No nonsense Affordably Enhances Your Wardrobe

This post brought to you by No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

My fashion style is comfortable chic. I like clothes that fit and are functional for different types of occasions. I am slightly obsessed with the recent trend of tights with dresses, long sweaters, and jean leggings (jeggings). Tights and leggings can make your wardrobe go so much for further. 

I received a pair of denim leggings and a pair of fishnet tights from No nonsense. No nonsense tights and leggings can be found most food and drug stores, as well as mass retail stores. They are very affordable and fashionable. 

The denim leggings are dark washed, made from polyester, cotton, and spandex. I usually go up a size when buying leggings/tights, but I felt that No nonsense denim leggins were pretty true to size. I recommend buying the size  you usually wear. One thing I did not like about the denim leggings was the elastic waistband, which could result in a muffin top. I really like that the dark wash has a little bit of a shine to it. No nonsense denim leggings would be perfect for a date night, night out, or an evening party. I would wear these denim leggings with a silk top, blazer, and tall boots.

The fishnet tights are black in color and are made from nylon and spandex. The tights are sheer to the waist. I like that the tights are thick, so I do not have to worry about them ripping or running. I could see myself wearing No nonsense fishnet tights to a holiday or evening party with a colorful sweater dress and fun little booties.

I would recommend No nonsense leggings and tights if you are looking for an affordable and quick way to spruce up your outfits and wardrobe. If you are looking for some tips on how to incorporate leggings and tights into your wardrobe, fashion expert Jill Martin, an Emmy-Award winning TV personality and co-author of “I Have Nothing to Wear!,” is here to help as the new No nonsense brand ambassador. She provides fashion tips through social media and online vignettes to show women how to wear the latest leggings and tights trends. To learn how No nonsense leggings and tights can accent your wardrobe, follow No nonsense on Facebook and/or Twitter, and check out the video below.  

 

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Eco-Friendly Resolutions for 2013

This year, I have made great strides in changing some of our eco-UNfriendly habits. Even those these changes seemed like they were fairly small, they do add up and make an impact. Here is a summary of what was accomplished in 2012 and what I hope to accomplish in 2013.

2012 Accomplishments

1. Stopped using Tide and switched to a natural laundry detergent (Tropical Traditions)
2. Used reusable grocery bags 95% of the time (there were a few times I was not prepared)
3. Completed 2 vegan fasts and switched to a vegetarian diet
4. Participated in a CSA farm share
5. Expanded the garden
6. Canned hot peppers from the CSA farm
7. Cleaned out remaining toxic body products

Eco-Friendly Resolutions

1. Continue the switch to non-toxic cleaning products
2. Make more homemade cleaning products
3. Use my new dehydrator to dry in-season produce
4. Can fruits (jams, jellies, etc.)
5. Find a new CSA farm and join

Blog Resolutions

1. Post vegetarian and vegan recipes
2. Post about my personal dilemmas and challenges with green and eco-friendly living
3. Determine what you (my readers) would like to know more about

>> What are your eco-friendly resolutions for 2013?
  

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Hempseed Apricot Chews [Recipe]

I found this recipe when doing the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart in January. I searched Whole Foods recipes for vegan recipes and decided to try making these Hempseed Apricot Chews. I have made them several times since January and each time, I fall more in love with them. The flavors meld together after one or two days, and the chews become even tastier. The best thing about the recipe is that you can add/remove the spices to your liking.

For a healthy, satisfying treat, try a bite of the Hempseed Apricot Chews. And if you do not like at first bite, put them in fridge, and try them tomorrow.

Hempseed Apricot Chews
Adapted from a Whole Foods recipe

Dairy free
Gluten free
High protein
No added sugar
Raw
Vegan
Vegetarian
Wheat free

Yields: 16 squares

Ingredients
3 cups (about 1 pound) dried apricots, roughly chopped
1 cup pitted dates, chopped
1 cup shelled hempseeds
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract (I used regular organic vanilla extract)
2 tbsp protein powder (I used Tropical Traditions hempseed protein powder)

Optional: other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cayenne for a spicy kick.

*Katie's adaptations/notes in blue

Directions

1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until mixture forms a chunky paste (this takes a little while, be patient).  Make sure that the total amount fits into your food processor before you begin.
3. Transfer to lined pan and press with spatula to create even thickness.
4. Cover and chill until firm, at least 1-2 hours, and then cut into squares for serving.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Info
Total servings: 16 squares
Per serving (1 square), based on my calculations of above ingredients

130 calories
2.7g total fat
0g saturated fat
0mg cholesterol
15mg sodium
18.5g carbohydrate (2.4g dietary fiber, 13g sugar)
4.3g protein

Hempseed Apricot Chews are a great source of energy and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein. These tasty little squares are a perfect on-the-go snack. They will even satisfy your sweet tooth!



This recipe was adapted by All Natural Katie based on another recipe. If you post the recipe on a blog/website, please link back to the original post or cite the original post. If you see this Hempseed Apricot Chews recipe anywhere else, please email me.

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Eco-Friendly Guide to Surviving Conventional Holidays

Although I enjoy spending time with the extended family, the holidays are a tough time for me. This Christmas, we are away from home for 5 days. There is no composting, no recycling, and no idea what ingredients were used in dishes or what dishes will be served. Add the fact that I am vegetarian and I am currently eating a high-protein diet to the mix and things start to get really crazy. What is a greenie to do when spending the holidays with her "conventional" relatives? Here is my eco-friendly guide for surviving "conventional" holidays.

First and foremost, put aside some of your eco-friendly philosophies just for a few days. Doing this presents the biggest challenge for me as my eco-friendly philosophies are a big part of my values and beliefs. Over the past couple of years, I have slowly been able to relax a few rules here and there. I can control some things (like bringing a couple vegetarian and organic side dishes), but I cannot control other things (whether scraps are composted or not). I also cannot control or judge other people's food choices. Going in with this mindset helps me to be at ease with practices and mindsets that I might disagree with.

Second, offer to bring one or two dishes or desserts. I can control what ingredients I use and I know there will be something I feel 100% comfortable eating. I always bring Cranberry Sauce, which I make with all organic ingredients and honey, and another dish or dessert. Check out what I brought for our Thanksgiving meal.

Third, use eco-friendly packaging for food storage/transportation, gifts, etc. Use glass or ceramic dishes, which are more decorate and festive than disposable containers. Gifts bags are most likely to be reused by the recipient, so if you buy an eco-friendly gift bag, you are paying forward and helping reduce the amount of waste that results from holiday gift giving. I also save boxes from packages I receive in the mail and reuse them for gifts.

Now, for some of the other informal things I do to deal with "conventional" holidays:

1. Spend time in the kitchen while food is being prepared to see the ingredients used.
2. Compliment a dish and ask what ingredients were used in it to decide whether to eat it or not.
3. Read the ingredients list on anything that is put out in a bag/package/container.
4. Bring my own organic, natural snacks and organic, grass-fed dairy items.
5. Say "no" to certain items; just because there are 10 dishes does not mean you have try all of them.

>> What are your eco-friendly ways for getting through conventional holidays?

    

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Eco Lips Care Kit [Giveaway]

If you have been looking for organic and natural lip balm, look no further! Eco Lips is the answer to lips that are dry, chapped, or just need some moisture. All natural and even organic ingredients. I am very impressed and pleased with the 4 Eco Lips balms that I reviewed.

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted.

   
Giveaway

Eco Lips Care Kit (7 lip balms + carabiner, $25 value)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  

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