Friday, August 15, 2008

green skin...



With the change of seasons it has become quite apparent I need to begin researching skincare products...AGAIN!!! Every season is literally a new season with my skin. At thrity two years of age one would think I would be past the point of "breaking-out" HA! No such luck. After consulting with a few girlfriends I recently learned this phenomenon is rapidly spreading. I have more blemishes now then I ever did in highschool.

After many years of trying every product on the market, I recently realized I have "sensitive skin," all these years i thought I was "oily." With this new found knowledge I decided to look for more natural products, if my skin is sensitive why the heck would I want to put harsh chemicals on it.

Check out the following four products I tested and rated, though some were not right for me the natural, organic, or plant based formulas are worth checking out and may I add, many of the products are pocketbook friendly ;).



Aubrey Organics was my first test run, I love these products! Not only do they have an awesome mission statement but they actually practice it, creating a 100% natural, organic product line. The clean is a fresh feeling with no residue. Check them out at Aubrey Organics. Aubrey Organics is also a "BDIH - Certified Natural Cosmetics" and "Leaping Bunny – Cruelty Free" certified company, which I totally love

Yet summer came, as did the skin change so off to the next product.



Arbonne Skincare, this product line was introduced to me a few months ago by a girlfriend who has recently become a consultant. I checked out the website, really liked the information given to me regarding the company's mission on being "botanically based" and the rest is skincare testing history. I like their facial cleanser line, however what I can not do with out is the anti-aging line for the eyes, did I forget to mention that along with the blemishes I am now beginning to get wrinkles!?!?! Arbonne creams, lotions and potions are unlike any I have tried at this point. I can apply makeup after applying the creams and I do not look like a raccoon by dinner. Not only are they light, they come in pump style containers that dispense precise amounts and do not allow air to degrade the product before it can be used up. Venture over to Arbonne to see what's new.



Although my basic skincare needs change often, the one thing I am always looking for is a good spot blemish fighter, and I can say, hands down the Burts Bees Blemish Stick is unreal!!! Burts Bees is a company anyone can be proud to use. The company's beliefs are based on nature, family, community and sustainabilty. What more can you ask for from a world known bodycare line? The entire line is HOT and planet friendly!!!



Now, drum roll please, for the TOP skincare line I am currently using...Oeco. A few weeks back Posh Mama ran a giveaway for a new acne skincare line based on organic products as well as synthetic ingredients. Now, as you have seen I have tried them ALL, from clearisil to proactive with no great results. I began using this product the week before my "cycle" so, as many are aware, the WORST skincare time of the month. No worries, this product went right to work. Wash your face in the morning and evening with the wash, use the acne treatment in the morning and the lotion before bed and I was amazed to see how quickly the spots went away. Plus the feel and scent are truly unlike any other product I have used. Check out Oeco's philosophy and give them a try for yourself.

Skincare is subjective and always changing so take a chance on some new products, you never know what you may find. Remember to look for organic, natural, plant based products to be friendlier to your skin and our earth. You really don't have to crack your piggy bank to have beautiful, healthy skin.

Have a fabulous week!!!

Friday, August 8, 2008

take out the take-out...



Vacation time is upon us!!! The packing, the reservations, the bank account being depleted...oh joy!

This week I thought it would be a fabulous idea to share some ideas on eating healthy and inexpensively while on the road.

Most of the time while vacationing with the family we tend to hit the drive thru for a quick "cheap" fill. However you can save more money while treating you family to healthier options by finding local fare to nosh on.

No matter where your holiday takes you, be it Bali or Baltimore, there are supermarkets. The best option for healthy eating is to stay in a place that includes a kitchen-ette, giving you the option of purchasing organic foods and making your own meals. Although it maybe more of "everyday" life than a vaction for mama and daddy, you know what your babies are eating.



An even better option as far as snacks are concerned, is to hit a local farmers market. Every region is known for a specific speciality. Jersey tomatoes, California avocados, etc. Not only do you get to eat fresh foods, you have the awesome opportunity to expose your kids to actual local customs. Many markets sell produce from local, small town farmers resulting in less expensive fruits and veggies and food containing little to no pesticides.

Though purchasing meals to make and fresh produce requires alot more work than snatching a bite through the drive thu, you will be saving money, feeding your family healthier meals and even doing a small part to be earth friendly by bypassing untold amounts of paper and plastic packaging waste.

Have a fabulous week!!!