Goodlifer

Quinn Popcorn – Microwave Popcorn Without the Chemicals

Popcorn is a comfort food for many of us. My family made countless batches of the stuff on top of the stove, and, later, in our popcorn machine (remember those?). Then, microwave popcorn came along. There’s no denying the convenience factor of the microwave version, but I was never that comfortable eating it, given the ingredients. continue reading

Philanthroper – A Daily Deal Site for Giving

About a year ago, Mark Wilson launched Philanthroper, a site that has been dubbed the “Groupon for Good.” Like other daily deal sites, Philanthroper sends out a daily email featuring a charity and their mission. But instead of asking you to buy something, they ask you to simply donate a dollar or more to the featured cause. cont.

What I Made This Week: A Happy Initial

One of my resolutions for the new year is to make something, by hand, every week. And, in order to make good on that promise, I decided that I would share with you. This week, I made a super-easy original artwork to fill an empty picture frame on my wall — a happy inital. I chose to do the letter J (for, well, Johanna) but you can do whatever you like. Here’s how. cont.

On the Cutting Edge of Eco-Fashion: ULTRA

Ever since I added the word “eco-fashion” to my vocabulary, I have wished for a brand like ULTRA to come along. One that is as cutting edge and inspired as it is sexy and badass. Organic cotton and muted colors are great, but sometimes a girl just wants to feel like a vixen. There’s a tech nerd factor in the innovative use of materials and cuts that mixes very well with a sexy coolness that could be compared to Alexander Wang or Celine. cont.

The Nicest Place on the Internet

Even though most of us are far better connected these days than we’ve ever been before, thanks to social networks, email and video calling, we tend to see less actual people (online shopping is so convenient, right?). Still, human kindness warms our hearts in ways that few other things can, and sometimes nothing else can make us feel better. cont.

My Goals & Intentions for the New Year

Here we are again, at the dawn of a new year. No matter what kind of year 2011 was for you, the new year is a chance to start fresh and do things right. Last year, I gave you tips on how to make the year ahead your best ever. Those did and hopefully still do work. So, instead of repeating myself, I thought I would give you an idea of the goals and intentions I have set for 2012. cont.

Resolution Wrap Bracelets – Reminding You of Your Goals for the New Year

With only a few days left of the year, many of us are contemplating that age-old question: ‘what’s my New Years resolution?’ If you are like most people, yours will most likely revolve around eating better, exercising more, improving your career, cutting down on stress or spending more time doing what really matters to you (like hanging out with family and friends). Regardless, chances are you will need help when it comes to sticking to your goals. cont.

DIY Xmas – Make a Tree Topper From an Old Magazine & Tape

When I set up my Christmas tree this year I noticed that my tree topper was nowhere to be found. Not feeling like buying one, I started thinking about how I could easily make one. The answer came to me as I was cleaning out one of my magazine piles — a star made from nothing but tape and and old magazine (which, ironically, happened to be an old DIY issue of The L Magazine). cont.

Good Stuff: Nature Girl

Sometimes a girl needs a little help getting through the winter. For me, an organic wool coat, some great boots, a luscious scrub, immune-boosting essential oil and some great jewelry works wonders. And, of course, it’s all good stuff. cont.

Lessons From Fukushima: How Can We Prevent Future Disasters?

On March 11, 2011, following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant were flooded by a 49-foot tsunami wave. The plant lost of power and the reactors began overheating as the cooling systems stopped working. In the days that followed, the the plant experienced a full nuclear meltdown. What happened at Fukushima was the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. cont.

Undies with a Cause: PACT + Architecture for Humanity for Japan

This holiday season, PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up in support of the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town nearly destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. Goodlifer also joins the effort by lending a face (mine) to the campaign, and we are proud to be able to support such a noble cause. cont.

Art for Good: Needs For Sale

Sometimes all we need to help someone less fortunate is a bit of magical thinking. Like: “if I paint a picture of a warm bed a homeless person will get one!” Sound crazy? Well, it’s exactly what NYC-based artist couple Christine and Justin Gignac are doing through a project they call Needs For Sale. And it works. cont.

AmaraGold Jewelry – Made from Upcycled, Un-mined Precious Metals

When it comes to buying something like gold jewelry, we often think of it as an investment piece — a high-quality item designed to last forever. AmaraGold is a Massachusetts-based company that decided to take a stand for the environment by launching a line of upcycled gold and silver jewelry using a new technology that actually increases the performance of the precious metals. cont.

Going Gluten-free for a Month – a Personal Health Experiment, Part 2

Two months ago, I wrote about my experiment of going without gluten; one month ago, I started eating gluten again. The month of gluten-free completed, I am sorry to report to you readers, that I didn’t notice any definite changes in my body. The headaches didn’t completely disappear, I didn’t immediately lose weight or begin to feel balance restored to my body. cont.

Thankfulness

Even though I am relatively new to this country and celebrated my first Thanksgiving less than ten years ago, it has become one of my favorite holidays. Partly because it’s close to my birthday and you usually get two days off work, but mostly because it’s one that encourages us to stop and think about those things that are most important in life. cont.

Noosa Yoghurt – Made From a Secret Aussie Recipe

I’ve been eating yogurt regularly for decades. A few years back, I was in Australia for about a month, and one of the things I noticed was the incredible yogurt. I couldn’t figure out why it tasted so good; was it just because I was having so much fun on my trip? Finally, I asked my tour guide in Tasmania. Now, this wasn’t any old tour guide; this woman specialized in food-related tours, and she seemed to know every small-scale food producer on that island. cont.