We have someone VERY special to celebrate tomorrow, you all know her, she’s HUGE, she get’s around, she can be moody at times but she’s downright amazing and oh SO BEAUTIFUL … do you know who I’m talking about?! That’s right, good ‘ol Mother Earth!!
It’s a day where we take some time to recognize and APPRECIATE our planet but I have a burning question here … why is Earth Day limited to only ONE day?! We should be doing simple things EVERY day to help out Mother Earth, it’s OUR home after all. So I decided to come up with a list of ways we can take care of our lovely planet, one step at a time! So, in no particular order and without further ado, here they are!
1. Say no to bags: Grocery bags that is … lol!! Bring reusable bags when grocery shopping, not only will it save you a bit of money but you’re also doing your part to reduce your collection of those damn plastic bags!!
2. Pack your own water bottle: They’re a fashion statement don’t you know?! They complete the whole “Athleisure” ensemble. Oh! And, this goes for coffee mugs too – paper cups are so last year.
3. Shut the lights off and shower together: Then wait 9 months for baby to arrive … Lol
4. Think twice before you flush: If it’s brown, flush it down. If it’s yellow, let it mellow.
5. Switch up your diet: Skip the beef. Try tofu, grilled avocado, or a sustainable local fish option instead … or, better yet, try going plant-based even if it’s just for one day a week!! Also, find a local egg farmer and ditch the factory eggs!!
6. Shop local and in season: Nature’s Fare is my local fave for produce! Or, plant your OWN garden, there’s just something about getting all hot and heavy in the dirt … what? It get’s hot here in the Okanagan and shovels are heavy, ok?
7. Don’t just stop and smell the flowers, plant them too: Planting flowers not only makes your space look beautiful but you’ll also help the bees by spreading some seeds … lol … get your mind out of the gutter already.
8. Cut the D: That’s D as in dairy, cut it out, get rid of it … try almond milk as a replacement and give Earth Balance butter a try!
9. Save the bats: Yes, you read that right, bats are important too!! Did you know that they eat mosquitoes?? I rest my case.
10. Deals aren’t ALWAYS a good thing: Instead of always looking for a ‘good deal’ try to think about QUALITY vs QUANTITY and consider how often your ‘old clothes’ hit the landfill. AND, if you feel the need to clean out your closet, donate your old clothes to a consignment store! Buying consignment clothes for babies and children is a great idea considering how quickly they grow out of them! That reminds me, there’s an amazing company that upcycles old clothes to make new baby clothes, they’re called Nudnik!! Some of you may have seen my Instagram story of Leo in a pair of their pants the other week. Anyways, I think this is SUCH a great concept!
11. Never stop learning: You know that saying “You learn something new every day”? Well, it’s true, we are constantly learning and growing so expand your wealth of knowledge and challenge yourself to watch a documentary or a read a new book!
12. Power down the technology: Set aside one day a week or a certain block of time on the weekend that you shut off all devices … phone, computer, TV (are you panicking yet?! lol) … and just chill like the good old days.
And last but CERTAINLY not least …
13. Be nice: Yup. That’s it, that’s all just be nice. Nice to our planet, nice to animals, nice to your family and friends. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all … (thanks, Thumper!) …
What are some of your favourite things to do to show your gratitude for our lovely Mother Earth?? Make sure to share your ideas below!
HAPPY (early) EARTH DAY!!
xo
Jilly
Dear Jillian,
Thank you for your post. I don’t agree with everything you wrote about (nut “milk” & I don’t get along), & that’s OK! As a fellow woman living on our precious earth, we are sisters. I respect you & I know you respect me, even though we have never met! ?? Love & light from your neighbor to the south!
Happy to see you posting this morning Jilly! As usual, your upbeat and positive comments bring happiness to my day. Your fans sure have given you lots of love over the past 24 hours, I’m so glad. Thank you for your humour, honesty and zest for life. Hope you have a great weekend with your boys. ❤️❤️
Farmers Market!! We are so lucky to have year round farmers market in Kelowna and even 2x a week!! Can’t forget the fruit and veggie stands either! As a business owner I love supporting the “little guys”. Stopping to buy my veggies from a neighbor could just be the difference it makes to their kid getting a new pair of shoes! I know we are greatful for every who supports our new business!
Compost!! So gross and I am always a little terrified of what maybe in my compost bin when I open that lid but saves on garbage and it’s good for our little garden!
Drink local! We have amazing local wine and beer lol! Saves on emissions if it isn’t shipped in from a far!? Lol actually I don’t have to justify that, I just like it!!
Definitely use reuseable bags and bottles! It’s so easy…helps in BC where all of us pay for plastic bags now anyways.
Also, turning off lights! Makes a huge difference to not have lights on all over the house, in rooms where no one is using.
Kindness should be an every-day-kinda-thing. I wish the world was a kinder place. In the words of a good guy, Tim Mcgraw:
Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind
Happy Earth Day, Jilly… xo
Thank you again for an amazing blog post with great content!
This has always been one of my favourite sites to visit – I always learn so much and am introduced to some of the greatest products!
Thank you for your endless positivity – it makes my day!
I hope you have a wonderful, laughterful filled weekend with your family!
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. I really hope anyone who wants to post a negative comment, just meditates on that for a moment.
It’s easy to become so very brave sitting behind your phone, tablet, or computer and say such harsh words to a person who you have never met before (brave maybe isn’t the best word, cyber bullying would be more politically correct). You are probably a person who would wear a pink shirt for anti-bullying day or talk to your children about being kind, when here you are judging someone on every aspect of their life and vocalising your words. Do you not view Jillian as a person? Do you think that because she is successful in a career and is happy in the life that she has built, that this has somehow made her inhuman? I believe the whole point to being human, is being yourself. I have never felt that Jillian has been anything but herself even in moments when it embarrasses her. Does it really bother you so much that she gets paid to sponsor products that she likes? If you are so worried about sponsored posts, then how about you just don’t buy the product? That way you are not contributing anything. Or even better, if you don’t like sponsored blogs, go follow blogs that aren’t (you might have a hard time finding one worth reading though).
Do not pick on a person for being human and making mistakes because I guarantee you, you have made plenty of your own.
Do not pick on someone for being a mother who has voiced issues accepting the new mom bod. AND then when she finally has accepted it and is working it, you judge her now for feeling good in the mom bod. Jeeze people.
Do not pick on someone who talks to their child in a loving manner because you, yourself, cannot imagine that she can talk to her child that way (very concerned for when you have a child). Have you not seen Leo??? How could you not talk to him that way. And side note – Nacho was around for quite a while before Leo and she also talked to Nacho like that…
Do not pick on anyone ever! and in those moments where we again find ourselves being imperfect and do make the mistake of judging someone, correct your train of thought and move along.
Be kind to yourself, be kind to others.
Couldn’t agree more with these recommendations! Also, I just have to say (in a sense it sounds nuts proclaiming this without even knowing you, but here goes nothing!) I genuinely believe you are a down-to-earth, tremendously caring, insanely talented, hard working person, who also cares about things that matter in this world and is making a huge difference! Plus, you’re a fellow Canadian! Does it get any better than that? I think not! I don’t have much interest in celebs but make an exception for you, because you are so relatable and real! You are a ray of sunshine, so say thank you, for being you. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed what you’ve shared with the world and finally thought I should say it! ? Sending you lots of love and hugs for a far. Happy Earth Day tomorrow and always!
Great post!
Walk, cycle, Run! to work if possible. Consider public transit too!
Leave that car in the driveway for one day. Summer is here get out and enjoy it!
#gogreen
Happy Earth Day tomorrow! These are some great tips to celebrate & some are so simple! Such a fan of your’s Jillian. Great post! xox
Hi Jillian and team,
I just wanted to email and tell you that I think you are all fabulous!
Jillian, it takes a lot of courage to share your life so publicly with your fans which must be stressful and scary at times.
As a new mom myself, I can’t imagine working as hard as you do along with keeping a tiny little human alive and happy.
I love your IG posts and your blogs. Although I don’t know you personally, I think you are a genuine great person. You give back to those less fortunate, you’re funny and you’re REAL. You’re doing a great job! Thank you for being an inspiration!
All the best,
Kate
Kitchener, Ontario
Love the ideas, good reminder!
Awesome as always
Such great advice and ideas! Especially the “be nice” ❤️ Keep inspiring girl!
Jillian .. youre the kindest, funniest most down to earth girl. You are such a strong women. DO not let insecure jealous ladies get you down. I get it must be so hard to read negative comments about yourself but you know there not true. You have way more fans then haters . Keep that beautiful smile and have the most amazing weekend with your perfect family! Youre truly my idol. I just bought a house and designed it. ( I feel you would approve) love you
Just watched your insta-story Jillian. I haven’t read the nasty comments you were referring to, but I’m so sorry that some people take time from life to be so nasty. Spreading hate, what is the point? No matter how privileged someone is in life, or how privileged they are perceived to be, does not give anyone the right to be mean. Don’t we have bigger fish to fry?? I think you are hilarious and smart and have awesome style, so I will continue to read your blog and follow your Instagram. Nobody’s perfect & celebrity or no, we all make mistakes- I think that’s what makes life interesting!
Keep doing what you’re doing! You have a lot of positive female fans out here!! ❤️
Jillian,
You are a strong, confident, courageous and reaourceful woman.
I don’t know you personally, but I do read your blog, watch your show and follow along on your adventures on social media. I think it is a really cool thing that you’ve opened up your door for fans like me to tag along.
But I know that comes with a lot of reprucussions and for that I am so sorry. I know those kinds of words hurt. I know those kinds of words can even stay with you for a long time.
I know my words are just a small thing, but I hope they will help you know how adored and respected you are!
You are a powerhouse. A girl boss. A wonderful mother. A beautiful designer. And a really fun person to watch on tv and social media alike!
And trust me. I didn’t post this because I felt pity for you. I posted this because I have so much respect for you.
Keep smiling,
?Jessy
Hi Jillian,
I saw you so upset by the hurtful comments that others made on your site today and I just wanted to reach out to share how much your posts and instastories have helped, cheered me up and brought something lovely to my life over the past few months. I am a mom of 3 and I have just wrapped chemotherapy for breast cancer. I have been very focused on keeping up my spirits up for my family during these past few months but in the moments when it’s all a little too much, your energy and little family on instagram have given me much needed boosts and giggles. You are delightful and a joy. so thank you, don’t change one iota and I hope you choose to keep sharing your beautiful life. Bless you and your family. Thank you! Liz
I love your insta-stories and today’s made me so sad. Don’t let the jerks get into your head. They are miserable and depressed – you are a ray of sunshine!! Keep your chin up xoxox
I saw your Instagram video and I am so sorry that people are being rude, unkind and hateful! Its always better to have a soft heart than to develop a thick skin, kindness is what changes the world for the better! May you be reminded of the love that surrounds you and millions of kind things that people have said about you and continue to say! Enjoy your sweet little boy and his love for you matter most!
Hi Jillian, if you have a few minutes you should read this post from another blogger that I follow who’s gone through some similar issues as you have in the last few days. It’s a good read and you will relate. http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2017/04/raising-wild-fire
?fungulaaaaa what people think! Ur an awesome human being and so much fun to watch!! Never let anyone dull ur sparkle as the saying goes!!! ✨sparkle on sistah!!! Screw those trolls!!!!!! ?hugs!!
I have learned so much from you about eating! I am a huge lover of this planet and try to consume as little animal product as I can. Though, sometimes a girl just needs cheese:) thank you for all you do to make earth a better place! Happy Earth Day!!!
Awwww you are SO SWEET Molly!!! XOXO
This is a great post! Spread the word ❤️
What are some of my favourite things? I’m so glad you asked. Number one would be living close to my work, so that I don’t have to commute very far. I drive a small hybrid car, so it doesn’t have a high emissions profile, but still, every little bit counts. I always think it’s nuts to see people sitting in traffic in big gas-guzzling SVUs or jeeps. I’ve heard some people even commute back and forth between different cities – that’s crazy!! LOL!
Number 2, I try to keep my carbon footprint minimal more broadly. I think hard before booking plane travel, and always purchase carbon offsets. LOL!!!
Number 3, I really keep my consumption to a minimum. I try not to buy a lot of “stuff”, and don’t worry about whether I have the newest gadget or pair of shoes, or shopping all the sales to make sure I have the best deals. LOL!!!
Number 4, I make sure to speak up when people are acting irresponsibly or recklessly towards the earth. I think constrictive criticism – being able to give it and take it – is what makes for a productive, healthy, intelligent society. One of the greatest challenges women face is being made invisible, or told to keep quiet, so I ALWAYS make sure to speak up, even if what I have to say isn’t possible. The earth is a woman after all, right? LOL!!!
Love this list! And please keep up with the blog, I’m a nursing mother of a 5 month old so I read your blog every night during those 2 am feedings! Haha love everything you do, keep being awesome Jilly!!
Jill, thank you for being such a beautiful and brave human being! Thank you for making it your mission to inspire and help everyone around you. I really admire you and respect you for it.
“Let the dogs bark.. It’s a sign that we are on track.” -Man of La Mancha
I have been more conscious of how much waste I produce. I tried to take a look at a few of the things I was using the most of and discover ways to avoid creating trash from it. My number 1 thing was alternative milk (almond, coconut, etc). I have started making my own! I’ve done almond and hemp and it’s so fun and so easy!
Another way is to buy in bulk, and bring your own bags (I have Small muslin bags of varying sizes). I try to buy everything I could buy in packaging, in bulk, if able. That includes so many things! Nuts, grains, beans, seeds, etc!!
I also use similar small muslin or other reusable small bags for all my produce instead of wasting the plastic bag!!
Earth day should be EVERYDAY!
All great advice Jillian. ESPECIALLY number 13. Pick yourself up sweetie, dust yourself off, and work your butt off. It’s what you do, it’s what you love. And I for one love watching your wee family grow and appreciate that you share so much with us. Haters gonna hate babe…let it roll. They are not worth your time and no one needs that negativity in their life or world.
Looking forward to Leo, Justin and new home updates soon. ??❤️??
Love this post. Happy Earth Day !
Dear Jillian
I was very sad to see you upset a few days ago. I’m going to share what my brother told me once.
“The more you love yourself, the less you are like anyone else, and that my dear makes you unique ”
I think you are an amazing woman please don’t let ignorant people upset you xoxox from Maryland.
Great reminders and ideas!
Great list!! It’s true when I see someone with a plastic water bottle I think, really?!? I love my Swell ❤️