Happy Thanksgiving! November 26, 2009

Some appropriate quotes for the day:

• “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder
• “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein
• “Happiness is itself a kind of gratitude.” — Joseph Wood Krutch
• “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

The ‘Politics of Wellness’ November 25, 2009

An interesting article on how some preventative medicine could be helpful to the economy: An Economy in Need of Holistic Medicine

Greenshops November 24, 2009

For eco-friendly gifts: GREENSHOPS.COM

Epicurean Shea Butter Company November 24, 2009

After having seen Epicurean Shea Butter Company being sold on the shelves of big time natural product retailers, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw their booth at DC’s Eastern Market last Saturday! As well as the company is doing, it’s so nice to see them keeping up with this booth that allows people to see and try the entire array of shea butter-based products. I found out that this company was founded on a family tradition of soap making, in a garage in Maryland in 2001. So it turns out they still keep in touch with their point of origin and sell at local venues like the Eastern Market.

After a good deal of debate, I decided on the Shea Butter Moisturizer titled ‘Blessing‘. This moisturizer is unique because it’s a soft solid so you have to dig into it a little bit, but then it goes on really smoothly. And the smell… the smell is absolutely what sold me. Putting just a little bit on the back of my hand makes me think that I’m suddenly in a garden filled with lilacs and gardenias. The scent is that good. It even fills the room when you put it on, but it’s not overpowering because it smells so real! In terms of scent, this is by far one of my favorite beauty products now. Not to mention how smooth and healthy my skin feels when I use it.

Photo Credit: Epicurean Shea Butter Company

Some great resources for finding great gifts! November 19, 2009

Smallflower

NOT ON THE HIGH STREET

Mineral Fusion Cosmetics November 19, 2009

All mineral fusion makeup is paraben-free, talc-free, and uses natural colorants. This natural line also offers natural UV protection and contains antioxidants like white tea, red tea and pomegranate. mineral fusion makes foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, eye pencils, mascara, lip stick, and lip gloss. They also have a superb line of brushes and other makeup tools!

Photo Credit: mineral fusion™

I’m particularly fond of their blush and concealer. The blush comes in 7 great colors and goes on sooo nicely! I love the compact size of the blush, making it easy to apply and easy to tote around.

Photo Credit: mineral fusion™

The concealers come in duos of two shades, which is optimal for customization and usage throughout the entire year! Also, it makes it possible to use the same product for both the under eye area and the face.

Photo Credit: mineral fusion™

All mineral fusion products are noncomedogenic and provide moisture balancing benefits, allowing the skin to function normally. mineral fusion is also a great choice for women with skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyper-pigmentation because the makeup actually provides healing and calming benefits!

An All Natural Hand Sanitizer & more! November 19, 2009

Check out this natural germ-fighter dating back to the 15th century: THIEVES OIL

Easy Detox November 18, 2009

Here are 12 easy ways to detox your body and home from Health.com!

Some Healthy Trivia (Answers included) November 17, 2009

1.  Botanically speaking, which are the following, a Fruit or Vegetable?

• Bell Pepper – Fruit
• Asparagus – Vegetable
• Squash – Fruit
• Garlic – Vegetable
• Pumpkin – Fruit
• Tomato – Fruit
• Potato – Vegetable
• Cucumber – Fruit
• Avocado – Fruit

2. The average American eats how many pounds of apples in a year? 18.6

3. The citizens of what country consume the most fresh vegetables each year? China

4.  What is the most exported fruit from the United States based on weight?  Oranges

5.  How many bee visits are needed, on average, for proper pollination for large melons? 10-15

6.  A cucumber is how many degrees cooler than the outside air? 20

Certified Organic Fragrances November 17, 2009

Intelligent Nutrients make an array of organic health and beauty products including supplements, “functional foods”, skin care, hair care, and aromatics. I was in the market for some new natural fragrance when I came across Intelligent Nutrients’ aromatics. The natural fragrances are available in 7 varieties: Awaken, Seductive, Attune, Nurture, Innercalm, Restore, and Focus. My favorite is definitely the Nuture, which has an overriding aroma of lavender and is certainly a comforting choice (as you would expect from the title). Unlike most traditional fragrances that contain phthalates and other synthetic ingredients, Intelligent Nutrients’ aromatics are made solely with pure plant ingredients. The scents really do smell like they are right from the garden and with each spritz, you actually feel like you’re doing something beneficial for yourself!

I would strongly suggest spraying the aromatics on your skin rather than your clothing because of the natural oils. But these same natural oils that aren’t enjoyable for your clothing can be thoroughly enjoyed by your hair! Don’t hesitate to spritz some of the fragrance in your locks to refresh them and add shine. You can also add any of the scents to a unscented carrier oil (like jojoba, sesame, etc.) to create your own massage oil. The tranquil lavender, sweet orange and geranium of Nuture are a perfect combination for a relaxing massage.

Photo Credit: Intelligent Nutrients®