Month: June 2020

bookmark_borderWhat Natural Deodorant Should You Use? Baking Soda, Charcoal, Zinc, oh my!

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Hey muffins! Back when I was just starting my sustainable journey, I remember looking at natural deodorants for the first time… And being SO confused as to which kind would be the best place to start. There are many different types of natural deodorants to use: magnesium, zinc, baking soda, and activated charcoal: which one should you start with? Thanks to Pretty Frank, I will be sharing my thoughts on this topic today! I have worked with this company numerous times in the past, and they were kind enough to send me trial size versions of each type of deodorant to try them out for you all.

What Natural Deodorant to Use? -The Evaluation Criteria

For each type, I will be answering these questions:
Question 1. Why choose this type over other natural deodorants?
Question 2. How does it apply to the underarms?
Question 3. How long does it last? Does it actually work? (Note: as these are natural deodorants, they are made to prevent smell NOT sweat. Read all about this in my armpit detox post if you are confused!)
Question 4. How does the armpit feel after use?

Activated Charcoal Deodorant in Seaside

A picture of activated charcoal natural deodorant

Question 1: When you switch from a deodorant that is aluminum based (aka one that prevents you from sweating), your armpits will go through an “armpit detox” when you start using natural deodorants. This detox will differ for each person, but I didn’t experience much from it. As charcoal is known to draw out toxins, you might want to try this kind when switching to natural. It might make your detox period take less time! 😃

Question 2: This deodorant applies very easily and is the perfect consistency. It isn’t too soft or hard, which makes it quick and simple to apply.

Question 3: This deodorant lasts all day! I was a tad concerned that it was a black color and would transfer to my clothes, but I haven’t had any troubles with that. Just make sure to let your pits dry for a minute or so before putting on your shirt! My pits smell nice and fresh throughout the day, but (with any natural deodorant) I would recommend reapplying if you are planning on doing any heavy exercising. Asthey don’t prevent against sweating, it is important to think ahead and not let your sweat wash away the scent protectant!

Question 4: My pits have felt great after using this type. I haven’t noticed my skin being dry and the black color hasn’t dyed my underarms a darker shade (which is always good haha).

Baking Soda Deodorant in Lavender

A picture of baking soda natural deodorant

Question 1: It is no surprise that a natural deodorant classic uses baking soda. Baking soda is often used in sustainable, homemade recipes as it has amazing cleaning qualities. In terms of deodorant, it does an excellent job of neutralizing odors. However, some people with sensitive skin find that baking soda’s pH is too much for their body which can lead to extra dry skin.

Question 2: This deodorant applies very easily, but it is a softer consistency compared to the activated charcoal. It also feels a tad grainy (which is obviously the baking soda). But, I haven’t had any issues with its application!

Question 3: This product lasts all day! The lavender scent is stronger than the other scents I tried out, so I was more “aware” of when this deodorant was working for me. Again, it doesn’t prevent any sweat, but it definitely kept me smelling nice all day!

Question 4: For me, I didn’t experience any negative side effects after using the baking soda for a long time. I don’t have sensitive skin on my body (just on my face of course), which probably helped with the whole pH thing. If you are concerned that your skin might react, I would definitely recommend getting the trial size from Pretty Frank before getting a full size. For only $4, you can’t go wrong!

Zinc Natural Deodorant in Woodlands

A picture of zinc oxide natural deodorant

Question 1: This type of natural deodorant uses zinc oxide, which is a natural mineral that has antimicrobial, skin-soothing, and anti-odor properties. If you aren’t able to use baking soda, this might be a good place to start!

Question 2: This deodorant is by far the softest of the types, which made it a tiny bit more difficult to apply. I also noticed that it was stickier than the other types, but it wasn’t a big deal after it dried. I did a full review on some zinc deodorant in the past, so check it out for more details! 👍

Question 3: Again, this lasts all day! Pretty Frank has a lot of zinc deodorant scents; if you tend to have stronger odors, I suggest using a stronger scent like lavender.

Question 4: My pits never got dry or sensitive when using this type. 🎉

Magnesium Deodorant in Unscented

A picture of magnesium natural deodorant

Question 1: If you have very sensitive skin, this is the product for you! The magnesium hydroxide is perfect for eliminating odors without any possible skin irritants. But, that will limit you on scent as this type of natural deodorant only comes in unscented.

Question 2: I would say this formula is the thickest and “hardest” of the others, so it would sometimes clump off (and onto the floor) before I had the chance to rub it in. This is easily solved by applying small sections at a time.

Question 3: This definitely lasts all day! I was worried that, because it is unscented, it wouldn’t cover up any nasty smells… But this doesn’t seem to be the case. Even at my smelliest moments the deodorant will turn the odor into a slightly sweet smelling scent; it does the job!

Question 4: This deodorant didn’t make my pits dry or anything like that. If you have found your body reacting negatively to baking soda, then I would highly recommend giving this a try!

Overall, I absolutely loved trying out all of these different types of natural deodorants from Pretty Frank. Many people are scared to switch to something more eco-friendly in this department because IF the product doesn’t work, then everyone around you will know. 😬 So, when thinking about which of these types is my favorite I would have to say the Baking Soda Lavender! The texture of the deodorant, its smell, and its ability to last all day made it my perfect fit. However, everyone’s body is different, so I hope this post can guide you all into what natural deodorant to use. What type will you be trying next?!

A picture of four containers of deodorant with the words natural deodorants: the essential guide on top
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderMy Future Goals for a Sustainable Apartment

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Hey earth muffins! Like I mentioned in my recent graduation post, I will be moving into an apartment with my boyfriend at the end of July! I am SO excited to finally have my own space with him, as we have been an LDR couple for many years. With the search for an apartment underway, I have been doing a lot of thinking on my sustainable apartment goals. Living in my own place with an actual salary will allow me to move forward after grad school set me back on my green journey. If you are planning on moving in the near future, I challenge you to also lay out some goals for yourself. How can you make your own apartment more sustainable?

I have found that writing out my goals (and publishing them on the internet lol!) helps me stay more accountable. From moving during Plastic Free July to moving in with a significant other for the first time, I will be writing many posts about this huge step in my life in the months to come. Laying out some goals for a sustainable apartment is the first step, and I will definitely update you all on them in the future!

A picture of the living room of a sustainable apartment

My Sustainable Apartment Goals:

1. I will declutter before moving into the apartment so that it is full of the items that I really need. While I have been sorting through my possessions often after starting my sustainable journey in 2018, I still feel like there are certain things that I need to just donate and get out of my life.

2. I will get a compost bin and continue recycling! After getting rid of many single use plastics in my life, I find that my trash can is mostly full of food waste… And that could be composted! While I highly doubt I will be able to get a composting service to pick up the waste, I hope to find someone who will allow me to drop off compost for their bin. Fingers crossed!

3. I will shop at the local organic grocery store with bulk bins and reusable bags/jars. This was my favorite place to shop during my two internships! They have a ton of bulk food options, and I heard they recently expanded it even more.

4. I will find local family owned stores/farmers for milk and eggs. While I discovered during Plastic Free July last year that glass milk bottles were hard to find, I hope there are more options now. I no longer eat meat, but my boyfriend does. So, I also hope to find a local deli or butcher too!

5. I will continue to buy everything I can secondhand. This includes clothes (to avoid fast fashion) and furniture/home décor. My boyfriend and I have all of the furniture for our apartment except a table and chairs. We will probably utilize Facebook Marketplace to score a good deal!

6. I will keep my overall plastic use at a minimum. My boyfriend loves soda/plastic water bottles, so that is one of the first things we will be weaning off. While I know our apartment will never be fully plastic free, we can definitely use a small amount.

There you have it – my goals for my new apartment! 🥳 This list will most likely change during the moving process; I may update this post from time to time. Again, I challenge you to think about your current living space… Is there anything you can change to make it more sustainable?

A picture of an apartment with the words my goals for a sustainable apartment below it
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA Review of The USB Lighter Company’s Candle Lighter

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Hey earth muffins! Today I will be reviewing a product that I was extra excited to try out: the candle lighter from The USB Lighter Company! 😀 It is no surprise that, like many of you, I have collected some candles over time, especially from Bath & Body Works after watching too many haul videos on YouTube. Now that I will finally be getting my own apartment in August, I can actually burn these candles (as my parents never wanted me to and dorms/college apartments usually have strict rules against any type of fire).

A picture of a white USB candle lighter on top of two cardboard boxes with lighters inside
The USB Lighters

BUT, I was conflicted because I didn’t want to buy a disposable lighter to reduce my waste and avoid the unnecessary plastic…. Enter The USB Lighter Company! I stumbled upon an ad on my Insta page and absolutely fell in love with the idea of a lighter that can be recharged. I reached out to them, and they were so kind to send me three candle lighters to try out and review, so let’s just get right into my thoughts! 

What I LOVE about the Candle Lighter:

1. It is a great sustainable alternative!
2. The lighter is such good quality
3. The design is ultra sleek and easy to store
4. The charge lasts a long time!

I’ve seen plenty of BIC lighters come through my parents’ house growing up, as we often went camping and needed something to light the campfire and grill or to light the candles at our dinner table. I have also seen quite a few handheld lighters on the ground, probably thrown there by a smoker after the lighter ran out of fluid. This lighter is chargeable by a USB cord, which allows you to buy one and never have to buy a lighter again!

In terms of quality, the first thing I noticed was how sturdy and heavy it felt. The actual lighter head is tucked into the device (an excellent safety feature!). All you need to do is slide the switch on the side and press the button to light. Compared to the BIC lighter in my parents’ junk drawer, there is a huge difference in quality!

A picture of a disposable BIC lighter next to a reusable USB lighter
A disposable lighter (left) next to the USB Lighter (right)

I am an organization lover, so every product I buy needs to be easily stored and accessible. Because this lighter doesn’t have any sort of curve to it like disposable lighters, it fits basically anywhere! The curved hook at the end would allow you to hang it on a hook if you wanted to; quite convenient if you were using this in a camper.

The packaging says a full charge allows for about 300 lights, which is incredible. I charged my lighters when they arrived and haven’t had the need to recharge yet. Because the charge lasts, this would be a great product if you were backpacking, camping, or in an emergency situation. You would never be surprised that your lighter ran out of fluid when it actually mattered!

A picture of a reusable USB lighter next to a Bath and Body Works Almond candle
The white USB lighter with my current fav candle!

What I DISLIKE about the Candle Lighter:

1. It looks like it comes with a bit of plastic waste (when it actually doesn’t!)
2. The price does seem way higher than a disposable one
3. The green light when charging is a bit counterintuitive

Most of the packaging is recyclable cardboard, but the actual lighter is held in a small plastic sleeve. While the box says that all of the packaging is recyclable, I thought that my local recycling center would not take plastic like that. But, the company has since confirmed that all of their packaging can definitely be recycled! I hope that others don’t make the same mistake that I made… Oops!

In terms of price, it is important to think about the product’s life cycle, including its demise in a landfill. This lighter can give you infinite lights which means you never have to pay for another lighter again. This saves so much plastic from heading to the landfill – worthy of the $30 price! The USB Lighter Company was kind enough to create the code EARTHMUFFIN for you all, so definitely use it to get 20% off your entire purchase! 😍 It is important to support eco-friendly products; you are voting with your money for what products you want to see on the marketplace. Show companies that you require them to care about the planet!

The light is green when it is charging and then turns off once it is “full”. I usually associate a green light with being fully charged; I wish the light would be red, switching to green once it is fully charged… This is just a personal preference, but I thought I would bring it up.

A picture of a USB lighter with the words candle lighter review on top
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Overall, I would highly recommend checking out the amazing lighters The USB Lighter Company has to offer! 🙃 I get so happy supporting brands that actually care about the planet, and I hope you all enjoyed my thoughts on their product! Don’t forget to use the code EARTHMUFFIN to get 20% off your entire order! What do you think about sustainable lighters?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Weekender’s Travel Guide to Bangor, Maine!

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Hey earth muffins! Like I mentioned in my previous Focaccia Bread recipe, the world is a scary place right now. 2020 has been an absolute ride, so I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! Today marks the end of the stay at home order where I live; I am excited, but also cautious, to start going out of my house again. The one thing I have missed the most during this pandemic is traveling. I have written some weekend travel guides in the past, so I thought I would share one for a city close to my heart: Bangor, Maine.

A photo overlooking the city of Bangor, Maine

If you read my Bar Harbor, Maine travel guide, you will know that my family spent a lot of time in Maine. I loved growing up on the East Coast and now that I live in the Midwest, I often miss the ocean. Going back to Maine is the number one destination on my travel bucket list at the moment! Bangor is the third largest city in the “vacation state”, so I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip! 😍

What to Do & See:

~Drive by Stephen King’s house. Mainers are pretty proud of iconic author Stephen King. He has a home close to downtown Bangor, which is currently being converted into a museum/living space for other writers. I personally love the creepy fence that surrounds his house at 47 W Broadway St, and the neighboring houses are also super pretty to admire!

A photo of the front of Stephen King's house in Bangor, Maine

~Walk around downtown Bangor. While it isn’t the nicest downtown, there are a couple of highlights. First, the Maine Discovery Museum is perfect for any young kids; I still think the sign out front (complete with a huge frog) is super cute! The Rock & Art Shop (36 Central St) has some really pretty stones and gemstones, which are awesome souvenirs to bring back home!

~Hit up the Bangor Mall! If you are in need of some shopping there are a ton of chain stores at the mall (or in surrounding buildings). I got my ears pierced at this Claire’s location – such good memories haha.

~Visit the Paul Bunyan statue! I have a weird fascination with oversized roadside attractions… I love to make my family stop and look at gigantic animals, etc. This statue is a Bangor classic! Located at 519 Main St, you can admire Paul in all of his greatness.

A photo of a Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor, Maine

~See a show at the waterfront or the Collins Center for the Arts. Bangor is right next to the Penobscot River, and there is an awesome waterfront that hosts concerts and festivals. Each summer there is a huge music festival that is super fun to go to, and I bet there are a bunch of other festivals throughout the year! If you want to see a symphony, ballet, or play, the Collins Center for the Arts is only 20 minutes away in Orono.

What to Eat:

~Bagel Central (33 Central St): I crave their bagels and cream cheese at least once a week! They make bagels, sandwiches, pastries, etc. all from scratch, and their prices are always very reasonable. It is also in a great location downtown, right across the street from the Rock & Art Shop.

A photo of three bagels sitting on a brown napkin

~Asian Garden (123 Franklin St): The last time I went here it was called Panda Garden, but I am sure the Chinese food is as good as I remember! I am a huge sucker for some tasty Asian food, and my family would frequent this restaurant whenever we were in the area. 🐼

~Hannaford: Not a restaurant but a East Coast grocery store that is way better than the Krogers of the Midwest. If you will be staying in an Airbnb or driving to Bar Harbor to camp then you NEED to check out a Hannaford. Treat yourself with their store brand carrot cake – I have yet to find an equivalent!

~Dysart’s (1110 Broadway): Ever seen the meme/video of the old man who can’t say buttery, flaky crust?

Well it comes from an ad for this restaurant! Granted the original truck stop restaurant isn’t this location, it still has the same food. It is homemade and you get a large portion – perfect after a long day of being a tourist!

~Gifford’s Ice Cream (1109 Broadway): Who doesn’t love some Maine ice cream? Just like Bagel Central bagels I often crave Gifford’s too… Their Moose Tracks is the best! 😍

A photo collage of pictures from Bangor, Maine with the words The Weekender's Guide to Bangor, Maine on top
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There you have it – my travel guide to Bangor! I’ve been to a bunch of other cities in Maine; if any of you are interested in other guides please let me know! 😃 Where are you planning on traveling to next?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderRecipe: Easy & Delicious Focaccia Bread

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Hey earth muffins! I hope everyone is staying safe during this troubling time in this country, regarding both Mister Corona and the protests/riots. While I mentioned in a previous post that my mental health has been affected by being in quarantine this long, the state of our current world has definitely not helped…. But, I have found that certain activities, like baking things or making homemade granola, help me stay positive! So, I wanted to share a recipe on how to make easy focaccia bread to (hopefully) give a little joy into your day. 🥰

A picture of a loaf of focaccia bread with rosemary sprinkled on top in a glass dish
Doesn’t this bread look good?!

On a sidenote, you might have noticed that Life of an Earth Muffin looks quite different – my Blogger to WordPress migration is officially completed!! I am so happy with how it looks, but I will definitely be doing a lot of research and playing around with WordPress to improve my blog even more. Let’s go get some bread! 🍞

What You Need:
-2 cups of warm water
-1 packet of active dry yeast (make sure you are using active dry, as instant yeast is not the same thing and doesn’t need the water to be activated!)
-1 tbsp of sugar
-2 tsps of salt
-4 cups of flour
-1/4 cup olive oil
-Rosemary

What To Do:
1. Pour the packet of active dry yeast into a bowl with the warm water. Stir until the yeast has mostly dissolved – it will look like cloudy water when it is ready!

2. Next, add the sugar and salt, and stir together. Add the flour (I found it easiest to do the flour in cup increments to ensure that I could easily mix up the dough!). Stir the dough until everything is fully incorporated.

3. After the dough is ready, spray a casserole dish with Pam (or rub with some butter if you are trying to live that low waste lifestyle!) to ensure that the bread won’t stick. Use whatever casserole size you want depending on how thick you would like the bread to be. I personally like thicker focaccia breads, so I used a small casserole dish.

4. Lastly, drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle rosemary, adding as much as you want depending on your herbal preferences.

5. Let the dough rise for 45 minutes in a warm place. I suggest putting it into the oven with only the oven light on!

6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (making sure to remove your rising dough if you had it in the oven!).

7. Bake for about 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cut into squares and serve warm. Any leftovers can be put into a mason jar or Tupperware to be served cool the next day.

A close up picture of a loaf of rosemary focaccia bread with the text Fail-proof Focaccia Bread across it
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There you have it, some delicious and incredibly easy bread to make! What have you been baking recently?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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