Have you seen those ads for Acai Berry juice? Something along the lines of “Lose weight like Rachel Ray (Oprah/Kelly Clarkson/insert non-twig-like female celeb here) with acai!!” I see them every time I sign onto MySpace and yeah, I scoffed at first, but there is a lot of truth to the Acai claims.

Acai berries are what is known as a Super-Fruit. Super-Fruits are those that are high in vitamins, anti-oxidants, and fiber. They are an almost medicinal fruit. I’ve tried a fair share of Acai products for review including bars, drinks, and a supplement. I’ve found the taste to be …read more

If you’re healthy on the inside, that absolutely translates to how you look on the outside. We’ve talked this topic to death here I know. I am in no way an “organic” junkie when it comes to food. If I can get it local that’s great. If we can get it local and organic, that’s even better. If I can only get local I’m okay with that. Heck I’m even okay with a diet that’s at least 60% fresh, local produce. I’d rather my son eat an apple, even if it’s not organic, than a box of goldfish crackers. Planet …read more

 
Since today is Father’s Day I thought I would talk about a “natural” products geared towards men. It must smell like grass or beer or something. The hubs has beautiful hair that he refuses to put product in, so I have to be careful to not offend his senses when trying out a new shampoo on him. Ole Henriksen’s Natural Hair Wash with Sea Kelp seems to fit the bill. He doesn’t use conditioner because OMG that would take a whole extra two minutes don’t you know, so he needs a shampoo that doesn’t strip the hair too much. This is paraben …read more

I just came across Anita Grant’s hair and skin care lines and I am actually salivating. After having a bad experience with conventional products she decided that she could make her own products using natural ingredients. Here goal was to demystify the process and ingredients so that the consumer can be empowered to do it themselves. While I am definitely going to try some of her products, she provides information on how you can create the same products and others yourself at home.
On my list of must sample goodies is her Organic Kelp and Ylang Babassu Shampoo Bar and the …read more

I saw these great little towelettes from Herban Essentials in a magazine recently and I thought they were such a great idea. Basically they’re just wet wipes made with natural ingredients. We will be travelling next month to Florida and I think I may pick these up to bring along since we won’t really be able to do laundry or anything. The lemon looks like a winner to me.
Typically when I am home I carry around my own version of these, which I make myself. In all fairness they are usually for baby butt wiping but they make a great refresher for …read more

 
J.R. Watkins has just expanded their product line to include natural home care. I haven’t tried many of their personal care products but I will be trying them out in the near future. What I like about them is that they are pretty much available everywhere; even the big box stores. Their personal care products are free of parabens, sulphates, petro-chemicals etc. The packaging while beautiful and old-world looking, I wish was made more responsibly. Maybe glass would be better.
Now their natural home cleaning line includes all the same beautiful design aesthetic and commitment to natural ingredients. You can check out the complete …read more

Since we just moved, I find this to be a nice opportunity to change a few things up. I also have the attention span of a gnat so I will change something around inevitably so now is as good a time as any. I have to apply lotion after every single hand wash. I just can’t stand it if I don’t. I always appreciate it when I go to someone’s home and they have a little thing of lotion next to the hand soap. It makes me so happy. Nope doesn’t take much. So I want to replace our current …read more

I have another great gift opportunity for Pretty By Nature readers! So to continue with our theme this month I have arranged with the amazing team at Clean George to provide you with a special deal. Buy two of their sanitizer sprays and get one free. I told you guys about the great sanitizers and hand wash from CleanWell already so we’ve gone through how helpful those sanitizer things are when you’re out and about. Heck I use it in the house quite a bit as well. I have to go through two doors and a baby gate to get …read more

 
I’m back with our Wednesday question and answer session after a brief hiatus. Basically, no questions equals no answers so keep them coming. Anyway this week’s question is about sunscreen. Having grown up in Southern California I am used to using sunscreen pretty much year round. In the “winter” it would usually be a lighter SPF 15/lotion combo and in the Spring and Summer somewhere around 30 or higher. If it was particularly blazing I would have to go for a broad spectrum 45 and cover my arms in a light layer, wear a hat and use an umbrella. Love the warm weather but I …read more

To continue with our topic from yesterday, which was basically that I spent the weekend teetering on the verge of alcoholism. I have sworn off alcohol for the moment. However, I did read something today that changes my perspective. Four things you can do to ensure a healthier, and hopefully longer life: Don’t smoke, eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables, exercise on a regular basis and drink red wine in moderation. Emphasis on the moderation part. Noel, are you listening? So when I take a nip again I think I am going to try some of the wonderful Organic …read more