Earth Friendly Archives
Save the earth with this Earth Friendly Tote - one plastic bag at a time
Ever since I saw An Inconvenient Truth
I leave it in my car, and whenever I hop into a store (which happens, like, ALL THE TIME!) I roll it up and stick in my purse. When the time comes for my purchases to go into a plastic shopping bag, I whip this baby out and decline the shopping bag. While it puts one less plastic shopping bag out there in the earth, it's much sturdier and larger than most shopping bags and even better - I'm not adding to that annoying bag of plastic bags that live in the closet.
And it makes for a great Christmas present for any earth loving recipient on your gift list.
Why not check out all the other cool stuff at Julie-Marie, they've got makeup bags,
tote bags, drawstring bags,
tissue holders and a whole lot more.
Posted by megan on December 9, 2007
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Scrub up with 100% Pure
Winter has arrived, and this means most of the moisture in my skin has dissipated, leaving my face pale and lackluster. To get my glow back I decided I needed to exfoliate. This may seem obvious, but I’m somewhat dubious of facial scrubs due to my sensitive skin.
Even those that claim to be gentle can (and have) rubbed my face raw. But a recent purchase of 100 % Pure Cherry-Honey Facial Polish has done wonders to improve my opinion – and my skin. Skin is polished with jojoba beads, which are perfectly rounded so they don’t scratch or irritate your skin.
The product comes in a tub filled with two distinct layers. Simply grab a handful, making sure to get some from both layers, and massage gently onto damp skin. The rounded beads, plus honey and crushed berries combine into paste that works to slough away dead skin.
It leaves my skin super-soft and not at all red or irritated. I use it once a week, but those without sensitive skin could use it more often. I am also loving this product because it’s made sans-chemicals, with all-natural ingredients. Happy scrubbing!
Posted by Jessica on January 9, 2008
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The Squirrel and the Hedgehog by Mod Cloth: A delightful story
If you're going to go green, you might as well go cute while you're at it. Am I right ladies? Fellow A Girl Must Shop-er Janet (who knows all about my obsessions with all things squirrelly) sent me the link to this squirrel and hedgehog tote by Mod Cloth and I simply must have.
I can certainly justify the purchase since it will help with my resolution to go green this year. I can see it now - The squirrel, the hedgehog and me, living in peaceful harmony.
Posted by megan on January 17, 2008
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Wake up with white tea - for your face - by Bod
As much as I would like to be, I am not a morning person. It takes me a while to get going in the morning, so I need as much help as I can find to jump-start my day. I have recently found a small pick-me-up in the form of Bod White Tea Cleansing Gel.
Along with my can't-miss-it cup of coffee, the subtle citrus scent of this gentle cleanser always seems to start me off on the right foot. Above and beyond the energizing scent, I love the fact my face feels really clean after I use it, without the drying effects of other cleansers. It rinses clean away, which is one of my top criteria for a good cleanser. If it seems to take a long time to rinse it all off, or leaves a residue, I'm not a fan. This product though, lathers nicely, feels great on my skin and rinses off easily. Plus a little goes a long way, which is always a bonus.
My morning coffee now has a partner in crime to help motivate me out of bed in the morning!
Posted by Jessica on January 15, 2008
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Avacado and Bananas are good food for your skin, too!
If it happens to be winter where you live, and that winter happens to be cold, then you probably know the havoc cold temperatures and even colder winds can wreak on your skin. And if winter wherever you are doesn't involve snow and cold, let me just say I am jealous! But all petty jealousies aside, I am here to gush about a face mask I've been using to combat the drying effects of winter on my skin.
Upon waking up with a rather ruddy, flaky complexion after spending most of the day outdoors, I knew it was time for a skin-saving SOS. For me, that SOS is Juara's Avacado Banana Moisture Mask. I know it sounds more like something you might eat, but trust me, avacados and bananas are also great food for your skin.
The unscented mask is rich and smooth. I usually use this once a week, spread a generous layer all over my face (save for the eyes and mouth), relax for 15 minutes, then gently rinse off using a face cloth and warm water. Afterwards my skin is soft, smooth and feeling great. I find once a week is perfect but the box says twice a week is fine. I probably won't be using this in the summer, when my skin stays fairly hydraded on its own, but in the winter I need (and appreciate) the extra moisture-boost this mask offers. Here's to food for you - and your face!
Posted by Jessica on January 22, 2008
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Fruity facial toner wakes up your face
I love the facial toners that come in spray bottles, because I feel you can use them any time of day, many times a day, to refresh and wake up your skin. This is probably why I go through the stuff like it's water! My latest purchase, which I love, is Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Facial Toner
It has a slightly sweet, citrus scent so spraying it not only perks up my skin, but me, too. Hmm...maybe that's why I'm always spraying it. Seriously, I carry this stuff in my purse. I find it's a good hydrator, and refreshes my make-up after a long day. I also use it as my post-wash, pre-moisturizer step.
This is the first time I've tried a Pangea Organics product, and I might have to check out the rest of their line. Ingredients are chemical and preservative-free, and you can even plant the box! I have yet to try (there's snow on the ground where I live) but the instructions just say to plant the whole thing and watch it grow. When spring hits I'll try it out.
Posted by Jessica on January 30, 2008
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Cleanse and exfoliate in one with Suki
I realize I can be fickle with facial cleansers. Even if I find one I love, I'm always on the look-out for one that's even better. I just can't seem to commit!
On my latest shopping excursion to check out beauty products I decided to give Suki Pure Skin Care a try. They make a wide variety of natural skin care products and I went with the Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser.
It comes in a jar and is actually hard to the touch. You have to dig your finger in to get a dime-sized amount and then massage it between wet hands before working it into your skin. For a product that starts off hard and grainy, a little water and friction turn it into a super-soft, gentle foam that literally melts into your skin. Talk about luxurious. The tiny grains exfoliate and then seem to disappear as the foam takes over. It rinses easily and smells amazing - vibrantly lemony and a little sweet. Yum! No, I haven't tried eating it, but I have been known to open the jar just to smell it. My skin seems to love this cleanser, feeling soft and looking brighter after I use it.
This is now my new favourite cleanser, and I vow to finish the jar before going off to see what else is out there. But once I do, I'll be sure to share my latest and greatest cleanser finds!
Posted by Jessica on February 26, 2008
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Go Green for Lunch
Posted by Deborah on March 6, 2008
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Summer spritzing
I use spray toners all year round, but it's summer when I really up the ante.
I find they really cool me down and give my face the refreshment it craves during hot, humid days. I always have one on hand, and even carry one in my purse for an instant pick-me-up. I find they're especially useful if you're out all day (say, at the beach or a music festival) and then have evening plans that don't factor in time to go home and freshen up. A few sprays on your face and neck and even in your hair is usually enough to make you feel fresher.
I thought I'd give a run-down of three of my favourites. I've tried a countless number and these are the ones I continue to go back to.
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
This spray is both refreshing and moisturizing. It has a light, flowery scent and gives your skin a nice, dewy glow when applied directly after foundation or tinted moisturizer. - John Masters Organics Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin and Hair
This soothing spray has anti-inflammatory properties, which I find essential in the summer. Skin can get red and blotchy from the heat, but a quick spritz can help calm the skin's surface. I also love that this spray is meant for both skin and hair. - Refresh Me Rosewater Toner
I like the light scent and fine mist of this toner. It's great for setting make-up, and if you keep it in the fridge, I find it makes for a great morning refresher for your skin. Don't get me wrong, I still need my coffe, but this is a nice bonus!
Posted by Jessica on July 17, 2008
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Your guide to being BPA-free
Over the past year, mom bloggers and environmental sites have been buzzing about the BPA toxin that is found in #7 plastic containers from water & baby bottles to storage containers. As a new mom, I sought out BPA free baby bottle options (luckily the Playtex Drop-Ins are safe and Maddy loves them) and have also been more conscious about how I heat my food by using glass Pyrex instead of plastics. Even though there are a new flock of "steam" friendly frozen vegetable packages, I transfer them to glass and get the same yummy result. Ever since I saw a news report about the BPA in the frozen dinner platic containers, that was the start of more homemade cooking for me! It's a simple effort to live a more healthy lifestyle. 
One of the trusted plastic storage container companies that we all love has also addressed the BPA toxin issue with their products. Rubbermiad has assembled a list on their website of the products which contain BPA and DO NOT. The number of items that are BPA-free well outnumber those that are not and luckily I don't have to dispose of the containers I already have.
If you're not educated on the BPA toxin issue, start now. Even though there are 2 sides to each argument, it's easy to go BPA-free. A lot of stores and companies are getting educated and offering consumers the option and even glass is coming back into fashion (at least with baby bottles). Why not be healthier when the price is right and your options are endless?
Posted by Hilary on February 17, 2009
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Fresh, happy and natural lip balm for your wrist
The first time I had ever seen a balm style perfume was in the New York City Coach store. How smart to bottle a perfume in a solid form: still as fragrant as the liquid, but portable and smooth on your skin.
I had since forgotten about solid perfume until this weekend when I found a new brand called Pacifica at Whole Foods Markets. A business conceived from a love of blending stunning Earthly scents for candles, Pacifica's solid perfume is made from organic soy and coconut wax and blends of essential and natural oils.
The Tahitian Gardenia, which I tested, was just so lovely. There is no alcohol sting to your senses like many perfumes have when you first apply. The balm is as smooth as if it was for your lips. And you don't have to worry about staining your clothes or dousing your body like with a spray; the strength of the perfume is apparent with just a small application with your fingertip.
At only $9, each solid perfume is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket and according to the website, they are fun to mix and match. These would actually make great bridesmaid gifts depending on the wedding theme. Think of the possibilities with florals, fruits, herbs & spices and woods & resins. I thinking: Madagascar Spice and Tuscan Blood Orange. Pacifica also offers candles, perfume sprays, body butter and natural butter with free shipping with orders over $50.
Posted by Hilary on February 24, 2009
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About Face
If you're anything like me, you've lost count of the number of times you've used your body lotion on your face. If it works below the neck it should work above it too, right? But apparently those in-the-know say this is a big no-no. Body lotion can cause your face to breakout, clog your pores, and result in oily skin. Nobody wants that.
So I said good-bye to my counter space and went in search of yet another beauty product. That's when somebody told me about This Works. They're an organic skincare line that has been winning beauty awards for years. Their Super Moisture is designed specifically for your face and the best part is it's based on Shea Butter. The same type of stuff I use on my body. Go figure!
Posted by Lisa on March 2, 2009
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