We all have people in our lives who are near impossible to shop for! They either have everything already, don’t like most things, or maybe they just have a “style” unique to them. While we love them dearly, we may not enjoy shopping for them!
An there are others in our lives who are super fun and easy to shop for, but having surprise ideas is always fun, too!
Regardless of your shopping needs, I’ve got you covered! Home and kitchens items, men, children of all ages, teachers, friends, etc… you’ll find this list to be super helpful! And best part of all, it’s all toxin free items so you can feel good about giving your gift!
Please download the PDF for your convenience! And, as you have fun shopping for your loved ones, by using some of the link above, you’re helping me shop for my family and loved ones, too! I love helping you find exactly what you need, and appreciate your support as well!
I have to say… my favorite gift of all, the gift that keeps on giving, especially for all the women in your life that you love, is Crunchi Skincare + Makeup. It’s 100% toxin-free and extremely high-performing, and I promise, they will have a BIG smile on their face when they open it! It was the best gift I’ve ever received from my hubby on Christmas 4 years ago! And the best part, you can save a bunch of money between November 21-29, 2021 during their Holiday Blowout Sales!
Does Peter Cotton Tail drop off goodies at your home? Or are they no-so-goodies? Don’t hear me wrong, friends, I LOVE myself some chocolate and treats, but you can still enjoy them without all the nasty ingredients and preservatives!
You can build memorable baskets with easy to implement ideas of healthier treats and non-food items too!
Let’s start with the classics… Pastel M&Ms, Cadbury Eggs, Peeps, Reese’s Eggs, and Jelly Beans! I mean truly, you see these in the store and your know Spring is around the corner!!
My main concern with these classics is the food dye (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 & 6), processed sugars (corn syrup and GMO cane sugar), and the use of other GMO ingredients. Conventional candy also typically contains emulsifiers, preservatives, chemicals, and other additives. Yes, sugar is sugar, so the organic options are still very much a candy/treat, but at least the coloring is from fruits and veggies, the sugar is organic, and our body can recognize the ingredients and how to process them!
Pastel M&Ms- Unreal Chocolate Gems (also in dark chocolate)
Well, if that list didn’t cover what you prefer for Easter treats, here are some more cleaner options!
Torie & Howard Fruit Chews (sub for Starburst)
Annie’s Organic Cheddar &/or Chocolate Bunnies
Dried Fruit
Organic Cheeky Bunnies
Yum Earth Organic Lollipops
Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears
Wholesome brand candies
Theo Organic Chocolates
Justin’s PB cups
But let’s be real, I know I am not a fan of loading my child up with sugar and having to deal with the aftermath (as I am sure you agree) so here are some items we can add to their baskets that are NOT food related! Trust me, they will enjoy these just the same and they last longer!!
Summer Theme- Swimsuits, sunglasses, pool towel, Safe Sunscreen, Bubbles, pool toys, silicone straws, or new pjs!
Gardening Theme- gloves, sunhat, umbrella, rainbows, little shovel
Beauty Items- hair accessories, little mirror, Prim and Pure nail polish and makeup, Crunchi lipgloss (you may snag this one for you)!
Oh, one last thing! While we are on the topic of Easter fun, check out Eco-Kids Eco-Eggs Coloring Kit. You’ll want this before Easter so you can dye eggs together, but you will feel a whole lot better about what your little’s hands are soaking in! And, adding a paint brush and a pain palette is fun for the kids, too!
Anddddd just like that, Spring Break is around the corner! Before you know it, it’ll be SUMMER!! Oh I cannot wait for these warmer days!
Seriously, nothing fills me up quite like a day out in the sun, playing at the park, lounging by the pool, and eating dinner on the patio! Anyone else get giddy just reading that?! (If so, you’re my people- come join me one night!!)
Anyways… back to Spring Break! SO this time of year we are usually at our fairest and also about to get into a swimsuit. Such a lovely feeling! I’m assuming you love this too? Yeah.. hard NO for me, too!
And with the amount of messages I have received regarding self tanners, I can tell I am not alone! I’m excited to give some tips on finding safe, toxin-free sunless tanners! So let’s take a look!
So, I am all about honesty and this is no different… I don’t self tan! I have probably 3 times in my life, but I usually just try to get out in the natural sun first! That being said, a LOTTT of my girlfriends self tan on a regular basis and so I have some trustworthy sources!
So while self tanners are wonderful because they allow you to avoid the damaging UV rays, many are LOADED with junk!
Take a look for yourself:
Red 40/ Yellow 10– FD&C dyes that are made from petroleum and have been associated with increased cancer risks and behavior changes. Definitely a no-no in the food category, but also in topical application. Remember… skin is a carrier and not a barrier.
Methylparaben/ Ethylparaben/ Propylparaben– used as preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in topical products. These parabens possess significant estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals, directly implicated in breast tumors, are ABSORBED through the skin.
Fragrance– a “cocktail” term. The word fragrance can contain hundreds of ingredients that do not need to be disclosed. More than 95 percent of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These chemicals include: benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and a slew of other known toxins that are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous-system disorders and allergies, most of which are cited on the EPA’s hazardous waste list
BHT– “Butylated hydroxytoluene” is used as a preservative, often in food, but can also be found in personal care products! It is termed ‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen’ by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Phenoxyethanol– The process of creating phenoxyethanol often results in a VERY toxic by-product, 1,4-dioxane. The EPA has established 1,4 dioxane is a human carcinogen (it will not be listed on a label because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient). The FDA describes it as being able to depress the nervous system. The product’s Material Safety Data Sheet says that it is harmful if inhaled or swallowed or absorbed through the SKIN and that it can cause reproductive damage.
PEGs– PEGs aren’t a single ingredient but a class of ethylene glycol polymers that moisturize, keep products stable, and enhance the penetration of other ingredients. According to a report in the International Journal of Toxicology by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, pollutants found in various PEG compounds include ethylene oxide (used to manufacture mustard gas), 1,4-dioxane, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and heavy metals (lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, arsenic).
… and more
So are they really safer than sunshine? Not unless you find a clean version!
Good news… I have some cleaner options for you! There are 2 that I highly recommend based on the rave reviews I hear and also the beautiful ingredient list!!
Both of these contain majority organic ingredients, no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial fragrance or dyes, or any other junk that has no business getting on or even near your skin! So, now you don’t have to dread getting in that swimsuit! Go on, girl! Rock your safe tan and enjoy the warm weather! Just don’t forget your SPF!
PRO TIP: Exfoliate your skin week before using a self tanner to get the deal skin cells off! A great option is with a dry brush!
This is heavy on my mind these days with the current race prep and intensity of exercise! We have all heard of these infamous sports drinks and electrolytes that we should be drinking during intense exercise of after a heavy sweat. We have been told for years that water isn’t enough, we need to replenish with “sports drink”, but when you actually look at these drink, it’s anything but nutrient dense.
It’s sugar in most cases!
So what exactly are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry and electrical charge. They ARE vital for health and optimal function of your cells, muscles and organs. If we are too low on electrolytes, it can compromise our hydration levels.
Types of electrolytes are:
Sodium
Phosphate
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Chloride
Bicarbonate
Since electrolytes leave the body through sweat and urine, it’s important that we do replenish them daily. However, we don’t NEED a sports drink to do this, we can often do it through electrolyte rich foods. The only time you may need to supplement additionally is if you are pregnant, and if you sweat a lot during your workout, and vigorously work out for 1-2+ hours.
Some of the best natural food sources to eat that have electrolytes to replenish what you lost naturally are:
Spinach/Kale
Avocados
Broccoli
Watermelon
Oranges and Citrus Fruits
Bananas
Olives
Wild Caught Fish (salmon)
Almonds
Raisins
Himalayan Salt
If you want to incorporate electrolytes through a drink, my personal favorite is Organic Coconut Water! Nothing added and perfectly balanced on its own! Harmless Harvest is my absolute favorite brand!
Next time, instead of reaching for your typical sports drink (read those labels… added sugar, food dyes, flavoring, preservatives, and JUNK) reach for one of these instead:
-Organic Coconut water (That Harmless Harvest, though)
