Green Options

Here’s a fun stocking stuffing gift for those who have been a little naughty this year: Sweet Soaps Santa’s Coal and Snowman Poop soaps.

Sure to get the message across while garnering a smile these fun soaps will make perfect eco-friendly stocking stuffers.

If you know anything at all about physics, you’ll know that every living thing is suffused with energy and each individual plant & animal resonates with its own unique vibrational pattern. These energy frequencies are said to contain healing elements that when harnessed in the right way and instilled in a carrier of some kind, can infuse their restorative effects into your skin. Much like the way Homeopathy works, this new skincare line from SKINAGAIN uses state-of-the-art computerized technology called Dermavibe, to capture over 300+ energy frequencies ranging from bach flowers to aloe vera to crystals, which are then transferred into a metallic conductor at the bottom of a healing serum.

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.

People keep telling me it’s just my body detoxing, releasing some sort of angry toxins all over my face. Apparently, new yogi’s go through this period when beginning their journey into the yoga world. Well, I’ve been at this yoga thing for a few months now, and still, my face continually breaks out. I’ve never had flawless skin, mind you, but lately, it’s been at a whole new level of imperfect. And, who would have thought, I’m not too happy about it. In fact, I’ve turned into a little angry toxin myself, infusing my brain with nasty negative self talk and feeling much like a teenager girl all over again- constantly looking at my face for new imperfections and crying a little on the inside every time a new one pops up.

Enter Organoderm and Dr. Alkaitis- two facial products that have flown into my life like little superheros wearing capes, flexing their big muscles and fighting the big bad break out.

A Place to Feel Eco-Fabulous

The  ecofabulous lounge at Opportunity Green was appointed with gorgeous sustainable furniture used throughout the conference space, and is a flawless manifestation of Opportunity Green’s commitment to design. I’ve been to a few sustainability-oriented conferences in my time, and this is the only one that celebrates sustainable design, and helps designers and clients alike to better understand sustainable design. It was so uplifting to see so much creative talent using sustainable principles to make gorgeous clothes and accessories.

The ecofabulous lounge is that chic yet welcoming boutique where you want to just hang out and be surrounded by gorgeousness. The lounge has a corner dedicated to Vie Bungalow, another corner for Arcona facials and product sampling, and the uber-eco PACT underwear, repping for the men, with his & hers boy-cut briefs.The Ekla sofas were gorgeous and seemed a great place to relax and chat with people.

Neroli Rose products are made with hydrating shea butter from Southern Sudan. Sudanese Shea Butter is thought to be the finest natural moisturizer in the world.

“In Sudan, shea butter is called Lulu, meaning ‘treasured pearl’. Sudanese women process their Lulu by hand, using an ancient, cold-pressed technique that retains the highest concentrations of Vitamins A and E. The butter is produced from the nuts of shea trees that grow wild, deep within the Sudanese forests, untouched by chemicals or fertilizers. This rare shea butter from the Nile Basin is so nutritious, it serves as a food staple for the Sudanese people during the dry season.”

The holidays are creeping up faster than any of us would probably like. Before Halloween is even over the stores are already putting up winter holiday displays. As always I try to start early though I hardly ever do. Time just flies by so fast.

But I have been keeping an eye out for great eco-friendly products that are reasonably priced (like $25 and under) that would make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

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.

I can’t keep this stuff on my lips! It is so delicious I keep licking it right off. Thank goodness it is natural, safe and full of organic ingredients and not any petroleum by-products.

The Dark Chocolate Orange lip balm by Kokokahn has to be one of the best tasting lip balms I have ever used. At one time I never would have believed that orange and chocolate was a tasty flavor combination but since trying it, it’s almost up there with chocolate and raspberry which is my most favorite flavor combo.

Terri Bly, president and founder of The Nature of Beauty, LTD, discusses Kaeline’s Hammam Savon Noir, and its numerous benefits. Not only is the simple, ancient and powerful formula ideal for exfoliating, moisturizing and soothing the skin, it is also an amazing decongestant during cold and flu season.

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.