No Impact Man

For the last while, there has been a lot of hype around No Impact Man - a documentary about a family of three living a no impact year in the big apple. I've been waiting for the release on DVD for so long and when I finally saw it at my local Blockbuster, I was more than excited.

This entire project was initiated by Colin, the no impact man. What makes this project really interesting is the fact that The Beavans are not your typical tree-hugging, Birkenstock wearing, smelly hippies. The Beavans are your typical urban dwellers who didn't really think twice about consumption and waste. The husband is a writer who also wrote a blog and a book about the experience. The wife is a typical city girly girl who loves Starbucks, designer clothes and take out food. Together, they have an adorable girl that seems to be up for anything.

To live no impact for a year is huge. We're talking about going vegetarian, buying only local food, no take out/restaurants/processed food, no cars/subway/taxi, no toilet paper, no store bought cleaning product, no beauty products, no buying anything new for a year and then the kicker - no more electricity after 6 months. Seriously? It sounds crazy and I think it's amazing Michelle signed up! Here is a woman who is the polar opposite of her new lifestyle. There is this one scene in the movie, when Colin was packing up all her makeup and toiletries so she can be "au naturel," I turned to Dave and said "See, that would've been my deal breaker." Take away my processed food but DO NOT touch my make up!

Without giving away too much of the movie, I strongly urge you to see this one. It is really entertaining while giving you something to think about. While the movie doesn't encourage you to change your life this drastically, there are definitely many things we can do in our lives to reduce the negative impact we have on earth. Instead of saying "I could never do it," we should all focus on what we CAN do, however small it may be.

Olsen Haus Fall 2010

Sometimes I get really excited that all I can say is !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out the new collection from Olsen Haus. These are made from recycled TVs! How amazing is that? The best part? they are so fabulous, I almost don't care what they're made of.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Melissa

GASP! Aren't these gorgeous? They're Melissa's newest collaboration with Jean Paul Gautier.

Melissa Plastic Dreams is a brand of eco-friendly shoes from Brazil. The shoes are made from recycled material and they are recyclable after you are done with them so you're not adding to the land fills. Not only that, the production process is also green and they pay their workers a fair wage. I think it's time I add a pair of Melissa shoes to my collection!

Beauty Talk - Part 2

See? I said I'd be back! Of course I'm back...we're talking Make up!!! Those who know me, knows that it's one of my favorite topics!

As I've mentioned before, my old love Prescriptives was discontinued earlier this year. This was a great opportunity to start switching makeup as well and I've found quite a few items that I love more than even my old love.

First thing I put on is always foundation. Unless they discontinue this, I anticipate I will be buying this for years to come. I am talking about Korres' Wild Rose Foundation. It goes on smoothly, have a good amount of coverage and the matte finish is beautiful. I am really lucky they had a color that matches my skin closely!

I use a powder on top to set it but it's totally not necessary. Unfortunately for me, the powder I use and love from Korres is already discontinued. Luckily, I found another one by Dr Hauschka. It is way more fragrant than I like so I will keep on searching while continuing to use this. If you know of a good one, let me know! One thing I don't like is mineral makeup (for no particular reason as I've had good results from Bare Escentual) so...yeah, I'll leave it at that.

After foundation, I put on a cream blush. This blush was part of Josie Maran's Earth Day Kit and came into my makeup bag by total fluke. I had purchased the Earth Day Kit for the other stuff (got an awesome deal at Sephora for less than half retail) but this ended up becoming my favorite. I normally hate cream blush but this one is too good to pass up. The color is called Sunrise and it is the perfect natural looking blush.

The mascara that came in the kit is also a star. It doesn't clump and goes on the lashes nicely. The eyeliner on the other hand smudges too fast on me so I am on the look out for a new one while I continue on using MAC's fluidline. The lipgloss is almost identical in color as one of my old favs from Prescriptives but I hate that it's a plumping formula so it stings every time I put it on. Ouch! As a result, most of the time, I just use my Alba Botanica Pineapple Quench Clear Lip Gloss.

I also have a few eye shadows from Josie Maran. They're great but made with Lanolin Oil (therefore not Vegan). I don't consider myself a full Vegan (although I practically am!) but I'd like to look more into the production of Lanolin Oil before I can decide if I am comfortable with buying more products that are made with it. And yes, I like to question everything and make my decisions this way rather than just blindly following the vegan/not vegan label.

I guess that's it! Short and sweet but these are basically all the products that I use.

Beauty Talk - Part 1

Lately, I've been asked a lot for advice on natural beauty products that works so I thought it's a good opportunity to blog about some of my favorite products. I have a lot to say so this is going to be a long post!

I think I started making the shift about 2-3 years ago. I noticed my body was always extra dry and using extra moisturizing body wash didn't help. My scalp was always itchy and felt oily, while the hair was dry. I just felt like clearly what I was using and what I was doing was not working so I had to change it up. I started reading about SLS and Paraben and the harmful effects, so obviously, natural was the way to go. That being said, I wasn't about to go 100% natural as I am a beauty product junkie, so my goal was to look for more natural products without compromising on how well they work. Keyword is "more" and not "totally."

At that time, I also realized (inspired by an article in Allure about the annual cost of beauty) that I was spending well over $3,000 per year on beauty products so it was a good opportunity to cut down on that expense as well. Since I planned on spending less money, it was important to me that I spend my money wisely. Save when I can, splurge when I need to and most importantly, support companies that are doing great things.

Body Care

I don't know about you, but I LOVE large pump bottles. Pump bottles are easier to use and since it's larger, you save money and need to buy less frequently...not to mention it is better for the environment too! Really, a win-win for all! When I shop for shower gels, only large sizes will do.

My current favorite is Jason's Aloe Vera Satin Shower Body Wash (rated "5" on cosmetics database.) I've tried a few other fragrances and this is my favorite as I find some of the other ones too fragrant.

Another one that I love is Alba Botanica's Honey Mango Bath & Shower Gel (rated "4" on cosmetics database.) I've only seen the large bottles at Whole Foods so I always end up buying Jason's since it's more readily available and more convenient for me to purchase. The Jason one is also a few dollars cheaper. They're both Sulfate free, Paraben free, not tested on animals and suitable for vegans. It is also worth mentioning that I purchased a loofah to use with my shower gel. I didn't like it that much in the beginning but now I can't live without it. It was under $5 but worth 10 times more. Ever since I started using my loofah, my skin feels so much softer and there is no need for my weekly full body exfoliation anymore.

For body lotion, I am a big fan of Kiss My Face's Vitamin A&E Moisturizer (rated "5" on cosmetics database.) I love that I can get it in a large 16oz pump bottle for home or a smaller 4oz tube to carry around with me.

I really do love this moisturizer. I don't normally like things that are too fragrant but I love this! The smell of Jasmin is just a delight. When I use this, my skin actually feels soft and moisturized until the next day when I shower again! The 16oz bottle is about $12 and available at my local grocery store so I know I'll be buying this for years to come.

Haircare

I have a thick head of naturally wavy/curly hair that is often referred to as the lion's mane since it gets pretty wild and crazy. Every hair stylist that's ever cut my hair always comment on how thick my hair is. I attribute it to eating a lot of seaweed as I had super thin & fine hair when I was growing up. I used to do all kinds of crazy things to my hair and dye it a million colors but I haven't dyed or permed it for at least 5 years. That being said, I still flat iron it almost daily so I do need to care for it so it doesn't get too damaged. My hair only started to look healthier and feel less damaged after switching to more natural products. For shampoo, I am a fan of Aveda and Kiss My Face. My current favorite is Kiss My Face Big Body Shampoo Organic Hair Care (rated "4" on cosmetics database.)

It smells great, is gentle, mostly organic, free of Sulfate/Paraben/animal products and at $7, it is truly a bargain. I am a firm believer that you need to switch up shampoo every time you wash your hair so I always have at least 2 shampoos on rotation with 1 clarifying one. My current second shampoo is Aveda's Pure Abundance and the clarifying shampoo is Aveda's Hair Detoxifier. I bought both in their liter size pump bottles and while I love both of them, I don't think I'll be buying either of them again. I just realized today while blogging that Hair Detoxifier is discontinued (I am pouting as I am typing this) and I didn't realize this sooner since I still have my huge liter bottle and haven't had to repurchase for so long. And the reason for not repurchasing Pure Abundance is because I found a new one that I love - Aveda's Clove Shampoo (rated "6" on cosmetics database.) I impulse purchased a bottle of this when they did their re-launch last year and packaged it in a recycled bottle. The shampoo is amazing and every time I use it, I have a good hair day. I will be buying this in a large pump bottle for sure when I ran out. Any recommendations for a good clarifying shampoo?

For conditioner, my current favorite is Giovanni's Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner (rated "3" on cosmetics database.) It is light but works well and it doesn't weight my hair down. I also use Kiss My Face's Big Body conditioner for the same reason. I am still on the search for a treatment type heavy conditioner. I've tried a few different ones but none stuck around long enough for me to mention.

Skin Care

Prior to my search for natural products, I was a big fan of Philosophy. One of the reason was that you can buy all their cleanser, moisturizer and serum in large sizes! In my shower, I always had a liter size pump bottle of their cleanser but after countless reformulations, I decided to say good-bye for good.

I'm really picky about my cleanser so when I find one I like, I tend to stick with it. My current favorite is Kiss My Face's Start Up Exfoliating Face Wash (rated "0" on cosmetics database!!!) I thought by "exfoliating" they meant it has little beads so I was really glad to find out that it doesn't 'cause I hate those beads. Some of the other natural cleansers work great but they either make my face feel too dry, too oily or is just plain too expensive! Kiss My Face is a great product that I highly recommend to all. I also noticed a lot of companies still put SLS and Paraben in their cleansers...even the natural companies! So make sure you check the labels when you buy it.

For moisturizer, since it's a product that will stay on my face and get absorbed by my skin, I am okay with splurging on these products. One that I've been using and like is Jurlique's Balancing Day Cream.

However, while the product is great, I don't plan on repurchasing it unless they redesign the packaging. The tube is a pain to use because the products just ooze out and then the tube gets all mangled and ugly. One product that I DO plan on repurchasing is Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum (rated "1" on cosmetics database.) I had purchased their "Three Little Wonder" kit from Sephora and while I feel indifferent about the Invigorating Night Gel, I just love the Truth Serum paired with Sheer Transformation.

It is such a pleasure to use. I like the subtle fragrance and how well it absorbs into my skin and how great it feels on. On its own or paired with Invigorating Night Gel, Sheer Transformation doesn't seem moisturizing enough but it's perfect with Truth Serum. I don't use an eye cream but I will probably look into Ole Henriksen for one soon.

Another product I don't use is toner but I have a bottle of Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist at my desk at work. You can use it as a toner but I like to mist my face when I feel tired...a habit I picked up from my dear friend, Sandra.

and that's it for now! I'll be back to talk make up next.

H&M Garden Collection

I've always been a fan of H&M. While others say their clothes don't last, I find they last longer than the stuff I buy from Zara. Ever since Anthropologie came into town, I pretty much just shop there and neglecting all my old favs. That being said, I fully plan on heading to a store to check out their Garden Collection. The collection consists of garments made with organic cotton, organic linen, recycled polyester and tencel. I think it's great that all these companies are doing an "eco" collection. Even if it's not perfectly environmentally-friendly, it's definitely a step in the right direction.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the collection:

The search for a new purse...

I am not a purse fanatic like many girls that I know but I do love my purses. When I go shopping, I almost never look at purses since I pretty much use 1 or 2 for a period of time and then I move on. If we're looking for a pattern, you'd see that I usually buy 1 or 2 every year and its usually around Christmas and my birthday. I also noticed that I love buying bags with lining that has a cute print and they are always handbags...meaning most of them don't have shoulder straps or crossbody straps.

I vowed that the next bag I buy will have a crossbody strap but the search was so hard. I looked everywhere and keep falling in love with more handbags but resisted taking them home. I found a precious vintage purse in a quilted black patent design and gold chain/black patent crossbody strap that got compliments everywhere I went and cost less than $5. The only problem was that it was tiny and didn't fit much more than a few credit cards, some car keys and a lip balm.

To make the search harder, I also decided to stop buying leather bags and opt for vegan options. In terms of handbags, there is definitely no shortage of vegan options. There are Matt & Nat, Sam Sara, etsy, H&M, Joe Fresh,...even Natalie Portman has a Chanel bag made of satin! Really, the options are endless! The only problem is, most of the bags I like, also happen to be made of leather, trimmed with leather, not my style or not as well made as I'd like.

When I went to Winners to do some Christmas shopping, I spotted this bag instantly! I secretly hoped that it wasn't made of leather and was happy to find out that it wasn't! It was just what I needed - a bag with a crossbody strap that fits more than a few cards and my phone. It was the Audrey Satchel made by London Fog in Ruby. Who knew London Fog has more than just winter coats and trench coats?

The bag is so great. It's huge, fits everything and I love all the interior and exterior pockets. To make it even better, it's waterproof and fade resistant too! I would've liked it to be more environmentally friendly, but I bought the bag anyway. Definitely one of the most practical bag purchases I made in the last few years.

Movie Date

Dave and I used to have a movie date every Tuesday. For some reason, we stopped for the last couple of months. This Tuesday, we decided that we were to have a movie date no matter what and we went to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox...which was fantastic!

Its such a cute movie. Where else do you see a fox wearing a stylish corduroy suit, a beautiful dress and cooks with Le Creuset?

I heart Wes Anderson.

Microwave

We've been talking about getting rid of our microwave for a while...at least a couple of months! Also, Dave's sister recently stopped using it after watching some experiment where the plant died after being watered with microwaved water. That is some scary stuff! Anyway, last night Dave and I decided that we talked the talk for so long...its time for action! We moved our microwave from its prime spot in the kitchen to somewhere in the basement to test if we can live without it. I wonder if we will get used to it or if we will go crawling back to our microwave. So far, we are loving the extra counter space!

What are your feelings toward microwaves?

The perfect color

While shopping at Anthropologie today, I asked a sales girl what shade she was wearing on her nails as it was just...the perfect shade for fall! She told me it's Sephora's Metro Chic (described as "matte dark smoke with a hint of purple" on the Sephora website) and that it was like impossible to find so she actually begged her friend to sell it to her. Luckily for me, they found a bottle for me at Sephora and it really is perfect. That being said, a quick google tells me I am only about a year late to this bandwagon as its the most sought after shade at Sephora since last year and a lot of people are paying a lot of money on ebay for it. This one, I would totally stock up if I see it in the store again.