These earrings from Mandy Willard’s Etsy shop  are a good example. They are currently 20% off and shipping, world-wide, is free.

Cute little black glass pearls and brass bead caps combine with brass kidney earwires to make the lovely pair of earrings. Will go great with anything! Vintage brass kidney earwires, brass filigree bead caps, and black Swarovski glass pearls.

I love these Laurel Wreath earrings….

Pewter filligree laurel wreaths strung on silver ear wires. They remind me of fans. These handmade earrings measure 2 1/8 inches.

How about this Scarab bracelet…..

Dark and mysterious, this bracelet draws inspiration from the times of Egypt’s Pharaohs. It consists of a Vintage brass scarab, copper chain, and wire-wrapped rounds of sparkly green stone. It closes with a brass hook and eye clasp.

Image credit: Mandy Willard at Etsy

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If you do use traditonal bleaching or whitening toothpastes, then don’t use them every day – alternate with a regular toothpaste. If you use a bleaching kit, be aware that the ADA has not approved these products and their use may lead to an erosion of your enamel.

The Natural Dentist  products use ingredients that help to whiten your teeth and protect your teeth with non-harmful natural ingredients. Instead of peroxide, they use silica, glycerin, bamboo, and citric acid. They have research to back up their products, you can access it here.

The Natural Dentist people sent be two products to try for review; the Pre-Brush Whitening Antigingivitis Rinse and the Healthy Teeth & Gums Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste. I have been using them for a week. I think my teeth are a little whiter, but more importantly, to me anyway, they feel clean and fresh. The Peppermint Twist flavor toothpaste tastes great – reminds me of the Big Red gum that I chewed as a teenager.

Here are a few details about each product:

Pre-Brush Whitening Antigingivitis Rinse

*Natural silica from Bamboo Powder for whitening and stain removal
*Peppermint and Sage Oils to help prevent and reduce plaque and gingivitis (the earliest form of gum disease)
*Helps to prevent bleeding gums, a common sign of gingivitis
*Cleansing ingredients: Grapefruit Seed Extract, Menthol, Xylitol
*Soothing ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel, Vegetable Glycerin
*No alcohol, artificial ingredients, bleach or peroxide

Healthy Teeth & Gums Whitening Anticavity Toothpaste

*Gently removes stains with customized polishing silica 
*Strengthens teeth & prevents cavities
*Protects against acid erosion
*Freshens breath
*No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or artificial Ingredients
 

You can find The Natural Dentist products at CVS, Drugstore.com, or the Vitamin Shoppe. Click here to download a $1 off coupon, good for any of The Natural Dentist products.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

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The Organic Pharmacy sent me three of their Organic Glam makeup products to try for review; foundation, blusher, and lipstick.

*Luminous Antioxidant Foundation in Shade 01 – This is hands down the best foundation that I have ever used. It comes in a tube and I’m able to do my entire face with about a pea-sized drop. The foundation feels very light on my skin. I have used powder foundations for the past few years, because I dislike that mask-like feel that you usually get from liquid or cream foundations. There’s no mask-feel here. It’s sheer, my freckles were muted, but still show through. I asked my daughters what they thought and they said, “It looks like your skin only better.” What more could a person ask of their foundation?  I’m hooked. The foundation can be layered for more coverage, if that’s what you are looking for.

*Blusher in Pink- This is a powder blusher in a bubblegum pink shade. At first glance, you might think that it’s too pink. No, just right – especially if you regularly use a bronzer.  (Bronzer alone can look muddy, brighten it with a blusher).  Use a light dusting on the apples of your cheeks and it wakes up your entire face, looks like you spent the afternoon in the garden. A bright pink will flatter many different skin tones.

*Lipstick in Red -  This is a classic red, perfect for a night on the town. I am a gloss girl, rather than a lipstick girl, so I layer the lipstick over lip balm for a lighter look. It’s smooth, creamy, very nice.

You can find all of these products online, but if you get a chance to visit the Beverly Hills shop, be sure to schedule one of their many spa treatments.

Image credit: The Organic Pharmacy

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Sephora is selling the Get Started kits at a 20% discount this week. The kits normally run for $60, which is a great price for all that it includes, but $48 is even better. To get the discounted price, enter the promo code GETSTARTED at checkout. Offer also good in Sephora stores.

Each starter kit includes 2 shades of foundation, a Mineral Veil, an All Over Face Color, a Prime Time Foundation Primer (Sephora exclusive), 3 makeup brushes, and an instructional video. All products are made without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates. The foundations carry a 15 SPF.

Here are a couple of tips:

*They say it’s so “pure you can sleep in it,” but don’t. I think it’s easiest to remove with a lotion or creamy cleanser and a washcloth.

*Easy application: Shake closed container, open lid, dip foundation brush in the lid to pick up  a small amount of foundation, tip brush upside down, then tap handle end against the counter (moves foundation down into bristles), apply to the face in a swirling, circular motion.

Image credit: Sephora.com

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Here’s my idea for a first date outfit that would be perfect for coffee, lunch, or a casual dinner.

Straight Leg Jeans
Good Society – $109

I love these straight leg jeans in gray. They are made with organic cotton and just a touch of lycra. They are handmade, fairly traded and a portion of the profits made from their sale goes to charity. That just might make them good-karma first date denims.

Disco Top
SUST – $76

This slate-colored, short-sleeved tunic is a cute and comfy choice. You can wear it on or off the shoulders. It’s also available in a cherry red (men love red) or a soft buttery yellow. I picked the slate, because I’m going for subtle and classic.

Summer Scarf
SUST – $24

This scarf would give me something to do with my hands, which could be a lifesaver when dealing with first date jitters. When sitting down, I could hold onto the ends and stop myself from gesturing madly, which is what I’m prone to do when nervous. The scarf is made from a soft, organic, supima cotton.

Image credit: Envi

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Keeping your lips smooth is easy.  The trick it to use a two-step lip care program. First, exfoliate. Second, moisturize and protect.

I usually use a moistened washcloth or toothbrush (no toothpaste, just use water) and I massage the rough skin off gently.  I follow with a lip balm that contains a mixture of almond oil (to smooth) and wax (to protect). 

Sometimes, unfortunately, that is not enough. If you’ve reached that point, then try something like the Fern Lily Girls Pear Kiwi Pod Exfoliating Lip Scrub. It’s made with healthy vegan ingredients like Candelilla Wax, Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Sugar (for exfoliating), Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Mowrah Butter, Flavor Oil, and Organic Kiwi Seeds (for exfoliating).

The lip scrub is easy to use. Apply a small dab, gently work across lip surface, then rinse. Follow with Fern Girl Lip Conditioner.

The lip conditioners are available in a variety of scents/flavors. If you have a hard time narrowing down a favorite, you can chose 3 to try here. They are made with a combination of moisturizing, protective, vegan ingredients and pure essential oils.

Image credit: Fern Lily Girls at Etsy

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The products contain ingredients that help protect against premature aging. Polyphenols like those in the grape seed are powerful antioxidants that shield the skin from environmental eliminates – the sun, pollution, harsh weather. Perfect for protecting skin during the Winter.

My Caudalie Must Have Set
$68  ($121 value)

*1.6 oz Grape Water
*1.0 oz Beauty Elixir
*1.6 oz Instant Foaming Cleanser
*0.5 oz 1st Wrinkle Eye Cream
*0.33 oz Night Infusion Cream
*0.14 oz Lip Conditioner

All the products are made without any animal ingredients (vegan products), mineral oil, sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, or phenoxyethanol.The Beauty Elixir and Grape Water are made without synthetic fragrances. The Beauty Elixir and Grape Water are made without Petro-Chemicals.

This kit ships free and users who tried it have rated it as worth 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Image credit: Sephora.com

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I was reading a column the other day where the author frowned on any use of faux fur. She felt that looking like you were wearing animal fur of any sort – even fake – was unsettling. I will admit that I am not a fan of certain types of faux fur.  I can’t explain exactly why, but wearing anything that is supposed to look like pony fur, for example, feels wrong to me personally. (Ponies? What’s next?  Faux puppy skin? Ick.).

Vegan, but not necessarily eco-friendly, faux fur is traditionally made from materials like acryllic or polyester.  At this point, I’d say the greenest way to go faux is to shop vintage. I’ll keep my eye out for more options to share in the future.  (If you know of eco-friendly faux fur choices, please share them with me!!) 

Here are a few cute vintage items that will add a warm, welcome boost to any cold weather blahs you may be experiencing.

60s Fabulous Faux Fur Coat
Found at Green Violet Vintage, Etsy
$80

Made of Lynx-look faux fur, this coat is lined with gold brocade and features a fancy, full-cut collar. It’s made by Russel Taylor and available in small, medium, and large. It’s noted as being in excellent condition.

Vintage Emanuel Ungaro Leopard Print Mini
Found at Stelma Designs
$40

Gorgeous couture mini in excellent vintage condition. What a fun piece to add to your wardrobe at only $40. Wow. It’s a size 8/42 petite.  Great choice to build a New Year’s Eve outfit around.

Take a look at Etsy and see what else you can find. I used “Faux Fur“, then “Vintage” as the keywords for my search.

Image credits: Green Violet Vintage and Stelma Designs at Etsy

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This year nails are worn a little longer and in a “squoval” shape. What is a “squoval”? It’s a square-ish nail with a rounded tip. It’s a more natural shape, it sort of mimics the tip of the finger. Go moderate in length to be most current – not too long, not too short.

Dashing Diva’s Manhattan Collection is a line of 3-Free nail enamels. That means that the enamel is free of Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

A new favorite of mine is the slate-colored, matte Astor Place. It’s a smooth gray color that looks great on short as well as long nails. Other colors of note include the matte green Grand Central Station, deepest crimson-colored Dark PR, another matte in a purple called City That Never Sleeps, or gold-flecked Golden Opportunity.

You can find Dashing Diva nail enamel online or at your local Dashing Diva nail salon.

Image credit: Dashing Diva

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Dahlia Boucle Ballet Flat
$24.99

Available in a purple wool-blend boucle. The upper is made of faux suede and the inside is soft jersey, with a recycled rubber bottom. There is also a matching handbag available.

Zoe&Zac Snapdragon Ballet Flat
$24.99

For those dreary days that leave you dreaming of Spring days….The Snapdragon Ballet Flat is lined with Organic cotton and has a recycled rubber bottom. Available in pink only.

Zac&Zoe Daisy Frayed Skimmer
$19.99

This one reminds me of a comfy flannel shirt, but it’s for your feet. Made with organic, recycled, and nickel-free materials.

Don’t forget Payless Shoe Sources’s popular BOGO sale. Buy one pair now and get the second pair for half price.

Image credit: Payless Shoe Source

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