Back to Campus Clean and Green Laundry Tips

Laundry Day on Campus can be clean AND green!

I was so spoiled! Either Nanny or my mother took care of my laundry even all the way through High School. When I arrived on campus at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, I was clueless on how to do my wash. 

New on campus, Riders by Lee are wrinkle resistant so no ironing!

I can remember the huge front loading washing machines in the dorm basement which were similar to those in my aunt's laundry room. After that it was all Greek to me. Sorting colors, temperature and fabric settings all were hit and miss the first month or so. Ironing was another issue so I'd highly recommend investing in some Riders by Lee Casual Slacks pictured above. On the Go comfort and breathable, these are wash and wear ready. 
At the very least, make sure your freshman leaves with these few tips on how to wash their clothes while keeping it totally clean, green and natural. They will thank you for it.

Pure, Natural Laundry Soap from Reverie Farms

Back to Campus - Back to School Gifts That Rule

School and College Campus favorites this fall.

August is traditionally the month for gathering together back to school supplies for our scholarly students eager to hit the books. Alright, maybe not exactly eager. Many colleges start up in August. I can remember my dorm days at Rutgers U. and it was a real comfort for my parents to make up a "CARE Package" of my favorite foods and specialty items. While I would steer clear of trying to purchase clothing for older children, (you're likely to fail on size and style), these campus gifts would be welcome by anyone who needs time to study plus take care of themselves. So here are my top, hot picks for students of all ages this coming fall semester: 



PackIt Cold Pack Lunch Bag
This little bag is just the right size for a healthy sized sandwich and maybe a fruit cup. Has a top handle and closes with Velcro. Here's how it works. Pop the whole bag in the freezer and the fluid filled sides freeze up. In the morning, add your sandwich, Pita Pocket, coconut water, salad, hummus...whatever. Fold freeze, pack and go. Keeps food cold for up to 10 hours and is small enough to fit in a back pack. I really like the cloth cover on these bags. The last lunch bag you'll ever need. Available at most retailers or visit Packit.com

PackIt Cold Freeze and Fold Lunch Bag

Portable Nutrition System Sport Mixer & GoStak
Gym Ready-Travel Friendly Blender Bottle
This very sporting duo has a GoStak for protein powders and supplements. Perfect for the campus gym or gym class. Made of durable Eastman Tritan, this material resists stains and odors. The stack fits neatly inside the Blender Bottle so your pupil is ready to roll with a full day's supply of nutrition to go. By BlenderBottle.com

GoStak fits inside the Blender Bottle

Go Smile Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System
This is touted as "The only sonic toothbrush with blue light proven to whiten your smile in 2 days." Crest White Strips are always in heavy rotation by high school and college students alike. Why not get them a sonic toothbrush that whitens better than strips while cleaning their teeth? I tried it and did notice a marked whitening of my teeth after 4 uses or 2 days of brushing. Easy to use, has a quad pacer and comes with a re-charger. Pick one up at Ulta or online at GoSmile.com

Go Smile Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System. Perfect for after eating all those M & M's.

Help Them See The Light - NuGreen Energy Efficient LED Desk Lamp
This is perfect for that High Tech student. Has a flexible neck and adds focused, energy efficient pure cool white light for a brighter work space or desk. Touch sensitive on/off: Simply touch the surface under the red light to activate the bright LED light. Our student tester did have a little problem shutting this light off with this touch system. She unplugged it temporarily and hasn't had any further problems. Uses only 3.6 watts total power, the LEDs last up to 45,000 use hours, up to 22 times longer than traditional bulbs. If your favorite student is also an environmentalist, they will appreciate this desk lamp. Check it out at Newertech.com

NuGreen LED Desk Lamp

Sleep Away: Pillows and Sheet Sets by Bedgear
Mist 0.0 Pillow
Every student has their favorite pillow from their bed at home. Well, these "customized" pillows from Bedgear could well become their NEW favorite. Pillows are selected for you based on sleep position and body type. I currently use a Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow for smaller body types and it is great. The Mist 0.0 is also for petite body types but unlike my memory foam pillow is cool and airy to sleep on. I'm enjoying a more comfortable sleep experience with the Mist. Here are the pillow details from the Bedgear website:

Mist’s flexible pad slides between your body and the mattress and won’t create pressure against the sensitive areas of your face, ear and neck making it the perfect pillow for stomach sleepers and small body types. The Ver-Tex 6.0 Climate Control Fabric instantly deflects heat to keep you cool all night while the React™ Conforming Suspension contours to your body’s natural shape and motion and alleviates pressure points.

Mist 0.0 Pillow for Petite Body Types & Stomach Sleepers

Dri-Tec Performance Sheet Set by Bedgear
Every dorm room bed needs a set of cool sheets...literally! These High Tech Dri-Tec Sheets offer all season comfort and feel very silky to the touch. These are temperature regulating sheets that wick away moisture while creating air flow. I tried them on my Tempur-Pedic Mattress and have been very impressed. I'm used to high thread count Egyptian Cotton so I was a bit skeptical of how I would tolerate "polyester" sheets. Even for a sheet snob like myself, I have to say the Dri-Tec Sheets kept me completely dry and comfortable on warm summer nights. Even with the AC cranked up, I was able to sleep just as well. Easy care machine washable on gentle, these work with all beds.
See all the Bedgear pillows and sheet sets at BedGear.com

Dri-Tec Performance Sheet Set shown here in Bright White

Ruggable Washable Area Rugs

Every dorm room or student's bedroom can use a bit of warming up with a cozy rug. I brought a little area rug for my dorm just to have something cozy to step on when I got out of bed. Ruggable Washable Area Rugs are perfect because the two part system allows the rug to stay put via a Velcro pad. Ruggables come in a variety of sizes and the rug itself lifts off and can be machine washed. Even better, you can easily change your decor by popping on a different rug top. How cool is that?

Ruggable's two part system.

A 9 x 10 Ruggable would be a perfect fit for a college or home bedroom. I really like mine and know this would be a perfect gift for any student wanting to feel at home. See all the available styles and sizes at Ruggable.com

Back to PreSchool
Now we simply can't forget about the very little ones!They may be starting preschool this fall and even baby fashionistas need new shoes and a matching bag. These Moccasins and Bag are handmade in NYC and crafted out of soft, supple leather. Shoes go up to a 4T. "Red Carpet ready to NYC Chic", yes, toddlers need to bring it too.
Shown here is the Sweet Treat Set in Lavender. Lovely little Ice Cream and Popsicle Mocs with Matching Zippered Purse. Too cool for Preschool! See all the sweet children's shoe designs at the LiliCollection.com

The Lili Collection of designer, handcrafted shoes for children.

Toothbrush, Lamp and Sheet Set c/o the respective manufacturers so listed here.

Lunch on the Go: Bento Box Inspirations

Lunch on the Go!  The Bento style box with cool.

It's back to________ time (fill in the blank).  Packing a lunch for school, work or travel just got easier....and cooler.  The Japanese have their increasingly popular Bento Boxes which keep all of their favorite foods separate and un-smushed.  They are often lovely, painted and shaped in unique designs to resemble people and animals.  Children and adults love them!

Japanese Kotobuki 2 Tier Bento Box

Bento Boxes are often used on trains and in public stations where travelers can pick up a quick meal that is similar to what they would enjoy at home: rice, fish, pickled vegetables, rolled egg, etc. Some have a special place for chopsticks but the main idea is to keep the different foods you've packed separate on an easy to eat tray. Some come with their own handle, tote and thermos but I've put together my own Bento Box inspired set.

Like the traditional Japanese Bento Box, the Lunch on the Go has two tiers.

The closest American version of the Bento Box is the Lunch on the Go Set and the optional Telescoping Foon. What I like is that you can quickly freeze the separating shelf and add it to the box to keep everything super chilly.  I haven't seen that innovation in any of the Japanese style boxes but is what sets apart the Lunch on the Go Set from the others.  You can opt to pack warm foods as well, (just don't freeze the separator).  Put the Lunch on the Go Set in a thermal Igloo Lunch Tote and it will stay warm for hours.  This works great for a breakfast burrito or toasted bagel. Simply wrap your warm sandwiches in a sheet of aluminum foil first then place in the Lunch on the Go. 

My Lunch on the Go, snacks and this Klean Kanteen all fit in the Igloo Cooler Tote

Want to take along a chilled salad?  Cool Gear Inc. makes a deluxe salad kit that has a similar theme of two tiers with a freezable separator and a covered cup for your dressing as shown below.

Source: gavethat.com via Marie on Pinterest

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The Igloo Thermal Totes are very compact and fold up easily in my bicycle panniers.  In fact, I keep one on my bicycle just in case I purchase something frozen or cold at the market.  Same thing if I purchase something hot to eat while I'm out.  This tote will keep it warm until I'm ready to stop and eat it.  Perfect for people on the go.

Hot or cold foods will stay that way longer when packed in a thermal tote.  Hot cofee, soups and stews stay piping hot for hours in this 20oz Insulated Klean Kanteen.

BYO: Reusable Lunch Ware

COOL Reusable Lunch ware: Insulated SnapSac, Klean Kanteen & Light My Fire Meal Kit

If you are trying to stay away from processed foods, one of the most proactive things you can do is to BYO. The downside is that many healthy foods, (due to lack of preservatives), need to be kept cold to remain fresh but think of the possibilities.  With the proper lunch ware and thermal tote, the menu ideas are practically endless.

Also the locations where you can eat are likewise expanded. A picnic can be had by the pool, at the beach, in the park or in your car with the top down.  Eating al fresco becomes more like a mini vacation.  Who wouldn't want that?  That's why I was excited to find SnapSac folding tote bags. These are very well made, washable and best of all reusable.

SnapSac Cool Tote in Pop

The SnapSac Cool Tote is very lightweight yet holds up to 3 lbs of ice without leaking.  It has a separate waterproof liner that acts as a barrier from the thermal interior.  Other than a little condensation on the outside of the bag, the SnapSac did not leak and held all of the items you see in the photos. It zips closed and even has a little pouch on the outside for napkins or wet-wipes. VERY well thought out, it can work in a variety of settings.

The Snap Sac Cool Tote holds up to 3 lbs of loose ice without leaking

Klean Kanteen in Living Color
Once you've got the food chilling down, you can focus on other containers for your drinks, snacks and sandwiches. One of my favorites is this 20 oz Insulated Klean Kanteen in Monterey Blue  Made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel, it has a wide mouth and optional cafe or loop top caps.  On its own, the Insulated Klean Kanteen will keep your favorite beverages chilled for up to 24 hours. Add it to the Cool Tote, you can expect to extend that time even in 80+ degree temperatures.

Everything here is reusable so there's nothing to throw away after your picnic!

Come On Baby Light My Fire
Reusable meal kits such as this one by Light My Fire are made in Sweden and are genius for eating outdoors.  This set has two plates, a lidded coffee/soup cup, a spork a small dry container and a colander/cutting board. More geared towards outdoor food preparation, you could use the two plates sealed together to pack your food and then place it in the cooler. Nothing too messy though. A sandwich or pita pocket would work well.  We did that with the meal you see here: carrots, raisins and a Bridgford Apple Turnover.

Very lightweight and compact, the Light My Fire Meal Kit is well thought out and complete.  We added the little red insulated snack container that came with a folding spoon that stores right in the lid. It holds a generous 15.5 ozs (460 mls). Bring along your favorite Chiobani Greek Yogurt, tabbouleh, chicken salad, chilled soups or anything else you'd like to keep cool. You'll save the environment and money with reusables like these. One less piece of aluminum foil, plastic wrap or Ziploc bag to end up in a landfill.

Eating al fresco with reusable lunch ware

Backcountry Cooking: Bicycle Picnic

 

August is National Picnic Month!  Add a healthy twist by packing & pedaling

Summer is the time for outdoor eating:  Cookouts, backyard barbecues, clam bakes, fish frys and picnics in the park.  Packing a wicker lunch hamper for the park was quite common in Victorian times.  Since there was no such thing as plastic cups and paper plates, they also packed the fine china right along for eating on the grass.  A movable feast!

Well, there's no reason to stay home as food packaging and utensils are much more high tech and lighter these days.  In fact all the foods, plates and camp stove fit in my Basil Jada Rear Basket with room to spare.  I did a lunch for two which included a delicious, hearty potato soup and barbecue sandwich with chips.  Keep in mind you can transfer this same technique to catering your own bicycle tour or campout. Here's how I pulled it off:

Camp stove set up to cook some Hearty Potato Soup by Augie Foods

I unpacked everything from our rear basket: Augie Foods Hearty Potato Soup, Trangia 27-5 Ultralight Camp Stove with Primus burner, Light My Fire Outdoor Meal Kit, Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter, cooking utensils.  After setting up the stove I lit the gas burner with the Aurora Fire Starter.  I adjusted the hose regulator and started my 1 cup of water boiling.

Once the soup starts to boil, it thickens quite quickly.

I used the Light My Fire stay dry cup to measure and hold the dry soup.  I then whisked the 1/4th cup of soup mix into my hot water and got it boiling. You need not bring anything but fire and water.  All of the ingredients are included in each of the delicious Augie Foods soups we tested: Cheddar & Broccoli, Chicken Flavored Stew.  They even carry a product called Ready Fuel which is gel based and allows you to heat water and cook without a camp stove.  We were being fancy today so we used the Trangia Set!

Cooking with a Primus gas burner is clean and efficient.

Another simpler version of this picnic lunch would be to cook the soup at home and pour it into an Insulated Klean Kanteen.  You would just need to bring bowls but I have to say the one that comes with the six piece Light My Fire set is exceptional.  It can be used for coffee as well but the ergonomic finger dents in the sides keep it from slipping in your hands.  Both the Light My Fire Outdoor Meal Set and the Trangia 27-5 are made in Sweden. We added a very tasty Barbecue Sandwich from Bridgford and Organic Blue Corn Chips and Rice Crisps made with Sweet Potato by Utz.

The finished meal with a little Barbecue Sandwich & Grandma Utz chips on the side

Augie Foods
We could not believe how scrumptious and satisfying the Hearty Potato Soup was! Big pieces of potato, celery and carrot, it does not taste like it came from a soup mix.  What will blow you away is that these soups will keep for up to 20 years in a cool dry place!

Bridgford Shelf Stable Sandwiches
The bread of the Bridgford Barbecue Sandwich was incredible. These are like gourmet Military MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) and can take high temperatures but still stay fresh.  They come individually packed in air-tight pouches and do not need refrigeration if unopened. These are a great idea if you do not want to bring ice packs and a cooler to keep your food cold.

Utz Snack Foods
Known in the east for their incredibly crispy potato chips, Utz has really kicked it up a notch. Their Organic Blue Corn Chips have just the right amount of salt but the fresh corn taste is what hooks you.  A new product for them are the Rice Crisps which are all natural brown rice tortillas. The kicker in these chips are the sesame seed and sweet potato ingredients that give them a rich, nutty flavor.

Everything to prepare our picnic lunch packs easily in this Basil Rear Basket.

A Peanut Free Lunch

PHOTO: Sunbutter Sunflower Seed Spread in Natural Crunch on a slice of Arnold Oatnut, whole grain bread. A delicious alternative to peanut butter.

Ah, the summer is all but over and it's time to come up with some ideas for that brown bag. Whether you are commuting to work, working out or packing lunch for someone special, here's a NEW twist on an old favorite. Sunflower Seed Butter!

Many children, (and adults), these days have peanut allergies. Children often swap sandwiches at lunchtime for something they would prefer. I would be horrified to think that my child traded her PB & J to a child who shouldn't have it! However, this peanut butter alternative is SO delicious, I guarantee your little one will keep it all for himself.

I'm talking about Sunbutter. One taste of this scrumptious Sunflower Seed Spread and you'll wonder what you ever saw in "Skimpy" Peanut Butter! Sunbutter is all natural with no hydrogenated fats, (aka Crisco). They offer 5 styles Natural & Natural Omega with Creamy, Natural Crunch & Organic featured here in the photo. Specially selected sunflower seeds are roasted and ground to a consistency which will replace peanut butter in any recipe. Hello peanut butter cookies!

Better still is the fact that Sunbutter is made in the USA in a peanut free - nut tree free manufacturing facility. This is important because even residual amounts of nut oils can cause severe reactions for people who are allergic to them. Do yourself a favor and check out this nutritiously dense, high protein seed spread. You may never want to go back to peanut butter after you do! Find it locally at Wegman's and I believe most Whole Food Stores carry Sunbutter as well but you can visit them online for more recipes and ideas.

REMEMBER! The X - Training BLOG is doing a Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook Give-Away so click this link and enter before Midnight, October 14th 2010!