Vibrant Living with Sarah

14/02/2020

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/nz-life-leisure/69305038/meet-the-seed-saving-couple-living-entirely-off-the-land-except-for-salt?fbclid=IwAR3JvHBG5OP3gRCY-xyHlsGuQ4G431jna7uFzGDDo5Lqzjnk0PQSXr9-jY0

Their ultimate self-sufficient garden has a higher purpose - our very survival.

08/01/2020

also charcoal uses - I will be using charcoal as a water filter going forward, already use it in toothpaste, and room freshener...

https://mailchi.mp/earth911/8-uses-for-activated-charcoal-610551?e=bbbe3427a5

Activated charcoal is created through a process that infuses oxygen to create millions of tiny pores over a surface area, making it ideal for the absorption of odors, toxins and gases. Check out these eight surprising uses and health benefits of activated charcoal.

08/01/2020

Messy post! I am researching work/travel bags...
bags..oh my.
I am not a purse or clutch kind of person.
When I got a diaper bag, it pretty much became my everything bag.
Day to day, i use an airport rolling carry-on, because I like to be overprepared for everything.
In my head, I would like to be a one bag kind of traveller, but never quite manage it. ( at all.)

i have a free bag i got from work for work related things, a VERY battered bag i think i got on amazon when i still shopped there too much ( that is my carry-on) and i wear hip packs for my "purse"- which is a habit i doubt i will ever stop- they are so useful!

But my rolling bag is going to fall apart soon, and duct tape won't fly at the office (pun semi intended), so I am trying to find the "one"- a sustainable, ethically sourced and produced bag that fits my WHOLE lifestyle.
yeah.

this may take a while!!
My initial finds are below:

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=sustainable+rolling+laptop+bag

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=sustainable%20rolling%20carry%20on%20bag

https://www.parkerclay.com/collections/workspace-1?irclickid=WAOVYyz3GxyOWYa0EHQlB1XYUknRIh0DEyzTW80&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_campaign=Online%20Tracking%20Link&irgwc=1

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=sustainable%20work%20bag

https://ecocult.com/best-eco-friendly-sustainable-ethical-recycled-conscious-backpacks/

https://earthhero.com/products/travel/green-guru-commuter-roll-top-backpack/

https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks-bags/wheeled-briefcases/samsonite-mobile-solution-spinner-mobile-office/128167###X.html?dwvar_128167###X_color=1281671041&cgidmaster=business-bags

https://shop.samsonite.com/backpacks-bags/business-bags/

https://earthhero.com/product-category/clothing-footwear/mens/accessories-mens/bags-backpacks-and-wallets/?fwp_per_page=48

https://ecocult.com/eco-friendly-luggage-ethical-traveling/

https://www.ogio.com/travel/overhead-travel-bag/spr4705195.html

https://mzfairtrade.com/collections/best-sellers/products/dusk-dawn-shoulder-bag

https://bluelounge.com/products/laptop-ipad-sleeve?variant=6027308485

https://ecocult.com/giveaway-alert-8-eco-friendly-and-ethical-cases-that-protect-your-laptop/

https://www.ogio.com/travel/?utm_campaign=2617611&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=Skimlinks&utm_content=OGIO.com+Default&cjevent=5dd66c74319b11ea8126042f0a1c0e11

https://www.parkerclay.com/collections/backpacks?irclickid=WAOVYyz3GxyOWYa0EHQlB1XYUknRISxzEyzTW80&utm_source=Impact&utm_medium=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_campaign=Online%20Tracking%20Link&irgwc=1

https://ecocult.com/giveaway-alert-8-eco-friendly-and-ethical-cases-that-protect-your-laptop/

Check out our rolling carry on bag selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops.

08/01/2020

This may be a long update! I have not posted much original content for a while, because, Life.

That said, this year, my focus, as always is on the most vibrant and sustainable changes I can incorporate (and share!) in my day to day life.
Each person's ideal life is going to look and feel different, based on priorities, budget, accessibility, aesthetic, etc.
What works well for me might be awkward, inaccessible, unsustainable, or irritating for someone else. These resources I share are meant to get the thoughts percolating, not to be the final "best option" for anyone.

My intention this year is to use up as many resources as possible..that I *already have* and to get creative about re-purposing, up-cycling, and re-using things in new ways, even more than last year.
WHEN I truly *need/want* to buy something, I intend to shop more from small businesses, women owned businesses, LGBTQ2+ businesses, BIPOC owned businesses, and businesses that are all about sustainability.
I have been boycotting amazon for months, but did cave and buy a few things this month. Going BACK on my boycott now.
It is impossible to truly boycott every business with harmful practices (known to me or otherwise) but I am going to do my best.
To that end, if you have a business you recommend, PLEASE share it in the comments!

*note, if any shop names contain racial slurs (g #$ is a common one), I will remove them. If you are not sure, hit up the Google.

30/12/2019

Buy healthy food from top-selling, organic brands at wholesale prices. Thrive Market makes healthy living easy.

30/12/2019

  Find Local Recycling Fast   Download Now     Description iRecycle is Earth911.com in

30/12/2019

https://earth911.com/eco-watch/energy/4-trends-in-solar-energy-for-2020/?utm_source=New+Earth911+List+-+2015&utm_campaign=bd62c0ea67-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_10_07_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5e8b4dc609-bd62c0ea67-168270963

06/11/2019

NEED to make this soon....Grandma's favorite! Yum :) https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/paleo-vegan-pistachio-ice-cream/

This paleo and vegan pistachio ice cream recipe is eggless but ultra thick and creamy, and so easy to make! Both churn and no-churn methods are included.

15/10/2019

https://youtu.be/7kSKP2-aDlA

I think it's time we get beyond the zero waste "essentials." I'm excited to take on bigger issues facing our planet & one of my favorite ways to learn about ...

26/09/2019

Thrilled to see a brand I really respect getting prime time attention! I don't own/watch tv, but i DO hear about it, and I know GOT was a BIG DEAL, so it is neat to see a star from the show rocking an *award show* in 100 % pure makeup- that is what I wear, too (when I perform)
https://www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/game-of-thrones-star-wears-100-pure-to-the-emmys?utm_campaign=%5BSept-25-19%5D%20Blog%3A%202019%20Emmys%20Look%20%28PkdfVG%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=%5BKL%5D%20Engaged%20120%20Days&bxid=NvF6Xy&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJkYW5jZWFuZHNpbmcuc2FyYWhAZ21haWwuY29tIiwgImtsX2NvbXBhbnlfaWQiOiAiSmVTbkJ4In0%3D

Best Supporting Actress nominee Lena Headey wore fruit pigmented® makeup for the big event – here’s how to get her look! Posted on September 23, 2019 Written by: 100% PURE® Cersei Lannister wasn’t Queen of the Andals and the First Men for long – but actress Lena Headey will always be a que...

22/09/2019

I have been making kombucha for a few months now. There is definitely a learning curve, but it's fun and satisfying to make it with ingredients i already have (saving money and producing less waste- yay!) rather than buying it. I still do buy kombucha when my batch doesn't turn out as planned(it's been fermenting too fast in this heat!) Or when I don't have access to it and need it ....but I am drinking my homemade brew more and more as i get more familiar with the process. Thanks to Tanya at work for my first scoby! She got me started well.

What can you do if your Kombucha is way too sour? Watch, listen, or read to learn how to keep your Kombucha from getting too sour, and how to fix it if it does!

19/09/2019

https://youtu.be/x25h0u5WCmA

Honestly I created this video to grab the attention of people interested in sustainable fashion but off put by the price. I hope this gave you some insight i...

11/09/2019

One of the easiest zero waste swaps I made was switching to a safety razor. This was a no-brainer for me, as shaving is one of my least fave things to do, and i skip it whenever possible. BUT, now, when i do shave, i get a much better result, and the blades last AGES, and the razor itself will literally last forever if cared for properly.
http://janeandsimpleliving.com/safety-razor/

09/09/2019

SOOOO I have been using Thrive market for a YEAR now- and I love it! I just renewed. For 59.95 a year, I get 50% off on organic, healthy groceries (which works for me!) In one year, i SAVED $625! (yes, most of my income goes to food ;p)
I will keep my membership for the next few years. I get discounts on everything i would normally get at Mother's Market or Sprouts (or Whole Foods, if you shop there.) The only things i still buy at M's or S are things like Miyoko cheese (vegan, delissshhhhhhh), sprouted bread and produce (but i get most of my produce from my garden or from Imperfect Produce now) or things that we have run out of too soon and need right away. The *only* imperfection of ThriveMarket is that it only autoships once a month BUT you can place orders anytime- and still save!

04/09/2019

https://wildminimalist.com/blogs/news/7-tips-for-a-zero-waste-spring-clean?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blog_post_drip&utm_content=spring_clean

Personally, I look forward to the annual spring clean. I am by no means a clean freak—I’ve been known to let dust bunnies and socks accumulate in alarming numbers under the bed. I more so enjoy the process of reorganizing and getting rid of things—things that seem to multiply as the months go ...

14/08/2019

there is a way to recycle *almost* anything- if we could just get all companies to offer these options!
https://earthhero.com/product-category/terracycle/?utm_campaign=PRODUCTS%20%7C%20TerraCycle%20%28Nj6YrQ%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Master%20%7C%20Daily%20%7C%20Engaged&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJkYW5jZWFuZHNpbmcuc2FyYWhAZ21haWwuY29tIiwgImtsX2NvbXBhbnlfaWQiOiAiSkpVUFRuIn0%3D

05/08/2019

I am going to be making up a looong overdue batch of DIY deodorant this week or next, so I wanted to share the recipe AND a good intermediate option for those who want healthier deodorant options without the DIY aspect (someday i will be selling these products, at least to friends, but don't have the time right now.) I alternate between salt rock deodorant (literally a smooth hunk of rock salt) and my homemade deo for more intense days (parkour, heat, performance etc)

This is the recipe i am goint to use this time (last one had mango and cocoa butter in it, which i love! I might add some cacao butter to this one): https://www.thehealthymaven.com/diy-natural-deodorant-that-actually-works/

For those who like stick deodorant... I have tried this one and like it pretty well:
https://primalpitpaste.com/products/lavender-natural-deodorant-stick-1?variant=29961177413¤cy=USD&wickedsource=google&wickedid=354793144231&wtm_term=&wdevice=c&wtm_campaign=2025516954&wtm_content=68510085781&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcikZzbnU1Wj44w9w2-If5Di9Oc_0qfxeBKyLBdO2P5ctCWn75Z8MpjoaAhtBEALw_wcB

this one was recommended but i have not personally tried it:

https://credobeauty.com/products/aer-deodorant?variant=43365596876&sscid=81k3_58n1k&utm_source=shareasale&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shareasale

recommended by a blogger i like!
https://www.nativecos.com/products/coconut-vanilla-deo-womens?gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcimfGczWXBfxvUhFLj9jwMLbi9Z-qNkzXUJcmeNxVrWp3noUy35VgqoaAgtzEALw_wcB

I have used this one:
paste/jar deo:
https://www.target.com/p/primal-pit-lavender-natural-deodorant-paste-2oz/-/A-75456486?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Beauty%2BPersonal+Care%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9031536&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247077&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcinqNkAH5seXIqDqpAiB3cPEUgFH2AwpmBlwOrSfVSWfm_VtfcbAZf8aAsCzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

26/07/2019

next project for the yard.. maybe next year....https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS819US819&q=vertical+gardening&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjP-richNPjAhWpjVQKHVOxAXgQsAR6BAgAEAE&biw=1344&bih=650

19/07/2019

http://www.tinyhousetinyfootprint.com/blogposts/zero-waste-backpacking

It's and we're about halfway through the challenge. One of the things I've been struggling with is coming up with ways to go backpacking that don't involve plastic. I turned to my friends Dustin & Noami to give me their suggestions. Find out what they purchased, how they pre

18/07/2019

https://www.organicconsumers.org/nine-percent-lie?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=OB+630&utm_content=OB+630

The Climate Emergency is finally getting the attention of the media and the U.S. (and world) body politic, as well as a growing number of politicians, activists and even U.S. farmers.Alongside the massive political and economic campaign to move to 100% (or nearly 100%) renewable energy as soon as po...

15/07/2019

remedies for the down sides of summer fun!
https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/my-top-5-sizzling-summer-remedies/?inf_contact_key=8e9932f8da739bc957115983fb8c00b0680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

12/07/2019

mmmmmmmmm https://detoxinista.com/vegan-chickpea-chocolate-chip-cookies-gluten-free-nut-free/

Try these delicious Vegan Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies! Easy to make and loaded with protein, fiber, and minerals from the addition of chickpeas.

01/07/2019

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm https://rvlifestyle.com/watermelon-salad-selecting-a-watermelon/?utm_source=RVLifestyle&utm_campaign=fd3b953632-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_6_23_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a885efcc5-fd3b953632-253402777&mc_cid=fd3b953632&mc_eid=81a8ea9690

28/06/2019

some convenient, toxin free lunch pack ideas:

https://mightynest.com/guides/guide-to-bento-boxes

https://www.planetbox.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9dboBRBUEiwA7VrrzfE0bhlaAkpwUimMfC_0Ko7YL-F5S__L8GsLllrofBRf5uKZ1l3XeRoCfkEQAvD_BwE

i have tried both AND love them!

We love reusable, sustainable lunch containers called bento boxes. Not only do they encourage you to create a healthy balance of your favorite proteins, greens, fruits and healthy carbs, they allow you to get multiple courses into one stainless steel container. Which bento

27/06/2019

some light and healthy options for summer- and some twists on an old classic- hummus!

https://www.blissfulbasil.com/super-creamy-hummus/

https://www.blissfulbasil.com/creamy-artichoke-leek-white-bean-hummus/

http://www.thedefineddish.com/paleo-cashew-hummus/

This hummus isn't super creamy simply by nature. Oh, no, that would be far too easy. This hummus is super creamy because of the extra work {shelling the chickpeas} and secret ingredient {cashew cream} that

19/06/2019

19/06/2019

researching mindfulness games and activities for kids!

https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/

https://parentswithconfidence.com/25-mindfulness-practices-for-kids-who-cant-sit-still/

https://blissfulkids.com/mindful-games-mindfulness-for-kids-and-teens/

https://www.orientaltrading.com/mindful-kids-spinning-top-game-a2-13844800.fltr?sku=13844800&BP=PS544&ms=search&source=google&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-1346934896-_-60717653009-_-13844800&cm_mmca1=OTC%2BPLAs&cm_mmca2=GooglePLAs&cm_mmca3=PS544&cm_mmca4=FS39&cm_mmca5=Shopping&cm_mmca6=PLAs&cm_mmc10=Shopping&cm_mmca11=13844800&cm_mmca12=Mindful-Kids%2C-Spinning-Top-Game&gclid=CjwKCAjwuqfoBRAEEiwAZErCspn4VNEWpkaIqO9DQXZOAT2lLQcjLSShE2AdzVr5MG6Nb-cw9dDKXxoC_3MQAvD_BwE

Here's a list of fun mindfulness activities and exercises for kids and teens that will teach them about mindfulness in playful way (in school f.i.). Enjoy!

19/06/2019

hmmmm not all of this has enough data to support all the points, but some do... very interesting

https://brightside.me/wonder-curiosities/why-more-and-more-15-year-olds-look-30-and-what-we-expect-will-happen-next-721110/

By now, everyone has probably noticed that many of today’s 10-year-old children look like teenagers, and so-called middle-aged people look so young that it’s hard to believe! Both of these examples are caused by one thing — acceleration.

18/06/2019

I have been using a mix of "family cloth" and 7th Generation TP for over a year, but i am checking this out!!
https://myplasticfreelife.com/2017/09/who-gives-a-crap-recycled-or-bamboo-toilet-paper-without-plastic/

Living Life with Less Plastic since 2007.