Crunchy Cocktail Hour with Alison Thompson & Larisa Weihbrecht

It’s finally spring!  UV rays are going strong no matter what time of year and daily sun protection is essential.  Chemical vs. Physical.  Lotion vs Spray.  The case for not wearing sunscreen – what?!  Let’s discuss! Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: Coconut Lime Mint Cucumber Cooler * The case for not wearing sunscreen (not CCH endorsed) * Vitamin D deficiency soars in the U.S., study says * Study: Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults * Think Dirty Mobile App * Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and Healthy Living App * Wegmans Sunscreen Post * Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen * Sunscreen Recommendations (in no particular order) * Alison * Coola Tinted Mineral Sunscreen * Blue Lizard * Larisa * Badger * Babo Botanicals * BeautyCounter * Alba Botanica Mineral – This brand makes chemical and physical sunscreen.  Only linked option is recommended. * Goddess Garden * Blue Lizard – Blue Lizard Baby and Blue Lizard Sensitive are formulated with no nuts in a nut-free certified facility. * For Face * Hynt Sun Prep (AMAZING under makeup!) * Drunk Elephant Umbra or Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinted

Is eating healthy expensive or is eating unhealthy cheap?  Either way, we all could stand to lose a few dollars off our grocery bill!  Stick with us as we talk through our best tips for getting the most health for your buck while roaming the grocery store isles. Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: Watermelon Margarita * Harvard Study: Do healthier foods and diet patterns cost more than less healthy options? * The Tips – Check out the episode for more details * Plan * Prioritize * Buy Whole * Learn to read the price labels and don’t gravitate to pretty packaging * Buy in season fresh produce and freeze or buy frozen * Change your protein focus * Buy on sale * Reuse what you can * Dirty Dozen * Clean 15 Episode Sponsor: Prep Dish The hardest part about cooking for a family? Figuring out what to make! Prep Dish takes the guesswork out of ‘What’s for Dinner?’. Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of your meals ready for the entire week. You’ll save time throughout the week and have delicious, healthy meals for the whole family! You can select gluten-free, dairy-free & Paleo meals and because you are in control of the shopping, you can make swaps that make sense for you and your family. Our favorite part is that the grocery list is organized by where you can find everything in the grocery store. Hello time saver! The amazing Prep Dish founder, Allison is offering our listeners a free 2-week trial to try it out.  Check out Prepdish.com/CRUNCHY for this amazing deal! Give Prep Dish a try and be prepared to love cooking again!

Food allergies are serious business, especially in small children. Alison shares the highs and lows of managing her daughter’s allergies and what has worked for her family. Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: Moscow Mule, Mocktail Series * Top 8 Allergens: * milk * eggs * peanuts * soy * wheat * tree nuts (such as walnuts and cashews) * fish * shellfish (such as shrimp) * Resources for Parents: * FARE: Food Allergy Research and Education * Allergic Living Magazine * Diagnosing Food Allergies * Great recipe books for cooking without allergens * Fearless Food: Allergy-Free Recipes for Kids * Allergy-Free and Easy Cooking: 30-Minute Meals without Gluten, Wheat, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame * Interview with our daycare director discussion accommodating allergies in a shared care environment * Food allergy tag for school bags * Episode 1 of the Crunchy Cocktail Hour: No One Will Eat With Us – all about how we deal with eating out with serious restrictions.  * FREE Printable Allergy Cards

The Crunchy Cocktail Hour is growing! We share an exciting update and talk through how to have the healthiest pregnancy possible (while still treating yourself, of course) and dive into some interesting crunchy pregnancy trends. We also share a few of our own stories from our pregnancies. Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: Pineapple Fizz * CDC Recommendation for Weight Gain During Pregnancy * Alison’s birth story for her first daughter * Public Cord Blood Banking * Recipe for Glucose testing replacement * HypnoBirthing Episode Sponsor: Prep Dish The hardest part about cooking for a family? Figuring out what to make! Prep Dish takes the guesswork out of ‘What’s for Dinner?’. Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of your meals ready for the entire week. You’ll save time throughout the week and have delicious, healthy meals for the whole family! You can select gluten-free, dairy-free & Paleo meals and because you are in control of the shopping, you can make swaps that make sense for you and your family. Our favorite part is that the grocery list is organized by where you can find everything in the grocery store. Hello time saver! The amazing Prep Dish founder, Allison is offering our listeners a free 2-week trial to try it out.  Check out Prepdish.com/CRUNCHY for this amazing deal! Give Prep Dish a try and be prepared to love cooking again!

On a daily basis, 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide.  Let’s dig into one of the world’s most popular beverages and talk through the good, the bad, and the delicious. Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: Toasted Marshmallow Coffee Martini * Acrylamide in the news * Proposition 65 * Coffee consumption and increased metabolism * Coffee consumption and decreased rates of type 2 diabetes * Coffee consumption and decreased risk of cirrhosis * Coffee consumption and decreased risk of liver and colorectal cancers * Teeccino Herbal ‘Coffee’ * Types of Coffee * Organic – Standards regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and require coffee to be produced without the aid of artificial chemical substances, such as certain additives or some pesticides and herbicides.  The standards extend from soil quality to roasting process to packaging. * Fair Trade – Non-profit organizations that ensure products are made according to a set of standards that encourage not only environmental sustainability but also that those involved in the production are treated and paid fairly * Fair trade Certified – All of the above, plus a paid for seal of approval.  Usually done by the larger farms / plantations. * Direct Trade – Trade directly with the farmer * Alison’s parent’s coffee * Bulletproof * Larisa’s Cold Brew Tools * Coldbrew Jar * Nut Milk Bag

Everyone strives to live a healthier and happier life, but often life’s responsibilities can get in the way of our goals. On this episode, we are joined by Tami Astorino as she shares her hacks for sticking to your health and happiness goals. Tami is a national speaker, yoga instructor, educator and plant powered nutrition enthusiast who facilitates transformational experiences to empower women and girls. Her current work creating the organization Rise Gatherings is a result of her 25 year career focused on healthy human development – including developing the national teen empowerment program, Rosh Hodesh It’s a Girl Thing, leading workshops and retreats for couples and individuals with Interfaith Family, as well as 10 years as an elementary and middle school counselor. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting Tami at Rise Gathering in 2017 (affectionately called Ladycamp) and jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with her. Where to find Tami: * Facebook: Tami Relles Astorino * Rise Gatherings * Website * Instagram * Facebook Tami’s Health and Happiness Hacks Health Hacks * Make ahead smoothie bags * Keep your super foods (collagen, hemp seeds, chia seeds etc.) on the counter * Make your morning routine a healthy one with health boosts: * Lemon water, elderberry, B12, fousigmatic mushrooms * Avoid having technology be the first thing you do * Adopt the mantra for healthy eating: Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full. Happiness Hacks * Podcasts! Tami’s favorites: * Crunchy Cocktail Hour (Shoutout!) * Rich Roll * The China Study * Creating experiences with friends – think beyond the brunch and happy hour. * Have a vision for yourself – you write your own story! Family Life Hacks Small Children * Dinner Games: * The animal game – everyone goes around the circle and names something in a category (animals, fruits, ice cream flavors) * Read books to your kids when they are really small * High, low and act of kindness or good deed of the day * Conversation starters in the center of the table – kids take turns selecting the questions * Bedtime Journals * Love notes for kids noticing behavior – not always praise! Teens * Get your own life because your teens are getting theirs * Learn more about the teenage brain to better understand their behavior Self-care Hacks * If you don’t take care of you, the people in your life will suffer * Sign up for that course, trip, class, workshop! * Spend time by yourself, try an experience on your own * Do less, say no – don’t glorify busy * Listen to your own voice, your own body Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Drink Recipe: 

Let’s talk all things natural deodorant!  Why should you switch to a natural product?  What ingredients should you avoid?  What happens when you still stink?  We’ll give you our best tips for making the switch and touch on which products are out star favorites! Links mentioned in this episode: * Drink Recipe: Blue Hawaiian * Larisa’s blog post on natural deodorant * Our favorites: * PiperWai Paste and PiperWai Stick (Larisa’s current; prefers the paste) * Tom’s of Maine (Alison’s current) * Primal Pit Paste and Primal Pit Paste Stick * Schmidt’s * Native * Agent Nateur * Recipe to try making on your own: MommyPotamous Episode Sponsor: The Princeton Review The Princeton Review’s Homework Help, on-demand tutoring is an absolute must for busy parents.  Whether you’re struggling with a tough problem, studying for a test, or writing a paper, your child will be matched with to an expert who can help in less than one minute!  Tutors are available in over 70 subjects and will help your child learn the concepts they’re studying, not just give them the answer.  96% of students who have used the service reported improved grades and better yet, many have reported a boost in confidence and higher completion rates of homework.  The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. Try 60 minutes of on-demand tutoring for free by going to princetonreview.com/crunchy.  

The internet is full of some really bizarre stuff.  Let’s talk about it! Links mentioned in this episode: * Drink Recipe: Hibiscus Gin Sour * Marijuana Tampons * Vagina Alarm Clock * Vagina Facial * Coconaise * Drunk Jelly and Gin and Tonic Marmalade * Prosecco Flavored Nail Polish * Magnetic Eyelashes * Freckle Tattoos The Princeton Review’s Homework Help, on-demand tutoring is an absolute must for busy parents.  Whether you’re struggling with a tough problem, studying for a test, or writing a paper, your child will be matched with to an expert who can help in less than one minute!  Tutors are available in over 70 subjects and will help your child learn the concepts they’re studying, not just give them the answer.  96% of students who have used the service reported improved grades and better yet, many have reported a boost in confidence and higher completion rates of homework.  The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. Try 60 minutes of on-demand tutoring for free by going to princetonreview.com/crunchy.     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.

Not every beauty secret comes pre-packaged from the store!  Hang with us this week as we talk through beauty remedy recipes using ingredients already found in your kitchen. Links mentioned in this episode: * Drink Recipe: Bourbon Pear Cider * Coconut Oil for Beauty * DIY Coconut Oil Lotion as eye makeup remover * Coconut oil is not recommended as a face moisturizer due to the fact that it is 4/5 on the comedogenic scale * Honey, Brown Sugar, Olive Oil (equal parts) * Exfoliate lips, face, body – wipe off with warm water and moisturize * To add plumpness as a lip exfoliant add a dash of cayenne or cinnamon (or both!) * The combination does not contain a preservative so many small batches big enough for what you’re using it for *  Tea * Hot tea bag on a pimple will help bring it to the surface * Put it on your eyes to depuff (warm, cool or cold based on preference) * Shiny hair rinse * 2 tea bags and 2 cups of water steeped for 10-15 minutes and let cool * Pour over your hair and massage through and follow with your normal shampoo and conditioner * Use a tea that matches your hair: Chamomile for blondes, Black for Brunettes, Rooibos for Redheads * Shiny hair rinse * Sunburn * Add cool teabags from room temperate or fridge/freezer or take a cool tea bath * Soothe razor burn (cool tea bags) * Drain a blister or boil (put a wet tea bag in your sock overnight) * Soothe a sore arm after shots (cool tea bags) * Soothe bug bites * Lemons (sliced in half) * Dry patches of skin * Rub on heels, elbows, etc. for an immediately noticeable difference * Citric acid removes dead skin cells * Rub on your face to brighten your skin and dissolve stubborn blackheads * Add sugar to double as an exfoliant * Don’t leave this on your face longer than 5 minutes * Critic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV light so use SPF! * Coffee Grounds * Cellulite * 2 Tbsp coffee grounds, 4 Tbsp of kitchen oil (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.) and use as an exfoliant and rinse away * Works like a diuretic, drawing out excess water from fat cells * Hair Treatment (for brunettes) * Mix a tsp or two (depending on hair length) in your conditioner * Leave it on as a mask for just a few minutes and rinse out * Caffeine may stimulate hair growth * Make sure you rinse it all out to avoid staining pillows or cloth * Tea Tree Oil * A few drops of tea tree oil into shampoo to get rid of dandruff * Tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil for spot pimples   Episode Sponsor: Annie’s Kit Clubs Annie’s Kit Club is a subscription kit for your little your maker or builder!  You can choose the Creative Girls Kit or Young Woodworkers kit and every 4-6 weeks, depending on the kit you choose, your child will receive really fun and inventive pro...

Sitting at a desk all day can be killer for your health. We are always looking for ways to improve our environment and what we consume, but what can we do in an office setting? How can you make your workplace healthier? On this episode, we are joined by Laura Pappas who, in addition to being a dear friend, served as a Health and Care Lead for the consulting firm that we work for. In this super unique position, Laura was able to establish a framework and specific programs to help our consultants be healthier in their work environment. Lucky for us, she was willing to share that knowledge. Links mentioned in this episode: * Drink Recipe: Red Wine Hot Chocolate * Laura’s Blog * Laura’s Facebook * Laura’s recommendations for standing desks: * Portable: Stand Steady * Portable:  Workez * Not portable: Varidesk * WorkRave App to remind you to take breaks from your computer * Let’s WOD App for workouts on the go   Episode Sponsor: Annie’s Kit Clubs Annie’s Kit Club is a subscription kit for your little your maker or builder!  You can choose the Creative Girls Kit or Young Woodworkers kit and every 4-6 weeks, depending on the kit you choose, your child will receive really fun and inventive projects, complete with materials and step-by-step instructions to create the finished product. Each kit is designed for kids age 7-12. Our network, Life Listened, has partnered up with Annie’s Kit Clubs to offer big savings on your first shipment.  For 50% off the Young Woodworkers Club or 80% off the Creative Girls Club, visit annieskitclubs.com/life. No need for a promo code!

Garlic is one of the earliest documented medicinal plants in history.  From the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians, and all the way to research studies being conducted today, garlic continues to be a focus for its extraordinary health benefits.  Stick with us as we talk through the history of this wonder plant and some of its amazing uses. Let’s get real – do you really need much convincing to eat more garlic? Disclaimer:  Always consult a physician before beginning a health regimen. Links mentioned in this episode: * Drink Recipe: Clementine Moscow Mule * Potential Benefits of Consistent Supplementation * Prevent and/or reduce the severity of common illnesses like the common cold or flu (Study Abstract: double-blind, placebo-controlled study abstract) * High blood pressure (Study Abstract: effects of garlic on patients with essential hypertension) * Lower cholesterol * Reduce risk of dementia through essential antioxidants * Battle oxidative stress (Study Abstract: garlic reduces dementia and heart-disease risk) * As Needed Uses * Acne – Slice clove in half and rub directly on the affected area * Cold sores – Cut a thin slice of garlic and put it on the affected area for 5-10 minutes a few times a day * Tape it on to avoid having to hold it * It may sting! * Ear Infection (adults or children) – Crush a clove and combine with 1 TBSP of oil in a pan on the lowest setting.  Let it cook together for 10 – 15 minutes.  Strain out the chunks of garlic and let the oil cool.  Put a few drops of oil in the affected ear(s). * Splinters – Tape a thin slice of garlic to the affected area.  The splinter will work its way out on its own within a few hours. * Hair Health – Garlic infused oil massaged onto the scalp may stimulate hair growth. Crush 3 cloves and combine with 3 TBSP of oil in a pan on the lowest setting.  Let it cook together for 10 – 15 minutes.  Strain out the chunks of garlic and let the oil cool.  Massage through * Tips * Garlic is best raw (3 – 4 raw cloves daily for supplementation) * Allicin is activated when raw garlic is chopped, chewed or otherwise cut up * Cooking garlic destroys the allicin but does not destroy the antioxidant properties * If using a supplement, make sure it contains allicin * Because garlic is a natural antibiotic it can impact your gut health – take a probiotic! * Hyperbiotics PRO-15 (Men and Women) * Garden of Life: Men and Women / Women’s Formula / Kid’s Formula *  Recommended Supplements: * Swanson Garlic Oil Capsule * Eclectic Garlic Capsules * Herb Farm Fluid Extract (Tincture)

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 * 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 ...

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.