When I was a kid, my mom took us to stay in a beach house for a weekend. Out front there was this bare-looking (possibly dead??) tree that someone had decorated with colored bottles. Red, green, blue…..it was pretty colorful, a funky 70s style statement, for sure.

That tree was the first thing that came to mind when I found these recycled glass earrings from Smart Glass. I’d really like to get my mom a pair. I think she’d enjoy the reminder of that family vacation at the coast.

Rectangle Recycled Glass Earrings
Smart Glass – $60

A bit mod-looking, a bit organic-looking and a whole lot “Eco”, these light-weight earrings are chic enough for special occasions, but versatile enough for everyday. Handmade from recycled bottle glass and finished with sterling silver.

The earrings are available in Lime, Amber, Clear, Cobalt Blue, and Sage (as shown) glass. I like the rustic sort of detail around the edges, it gives them a real artisan appearance, rather than looking like something produced in an assembly line. They measure 1.5 inches by .5 inch.

Image credit: Green With Glamour

Black Friday shoppers, don’t forget to take a look at Etsy when looking for holiday bargains. Many of the shops are taking part in a Black Friday event that will last Friday-Monday.
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 …read more

Everybody wants whiter teeth, but at what cost?  Did you know that using products with peroixde in them can leave you vulnerable to carcinogens?  These carcinogens could be in your food and it’s especially important to avoid whitening or bleaching toothpastes if you are a smoker. 
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 …read more

The Organic Pharmacy is Britain’s one-stop shop for organic skin care, hair care, supplements, and makeup. Organic Pharmacy productsare now available in the US, at the Beverly Hills branch of the store. All products carried at The Organic Pharmacy are free from artificial preservatives, artificial colorant, artificial fragrances, GMOs, pertrochemicals, animal testing, or animal ingredients. The packaging and brochures are made from recycled materials. They utilize locally farmed, organic ingredients.
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 …read more

My introduction to mineral makeup came by way of bareMinerals on television. I used to watch Leslie Stodgett’s informercials or her appearances on QVC. I loved to see blotchiness and redness instantly disappear. Poof! Like magic. I ordered a Get Started Kit from Sephora and pretty soon I was enjoying  poof! redness gone! myself. 
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 …read more

I am newly single and re-entering the dating scene.  I recently received a casual dinner date invitation and I had no idea what to wear. I went through my closest, in an attempt to see what if I should pick up something new. Lets face it, first dates are stressful enough without adding a clothing emergency to the mix.
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. …read more

Fall and Winter can be tough on the lips.  Chapped lips can be painful and they look terrible.  
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 …read more

Have you tried the Caudalie line of natural products?  I was shopping at Sephora and I saw that they have a set of “must haves” in smaller sizes. It includes everything that you need to cleanse, tone, moisturize and care for your entire face, including eyelids and lips. It’s all packed into the cutest silver cosmetic bag. Great for a gift, to take when you travel, or just as a way to become familiar with the products.
The products contain ingredients that help protect against premature aging. Polyphenols like those in the grape seed are powerful antioxidants that shield the skin …read more

Where do you stand on the issue of faux fur? 
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 …read more

The latest trend for nail color Fall and Winter 2009 is a matte look in a dark tones. Current colors in vogue include rich, dark plums and purples, dark browns, wines, navy, deep greens, and grays. If you are looking for more sparkle, try a metallic-look red, gold, or silver.
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, …read more