WHAT WE'RE EATING farmer's market finds

It’s the beginning of the best produce season of the year. Here are the recipes we can’t wait to try with finds from the Farmer’s Market.

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Sweet Cherry Pie

Rubarb Lemon Balm Margarita

Arugula Salad with Fennel and Pine Nuts

GREEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE skin savers

1. Look for Multi-taskers. There are so many cosmetics to choose from that many of us have cabinets full of stuff we never use. To avoid that kind of wastefulness, look for products that multitask: a lip color that doubles as a cheek color, or a bronzer that makes a great nude eye shadow. The ultimate multi-tasker is my 100% Pure Argan Oil. I put it on my face and body to moisturize, on my hair to tame frizzies, and on my nails to repair rough cuticles.

2. Try a Homemade Toner

Green tea makes a great skin toner. It’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C & E and helps counteract irritation caused by dryness. Some people with oily skin swear by Apple Cider Vinegar as a great way to combat shine.

3. Stay hydrated.

Drink lots of water, and you really will see a huge improvement in your skin. If you’re not a fan of water, mix slices of lemon and cucumber into a big pitcher of water. It will lightly flavor the water and give it that all-day-at-the-spa taste.

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY with For Two Fitness

Staying active during pregnancy is super-important. You can’t overdo it, but just the right amount of exercise increases your circulation, which then carries more oxygen to your baby. Here are my tips for safely working up a sweat.

Be Classy

The exercises in prenatal classes are modified for pregnancy, and the instructors are trained to make sure you don’t overexert yourself. My faves are water aerobics and yoga, and I also love hanging out with other moms-to-be.

Can We Talk?

While you’re pregnant, you should never be so out of breath that you can’t talk while you’re working out.

Keep Cool

Pregnant women have higher body temperatures, and when we exercise, our body temperate goes up even more, especially around the core. Be careful not to overheat when you’re exercising, and avoid exercising on very hot days. 

JOSIE LOVES the chalkboard mag

I am such a fan of Pressed Juicery’s new blog, The Chalkboard. So I was thrilled when they asked me to be their guest editor for the month of May. From posts on how to create an eco nursery, to healthy recipes and easy workout tips, it seems like The Chalkboard has a piece of helpful advice for every active woman. When The Chalkboard peeps came to our office to shoot my guest editor video, they even brought us a crateful of yummy juices from Pressed. A sure way to win me (and the rest of the JMC crew) over. 

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY with For Two Fitness

The prospect of giving birth and the massive life changes that come along with a new baby can make mamas-to-be anxious as well as joyous. Meditation can help ease the physical and emotional challenges of new motherhood, quieting mind and body. Here are a few meditation tips for moms and non-moms alike.

Pick Your Place

Choose a meditation spot that puts you at ease: in your backyard listening to the birds sing, in a quiet room in your house, in a secluded spot in your favorite park.

Focus on Your Breath

Especially when you’re a beginning meditator, it can be hard to quiet your mind. When you find your thoughts wandering, corral them by breathe slowly through your nose, focusing your thoughts on the in and out sound of your breath. Deep, purposeful breathing is the gateway to deep, purposeful meditation.

Practice Makes Perfect

Your first attempts at meditation can be rocky. You might find yourself making a mental grocery list, or planning your weekend. Your legs cramp. Your breath grows shallow and unfocused. But don't give up, or beat yourself up. Like pretty much everything else, meditation gets easier with practice. So keep setting aside at least 15 minutes a day to meditate. Odds are, tomorrow’s 15 minutes will be even better than today’s.

ECO TIPS with friends

This time of year is an amazing time to spend with friends. Picnics! Beach days! Hikes! Here are our eco tips for having a fun and green time together.  

1. Staycation Together

 Travelling with friends can be so much fun. Instead of traveling somewhere far away, plan a staycation together. It reduces your carbon footprint, and can be just as much fun. Plus, you don't have to lug any baggage through security! Book a few nights at a locally owned bed and breakfast and explore your city by foot. Or even better, find a great local destination to go camping. You'll have loads of fun discovering your own city, and spending quality time with pals.

2. Give a Green Gift:

We have a soft spot for handmade gifts. Try putting together something special for a friend using reusable or repurposed items. You can transform a plain canvas bag into a beautiful tote using fabric paints. String together a fun and funky bracelet using recycled glass beads. Wrap your present up in newspaper and secure with twine and you have a great green gift. Your friends will appreciate the thought and love that you put into it.

3. Be a Role Model:

It might sound cheesy, but we really do look to our friends for guidance. When together, try visiting restaurants that serve local, organic produce. Volunteer to carpool on the way to events. Encourage them to recycle. Give them a reusable water bottle. They'll start to see that what's good for you is good for them too.

 

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY with For Two Fitness

It is our second week of pregnancy workout tips with For Two Fitness! This week we’ll be focusing on strength and toning exercises to keep you strong during your pregnancy and after! 

STRENGTH TIPS

Work your Biceps

In just a few months you’ll be lifting your little one every day, so you should focus on building strength little by little over the course of your pregnancy. Try bicep curls with five-pound weights. Make sure your legs are shoulder-width apart and knees are loose. Raise the weights slowly towards your shoulders, keeping the chest up. Do ten reps then rest.

Try some Squats

Did you know that some women deliver in the squatting position? Squatting strengthens your thighs and glutes, both of which you will definitely need during labor. Make sure to keep your heels on the ground, and try holding the squat for at least 10 seconds.

Do your Kegels

This is the perfect strength tip for the woman on the go. Kegels can be done anywhere! They tone your pelvic floor to prepare you for labor. So what is a Kegel? It’s the same exercise that you do when you have a very full bladder and have to hold it. Flex those muscles!  

ECO TIPS Kitchen

1. Clean Green!
Kitchens get greasy and grimy, but so many kitchen cleaners are full of toxic chemicals and disinfectants that just aren’t good for the earth.  I like to use all natural cleansers that you can easily find at the grocery store. I fill a reusable spray bottle about 3Ž4 full of white vinegar, and fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. I use this blend to clean everything from my countertops to the stove. If you need something a little stronger, halve a lemon and sprinkle baking soda onto the surface. Use the lemon like you would a sponge to rub the baking soda around the stain. Baking soda is naturally abrasive, so it will help remove any caked on grime you might have.

2. Unpackage you life!
I love the convenience of packaged salads and meals just as much as the next working mom. But pre-packaged food requires a whole lot of plastic, and a whole lot of energy. Not to mention, how sure are you exactly what's in your food unless you make it yourself! I know it might take a few extra minutes, but while you're making dinner for the family one night, chop a few extra vegetables to store in a reusable container for a great stirfry. Or, make a little bit of extra salad to take to work the next day so that you don't have to buy one at the market. 

3. Toss the Paper!
Paper towels are very convenient for cleaning messes in a snap, but they are so wasteful! Try switching to cloth or microfiber kitchen towels instead. They are soft, absorbent, and reusable. Just throw them into the wash with your other laundry and use again. Love paper napkins? Try some cheap and cheerful cloth napkins from Etsy! You may feel like they’re not worth the expense, but over time you’ll save money (and the earth) by not buying paper products.

4. Support the bees! 
All over the world, honeybee colonies are collapsing due to insecticides, disease, and harmful chemicals. We need these little guys to pollinate our food! While you may be afraid to start a colony of your own in your backyard, you can do your part by supporting your local beekeepers. Look for vendors selling organic honey at your local farmer's market. A big spoonful of organic honey in your green tea? Delish!

Do you have any tips for greening your kitchen? Do share!  

ECO TIPS Office

1. Pack an Eco Friendly Lunch!

When packing lunches for you and your family, say goodbye to plastic baggies which are super wasteful and can pose a threat to marine wildlife. Instead, pack snacks and sandwiches in these chic, eco-friendly containers by LunchBots. They are made of stainless steel so they are lightweight, durable, and resusable. 

2. Save paper!
The greatest waste of paper we face here at JMC is printing out handouts for meetings. While it's great to make sure everyone is in the loop, many of our printouts end up in the trash. Lately, we've been printing out half as many handouts, and everyone has been sharing. After the meeting, we send out the electronic file in case anyone missed out on getting a copy. Also, print on recycled paper!

3. Get a Plant Friend!
Plants are not only a great way to brighten up your office space, they also absorb indoor pollution, improving the quality of the air that you breathe for the majority of your day. Look for plants that are hardy and won't miss a day or two without watering over the weekend. Lemon Balm is one of my favorites to have in the office. It has a light, fresh scent and it's a very robust plant, so it will grow voraciously without much effort. 

ECO TIPS Travel

Since Earth Day is coming up, I thought it was a great idea to kick off my new feature, Eco Tips! I'll be giving you some of my favorite tips on how to stay green. 

With the launch of Model Citizen, I've been in planes, trains and automobiles this week. So what better topic than travel, right? Here are my three tips for making your excursions easy and eco.

1. Pack Lightly! 
When I am traveling around the world, I try to pack as lightly as possible. The heavier the airplane, the more fuel it takes to get airborne. Plus, I am happier and more energetic when I'm not weighed down by my bags. To cut down on the bulk, I try to pack lightweight clothes like maxi dresses and cardigans that are in the same color family to make mixing and matching easy. I also try to limit the pairs of shoes I bring to three: one comfortable pair for walking and wearing on the plane, one elegant pair for fancy dinners, and a third pair I just know I can't resist bringing. If you're worried about running out of clothes, bring a travel size bottle of laundry detergent. You can wash your clothes in the sink and hang them to dry in the shower during the day!

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 
Air travel can really  dehydrate your body. To make sure that I'm drinking enough water, I bring my favorite refillable water bottle in my carry-on.  It needs to be empty to get through TSA, but as soon as I pass through security I go to an airport restaurant and ask them to fill it. Then when I'm on the plane I ask my flight attendant to fill it for me again. It's a great way to keep track of how much water you're drinking. When you reach your destination, you'll be less fatigued and jet lagged.  

3. Think local!
One of the best things about traveling is getting the opportunity to experience new environments and cultures. Get out of the hotel and check out the natural wonders around you. Go to the beach, the forest, or the hills. Check out life beyond the city center. It will give you a new understanding of your destination. You should also try to eat locally when you're travelling to get the most out of your trip. If you're in a city with a food specialty, go check it out! If you're experiencing a new country, swap out familiar imported foods for local fruits and vegetables. And visit restaurants run by locals! You'll have an entirely new set of sensory memories to bring home with you, and you'll support the local infrastructure of your vacation spot.  

Photos from Simply Bloom, Klean Kanteen, and  Ika Bags