Natural Living Blog

Get Your Spring Cleaning On But Do It Safely

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:31:36 GMT

My major cleaning efforts are hit or miss. When the mood hits I go with it no matter what time of year but there is something about spring that gets most of us going. Here's a good question. What good is working to have a clean, fresh and healthy house and use nasty toxic ingredients on surfaces and in the air. It doesn't have to be this way. Today, we have more options for safe, healthy, inexpensive and effective cleaning.

Go Really Green And Make Your Own A simple bunch of ingredients you may already have in your home really do make effective cleaning solutions. There are many books and websites dedicated to making green cleaning products but to get you started the page below provides a good list of recipes for cleaning just about everything. There is one I would skip however that is the Bath Tile Mold Prevention that uses bleach. If you click on the mold prevention link in the recipe you"ll find some better safer suggestions. Check out the recipes at: Make Your Own Housecleaning Products You will also need some clean plastic bottles to store your products and an important part is to label them. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out what cleaner is in what bottle when you forgot to label them. I found these fun printable labels that should solve that problem. Free Printable Cleaning Labels Buy Safer Green Cleaning Products If making your own is just not for you the next best choice is to get shopping. There are many choices available at natural foods stores like Seventh Generation, Mrs Meyers and Biocleen. At local grocery stores Seventh Generation can often be found but also look for Method Cleaners often found at Target. It's a tough call though being sure a product is actually green. The companies mentioned here are very clear and above board about their products and ingredients. Since there aren't any industry standards stick with companies like these that clearly display all their ingredients. Green Works by Clorox is also an option but I always have problems with companies who offer green products when the rest of their product line contains questionable ingredients at best and let's not forget animal testing. From what I can tell Chlorox still uses animal testing. If these products are beyond your budget or not readily available at the very least avoid the nastiest household cleaners. The EWG has just issued a list of the worst offenders along with some suggestions on how to make better choices. I am also pleased to see that they are adding a Cleaners Database to their site coming this fall. Their personal products database has proven very helpful and this new database will give us one more tool to minimizing nasty chemicals in our environments. Check out the EWG Hall Of Shame.

Enter Goat Milk Stuff Contest And You Just MIght Have The Answer For What To Get Mom

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:23:11 GMT

Wouldn't your mom love a gift certificate for beautiful and good for the skin bars of soap. Goat Milk Stuff has a contest going on right now that just might solve your problem about what to get mom. I was sent info about this company and the first thing that struck me when I visited their site was how beautiful the soap is but there is much more to this company than pretty soap.

Handmade, natural products, ingredients clearly listed and plenty of information about the benefits of goat milk all add up to a company I would shop at but... there's more. This is a small family run company located in Indiana where the whole family including the goats create great natural products. I like supporting these kinds of companies and I'll be placing an order soon that is unless... I win the contest.
Here is a little info provided by Goat Milk Stuff: Whether you're looking for a way to treat yourself like a princess and have silky smooth skin or searching for a solution to psoriasis, acne, or eczema- Goat Milk Stuff has a product for you. GMS founders, Jim and PJ Jonas, along with their 8 children ranging in ages 3 to teen, are a true picture of a family business. Each family member has a part in the process; from making the soap and other "stuff" to packaging and shipping to customer service. Raw goat's milk contains restorative proteins, minerals and is high in Vitamin A and E. There are also anti-inflammatory properties which are easily absorbed into your skin. Thousands of users have found Goat Milk Stuff soaps to give better results than numerous over the counter and prescriptive medications. Safe for even the tenderest of skin, Goat Milk Stuff soap is a gift everyone is sure to appreciate. All Goat Milk Stuff soap uses only natural fats and oils that produce a long lasting, moisturizing bar. The colors are all natural too, never from dyes or synthetic colors and only high quality essential or fragrance oils are used for scent. You'll love the scent, the feel, and the bubbly lather that you'll get with every bar of Goat Milk Stuff soap.

Why not enter the contest and while you are at it check the site out. It's a fun and interesting site that just might convince you to give goat milk soap a try.

Homemade Face Masks

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:13:07 GMT

Homemade face masks are such a great way to take care of your skin. Simple ingredients from your kitchen make for healthy homemade skin care and big savings.

Pretty and Safe New Nail Colors For Spring

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:30:50 GMT

I wish I had prettier hands so I could try some of the beautiful and fun nail polish colors I'm seeing. I'm not one to wear colored nail polish on my finger nails. I try but I forget to take care of my hands and as I age I wish I had paid them more attention to them. They do not look as nice as I'd like so I avoid drawing attention to them by adding color. My feet however are a different story. They aren't exposed to dishes, gardening or hand washing 10 million times a day so they look pretty good and here I like to use color. It's kind of fun baring your feet and seeing a little surprise of color and it makes my way to long second toes look a little better.

I like No Miss and have been using it for quite awhile now. They really do offer a big selection of colors but it's always nice to check out some new colors so I was happy to find a few more non-toxic nail polish brands that let me indulge myself in beautiful frosted shades, glazes and mattes in colors like Dracula Orchid, a dark glossy grey, or new spring colors like Lambs Ear or Sweet Pea all from Priti NYC.

I also checked out the classic colors from RGB like Coral or Oxblood, a deep dark red. The colors here while not a giant selection are vibrant and rich and they also offer sheer nude nail tints from their HIPPxRGB line. It consists of four shades that are meant to lightly tint your nails with natural and subtle colors. They compare it to how a tinted moisturizer works for your face. Might be a possibility for my fingernails hmm....

All three of these brands are a safer and healthier way to color not only your nails but your kids nails too when they want to play dress up. They do not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl-Pthalate or Camphor and they are cruelty free. Having used No Miss I found it to be fast drying, long lasting and chip resistant. With Priti you can even safely recycle your old toxic nail polish and they carry mini sizes of polish too. Check them out: Priti NYC NoMiss RGB

No Easy Answer For Lead In Lipstick

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:57:26 GMT

After the news last month about the FDA's findings of lead in 400 different shades of lipstick I started wondering which lipsticks do not contain lead. My immediate thought was that natural brands would be lead free but it seems like it is a little more complicated. The problem is that no one is sure where the lead comes from. It is not an ingredient but is considered a contaminant which may have come from the pigments or other materials used to create the lipstick. It may also be introduced somehow during the manufacturing process which might suggest a more careful approach could keep the the lead out but I'm just guessing here.

There is much debate whether we should be worried about trace amounts of lead in lipstick. Is it really a health problem? It is for children. They should avoid all lead exposure so even playing around with lipstick can be a problem and pregnant women should also avoid contact. As far as the rest of us, the concern here is that repeated exposure to lead can build up in the body so whenever you wear lipstick you could be ingesting tiny amounts of lead. The FDA so far says that the levels found in lipstick do not pose a risk. Only you can decide what makes sense for you. I wish I could offer you a list of lipsticks that do not contain lead but the only lead testing I have seen so far is the one done by the FDA and all of the 400 products tested contained some lead although some of them had really miniscule amounts. At least consider avoiding those shades that contained the highest amounts of lead. Click on the link below to see the complete list.

The Cherry Mango Liquidation Sale! CODE: LIQ30

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:31:22 GMT

I have mentioned shopping for natural skin care products at the Cherry Mango several times over the past year but I am sorry to say that this store is closing. I liked this store and always felt comfortable suggesting shopping there. I knew Maya was very conscientious about products she carried in her store and I really appreciated that but she has found another path that better suits her. Below is a statement she sent about her store closing. "Sometimes life starts you out on one path, but you end up on another. While I truly enjoyed selling so many wonderful products on The Cherry Mango, when my friend and natural product mentor, Shilpi, developed the Skinveda line of Ayurvedic skincare and asked me to join her, I couldn’t resist. I am a strong supporter of all natural products, but I believe even more in the power of Ayurveda and its use of natural, healing herbs. I also felt that I could not continue selling other products that I did not feel as passionately about as Skinveda. Considering these factors, I decided to follow my heart and close The Cherry Mango and put all my energies toward introducing the world to Skinveda! What this means to all of you is a great deal on a lot of great products! While supplies last, take 30% off anything remaining on www.thecherrymango.com. Just use the Code LIQ30 at checkout! There are more of your favorite products also on sale at discounted prices on Amazon.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to save!" Best of luck Maya!! and I look forward to your new skin care line Skinveda.

Naturtint and Herbatint

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:07:24 GMT

I loved how these products made my hair feel - much softer than with regular salon coloring. I am not having allergic reactions to products, just hate

Naturtint vs. Herbatint

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:43:28 GMT

I have medium brown hair and probably like 10-15% grey, but they are resistant greys. My hair is wavy, meaning if I let it dry naturally it is frizzy

Light Mountain Hair Color (Henna) - Medium Brown

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:46:26 GMT

I decided to try a natural product after many years of experiencing burning & itching of the scalp that I suspected was because of hair dye. Upon researching

Light Mountain Natural in Light Red is Fantastic

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:32:57 GMT

(click on smaller image to see after image enlarged) I have strawberry blonde hair and I love Light Mountain Natural Hair Color in Light Red! I have

Are You Fan Of Mineral Makeup? Check Out These Specials!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:03:48 GMT

I've been busy updating and adding new content to Natural Living For Women and one of the areas where I have been working is mineral makeup reviews. I have been checking out many of the companies reviewed on NLW looking for new or additional info to add. I suppose you wonder why I am telling you all this well while I was visiting mineral makeup sites I saw that quite a few of them had holiday specials going on so I thought I would pass along this info for you. It's always fun to try different products or colors you might not ordinarily try but as a free gift or on sale it's even more fun. The sites below are ones that have been reviewed on this site and contain safe, natural ingredients. Mahya Cosmetics http://mahyamineralmakeup.com/ Mahya Cosmetics sale ends Dec 5 but if you catch this one in time you will save 20% off your on-line order. Terra Firma Cosmetics http://www.terrafirmacosmetics.com/holiday.html Their holiday collection includes specially priced eye shadow, lipstain and lipgloss kits. Also a mineral makeup starter kit at special prices. Everyday Minerals http://www.everydayminerals.com/ They have an Eyeshadow Event going on with 35% off travel and mini size eyeshadow and with a purchase of $29 of products receive a free 7 piece shadow kit. Pur Minerals http://www.purminerals.com/%20free%20gift%20and%20free%20shipping%20with%20order%20over%20$50 Receive a free gift and free shipping with orders over $50. Earth Goddess Minerals http://www.earthgoddessminerals.com/store/Default.asp Earth Goddess is doing 12 days of giving which began Dec 1 and runs through Dec 12. Each day a different discount or special is available. Eye Kandii http://www.eyekandiicosmetics.com/ I am including this one even though I did not see any specials going on for these highly pigmented minerals but they are donating 50% of the proceeds from the sales of certain products to the Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver. You can read mineral makeup reviews for more info about these and other mineral cosmetics. Check them out at mineral makeup reviews.

Earthnicity Mineral Makeup Review

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:24:23 GMT

I've been experimenting with mineral makeup because I heard so many good things about it. I've never been able to wear standard foundation without breaking

Argan Oil Could Become A Skin Care Favorite

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:34:31 GMT

Argan Oil for skin care has been on my radar for awhile. It is advertised as an all natural, anti aging ingredient that helps skin retain moisture. The reviews so far have been great so when my usual shea oil began to run low I decided it was time to try this oil myself. I am already a fan of using oils by themselves as a moisturizer, shea oil is a big favorite of mine, but Argan Oil has it's own special properties. It's rich in Vitamin E which is known to help healing, Essential Fatty Acids that provide anti-inflammatory benefits and Proteins which are believed to help hydrate but what caught my eye while reading reviews were comments about how well it absorbed. I have found one of the big benefits to using skin care oils is how well they hold in moisture and as you know keeping moisture in the skin helps plump up lines and wrinkles so they are less noticeable and skin looks younger and fresher. Some oils can feel a little greasy though especially if you do not use them sparingly. I think many women are a little reluctant to give natural oils a chance just for this very reason.

If this is you, Argan oil might change your mind. This is a beautiful, lightweight, golden colored oil with a very slight fruity scent that did not last. As with most oils a few drops are all you need . The argan oil I purchased from The Cherry Mango came in a dropper bottle which is the perfect way to dispense a drop at a time, makes application easier, more sanitary and saves money. I usually rub a couple of drops between my fingertips and gentle pat my face and neck. If needed I use a drop or two more. It might take a few times to get the right amount down for your needs. The benefits to me of the Moroccan Argan Oil was the lighter feel, excellent absorption and moisturizing it provided. So far I have used it only at night but after letting this oil absorb into my skin I would be comfortable using this under makeup. It absorbed that well and left my skin feeling soft and moist but not greasy. Many reviews I read said that women were using it under makeup and were happy with the results. The Moroccan Argan Oil I purchased from The Cherry Mango is certified organic and fair trade and is eco friendly and cruelty free. Purchasing this oil helps women in Morocco support their families and also protects a sustainable resource, the argan tree. Interested in trying Moroccan Argan Oil? The Cherry Mango is offering readers of Natural Living for Women a coupon code: NLBA11 for 10% off Acure Moroccan Argan Oil. With the dry winter weather in front of us now is the perfect time to try it.

How About We All Try This?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:01:39 GMT

You are in the grocery store about to reach for your usual brand of coffee but wait... what if you gave fair trade coffee a try every now and then. What if we all made it a point to every now and then make a purchase of an item that makes a difference. Coffee is a great example of a purchase we could switch up. I recently found out that the Humane Society is helping coffee growers develop and maintain coffee plantations in Central America that follow fair trade practices and sustainable growing techniques. (This is mainly organic, shade grown coffee plants.) For more info check out fair trade coffee. They also offer their own blend of coffee.

The Humane Society Blend is just one of many brands of fair trade and sustainable coffees some that can readily be found at local stores. You'll get a great cup of coffee and if you purchase the Humane Society Blend it not only helps coffee growers, helps to preserve habitats of many species displaced when forests are cut down to grow coffee beans and helps the Humane Society to continue their work. Replace One Purchase I heard this idea when I caught a news report about how many of the things we purchase are not made in the U.S. According to this report, if we all were to buy at least one item that is "Made in America" we could make a big difference. I thought it was very doable for many items although shoes and tv's not so much. It's a purchase that makes a difference like the coffee purchase mentioned above. Replacing one purchase can be applied in many ways.

Instead of conventional paper products choose those with recycled content.

Instead of the usual light bulb buy a compact fluorescent or even better an LED light bulb.

Instead of the usual jewelry from the department store consider eco friendly jewelry.

Instead of conventional cotton look for organic cotton. Try replacing some smaller items like socks and underwear first. Well, you get the idea. Within this site I offer many alternatives for you to check out. Most of them come from smaller American companies looking to create great natural, green or fair made products. I know it can be time consuming and hard on the budget to be a conscientious shopper all the time but I think most of us can handle something every now and then and with the shopping season just around the corner this is a good time to try this for a few items and make a difference as we shop. Visit Grounds For Change for the Humane Society blend of coffee.

Cinnamon Honey Mask

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:03:56 GMT

1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp honey 1. Mix the cinnamon and the honey together and refridgerate over night. 2. Place over your face for 15-20 mins I have chronic

Sand or Salt Scrub

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:20:34 GMT

1 tbs fine sand/salt 1 cup unflavored yogurt 1 tsp your favorite essential oil 1 tsp honey or lemon juice(whichever one's handy) Mix together using fingers

Your Insight into Common Hair Dye Allergies

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:33:15 GMT

Hair dye allergies, although rare, have been on the rise in recent years, some cases resulting in serious medical consequences. Anyone interested in dying their hair should be aware of the risks posed by certain hair dye ingredients and take time to read this article. The most commonly found irritant in hair dye is PPD, or paraphenylenediamine. Found in almost all effective permanent hair color, PPD is a primary dye intermediate that allows the dyes to penetrate the hair shaft. They have a greater presence in darker hair dye shades and are still the most widely used dye intermediate on the market today. Allergic reactions or sensitivity to PPDs range anywhere from an itching/burning scalp, an unsightly rash, or full blown facial swelling. Because of the rise in adverse reactions to PPDs, companies have attempted to eradicate it from their hair dye formulas, but in turn have added structurally similar PTDs, or 4-toluenediamine.

What you may not be aware of is this: it takes almost 80%-120% more PTDs to achieve the same result as PPDs. Many allergic to PPDs also adversely react to PTDs and have found out the hard way.

In contrast, many people have dyed their hair multiple times with conventional ammoniated hair color (3%-6% of which is PPDs) without any issues, but then developed an allergy to PPDs due to overexposure (or repetitive dying). Color lines such as, Organic Color Systems do not contain PTDS and have the smallest amount of PPDs (anywhere from 0%-.6%) possible to still achieve full-coverage, long lasting color. But for some, even the smallest trace of PPDs can trigger an allergic reaction; this is why a hair patch test is essential to determine if a hair color is safe for use. Another common hair dye component that can cause allergies are parabens. Parabens are the most common preservatives for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Their widespread use is due to their extensive history and inexpensiveness. For those allergic to parabens, or wish to avoid them in general should seek a color line like, Organic Color Systems. Most color lines that do not feature paraben replaces them with natural grapefruit seed extract. Resorcinol and Thioglycolates are both other skin irritants not found in Organic Color Systems. As one may gather, there are many ingredients that can cause skin irritation or contact allergies. Any individual interested in coloring their hair with any dye should be aware of their allergies, severity of those allergies, ingredient lists, and above all conduct a hair patch test to determine the safety and effectiveness of the product. About the Author: Rebecca Gregory has had extensive experience educating individuals in the hair and beauty industry. She was most recently a Lead Educator for Aveda in Florida, the Director of Education for The Salon Professional Academy, and chosen as a mentor for Redken Education. Rebecca is also an experienced Certifed Master Colorist/stylist who has worked in and managed multiple salons.

Part 2 From Organic Color Systems Coming

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:15:44 GMT

I hope you all learned something new about grey coverage from the first article written by Organic Color Systems. I know I did. The second and perhaps more important issue for many of us is allergies from hair dye and I think you may find the next article provides some professional insight into the most common allergens used in hair dye. Make sure and check out the next article coming tomorrow. There was info in this article that helped me connect the dots a little and may make it easier for me to find a product that works. When I do a little more checking into some products I have used I will let you know what I find and perhaps it will help you too.

Gram flour for full body cleansing.

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:00:00 GMT

All u beautiful ladies try this one and u'll never need a soap or body wash. Mix gram flour, rice powder and a bit of turmeric and keep it in a container.

What You My Not Know About Grey Coverage

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:09:50 GMT

It’s estimated that approximately 1/3 of Americans that use hair color are attempting to cover stubborn grey hairs. Grey hairs are known to be resistant to hair dye and prone to fading compared to pigmented hair for a multitude of reasons that many are not aware of. Why does my grey hair resist color? To understand why grey hair color is challenging to overcome, one must understand its roots, literally. At the hair’s follicle are melanocytes that are responsible for the hair’s melanin, or color. Grey hair lacks melanin, while having more layers of cuticle that are tightly packed down (making it harder for dye to penetrate). Hair that is treated with conventional ammoniated hair color is subjecting itself to further damage, while decreasing the hair’s ability to retain color. Ammonia is used in hair color to raise the hair’s pH and open the cuticle so that dye particles can penetrate the hair strand. The issue is the ammonia damages the hair’s naturally occurring amino acid, Tyrosine, which is responsible for the melanin production in the hair and its shine. Because the ammonia raises the hair’s pH to such irreversible levels the cuticle remains partially open, leaving it prone to fading and more damage. What can be gathered from this information is that grey hair itself is difficult to dye, but using structurally damaging hair color further contributes to cuticle destruction and fading.

What is my solution? Intuitively, the best solution to grey hair coverage would be to select a color line that does not raise the hair’s pH to irreversible levels and does not further damage the hair’s structural integrity. Organic Color Systems offers ammonia-free hair color made with certified organic ingredients and is available in 65 intermixable colors. What sets this professional hair color line apart from your conventional hair dye is their optimized use of naturally derived ingredients found in coconut, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. With the use of coconut-derived MEA in safe amounts and external heat, the cuticle is allowed to softly swell and open for optimal dye penetration. The conditioning process then allows the cuticle to close; ergo, color is sealed in to the hair. With the absence of ammonia and the maximization of gentle, nourishing ingredients, Organic Color Systems does not hinder the scalps sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing hair’s natural oils and moisture. In fact, because this color line does not damage the cuticle or moisture system, clients may color their hair much more often (if needed, or desired). About the author: Rebecca Gregory has had extensive experience educating individuals in the hair and beauty industry. Recently, she was the Lead Floor Educator for an Aveda institute in Florida and the Director of Education for The Salon Professional Academy. Rebecca is also an experienced stylist/colorist who has worked in multiple salons. To find the nearest salon using Organic Color Systems please call this toll free number: (888) 213-4744, or e-mail info2@organiccolorsystems.com

Salon Color That's Healthier For You And Your Hair

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:06:58 GMT

Hands down I receive more questions about finding a safer and more natural hair color product than anything else. While I have tried to provide the best help I can I am not a professional. There is a a great deal of frustration in finding products that color the hair safely. Many of you wonder why you can't get better and longer lasting grey coverage, why does your hair feel so straw like or why are you having a hard time getting the color you want? Above all else you want safer ingredients in your products. Having a professional color your hair with professional products may be the best way to achieve longer lasting grey coverage and achieve the color you want. A professional should be able to handle any special issues that arise which someone like me at home coloring my hair hasn't the faintest idea how to handle.

I had given up on salon hair coloring but recently I have become aware of a safer option available from some salons. My stylist told me about a professional colorist she knows that uses Organic Color Systems and coincidentally about the same time I was contacted by the company and asked to check it out. Weird. Anyway, after taking a look at their ingredient list which does contain natural and organic ingredients, minimal amounts of ppd's, no ammonia or parabens and no animal testing. I was convinced that this was a product I could try just haven't done it yet. Surprisingly several salons in my area offer this. I thought it would be helpful to have a professional address some of our concerns about hair color and Organic Color Systems has kindly offered to write a few upcoming posts. I think they will help answer some of the questions we all have about grey coverage and choosing safer products.

Check Out The Cherry Mango With A Coupon Code

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:20:28 GMT

I've said it before one of my biggest pet peeves with on-line shopping is not being able to find the info I want about something I am considering buying. Too many times with both big and little companies that say they sell natural products there is no complete list of ingredients to be found and often nothing about where or how something was made. For shoppers like me they are missing the boat. I mean really unless you have something to hide why not tell us all about your product so we can make an informed decision. That is why I am happy to find an on-line store like The Cherry Mango where all the info I look for like complete ingredient lists, animal testing, organic certifications, fair trade, U.S. made and more can easily be found. They told me that they carefully source each product for their natural ingredients and the care with which they are made. They prefer to work with small producers who have set high standards for quality and who work to produce their products fairly and with concern for the environment. If these are things you look for when you shop and you don't have time to research many different products then visit The Cherry Mango for affordable products for skin and hair care, green living, pets, supplements and more. It is a growing list of products. Check them out yourself. Readers of NLW receive a 10% discount on your first order when you use coupon code NLW10 with your order.

Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Deodorant

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:40:02 GMT

We have recently gone green in every aspect of our lives. Although for the past several years we have been extremely conscious of our decisions regarding

Chocolate Mask

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:21:52 GMT

What I did is a chocolate mask that is just for fun. Add 1/4 tsp of cocoa 1/3 tsp honey 1/4 yogurt and a little bit of water.mix it until looks like chocolate

No More Complaints.. I Like DeVita Solar Protection Moisturizer

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:18:52 GMT

I've been trying different brands but I just have not been happy with mineral based daily moisturizers that I can use under makeup. One was too heavy and white looking, one was too greasy and one was too hard too apply my mineral makeup over. Not good. Not good. Not good. If you have used mineral based sun protection you know that the white look and sometimes heavy or greasy feel can be a problem. I am more tolerant of this when I use it strictly as sun protection but under makeup I can't handle it. I have experimented with quite a few different products and am so happy to have found DeVita Solar Protection Moisturizer with SPF 30.

My demands were few. I wanted one whose active ingredients were mineral based and not chemical (minerals offer the best and safest protection), lightweight, dries as clear as possible, good SPF protection, no animal testing, absorbs well and allows for smooth easy makeup application. OK maybe more than a few. DeVita's product uses micronized zinc oxide as their active ingredient. Skin Deep Database rates this product as very safe but they also rate it highly for sun protection. This helped convince me it was worth trying. I bought a sample size which was generous enough that I could try it out a few times and was so happy with the results that I bought the full size bottle. This product has a nice creamy feel that was light and easy to apply, dried clear and absorbed well. It feels and looks like a good moisturizer. I have dry skin and find this product works well as a moisturizer all by itself although I do use a light weight moisturizer underneath when conditions are drier. I have been pleased with the results under mineral makeup. It had just enough moisture to provide a good base for the minerals. One of the brands I tried was so tacky it was hard to achieve a natural looking coverage. I also tried it with a cream makeup with good results. This one's a winner for me. DeVita Solar Protection Moisturizer SPF 30

Avocado Scrub

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:22:41 GMT

Use half a large avocado, add olive oil, mix with sea salt until a thick paste forms. Seal in an air tight container at room temperature. Safe for use

Natural Sunscreen - A Better Choice

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:32:02 GMT

Find out what we need to look for when shopping for a safe, natural sunscreen.

Easy Tips For Using Less Plastic

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:38:02 GMT

Maybe my middle of the night ramblings from a previous entry about going without plastic produced something useful. As I see it perhaps one of the biggest problems with plastic comes from single use disposable plastic: bottles, cups, packaging, straws, lids and bags. One use and most are tossed away. Out of sight certainly but not gone. Not enough is being recycled. It's in landfills where it doesn't decompose and it litters our roadways and shorelines. Have you seen the images of that massive amount of plastic trash whirling around in our oceans? It doesn't go away. While environmental groups and industry works on solutions you and I can be taking some positive steps. A good place to start is minimizing use of single use plastics. Here are few suggestions: 1. Buy reuseable bottles. I am a fan of stainless steel bottles. Easy to clean, durable and safe. Here is great brand to consider: Klean Kanteen

2. No more plastic bags. A few communities have banned them. Why wait? Get reuseable bags. Check out this page for more info and links to some of the best: Reusable Shopping Bags

3. Look for glass and paper packaging over plastic when shopping and when you do end up with plastic try to buy brands that can recycle, mostly #1 PET and #2 HDPE plastic.

4. Also look for compostable plastic in any throw away item. These are the new plastics made from natural items like corn, sugarcane and tapioca. There are some problems. Right now it has to be composted in a controlled composting environment. Not a project for the backyard composter and where the heck do you find a composting facility anyway but I think it is a better choice than plastic made from petroleum. 5. Pack your lunch in reusable containers or waxed paper bags. Choose reusable eating utensils and straws, cloth napkins and your own cup. You can even apply some of this when you buy fast food. Now, sitting in a fast food place and pulling out your own stuff might seem a little strange but consider trying it with one item. Think reusable straws. Do you know how many of these are thrown away everyday? Check out this selection of Reusable Straws from Amazon.

6. Skip the plastic when hosting parties and cookouts. If you absolutely must use throw aways look for paper, bamboo and some of the new compostable plastics made from plant materials. Check out this site for some ideas: Green Party Goods These are switches I am doing too. I'm not perfect and I am always looking for ways to improve. It takes more awareness as I shop but it's doable. Give it a try. For more info check out this video:

Join the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Almond Scrub

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:53:24 GMT

> Almond Ground (1-2 tbsp) > Almond Oil (2-4 tbsp) Mix these to ingredients together this is really good for the skin as the oil - almond oil is really

Potato Rub

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:16:53 GMT

Sounds crazy but it works. It is great for evening out your skin tone and greatly diminishes the appearance of blemishes. Cut a potato in slices (might

Kattie's Exfoliant

Mon, 02 May 2011 17:39:18 GMT

There isn't just one recipe I follow, usually I just ransack my kitchen and use what I find! The last batch I made was wonderful and smelled even better!

A Day, No Make That An Hour Without Plastic

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:16:19 GMT

At 4:04 a.m. as I am trying to go back to sleep my brain decided otherwise and as so often happens I think about something I was working on earlier. What was that you might ask? Humor me here. It was plastic and with nothing better to do and sleeping apparently out of the question, I let myself wonder how far I could go in my day without plastic. As I lay there in bed I played the day out in my head. My day starts with a quick trip to the bathroom, I won't dwell here but no plastic anything was used. I head to the kitchen to get my tea going and breakfast started when I run into my first problem. Plastic heaven in here. My refrigerator, toaster oven and microwave all contain quite a bit of plastic and much of my food comes in plastic containers and bags but I don't give up I'm not sleepy yet I can still have my tea and I have a whole food bar in a paper wrapper. Time to get ready to start my day by brushing my teeth. OK the only way I am going to clean my teeth (plastic tooth brush duh... what else would it be made out of and plastic container for toothpaste) is by doing it how my dad suggested I brush in a pinch. Baking soda and my finger. Really.... oh well, this is just pretend. I use the cleanser that comes in the jar with a metal lid but moisturizer is a problem. My usual is in a glass container but it has a plastic pump lid which I love for keeping germs out. I would have to forgo makeup because once again plastic is everywhere. Good thing I work from home. I now head to my little office and I'll just turn my computer on and....Here is where my experiment takes a nasty turn, no mouse, no computer, printer or even eyeglasses to see them all with. Why I can't even call anyone to complain to because I have no phone. Wouldn't even make it through the morning without plastic. We are surrounded with plastic. There are so many things that would not exist without it. It's inexpensive cost and light weight makes it affordable for the consumer and the manufacturer but how do we deal with it's cost on the environment. If you haven't decided that maybe I should just try a cup of chamomile tea for help sleeping, check out the suggestions that I will post next time. See you next time.

Recycled, Repuposed, Re Everything

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:58:24 GMT

I could easily become geeky about anything recycled, reclaimed, reused, repurposed and some of those other things that begin with re. It all began as I researched new pages to add to NLW and then I caught a show with Nate Berkus. I think I love this man. So much of what he talks about has to do with finding new uses for what you already have and creating something wonderful out of some old item that at first glance you think no way will I have that in my home. He started a new train of thought for me. Maybe I could attempt a few of the things I saw others doing. An inexpensive old student desk with a nasty looking finish was my first project. All it took was with a little sanding, some paint and some colorful old handles and it's looks totally different. This was a relatively simple project and while I need to work on my techniques I think it came out pretty good for a first attempt.

While I wouldn't have thrown this desk away, it was ugly but sturdy, I often see perfectly good things being thrown away. With a little time, effort and willingness to experiment one less item might not end up in the trash and who knows you might even save money by not buying new. And remember: The greenest item is the one that already exists. It helps the environment but it's also fun, creative and totally unique when a tote bag is made from discarded vinyl billboards or a pair of earrings, is made from discarded steel wire and washers. When recycled plastic is used to make lumber or outdoor furniture, countertops are made from used glass or like I mentioned above new uses are found for something that otherwise might be thrown away. I hope that you will take a little time and explore some of the new pages I have added to NLW. The link below will take you to the recycled products page where you find info on the many ways recycling and reusing can play a bigger part in your life.

SanoTint Another Safer Hair Dye

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:55:19 GMT

This is probably more me just giving you a heads up on another safer hair dye than a product review because I bought SanoTint, did my patch test and went no further. SanoTint was my latest attempt at testing out safer permanent products to color hair. This hair dye does contain natural ingredients and as with most permanent hair coloring products, chemicals but the chemical ingredients used are better than many brands of hair color - no or low ppd, no ammonia, parabens, heavy metals, etc.

SanoTint comes in several different formulas. One with low levels of ppd, one without ppd and a lightening kit. I chose the one without ppd, SanoTint Light. I was excited to find another hair dye that will work for me because of course I'm thinking it is the ppd that causes me problems. Right?...... Wrong. I'll be darned but something else in these products bother me. I am embarrassed to admit but I was tempted to skip the patch test before using this product. I know.... but then I realized I would not be able to face you all if I had but I honestly thought without ppd it would be fine. Anyway, I did my patch test strictly as a formality you know and was so surprised to experience burning and itching. What the heck! I am so glad I did not use this all over my head. My first thought was that there was a mistake and I had the wrong formula but nope that's not it. So, now what's the problem? The next ingredient I had to consider was the hydrogen peroxide. The product I have been using for awhile now without any issue is Palette by Nature and there is no hydrogen peroxide in it. Before that I was using Tints of Nature without any problems but it contains pharmacuetical grade hydrogen peroxide so either I have become more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide or it's something else. I'll have to experiment a little more to figure this out. For you however, SanoTint is another product to consider if you are trying to find a safer hair colorant or you want to try a product without ppd. Just please do your patch test first each and every time you color. My experience is just my experience. This product did not work out for me but it might for you. Visit Natural Solutions for SanoTint hair dyes. For more information about other safer and more natural hair color products check out my page on natural hair color.

GloMinerals (also GlowMinerals)

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:30:35 GMT

I purchased my blush three days ago - I noticed it impaired my breathing - the store I bought it at does not take make up returns - I called glo minerals

Stuck In A Not So Green Rut?

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:28:50 GMT

I was listening to one of the morning news shows and the host was talking about making small steps to being green. The whole little changes add up idea which I totally agree with by the way. It just occurred to me that that very same suggestions have been going around for years now and we are still talking about the same things. Shouldn't we be farther along on our way to being green and natural? Why is that anyway? I suppose some of it is because many of us don't see the damage being done to the environment or connect products we use around the house to our health and so we tend to stick with doing things the way we have become accustomed to doing them. Well, it's time to pick up the pace a bit, shake off some old habits and get out of our not so green rut so to speak.

Are you stuck using the plastic or paper bags from the stores instead of switching to reusable bags? All I have to do is spend a few minutes outside any grocery store in my area and watch the people come out to realize that most people are not bringing in reuseable shopping bags. Is this you? Yes, it is inconvenient at first.... Yes, it will cost you but bags can be found or made that are very inexpensive. What are you waiting for?

Have you taken the step and bought reusable bottles? It took me a long time to find one I liked that was the right size and didn't have an annoying lip on the top but I am now rarely without my water bottle and since I do quite a bit of driving around and being thirsty I can't imagine how many plastic water bottles I have saved from the environment. Recycling them is great but more of them end up in the trash. Find a reusable bottle you like and will use.

Are you making an effort to read labels and buy products with ingredients you understand? What in the world are some of the ingredients you are using on your skin, or your children's or in your home? The choice is yours just know what you are buying. I can't promise you this is simple but the more you learn about the ingredients used in anything from skin care to household products it does get easier. Even making items on your own can be simple, fun and very affordable. How about this? Let's not wait for Earthday, some environmental wake up call or a news report about unsafe ingredients in some skin care product to remind us of the importance of being proactive and taking steps in the green direction. Beginning this month commit to making changes. What are you waiting for?

bare X minerals Mineral makeup review

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:21:09 GMT

This review is for bare X minerals Mineral Make up. I bought 4 pcs kit of mineral make up. I found them on internet shop after some research for good

Being A Green Valentine

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:38:31 GMT

Did you head into the new year thinking you were going to be greener or more natural this year? Yes? Well here is a challenge for you. With Valentines Day just around the corner what can you do to make this holiday a little more eco friendly. Sometimes thinking about being green goes out the door when it comes to holidays. I know I've been guilty of this myself. I find it does take a little pre-planning and a little more looking to find what I want. I will do well until I run into a time crunch and then I find myself going with an old standby. If you find yourself doing this remember that being green and natural takes some time to become a part of your thinking and a consideration as you shop. Let's start with the cards. We will send lots and lots of cards. Here are your choices.

Make your own. Can be very eco friendly and fun if you use recycled materials.

Shop on-line from an eco friendly company.

Check out your local green stores or health food stores.

Don't forget e-cards. Many companies carry these for free or a small cost. The animated and musical cards can be fun and romantic.

If you find yourself at the local drug store, all is not lost. Hallmark makes cards that contain recycled material (look for the green recycling emblem) and I'll bet there are other companies that do too.

Flowers, well, if you have the chance to buy locally grown this is the way to go but one of the best places to shop for beautiful flowers either for yourself (15% of women buy their own flowers) or for others consider Organic Bouquet from Amazon. There is still time to order. They are green, fair trade and beautiful. For candy, I am going to suggest you buy fair trade chocolate. If you have a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or other health food store check them out for some of the best and greenest Valentines candy. Online visit Kate's Caring Gifts for a good selection. Yes, these chocolates are more expensive and you won't get as many but these are delicious, savor every mouthful chocolates not the kind you pop in your mouth one after another. Fairly made chocolate is something that does not happen often enough when growing or processing cacao beans.

Lastly, jewelry. This one might take a little more planning. Some of the best selections can be found on-line at places like Green Karat and Brilliant Earth but don't overlook buying previously owned or vintage jewelry. It is a cool idea and the greenest. For more info on the above topics:

Fair Trade Chocolate

Organic Flowers

Eco Jewelry

Bear Fruit Hair

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:24:48 GMT

I was home one morning watching the news. An African American Arizona native came on to discuss her new hair care line, Bear Fruit Hair. She had always

Devita Products Review

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:17:13 GMT

I've been using Devita products for quite a while now, and I've not had any problems. After going through four buying rounds of product, my skin looks

Mineral Indulgence My Dynamic Duo Review!

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:47:29 GMT

I just received my Mineral Indulgence order and wanted to do a review on the site that ultimately is why I tried the products in the first place. I have

My Natural Living Shop

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:22:47 GMT

This store offers a nice selection of green, eco-friendly and safe products for the whole family, even pets. The prices are great, and there are monthly

Lavender Oat Clay Exfoliant

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:23:08 GMT

Grind up Lavender flowers in the blender with oatmeal. Add White Clay powder (available at Health Food Store or Pharmacy) Experiment with amounts of

Ava Anderson A Teen Concerned About Skin Care Ingredients

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:32:33 GMT

Awhile back I wrote about an EWG (Environmental Working Group) article about toxic ingredients in products that teens buy. The gist of it had to do with the larger quantities of cosmetic and beauty products that our teens use in comparison to adults and the fact that they tend to shop more by cost and latest trend rather than ingredients. If they did read the label they are probably going to find a whole slew of chemicals ingredients which they like some of us just assume must be safe. You can see the problem with this. They are exposing themselves to more unsafe ingredients at a younger age. It's up to us to be informed and help inform our kids which is just what Kim Anderson did. A couple of years ago she learned about toxins in skin and beauty products passed the info on to her then 14 year old daughter, Ava, who not only listened but set out to do her own research. She felt the shock and frustration that I and many others felt and her reaction was with the help of her parents to develop a line of skin care and cosmetics that contained absolutely all safe ingredients but with the added challenge of maintaining a ZERO rating (the safest) on the Skin Deep Database for every single product.

This is one amazing teen to have accomplished all this at such a young age. She launched a product line called Ava Anderson Non Toxic which offers a line of straight forward skin care that work together as a complete daily system. In this system you will find a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and eye makeup remover pads. This is part of a larger system that includes a lip scrub and exfoliator. The cosmetic collection consists a few shades of foundation, blush, lipstick and flavored lip gloss. Products are citrus-based and also contain natural ingredients. I expect this product line to grow much larger in the future. What I really like is that all ingredients are disclosed and have been printed on the product labels in larger type. Don't you wish more companies would do this? I recently was trying to read the ingredients on a label with reading glasses and a magnifying glass. The type was so small and printed in a color that almost blended into the background. Sometimes I think that's the point. If it's so hard to read maybe we won't read it. I love supporting people that are trying to make a difference. This is a company worth checking out. The link below will take you to Ava's site. Here is a link to the EWG's (Environmental Working Group) article on toxins and teens. Important reading if you have teens.

Alaffia Shea Butter Products

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:25:19 GMT

I have been using Alaffia products for quite awhile now and have been very pleased with how they work. I have tried Night Radiance Face Cream, Rooibos

African Shea Butter - Soft Skin and Fair Trade

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 23:45:29 GMT

Learn the many benefits of African shea butter for your skin care and what to look for before you make your purchase.

Don't do it! Sheer Cover Review

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:12:30 GMT

I've used Sheer Cover and it burned my skin! I went to cancel my shipment and they already had sent me another package that I didn't ask for, then said

Organics Products Australia

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 17:46:42 GMT

This store is fantastic! It sells natural and organic Australian skin care and beauty products ranging from rose hip oil (god's gift to women!) to 100%

Are You Doing The Patch Test For Hair Color?.

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:07:46 GMT

I just read another article about a woman who had a very serious reaction to hair dye. She ended up being hospitalized. I have heard so many stories from women who have written to me telling me about their own problems with hair dye. It is a bigger problem than I knew and much of this could be prevented. I am getting ready to get on some of you here. Anyone and I mean anyone, even someone who is not prone to allergies, can experience reactions. The companies who make these products know this and include instructions in the box of hair color about doing the patch test. It is the most important thing you can do to have a greater assurance that the product you are using will work for you. So why do so many of us ignore the patch test and just use the product? I thought back to my first experiences with coloring my hair and as I have mentioned I did not do patch tests and I still wonder why I ignored this. Pretty stupid now that I think about it. I guess part of the problem was my "not me" syndrome. You know where you think "Oh, I won't have any problems, I've never experienced any problems with products. That's not for me that's for someone else, blah, blah, blah." I was also just plain impatient. Well, I was fortunate enough to be able to use hair color products for awhile without problems and then all of a sudden I used my usual product and on the back of my head behind my ears I had an intense burning, itching and pain that did not go away for quite awhile after I removed the product. From then on patch tests became a part of the process each and every time I use any product. The woman in the article used a patch test but did not leave it on long enough. This is another important part of using a patch test follow the instructions completely. Leave it on for the longest recommended time. I know this can be a hassle. I have found it easiest to apply the product on my head right behind my ears and you might consider repeating the test especially if you are prone to being sensitive. Do your patch test. Make sure to check out my page on choosing safer more natural hair coloring products. Here you will find suggestions and reviews by myself and others of quite a few different products.