Favorite Natural Face Wash

After years of abusing my skin with harsh exfoliants and chemical face washes, I have decided to raise the white flag. “Alright Face,” I thought, “I’ll take care of you if you take care of me.” So I researched several products and found what I can best describe as the most heavenly scented face wash.

Avalon Organics Lavender Facial Cleansing Gel for Sensitive Skin is my new favorite product. Aside from the benefit of the calming lavender aroma, is the light and soapy lather, and clean wash. My usually combination dry/oily/break out prone skin has been soft, smooth, and considerably clearer. I would recommend this product for anyone with combination/sensitive skin.

So I’ve started treating my skin properly, and my skin has in turn looked better than ever. I’m slowly realizing the value of taking care of yourself inside and out.

I purchased this product at Whole Foods but I have seen it online for a better price.

UNICEF Haiti Update

In a message from UNICEF:

“Children are smaller, weaker and more vulnerable and almost half of Haiti’s population is under the age of 18. The 2 million children impacted need clean water, medical care and protection from trafficking and sexual exploitation. UNICEF knows children and knows how to save them. Your support is making this possible.

This weekend, UNICEF was also charged with leading all water, sanitation and hygiene efforts. On Saturday, 40 water tanks delivered drinkable water, enough for 60,000 people in 19 sites. Yesterday, an additional 82 trucks delivered water for 80,000 people. These supplies are critical in order to prevent disease that is all too common in the aftermath of any crisis.

Tonight, UNICEF will be featured on a special two-hour edition of Larry King Live on CNN. The show airs from 8 pm ET to 10 pm ET (US). Special guests will join Larry King on the set and via satellite, including Colin Powell, Ashley Judd, Pete Wentz, Ringo Starr and many others. I hope you’ll be able to watch and please spread the word!”

So tune in tonight to the Larry King Live show on CNN for coverage of UNICEF’s rescue efforts.

UNICEF Haiti Relief Fund

Haiti needs millions of dollars to aid the people suffering from the earthquake tragedy, as well as millions to aid in repairing the structures of the country. Unfortunately many of us, who are much more fortunate, watch with blank eyes at the pictures on the television and change the channel when it becomes to much to watch. We say, “Oh I would donate but I don’t have anything to offer.” Or, “How do I know where my money really goes?” I have been a supporter of UNICEF for some time now, and I must say that their efforts are most sincere. 100% of all donations for Haiti will be used in Haiti. Even five dollars helps, and everyone can spare a pack of cigarettes, or two coffees, or five packs of gum. Here is the link, and if you don’t want to donate you should at least see the charity that UNICEF offers for those in need. It may be inspiring.
UNICEF Haiti Relief

Yummy vegetarian snack!

Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods is a company whose mission statement reads, “[Our foods] are always delicious, natural, low in fat without animal products or cholesterol. We source non genetically modified ingredients and make nutritious foods that are all-natural, tasty sources of plant protein, fiber and antioxidants for your Delicious Wellness.”

The first product of their’s that I’ve tried is called “Baked Not Fried Ramen (Chicken Flavor).” While I’m skeptical of many things meat flavored that are not meat, (I think if you want to eat meat, just eat it- meat substitutes can be tasty, but they don’t taste like meat) this was surprisingly yummy. Not to my surprise, this did not actually taste like Ramen- but that’s ok with me, because this actually tastes better. It was only about $1.50 at Whole Foods, is ready in under 2 minutes, and comes with way more noodles than typical “cup-o-soup” brands. A serving only has 1 gram of fat, and 320 grams of sodium, while boasting 10 grams of protein. Overall I would definitely recommend this affordable and satisfying snack.

Nature’s Gate

My favorite aspect of “green living” is green beauty products. There are so many beauty products loaded with known toxic chemicals and carcinogens, so if you get a chance to try out a truly “all natural” product, give it a shot.

I recently tried Nature’s Gate Jojoba Revitalizing Conditioner for Damaged Hair. I would rate it as slightly above average. My hair isn’t damaged, but curly hair can use all the moisture it can get, so I always reach for the most nourishing  hair products. It worked well, not great, and had a pleasant, but not mind-blowing scent. The product left my hair detangled and not smelling overly perfumey so it gets points for both of those. All in all it’s worth a try, but I wouldn’t recommend it for very dry hair.

You can find Nature’s gat products online and at Whole Foods.

Harvest Co-op!

Grocery shopping in a major foodstore is convenient, and can ultimately be affordable. However, shopping in a Co-op also has its advantages. Harvest Co-op in downtown Central Square of Cambridge, Massachusetts is an earth conscious grocery store. This particular Co-op has a cafe in the front, and a food store in the back. The Clear Conscience Cafe’s mission is to serve all-natural and organic foods as often as possible and offer many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.

The mission of the grocery store is to be a “hybrid” co-op and offer all-natural and organic foods, as well as “conventional” grocery items. Harvest promotes and carries a wide variety of local, organic, and fair trade items. The store boasts a large all-natural health selection, as well as a convenient bulk foods isle where shoppers can purchase goods from body wash to rice in containers from the store or from home, reducing packaging and cost. 

While prices may not be as low as a Shaw’s, or Stop and Shop, Harvest does offer bi-monthly specials.
Shoppers of the Harvest Co-Op can become Full Equity Members of the Co-op. Members have owned and operated Harvest since 1971. Members who have paid the one time fee of $200 are eligible to receive annual refunds proportional to their patronage. This is a Co-op system. Member benefits include 10% off members only days, as well as many other convenient benefits.

While I do split my shopping between the Co-op and my local Whole Foods, I must say that the Co-op has a lot to offer. One of the more interesting sections of the Co-op has organic wine, and beer from local micro-breweries.

Harvest Co-op is located at 581 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA and 57 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA.

 Here is the website: Harvest Co-op

Quick green beauty update!

Loreal’s line of Everpure Conditioner is just as fantastic as the Shampoo (which I’ve raved about earlier). The rosemary mint conditioner is rich and super moisturizing. 

Another update is that I’ve found a great use for the Vitamin E serum from Trader Joe’s. It failed as hair conditioner, and was a little greasy as an everyday moisturizer, but it works really well on feet! If you apply it to your feet liberally after a shower, and then put your feet in socks, when you take them off your feet will be 100 times softer.

All Natural Cosmetics Review

Sephora has a new natural and organic products guide. Any product labeled with their “natural products seal of approval” must meet certain standards. Their mission statement says, “Sephora’s natural products must be formulated with high concentrations of: antioxidants, botanicals, essential oils, fruit extracts, marine bioactives, minerals, and vitamins. And [must contain] fewer to no: GMOs (genetically modified organisms), parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, triclosan” They also include an online glossary of each chemical to let shoppers know why they don’t want these harmful toxins in their cosmetics. On their website, all products list ingredients and any product with the “natural seal” lists what harmfiul chemicals it does not contain.

I believe this is one small step for cosmetics, one large step for women everywhere.

1. Lorac Double Feature

Lorac Double Feature is one of the best beauty products I’ve found. It’s a two-sided wand with a concealer stick on one side and a liquid highlighter on the other. The concealer is creamy and smooth, and works well covering up blemishes and under eye circles. The highlighter is lightweight and irridescent and works really well on the cheeckbone, brow bone, and I use it under my eyes, right beneath my eye lashes. The formula is created without the use of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, or phthalates. The wand also has a hygenic blender ball for flawless application. $24.00 at Sephora.com

2. Lorac Blush

I purchased Lorac blush in Desire, a shimmery pink color. The blush is lightweight, and the color can be more natural or more dramatic depending on the application. It certainly doesn’t last all day, but overall I was satisfied. Lorac blush is made without sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, or phthalates. $19.00 at Sephora.com

3. TheBalm Sexy Mama

Sexy Mama is a translucent powder for all skin types and colors. I’ve found that it lasts for hours and works very well at mattifying and evening out skin tone. It doesn’t come with a brush, but I find that any all-over face brush works well. Sexy Mama is made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, or phthalates. $19.00 at Sephora.com

Environmental shaving dilemma?!

This may sound silly, but I’ve been thinking about it for a while. All those plastic razors I use shaving my legs, must add up, right? And while I refuse to wax my legs because I believe anyone who tells you “beauty is pain” doesn’t know what beauty is and also must have something against women, I also realize that waxing is environmentally sound. All it uses is natural wax and cloth strips, but I just can’t bring myself to literally rip the hair from my body. I’ve tried Nair but all those chemicals can’t be good for you, I don’t need to do research to know that, plus it never worked. Any tips or advice out there? I’ll look into it, but in the mean time I don’t see an easy answer.

Food, Inc.

If any of you were moved by Eric Schlosser’s, Fast Food Nation or Michael Pollan’s, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, then there is a new movie out for you. Food, Inc., made with the help of Schlosser and Pollan, is a documentary that takes a close look at America’s food industry. The movie seeks to lift the veil of ignorance held by most consumers about the seedy underbelly of our industrialized food industry. Unfortunately, what’s going on in America’s kitchen is disgraceful. From the conditions of factory farms, to the amounts of toxic petro-chemicals being used on our nations food supply, the state of American food affairs needs to change. Also, it’s not a total downer-at the end of the movie there is a “we can make changes” appeal to the audience and a website to go to for more information. (http://www.takepart.com/foodinc/) I suggest that everyone take an eye-opening look at this entertaining and informative movie. After watching Food, Inc.  with my boyfriend, he was finally convinced to switch to organic. It’s just that good.

Here is a trailer for the movie:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/foodinc/