Green Options

Who doesn’t love the spicy scents of the season, right?  But you have to admit, summery scents are always welcome.  Enter the newest creations from Jurlique:  Body Wash and Lotion in the gorgeous scents of Rose, Lavender, Citrus and (here it is!) Jasmine.

I have been lucky enough to sample the latter and, let me tell you, it is delicious.  The Shower Gel is thick and rich and foamy.  And the Body Lotion – which on first impression seems a little thin – is actually very hydrating and leaves skin incredible smooth.  Really!  But my favorite part of the whole experience is the luscious scent.  Subtly, fresh Jasmine that actually smells like the real deal and not a plastic imitation because it is made from natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance.  Leaves you smelling yummy all day.

Summer may be gone for now, but certain bits of it last on:  memories, vacation photos……new sun spots. 

Several visitors have written to me asking for help reducing the appearance of sun spots and freckles.  Though nothing short of completely avoiding the sun will totally keep spots at bay, being liberal with the sunscreen and choosing a few targeted products will definitely help.

It seems the moment cooler weather arrives our skin and hair feel the affects; dry, rough hands, tight skin and fly-aways.  Not to worry, there are remedies for these problems.  By adding a few products or ingredients to your existing regimen, you will be flake and fly-away free in no time.

In celebration of their newly obtained organic certification, Bubble & Bee Organic is giving away a of couple fabulous (and brand new) products.  Get a free Rude Raspberry Lip Balm with any purchase.  Purchase over $35 worth of goodies and get a Lotion Stick as well.  Buy over $65 and they will even throw in free shipping.

If there is one thing everyone can agree on it is that water is all important to our health and good looks.  Sure, sometimes you feel like something a little more exciting than a glass of straight up h20.  But it can be difficult to avoid sugar and sugar-substitutes in flavored waters, ingredients you definitely do not need to add to your health plan.  Fortunately, there are two great (and healthy) alternatives for flavored water lovers. 

So, most of us are waxing something these days.  Whether your eyebrows, bikini area or some other unmentionable, you may wax via a professional or even in your own home.

Admittedly, I did start with professional waxing (eyebrows are as far as I go) but after a few sketchy results, decided to take on this grooming ritual myself.  And I do not mind a bit.  It is easy to get the hang of, you can get the look you want without having to explain it to someone else, and can deal with the temporary redness while sleeping rather than walking around that way for a day.

That said, I was uncomfortable with the ingredients in the product I was using.  And then, along came MOOM.  Made with USDA certified 100% Organic and beneficial food-grade ingredients: Cane sugar, Lemon Juice, Chamomile Tea, and essential oils.  This hair remover has the consistency of honey and smells like something you could spread on toast.

Malie Organics Jasmine Rose Beautify Facial Tonic is so simple, yet feels so indulgent.  This pure floral water purifies skin for that extra clean feeling, while providing light hydration. 

Made from distilled flower hydrosols and pure spring water from the slopes of Hawaii’s Haleakala volcano, this refreshing tonic encourages cell growth and collagen production. Healing jasmine (often used as a mood elevator) and rose (a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to soothe and calm dry, sensitive skin) provide gentle moisture and balance to tired, irritated skin. 

Sometimes it is not enough to get yourself looking gorgeous, your surroundings have to set the mood.  As a self-professed candle junkie I can tell you that not any old candle fits the bill.  Sure, they have to be clean burning and non-toxic, but let’s be real – the scent is what it’s all about.  It is such a let down to get a candle that smells great in the jar, then produces nothing but the smell of…well, burning candle… once lit. 

The perfect little candle recently made its way across my desk (and on to my vanity) and is the lovely and luxurious scent of fresh island plumeria.    And who is the creator of such a deliciously scented room enhancer?  None other than (straight from the tropics) Malie Organics.  Made from clean-burning soy and kukui oils, it is petroleum-free and burns by way of cotton wick for a nice long 60 hours.  Comes in a simple glass container with nothing but the tasteful, gold Malie symbol on the front.  Chic and elegant.

It seems once school starts we go on a spending rampage.  Backpacks, clothes, lunchboxes and supplies can drain the wallet pretty fast and any little bit you can save helps.

What a perfect time for a shoe sale.  Simple Shoes is currently offering many of their popular styles at special clearance prices – and we are talking dirt cheap here!  Boys Innertube shoes and the adorable GT Janie for girls are each marked at $8.99 and Skippies are just $7.90.  And while you are at it, grab a pair for yourself and baby. 

It’s not all about the skin and hair, we have to keep those pearly whites in top form as well.  But, as you have probably noticed, it is difficult to find toothpaste in your favorite super market or drugstore aisles that are not full of unwanted ingredients – like added fluoride, whiteners, Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and chemical preservatives.  Not only are these ingredients unnecessary, they are harmful to your health.