass
2 large porcini mushrooms, sliced thickly
4 ears sweet corn
1 sweet onion, thickly sliced and grilled
1 T Preserved lemons, skin only, small diced
1 Jalapeno, diced
2 T Chives, chopped
Extra virgin olive oil

When cooking fish and other seafood, make sure your grill is very hot. It’s also good to lightly spray the grill with a cooking spray or lightly rub the grates with olive oil. When the grill is hot, place the whole fish on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes. Carefully flip the fish only once while it is on the grill.

Sweet Corn Relish

Cut the porcini mushrooms into thick slices, about 1/4 inch in size and place on the grill, being careful they don’t slip through the grates. Place the 4 ears of corn on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes. Cook sweet onion slices on the grill for 4-5 minutes, or until browned. Remove the mushrooms, onion and corn from the grill. Using a knife, cut the kernels of corn from the cob into a mixing bowl. Dice porcini mushrooms and onion, and add to bowl. Combine the rest of the ingredients into the mixing bowl, adding the extra virgin olive oil last. Spoon the relish over the cooked fish.

*Recipe courtesy of healthination.com. Image: Phaitoon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.*

Summer is nearly upon us, and if you have yet to consider which camp you’ll send your kids to this year you’re a little late to the game. If you never attended camp as a child, then you lack have the fond memories that endear many parents to a particular locale and prompt them to send their kids there. So you might be swimming through a sea of summer camp brochures that all look the same. How do you choose? One great way is to pick a feature that interests you as a way to narrow down the options. And by considering only eco-friendly summer camps you can seriously slash the length of your list and ensure that your child goes to a camp that offers more than just the opportunity to swim and pull pranks on other cabins. Here are a few great reasons to choose a green summer camp for your kids.

For starters, there are more of these camps out there than you might imagine, and there’s bound to be one relatively near your home, so it’s not like you have to ship the kids halfway across the country to give them the green camp experience. Even amongst eco-friendly establishments there is a lot of variation, with some offering lessons in sustainability while others tout the humane treatment of animals. So if there are certain lessons you want your kids to learn along the lines of environmental friendliness, you won’t have to settle for something that they are already learning adequately at home.

But what are the real benefits of choosing an eco-friendly camp over other types? For one thing, it could give your kids an experience that they won’t find anywhere else. Sure, your school district has a recycling program in place, and they may even source local farms for fresh food in the cafeteria, but are they teaching your children about the value of organic goods? Do they realize what happens to a can or bottle if they throw it in the trash instead of the recycling bin? Without the education to accompany these initiatives there’s really no call for kids to develop an awareness of their own role in a society that creates rampant pollution and waste. These are things they can learn at a camp run on eco-friendly principles.

Of course, in addition to real-world instruction that they can bring home and use throughout the rest of the year (and their lives), you’ll almost certainly be sending them to a healthy environment, in every sense of the word. And they’ll obtain the knowledge and skills to make eco-friendly changes in their lives and their communities when they return. Bike Camp in Oregon, for example, gets kids out in the world and exercising by teaching them to safely ride and repair their bicycles. Camp Ecology in Colorado uses the abundant natural environment of Aspen to teach kids why and how to protect natural resources. And the Longacre Leadership Program in Pennsylvania helps kids to develop a community spirit and environmentally sound sensibilities as they spend the summer working together on a 200-acre organic farm (it’s almost as good as a masters in strategic leadership with an emphasis on sustainability).

Those are just a few of the possibilities when you seek an eco-friendly summer camp for your kids. The point is that there are many options to explore when it comes to giving your kids the opportunity to expand their horizons at a summer camp. And if they learn to appreciate the environment in the process, so much the better for the future of our planet.

Sweet & Spicy Iced Tea

Ingredients

4-6 Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Tea Bags

Preparation

Boil two cups of water, pour over 4-6 Good Earth Sweet & Spicy tea bags (either regular or caffeine free), and steep for 5-10 minutes.

Stir, remove tea bags, add two cups of cold water, and serve over ice. Enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Good Earth.*