Welcome to Voila'! Mobile Spa's Blog...

Crystal Rose Bridal Show

2011-01-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Admission is FREE!

Complimentary food and beverages to be served.

Vendors for all your wedding needs.

Get tremendous discounts from the most highly

recommended wedding vendors in Denver!

Saturday, January 29 · 11:00am - 3:00pm

Crystal Rose near Highlands Ranch, CO

8351 Southpark Lane

Littleton, CO

Feather Extensions ~ The New Trend

2011-01-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Are you on board with this new trend? Walking around town I see them everywhere. All my friends and co-workers have joined the trend. How about you?

Personally I love them! Very fashionable and add that simple, yet intriguing "pop" to your hair. It's a quick application, takes no more than 10 minutes and temporary. But, you can still wash, style, blow dry, even flat iron your hair as usual. They last about a month too!

They're perfect for everyday, weekend out and even weddings. So next time you book with us, ask us to bring the feathers! We'll add the "pop" you need!

Contact us for details...www.VoilaMobileSpa.com ~ info@VoilaMobileSpa.com

2011-01-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

What is Reiki?

Reiki ~ (pronounced Ray-Key) is the universal life force energy.

Everything and everyone is made of energy. Our Auras or energy fields that surround our bodies; our Chakras or energy centers; and the Meridians or energy pathways. Our bodies need energy to survive just like it needs food and nutrients. Our energy fields absorb the energy, the chakras digest it and meridians distribute it throughout. If you're not familiar with the Chakras they are spinning centers in several spots in our bodies. The word Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel. There are 7 main ones: root, sacral, solar, heart, third eye, and crown. However, I feel that the Chakras in the hands and feet should be included to that list. Since with Reiki you send the life force energy through them to the recipient.

A brief history...

Reiki was discovered by a Japanese Sensei named Mikao Usui. He studied many different religions including Buddhist, Taoist, and Christianity. He was on a journey of spiritual healing and fasted for 21 days and meditated when Reiki found him. He received Reiki through a spiritual realization formally called Satori. He later added the Reiki symbols (Japanese characters in which used to access the higher vibrancies of the life force energy) known today, for those who were not ready to receive Reiki attunements.

What are Reiki attunements?

Reiki attunements are a series of 3 assessments to access the higher vibrancies of life force energy. During these attunements you learn how to use the symbols on yourself or the recipient. You are taught the history and the Reiki principles. You learn how to ground, meditate and shield yourself against negative energies.

What are the Reiki principles?

It is taught that as a Reiki practitioner you are to say these principles every morning and every evening.

Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings,Just for today I will not worry,

Just for today I will not be angry,

Just for today I will do my work honestly,

Just for today I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

Can energy hurt me?

The answer to that is not particularly. However, negative energies can build up in your body just like toxins can build in your body from fatty foods. If your energy is not taken care of on a regular basis you can become sick from stress or have aches and pains. Once a person learns how to better ground themselves and protect themselves from unwanted negative energy they can become healthier. Reiki reminds the body how to heal itself naturally.

What should I expect during a Reiki treatment?

You be taken into the room where a Reiki table or massage table will be draped with blankets and a pillow. You remain fully clothed and lay upon the table either face up or down depending on the situation being treated. Meditation or Reiki music plays in background to help you relax and release that negative energy. I have lit candles and dim lights to better adjust the atmosphere to relaxation, along with a small water fountain. I sometimes will also incorporate crystals into my sessions if I feel that they might help the recipient in some way. A session could last anywhere from 1/2 hour to 1 hour. Reiki practitioners are usually intuitive and allow their hands to hover over the recipient where they are drawn to. You many feel heat from the practitioners hands. Some times your body may twitch or you may feel small tingles, this is your bodies way of letting go.

Corine performing Reiki

Meditation by Corine

2011-01-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of Reiki or Energy Work? Well in this webcast with Dr. Nathan Schialty at Centra Chiropractic you will learn the who's, what's and why's of Reiki. Sit down and relax because there is also a great guided meditation for cleansing and grounding. Meet Corine and join her on this wonderful journey through Reiki.

Click here to Discover Reiki

Corine

Dry skin? You need us!

2011-01-14T10:50:00.002-07:00

Most people aren't educated on the facts of the benefits of skin care. However, we are. We have some of the top estheticians in the state.

Give us a call and allow our estheticians to give you the highest quality facial in your own home. Our estheticians can go over the products you use on a daily basis and by working together let your skin finally say "AAAHHHH". Give us a call today!

Not only will a facial make your skin feel better, but it allows your pores to open up and release the dead skin trapped inside. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also allows for tighter and smoother skin.

Think this might be beneficial for someone you know? Give them a gift certificate. Visit our website to purchase yours today!

www.VoilaMobileSpa.com

Check out some of our facials!

Champagne & Chocolate ~

Just like the Fabulous Face Facial with just the right amount of rich organic chocolate loaded with anti oxidants. The skin is deep cleansed and exfoliated. Followed by a soothing massage of the face, neck and shoulders. Includes our signature bottle of Champagne and a box of Chocolates for you to enjoy.

Gentlemen's Facial~

Specifically designed for men. A European technique with an added skin treatment to repair and re-energize your skin after the daily rituals of shaving.

Euphoria Facial~

This breakthrough treatment is created for skin that's showing signs of age; sagging, fine lines, and dullness. A thorough cleansing is followed by our exclusive layered exfoliation process, firming massage and ultra lightning mask. It's all designed to restore firmness to instantly experience firmer, more resilient skin.

Breathless Facial~
This is our facial to freshen up the skin and release your worries. It is a quicker version of the Euphoria facial.

Teen 4-1-1 Facial~
We not only apply the facial but we teach it as well. We give the 4-1-1 on how to's and how don'ts on products and skin care designed for their skin. They learn about the skin and what skin type they are. It's informative and a great way to have fun learning!

Back Facial~
We start with a gentle, dry brushing of the skin to remove dead skin cells. Then we tone and moisturize the back using our organic jojoba beads which melt into the skin. We finish it off with a warm, organic, Shea butter massage. Making the back facial a luxurious high intensity treatment. This facial will bring balance to the often ignored skin on the back by giving your skin immediate and lasting firmness, smooth texture and a healthy glow.

Why is airbrush for you?

2011-01-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

What is an airbrush makeup compressor?

Airbrush makeup is a light makeup that is sprayed onto your skin with a machine. The machine blows the makeup out of a tiny hole in a small stream onto the skin. The spray gun is attached to a small air compressor. The makeup sits in the spray gun in a small funnel cup. If you look at the picture above you'll see the spray gun blowing makeup onto the client.

Why airbrush makeup?

Airbrush makeup is perfect for photography. Which is why it is highly recommended for bridal or runway shoots. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Allows for supreme coverage and gives the look of perfect skin. It is sanitary and hygenic. Covers blemishes, age spots, freckles and tattoos. It feels natural, like you're not wearing makeup and can give light to maximum coverage. And it's great for the entire body.

What should you expect during a makeup session?

Wear old dark clothing. Even though the makeup is shot out in a small stream it can still get on clothes. Refrain from getting area where makeup is applied wet. The makeup feels cool on your face when applied because of the compressed air blowing out.

Here are a few videos to give you an idea of what to expect during an airbrush makeup session...

Video #1 from Kett Cosmetics

For more information on Kett Cosmetics visit Kett Cosmetics

Video #2 from Luminess Air

For more information on Luminess Air visit Luminess Air

You can also visit Chic Bronzing for the full body tanning at Chic Bronzing

Please see our website at Voila'! Mobile Spa to book your appointment today.

Our new series...Champagne & Chocolate!

2011-01-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Introducing our new signature series...

Indulge your sense with our decadent Champagne & Chocolate series. These treatments leave you rehydrated, smooth and feeling relaxed. Plus, every Champagne & Chocolate service comes with a bottle of pink champagne and a box of chocolates!

Our delicious, fragrant champagne treatment inspired by the fruit of the vine, utilizes grape-derived enzymes and fruit acids designed to gently remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. Chocolate has many sensory triggers including stress reduction and antioxidants that help control cell aging.

Did you know that the smell of chocolate actually awakens chemicals in your brain that gives you that euphoric feeling of being in love? Some compounds in chocolate are actually good for your health such as, *"Theobromine, a substance very similar to caffeine produces a slimming effect on the body; (magnesium, potassium and calcium) have a calming effect, therefore reducing stress; and polyphenols, antioxidants that thwart free radicals which are responsible for cell aging." Can you believe it? All this great stuff from one of the best tasting things around? And it's all fat free!

*from Keyano Aromatics

Chocolate Massage ~

Relaxing, long kneading strokes that relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.

Chocolate Layered Facial~

The skin is deep cleansed and exfoliated. Followed by a soothing massage of the face, neck and shoulders.

Champagne & Chocolate Mani & Pedi~

First hands/feet are soaked in a champagne & chocolate mineral bath. Followed by a chocolate scrub. Then hands are massaged using our Chocolate Butter Cream. Nails are trimmed, shaped and cuticle care is given. Calluses are removed and buffed.

Please contact us at www.VoilaMobileSpa.com

for pricing and scheduling

Got Acne?

2011-01-14T10:03:00.001-07:00

Do you suffer from acne? Here is a great little cheat sheet for you next time you go shopping to pick out your facial and body products. Print this out and you'll help limit your acne breakouts.

Some other simple steps include using clean hands to wash your face and body and clean your makeup brushes every two weeks.

Wanna find out more? Contact me at 970-690-7799 to get a skin analysis.

Or join our email newsletter

*The word Comedogenic basically means "pore clogger". To print the cheat sheet, right click on the picture and save to print.

So Excited We Had To Share It!

2011-01-13T11:02:00.005-07:00

Voila'! Mobile Spa just made the MomentVille's Professional Hotlist for 2011! Check out the press release....

Voila' Mobile Spa is Named to the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List

13 Jan, 2011 - MomentVille.com, one of the worlds leading wedding websites, has just announced that Voila' Mobile Spa has been selected for the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List.

The annual Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes excellence within the wedding industry, as determined by reviews from tens of thousands of brides and grooms. Voila' Mobile Spa was among the best reviewed vendors in their area in the past year.

"The Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes best of class wedding professionals." said Geoff Evason, MomentVille's CEO. "Highlighting the success of the top wedding professionals is an exciting way to spread the word and help newly engaged couples find the right professionals for their own weddings."

About Voila' Mobile Spa
Voila'! Mobile Spa is a traveling day spa which comes right to you. Our spa professionals are licensed and trained experts who are dedicated to what they do and strive for perfection. We offer the essentials in spa treatments such as facials, massage, manicures, pedicures, airbrush makeup, even bridal hair and makeup.

Press Release

About MomentVille

MomentVille.com offers engaged couples and wedding enthusiasts a one stop place for planning and sharing a wedding. Offering personal wedding websites, wedding planning tools, a gorgeous gallery of wedding pictures, a searchable list of reviewed wedding vendors, and lots of helpful and inspiring wedding content, MomentVille helps newlyweds with all aspects of their wedding. For more information contact media@momentville.com

How often do you clean your makeup brushes?

2010-12-15T11:15:00.004-07:00

How often are you scrubbing your brushes? Did you know it should be done every time you use it? Think about it...go back to when you put makeup on this morning. Did you wash your face prior to application? How about did you wash your hands? Did you wash your counter before placing your brush down? Every time you don't do these things your brushes become infected with whichever germ has decided to move in on that surface. And then that brush is being swept across your face to plant that bacteria. The bacteria finds it nice and moist and relaxing and we get punished for it by breaking out. Then you're dipping that brush back into your makeup allowing colonies to make home of your face. Not so much fun, huh?

Well, there are ways to help prevent this. Wash your hands before handling anything. Wash your face to remove debris prior to application. Place a clean towel or paper towel down on the counter to prevent your brush from touching the counter. Use makeup with preservatives or a dry powder, like mineral makeup. However, if you are using a mineral makeup do not store it in a steamy or moist room such as your bathroom. Bacteria thrives on rich moist areas and will grow in your makeup. If your makeup has a date, be sure to check it. If it's older than a few years throw it out, or you can listen to that old saying "if in doubt, throw it out". Most cream and gels last about a year. Powders usually up to three. But mascara? Only about 4 months. After that they're pretty difficult to use any way because they dry up quickly.

Now that you know what you should be doing and why, would you like to learn how?

Most beauty supply stores sell brush cleaner which can get expensive. Using an antibacterial soap is just fine as long as you condition your brush (if it's a natural hair) regularly. However, I use shampoo. The shampoo I use on my hair is just fine and gentler on my brushes. Using warm water I get my brush wet, squirt a very tiny amount of shampoo on the palm of my hand and paint my palm. You will begin to see all the makeup that has been layered on that brush starting to come off. Once you don't see any color, and you may have to repeat this several times, rinse with warm water and squeeze out excess water. Reshape your bristles and either lay your brush flat, which I recommend, or place bristles up in a cup. If you use your brushes on a daily basis I recommend you condition them so they don't dry out, same as when your washing, about once a month. If not than a few times a year is fine.

Grounding

2010-11-27T11:15:00.005-07:00

This time of year is crazy and hectic. We lose ourselves in the aisles of Christmas ornaments and turkey dinners. We absorb other peoples energies and dissolve our happiness into the mundane every day traditions of December. Don't get me wrong, I look forward to this time of year. The lights, the smell of the pine, the food, the shopping and don't forget the music. I love Christmas music! But I too seem to lose myself amongst the crowd and don't understand why I began so cheerful and then within an hour feel so drained. This is where the title to this blog comes in...Grounding.

We need to learn to ground our energy fields - ourselves - before going out into the world. So now you ask, "what is grounding?". You often hear people saying "you need to ground yourself more, or so and so is a very grounded person." Grounding is a way of bringing ourselves back to earth. To root you into your body, so to speak. Imagine a tree. It's roots firmly grown underground, entangled with one another. This is a form of grounding yourself.

Some quick ways of grounding yourself is by:

1. Imagining yourself as a tree and grounding your feet into the earth. Blocking all negativity from yourself. Reaching your arms up and stretching your body (that part just feels good).

2. Pay attention to your breath as it enters and leaves your body. Take 10 breaths and you will probably find that you feel much better, crisp, clear. Become aware of your body. Notice your head, circle it around a few times. Notice your arms, shake them. Your body, wiggle it. Your legs, shake them. Feels good yeah?

3. Circle breathing. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and count to 5. Hold your breath counting to 5. Release your breath slowly counting to 5 and hold again for 5. Do this a couple times, slowly so there is no hyperventilating. This will bring you back "into body" quickly and make your lungs feel good at the same time.

Remember with all of these to close your eyes. Enjoy your moment of peace before the hustle and bustle of the day. These are quick and easy ways to ground you and make you feel better. Give you a quick meditation and great to do throughout the day. You don't have to just do it once a day, do it when you're feeling low of energy and could use a quick boost. Your body will love it and so will your mind!

Corporate Chair Massage

2009-11-10T19:38:00.001-07:00

Corporate Chair Massage

Want a stress-less work place? A great benefit for your employees and clients.

You may think that chair massage is not like getting a real massage, after all what can a 10 -15 minute massage do for a person while they're sitting in a chair?

Well, the answer is a lot! Massage can improve health, elevate mood, and thus boost office morale, diminish interoffice tensions, and help improve job performance. Massage is a psychological and physical health imperative.

Voila’! Mobile Spa can do this for you and your business. Voila'! Mobile Spa offers – a comprehensive On-Site Wellness Solution For Muscles, Mind, Workforce and Management. Voila’! Mobile Spa can schedule certified massage therapists for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly visits to your place of business. Visits are guaranteed to keep your employees productive, energetic and feeling good about themselves and their careers. A good massage is a great perk that will pay for itself in productivity and positive energy. Voila’! Mobile Spa is both good practice and good PR.

Please call 720-891-3221 for a quote today.
The Corporate Account with a Healthy Attitude

Express your appreciation to those important to your success and watch your business grow!

* A hard-working employee

* A client for new or continued business

* Someone who has referred business to you

Reward Yourself When You Give

PURCHASE AN ACCOUNT WORTH $500

Your Corporate Account will be available to whomever you choose. Sales Associate exceeded your expections for the month? Out-of-town client in need of some jet-lag relief before your big meeting? Give us a call and send them over for a well-deserved massage. Your account will simply be debited for each service received. For every $500 posted in your account you receive a certificate worth $40. You can use these certificates towards your next scheduled chair massages or towards a gift certificate for a massage for yourself or a well deserved client or employee. Certificates may be saved and turned in for twice the amount. I.e. two $40 certificates can be traded for one $80 certificate.

Call Voila’! Mobile Spa Today to find out more.

You can also go to our website at www.voilamobilespa.com – online booking available! Call us today for rate information, custom quotes or to set up an appointment. 720-331-4110

We would be glad to offer references and testimonials from some of our clients.

We accept all major credit cards

Scandalous Couture Swim Wear Fashion Show

2009-05-26T16:58:00.004-06:00

FRIDAY:

Scandalous Couture Swim Wear Fashion Show

Friday @ ALTO 21+(1320 15th Street)

-NO COVER

-20 of Denver’s hottest models struttin the runway in some of this season’s hottest swim wear.

-Drink specials all night!

-Dj Skip Ripkin killin the 1's and 2's for the after party!!

-Free Chair Massages from Voila'! Mobile Spa!

www.VoilaMobileSpa.com

970-690-7799

Come See Us At The Momporium

2009-03-20T21:24:00.000-06:00

2009-03-20T21:21:00.002-06:00

What is Airbrush Makeup?

2009-03-18T14:23:00.001-06:00

What is an airbrush makeup compressor? Airbrush makeup is a light makeup that is sprayed onto your skin with a machine. The machine blows the makeup out of a tiny hole in a small stream onto the skin. The spray gun is attached to a small air compressor. The makeup sits in the spray gun in a small funnel cup. If you look at the picture above you'll see the spray gun blowing makeup onto the client. Why airbrush makeup? Airbrush makeup is perfect for photography. Which is why it is highly recommended for bridal or runway shoots. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Allows for supreme coverage and gives the look of perfect skin. It is sanitary and hygenic. Covers blemishes, age spots, freckles and tattoos. It feels natural, like you're not wearing makeup and can give light to maximum coverage. And it's great for the entire body. What should you expect during a makeup session? Wear old dark clothing. Even though the makeup is shot out in a small stream it can still get on clothes. Refrain from getting area where makeup is applied wet. The makeup feels cool on your face when applied because of the compressed air blowing out. Here are a few videos to give you an idea of what to expect during an airbrush makeup session... Video #1 from Kett Cosmetics For more information on Kett Cosmetics visit Kett Cosmetics Video #2 from Luminess Air For more information on Luminess Air visit Luminess Air You can also visit Chic Bronzing for the full body tanning at Chic Bronzing Please see our website at Voila'! Mobile Spa to book your appointment today.

Living With Dry Skin?

2009-03-18T14:22:00.001-06:00

Living in Colorado is absolutely wonderful, but can be a pain as well. Did you know that Colorado is one of the driest states in the U.S.? Did you know that the majority of people neglect their skin by not washing or moisturizing with good products?

Most people aren't educated on the facts of the benefits of skin care. However, we are. We have some of the top estheticians in the state.

Give us a call and allow our estheticians to give you the highest quality facial in your own home. Our estheticians can go over the products you use on a daily basis and by working together let your skin finally say "AAAHHHH". Give us a call today!

Not only will a facial make your skin feel better, but it allows your pores to open up and release the dead skin trapped inside. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also allows for tighter and smoother skin.

Think this might be beneficial for someone you know? Give them a gift certificate. Visit our website to purchase yours today!

www.VoilaMobileSpa.com

Check out some of our facials!

European Facial

Deep-cleansing is the core of this traditional spa treatment. Gentle exfoliation renews and invigorates. Then we analyze your specific needs and create a customized herbal mask to nourish your face and neck revealing smooth, clear, well-hydrated skin. A relaxing neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

Gentlemen's Facial

Specifically designed for men. A European Facial plus an added skin repair treatment to repair and reenergize your skin after the daily rituals of shaving.

Firming Lift Facial Massage

This breakthrough treatment is created for skin that's showing signs of age-sagging, fine lines, and dullness. A thorough cleansing is followed by our exclusive layered exfoliation process, firming massage and ultra lightning mask. It's all designed to restore firmness to instantly experience firmer, more resilient skin.

Teen 4-1-1 Facial

We not only apply the facial but we teach it as well. We give the 4-1-1 on how to's and how don'ts on products and skin care designed for their skin. They learn about the skin and what skin type they are. It's informative and a great way to have fun learning! Perfect for those special 13 year birthdays or pampering for Prom!

Discovering Reiki

2009-03-18T14:21:00.001-06:00

Centra Chiropractic In Loveland, CO Have you ever heard of Reiki or Energy Work? Well in this webcast with Dr. Nathan Schialty at Centra Chiropractic you will learn the who's, what's and why's of Reiki. Sit down and relax because there is also a great guided meditation for cleansing and grounding. Meet Corine and join her on this wonderful journey through Reiki.

Click here to Discover Reiki

The 10 Strangest Ingredients Used in Cosmetics

2009-03-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

The 10 Strangest Ingredients Used in Cosmetics

This article about a cosmetic science program for kids at the Boston Museum of Science reminded me of all the other odd source of raw materials used in cosmetics. So, here are what the Beauty Brains think are some of the strangest ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care products.

Top 10 Strange Cosmetic Ingredients

10. Placenta - The life giving uterus lining expelled after birth has been used in some beauty care products for years. Various manufacturers claim it helps stimulate tissue growth, reduces wrinkles and is good for your hair. Unfortunately, none of those claims have ever been proven. 9. Whale vomit - This material called Ambergris is useful as a fixative in perfumes. It has a sweet, earthy odor and is usually found washed up on a beach in South America or Australia. It has mostly been replaced by synthetic alternatives. 8. Cochineal beetles - When you need a nice red color, you can drown a few of these buggers in some hot water, dry them out and pulverize them. The deep crimson dye is versatile enough to be used in skin creams, lipsticks and almost any other beauty product. 7. Waste cooking oil - Scientists say that a surfactant can be made from spent cooking oil that will help regenerate damaged skin. So the next time you order a burger don’t be surprised if you hear “Do you want a facial with that?” 6. Human breast milk - It could be a gimmick but some people swear by using human breast milk to make soap. Is this something you would try? 5. Bird poop - Ever heard of a Geisha Facial? It features deep cleansing, $180 price tag, and a big scoop of Nightingale bird poop. Supposedly the uric acid is supposed to be great for your face. Perhaps it is but you certainly don’t need to smear bird droppings on yourself to get it. 4. Bull semen - Want shiny hair? Then a few salons in Europe think they have exactly what you need. Protein from bull semen is supposed to give amazing results. I’m skeptical it will give you anything more than a stiff hair cut. 3. Snake venom - One of the most ridiculous new ingredients for keeping wrinkles at bay is snake venom. Cosmetic makers who use this stuff hope that you’ll connect the Botox poison with snake poison and figure both must work wonders on wrinkles. Despite what Jamie Pressly might think, snake venom hasn’t been shown to have any positive improvement in wrinkle creams. 2. Chicken bone marrow - Supposed to be a good source of glucosamine but how that helps your cosmetic remains a mystery. But people still use chicken bone marrow but they rarely advertise it as such. 1. Cow dung - It turns out you can make an incredibly pleasant smelling vanilla fragrance from extracts of cow dung. It’s not just a fertilizer any more. Got this article from www.BeautyBrains.com Some interesting stuff, yuck! Contact Voila' Mobile Spa for their product info or visit www.PangeaOrganics.com Click here to visit the website

Want a STRESS-less workplace?

2009-03-18T14:19:00.001-06:00

Give us a call 970-690-7799 or 720-331-4110

Recycling Plastics

2009-03-18T14:18:00.001-06:00

Recycling's one of the eco-friendliest things you can do with already-purchased containers, and it's easy once you learn the ropes.

: Ideal Bite

Is recycling plastics properly as hard as staying inside the lines?

The Bite

Nope - even art-school dropouts can do it, with the help of our how-to - it'll make recycling plastic easy as 1-2-3...4-5-6-7.

The Benefits

* Picturing an eco-friendlier planet. Currently, we only recycle about 5% of the plastic we produce - and what we don't recycle sometimes gets mistaken for food by wildlife.

* Saving the oil for oil paints. Most plastics are made from petroleum - a finite resource - so try to recycle everything you can.

* Instructions to count on. Recycling plastic is simple once you know the basics.

Wanna Try?

Recycling numbers usually appear on the bottom of containers. Check with your facility to find out which plastics it accepts, and write the numbers on top of your recycle bin for easy reference.

Usually recyclable:

1. PET - 2-liter and mouthwash bottles, boil-in-bag pouches.

2. HDPE - milk jugs, trash bags, detergent bottles, some yogurt cups.

Sometimes recyclable:

4. LDPE - grocery bags, produce bags, food wrap.

5. PP - diapers, straws, yogurt containers.

6. PS - CD cases, egg cartons, Styrofoam.

Not so much...

3. PVC - cooking-oil bottles, meat packaging, office binders.

7. Other - other types of plastic, plus things made from more than one type of plastic (see below).

Bioplastics (7, and marked as either compostable or biodegradable):
7. Compostable Plastic - is nontoxic and breaks down as fast as paper in compost.

7. Biodegradable Plastic - may contain toxins, so you have to send it to a special composting facility (enter compost and your zip at Earth911, see below).

Commonly questioned items:

* Container Caps - typically different plastics than the container; take 'em off, check the # inside, and either recycle or throw them away.

* Grocery Bags - reuse them first! You usually can't recycle them curbside, but some supermarkets have bins in-store.

* Earth911 - find out if you can recycle specific items in your area.

www. idealbite. com

Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry

2009-03-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry

When the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found unusually high levels of hormone-disrupting phthalates in women eight years ago, no one had any idea how ugly the beauty industry really was.

In this episode of EWG's Mixed Greens podcast, Enviroblog's Amanda speaks with Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face. This revealing book recounts the formative years of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, including a chapter on Environmental Working Group's Jane Houlihan and the development of Skin Deep, our cosmetics safety database.

Listen to the podcast or buy Not Just a Pretty Face.

Thank you Environmental Working Group! www.ewg.org