Health Benefits
Alright, let’s talk about the health benefits. The Mediterranean diet has been praised for its heart-healthy qualities, thanks to its emphasis on olive oil, fish, whole grains, and fresh produce. On the other hand, the Vegan diet, with its focus on plant-based foods, has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. So, who’s the winner here? Drumroll, please…it’s the Vegan diet! Jeff Bridges would be proud of this plant-powered victory as “The Dude” is a Vegan.

Environmental Impact
Now, let’s consider the environmental impact. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, which reduces carbon footprints. However, the Vegan diet takes it a step further by excluding animal products, which significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation. So, who’s the winner in this category? It’s none other than the Vegan diet, which is why “Dr. Strange” actor Benedict Cumberbatch doesn’t find being vegan strange at all.

Culinary Delights
Ah, the joy of food! The Mediterranean diet spoils us with its array of vibrant flavors, from fresh herbs to succulent seafood. But let’s not underestimate the creativity and versatility of the Vegan diet, where plant-based ingredients shine in all their glory. It’s a tough call, but in this category, we’ll give a nod to the Mediterranean diet. “Roseanne” star John Goodman credits the Mediterranean Diet for his recent 200 pound weight loss.

Ease of Adherence
Now, let’s talk about ease of adherence. The Mediterranean diet allows for flexibility, making it easier for most people to incorporate into their lifestyles. On the other hand, the Vegan diet requires more commitment and careful attention to ensure proper nutrient intake. In this category, the Mediterranean diet takes the crown, making adhering to it as smooth as silk. TV host and professional chef Rachel Ray is a follower of the Mediterranean Diet, so there must be something to it.

Recipe Resources
Alright, we’re in the final round, folks! Both diets offer a plethora of delicious recipes to tantalize your taste buds. For the Mediterranean diet, check out websites like The Mediterranean Dish and Olive Tomato for a treasure trove of Mediterranean delights. But, and this is a big but, for the Vegan diet, we have our winner, and it’s none other than my queen of plant-based goodness, Minimalist Baker and Nora Cooks. While I believe that the top spot on the internet is a little website called Living Clean & Dirty, I definitely have to tip my chef’s hat to these cooking sites and more. Definitely helpful resources for everyone from master chefs to beginner cooks.

So we’ve seen a number of positives for either choice. They both have their merits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and goals. So who’s the real winner? We all are, these “non-traditional” food journeys have never been so readily accessible as they are now. Generations before us have followed similar paths but it was definitely more of a challenge than it is now.

Easy Teriyaki Tofu from Nora Cooks

Greek Stewed Octopus in Tomato Sauce and Pasta from Olive Tomato

Remember, whether you’re diving into the depths of the Mediterranean or embracing the plant-powered revolution, what matters most is finding a sustainable and enjoyable way of eating that nourishes your body and soul. So go forth, explore new flavors, and let your taste buds dance with joy.

And before we wrap up, I can’t forget to mention one of my recent articles “Dirty Santa, Clean Earth: Navigating Eco-Friendly Holidays Like a Pro”. If you’ve never considered a penis-scarf as a gift, then you might want to check it out.

Now, go forth and whip up some culinary magic! And remember, no diet is perfect and very few worthwhile culinary adventures are ready to go right out of the box. You need to make it work for you. There are tons of benefits to be found in either choice, so either path is a winner in my book. So cheers to good food and good laughs!

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic dietary changes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay weird, my friends.

The post Battle of the Diets: Mediterranean vs Vegan appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

I’m talking to all you soon-to-be freshmen out there, so listen up! Your parents have been busting their butts trying to turn you into functioning members of society for the past 18-ish years and while our job never ends, it’s now up to you to start making some smart choices on your own. Much like shower fungus (don’t forget your flip-flops) being eco-friendly can be super contagious so if you play your cards right, before you know it you’ll have your whole dorm joining in the fight to save Mother Earth.

So parents, grab a compostable cup of fair-trade coffee and join me as we celebrate the incredible journey your child is about to embark on – a journey filled with eco-conscious choices, sustainable adventures, and a commitment to leaving a positive footprint on this precious planet we call home. And if you don’t have kids or they’re not old enough for college yet, don’t worry – this list is a guide perfect for college kids, grandparents, and anyone just trying to be a little bit greener.

• Sustainable Shopping:

Picture this: No matter what meal plan you end up getting, you could still find yourself doing some shopping for some snacks and pantry items for your room. Do your best to make sustainable choices for your in-person or online shopping cart. Opt for organic, locally sourced produce, and choose products with minimal packaging. Say no to single-use plastics and hello to reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils. Remember, every small step counts!

Real-life example: Meet Sarah, a college freshman who started a trend on campus by organizing a weekly farmers market. She connected local farmers with students, promoting healthy, sustainable eating while supporting the community. Way to go, Sarah!

• Energy-Saving Hacks:

Living on your own means having control over your energy consumption. Embrace the power of energy-saving hacks to keep your carbon footprint in check. Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and make the most of natural light during the day. Opt for energy-efficient dorm-size appliances and use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices. You don’t get an electric bill (unless you’re living off campus) but your making smart choices which will benefit the planet now and your wallet later.

Real-life example: Meet Alex, a freshman who started a dorm competition to see who could reduce their energy consumption the most. By encouraging his fellow students to be mindful of their energy usage, he created a fun and eco-friendly atmosphere in the residence hall. Kudos, Alex!

• Waste Reduction:

College life often means countless coffee runs and late-night study sessions with snacks galore. But all those disposable cups, food containers, and wrappers can add up quickly. Embrace waste reduction by opting for a reusable coffee mug and bringing your own food containers and utensils. Embrace the art of recycling and composting, and encourage your dorm mates to join the eco-warrior squad.

Real-life example: Meet Maya, a freshman who initiated a composting program in her dormitory. With the help of her environmentally conscious peers, she transformed food waste into nutrient-rich compost, which was used in the campus garden. Great work, Maya!

• Sustainable Transportation:

Not everyone lives on campus, so we didn’t forget about you commuters out there. Bid farewell to traffic jams and parking struggles by embracing sustainable transportation options. Dust off your bicycle or invest in a skateboard or scooter for a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate campus. Utilize public transportation whenever possible, and carpool with friends to reduce carbon emissions. Your daily commute can become an adventure for both you and the planet.

Real-life example: Meet Jake, a freshman who started a bike-sharing program on campus, making it easy for students to access bikes for their daily commute. He even organized group rides to explore nearby nature trails, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Way to pedal, Jake!

• Engage and Educate:

One of the most powerful ways to create change is by engaging and educating others. Join environmental clubs, attend sustainability events, and take part in community service projects that focus on eco-conscious initiatives. Share your knowledge, inspire your peers, and together, you can create a greener campus and a brighter future.

Real-life example: Meet Emily, a freshman who organized a “Green Living Week” on campus. She hosted workshops, film screenings, and panel discussions to raise awareness about eco-friendly living. Her dedication to sustainability ignited a passion in many fellow students, leading to long-lasting change. You rock, Emily!

As you embark on your college journey, don’t forget that you have the power to make a difference. By implementing these eco-friendly tips and following the footsteps of these real-life eco-heroes, you’ll not only reduce your environmental impact but also inspire others to join the movement. Embrace the adventure of college life while living clean and green. Together, we can create a sustainable future, one freshman at a time.

Remember, change starts with you!

And if you’re craving more eco-inspiration, be sure to check out LivingCleanandDirty.com for a treasure trove of sustainable living ideas, tips, and delicious planet-friendly recipes.

Pass this onto anyone who has a kid in college or going to college. Stay tuned for future articles on which products will be best for an eco-friendly dorm or join the Facebook group, Eco-Friendly Dorm Essentials & Discounts, moderated by me for ideas and discounts!

Happy eco-friendly college life!

The post The Freshman’s Guide to Living Clean and Green: College Edition appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Here are some of the parks and trails on Long Island that I recommend:

• Belmont Lake State Park – There are 7.6 miles of trails throughout the park, available for hiking, walking, biking, nature observation, and cross-country skiing.
• Bethpage Bikeway – The 13.4 miles of paved trail runs adjacent to suburban roads, and the trail is broken up by 3 parks along the route: Trail View State Park, Bethpage State Park, and Massapequa Preserve.
• Caumsett State Park – This park is situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound, and offers miles of bridle paths, walking, jogging, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and nature trails over acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline and salt marsh.
• Eisenhower Park – Located in the heart of Nassau County, here you can enjoy an easy 3.4-mile loop trail that surrounds the lake.
• Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway – This is a 5.5-mile asphalt trail that is a relatively straight and flat path, curving around trees here and there. This path can get quite windy and there is little shade, so it’s best to check the weather before you go.
• EPCAL Alternative Transportation Path – The experience along this 8.5-mile paved pathway is scenic with a few gradual inclines.
• Heckscher State Park – 4 miles of paved, multi-use trails attract bicycle riders, walkers, and nature lovers. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Great South Bay with Fire Island as the backdrop, and quite possibly a variety of wildlife such as whitetail deer and a variety of birds.
• Hempstead Lake State Park – This 3.1-mile loop trail is a popular trail for mountain biking, road biking, and running.
• Jones Beach Boardwalk – The 4-mile pathway offers views of the beach and the ocean. Although bicycles are permitted, pedestrians have the right of way and bicyclists should dismount in crowded areas.
• Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail – This 1.5-mile paved trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor. About half the trail is nicely shaded, making this a good choice even in warmer weather.
• Long Beach Boardwalk – As boardwalks go, this is an easy 4.3-mile out-and-back trail.
• Nassau Expressway – This is a great trail for beginners, as it’s nice and flat and just under a mile in length.
• Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway – This paved 13.7-mile path begins where the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway ends. As you ride, the vegetation flattens out in places, opening up views of the marshland beyond.
• Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail – This trail stretches just over 3 miles along Long Island’s north shore, and ties together scenic old-growth forest, farmland, meadows, business districts, the Stony Brook University campus, and county parks.
• Sunken Meadow State Park – Offering one of the most stunning views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance, this 3.7-mile loop trail is open year round.
• Valley Stream State Park – Here you will find a 1.5-mile partially-paved loop trail surrounded by a wooded area.
• Wildwood State Park – This 3.2-mile loop trail will take you up to the bluffs where you will find an awesome view of Long Island Sound.

For the most comprehensive list check out the Long Island Bikeways and Trailways Map from the New York State Department of Transportation.

The post My Favorite Bike Trails on Long Island appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

It may be hard to believe but on that day in 1990 I couldn’t have cared less about Earth Day or the environment. I was 20 years old and a student at GWU. I cared about the important things in life like getting tickets to the Richard Marx concert, going to see Pretty Woman in the theater and getting home in time to watch that new show called Twin Peaks. My friends and I happened to find ourselves people watching at the Mall (National, not shopping) on a lovely Sunday afternoon in April. We decided to walk around and ended up joining what turned out to be an Earth Day demonstration because…we were 20 and it was a nice way to kill a few hours before going out looking for adventure.

Fast forward to Earth Day 2022, still no Burt Reynolds (because that would be creepy) but I strut around the house like it’s Ellen Day, although let’s be honest, most days are Ellen Days and I really should strut more. I get dressed up, I prance around my house like I won an award and try to do one really big thing to celebrate . About 11 years ago I got solar panels on my roof, 7 years ago I got a hybrid car, 6 years ago I started a food garden, and last year was my favorite…I brought home Tess (my fully electric Tesla). My whole family’s favorite holiday is Halloween, but Earth Day definitely has a special place in my heart. This is the one day every year that I can do my Snoopy dance and scream at the top of my lungs “if loving the Earth is wrong then I don’t want to be right!”, unfortunately my family believes this is one day too many, but you get the idea.

So while it’s not as sexy as a new car, solar panels or even 1990 Burt Reynolds this past year I’ve been embracing minimalism in all of its forms. I’ve been getting rid of toxic people (if you’re reading this then congratulations, you made the cut), simplifying my life and getting rid of stuff I don’t use or love.

However, this Eco-mama does love a good sale, especially an eco-friendly one.  This year Earth Day falls on a Friday so while Green Friday (yes, it’s a thing, look it up) doesn’t come until November, I think there is room enough on the calendar for another Green Friday. If there are already holidays called Count Your Buttons Day and National Crouton Day then the criteria for adding holidays sounds pretty lax.

While I’m not the shopper I once was (think shopping mall and not National Mall) you can get some amazing Earth Day deals and support Earth loving companies.

Your power is in your wallet. My hubby still thinks his is somewhere else, but we’ll save that debate for another day. The math is simple, If we support more eco-friendly companies and stop buying single use plastic, throw away items and boxed products with more packaging than product then we are sending a message. If you demand more eco-friendly shopping then the market will move in that direction. Never in my life would I have imagined a fully electric pickup truck yet almost every automotive company is in a race to be the first. Ford alone has 200,000 pre-orders for an electric pickup truck so the people have spoken.

My goal here is to show you how to go green while saving some green. And if you’d like to give back then send this article to your friends, families, enemies and neighbors and have them subscribe to my newsletter. Whether you’re a fan of Burt Reynolds, Debbie Reynolds or Ryan Reynolds we all like to save some money and we should all be interested in saving the Earth too.

Enjoy your Earth Day and be especially kind to mother Earth today.  And while you’re at it, it wouldn’t kill you to call your mother, you know how she worries. If for no other reason she will probably get a kick out of a Golden Girls and Burt Reynolds reference and she’ll explain who Debbie Reynolds is.

I listed just some of my favorite companies that are celebrating Mama Earth with some specials and wanted to pass the info onto you. Click on the images and it’ll take you right to their site.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.

The post Happy Earth Day 2022 appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Water, it’s kind of a big deal. But what’s really in it, is it safe?

Millions of people around the world suffer from illnesses spread by polluted water.  I’ve seen enough of those heart-wrenching commercials about a small village in a country thousands of miles away with no access to clean drinking water. The stories are awful and my gratitude goes out to those who volunteer to do their part in improving the quality of life for perfect strangers.

You might say, “but that’s on the other side of the world, that wouldn’t happen here.” I’ll bet there was a time when the residents of Flint, Michigan said the same thing.  Ever since I first read about Flint’s water crisis in 2014 I haven’t looked at my water the same.  Over the years I bought a whole house water filter, a filtered instant hot spout on my sink and even a filtered water pitcher which sits on my counter.  Because like dad always said “If you’re going to do something, then take it to the extreme”.

Recently I reached out to my local water company to ask the tough questions

• Is my water safe?
• If I don’t just take your word for it is there a publicly available report I could read?
• Where did I leave my other green dangly earing?

Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Their representative told me our water is incredibly clean and perfectly fine to drink and he provided me with a report that may or may not have been in English. I recognized a lot of the letters and numbers but when you put them all together it was like a word salad, and not the kind you would toss.  Let’s just say my chemistry knowledge to this day still rivals that of Gene from high school, meaning I really didn’t understand most of it.

So next stop …the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) where I learned I had 30 total contaminants in my water and 5 exceed their guidelines. But what does that mean? I know it’s not crystal clean water that came from a babbling brook in Maine (why they babble I have no idea) but am I the next Flint, Michigan?  I was pretty sure the water company wasn’t going to tell me “Oh, your water is garbage, you should probably keep your mouth closed when you shower”. I needed to get impartial answers from someone with nothing to gain.  At this point the Wikipedia side of my brain had kicked in and I spent many a sleepless night wondering what sort of physical damage our water could be doing to do my family.  Now don’t get me wrong, emotional damage is just part of good parenting, but physical is where I draw the line.

Well thanks to the good folks at envirotestkits.com I can put my worries to rest.  They sent me an awesome water quality test kit so I could get the answers I so desperately needed.  So check out the video and see how we did. And if you happen to see a green dangly earing in the background anywhere let me know.

Envirotestkits.com provided me with a SafeHome water quality test kit to facilitate this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Editor’s note (2026): This review reflects the information available when it was originally published. Water quality standards, testing methods, and recommendations continue to evolve, so always check your local water utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report and current independent resources if you’re evaluating your own drinking water.

The post Take care of your largest organ appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

One of my husband’s favorites is “Shaft” which by the name alone is funny enough and should be on one of those Facebook lists “movie names that sound like porn”. There’s a line in the movie where Jackson’s character John Shaft is putting the moves on a lady and delivers the line “You know me…it’s my duty to please that booty”. I know, not exactly Shakespeare in the Park but still pretty good.  Why am I talking about this movie? Obviously this falls under the Dirty category but what does this have to do with Living Clean? Well, “hold on to your butts”. (that’s a Jackson quote from Jurassic Park)

Let’s talk about butts. My husband’s famous line to our girls is “opinions are like butts, everyone has them and no one wants to hear yours”. We use expressions like “being the butt of a joke”, “butt naked”, “butt-ugly” “work your butt off” or my favorite “butt-munch”. There are a myriad of songs dedicated to our moneymakers.  We like dropping off our older daughter at her friend’s house with the windows and top down and “I Like Big Butts” cranked up on the stereo, she thinks it’s hilarious (no, she doesn’t…not even a little and I think she hates us). The point is…as a society, we seem to have a rump-obsession, but I think we are “behind” the times in truly taking care of them.

Me? I absolutely love my Tushy.

My husband has become a huge fan of my Tushy too. My younger daughter thinks my Tushy is pretty great. My teenager is…well…a teenager, so enthusiasm isn’t really her thing.

Before this gets any weirder, I’m not talking about my actual rear end.

I’m talking about my Tushy, a bidet attachment that mounts under your toilet seat and washes your backside after you do your business.

Everyone poops…it’s not just a child’s bedtime story, it’s a fact of life. As Americans we have become accustomed to a roll of toilet paper being our chief caboose cleaner, but if you travel anywhere outside of the US you’re likely to come across a bidet and you know why… because they’re not as gross as we are. “Are you ready for the truth?” (Jackson quote – Unbreakable)…

Picture if you will…you and I walking down the street probably to or from a bar and out of nowhere I flung shit at you (mine or someone else’s, let it be your choice) and it landed on your arm, would you calmly ask for a napkin and gently wipe it off? Hell no! “Who the fuck is this asshole?” (Jackson – Coming to America) You’d freak the fuck out that I soiled you and immediately start scrubbing your arm Silkwood-style. I’m picturing water, soap, bleach and probably a flame thrower. There would be crying, vomiting, a lot of explaining and quite possibly a Facebook post. I of course would find this hilarious.

Yet in the privacy of our own home or god forbid a poorly ventilated bathroom stall at work, we pinch a loaf and then ball up a wad of toilet paper like a catcher’s mitt, give our crack a couple of swipes and call it a day. Well…”God put you in my path and I aim to cure you of your wicked ways.” (Jackson – Black Snake Moan)

Toilet paper still has a place. Think of it as the finishing touch. But it’s no longer my primary weapon in the war against dingleberries and skid marks. “Come on! Toilets are always funny!” (Jackson – The Spirit)

When I first started researching bidets, I pictured one of those carnival games where you shoot a stream of water into the clown’s mouth. The thought of blasting my poor unsuspecting backside with a jet of water wasn’t exactly appealing. Fortunately, today’s bidet attachments are nothing like that.

The Tushy installs right between your toilet seat and the bowl. There are several companies that make bidet attachments, but this was the one that checked all my boxes. I splurged for the warm-water model because cold water aimed in that general direction sounded less like a spa treatment and more like an emergency evacuation.

Installation was surprisingly easy.  Well…it was surprisingly easy for my husband.  I supervised.

Once everything was hooked up, I politely kicked him out of the bathroom because I’m a lady, sat down and prepared for what can only be described as the strangest leap of faith of my adult life.

I started cautiously.

Tiny bit of water.

Tiny adjustment.

A little warmer.

A little stronger.

A few seconds later…

“Only God should have this power.” (Jackson – Jumper)

I had found the sweet spot.

I’m not saying a bidet changed my life.

I’m just saying I feel cleaner, I use a lot less toilet paper and I honestly don’t know why I waited so long to get one.

In fact, I liked it so much that I’m planning to put one in every bathroom in the house.

Once you bidet…you’ll never go away.

The post I’m Not Being Pushy, I Just Love my Tushy appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Whenever I start talking about my open hips, hubby loves to chime in with  few off color jokes, but this story is actually about Yoga.  Not the little green guy from Star Wars and not the bear who was filthy for picnic baskets, I’m talking about the ancient art of health and relaxation with such wholesome poses as “downward dog”, “camel pose” (I said pose) and the “easy plow pose”.

When I first started yoga I learned that I have very wide, open hips (ugh, I can already hear him laughing).Before you let your imagination run wild, I don’t mean that in a slutty way. I was born this way and can literally sit in a butterfly position, with the soles of my feet together and my knees touching the floor, then lean all the way forward until I’m lying flat. Go ahead…try it. Most people are lucky if they get halfway there. You’ll be lucky if you can lean forward enough to decide if it’s a “Summer’s Eve” kind of day, much less fold yourself like you’re being shipped out by Amazon.

Freshness aside, let’s get back to my open hips.  Last week I was in yoga class doing Pigeon Pose and was literally lying face down on the floor. This is something that usually amazes my instructors, and I even had one announce to the class not to use me as an example because it’s just not normal. So there I was, one leg straight, one tucked underneath me, staring at the floor while doing my deep breathing.

Naturally my mind wandered.  Not to enlightenment.  To Subway sandwiches.  To be fair, this isn’t even close to the weirdest place my brain has gone during yoga.

• Was Snow White having sex with any of those dwarfs? Is there hidden meaning to them singing “Hi Ho”?
• If a smurf couldn’t breathe, what color would he turn?
• Every hand I’ve shaken has held a penis.
• Why is W called double U, shouldn’t it be called double V?
• If I fart in the shower before I turn the water on will it still smell as bad?
• Is a hotdog technically a sandwich?

…and speaking of sandwiches, I’ve loved the veggie sandwich at Subway long before I became a vegetarian. I’ve tried desperately to recreate it at home, but it never tastes the same.  As PR nightmares go, it’s hard to top Jared. But I think we all remember the “yoga mat” controversy about what was being put into Subway’s bread. The word on the street is those ingredients have since been removed, which is obviously great news. But for this health-conscious, open-hipped mama, it got me thinking…

What exactly was I rolling around on three to five days a week?

I spend a lot of time on my yoga mat. I’m face down on it, breathing into it and occasionally drooling on it after a particularly relaxing class. If I was making an effort to eat cleaner and live healthier, it only made sense that my yoga mat should be as “clean” as everything else I was bringing into my life.

After way too much research (you’re welcome), these are my top three picks.

(1) Jade Harmony Yoga Mat: Made in the USA with natural rubber in a sustainable manner. Contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber and BONUS…for every mat sold they plant a tree. This was one of the more expensive mats I bought but I reasoned that I can use it for a long time and it was so highly recommended that I splurged on myself.

(2) Manduka Welcome Yoga Mat: Eco-friendly manufacturing, free of solvents and toxic glues. Made with energy efficient manufacturing as the company strives to minimize environmental waste and make products that last. This is the mat I bought my pre-teen daughter and it was perfect. She was starting to go to yoga and I wasn’t sure if she’d like it so I didn’t want to buy her a more expensive Jade YET I wanted her to have a safe and “clean” yoga mat too. This was a perfect choice for her. After we started going together we got confused on whose mat belonged to whom and would switch off. I found myself using this one more than my Jade.

(3) Gaiam Yoga Mat: This one I don’t personally own…yet but tons of yogis in my studio use it. Both my mats are a plain-Jane blue color but these come in all sorts of fun colors and designs on them so you can be eco-friendly, safe and stylish all at the same time. These are made without the six most harmful phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP – it’s like the alphabet soup of toxins), latex free and they even sell mats just for kids. They’re reasonably priced and this is definitely going to be my next birthday gift to myself.

So there you have it. Three yoga mats that let me focus on my breathing instead of wondering what mystery chemicals I’m lying on.  Hubby still isn’t convinced about yoga, he thinks it’s more like if Twister was a one player game.  After showing him some of the latest poses I’ve been working on I’m pretty sure I hear him upstairs shopping online for “2-person yoga mat, washable”.

The post All Yoga Mats are Created Equal is A Bit of a Stretch appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

My daughter’s new obsession…mascara. The good news is now the worst she can look like is Tammy Faye where before she put on all my mom’s makeup and looked like Madam the puppet. To make matters worse, both my daughters have been blessed by the eye lash fairy and have long, luxurious lashes that extend naturally. True story, when both my girls were infants, one day they went to sleep and the next day they woke up and BAM they had the longest, most beautiful lashes I have ever seen. I was shocked that they acquired them overnight. My hubby has them (TOTALLY wasted on a guy) and he constantly complains about water on them and blah blah blah, it’s so uncomfortable, blah blah blah. I don’t have these problems so I need to wear mascara and one that really works. I used to buy the uber expensive mascara at a fancy department store that worked amazing but was filled with chemicals and tested on animals. Also, I hate when they try to spray you with that crap that makes you smell like an old lady, or as we call them in my house, female village elders. You know that smell.

Problem…I still want great mascara coverage – long defined lashes but not one that’s tested on animals, filled with chemicals and one that won’t flake, clump, or smudge a lot so I look like a raccoon or a bad listener (black eye). This is not so easy. If you’re like me, here’s some help. These are my top 5 mascaras I like and let my 10 year old daughter “borrow”:

♥ 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented: This was the first natural mascara I tried and loved it. Been using it for years and what I love is that it comes in many flavors…I mean colors. You can use the standard black (which is what I use) or try blackberry, blueberry, or chocolate. The company makes products completely free of all harmful toxins and their staff is amazing. I called their store in California for help to choose the right color makeup and the woman was so nice.

♥Lush Eyes Right: This is my new love. My daughter really loves it because it’s a small bottle with a short brush so it’s easy for her to use. Great for my 10 year old but bad for me because the wand is too short and hard to use. This was a complaint many people have when they review this mascara but I love Lush products so much that I’ve learned to deal with the wand. Seriously, I went into that store with my daughters and finally after 2 hours my hubby had to beg us to leave. They make all their own products in small batches, no preservatives, 100% vegetarian and they not only never test on animals, but they’re fighting for other cosmetic companies to stop testing too.

♥Jane Iredale: They make a few different kinds of mascaras but the one I used was PurLash mascara in black. I like this one because it leaves my lashes looking natural but at the same time they’re thicker and longer. Jane Iredale’s products are all paraben, talc and phthalate free.

♥Rejuva Minerals Pur Lash: This is another great mascara and since I live by the Environmental Working Group cosmetic list I love that this one is EWG verified which meets their strict criteria for transparency, good manufacturing practices and avoids chemicals. This mascara is free of parabens, titanium dioxide, mica, soy, gluten and GMO’s. It’s vegan too.

♥Josie Maran Argan Black Oil: In consumer studies a large percentage of people saw an increase in lash length and their lashes appeared conditioned and healthier after continued use. I’ve read a ton of reviews where people wrote of these results. I didn’t see it with me but I do know that my lashes looked great. It’s free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Ok, so I know I told you my Top 5 but since I began writing this article and finishing it I found another mascara I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. ♥Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara. I have to agree with Gwyneth Paltrow you put it on, let it dry, put another coat and I get the same results as my old conventional mascara. The wand is perfect, it’s formulated without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances AND it’s never tested on animals.

My review of these products is based solely on my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience. I did not receive any compensation – I bought all these mascaras with my own cold, hard cash.

The post The Top 5…How’s my mascara? – Unsponsored Review appeared first on Living Clean and Dirty.

Now, full disclosure. I’m the kind of girl who never really needed to work out. (Hold your boos until the end, please.) I could eat an entire bag of douche chips (salt and vinegar) and polish off a bottle of screw-top wine without gaining an ounce. My skin might eventually start looking like Ray Liotta and my liver would probably be calling the cops, but you get my point.

I had it all under control through my twenties, got married, had kids in my thirties and bounced back pretty well. Then I hit my forties and…well…shit got real. It wasn’t anything drastic, but my body had clearly decided we were playing by a new set of rules.

I realized pretty quickly that not only was I going to have to stop stuffing my face, I was also going to have to embrace the dreaded “E” word.

Exercise.

It had been a long time since Jane Fonda was yelling at me through the TV, so I figured it was time to drag my workout routine into the 21st century.

I managed to dodge the Freshman 15 years ago, but now I was battling the “Fortyish 15.” I joined a yoga studio and committed to going three to five times a week. It was one of the best decisions I’d made, but I still wanted to add a little more variety to my routine. That’s when I stumbled across Aaptiv.

Aaptiv is an audio fitness app that offers guided workouts with trainers coaching you through everything from yoga and meditation to treadmill workouts, strength training and cycling. What I liked most was the flexibility. Some days I had forty-five minutes. Other days I was lucky to find ten. There was always something that fit my schedule.

The yoga classes were a natural fit since I’d already learned many of the poses in the studio. The ab workouts absolutely kicked my butt, and the meditation sessions usually ended with me falling asleep. Not exactly the goal, but I’m counting it as a win.

Then there was my elliptical.

You know…that expensive machine in the bedroom that’s usually covered with yesterday’s laundry.

Apparently it’s exercise equipment.

Who knew?

Having a trainer in my ear made a huge difference. Before Aaptiv I’d watch cooking shows while halfheartedly pedaling, which, yes, I realize is wonderfully ironic. Now someone was actually pushing me to keep going instead of letting me convince myself I’d earned a break after three minutes.

The app also offers programs for 5K and 10K training, treadmill workouts, indoor cycling, outdoor walks and running.

Running might be a stretch.

The only time you’ll catch me running is if someone yells, “Free wine!”

For someone like me, Aaptiv fits my life perfectly. As a mom, my schedule changes by the hour. I don’t always have time to drive to the gym, work out and drive back home. Some days those extra thirty minutes are the difference between getting a workout in and talking myself out of it.

I needed something ready whenever I was.

If I wanted 13 minutes of “Absurd Abs,” 37 minutes of “Chill Pop Vinyasa” or 15 minutes of “Legs Like Fire,” it was sitting there waiting for me with a pair of headphones.

So maybe it’s time to stop sitting on the couch eating spicy food and pretending that’s cardio.

Aaptiv offers a free seven-day trial, and I’ve always believed if it’s free, it’s for me. If you’re looking for a workout that’s convenient, motivating and doesn’t require leaving the house, it’s definitely worth checking out.

After all, the only thing you have to lose is the butt-shaped dent in your couch.

The convenience, versatility and motivation of the Aaptiv program inspired this review. I received a complimentary two-week trial, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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OK, everyone who knows me knows I love to recycle.  Whether it’s tin cans, shampoo bottles or toilet paper it doesn’t really matter to me.  In the spirit of recycling I have taken my 10-Step Commandments from our podcast and recycled/reused here in one nice neat package, I call it The Perfect Ten (no hubby, not you but you’re totally a strong 9…ok maybe 8).  Originally I called it the Ten of Hearts but that made me think of The Queen of Hearts and when I start singing Juice Newton around the house everyone gets pissed (they must be jealous of my fabulous singing voice).  So if some of these sound familiar, you’re not crazy (as far as I can tell).  We felt this feature was so good for your ears that we didn’t want your eyes to get jealous.  Enjoy!  😉

I have 2 daughters; my husband refers to them as the scientist and the anarchist.  My younger one, the anarchist is truly sweet and has a huge heart, but there hasn’t been a rule made that she hasn’t broken.  She’s super smart, but a little lazy and is convinced that half of her teachers and all adults have no idea what they are talking about.  My scientist however is the type of child who thrives on compliments and parental pride.  She loves school and has on more than one occasion been referred to as “an old soul”.

Now make no mistake when it comes to the lottery that is parenthood I hit the jackpot on both tries.  My girls couldn’t be more different but I wouldn’t change a thing about either of them (well, mostly).

The scientist (who now is considering which surgery specialty to study…she’s 12) and I were watching Grey’s Anatomy together.  It’s “our” show and on a particular episode one of the patients lays in a hospital bed dying. Not the breathy-can’t move kind-Emergency Room kind of dying, just the super-pale-lying-in-bed kind of dying.  With her daughter at her side she’s chit-chatting away, as we mothers do, feeding her a huge helping of unsolicited advice.  The dutiful daughter is giving her dying mom a mani, as one does, because just like wearing clean underwear you should never walk around with chipped nails…just in case the unspeakable were to happen. The mom passes one tidbit that made me tilt my head like a confused puppy…”you should be with a man who loves you more than you love him”.  I’ve heard a lot of kooky relationship advice but this was a new one on me, and apparently the daughter didn’t agree either because she got up and walked over to the hospital room window. When she turns around…the mom is dead. Of course, I’m balling my eyes out and the scientist looks over at me and says “it’s okay mom, it was probably an embolism and she didn’t feel any pain”.  I took a long look at my pre-teen scientist and thought…what would I tell her (and my 10-year old anarchist) right before I died and it’s not “Hey, I could have used a second coat.”

So here it is, my life advice for the lights of my life:

1-Everyone messes up: You, me, your dad (contrary to popular belief), your friends, teachers, the Dalai Lama…everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes are fine, it’s all part of the process of growing up and being a grown up, but unfortunately more times than not, those mistakes hurt other people in some way. I believe it’s what you do afterwards that’s the important part. Do you blame others, brush it off, and rationalize it that they deserved it or it’s their fault. Or do you say sorry and own up to your shit. The only way to learn is by making mistakes. My advice is to take responsibility and learn from them. You messed up and you own it, you’ll get a lot more mileage out of learning from a mistake and changing your behavior than blaming it on someone or something else.  However, if you keep making the same mistake over and over again, that’s a problem.

2-Grateful/Universe: I don’t know who said this first but “You can’t be grateful and unhappy at the same time”, but it might have been my husband the day after I gave him his birthday gift (wink!). In our house, every night we do “Grateful/Universe”. We talk about the things we are grateful for and what we ask of the universe? It doesn’t have to be big. I’ve been grateful for an awesome parking spot, finding the right color shoes, and waking up in the morning. Asking the universe for a new My Little Pony doll doesn’t fly in my house – it’s more about asking for someone to get well, confidence during a test, or the Tooth Fairy not to forget to visit again. Yup that’s happened twice (see advice #1).

3-Give Back to Others: As a kid, I once asked my mom why we bust our asses our whole life only to die in the end – why do we bother? She told me, “You spend your life helping others, making other lives better, that’s what it’s all about. That’s the legacy you leave.” I don’t agree with my mom all the time (sorry mom) but this time I do. In my house we don’t do for others for the pat on the back, the reward or the recognition. We help others because to us it’s as important to life as breathing. It’s something we can’t imagine living without. It doesn’t have to be large gestures or donating piles of money, we find the most value in the little everyday things like volunteering our time, smiling at people, listening when someone is talking to you and just being kind.

4-Forgiveness: We’ve established that everyone makes mistakes and everyone can be a douche (those are the anarchist’s words, not mine). A valuable yet often overlooked quality is learning to forgive. I’m not suggesting to forget, but instead to store that nugget of information away and go on with your life. I teach my girls that you absolutely do not have to accept someone’s apology, but forgiveness is for you so you don’t live with the anger. That’s right…we’re taught if you make a mistake, you say “I’m sorry” and the other person says ok and everything’s fixed. Screw that! My hubby always says, “When someone pushes you down a flight of stairs, looks down and says sorry, you’re still left at the bottom of the stairs.” Some shit in life is beyond an “I’m sorry” and you don’t have to be ok with it. But you should find forgiveness so you’re not left constantly pissed.

5-Moderation: Everything in moderation is our mantra. It doesn’t matter if it’s ice cream, shopping or drinking from the skulls of our enemies (my anarchist’s suggestion, not mine).

6-Listen More, Talk Less: Ok, so I’m not so good with this one…YET, but I am getting better. I come from a family of talkers but what I’ve learned is that most of the time when I’m flapping my mouth it’s to let other people know what I know. My husband always says “every time you talk you are saying things you already know, when you listen you have the potential to learn something new”. Hot and smart, that’s why I love him, find one just like him.

7-Live Fearlessly: Let’s unpack this one carefully. I’m not saying to jump out of planes, wear plaid with stripes or walk a tightrope between buildings in NYC, unless that’s your thing. I’m talking about not being scared to try something new, to think outside the box, to say “yes” to all the things you would instinctively say no to. If you never do anything that scares you then you’re not truly living.  I’m scared of public speaking so when I was asked to speak at my daughter’s graduation every fiber of my being was screaming “NO don’t do it”. I smiled and agreed and I must say I did a fine job. When I saw a pair of crazy palazzo pants I thought those are cool but not for me – it’s not my style. I stopped and bought two pairs. Again, stop thinking big, it’s the small stuff too.

8-Meditate:  There are thousands of websites that talk about the health benefits of meditation, and while I agree with all of them, that’s not why I keep coming back to it. For me, meditation is simply a chance to hit the pause button.  As moms, we’re pretty good at going from zero to losing our minds in about three seconds flat. Meditation reminds me to stop, breathe and realize that most of the things I’m stressing over really aren’t that important. It quiets the chatter in my head, gives me a little perspective and helps me remember not to sweat the small stuff. That alone makes it worth the effort.

9-Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do…including yourself: I loved the show “Lost”, (well…except for the ending). My favorite line of the show was from John Locke, the character in the wheelchair, who yells “Don’t tell me what I can’t do” when he wants to go on a walkabout. I’m not saying life is easy, on the contrary, life will kick you in the ass every chance it gets. If you work hard, stay focused and dream BIG you can do things you never thought were possible.

10-Expect/Demand More: My goal is to raise two daughters who are confident, strong women who demand to be treated well. It doesn’t matter if it’s a spouse, a friend, or someone you hire to paint your room black (guess what color my anarchist wants to paint her room). Expect more from yourself than anyone else expects from you. Demand respect from the people you let into your life.

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