Method Smarty Dish Review

|
eco-friendly home
I have been on the hunt for a safe, non-toxic dishwashing detergent for some time now. I've tried several, including Seventh Generation and Planet, but none have been up to the task. Seventh Generation never seemed to get tea or coffee rings or sauces off and I found that all left a strange glossy coating over everything, making it very difficult to hand wash the baked on food that still remained at the end of the cycle. I've tried powder and liquid, receiving the same results every time.

Recently, I finally hit on a winner. Method Smarty Dish is a natural cleaner made possible by some of the best natural chemistry around. One of the ingredients even won a Presidential Green Chemistry Award! It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and super powerful. The smart chemical free formula is DfE-recognized, which means that the EPA has examined it and determined it to be environmentally superior. (Over 50 Method products have received this coveted recognition- far more than any other cleaning products company!)

This all sounded very promising when I first read it, so I popped one of the tablets into my dishwasher and crossed my fingers. An hour later I reached into my machine for a fresh coffee cup and came out with a sparkling mug- gleaming on the inside and out. No baked on coffee rings! No food particles from the dishes below stuck to the inside! No filmy residue! Perfectly, beautifully clean! I proceeded to go through every dish, growing more excited by the second. Each was equally clean and sparkling. It wasn't just luck or chance. Method continued to produce fantastic results with each wash.

I have gone through an entire box (20 tablets) of Method Smarty Dish and recently purchased a new bag. In those 20 washes I have only had 3 disappointments. On those three occasions for no apparent reason, the tablet would get stuck in the dispenser and never fall into the wash. So naturally, the dishes did not get cleaned. This may be something that happens when the tablets have been on the shelf a while. I purchased this first box from Target on clearance, so it had probably been there for some time.


Here is a complete run down of my experience with Smarty Dish:


What I Love:


  • Natural, non-toxic which means safer for my child! (Did you know that chemical based dishwashing detergents will immediately burn and seriously damage the esophagus if ingested? They also contain dioxins, which are known to cause cancer!)

  • Phosphate free

  • Chlorine/bleach free

  • Biodegradable, making it eco-friendly. When this goes down the drain and into our waterways, the fish won't even notice!

  • Packaging made from 25% recycled materials

  • Effectively cleans and breaks down caked on food and beverages

  • Rarely leaves spots on my glasses

  • Does not etch on my fine glasses and crystal

  • At a typical retail price of $6.99, it is competitive with other tablet detergents


What I Don't Love:


  • Sometimes the tablets stick to the inside of the dispenser, and either never fall out or drop into the washer late in the cycle, meaning that the dishes don't get cleaned properly

  • Sometimes leaves a cloudy residue on plastic cups and bottles

  • Occasionally (though rarely) leaves spots on my glasses if allowed to pool at all during cycle

  • My sister says that she can sometimes taste a little "saltiness" on my glasses when she drinks out of them. This formula contains mineral cleaning salts, so I am assuming that is what she is tasting. Maybe a slight residue is sometimes left behind? I have never noticed it nor has anyone else. She must have a very refined pallet. :)


Overall I give Method Smarty Dish an A. I am happy to have found a natural detergent that is this effective.


You can purchase Method products from Target or from Method's website.


My Virtual Climb Against the Odds is Today!

|
This morning I will be taking my steps in Memorial Park to support the cancer prevention work of The Breast Cancer Fund. The weather, though a tad on the hot and steamy side, is perfect. I still need some sponsors. Who am I kidding? I am desperate for sponsors! My goal was to raise $250 (not a very lofty goal) and so far I have raised an entire $5 (which was donated by yours truly). If you support The Breast Cancer Fund's mission of preventing breast cancer through the elimination of environmental causes, please visit my fundraising page on their website and make a donation. Even if it is for $3, it helps. That's the price of a latte!

I will be posting pics of my 3 mile trek when I get home this evening. Thanks everyone for your support!


If you would like to learn more about the valuable work of The Breast Cancer fund just check out their website! These guys are the real deal and need support from people like us!

Like Kashi Products? Be a Kashi Taste Tester!

|
I love Kashi products, particularly their Go Lean protein bars and breakfast cereals. It is nice to have a brand on the cereal isle that you can trust. Kashi does not fill their products with dyes, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Their food is proudly all natural and all yummy. Their interactive website is very cool too. I joined their community recently and have been challenging myself to everything from eating outside more to growing an herb garden and trying a new yoga pose. They're commitment to natural and healthy living is the repeated theme throughout the website. natural products

I also volunteered to be a member of their Taste Tester Panel. Giving my opinion on a couple of products only took a few minutes of my time, and as a thank you I received two coupons in the mail Saturday, each for a free box of any Kashi product valued at or under $5.00. Woohoo!

Check out their site for helpful articles, healthy recipes and even coupons!



Top Green Gifts for Dad

|
Surprise Dad with unique gifts that also have a positive impact on our environment. If you're at loss this year, here are a few ideas:


Organic Grass Fed Beef from Greensbury Market
Greensbury Market proudly supports sustainable agriculture, family farms, and organic practices that produce healthy, environmentally-friendly food. Right now you can save 20% on last minute orders for Dad! Organic Pork and chicken are also available. If you are unaware of the amazing health benefits that grass fed meat offers, read about it on their informative website!


green gifts


Eco-Friendly Sleeping Bag from The North Face
icon
Made from 100% recycled products, this green mummy bag has the best technology built in, making it perfect for three-season mountaineering.

green gifts



Organic and Heirloom Seeds from Parkseed Co.
icon
If your dad has a green thumb he'll love a gift from Parkseeds. They have an amazing selection and right now you can get $10 off any order of $50 or more!


Park Seed



Sierra Club Membership, Rucksack and 1 Year Magazine Subscription for Only $15
icon
Give your dad the gift that gives back to everyone. With a Sierra Club membership he will have the chance to enjoy the outdoors with club outings, be kept up to date on local environmental issues and be able bring positive change through organized activism.


Whatever you choose to get Dad this year, make sure that it also comes with some of your time. Take a moment this weekend to enjoy being with him. Dads are wonderful gifts - we should enjoy them while we have them. Have a fabulous weekend!

30 Thursday

|
Today is the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, its purpose is to encourage people to leave their cars at home and discover the benefits of public transportation. Not only is public transportation better for the environment by conserving gas and reducing emissions, but it can save you money too!

green living ideas
Today, in honor of National Dump the Pump Day, our 30 Thursday will be focused on gas conservation. What is a way that you manage to conserve gas and use your car less? Share it in a comment on this post!


This is how 30 Thursday works. The first 30 readers that respond with a legitimate comment on the day's topic are eligible for an additional entry in all of my current giveaways! After you leave your 30 Thursday comment, simply go to the giveaways (all current giveaways are listed beneath the giveaway icon on the right sidebar) and leave another comment. All you have to put in your giveaway comment is "30" and your email address. After I receive 30 comments on the 30 Thursday post I will close the post for comments.


Thank you to all those who participated last week! I enjoyed reading your comments on water conservation. Some had me laughing and all had me thinking about ways I can conserve more at my house. I have even had the chance to put many of your tips to use this week!


I look forward to hearing your tips for conserving gas and driving less. Have a fabulous Thursday!


6 Natural, Safe and Effective Ways to Treat a Sunburn

|
natural living

Ouch! I rolled over in bed this morning, forgetting that my legs were extra crispy from a long day at the beach yesterday. My pajamas rubbed painfully against the burns and the skin stretched uncomfortably. I headed for the bathroom to give myself yet another rub down with aloe vera. Then I did a little research. There are lots of effective ways to naturally soothe a sunburn in addition to aloe. Here are some of the best ones I found:


  1. Cold coffee or tea. Caffeine has fabulous, clinically proven healing powers when it comes to sunburns. Brew a pot of coffee or tea (coffee is better because it contains more caffeine) and let it cool. Then soak washcloths in the cold coffee and lay them over the burned skin for a few minutes. Do this once or twice and the next day the sunburn should be gone.


  2. A cool bath. Nothing feels better on hot skin than a soak in a cool (not cold) bath. Make it even more soothing by adding chamomile or lavender oil, or baking soda. Baking soda is excellent for soothing irritated skin, burns and minor wounds. In fact, many women take "sitz baths" with baking soda after giving birth to help soothe and heal.


  3. Supplements. In the days following your sun overindulgence, it is important that your body gets what it needs to heal. Taking vitamin B, C, beta carotene and flax seed oil will speed up the recovery process.


  4. Don't let it dry out. Keep applying aloe vera gel to the burn regularly. Allowing the skin to get dry will not only be uncomfortable but will increase your chances of pealing. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.


  5. Don't go back into the sun. This sounds like a no brainer, but it can be difficult to avoid sun. If you have to go outside, wear long sleeves if your arms are burnt and trousers if your legs are burnt. I recommend a lose linen. It's light and airy and won't rub your burns. Also be sure to put on a hat to protect your face, chest and head.


  6. Milk. Mix a cup of milk and a cup of water with ice. Soak a washcloth in it and apply to the skin for five minutes.


Get Paid to Recycle

|
How many old cell phones do you have in the back of your drawers or closets? I have at least three. I never want to throw them away. It feels like such a waste, especially when they still work! Well, I've learned that there are tons of companies out there that want your old cell phones, and they will even pay you for them! Each site has different pay structures, and not all cell phones are worth money. However, I did a random search on one and saw several phones that would bring $70 and $80 dollars!

Why is it important to recycle cell phones?

Cell phones should never be thrown away! If your phone still works, it can be used by charities. If it doesn't, it still has great potential. When recycled, the phone will be analyzed for refurbishment potential. If possible, it will be repaired and given a new life. Otherwise, it will be disassembled and the parts will be repurposed or recycled.


green living tips


What to do before recycling your phone:




  • Obviously, make sure you no longer have service on that phone.

  • Before the battery dies, delete all of your contacts and other personal information.

  • Remove SIM card.


A few recycle for cash websites:


GRC Wireless Recycling Unlike some sites that only pay for certain models, this site pays for all cell phones.


Cell for Cash


Gazelle


Simply Sellular


eCycle Group Promises reliability and prompt payment.


Swagbucks A site that rewards you for using their search engine with "swagbucks" that you can trade in for prizes and gift cards. They will also give you swagbucks for your old cell phones.

YouRenew.com is another site that donates to reforestation projects. Thanks Alysa!


Is Your To-Go Cup Compostable?

|
sustainable living
Keep checking, because Solo (a leading supplier of disposable food and beverage containers) have just added a compostable paper cold cup to their eco-forward Bare line. The cup is made of 50% renewable resource materials and lined in wax. These cups are not just recyclable, they are compostable. You can toss them in your compost bin and let your garden benefit from them in a few months time. Imagine all those disposable cups in landfills and on the side of the road. Maybe one day they will all be compostable too- which would insure speedy breakdown in nature without damaging our eco-system. Thanks to the innovative minds at Solo, this is one more step in that direction.


Ask your favorite restaurants and food shops to do their part by choosing containers from Solo's Bare line. Solo also offers their Bare line for consumer purchase. Ask your local grocer to carry them!

Green Giveaways

|
It's National Get Outdoors Day, so I am taking the day off and doing just that! But for those who still need their daily fix, here are a few green giveaways to check out. Good luck!

Green + Chic is hosting a wonderful green giveaway for those who have a baby on the way:
green giveaways
These adorable booties are hand made from soft designer organic, vegan fabric and come in an eco-friendly cloth bag. Naturally Trendy offers a variety of eco-friendly baby products that are equally unique and cute! You can enter to win these booties at Green + Chic. Enter soon! This giveaway ends on July 6th.









Karma Organic Spa Giveaway from Prissy Green:

Visit Prissy Green to enter for your chance to win:


  • 2 Nail Polish colors of you choice


  • Base Coat


  • Top Coat


  • Nail Polish Remover


from Karma Organic Spa. Ends 6/26.



Reusable Shopping Bag from Red Owl Designs:


Red Owl Designs makes all kinds of cute reusable things. I love their adorable reusable coffee cozies! For your chance to win one of their bags, visit their blog. This giveaway ends on 6/24!

Win a Schwinn Women's Beach Cruiser Bike!

|
green giveaways

Help Schwinn celebrate the launch of their new interactive site, SchwinnJoyride.com and enter for a chance to win one of three Women's Beach Cruiser Bikes! These bikes are so cute and so retro! The perfect way to enjoy nature and save on gas in style!







Their new site will allow users to:



  • Create a biking journal

  • Check out the featured bike of the month

  • Read blog articles about topics ranging from when to remove training wheels to deciding when your child is ready for a bike

  • Find great trails for a short family bike hike or a long bike vacation

  • Watch videos and read tips on how to teach your child to ride a bike

  • Learn about bike gear from helmets to all the bells and whistles (literally!)

  • Utilize biking safety checklists

  • Discover the importance of proper bicycle maintenance

  • Become fit by learning about fitness through biking


Go here for details on how to enter!


New Winner for TuckerBags Giveaway!

|
Unfortunately our first lucky winner did not respond to my email, so I drew a new winner this morning. Our new winner of the 3 TuckerBags is RitaA!


Congratulations RitaA!

green products

Discover the Forest with Your Kids

|
Did you know that children who play outside have lower stress levels than those that spend most of their time indoors? They also are shown to have more active imaginations, are fitter and leaner, have stronger immune systems, and have a greater respect for themselves and others. Overall they experience greater mental and physical health and emotional well being.

In today's modern world it is easy to forget the benefits of connecting with nature regularly. Many children are never encouraged to experience the outdoors. Tomorrow on National Get Outdoors Day, national parks and forests around the country will be hosting special events to introduce our children to nature. To find a park near you, your kid can visit DiscoverTheForest.org. This is a brilliant site that is sure to spark an interest in nature. It has a free printable book of things to do outside. Wouldn't it be a nice change to see your child forsake the Wii tomorrow to go make some leaf rubbings or investigate animal tracks?


It's not just the children that benefit either. Studies show that children who spend their youth years regularly connecting with nature grow up to be more environmentally conscious.

For more information on the Discover the Forest campaign and National Get Outdoors Day, you can visit DiscoverTheForest.org or NationalGetOutdoorsDay.org.

30 Thursday

|
Every Thursday I am going to introduce a topic and ask for your response. After I hear back from 30 of you, I will close the comments for that topic. The first thirty that respond to the topic with a legitimate answer can then go to any or all of my current giveaways and make an additional entry. (This is provided you have already made the initial entry that requires you to go to the sponsor's website.) All you have to do for your additional entry/entries is type "30" and your email address.



So here we go for our very first 30 Thursday...




Add Image


Today I have been thinking about water conservation and wondering if I do enough. I hear about people rigging their toilets with these special water saving contraptions, investing in special shower heads- I don't do anything like that.


What about you? Leave a comment telling me one thing you do to conserve water. It can be big or small. I want to hear about them. (And don't forget to take advantage of your extra entry for the Aveda giveaway!)


Thanks!

Buy a Klean Kanteen and Support the Breast Cancer Fund!

|
Tuesday I posted on the dangers of BPA and its overwhelming presence in our food containers. In my post I provided you with a link to the Breast Caner Fund's page that offers a simple form for you to use to automatically contact your legislators and ask them to support the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009. (I hope you all were compelled to do this!)


The Breast Cancer Fund is dedicated to keeping citizens informed about such legislation as well as educating consumers on the dangers of cancer causing toxins that are present in our products and environment. They are a very worthwhile charity that relies on the generosity of people like us. Thankfully sponsors like Klean Kanteen partner with them to help raise funds for their cause.


If you were already wanting to purchase some stainless steel bottles, sippy cups or sports bottles, now you can while also supporting The Breast Cancer Fund. Right now, $4.00 from every Klean Kanteen purchased will be donated to The Breast Cancer Fund so that they can continue their important work. Visit the Fund's online store during the month of June and order your pink Klean Kanteen today, and know that your dollars are helping to prevent cancer through education and activism!


Also, if you would like to donate to the Breast Cancer Fund, I am participating in their Virtual Climb Against the Odds on June 24th and need sponsors! See my blog post to find out how you can sponsor me (or join me!) and in turn support the Breast Cancer Fund.


Stop the Press!

|
I write to you this evening with some very exciting news. In my recent review of the Aveda Enbrightenment skincare line, I mentioned my agony over having to give up using my old favorite, Yonka, because it contained chemicals.
I WAS WRONG!

As it turns out, Yonka is ALL NATURAL. Oh joy! Though this does not change one bit my satisfaction with the Aveda line, it does mean that I can carry on my on again off again affair with Yonka's Pamplemousse for many more years to come. My life is complete.

Sorry for this major research mishap. I just had to set you all straight as soon as I found out.

15% Off for Seventh Generation Nation Members Until June 30th!

|

To celebrate the launch of their new online Gift Shop, Seventh Generation is offering 15% off all orders over $25 to all of their Nation members. If you are not already a Nation member I recommend becoming one. It's free and makes you eligible for wonderful promotions like this one as well as regular printable coupons!


This discount is only available until June 30th so shop soon! Make sure to enter the savings code SGNATION15 at checkout!


Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner Review

|
Have you ever read the label on your toilet bowl cleaner? The warnings, disclaimers and special storage and use instructions are shocking! "Do not breath in fumes"? "Wear protective eye / face protection"? "Causes chemical burns"? "Contains hydrochloric acid"!?!

Is it really necessary to bring hydrochloric acid into our homes, around our children? And let's not forget those special family members that regularly drink out of the toilet. Not you're weird nephew (yes, we all have those) but your dogs and cats! How much of these chemicals is left behind in the toilet for them to ingest?

I don't like having these toxic liquids anywhere near my family, but toilets are so hard to keep clean and I have never found a natural, safe product that was effective. Well, now I can gladly throw out the Lysol (making sure to follow the special disposal instructions of course). I have finally found a suitable replacement.

I was recently sent Seventh Generation's Toilet Bowl Cleaner to try. I thought my toilets were fairly clean. I give them a regular rub down inside and out, and had thoroughly scrubbed out the insides before moving in this past January. So I was amazed to see what looked like black paint chips sloughing off with every scrub of the toilet brush. Only five minutes after applying it under the inner rim of the bowl, the Seventh Generation cleaner had freed layers of caked on hard water build up- all without the corrosive powers of hydrochloric acid!












As I breathed in the fresh scent of Emerald Cypress and Fir, I thought about the warnings on the back of my Lysol bottles. They tell you not to breath in the fumes, yet fill them with perfumes to smell appealing. It was reassuring to know that I could breath while cleaning my toilet and not be putting myself at risk. Seventh Generation's ingredients are all natural, and non-toxic so they do not put off hazardous fumes. And guess what. The closest thing I could find to special disposal instructions on the label was a request to recycle the container.


What I love about this cleaner:



  • The peace of mind that comes with its all natural, non-toxic ingredients

  • The effectiveness. It works better than most mainstream chemical cleaners on the market.

  • No special instructions for disposal. It's 100% biodegradable which means it will not harm our eco-system.

  • Not tested on animals.

  • Smells great.


Other interesting features:



  • It's kosher-certified

  • Safe for septic and greywater systems


What I don't love about this cleaner:

  • So far- nothing. I can't even really complain about the price- which is quite reasonable, especially when I use one of the many coupons made available to me and other members of the Seventh Generation Nation through their website.

Buying Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner:

You can find Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner at most Kroger, Randalls, Whole Foods and Target stores, among many other retailers. You can also purchase it directly from Seventh Generation through their website.


Over all I give this cleaner an A+. I highly recommend it.


Great Internet Deals for Glass Baby Bottles

|
I shopped the internet for some good deals on glass bottles. Here are a few that I found.













Evenflo Classic Glass Nurser 3 Pack, $5.99


















Dr. Brown's 2-pack 7-ounce Standard Feeding System Glass Baby Bottles, $9.95

Savings of 41%


















Born Free 9-Ounce Wide Neck Glass Bottle $11.00

icon

Do Legislators Have the Bottle to Ban BPA?

|
The fight against BPA (Bisphenol A) experienced a small victory on June 3 when a bill to ban BPA was passed by the State Senate in California. Now, as it goes on to the Assembly, we are already getting a look at the strong opposition it will face as manufacturers of BPA products begin to speak out. The American Chemistry Council reacted to the Senate's decision by releasing a statement. In it they said, "It is apparent that elected officials have bowed to pressure from vocal special interest groups."

BPA is a chemical used to harden plastics in baby bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and so much more. Even the most health conscious Americans would be hard pressed to escape the reach of BPA. It is used in the lining of tin cans (yes, all those canned vegetables and soups in your pantry- even your baby's formula), water bottles, and even dental sealants! It is everywhere, which is very disturbing in light of recent studies showing the dangers of BPA.

One study by Frederick vom Saal, PhD. at the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that when the plastics are heated, BPA leaches into the contents. "Heating" could be simply popping a container of leftovers into the microwave for a minute, pouring hot soup into that plastic thermos for your child's lunch or setting your baby's bottle in a cup of hot water to warm it. All these methods would result in BPA leaching into the food that is then consumed.

In animal studies, low doses of BPA have been linked to obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and many more serious illnesses. BPA exposure in the womb is shown to delay and even hinder mental development in lab rats, and even cause sexual confusion, resulting in the demasculinization of males and defeminization of females. This should not come as a complete surprise, as BPA is actually a sex hormone. I should note that the BPA levels of exposure that resulted in these effects were beneath the "safe" level established by the EPA.

Though scientists are limited in the ways they can test the effects of BPA in humans, they can monitor and analyse the levels of BPA in our blood.
Such research has revealed that the BPA levels in women who suffer from
recurrent miscarriages are significantly higher than that of women with
successful pregnancies.

With all of these studies at our disposal, I do not understand the reluctance among California Republicans to approve this ban. Votes in the California Senate were pretty much party line, with only two Democrats hopping the isle and voting against the bill. Republican Senator George Runner declared the bill to be a "knee-jerk reaction" claiming it circumvented the states efforts to scrutinize conflicting claims of potential chemical threats.



Senator Runner has three grandchildren. Perhaps he should look through the list of sippy cups and bottles that still contain BPA and see how many of those are in his own kitchen. Maybe after realizing that his own loved ones are at risk, he might reconsider his view. Right now there are NO safety standards in place in the US regarding the use of BPA- not even in children or baby products.
As a mother, the decision about BPA is a simple one. If in doubt- take it out.
It angers me that the decision makers like Senator Runner- the men and women we trust with our safety and the safety of our children- take simple, common sense health decisions and turn them into political ones. As a Republican, it disgusts me to see my party side with big business on these issues.


I do not mention politics often, because I do not believe that the issues this blog is committed to promoting (natural health, conservation, environmentalism and social responsibility) are political ones. To me they are personal, and even spiritual. They are the common concerns that bring us together as human beings in spite of our differences, and should bridge that great political divide between left and right. However, as citizens of this country we have a responsibility to make sure that the decisions made by legislators reflect the will of the people more than that of the lobbyists. Our leaders will listen to the loudest voices. Let's make sure those voices are ours.

Federal legislation was introduced in March to ban the use of BPA from all food and beverage containers. In order to be successful it needs the support of our local legislators.
The Breast Cancer Fund has made it easy for us to speak up. Follow
this link
to their simple form, and ask your members of Congress to
co-sponsor the Ban Poisonous Additives Act of 2009.

Until this ban is approved, take your own precautions and invest in glass and stainless steel containers.
This post included in Real Life's Your Life Your Blog

Aveda Product Review and Giveaway

|
This Giveaway has closed. Congratulation to our winner, Mineola and thank you to everyone for participating!

I have very tricky skin. It’s severely dry, yet breaks out with spots at the slightest provocation. I can’t ever seem to find a skin care line that gets it just right. Lately I’ve been complaining of thick “crocodile” skin, especially on my forehead where the wrinkles remind me of Magda from There’s Something About Mary. (I am only twenty eight so this was a very shocking realization.)

Many advised me to drink more water. With eight or more glasses a day my body was feeling a difference but my face was not showing it. I began taking vitamin and mineral supplements regularly. Again, the difference was felt but not seen. In the past I have relied on Yonka skincare products during such times of crisis. I have never been good about sticking with a skincare regimen, but when must needs I go to the nearest Yonka affiliated day spa and drop a small fortune.

This time, however, I refrained. Though they’re products are truly amazing and smell heavenly, Yonka skincare does contain chemicals that I am not comfortable with. I have committed to using natural products whenever possible. With so many natural skincare products on the market, I was compelled to end this ten year on and off affair and settle into a healthier relationship. (***Correction- Yonka actually is all natural. See my recent post correcting this horrific error!***)

Enter Aveda.



Many of us are familiar with Aveda’s salon hair care line. They use
natural ingredients and offer quality results that can be relied on.
However, I was surprised to learn that they also offer skincare and
cosmetics!


Two weeks ago I received their Enbrightenment skincare line to try. The 5-step Enbrightenment system (Enbrightenment Brightening Cleanser, Brightening Treatment Toner, Brightening Correcting Serum, Brightening Correcting Lotion or Crème and bi-weekly Brightening Intensive Massage Mask) is “clinically proven to improve skin’s clarity by 52% and diminish the appearance of dark spots by 34%.”

I’m always dubious of brochure claims, but as I begin week three of my Enbrightenment regimen I am a true believer in the power of Aveda! My “crocodile” skin is gone and I am left with healthy, glowing skin that is wonderfully smooth and supple. My deep forehead wrinkles have also hit the road. I can say that with all honesty, that I can no longer find any significant wrinkles on my face when relaxed. My face is soft to the touch and youthful.

My skin has not looked this good since I was a senior in high school, and even
then I am not sure it ever looked this good!
I am so excited about my new face that I rarely wear makeup during the day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not perfect. (I am only on week three after all.) But the tone is so even and healthy that I don't want to cover it up with makeup. Their clinical studies lasted eight weeks. I can’t wait to see how I look by July!






The regimen begins with the creamy Brightening Cleanser. A small pea sized squirt in the palm is all it takes to cleanse my entire face and décolletage. I pat my skin dry, soak a cotton ball in the Brightening Treatment Toner and swab my face, neck and chest. The Brightening Correcting Serum is next. After spreading a pea sized dollop over my face, neck and chest I can immediately feel it tightening my skin. It absorbs quickly, so I don’t have to wait long for it to dry before applying my Brightening Correcting Lotion (in the morning) or Crème (in the evening). Both the lotion and the cream go on smoothly and are not greasy.

My dry skin demands more hydration than most, so it is hard for me to find a
moisturizer that is sufficient yet doesn't make me break out. The
Enbrightenment moisturizers have perfected the balance.

Twice a week I get to use the Brightening Intensive Massage Mask after the cleanser. It is not thick and pasty like most masks, is easy to apply and wash off and does not pull uncomfortably at the skin as it dries. You simply smooth it on, leave it for 8 minutes while it soaks into your skin, then wash off what’s left on the surface. Then just continue with the system as normal.


What I love most about this skincare:

  • It’s simple and takes no more than three minutes
  • It’s all natural, allowing me to avoid harmful chemicals that can put my health and the environment at risk. I don’t have to worry if my two year old daughter wants to put some on her face too and I don’t have to keep it under lock and key next to the poison control emergency sticker.
  • 100% cruelty free. Aveda does not test any of their products on animals.
  • Packaging is not only made using post consumer products, but is also recyclable and simple to disassemble for recycling purposes.
  • Aveda is the first beauty company to manufacture with 100% certified wind power!
  • IT WORKS.

What I don’t love about this skincare:

  • The smell. It doesn’t stink like some of their hair care has been know to do, but it is not pleasant either.

Overall I give these products and A+! My one fear is that they will sell out and be on back order when I need refills. I am seriously considering stock piling.




Buy Aveda:

If you would like to learn more about Aveda and their products, or purchase this amazing skincare line for yourself, visit them at http://www.aveda.com/.


Win Aveda:

The kind people at Aveda are giving one lucky winner their new Sun Care products to cleanse, restore and protect from the summer sun! ($72 value)

Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser
Sun Care After-Sun Hair Mask
Sun Care Protective Hair Veil






To enter, visit Aveda online and then leave a comment on this post telling me another product they offer that you would like to try.

For additional entries:

  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to your post.
  • Tell a friend about this giveaway. (Yes, Halifax, tweeting counts!)
  • Become a follower of my blog through Google.
  • Subscribe to my blog via email.
  • Each comment counts as one entry. Please do not leave one comment telling me about all the things you did. In order to be counted, I need a separate comment for each entry. Please remember to leave your email address so I know how to contact you if you win!

    This giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59 PM CST. Open to US and Canadian residents only.

    Good luck!



    Super Green Giveaway Results

    |

    Thank you to all who have participated in my Super Green Giveaway. What a fabulous way to celebrate the launch of my blog! I am enjoying getting to know you all through your comments!

    I did the drawings this morning using a random number generator. Here are the results:


    FuzziBunz Reusable Cloth Diaper, Winner is Michele

    Recycled Denim Rug from Annikki's Weaving Studio, Winner is Tori

    TuckerBags- 3 Reusable Bags, Winner is Tammy

    Seventh Generation Free & Clear Gift Kit, Winner is clemery1

    Solay Wellness Salt Lamp, Winner is Carolsue

    All Terrain - Natural Product for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Winner is Blakesmom

    Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, Winner is ginnn7

    Highland Organics Blueberry Tea Gift Set, Winner is Mia


    Winners will receive an email from me this morning. Please respond by June 9th, 11:59pm CST. If I do not hear from a winner by then another winner will be chosen.

    Thank you again and best of luck to you all on our upcoming giveaways!

    Super Green Giveaways End Tonight!

    |
    If you haven't entered all of the Super Green Giveaways you'd better hurry! These giveaways close tonight at 11:59 PM! Good Luck!












    * All Terrain Giveaway


    * Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub Giveaway


    * Highland Organics Blueberry Tea Gift Set Giveaway


    *Solay Welnness Salt Lamp Giveaway


    *Seventh Generation Free & Clear Product Kit


    *3 Reusable Bag Combo From TuckerBags


    *Recycled Denim Rug from Annikki's Weaving Studio


    *FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper Giveaway




    www.wordle.net

    Kid Konserve Waste-Free Lunch Kit Giveaway from Baby Half Off

    |
    Baby Half Off is hosting a great giveaway for a Kid Konserve Waste-Free Lunch Kit. These kits are so cute and very eco-friendly. And the containers are stainless steel so you don't have to worry about leaching chemicals!

    There are three adorable designs to choose from but the caterpillars is my favorite!



    Baby Half Off is also launching their new store soon at BabyHalfOff.com soon. Stop by and check them out!

    Giveaway ends this Sunday night so enter now!

    Win a Sierra Club Outdoor Adventure for Two From Honest Tea

    |
    Honest Tea is teaming up with Sierra Club to host a wonderful giveaway. If you are a lover of the great outdoors, you'll definitely want to enter. You could win a free Sierra Club Adventure for Two!!

    4 Grand Prizes will be awarded. The grand prizes include:

    • A free Outdoor Adventure for two from Sierra Club
    • Round trip Airfare from Honest Tea
    • A year's supply of Honest Tea or Honest Ade



    There are also 8 Second Prizes that will be given away:


    • One Jamis Bike
    • One Case of Honest Tea or Honest Ade






    Entering to win is simple. Just visit the entry page on the Honest Tea website and fill out the short entry form!


    Good luck!


    Sierra Paddle Sports Contest

    |

    The Sierra Club is giving you a chance to win a free TRAK Kayak, a Kokatat paddling gear package, or a Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Paddling Getaway in their May/June 2009 Paddlesports Contest!

    Entering to win is easy. Just fill out the short entry form on their contest page. Entering this contest will automatically sign you up for their free online community and newsletter.


    Hurry! Contest ends June 30th.


    Good luck!




    Sierra Club