One thing that really helps me de-stress and focus is to set a mood. My mother used to say that when your house isn’t in order, your mind isn’t in order. Damn it. Don’t you hate it when they’re right? So I find a “clean” quiet area to just concentrate on me and what I would like to accomplish. This place is most often the bathtub. If I am going to sit down for an extended bath session, I want to really enjoy it. I’m not into bubbles so much but I love oils. Naturopathica’s Lemongrass and Ginger Bath & Body Oil can always get me to where I need to be. It’s so silkyfying and smells sort of musky, I love it. With Grapeseed, Sunflower and Hazelnut oils, I usually don’t even need lotion after one of these sessions. Some people meditate or do yoga to center themselves. I indulge in bath products. I say whatever does it for you, find the time to make it a priority.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Origins Organics has a contest going where they want people to tell them how “green” they are. You can enter by submitting a photo, video or blog. Um…really? I’m sorry I just can’t get down with that. So the point of the contest is to nominate yourself for being totally awesome? I’m so wickedly Eco-conscious you should all look upon me and feel shamed for your lack of commitment to bettering our world. It’s a little, well narcissistic don’t you think? It reminds me of that episode of South Park where they all buy hybrid cars and move to San Francisco. I mean what would I take a picture of that would embody how committed I am? Me wiping my butt using only one square? That’s commitment. If you are sufficiently impressive and simultaneously humble you win a four day stay at an “Eco-friendly” hotel in Wyoming, a bunch of Origins Organics and various other “green” products. Wow, that’s…wow.

Okay I’m being really snarky I know but come on. Does anyone else find this to be really silly? If you are committed to preserving our planet, which we all should be, you shouldn’t need to shout to the world about it. Not about how cool you are anyway. Shout about ways we can all be Eco-fabulous. And what an obnoxious way to say it anyway. Eco-fabulous, bling and bootylicious should be wiped from the lexicon. I’m changing the name of the contest to, Are You a Human? If So, Be a Participant Instead of a Bystander. Yes the other title flows better. By the way the Origins Organics line is fantastic. I just love Origins in general and have been a fan since high school. So this is not a commentary on the products, just on this contest. It sort of reeks with an air of self-righteousness and I think that was probably the opposite of the goal of this contest. Bottom line: I won’t be entering this contest but I will be riveted to see who does and their submissions. Instead why don’t we all try one of Origin’s products, share it with a friend and then recycle the packaging. Turn off some lights, use a dish towel instead of a paper towel and walk instead of drive somewhere. All of the above is just my personal opinion and if you disagree I won’t be offended. I will however think you are dumb and just can’t recognize my fabulousity.

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55 Secret Street shares her Secret Weapon: Kiss My Face Cold & Flu Bath & Showergel

Beauty 411 offers a bright spot for your nails with Solar Oil by Creative Nail Design.

Makeup Loves Me tells us about Lavera Organics Cosmetics Coming to the US.

Have a great weekend and happy reading!

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Alba products are pretty widely available these days. That’s reason enough for me to be leery but I tried their Very Emollient Body Lotion anyway the other day and they don’t lie. It is seriously emollient but what got me was that it was light at the same time. Like, how did they do that? It sticks to my skin and leaves it sheeny but not greasy. It made my feet so soft. The original scent is mild and pleasant but is so subtle it won’t compete with your fragrance. I’m infatuated with this stinking lotion. To steal my husband’s newest saying for something that just is what it is, “snakes on a plane”. Basic, reliable, good for what ails ya lotion.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Today on TreeHugger there is an excerpt from a New York Times article about Burt’s Bees and it’s founder. Apparently Burt’s Bees was sold to Clorox in November but was actually sold originally years ago. Very interesting article, you should check it out. Personally I have been off of the Burt’s Bees bandwagon for a while. They have great marketing and are readily available almost everywhere but really most of their products are not natural and the ingredients list is purposely vague sometimes. Like, I want to know what kind of fragrance is used. The merger with Clorox makes their Bill for Setting The Natural Standard sort or disingenuous. After I checked out their baby wash on Cosmetic Database, I was floored at how high of a hazard rating it has along with most of their other products. I became rather disillusioned but I don’t want to rain on anyone else’s parade. They have quite the following so my opinion is just a drop in the bucket. Decide for yourself.

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Sara Snow from the Discovery Network’s Get Fresh gives the readers a peek at some of her favorite natural and organic products from Space NK Apothecary in New York City. I’ve never heard of the body oil they feature from Aromatherapy Associates but it looks so ridiculously soothing, it’s on my must-try list now. So check out the issue and the store if you are in the SoHo area.

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Dos

• Always read the ingredient list. You can’t go based solely on what the product says it has in it. Be sure that you know what you are buying.
• Natural beauty is better than anything you can get out of a tube. Buy makeup that will make you look like a better version of you; not someone else entirely.
• Ask yourself if you really need to buy this product or if you could make something better, greener and cheaper at home.

Dont’s

• Don’t buy into the hype. Everyone and their mama is jumping on the Eco-chic train using buzz words like”natural” and “organic”. Find out what that really means and what the company is really about.
• Don’t walk around feeling morally superior because of your lifestyle choices and act all self-righteous(although I have been guilty of that myself too many times). As my friend once said, “be the sweet fragrance that draws people to you”. You don’t have to beat anyone over the head with it. Let them poison themselves if they want. See, I’m a don’t.
• Don’t confine yourself to only established big name stores. While they are great, there are so many great finds in smaller local shops and apothecaries.

These are just some of the guidelines that I try to follow. Especially when I get caught up in the need to have more stuff. I find if I really think about it I can narrow down the list. Feel free to add your own or discard them all. Don’t worry, I won’t take pictures of you walking down the street with a black bar across your eyes and with toilet paper hanging out of your pants.

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There a a few others like, use fewer paper towels and keep to my cleaning schedule *snort*. Whatever. Back to something that really matters, my ass. So I think I am going to incorporate a daily walk/run into my routine to help the jiggle. During the frigid winter here I will need to protect my face with something. We usually smear some Baby Balm by Balm Balm on the bug’s cheeks before going out, so today I used it too. We went sledding (okay actually us running like idiots through the snow dragging the baby) so it was a necessity. It’s really the perfect substitute for any situation when you might need Vaseline. It’s petroleum- free and certified organic so while it will create a barrier to lock in moisture, it won’t be too greasy. Of course, I could always bundle up like the kid brother in A Christmas Story but then how would I even be able to run. Oh the joys of winter. Happy New Year from the bug!

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Post from: Pretty by Nature