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Natural Living Blog On this Natural Living Blog I share with you shopping suggestions, tips and product reviews along with my own personal journey making natural living a part of my life. Dead Sea Products: Shopping for the BestLoaded with healthy minerals, dead sea products may just be the answer to skin care concerns. Learn more about them and decide if they are right for you. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Dead Sea Products: Shopping for the Best" Hosia online - Natural storeI found this website while googling for natural ways to whiten my teeth, they have a blog and a link to their shopping store. They offer pure shea Permalink -- click for full blog post "Hosia online - Natural store" Reusable Shopping Bags: Tips For BuyingWhen you own reusable shopping bags you won't even have to think about paper or plastic but some reusable bags are a better choice than others. Before you buy, check out this page for few tips and suggestions. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Reusable Shopping Bags: Tips For Buying" Help Those Who Help AnimalsAs I was listening to the news the other day it occurred to me just how many times in the past months there was a story about animal rescue. The Humane Society and the ASPCA have been very busy. In this area alone I have seen two puppy mills shut down. In the largest of which over 500 dogs and puppies were rescued from some very horrendous conditions. There is also an increase in animal rescues from ordinary people who either can't afford to care for their animals or of animals who have been abandoned by people when they are forced to leave their homes. A sad situation all around. Working with an animal rescue group myself I know how heartbreaking doing work like this can be and I really admire those who get out there and do it. Animal rescue takes a special kind of person who can see the abuse and though sickened by it pushes to stop it. I never had that kind of strength but thankfully there are those who do. It is hard enough watching the small segments on the news but every time I see one more puppy mill shut down, dog fighting exposed or animals rescued from abusive situations I can't help but feel grateful for these organizations. Animal rescue is only a part of the picture. The next step is to get these animals much needed food, water and medical attention. Then the difficult task of rehabilatating an animal that may have spent it's whole life in a small cage and then on to what can sometimes be a lengthy and difficult process of finding them good homes. As you can see it is a big expensive job and the Humane Society and the ASPCA need our help. With a tight economy donations are down and need is up so as the holidays roll around consider doing some of your holiday shopping from the gifts sold by both groups. As I look at two of my dogs contentedly sleeping next to me I am going to head on over to one of their gift shops and get a head start on my holiday shopping. Won't you join me? I am a licensed cosmetologist and am a big fan of Herbatint ColorWhen I became pregnant with my now 6 year old, I became more conscious of not only what I ate, but what I was breathing in for the baby's sake. I Eco Friendly Flooring: Healthy, Green, BeautifulHealthy and green eco friendly flooring is a great choice for your flooring. I think you will be surprised to learn about all the options available. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Eco Friendly Flooring: Healthy, Green, Beautiful" Tints of Nature: Safer Hair ColorIt's been about a month now since I tried another hair color product that contains safer ingredients. After some research I decided on Tints of Nature. It is a permanent hair color so it does contain chemicals but it keeps them to a minimum and they have chosen the safest ones. I hoped there would be none of the burning and itching that happens with so many products but it looked promising and worth trying. There is no ammonia, no parabens, a low level of ppd's and no animal testing. Tints of Nature does contain some organic ingredients and they use a mild form of hydrogen peroxide. With 24 colors to choose from it was easy enough to find the color I wanted so I went ahead, ordered and tried it out. Very reasonably priced by the way. Everything you will need is included along with a small packet of shampoo and conditioner. After a successful patch test I applied the product. For the best gray coverage I left it on for the longest time which was about 40 minutes. Having had so many problems with burning and itching it was so good not to experience any and the fragrance was so much more pleasant too. Now, down to the nitty gritty. Did it cover the gray and how well did the color hold up? My hair has been previously colored with a platinum shade so I stuck with the same color. I did have some new growth to cover and plenty of gray there so I started the color on the roots first and then applied it to the rest. The color turned out very nice and my hair was soft and shiny but and this is minor there is a very slight difference in the new growth. Possibly I needed to apply it to the roots for a longer time and I will try that next time. The color has held up well with little fading. I was concerned that it might not last since it is a gentle product so I have taken good care of it with the right products and protected it from the sun. Bottom line. For a permanent hair color with safer ingredients this was great. It worked for me maybe it will work for you. Only a patch test will tell. You can find out more by clicking the link below. Better Choices NewsletterHey, just a heads up the latest edition of Better Choices the Natural Living for Women ezine will be sent tomorrow. Watch for it in your e-mail. This month it was fun to take current fall fashions and find green or vegan versions of some favorites. And the prices aren't bad either. Not receiving Better Choices? It's easy just fill out the subscription form on the right. Have a great day. body art hennaI am 46 years old and have used traditional color for years because I have been grey since I was 14 years old. As time went on I had several bad Permalink -- click for full blog post "body art henna" All Natural Health & Beauty CenterAll Natural Health & Beauty Center (www.naturalfarmacy.net) is a one stop location for natural health & beauty products and services. They offer the Permalink -- click for full blog post "All Natural Health & Beauty Center" Thanks for your reviews about ACT Natural hair colour!I have been using Logona Colour Cream (Tizian) on my hair for the past 3 years after deciding I had had enough of dousing my head in toxic chemicals. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Thanks for your reviews about ACT Natural hair colour!" made from earth: This Careful Shoppers Idea of Great Natural ProductsWhen I first visit a site that offers natural skin and beauty products I have a list things that I hope to find. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes I have to wade through pages trying to find out some very basic information that I think should be easily available. If you are shopping for safe, natural skin care products and I mean natural as in from nature not the watered down version thrown on products to make them look good you should be able to find: 1. Pure, natural and certified organic ingredients. 2. No nasty or questionable ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrance or phthalates. 3. Complete easy to find list of all ingredients used for each product. 4. Clear explanations of the product along with usage instructions. 5. Affiliations with Safe Cosmetics, a cruelty free organization and the USDA logo for certified organic ingredients. These next two are really more personal preferences but I find them to be a real plus when shopping. 6. Decent size trial sizes so I don't waste money on an expensive product that does not work for me. Samples are nice but I have a hard time trying to judge a product with such a small amount. 7. I like a site that provides extra info like skin care tips. So I'm always happy when I can find a company that meets these requirements to pass along to you. When I checked out made from earth it was easy to see that they are doing some good stuff. Natural ingredients used are those that have been found to provide the greatest benefits. You will find Olive Night Cream, Rosehip and Hibiscus Serum and Green Tea Cleanser along with many other products for the skin and hair. There is something for every skin type and special need like aging skin care. I am pleased to be able to offer my readers "5% off + a FREE Chocolate Lip Balm" with ANY order. No minimum! Just use the discount code "NL4Women" when you check out. Avon Mineral Makeup ReviewI bought Avon mineral makeup and used samples of several other mineral makeup brands, but so far I don't like it. It's almost impossible to apply Permalink -- click for full blog post "Avon Mineral Makeup Review" Moisturizing Facial Mask1 cup Organic unflavored oatmeal 1 cup Organic plain yogurt 4 tbsp Lemon Juice 1 tbsp Sugar 1 tbsp Nutmeg 1 tbsp Honey Just mix it around until its Permalink -- click for full blog post "Moisturizing Facial Mask" Handy Little Book - Safer For Your BabyThroughout my site you will find me just talking to you about creating a healthier and more natural lifestyle for you and your family. Perhaps one of the most important things is to learn about the ingredients used to make your products and to try to choose products made with a simpler more natural list of ingredients. This is important for all of us but the ones who may be most affected by the onslaught of chemicals being used today is our babies. There are thousands of chemicals introduced each year and no requirements for safety testing are made. It is up to us to be informed. Which is why I found this little guide to living with fewer chemicals, Safer for Your Baby, a great resource for parents, grandparents or anyone responsible for the care of babies and children. What You Will Find Helpful:
This small book is a quick read, easy to understand and doesn't scare the pants off you. Just provides you with knowledge you can use that will benefit not only your child but your whole family even your pets. Check it out by clicking the link below. Everyday MineralsEveryday minerals makeup is pretty good. The coverage is decent enough for me. I break out rather frequently and so I like to hide any red marks from Permalink -- click for full blog post "Everyday Minerals " Pit Putty Deodorant ReviewPit Putty deserves a big fat 8 out of 10. This product kept up where the majority of my deodorants have failed. I play soccer a good two to four Permalink -- click for full blog post "Pit Putty Deodorant Review" Sweet Sugar Scrub for face/body/lips1 tablespoon raw sugar 5-10 drops olive oil 5-10 drops honey 5-10 drops hot water Gradually add liquid ingredients to sugar with fingers in a bowl Permalink -- click for full blog post "Sweet Sugar Scrub for face/body/lips" Finally, A Mineral Under Makeup Sunscreen I Will Use Jenulence Green Tea Sun CreamI know mineral sunscreens are safer to use and I'm willing to put up with a slight white look on my body but my face that's different. There is one shelf in my bathroom that just contains different brands of sunscreen. All good brands that claim they can be used under makeup. I have tried them all and not one of them will I use. This one is too oily, this one is too heavy feeling, this one is too white etc, etc, etc. Companies try but you've seen the heavy white creams of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide it's a challenge turning that into a cream or lotion that dries clearer.
I had given up and I have to admit that on a day to day basis have only used mineral makeup as my sunscreen. I know this isn't good enough but I just can't bring myself to use something that looks or feels funky. I am a happy camper now. I recently tried Green Tea Sun Cream from Jenulence. This cream made for very dry to normal skin is a moisturizer that contains sunblocking ingredients. While titanium dioxide is present other ingredients like Green Tea and African Shea Butter which have also been found to provide some sun protection are used. It is this combination of ingredients that makes Green Tea Sun Cream go on so nicely and dry just about clear. I applied a thin layer as instructed and let it dry. It remained slightly tacky feeling which concerned me at first but this turned out to be a benefit. Lately, I have been having problems with my mineral makeup looking and feeling dry but this cream provided a nice base that held on to the mineral makeup and gave my skin a natural fresh look. My skin felt moist without looking too shiny. Jenya from Jenulence says this product should offer an spf of 8 to 10 and when combined with mineral makeup which also offers some sun protection, spf should be closer to 15 to 20. Just right for daily use. Jenulence offers mineral cosmetics and skin care products for women and men that are based on safe, natural, organic or vegan ingredients. Check them out for yourself by clicking the link below. They offer sample sizes or the 2 oz Green Tea Sun Cream which is on sale right now. Surya Henna Brasil PowderSurya Henna Brasil Powder (Powdered Hair Treatment) I’ve always used either Light Mountain or Rainbow Henna products, but several months ago, I Permalink -- click for full blog post "Surya Henna Brasil Powder" Joelle Cosmetics Mineral Makeup ReviewAfter deciding to make the switch to mineral makeup, it was important to me to find a brand that was affordable without sacrificing quality. I've Permalink -- click for full blog post "Joelle Cosmetics Mineral Makeup Review" Make Buying Green and Natural Products Easy Check Out Green 4 Your SoulIf we have learned anything in the last few years it's that we need to read the labels. No matter what you are looking for whether it's organic, natural, nontoxic, cruelty free, environmentally friendly or vegan. We have to read labels. It's easier when we are shopping in a store but online can be a problem.
This is a pet peeve of mine. Sometimes I just don't have the time to spend clicking around a site to find the info I want about a particular product. I like everything right there on the product page, all the ingredients and a clear explanation of the product.
What I Liked The only thing I would like to see is more products available in travel sizes. They are an affordable way to try the pricier products and the portions are generous enough to really see if the product works.
Check out Green 4 Your Soul for yourself by clicking the link below. Light Mountain Henna Mahogany ReviewI decided to use a natural product because I started getting a rash behind my hair the last time that I used a conventional hair dye. I didn't want Permalink -- click for full blog post "Light Mountain Henna Mahogany Review" Chic, Eclectic, Fun Eco Fashion From Rene Geneva
This dress is more than chic eco fashion it is made with eco friendly fabrics, socially responsible manufacturing, carbon neutral practice and designer style. It all comes together with clothing designed by Austin, Texas based designer Rene Geneva. I love coming across companies and individuals who work so hard at not only creating but making sure they do it with such care for people and the environment. Some of them even work to improve things along the way. This isn't an easy path and it sure isn't cheap so I really admire those that care so much to make the effort. In the case of Designer Rene Geneva the results are well worth it. Her clothing is described as high style, sexy, fun and eclectic. She uses fabrics like hempsilk, tusssah silk, organic cotton and bamboo, low impact dyes and safe fabric finishes. Clothing is made following fair trade practices and fair wages. The dress at the right was seen at Mecedes Benz Fashion Week. It's made from hempsilk. I would have thought it would cost more but surprisingly, it's $198. Maybe you will disagree but for designer style evening wear I thought that was pretty good. Rene Geneva started in fashion by designing corsets. Her bridal corsets are particularly beautiful as are her green bridal gowns. These items are a big part of the ready made clothing available on her site but she does carry eco fashion coats, dresses and separates. Beginning this September she is offering Custom Made Gowns for rent. Big savings over buying a designer gown. Check out Rene Geneva Designs for yourself by clicking the link below. Surya Cream Henna ReviewI have an allergy to hair dye--ppd. The reaction involves burning, itching, intense rash, swollen glands etc. In my quest to find a natural hair dye Permalink -- click for full blog post "Surya Cream Henna Review" A Natural Deodorant That Works? I Review Pit Putty.I can not tell you how many natural deodorants I have tried. I have found a few that work pretty good (see my page on natural deodorants for more on this) and some that did not work at all.
While researching organic shampoo I came across this site that carries natural personal care products. A deodorant called Pit Putty I could hardly ignore. Ingredients: organic arrowroot powder, organic coconut oil, organic lime essential oil, organic geranium essential oil. That's it! Nothing to complain about here, all natural and organic but it looks too simple to work and it costs more than I am used to spending on deodorant. Oh shoot, OK I'll try one more. So with fingers crossed I order. First, let me say this is a great company to order from. It was fast, easy and my deodorant came within a couple of days. A free sample product was also included which is sometimes one of the perks of ordering products online. Now down to the important stuff. I was a little concerned when I looked at my deodorant. This Texas heat has been rough and my package was hot by the time I got to it so it was a little melted. I checked the package info and caught a part about sticking it in the fridge if this should happen. Worked great. There are some instructions to using this product so that it works it's best.
Apply to clean dry skin. I have used this deodorant for a couple of weeks now in over 100 degree days. I must tell you though I do not perspire profusely (natural deodorants do not stop perspiration) and this was just everyday stuff but you can't help but sweat in this heat while just running around all day so I feel I gave it a good workout. The Results: It applied silky smooth, no underarm white and no waiting for it to dry. I have tried both scents, Geranium Lime and Original which is citrus and cloves. I prefer the Original but both are good. But what about the big question "Did It Work?" The answer is a surprising Yes! Throughout my day I kept waiting for the inevitable "Oh no my deodorant quit working" and it never happened. I felt good through the day and have used it everyday since with success. I'm impressed. If you have yet to find a natural deodorant that works for you this is one to try. Do keep in mind however that everyone's body chemistry is different and when it comes to natural deodorant results vary. Sometimes I have had products that work OK then quit working but when I came back to them they worked again. Body chemistry. Check out Pit Putty at Bubble and Bee. Click the link below. My New Favorite Eco Friendly PurchaseSince my son has started to show an interest in cooking his one request was a new cutting board. I of course did not realize how inefficient I was being until my son pointed it out to me. My method of cutting one item at a time on my small board and then putting them in a bowl is just wrong. We need a bigger board, a more guy sized board. While shopping in Target the other day I took a look at their cutting boards. The usual boards were there, plastic, wood even glass and then I spotted a board that would make little eco friendly me happy.
It is made by Architec. Mine is a beautiful berry colored 12x16 board. Not the biggest but good for my little kitchen. But wait here's the good part. It is made here in the USA from Poly-Flax which is a combination of 100% recycled food grade plastic and flax husk which is usually discarded after processing flax. All that was enough to impress me but then I read about their take-back program. When I am finished with this board I can return it to the company by requesting a prepaid shipping label from them. I will however have to keep the coupon on the back of the label to do this which if I'm not careful might be a problem if I don't file it right. This type of product where the company designs it to be environmentally friendly from it's beginning all the way up to what will happen to it when it is discarded was what I had read about in Cradle to Cradle. I found this book to be very interesting so it was exciting to find something like this. Check it out for yourself. I found mine at Target but they also carry it at Amazon(click the link below). Other Architec cutting boards are here too including other plastic boards that can be recycled and also bamboo. LA Minerals Makeup ReviewHi, I've tried so many different mineral makeup brands. Most made me itch and it took me forever to figure out why (bismuth). After trying LA Minerals Permalink -- click for full blog post "LA Minerals Makeup Review" Looking For Green Cleaning Products? Check Out This Unexpected StoreGreen cleaning products are getting easier to find locally. Most grocery stores, hardware stores even pet supply stores carry green products. The selection might be small but at least it's there and growing. I found the largest selection of cleaners from detergents to floor cleaners from dishwashing soap to air fresheners in a place I would not have thought to look and... I found it because of a new addition to the family my little grandson. That's your first clue. The second is I was shopping for something for him at a store that specializes in babies. Can you guess? Babies Are Us I just never would have thought to look here but it makes sense. After all they have just about anything you could need for a baby and that includes cleaning products that are safe to use around babies and kids. I found the biggest selection of all different kinds of products from Seventh Generation, Ecover, BabyGanics, Mrs Meyers among others and the prices weren't as high as some other places I've looked. Who cares if you don't have any babies in the family. Check with your local Babies Are Us and see if they carry a good selection of green cleaning products. It's at least worth a phone call to see. I'm already spending plenty of time there now so might as well pick up some detergent. Check out the store locator for a store near you at the Babies Are Us website by clicking the link below. Jenulence Foundation/Concealer formulaI recently tried Jenulence's foundation/concealer formula of mineral foundation. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from the Permalink -- click for full blog post "Jenulence Foundation/Concealer formula" Eco Friendly Fashion and Jewelry Sale
I was just checking out a website that is having a great sale on eco friendly clothing, jewelry and accessories. You can tell by the name alone, Fashion Philanthropy, that they do more than just sell clothing. They have brought together what they call an eclectic mix of designers and styles.
There is much to like about this site:
This cute Tomato Twiggy dress seen here is from designer Roberta Oaks and it is on sale for $85 marked down from $168. Many more clothing, accessory and jewelry styles are on sale for up to 50% off. Check out Fashion Philanthropy by clicking below. Sugary Olive Oil ExfoliantThis recipe is made out of olive oil and sugar, that's all and the results are great! The sugar scrubs off the dirt and makeup or what ever is on your Permalink -- click for full blog post "Sugary Olive Oil Exfoliant" Avoid Pesticides In Your Fruits and VeggiesI try to keep a copy of this EWG report on which veggies and fruits contain the most and the least pesticide residue but for some reason it is missing. So while I get my new copy of the EWG Shoppers Guide I thought I would pass along the info to you. This list is especially good to refer to in this tighter economy. While we might prefer to buy organic the higher cost can be hard to manage but with this list we can choose conventionally grown produce that has been found to contain low levels of pesticides and buy organically the ones with high levels. I know farmers markets offer the best values and make the most sense both for our budgets and the environment but I have to drive out of my way to find one and that doesn't make always make sense to me. I do like shopping at them though and I like that I can often talk right to the grower and sometimes can learn their ideas on pesticide use. Many growers use organic growing methods but just don't have the certification because it can be costly. While this makes it hard to know for sure I feel that with a little conversation I can get a good feel if they know what they are talking about. Some of the older farmers in this area think pesticides are the best and only way to go and this comes out in conversation pretty quickly. Well, all this talk of fruits and veggies has made me think about the conventionally grown watermelon in my fridge right now. I think I will enjoy a slice right now knowing that according to the EWG it has very few pesticides. Get your own free copy of this guide by clicking the link below. Holistic Mascara for Sensitive EyesI have been wearing this paraben free mascara for years, love it! This mascara is made by a holistic company called Real Purity. I love this Permalink -- click for full blog post "Holistic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes" Valana Minerals for women of colorI have tried several different brands of mineral makeup and my HG is Valana Minerals. I have dark brown and very sensitive skin. Everything I tried at Permalink -- click for full blog post "Valana Minerals for women of color" Herbatint Permanent #4RI have always had a problem with wash out dyes and so I thought I would try going to the hair dresser and try a permanent dye-disaster I got scabs on Permalink -- click for full blog post "Herbatint Permanent #4R" My Facial Flex Ultra ExperimentIt's been 6 months and counting using Facial Flex Ultra, a way to exercise facial muscles that is supposed to help tighten sagging skin on the lower face. I have chronicled the results and just posted a new photo. The hardest part of doing this little experiment was putting those close up pictures of myself up on my site. The exercises were easy and are now a nighttime habit for me. The little tool was affordable and the results, well... I leave it to you to decide. Facial exercises are designed to get the circulation flowing to the skin and to help it look firmer whether you use a little tool like this or doing something like yoga facial exercises. To me they are fine to do when performed as instructed. This is the key. When done properly you are not contorting your face in a way that causes new wrinkles or makes those wrinkles you already have worse. This is something I think some women are concerned about and rightly so. Repetitive facial movements can cause wrinkles whether it's just normal expressions or if we deliberately work the face. If facial exercises work and the results are different for everyone think of all the money that could be saved by not buying some anti aging products. All it takes is some time and a little exercise. You can't get any more natural than that. Check out my results for yourself by clicking the link below. Permalink -- click for full blog post "My Facial Flex Ultra Experiment" Sheer Cover Makeup ReviewI wouldn't recommend Sheer Cover for fair, sensitive or dry skin. I ordered the light starter kit which had loads of products. Mascara, brushes, 2 Permalink -- click for full blog post "Sheer Cover Makeup Review" Natural Anti Aging Products ReviewsWe need natural anti aging products reviews. Rant, rave or read about natural anti aging products. Don't keep the frustration or the success to yourself write your own review or check out what other women are saying. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Natural Anti Aging Products Reviews" Mineral Indulgence Mineral Makeup For Women Of Color ReviewI am a brown skinned black women and have been looking for a mineral makeup line for my dry flakey skin for years. My skin is far too sensitive for Permalink -- click for full blog post "Mineral Indulgence Mineral Makeup For Women Of Color Review" |
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Take it look at the dress on the right. If you had any doubts that eco fashion is not glamorous think again. 
but take a look at these ingredients:
