Some days I’m lucky to get out the door with breakfast in my belly and keys in hand.  Makeup and accessories are a distant pipe dream.  You know the kind of day when your closest friends say, ” Damn, you look tired! “   Those days a little color on my lips might be make or break. 

Oh, our beloved lipstick and lipgloss.  Over our lifetime it is estimated a lipstick-wearing woman consumes/absorbs an average of four pounds of lipstick.  Let me throw this at you.  While the FDA oversees the cosmetics industry it doesn’t have the power to approve raw materials or products on the shelves.  The FDA has released a study finding lead in all the lipstick samples it tested.  Lead is a known neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure.  Pregnant women should be especially cautious here. 

The real problem is that lead isn’t listed as an ingredient.  Raw materials can be contaminated or the pigments can contain lead.  Sketchy to say the least.  If you can go au natural with a bit of lip balm, go for it.  If you feel naked without your lipstick, do some research on your manufacturer and their ingredients. 

My picks: 

• ZuZu Luxe Cosmetics-can’t live without their lipgloss
• Nvey Eco-lipsticks with lasting power and an awesome color palette
• KissMyFace-sheer organic shine gives just a little (tasty) tint

What’s your fave?

We cook with my Granny’s cast iron or stainless steel.   That’s mostly all good until I see the pans staring back at me around 10 o’clock when I’d rather be chillin.  Enter GreenPan.  When I saw this little gem at Target, it practically had a holy glow around it.  GreenPan utilizes a new technology using a ceramic based composite to create a non-stick surface.  We’ve only had it for a month or two but so far, I’m in love.  Don’t get me wrong, the cast iron still gets its fair share of action, but this bad boy makes certain foods easy peasy.  If you want to check them out, they’re also available at Crate & Barrel and Amazon. Who’s coming over for avocado omelets and blueberry coconut milk smoothies tomorrow morning?

I don’t know about you but my skin took a beating with the recent frigid temperatures.  (If you live in Southern California, we don’t really want to hear about how chilly it felt when the temperatures dipped into the 50’s.)  It’s not helpful that my eco-sin happens to be long, hot showers.  Ideally in the winter, showers should be limited to 4 or 5 minutes in lukewarm water.  Let me tell you when it is 3 below that ain’t happenin’.  One of my favorite rituals to improve skin texture is dry brushing.  Totally revitalizes me and when followed with a shower and yummy moisturizer, leaves your skin feeling like a baby’s bum.

Dry brushing is the practice of using a natural bristled brush or silk gloves to exfoliate your skin, improve circulation and stimulate your lymphatic and nervous systems. It’s a great ritual to incorporate in the morning before the shower. Not only does it have amazing health benefits, it is a great way to connect with yourself and your intention for wellness.

Dry brushing exfoliates and helps slough off dead skin cells allowing new smoother skin cells to be exposed. This action also stimulates the circulatory system which supports skin renewal, detoxification and elimination. I think the lymphatic system is one of the most important (and neglected!) systems of the body. Basically, it filters and flushes out the funk. Stimulating the lymphatic system with dry brushing helps to move more white blood cells (strengthening the immune system, too) throughout the body and dislodge toxins from fatty tissue. This allows the lymph fluid to flow properly.  You should consult your health care provider before dry brushing if you have cancer, lymphatic or circulatory conditions.

You can find a brush or gloves at a natural food store or spa. Start at your feet and use circular motions or short strokes with a reasonable amount of firmness. You can use longer strokes on your grandaddy long legs but brush in circles around joints and areas with concentrated lymph nodes. Also be sure to brush in circles and use a little more vigor to increase circulation and reduce cellulite on stomach, thighs and bum. Personally, I don’t brush the delicate skin on my face but prefer an exfoliating cleanser and facial massage. End your practice with a few circles at your heart with love and gratitude for your health.

What’s your morning feelgood ritual?

So, if you want to keep in touch I’d love for you to subscribe to my posts.  You can sign up on the left to either receive posts in your favorite reader or by email.  I’m planning on doing reviews of my favorite green products, sharing giveaways and gathering discounts from some amazingly hip and green companies.  I’m also planning on corralling some fabulous guest contributors to share their expertise on travel, whole food, and fashion.  I’d love to answer any questions you have and would really love for this to be a spot where we can all gather together and chat about living a spectacular life of balance and wellness.