Cheers to Healthy

We Moved!

2008-02-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

We are now "Cheers to Healthy" and you can find us at www.cheerstohealthy.com

What is Cheers to Healthy? We're glad you asked!
Cheers to Healthy is an interactive weblog and internet presence designed to encourage women to celebrate a healthier lifestyle and a sustainable environment. By making over our kitchens, we can do our part in taking care of our bodies and our planet.

We provide simple go-green solutions for your kitchen, brutally honest food and product reviews, delicious organic recipes, eco-chic hostess ideas, and all the candid information you need to live a healthy sustainable lifestyle.

Hope to see you at our new home!

Keepin It Fresh!

2007-11-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

Long Time, no posts - How are you all? On behalf of Conserving Made Chic, Jac and I wanted to take a minute to explain our perceived laziness. We did some market research and have decided to work on our design, style, and direction. (AKA, a lot of behind the scenes work!) While we continue to improve we are going to try to make posts as often as possible! We'd like to thank everyone that continues to stop by the site as well as a few specific people that link to us or mention us in their posts!

A Special Thank You To:

The JQ Lounge
GenPink
Did You Rob Bill Gates?
Esssential Keystrokes

In our continued effort to give our readers exactly what they want, we welcome any and all suggestions! We really value your opinions and comments so please let us know what you are looking for and what you like/dislike about Conserving Made Chic! Email us anytime at Info@conservingmadechic.com

Looking forward to officially launching;

Rehab is for Quitters

2007-10-17T09:59:00.000-04:00

No, not the kind of rehab you would find Lindsey or Britney at!
I admit, I'm partial to the words "free gift with purchase" and this is no exception. Simply load up on $20 USD or $25 CAD worth of Method's earth friendly cleaning products, send in you receipt, and this fun and feisty bag could be yours - for free!
Read the Rules
Start Shopping!

Thank you Meghan and Rare Bird Finds for filling us in on this promotion!

A TV Sale You Won't Find in the Sunday Ads!

2007-10-16T10:12:00.001-04:00

LG Electronics 42LC7D 42" LCD TV

If you are in the market for a flat panel TV - make sure you purchase an Energy Star certified Model! It won't cost you any more or less at the check out - but by the end of the year your energy savings will have given you about a 45% discount!

Energy Star not an option? Opt for LCD over Plasma and you'll still save enough off your annual energy bill to buy a weeks worth of lattes from your favorite barista.

Whats next? This Bamboo TV is now available overseas - but will likely be available in the US fairly soon! Do you think it comes in an espresso finish?

19 inch Widescreen LCD-TV with Bamboo Surround

But We Always Talk About the Environment!!

2007-10-15T15:02:00.000-04:00

Here at Conserving Made Chic we are always talking about the environment and sustainable living!

Today 15,950 blogs are participating in Blog actions day. Riffle through the complete list or just visit some of our favorites!
JQ Lounge
Decluterit
GenPink

Happy Blog Action Day!

2007-10-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

Today is Blog Action Day!

"On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future."

As one of the participating blogs, we will share are Top Ten Tips to reduce your Carbon Footprint!

It's great that so many bloggers are uniting for this cause! Be sure to stop back often as we will continue to make sustainable living Conserving Made Chic's Number 1 priority!

Nobel Prize Awarded to Al Gore!

2007-10-12T09:37:00.000-04:00

Our favorite Global Warming and Climate Change soldier has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on raising awareness on this issue! Awarded earlier this morning, you can read the full and developing article on CNN.

"In a statement, Gore said he was "deeply honored," adding that "the climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity."

The former vice president said he would donate his half of the $1.5 million prize to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a U.S. organization he founded that aims to persuade people to cut emissions and reduce global warming." - source

Step it Up!

2007-10-10T12:49:00.000-04:00

An article on MSN today talked about how Wal-Mart might turn off the incandescent lightbulb for good! You may have to re-read that sentence a few times before it clicks, but it seems that one of America's largest and most influential players on the economy is doing some good for the Earth!

"Wal-Mart pledged to sell 100 million CFLs this year. The megaretailer stacked CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) front and center, hammered out deals with suppliers like General Electric, and enticed customers the only way it knew how: by appealing to their desier to save money. According to a calculator on Wal-Mart's Web site, replacing 30 incandescent bulbs with CFLs can save more than $1,000 over the life of the bulbs—real money for a Wal-Mart shopper. At Wal-Mart, CFLs are cheap: A six-pack of 26-watt GE CFL bulbs goes for $15.16. And they're getting cheaper. In September, Wal-Mart introduced a cheaper private-label CFL that undercuts name brands."
- source http://www.slate.com/id/2175313/?GT1=10538

So get out there and replace those bulbs ASAP everyone! What have you got to lose!

Silky Smoothie!

2007-10-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

photo source

Here is my recipe for a healthy, eco-friendly smoothie! Play around with the ingredients and make it your own! It's cheaper than buying one for 4 dollars from some fancy juice bar AND you can control the quality of the ingredients! And most importantly - no wasted cups/straws/lids/wrappers!

Vanilla Berry:

1 Cup Vanilla Silk Soymilk
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 teaspoon organic Honey
3-6 oz French Vanilla Fat Free Organic Stonyfield Farm Yogurt

Blend all ingredients til mixed well in your blender, smoothie maker or magic bullet!
the berries act as your ice without watering down the flavor, add as much or as little yogurt/soymilk to make it as thick or thin as you prefer!

Chocolate Covered Banana:

1 Cup Chocolate Silk Soymilk
1/2 organic banana
1 teaspoon organic Honey
3-6 oz Chocolate Underground Fat Free Organic Stonyfield Farm Yogurt
1 cup Ice

blend together and enjoy!

Carry Your Lunch In Style!

2007-10-09T11:38:00.000-04:00

If you are anything like me, most days you bring your lunch to work...usually whatever is easy to grab on the way out the door! However - those boring paper bags are not only a waste; they are an eyesore! Seriously, we're grown eco-conscious women...we can do better than brown paper bags or old grocery bags, right!?

Here's a great grown-up option! Vera Bradley has adorable "out to lunch" totes that not only are the perfect size, but they are also lined for easy cleanup and have a space to put an ice pack to keep everything chilled! It's washable and reasonably priced! So save some trees and carry your lunch to work in style!

Take Your Temperature!

2007-10-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's a hot one out there today for much of the East Coast! Today's date and weather do not mix. How can anyone deny the effects of Global Warming and Climate Change? My wardrobe is so confused. It has definitely been a record breaking year!

Here are today's highs for some of Rochester and other hot spots:

Downtown Rochester : 84
Webster: 84
Pittsford: 85
Boston: 63
New York City: 87
Scranton: 86

Tell us what you think! What is the weather like where you are?

Vegetarian Fashion

2007-10-03T10:31:00.000-04:00

Our favorite vegetarian from Ohio, Meghan, introduced us to this fashion-forward and animal friendly site -Vegetarian Shoes and Bags. We are loving that eco-conscious has such a great price tag (and fashion sense!). I'm personally lusting after these adorable flats- only $34.99!

We've Gone Pink!

2007-10-02T11:47:00.001-04:00

Pink for October is an initiative that takes place during the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) in which companies and individuals add a touch of pink to their sites and blogs in support of Breast Cancer. If you have a website or blog - sign up!

Hopefully our pink flair throughout the month will be a daily reminder for you to: donate, volunteer, learn more, or schedule a mammogram.

No Meat in Avocados!

2007-10-02T10:19:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we mentioned a recipe for Guacamame, while I was excited to try it, I have to report that the results were less than stellar! I will make one disclaimer on Robin's behalf, I did not follow the recipe exactly, I have a problem with that! It was just too sweet a flavor and I admit I ultimately added more avocado to fix the problem. We will have to try this one again, but in the mean time - it does not get the CMC stamp of approval.

The good news: Avocados aren't that bad for you or the environment anyway!

Organic Doesn't Always Mean Green!

2007-10-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

This is more of an informative post to clear up any confusions you may have about eating healthy vs. eating for the environment. My mother (lisa's) recently sent me an Organic Fruit Basket for my birthday! It contained all organic fruit, almonds, chocolate peanuts and even organic sparkling cider! The basket itself was even made from natural organic materials! This honestly is an awesome gift! However, it was shipped from California - which negates the "green-ness" of the fruit. So those of you on the west coast - go ahead it makes sense!

But for us New Yorkers (and other East Coasters)- Here's my idea!
Make your own!

1.) Reuse a basket you have around the house, it doesn't even have to be a basket - It can be a bowl, box or anything unique you have lying around!

2.) Pick up some local or organic fruits and veggies at your nearest Farmer's market or Grocery store. Look into a natural food store or section for other goodies to add including organic sweets or natural teas!

3.) Use old wrapping paper or even old school papers and shred them up to use as filler for the basket.

4.) Arrange everything neatly and Voila! A Homemade, natural organic gift basket! Trust me - It costs MUCH less to do it yourself than to pay someone else!

Veg Out Tonight!

2007-10-01T14:43:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Lisa! While today is Lisa's birthday, it also happens to be the 30th Anniversary of World Vegetarian Day. As we have encouraged you to do before, today is the perfect day to eat meat free! Even if you have already had a turkey sandwich for lunch - why not have pasta for dinner? According to the Environmental Defense, if every American ate vegetarian for just one meal a week, it would have the same impact as eliminating 500,000 cars off the road!

So.....to celebrate Lisa's quarter century of life, and please the boys, we are having a MNF (Monday Night Football) Bday Party Celebration at my house this evening. I have no intention of actually watching the game, but figured this was the perfect opportunity to whip up some vegetarian appetizers!
Here's whats on the menu:

Gouda Croissant
Artichoke Dip
Cheese and Crackers
Veggie Pizza

We are also going to try out this new recipe by Robin Roberston:

Guacamame

For all of you Guacamole lovers - this is a high protein, low fat, low carb alternative to your favorite dip!

1 cup cooked edamame

1 small ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

One 4-ounce can chopped mild green chiles, drained
2 teaspoons lime juice

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Assorted cut raw vegetables for dipping

Combine the edamame, avocado, chiles, and lime juice in a blender (or food processor). Blend until its a smooth consistency. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste, and pulse to blend in , leaving some texture. Serve with veggies, or chips (we love the scoop kind!).

We will report back tomorrow to let you know how it goes!

Fashion Takes Action - But We Take Toronto!

2007-09-28T17:07:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of supporting the green-fashion industry and the Environmental Defense - we packed our makeup bags and made a road trip up to the fabulously eco-conscious Toronto for Fashion Takes Action. With the exception of a small hold up at the border (go figure we are stuck behind tractor trying to bring horses/drug mules into Canada!) the trip went rather smoothly. Held at the Evergreen Brick Works, this event was green from invites (electronic) to sound systems (Bullfrog Power). It might even end up in the Guinness Book of World Records as the greenest fashion event - we'll keep you posted!

The Scoop - The evening was packed with a Fashion show featuring designs made out of completely natural fabrics including organic cotton, soy, wild silk, hemp, and bamboo! Food was organic, vegetarian AND local. Beverages included organic wine, organic beer and a fun "Clean Toronto" tap water station. All cups, plates, napkins etc. were biodegradable. Even the Runway was made of grass with trees in the middle! In addition hybrid shuttling and Green Limousines were provided for transportation. The event partnered with CarbonZero to ensure it was as green as possible!

CMC Notes - We ate, mingled, we drank (who knew organic wine was soo good!) and just tried to take it all in. We enjoyed an inspiring conversation with the evening's host and MC Moe, one of Canada's Top Models. She shared stories about living in Europe and how they are not only ahead of us in the fashion industry, but in environmental awareness movement (why are we not surprised!). She was kind enough to introduce us to Kelly Drennan, who was one of the women responsible for putting on this event. We also had the opportunity to discuss the impact of the event with the president of CarbonZero. Everyone was somewhat startled we drove from Rochester "just for this" but come on! A Green Fashion show less than 3 hours away...who wouldn't! Thanks everyone!

The Supporters - We would like to thank all of the supporters and sponsors for contributing to this successful event!
EnWise Power
Aveda
SYKA
enVille
EcoFlora
Frog Pond Farm
Evergreen
Aesthetic Earthworks
ZipCar
Mill Street Brewery
BullFrog Power
Geek Aesthetic
eurolite
Len Henry
Elmer Olsen Models
Judy Inc
Green Limousine
FQ Magazine
NOW
Green Living Online
Engine One
CJ Graphics

The 11th Hour

2007-09-28T11:02:00.000-04:00

You've heard of Ebert and Roeper, how about Gongleski and Fiorie? Tuesday night - we headed over to the Little Theater on East Ave in Rochester to watch the new Global Warming Film by Leonardo Dicaprio, The 11th Hour. Here are our reviews!

Lisa's - Two Thumbs Up! I thought the film took a different point of view in comparison to Al Gore's. While this was much more of a documentary and contained many interviews with scientists and authors, it was easy to follow and flowed from history, cause and effect, to solutions very nicely. I'm critiquing the marketing and small release of the film. I feel that no one knows about it or seeks it out unless you are already interested in making a difference, making me question the impact the film will have. I also enjoyed learning about the ancient use of sunlight for the survival of the human race in comparison to current usage. It also touched on religious faith vs. global warming - however that is another post completely...coming soon!

Lesson Learned: Everyone can vote! Vote by what you choose to purchase, in a world driven by economic growth vs. nature, put your money on products that matter!

Jaclyn's - Two Thumbs up for me as well. At the risk of being predictable, I was genuinely impressed. The movies tagline "Turn mankind's darkest hour into it's finest" it is the type of proactive message that this whole movement needs. While a lot of the interviews were "lecture-esq" if you will, there was a strong focus on the fact that while we have a serious problem here - but its not too late! We can do something - and by taking action, we will be able to sustain the earth for future generations. In that sense, our generation is given a huge burden of responsibility, but at the same time, an enormous opportunity to change the way we live - for the better! What I found inspiring was the second half of the movie where they really delved into how we can change. It was more focused on the business level (not our eco-savvy ideas!) but it was fascinating to see how buildings, transportation systems and essentially everything that is made or built can be sustainable. This is a process that will take time, but will create thousands of jobs and revenue - and ultimately a better future.

Lesson Learned: The human disconnect with nature. I will admit that I am not connected with nature, nor do I consider myself a part of nature. This really opened up my eyes to the fact that we are a part of nature and we can't escape that. Anyone care to go on a hike with me? I know there are a number of you that would pay to see that!

I could go on and on but...I wont! I really recommend you go see it for yourself. You will walk away with knowledge and inspiration that is just impossible to convey through this post.

Thank You!

2007-09-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

(photo source: enewsbuzz.com)

Thanks to everyone that helped us out with our survey yesterday (all electronic and no wasted paper)! I'd like to proudly state that after only a few days of posting and having everything come together we have already seen visitors from Upstate New York, Boston, Virginia, Maine, NYC, California, Pennsylvania and even France! We know who some of you are so thank you! To those that just found us, Welcome!

We are still not ready for an official launch but will be posting and updating daily so continue to check us out!

Side note: We are heading to Toronto, Canada tonight for Fashion Takes Action! A Green Fashion show that highlights organic cotton fashion. Sponsors also include green companies such as Zip Car!
Jenny's Fiance Neal works there currently AND Paris was spotted in Toronto THIS MONDAY wearing a Zip Car t-shirt! We will be on the lookout for Paris and other celebrities tonight and report back WITH photos tomorrow! Wish us Luck!!!

Shed 40 (Very Unwanted) Pounds!

2007-09-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

Ms. Fergalicious said it best "What you gon' do with all that junk(mail)?" Well you could keep throwing it out - but over the course of a year those credit cards offers, million dollar sweepstakes, and letters kindly addressed to "current resident," add up to about 40lbs of waste! The "Junk Mail" industry uses over 100 million trees worth of paper - all in name of good 'ol solicitation. With an average response rate of less than 2% - it hardly seems worth it. Especially when $320 million in local taxes are used towards disposing of all these "offers."

Here is what you need to know to cut down on your junk mail and do your part in conserving - all while preserving much needed counter space!

Send a letter to the Direct Marketing Association
Contact all of your banks and credit cards companies and ask them not to release your name address, phone number, SS#, or email address. It sounds obvious, but believe me, you would be surprised
Contact all magazines you subscribe to.
Contact mail-order catalogs you have ordered from.
Contact all organizations you belong to, including your Alma Mater(s).
Contact airline frequent flyer or other rewards programs you belong to.
Contact your cable TV company.
Contact anyone else who sends you a bill!
Contact your phone company and request that your name is listed without your address.
Are you already exhausted from steps 1-9? Well then #10 is for you! Go to Green Dimes website and sign up for their Junk Mail Reduction Kit ($15.00). They will do most of the dirty work for you - plus, they will plant 10 trees on your behalf!

Green In The News

2007-09-24T10:59:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Ladies and Happy Monday! Today we'd like to feature an article on CNN that highlights some of Al Gores "go green tips." This article is also featured on Oprah.com.

Five Things You Can Buy:

1.) Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

2.) Outdoor Solar Lighting

3.) Programmable Thermostats

4.) Air Filters

5.) Electric Water Heater Blanket

Al Explains how all of these help the environment and save you money in the full article! Click Here to read it!

Bid With Your Lid!

2007-09-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt is currently running their annual program titled "Bid With Your Lid!" 10% of their profits are donated back to help protect and restore the earth, $100,000 total. The money will be split between three organizations based on YOUR VOTING! To make it even better you get rewarded when you send in your lids to vote! (I'm saving up for the organic cotton tote bag!)

Voting ends October 15, 2007!

Here are the organizations in the running!

So instead of buying the processed yogurt, grab the equally as delicious, good for you AND the earth Stonyfield Farm Organic!

10 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Footprint!

2007-09-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

What is a Carbon Footprint? Everyone has one! It’s your individual impact on the environment, measured in carbon dioxide units. It is influenced by the amount of greenhouse gasses your car gives out and how much energy your home uses. Find out yours!

(Lisa’s is a 7 ½ stiletto)

Yikes!! Now what? You have two choices – reduce your footprint or offset it! Reduce by conserving energy, offset by sustainable living (or planting a tree)!

Here are Ten Simple Ways To Reduce Your Footprint!

1.) Replace Your Lightbulbs

This is a no brainer - save money and the environment? Yes please! You’ve seen the squiggly bulbs and wondered… now Replace! You will not only save energy but also money on your electric bill by using these efficient bulbs.

2.) Go For A Run Or Walk Outside

Instead of driving to the gym and burning fuel, burn your own fuel – Calorie fuel that is! You’ll feel better getting some fresh air and save the planet at the same time – it’s a two-fer!

3.) Take It Down A Notch

Turn down your thermostat a degree or two in the winter and turn it up in the summer! The only difference you will notice will be in your electric bill! Also - when leaving the house for work or on the weekends, you can lower it significantly and really see a difference!

4.) Pull The Plug

When is the last time you actually used that crock-pot? By unplugging appliances you don’t use on a daily basis or when you aren’t using them, you reduce “phantom energy loss”. What’s this? Phantom energy loss refers to energy drained when inefficient appliances are plugged in but turned off. Unlike your swanky energy star dishwasher – that cell phone charger is out for revenge. Get a power strip to control it or simply unplug the toaster, blender or anything else sitting on your counter!

5.) Buy Produce From A Local Farmer's Market

Organic foods cannot only be pricey – but are not always as "eco-conscience" as you may think. Sometimes they are flown in from the other side of the country or even the world! What’s an eco-stylish solution you ask? Put on some cute flats, sassy sunglasses and grab a big tote you’re heading to the local farmer’s market! Not only is produce usually fresher, it is most likely organic as well. In addition, prices are more than reasonable and you are supporting local commerce!

6.) Organize Your Shopping

Yes, you read that correctly! Put that GPS to good use and do your errands efficiently! Reduce your shopping to one weekly trip and you will not only save energy and gas…but also find yourself with free time to finally read that book you've been using as a coaster for the past month!

7.) Drain Those Water Bottles

The news lately is all about how most bottled water, is actually tap water. Not only are we paying a dollar plus for the stuff, but those plastic bottles are a huge source of wasted energy. Pick up a reusable water bottle or coffee mug that fits your style! A major plus – some of these actually insulate and keep your water cold! Tap water not your thing? Invest in a water filter, such as Brita.

8.) Eat Low Carb

Don’t worry your bread is safe, we mean Eat Low Carbon! By eating vegetarian for one night a week, you can offset the impact on global warming caused by the meat industry, which is quite enormooooos! (like my puns?)

9.) Buy Some Bags

Yes ladies, hit the malls! You don’t need to get the ugly totes to carry your groceries in. Find something you like that you will use for other things as well! Reducing the use of plastic bags largely reduces the amount of oil used to produce them! And if you have a stockpile of plastic bags under your kitchen counter – reuse what you have! Be creative!

10.) Tell Your Friends!

Spread the word about Conserving Made Chic! The more stylish and sophisticated ladies that jump on the green train – the bigger the difference we can make!

About Us

2007-09-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

Conserving Made Chic is an interactive weblog and internet presence designed to increase awareness of both global warming and simple conservation ideas. We are not scientists and we not your stereotypical “tree-huggers” - we are just two chic women who want to make a difference!

Our Mission
By entering the "green" market in a stylish and sophisticated fashion, we hope to attract women of all ages and become an icon of green style. We provide tips, product reviews, current promotions and news articles that relate to environmentalism and sustainable living. Our site will show you simple and stylish ways to make this planet a better place.

Our Philosophy
“Green Is The New Pink!” By putting environmentalism and sustainable living into a new light, we are proving that going green can be stylish and sophisticated!

We want to stomp out the notion that “one person can’t make a difference” and we plan to do that in very cute heels!