2017 was a huge year for both Larisa and Alison from a health perspective. For starters, we launched the Crunchy Cocktail Hour podcast!  Join us as we delve into our health priorities from 2017 and the trends that were all over that year.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Drink Recipe: Mocha Cappuccino Martini

Natural Deodorants

Alison’s Deodorant

Larisa’s Deodorant

Recommended Collagens:

Vital Proteins Beef Collagen Peptides (liquid soluble)

Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin (gels in cold water for gummies or other snacks)

Homemade Gummy Snack by Mommypotamous

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (more sustainable than beef)

Recommended Bone Broth:

Recipes: Slow Cooker and Instant Pot

Places to buy it: Chicken Bone Broth and Beef Bone Broth

Bulletproof Coffee

Sunrise Alarm Clock

At-home testing with Everlywell

InstantPot

Larisa’s Instant Pot Facebook Community: Instapotamus

Adaptogens

Larisa is currently taking Maca: Recommended Powder and Pill

Larisa’s post on Rise Gathering (aka Ladycamp)

Intermittent Fasting

Time Restricted Fasting

5:2 Diet

Episode Sponsor: Rise Gathering

Rise Gathering is an annual, women’s only, weekend retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Rise offers an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings, attend a range of workshops from empowerment, to palm reading to yoga and connect with some fabulous women.

We want to see you there!

Rise Gathering Weekend 2018 takes place May 18 – May 20th at the beautiful lake front property of Trail’s End Camp, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, about 2 hours driving distance from NYC and Philadelphia.

All activities, meals, and accommodations are included and you can select private or shared accommodations.  The biggest thing that’s included?  Time for just you.

Come join us!  Exclusively for Crunchy Cocktail Listeners, you can get $50 off your ticket price by using the code CRUNCHY at checkout at risegatherings.com.

2017 was a huge year for both Larisa and Alison from a health perspective. For starters, we launched the Crunchy Cocktail Hour podcast!  Join us as we delve into our health priorities from 2017 and the trends that were all over that year.

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Drink Recipe: Mocha Cappuccino Martini

* Natural Deodorants

* Larisa Explains It All Post on natural deodorant

* Alison’s Deodorant

* Larisa’s Deodorant

* Recommended Collagens:

* Vital Proteins Beef Collagen Peptides (liquid soluble)

* Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin (gels in cold water for gummies or other snacks)

* Homemade Gummy Snack by Mommypotamous

* Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (more sustainable than beef)

* Recommended Bone Broth:

* Recipes: Slow Cooker and Instant Pot

* Places to buy it: Chicken Bone Broth and Beef Bone Broth

* Bulletproof Coffee

* Sunrise Alarm Clock

* At-home testing with Everlywell

* InstantPot

* Larisa’s Instant Pot Facebook Community: Instapotamus

* Adaptogens

* Larisa is currently taking Maca: Recommended Powder and Pill

* Larisa’s post on Rise Gathering (aka Ladycamp)Intermittent Fasting

* Time Restricted Fasting

* 5:2 Diet

Episode Sponsor: Rise Gathering

Rise Gathering is an annual, women’s only, weekend retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Rise offers an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings,

There is nothing quite as fun as feeling absolutely fabulous, dolled up and and looking great. Makeup can be so much fun, but when you are wanting to live a greener lifestyle, you start to take a closer look at what is in your products. This is the first step in that process for us, and on this episode we dive into our current makeup routines. Next step: see if we want to make swaps for greener products (especially Alison).

Links mentioned in this episode:

Drink Recipe: Greyhound IPA

Alison's Favorite Makeup YouTubers:

Alex Garza

RachhLoves

Think Dirty Mobile App

Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and Healthy Living App

NOTE: Not all products are genuine when purchased through Amazon.  All products below are linked to authorized retailers.

Everyday Routine Products

Primers

Too Faced Hangover Rx and Benefit POREfessional (Alison)

Smashbox Photo Finish (Larisa)

BB cream or tinted moisturizer

Beautycounter Tint Skin (Alison and Larisa)

Concealer

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Alison)

Dermablend under eye concealer (Larisa)

Face powder

Benefit Hello Flawless Matte Pressed Powder and Makeup Forever HD Pressed Powder (Alison)

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Face Powder (Larisa)

Bronzer

Physicians Formula Baked Bronze Booster (Alison)

Powder Blush

Benefit Dandelion (Alison)

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Blush (Larisa)

Mascara

Maybelline Lash Stilleto (Alison)

Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara (Larisa)

 Highlighter

Urban Decay NAKED Illuminated (Alison)

 Chapstick

Baby Lips Medicated Chapstick (Alison)

Evolution chapstick (Larisa)

Lipstick

Revlon Colorburst (Alison)

Special Event Routine Products

Eye Shadow Primer

Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Alison)

Eye shadow

ID Bare Minerals and Naked 2 Basics palette (Alison)

E.L.F. pallete (Larisa)

Eyebrow pencil

Anastasia brow pencil (Alison)

Finishing Spray

NYX Matte Finish (Alison)

Contour

Anastasia contour palette (Alison)

Episode Sponsor: Lola

Lola is a subscription service offering a line of 100% organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners. With Lola you will receive an adorable box when you need it, that is fully customizable. You can select the mix of products, number of boxes and frequency of delivery. You can cancel, skip and order or modify your subscription at any time –there’s no surprises or gimmicks so you can feel confident giving this a try.

The FDA doesn’t require brands to disclose a comprehensive list of ingredients in their feminine care products, so it’s no surprise that most of them don’t. The major brands use a mix of synthetic ingredients that may also be treated with harsh chemical cleansing agents, fragrance, and dyes. With Lola you can take comfort in knowing that you are using 100% organic products.

Get 40% off your first order with promo code CRUNCHY when you subscribe at mylola.com.

There is nothing quite as fun as feeling absolutely fabulous, dolled up and and looking great. Makeup can be so much fun, but when you are wanting to live a greener lifestyle, you start to take a closer look at what is in your products. This is the first step in that process for us, and on this episode we dive into our current makeup routines. Next step: see if we want to make swaps for greener products (especially Alison).

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Drink Recipe: Greyhound IPA

* Alison’s Favorite Makeup YouTubers:

* Alex Garza

* RachhLoves

* Larisa Explains It All Facebook Community

* Larisa Blog post on Makeup expiration

* Think Dirty Mobile App

* Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and Healthy Living App

NOTE: Not all products are genuine when purchased through Amazon.  All products below are linked to authorized retailers.

* Everyday Routine Products

* Primers

* Too Faced Hangover Rx and Benefit POREfessional (Alison)

* Smashbox Photo Finish (Larisa)

* BB cream or tinted moisturizer

* Beautycounter Tint Skin (Alison and Larisa)

* Concealer

* Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer (Alison)

* Dermablend under eye concealer (Larisa)

* Face powder

* Benefit Hello Flawless Matte Pressed Powder and Makeup Forever HD Pressed Powder (Alison)

* Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Face Powder (Larisa)

* Bronzer

* Physicians Formula Baked Bronze Booster (Alison)

* Powder Blush

* Benefit Dandelion (Alison)

* Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Blush (Larisa)

* Mascara

* Maybelline Lash Stilleto (Alison)

* Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara (Larisa)

*  Highlighter

*

Makeup is temporary, your skin is forever and beautiful skin is a lifelong process.  Listen in as we discuss our process, our products, and what changes we want to make in the future.

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Larisa approved products

NOTE: Not all products are genuine when purchased through Amazon. All products below are linked to authorized retailers.

Drink Recipe: Barbotage

Think Dirty Mobile App

Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and Healthy Living App

Morning Routine Products

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (Alison)

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint (Larisa) *

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Water (Alison) *

Neutrogena Alcohol And Oil-Free Toner (Alison)

On the go First Aid Beauty Vitamin Hydrating Mist (Alison)

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera (Larisa) *

On the go Kopari Coconut Rose Toner (Larisa) *

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment (Alison)

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic (Alison / Larisa) *

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum (Larisa) *

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller  (Alison)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin (Alison)

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter (Alison)

BeautyCounter Protect Stick Sunscreen SPF 30 (Larisa - with no makeup) *

Acure The Essentials Marula Oil (Larisa with SPF in makeup) *

Evening Routine Products

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (Alison)

DIY Coconut Oil Lotion as eye makeup remover (Larisa) *

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint (Larisa) *

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Water (Alison) *

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera (Larisa) *

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment (Alison)

e.l.f. Acne Fighting Gel (Larisa) *

Exfoliating Pads (Alison) *

Face Naturals Acai Berry Antioxidant Facial Scrub (Larisa) *

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (Larisa) *

Facial Steamer (Larisa) TIP: Use filtered water to avoid mineral build-up!

GlamGlow Thirsty Mud (Alison)

GlamGlow Super Mud (Alison)

GlamGlow Youth Mud (Alison)

Indian Healing Clay (Larisa) *

BeautyCounter No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask (Larisa) *

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (Larisa)

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask (Larisa) *

e.l.f. Pore Refining Brush and Mask Tool

Stacked Skincare Micro-roller (Larisa) *

Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid (Larisa) *

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E (Alison / Larisa) *

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream (Alison)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin (Alison)

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter (Alison)

Acure The Essentials Marula Oil (Larisa) *

PURA D'OR Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (Larisa) *

Egyptian Magic (Larisa) *

Makeup is temporary, your skin is forever and beautiful skin is a lifelong process.  Listen in as we discuss our process, our products, and what changes we want to make in the future.

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Larisa approved products

NOTE: Not all products are genuine when purchased through Amazon. All products below are linked to authorized retailers.

* Drink Recipe: Barbotage

* Think Dirty Mobile App

* Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and Healthy Living App

* Morning Routine Products

* Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (Alison)

* Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint (Larisa) *

* Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Water (Alison) *

* Neutrogena Alcohol And Oil-Free Toner (Alison)

* On the go First Aid Beauty Vitamin Hydrating Mist (Alison)

* Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera (Larisa) *

* On the go Kopari Coconut Rose Toner (Larisa) *

* Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment (Alison)

* SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic (Alison / Larisa) *

* Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum (Larisa) *

* Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller  (Alison)

* Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin (Alison)

*

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter (Alison)

* BeautyCounter Protect Stick Sunscreen SPF 30 (Larisa – with no makeup) *

* Acure The Essentials Marula Oil (Larisa with SPF in makeup) *

* Evening Routine Products

* Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (Alison)

* DIY Coconut Oil Lotion as eye makeup remover (Larisa) *

* Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint (Larisa) *

* Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Water (Alison) *

* Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ...

Deciding to or needing to send your child to daycare can be an incredibly difficult decision, especially when you are trying to create the healthiest environment possible for your child. However, if you choose your school correctly and work closely with the teachers and directors, you will find you can foster not only a healthy environment, but a rewarding and enriching one as well.

On this episode, we are joined by Amy Brady who is not only the Director of our children's daycare, but also one of Larisa's oldest friends. Amy walks us through the decisions she has made to ensure that her school is a healthy environment, how they work with parents to accommodate special needs (such as allergies) and requests (like special snacks and glass containers), and finally what you need to know when selecting a daycare that is aligned with your healthy lifestyle.

Amy Brady with her adorable son, Finn

Amy's tips for making the most of daycare:

Partner with the school to figure out healthy alternatives BUT keep in mind, it is a shared environment and the school needs to think about what's best for all of their students

Create an open dialogue with the school to find healthy alternatives (i.e., snacks, diapering, soaps)

Keep in mind that the school and teachers have your kids best interest at heart, work with them to make it a good experience for your kid

Get creative! Schools are likely looking for healthy alternatives as well and would be open to discussing ways to make the day better for all students

When choosing a daycare center:

Always take a visit to get a sense of the day to day

Get a feel for the person up front - they can set the tone for the school

Look for how clean the school is - peak in the bathrooms and look at the floors

See how the children are being treated and how they seem - are the teachers paying attention to the kids needs?

Check out the outside space and make sure its safe and well equipped

Look into the curriculum and day to day activities

Ask about their technology and think about what's important to you (access to view your kid during the day vs. daily report with pictures)

Ask about security procedures

Talk to the director about how flexible the school can be to accommodate needs and requests

Teacher tenure is key - if a school treats their teachers well, they will be happier, stick around and be more invested in their job

Go with your gut - you'll get a vibe from the school, make sure it's one you're comfortable with

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Drink Recipe: White Cranberry Martini

Episode Sponsor: Hello Fresh

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that shops, plans, and delivers your favorite step-by-step recipes and pre-measured ingredients so you can just cook, eat, and enjoy. With a great selection of chef-designed meals, tons of flexibility in scheduling your deliveries, and all the built-in convenience of easy step-by-step instructions for getting dinner ready, we’re big fans of what Hello Fresh means to busy families.

Get $30 off your first week of Hello Fresh meals with promo code CRUNCHY30 when you sign up at hellofresh.com.

Deciding to or needing to send your child to daycare can be an incredibly difficult decision, especially when you are trying to create the healthiest environment possible for your child. However, if you choose your school correctly and work closely with the teachers and directors, you will find you can foster not only a healthy environment, but a rewarding and enriching one as well.

On this episode, we are joined by Amy Brady who is not only the Director of our children’s daycare, but also one of Larisa’s oldest friends. Amy walks us through the decisions she has made to ensure that her school is a healthy environment, how they work with parents to accommodate special needs (such as allergies) and requests (like special snacks and glass containers), and finally what you need to know when selecting a daycare that is aligned with your healthy lifestyle.

Amy’s tips for making the most of daycare:

* Partner with the school to figure out healthy alternatives BUT keep in mind, it is a shared environment and the school needs to think about what’s best for all of their students

* Create an open dialogue with the school to find healthy alternatives (i.e., snacks, diapering, soaps)

* Keep in mind that the school and teachers have your kids best interest at heart, work with them to make it a good experience for your kid

* Get creative! Schools are likely looking for healthy alternatives as well and would be open to discussing ways to make the day better for all students

* When choosing a daycare center:

* Always take a visit to get a sense of the day to day

* Get a feel for the person up front – they can set the tone for the school

* Look for how clean the school is – peak in the bathrooms and look at the floors

* See how the children are being treated and how they seem – are the teachers paying attention to the kids needs?

* Check out the outside space and make sure its safe and well equipped

* Look into the curriculum and day to day activities

* Ask about their technology and think about what’s important to you (access to view your kid during the day vs. daily report with pictures)

* Ask about security procedures

* Talk to the director about how flexible the school can be to accommodate needs and requests

* Teacher tenure is key – if a school treats their teachers well, they will be happier, stick around and be more invested in their job

* Go with your gut – you’ll get a vibe from the school, make sure it’s one you’re comfortable with

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

* Drink Recipe: White Cranberry Martini

 

Episode Sponsor: Hello Fresh

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that shops, plans, and delivers your favorite step-by-step recipes and pre-measured ingredients so you can just cook, eat, and enjoy. With a great selection of chef-designed meals, tons of flexibility in scheduling your deliveries, and all the built-in convenience of easy step-by-step instructions for getting dinner ready, we’re big fans of what Hello Fresh means to busy families.

Get $30 off your first week of Hello Fresh meals with promo code CRUNCHY30 when you sign up at hellofresh.com.

Jade rolling, collagen, new diets, and more.  Check out our picks for which health trends are taking over 2018!  The question is - which ones are you willing to try?

Links mentioned in this episode:

Drink Recipe: Grab your favorite beer!

Moringa Benefits Hormonal Balance, Digestion, Mood and More

Low FODMAP Diet

Here’s Why You Should Start Eating (More) Bugs

"Wabi-Sabi" Is the Latest Wellness Trend to Impact the Internet

Dermarolling

StackedSkincare Dermaroller

Jade Roller

Rose Quartz Roller

Recommended Collagens:

Vital Proteins Beef Collagen Peptides (liquid soluble)

Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin (gels in cold water for gummies or other snacks)

Homemade Gummy Snack by Mommypotamous

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (more sustainable than beef)

Jade rolling, collagen, new diets, and more.  Check out our picks for which health trends are taking over 2018!  The question is – which ones are you willing to try?

Links mentioned in this episode:

* Drink Recipe: Grab your favorite beer!

* Moringa Benefits Hormonal Balance, Digestion, Mood and More

* Low FODMAP Diet

* Here’s Why You Should Start Eating (More) Bugs

* “Wabi-Sabi” Is the Latest Wellness Trend to Impact the Internet

* Dermarolling

* StackedSkincare Dermaroller

* Jade Roller

* Rose Quartz Roller

* Recommended Collagens:

* Vital Proteins Beef Collagen Peptides (liquid soluble)

* Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin (gels in cold water for gummies or other snacks)

* Homemade Gummy Snack by Mommypotamous

* Vital Proteins Marine Collagen (more sustainable than beef)