How to Clean Your Washing Machine

We can't talk about washing your clothes if your washing machine has never been cleaned!

If you've been following me for awhile, you know I would never recommend anything made with toxic ingredients. Now, more than ever, we need to keep things clean and safe (and not lower our immunity with toxins)!

Image : Amazon, Spectrum Organic White Distilled Vinegar

When using white vinegar, I like to use the Spectrum brand since it comes in a glass bottle (bye, bye plastic!), and it doesn't have any fillers or synthetics.

Image : Amazon, Meliora Unscented Laundry Powder

Meliora means "better" in Latin and I just love everything about this certified B corporation, 100% single-use plastic free, Leaping Bunny Certified, non-toxic cleaning product company!

Not only is this unscented laundry powder made with the exact 3 ingredients in my homemade recipe (baking soda, washing soda and castile soap), but it's a Chicago-based company with a wide range of non-toxic, sustainable products from an all-purpose cleaning (sold in a glass spray bottle -- just buy the flakes when you need to refill it), to an non-toxic oxygen brightener (great bleach alternative since bleach weakens fibers immensely), to a non-toxic stain stick.

And here's the key - these products really work! :)

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Want to reduce how many toxins your body absorbs by making your environment as clean as possible?

I've put everything I know about switching away from toxic beauty products, a $30 shower head filter that removes nasty chlorine (say goodbye to dry, flaky skin!), non-toxic cookware, alternative to aluminum foil and more in this online course.

It includes resources and products to make your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (and all the products we use and absorb there), as clean and as simple as can be. No harmful ingredients allowed! :)

And, everything is linked to products available on Amazon - super easy! The course also includes oil free, gluten free, and dairy free recipes so you can be giving your body the least mucus forming and clean foods possible!

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Psssst - And more non-toxic options are available on this blog under the “natural products” category. Please let me know if you have any questions or how I can help! :)

Shorts Are Not My Friend (And Other Summer Style Tips for Men & Women)

Shorts are not my friend.  Finding shorts that are comfortable, flattering and don't make you look dumpy can be hard, but here are a few other tips to keep in mind for your summer wardrobe.

WOMEN
*  Metallic Bag and or Sandals - Metallics are ideal because they go with all of the neutrals (black, brown, navy, tan, white, off-white), but they also work great with prints.  If you have a printed skirt or dress, just pair it with a metallic heel or sandal! 

A metallic bag means you'll never have to change your handbag when transitioning to fall.  This makes life so much easier.  It also means you'll never have to fear being too matchy, matchy (which can happen if you're wearing a orange dress and you have an orange bag!). 


*  "Stylized" White T-Shirt - What I mean by "stylized" is something more than just a v or crewneck t-shirt.  A white tee that has rusching (gathering) at the sides, one with a fun sleeve, or one with an interesting hemline, will be your go-to for summer.  Summer outfits are usually very simple so the few pieces that we do have should be fabulous!

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MEN
*  Colored Shorts - Just like women, colored shorts are an easy way to make simple, neutral tees (or polos) pop!  Every man has a white, gray or navy polo, which would look great with a pair of colored shorts.  You don't have to pick something wild or super preppy, but try tangerine, red, yellow or light purple. 

*  Belt NOT Matching Your Shoes - Ideally, a man's belt should be in the same color family as his shoes (brown shoes, brown belt), but the summer is when we can bend that rule. 

Most men opt for a brown belt for the summer, but belts can change the vibe and feel of an outfit in an instant.  I recommend a woven canvas belt for the summer.  Opt for one in a fun color, which will make plain t-shirts, polos and khakis really pop!  (Here's an example of a canvas belt from another blog post.)

If you're not sure about the mismatch idea, then opt for a softer and more casual color like gray.  There are lots of gray gym shoes and gray belts, which look smashing with shorts, tees, polos and yes, even sport coats! 

*  Rubber Flip Flops - A flip flop is fine, but rubber ones need to stay at the beach and pool. 

The shoe always, always, always, set the tone of an outfit and nothing makes you look more like a college kid (and fashion-newbie) than rubber flip flops.  Personally, I don't want to run into my financial advisor, hair stylist or whoever wearing rubber flip flops on the city streets! 

If you're looking for a new pair for the beach, then check out Ecoalf, which pays fisherman to pick up garbage in the ocean.  Ecoalf then reuses the plastic, rubber and nylon to make very stylish bags, puffy coats, gym shoes, and yes, flip flops!  Affordable, stylish and sustainable - now that's a win-win :)

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Summer fashion can be tricky, but the key is to stay cool by keeping the clothes to a minimum, but to up the "style factor" of each piece -- colored canvas belt for men, a stylized t-shirt for women or colored shorts for either gender. 

What's your summer fashion go-to?  How do you keep cool in the heat?  I'd love to hear your style questions and comments!