Pretty by Nature » Green

Eco-Panda’s Sexy “Green” Swimwear

Michelle Smith — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:33:30 +0000

Here’s something brand-spanking new… Eco-Panda’s recycled nylon swimwear. It’s the first swimwear of it’s sort to be fashioned from material made of discarded nylon fishing nets. How cool is that? And it’s cute, too.

There are quite a few styles availables. There’s a one-piece that is really more like a two-piece with a tummy cover. There’s a tankini with lots of coverage for sporty beach girls. There are a few tops – the triangle-string type, a halter, a bandeau, and the type with a banded bottom. The bottoms are basic, string, banded, and a boy short. Lots of options. The suits are sized XS-XL.

Here are a few of my favorites….

Marrakech – Slide Halter & String Pant in Lime
$76

Cute suit with a bohemian print. The ties are adjustable and the bra has removable pads for better fit.

Mandalay – Halter bra with side-tie bottom
$76

Bold black and white print set off with pops of coral.

Tokyo – Halter Monokini in Aqua
$68

Deep keyhold neckline, with hip-ties.

Image credit: Eco-Panda.com

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Macy’s Is Going Green

Michelle Smith — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:28:23 +0000

Macy’s is doing their part to help the environment by holding a special savings event that will benefit both local organizations as well at the National Park Foundation. Tomorrow, April 25th, you can save 20% on store purchases or 10% on online purchases.

Here are few ways that Macy’s is working toward becoming a greener company:

*They’ve changed to a packing material that is 100% biodegradable. It’s made of corn and potato starch and it dissolves in water. Or you can add it to compost. You can even throw it away, because no matter where you put it, this stuff is going to dissolve.

*Macy’s is changing to a shopping bag that is made of 30% recycled materials. You can reuse the bag, so it’s 100% recyclable.

*Macy’s is looking to reduce their total energy use by 10-15% by 2010. In the past 5 years, they have already reduced by 9%.

*They are reducing paper consumption by 20% and are increasing the percentage of recycled paper they use. For more information, you can check the Macy’s website.

Image credit: Macy’s.com

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I Want A “Green” Sunscreen – KINeSYS

Michelle Smith — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:27:04 +0000

I plan to run a marathon in October, the Bizz Johnson. That means a lot of hours logged both on my treadmill and on the trail. I prefer trail running infinitely more, both because it’s more fun and because the scenery is better. The downside, too much sun. I use sunblock every day, whether running the trail or running errands, but so many of them are unpleasant or have that uncomfortable chemical-burn feeling.

KINeSYS is a green company and their products are cruelty-free, the bottle is free of Bisphenol-A which means it can be recycled, and all of the company’s electricity is offset by wind-generated power. KINeSYS has been voted #1 in a field of over 1000 sunscreen sprays, by the Environmental Working Group.

KINeSYS sunscreen sprays are perfect for exercise because they are both sweat and water-resistant. They won’t clog pores, they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. They contain no alcohol, oil, PABA (yay! no chemical burn), and no preservatives. They protect with a photo-stable Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with Parsol® 1789.

KINeSYS just launched a new product for girls. It’s SPF 30, has a light feel, dries quickly, and carries a lovely fragrance combination of vanilla and green tea. You can find KINeSYS SPF30 Girl Sunscreen or any of the other KINeSYS sun care products here.

Image credit: KINeSYS.com

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EcoZuzu Eco-Friendly Apparel

Michelle Smith — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:09:51 +0000

Part of what makes a “green” product green comes from cutting down on the energy used in production. EcoZuzu is a company that understands that eco-friendly philosophy. Think globally, shop, or in this case create, locally, as the saying goes. EcoZuzu apparel for men and women, features illustrations and graphics created by local artists, printed by local printers .

Everything is handcrafted, no sweatshops. They feature apparel and accessories made out of 100% certified organic cotton as well as materials produced from recycled products. All graphics are printed with low impact dyes.

Biplane Eco T-shirt

Made using recycled fabric and a mixture of organic cotton, conventional cotton, recycled poly-fiber (recycled plastics from sources such as disposable water bottles). This tee is available in eco-brown, blue, and oatmeal. It retails for $46.99.

Here’s a shot of Adrian Grenier wearing the Biplane tee. Adrian Grenier, of HBO’s Entourage, is vocal about his efforts to live a green lifestyle. (So darn cute, that boy is).

Is your guy a fan of beanies? The Eco Love Beanie is made of 100% Organic Cotton. Made in the USA, this unisex is one size fits all, and it features the Tibetan script symbol for “love.” It retails for $49.99. A percentage of every Eco Love Beanie sold will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation.

Product image credit: EcoZuzu.com

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Lovely Heart Charm Pendant – Perfect For Valentine’s Day

Michelle Smith — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:20:08 +0000

Still searching for something special to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day?

I have a suggestion. How about this lovely lacy heart charm that hangs on a black cord? It is jewelry that is also a modern piece of sculpture. Available in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold. It retails for $275.00 and it’s available at Green Karat.com. Green Karat is a company that strives to change the traditional practices of mining. They use recycled materials to create something beautiful and new.

Lacy Heart
Product ID: AKP001
Category: Responsible Indulgences
Green Assay

Description: Hearts and Doves Pendant

The exquisite detail of Lacy Heart includes multiple hearts and two doves leaning in for a kiss.This whimsical suggestion of love makes a perfect gift for a loved one who cares about the environment.

Designed by April Karavani, this pendant is hand cast in solid 18k recycled gold.

Image credit: Green Karat.com

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Plant Love Green Goddess Collection

Noel Boehm — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:16:30 +0000

Another great place for Holiday Gift ideas is Sephora. Of course Sephora. They have tons of gift options and limited collections from your favorite brands. I personally love samplers because you get to try out lots of products without the commitment of a full size and it saves packaging. Cargo’s Plant Love Collections are always a hit. I recommend the Green Goddess Collection that comes with four eye shadows and two blushes. The Plant Love Collection is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, dyes, petro- chemicals and phthalates. Did I mention the packaging is also compostable. Plus since there are so many options you will get a lot of use out of it.

Via Sephora

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100% Pure

Noel Boehm — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:45:29 +0000

I’m very excited for this year’s round of Holiday parties, mostly due to the fact that we will actually be in town to attend said parties this year. Hallelujah for no more traveling on Christmas. Thank you recession…officially. Anyway so I actually am going to be able to get dressed up and go places. The first being for my birthday next week ( you can send those presents anytime folks). So to prepare I picked up 100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Stains. I am such a fan of the multi-purpose creamy stain products. This one happens to come in an easy application form which is even better for quick jobs. I can easily swipe this on in the back of a cab or a dimly lit bathroom. I got the Shimmery Cocoa Berry and I think I will be able to wear it for daytime as well. The ingredients: Fruit Pigments of Blackberry Pomegranate, Red Wine, Raspberry and Strawberry, Cocoa Bean, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Grapeseed oil, Cocoa Butter, Honey Beewas, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol). Natural Strawberry Flavor. It also doesn’t feel cakey or like my skin is suffocating, which can sometimes be a problem with “natural” cosmetics. It’s a winner in my book so if you’re in the market, check this option out. Any other reviews? Have you tried other 100% Pure products? What’s your take?

Via 100 Percent Pure

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Baking Soda: Not Just For the Freezer

Noel Boehm — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:35:13 +0000

When I was younger my mother used to swear by using baking soda as a toothpaste. I rebelled and bought some conventional toothpaste as soon as I could and never looked back. However recently a dentist recommended my husband try it out to lighten his teeth since all of the over-the- counter stuff caused him tooth and gum pain. She said that it would not produce immediate or dramatic results but it does in fact work for lightening and plaque. She did say that we probably should not use it on a long term basis but maybe a month or two every year would be fine. The solution that is used in over-the-counter whitening products is basically the same solution that yoiur dentist would use only in much, much smaller quantities. So chances are if you it causes you pain, you’re not a candidate for professional whitening either. I already use a mixtuer of baking soda and castille soap to clean just about everything in my home so we have a lot on hand and I pretty sure almost everyone does. I’m looking for testimonials here. Please share your experiences with using baking soda to lighten your teeth. Was it successful? Was it a pain in the butt? Discuss.

Via Amazon

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Jo Wood Organics Body Dew

Noel Boehm — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:27:17 +0000

What is body dew you ask? Well I have to tell you I’m not quite sure. I think it’s somewhere between a mist and a splash of fragrance. I’ve wanted to try some of Jo Wood’s fragrances for a while but to be honest the prices are quite dear and I didn’t want to waste it if I didn’t like it. I really have to wear a scent all day in my normal atmosphere in order to be sure if I like it or not. The artificial surroundings of a store will just not cut it. So I picked this up over the Holiday weekend and…WOW. I am quite in love with the Usiku Body Dew and it’s earthy, almost old-world aroma. I don’t like fruity or flowery smelling fragrances so if you’re like me then try this one. It doesn’t hurt that it’s packaged beautifully in an etched glass bottle. It also comes in Amka, which I would reccomend more for daytime and the Usiku for an evening out (or an evening in!). This would make a great gift for someone. It would have to be someone you liked a lot and knew very well. Or like me…you can buy some and send it to me so I won’t run out.

Via Future Natural

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Home Spa Treatments

Noel Boehm — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:45:27 +0000

Check out this article over at Planet Green for more home beauty treatments. This one involves a lovely salt scrub and a warm milk bath. Sounds inviting. Throw some honey and/or essential oils in that puppy and you’re golden. Add a glass of wine to the mix and you will have reached nirvana. It’s cheap, it’s green and you’ll love it.

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