Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Honest Company ~ An Exclusive Interview with Jessica Alba


We are very excited to share our exclusive interview with actress and activist, Jessica Alba. Jessica shared with us her inspiration and story about her eco-business, The Honest Company and how her own children inspired her to make a difference.  

We know that keeping your kids and the environment safe was the initial inspiration behind your brand, but what really pushed you to make that final leap to starting your company?
When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I sought the best products for her because I wanted to create a healthy home for my baby. Easier said than done! When I washed her clothes in the popular “baby-safe” laundry detergent everyone recommended, I broke out in a rash. If I had such a bad allergic reaction, I knew it couldn’t be good for a new baby. And then I had trouble finding reliable healthy products here in the United States. So, I’d end up shopping online, buying non-toxic products from Australia and Europe, or from different health stores just to clean my house and bathe my child. It was too time consuming and so expensive. I was really upset that the average family couldn’t easily find or purchase safe products at a reasonable price. So, I created The Honest Company with Christopher Gavigan, Brian Lee, and Sean Kane because, as concerned parents, we felt it was our mission to make healthy, non-toxic products accessible for children and families everywhere.
How has your level of eco-consciousness changed since having kids? 
Becoming a mom definitely made me more aware and concerned about everyday toxic ingredients, but I’ve been eco-minded since childhood. I grew up with the droughts of Southern California, so our family focused on conservation, not wasting water, and repurposing glass containers and boxes (still important things to do). My focus now has expanded, with my primary attention on the health of my family. So, we emphasize eating fresh whole foods, cooking together, and having the girls pick herbs from our garden. This gets them excited about building conscientious habits. The foundation I was taught as a child—to live mindfully—I apply to my family, with their health as the number one priority.
What are some of the everyday things you do around the house to promote a healthy environment?
My husband and I try to model eco-friendly habits for the girls. We have a non-toxic synthetic turf lawn and drink filtered water from our faucet using BPA-free reusable bottles. We have multiple recycling bins and with our older daughter Honor, we discuss the idea that things can be transformed into something else—crafts with upcycled materials are popular in our house. I also give Honor flavored sparkling water instead of sugary drinks, and she thinks it is soda! We even take off our shoes before entering the house, so we leave lead dust, pesticides, and other toxins outside. Bonus: My floors are cleaner!
Your brand is based on offering eco-friendly yet disposable diapers. Did you ever consider cloth diapers? What makes your disposable diapers stand out from other eco-friendly options out there?
At the time I first thought of creating The Honest Company, I wasn’t in a place where I could easily use cloth diapers since I was working a lot and started traveling again almost immediately after having Honor. I needed to have a better, healthier disposable option. But I love that parents use cloth diapers—our Honest laundry detergent works great on them. And we’re committed to providing many solutions to meet the needs of parents, so let us know what you’re hoping to see us develop as the company grows.
If cloth diapering isn’t the right fit for your family (like mine!), or if you cloth diaper but need an awesome disposable for things like day care, preschool, and traveling, our Honest diapers aren’t like any other eco-friendly option on the market. Our premium diapers are super absorbent; they’re free of risky fragrances, lotions, and latex; and they’re colorful, fun, and cute (our signature skulls print diaper is one of my favorites, but I really love them all!).
LaptopLunches Bento-ware was founded by two moms, so we know that running a business and managing a family can be tough. What tips do you offer for balancing work and family?
Balancing my busy career with motherhood is always a work in progress. It’s definitely made easier because I have a great support system at home in my husband, Cash. I make creative and efficient use of my time (I prepare Haven’s food for the entire week on Saturday or Sunday), and I can bring the girls to work. We’re building an awesome kids’ corner at our new Honest offices, where employees’ children can play and be entertained while their parents work. And, no matter how organized I like to be, some things honestly don’t get checked off my list. But I don’t sweat it as much as I used to—if my girls are happy and healthy at the end of the day, then everything falls into place.
What’s your favorite lunch?

I enjoy eating at a little lunch spot near our Honest offices called Tacos Por Favor. They prepare all their dishes with farm fresh, locally grown, and organic ingredients. My favorite thing to order is…everything! I love the variety of tacos they make.

Jessica Alba is an actress, activist, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur. Although known throughout the world for her acting career, it is her role as the mom of her two girls that inspired the launch of The Honest Company in January 2012. With a product line ranging from natural and non-toxic personal care products for the entire family, to diapers and wipes, to household cleaning detergents and vitamins, The Honest Company is a mission-driven company focused on giving children the best possible start, ensuring families’ well-being, and safeguarding the planet through sustainable business practices. That's why with every product you purchase, The Honest Company donates product, money, and time to addressing critical health and social issues affecting the community. This year, its nonprofit partner is Baby2Baby, supplying families in need with essential baby clothing and gear. To learn more, visit www.honest.com.

Get Your Greens!


Getting your greens doesn't have to be a drag! Dress up a salad with fun garnishes and panda picks, make a bear shaped egg, plus a side of delicious dip and you will have the most festive and fun-to-eat salad, ever! 

Find this weeks Full Menu details here. 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Laptop Lunches on Amazon UK {plus MENU}


As many of you may know Laptop Lunches Bento-ware is now available on Amazon UK! In celebration we have created a festive menu, seen in the image above. Many of you have asked for the recipes and packing instructions for this lunch and we are more than happy to oblige! This menu is an American twist on some British classics. Hope you all enjoy! 

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwich- 
Gluten-Free Chia and Millet Bread
Whipped Cream Cheese
Smoked Wild Alaskan Salmon
Fresh Cucumber

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on both slices of your bread.
Lay a few slices of smoked salmon over one slice of your bread.
Cut your cucumber into thin coins and lay them over your smoked salmon.
Stack your sandwich together and cut it at an angle into two triangles.
Place the sandwich in your large unlidded container.

Roasted Finglering Potatoes-
Fingerling "Russian Banana" Potatoes
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degree Celsius).
Arrange your potatoes in a small iron skillet or baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Allow the potatoes to cool before placing them in the large lidded container.
Include your favorite dip in the small container to place alongside your roasted fingerling potatoes.

Cheddar Hearts and Snap Peas- 

Sharp Irish Cheddar
Fresh Snap Peas

Cut your cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices and cut into bit sized heart-shapes with our fruit and veggie cutters.
Include the snap peas and the cheddar hearts in your medium unlidded container.

Cinnamon Raisin Chia Pudding-
1/4 cup Chia Seeds
2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
Cinnamon
1 tbsp Light Agave Syrup (optional)
1/4 cup Raisins

Combine in a large jar the almond milk, agave and chia seeds with a dash of cinnamon. Allow these to soak for a few hours or over night so that the chia seeds plump up. The texture is a lot like tapioca pudding. Stir in the raisins and scoop a serving into your medium lidded container. Use one of our ice packs along with an insulated bento bag to keep your lunch at a safe, cool temperature.

We are so excited to finally be more immediately accessible to all of our fans in the UK! Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and support! You can find our products on Amazon UK here. Our US fans can still find us on laptoplunches.com



Quinoa Pilaf Power Lunch


Quinoa is an incredibly nutritious grain that can fill you up while giving you tons of energy. Mix it into a pilaf with a side of summer squash and cherries. Finish off your lunch with a special, healthy sweet treat and you have got a real power lunch! 

Click here to see this weeks Full Menu details. 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Pack Lunch, Pack Love!


Don't just pack lunch, pack love! There is something so delightful and heart warming about the simple combination of Soup and Salad for lunch. Adding in a whole grain roll and melon hearts makes this bento lunch both filling and an extra special treat for anyone. 

Click here to see this weeks Full Menu details. 

Friday, September 6, 2013

Tofu Salad Bento Lunch


You don't have to be vegan to enjoy this lovely, light lunch! The bright crisp flavors of baby greens, ripe cherry tomatoes all paired with tofu salad and crackers is a fulfilling and healthy lunch for anyone. With a fresh peach to finish, this bento is a wonderful celebration of summers bounty soon coming to a close. So, get it while you can! 

Click here to see this weeks Full Menu details.