The Honest Company

Just over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to start taking steps toward making better consumer decisions and to understanding the products that I spend my hard earned money on. Having invested over ten years in the world of advertising, I know how overwhelming the crowded, cluttered shelves of many stores can be. Coupled with the lack of regulations that companies have to adhere to, it makes it virtually impossible to really know if the choices we are making are good ones.

Where things become even more troubling is when we do take the time to educate ourselves about choices we think are (were) smart and healthy, we may find we are being deceived by marketers, labels and claims. Today, I would like to introduce you to a company that I trust -- The Honest Company, founded by Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan. 

I encourage you to read about the Honest Company on their website to learn how they got their start and what promises they are making to their consumers. We have begun using many of their products in our home.

I think I've tried almost everything the company has to offer, including the baby products (you don't need a brand new bum to put a baby wipe to good use and their healing balm is wonderful for chapped skin). Everything is beautifully packaged and shipped directly to you, cutting out the middle man costs. If you sign up for the monthly bundle, it will save you money, and they automatically remind you when it's time to ship, giving you the option to update your product choices before it does.  

Here are a list of our favorites:

• Laundry Detergent 
• Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Fruit & Veggie Wash 
• Scrubber Sponge
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Body Oil 

Fab Four Cheat Sheet

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I'm a subscriber of Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Newsletter.  A majority of the time though, I am outside of her target audience -- those who wear $950 cashmere sweaters!  However, recently she provided a resource by Dr. Frank Lipman, "A Vitamin & Supplement Cheat Sheet," that really hit home and I thought was worth sharing with you.

There is so much confusing information out there about healthcare in general and I don't know about you, but when it comes to vitamins and supplements, the waters seem to become even muddier. I'm one of those people who likes things clearly explained. If you're anything like me, you may find this article quite helpful.

In addition, I thought I'd share some of what I subscribe to in an effort to help you make decisions, not only about which supplements you should be taking but brands you might want to consider buying. As Gwyenth says, the vitamin aisle is "crowded, confusing, and overwhelming in its promises." Even after narrowing down the products that I think would be best for my body, my head spins trying to figure out which brands are best for me.

A good place to start is Gwyneth and Dr. Lipman's suggestion for the fab four, (Multivitamin, Vitamin D3, Fish Oil, Probiotic) which will cover most of our basic health bases. Below are my suggestions on brands you might want to consider. I'm currently taking all of these on a daily basis.

As always, all products I suggest can be found in Shop.

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A Healthy Welcome Home

Dave just returned from a five week stint in Thailand where he was putting the finishing touches on a documentary film that he and his company, Run Riot Films, have been pouring their hearts into for the past several months.

I've been spending my weekends captive to a yoga studio in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood, juicing and living a healthier lifestyle than even I thought possible. Dave has been lamenting the unhealthy way he has been living. He's complained of his back hurting, having not worked out while he's been away and lugging around heavy camera equipment. In addition to indulging in all of his favorite Thai foods. If I know Dave l like I think I do, he's also been drinking a lot of Leo, Chang and Singha while keeping his social skills in tact.

To celebrate his return, I welcomed him home with a little healthy motivation -- a basket filled with goodies. These items included a Men's Health Magazine, some fresh flowers, (to brighten the apartment and to remind him that spring is hopefully just around the corner), and lots of fun, healthy snacks (Dave loves snacks). 

Here's a list of healthy ideas to create your own homemade gift for that special guy in your life:

• Men's Health Magazine 
• Emmy's Organic Macaroons (Lemon Ginger & Coconut Vanilla are faves!)
• Theo Spicy Chili Dark Chocolate
• Health Warrior Chia Bars
• Apples, Bananas, Pears, Lemons, etc
• Mixed Berries (Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries)
• Harmless Harvest Coconut Water 
• Fresh Flowers or Succulent (trust me, guys like this stuff too!)
• Gift Certificate to Local Juice Shop (in NYC Liquiteria and Organic Avenue are faves) 
• New York Naturals Kale Chips

(Most items listed can be found in your local Whole Foods store)

Natural Immune Boosting Tips

Everyone here in New York has a serious case of spring fever! As we are gearing up to trade out our winter coats and snow boots for something a little less cumbersome, my twin sister, Rachel Curry, RN, says, "We might want to pay a little extra care to our immune systems." She also says, "Don't be fooled by the season changes; plants are in full bloom, causing increased allergens in the air that trigger colds and sinus infections. This is the time of year many people are still coming to see the doctor for the common cold, sinus infections and even the flu!" 

So, to give yourself a little extra love and boost your immune system naturally, Rachel and I want to provide you with a list of whole foods, spices and herbs you might already have stocked in your kitchen that can easily mix into your diet to give your immune system a natural pick-me-up.

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Apple Cider Vinegar

I take a shot of ACV diluted with a little water every other day and hold it fully accountable for keeping me in good health for this entire grueling winter season. Pick up a bottle in your local grocery store and test it out. Note: even those with candida issues can drink ACV -- I speak from experience.

Ginger

Not only is ginger an excellent anti-inflammatory and aid in digestion, it will help lift the immune system as well. You can add ginger to almost anything such as salad dressings or smoothies, offering a spicy flavor. Or make a comforting tea by grating up about about 1 Tbsp and pour hot water over it, let sit for about 5-10 minutes and enjoy!

Lemons

This bright fruit not only adds a pop of color to our kitchen countertops it helps aid in digestion and helps enhance our moods! Try drinking lemon in hot water first thing every morning. To learn more check out this article. 

Medicinal Tea 

All herbal teas have great benefits for the body, but try Traditional Medicinals Gypsy Cold Care if you feel a little tickle coming on in your throat. It's caffeine free, warm & comforting. 

Oil of Oregano

This is another natural immune boosting remedy. While admittedly very potent, it will work wonders by just adding a few drops into a glass of water, juice or milk. Drink up!

Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer powerhouse.  I add a few sprinkles to my morning hot water and lemon. I also take a Turmeric Force supplement which supports cardio and liver health.

Vitamin C 

We all know we can get our daily dose of vitamin C from oranges but here are some other foods to consider. For people who travel a lot like myself you can always pack it in supplement form or try out the Lypo-Sepheric packs in the Shop Travel section. 

Love and Lemons

I have a mild obsession with the website, "Love and Lemons" for two reasons:  the enticing food photography and realistic, healthy, delicious recipes.  If this is the first time you are learning about "Love and Lemons",  I hope Jeanine and her husband, Jack change your life the way that they have mine and Dave's, adding a bit of simplicity and color into your kitchen.

The website also offers one of the best recipe browsers I've ever seen, in which you can search by season, diet restrictions, meal type or ingredient. The ease of use is definitely one of the reasons I keep going back. I encourage you to browse through the website on your own, but to get you started, I've provided links to a few meals that keep turning up in our kitchen. You will be hearing more about "Love and Lemons" recipes as I continue to experiment with vegetables.

Migas Breakfast Tacos

Peanut Soba Noodles

Strawberry Quinoa Salad