Natural Facial Lotion by Just Natural Skin Care Products

I have very sensitive skin and any face lotion makes me break out but in the summer my face gets dry from being in the sun. I have tried many different lotions claiming all kinds of things but without fail I break out. My skin doesn’t  look dry but it feels like it will crack any minute. After using many of the big name brands and variations I decided organic was the way to go. I researched organic products but Natural Facial Lotion had the largest description as well as multiple testimonials. The attention to detail was the real reason I wanted to try this product. The amount of information given about why this product works and what it does really just made me curious. All of their products have such detailed information and many testimonials it almost forces you to buy just to see if you can prove them wrong. In this case I could not. I use the lotion everyday and I love it. No breakouts and I can actually notice a glow to my skin!

Product Description:
Let this luxurious natural lotion illuminate you face with a sheen that charms. Naturally rich with in vitamins and anti-oxidants that nourish and instantly hydrates skin leaving it smooth, healthier-looking and supple. This ultra light and smooth facial lotion melts into skin to restore softness and smoothness.
Blended with lavish Kukui and Sea Buckthorn oils, this facial lotion goes deep beneath the skins’ surface to lock in
moisture and start rejuvenating healthier skin that radiates.

Product Benefits:
Long lasting moisture.
Absorbs quickly.
Leaves skin silky soft.
Natural organic and chemical free.
pH balanced and unscented.
Prevents dryness.

Sea Buckthorn oil is one of the best sources of natural antioxidants that effectively
combat wrinkles, dryness, and promote healing of eczema. This healing effect is due to
the beta-carotene (pro-vitamin-A) that is in Sea-Buckthorn oil.

Pomegranate Seed oil moisturizes and nourishes dry skin. It also balances pH, helps
the skin feels soft and smooth.

Product Ingredients:
Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Purified Spring Water,
Borage Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Carrot Seed Oil,
Pomegranate Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil,
Cupuacu Butter, Kukui Nut Oil, Vegetable
Emulsifier, Green Tea Extract, Ginseng Extract,
Mango Butter, Helichrysum Essential Oil,
Geranium Essential Oil, Vitamin E.

Eco Art Pillows by Wabisabi Green

Wabisabi Green Eco Art Pillows

I love decorating my new home and as I repeatedly mention I am trying one purchase at a time to “green it up” any way I can. Lately I have been lamenting over the fact that my bedroom isn’t up to par. I have been dreading buying new sheets, blankets and pillows because of the small zoo of animals that think my bedroom is their palace. I decided to get over it and begin the fun of decorating. I wanted to go all out this time and get the little things I never really thought to purchase before. Decorative pillows were high on this list. That is where I found these EcoArt Pillows by Wabisabi Green. Besides being hand printed with water based inks, using sustainably harvested kapok fiber or ecofibers from recycled plastic bottles it is also MADE IN THE USA! I love finding eco-products made right here at home. Not enough products are made in the USA anymore for a number of reasons but when I find them I make sure to keep a list! Check out Wabisabi Green today and see what they have to decorate your home!

Papyrus Lime/Slate EcoArt Pillow
A decorative green throw pillow hand printed with a stunning papyrus design.The modern Papyrus pillow available in a stylish lime/slate color combination provides a cheerful garden accent for your home.This design goes well with many the Branch, Frond and Rosette pillows.

Cover:
Soft organic cotton twill hand printed with environmentally safe water-based inks. The back cover is solid slate.

Insert:
100% hypoallergenic fill in unbleached cotton shell. Choose from luxurious silky organic kapok fiber sustainably harvested from the rain forest or soft and fluffy ecofiber made from recycled plastic bottles rescued from landfills. Designed, hand printed, and fabricated in the USA

Product Care:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low. All pillows are constructed with a hidden zipper for easy removal and cleaning.

Kettle Worx 6 Week Program

KettleWorx Totaly Body Workout

I have been hearing things about Kettle Bell work outs for a while & I admit I wasn’t completely sure what exactly a Kettle Bell was. I knew a kettle bell was a weight but I was unsure what the big deal really was. Then I came across The Kettle Worx program and decided why not try it. An at home workout never seems to have the results for me that I get from working out regularly at a gym or taking classes. Six weeks of my time I was however willing to devote to this program being that you only have to work out 1 hour a week or so it claims.

Week 1: DVD Cardio Level 1: I am aware I am not the most in shape individual that has ever graced this planet but I do work out regularly. After 10 minutes of this video I am almost positive my thighs died and left me for good! Days later my thighs still hurt. I was sweating like an animal and I felt “the burn” immediately. I could barely finish the video. I did finish slowly after the second set because my body physically was shaking! Mind you these are no complaints! I was loving it. Walking was painful for a few days but well worth the pain I hope!

Week 1 DVD 2 Core Level 1: This time the work out seemed much easier. I didn’t sweat as much but I did feel I worked out my body thoroughly. These videos are sneaky because the next day!!!!! I felt every muscle in my core!! It is definitely a good feeling!

Week 1 DVD 3 Resistance Level 1: I did this after dinner last night which was great because it helped me push myself a little bit harder than usual to work off extra calories. The Resistance DVD had many exercises I already recognized from the first 2 DVD’s which I appreciated. I was no where near as tired as the first time I Kettle Bell’d. Make no mistake my body was shaking all over and I used my muscles but the workout seemed easier for me which is exciting. My body feels like it had a good workout but I am in no pain!! I am loving this workout!

Week 1 DVD 4 Fast Fat Burn Level 1: I figured a 10 minute quick cardio session I could handle after these first 3 dvd’s. My body wasn’t as ready to quit as the first time but in 10minutes I was feeling it. There was a feeling of accomplishment. Again these workouts are sneaky in that you don’t usually feel the pain immediately after your body stops shaking but the next day and possibly the day after that you are reminded of your efforts.

Week 1 DVD 5 Fast Abs Level 1: This is yet another 10 minute quick work out. By this time I wasn’t feeling anything. I was getting a little cocky about my progress. The next few days didn’t bring any pain either which was exciting. I am hoping that for the rest of this trial it will only get easier and less painful.

Week 2 DVD 1 Cardio Level 2: This time the cardio got easier. I could go through the entire video will less shakiness and sweating. It was more fun and I felt more comfortable with the routine. I still felt worked out and there was still considerable shakiness but the next day and the following days I was good. I can feel muscles I didn’t even know I had. I think I feel the work outs working but I’m not sure.

Week 2 DVD 2 Resistance Level 2: The resistance video the first time around was difficult but I assumed as with the cardio DVD, it would get easier. I was wrong! I sweat just as much as the first time and it just as painful. I wasn’t sure I could even finish the video! My body was shaking and tired. However I did get trough it which was motivating and I felt like I was stronger going through it. The next day I completely felt it in the back of my thighs and my butt!! Also right after I put on a pair of my skinny jeans that I hadn’t been able to wear in a bit and although my waist was still a bit tight the thigh and but area definitely fit differently. It wasn’t a huge difference but its there!

Week 2 DVD 3 Core Level 2: The Core work out seems to be the easiest for me at this point. I didn’t break a sweat but I definitely felt my muscles being toned. I have yet to see a difference in the way my body looks which is a little disappointing but it is only week too. I will admit however I am not on any particular diet which would maximize my progress. I eat healthy enough but I think I would notice more of a difference if I were on a diet.

Week 2 DVD 4 Fast Fat Burn Level 2: The 10minute workout videos are the most difficult in terms of sweat and activity. The Fast Fat Burn is the most painful and my body felt like it couldn’t go any further after the first 5 minutes. I was hoping the 10 minute workouts would be the easiest due to the short time but even in week 2 I am completely feeling the burn.

Week 2 DVD 5 Fast Abs Level 2: The 10 minute workout seems to be my favorite. Its quick! How difficult can a 10 minute work out really be? The Ab workouts don’t seem to exhaust me the way the 20 minute workouts do. The ab workouts are to be the easiest for me still but I by no means have toned abs so this does confuse me a bit.

Week 3 DVD 1 Cardio Level 3: The cardio work outs are the most intense. No matter how Kettle savvy I feel I am this is the one work out still makes me feel like a beginner. I have to admit I don’t notice my body really changing or my clothes fitting any different but I am still not dieting sooo I can’t blame the workouts.

Week 3 DVD 2 Resistance Level 3: I think at this point the Resistance workouts are becoming my favorite because they don’t make me feel like I’m going to die but I can feel my muscles working. Its an invigorating feeling even if you don’t actually see results. After the workout and even the next day I feel a little sore but when I stand I can feel muscles in my abs in ways I hadn’t before. That is a feeling I appreciate very much.

Week 3 DVD 3 Core Level 3: The Core work out isn’t my favorite even though I don’t think I’m doing the workouts incorrectly. I don’t sweat or huff & puff. I can feel every exercise and set but again I see no actual results. At this point I am frustrated but at the same time the all of the other work outs are challenging. I am definitely accountable for my lack of diet and I can’t see anything different but I am not giving up.

Week 3 DVD 4 Fast Fat Burn Level 3: OMG! This 10 minute session is probably the most difficult to date. The time is tricky because it is a 10 minute exercise which seems easy enough but easy the workout is not. The levels gradually increase in difficulty without you really knowing it. The 10 minute workouts may in fact be the most difficult workouts in the series. Kettle Worx doesn’t miss a beat with these quick ones.

Week 3 DVD 5 Fast Abs Level 3: Again the ab work outs don’t seem too difficult but I can feel muscles I don’t think I have felt in a while. I am starting to notice my posture and it correcting as well. The 10 minute workouts are still more intense than the 20 minute work outs but over all the work outs in general are all intense. I want to say the ab workouts made a difference in my clothing or my over all physical look but I still see no actual results.

Week 4 DVD 1 Cardio Level 4: At this point for some reason either my DVD player or the DVD’s themselves started not really working and I got discouraged. I wasn’t as into my workouts because actually going through with them became difficult because the DVD kept stopping or resetting itself which was incredibly irritating. So this workout wasn’t very successful.

Week 4 DVD 2 Resistance Level 4: This workout proved to be better because the DVD worked which was great for me! The level 4 workout put me in check for my few day’s of discouraging behavior. Again I will mention I wasn’t on a diet of any sort soo most of the discouraged feelings were really my own fault but you like to believe the DVD when it tells you all you need is 1 hour a week worth of workouts. I however believe you need to be on a very good diet and exercise regiment to really see results by this point. However most people that dedicated workout for more than an hour a week.

Week 4 DVD 3 Core Level 4: I am still enjoying the variety of workouts and the routines but the core/ab workouts feel they aren’t quite enough of a workout for me. I don’t see any results although I do feel them. I’m not completely willing to give up but I do wish that I would see the results in my wardrobe at least.

Week 4 DVD 4 Fast Fat Burn Level 1: The 10 minute workouts only have 3 levels but they pack a punch! I am grateful that they are so short. On day’s I’m not in the mood or don’t have enough time I think these hardcore little sessions can become quite motivating. My diet however is still not up to par so I am hoping to step up both better eating habits and workout sessions. These videos are great but for someone who drives an hour each way to work then sits at my desk for 10 hours, 20 minutes 3 times a week coupled with a less than perfect diet isn’t enough. Now that the weather is nice I have started walking during my break.

At the end of this 6 week test I haven’t noticed any weight loss nor do my clothes fit better. I didn’t feel it necessary to detail the next 2 weeks because they seemed to all be repetitive. I had good workouts that I felt were doing good but over all no actualy visible changes. This is a definite testament that you need more than 1 hour a week and a diet is a must. Anything else is just lying to you I think. I have mentioned a few times in this test that although I was not on a diet I eat pretty healthy regularly. I do however have an office job that requires me to sit for almost 8 hours a day. I go for walks on my breaks but that isn’t enough. As much as I liked the DVD’s they didn’t do what I had hoped. I like the workouts and I still do them but I have to be 100% about it and implement a diet into this or it will never work.

Gaia Yoga Mat

Save 10% on retail orders over $50 at YOGAaccessories.com. Use Code AFFS9324 at checkout. Expires 12.31.10.

When I was younger and hear about yoga I always knew it would be my kind of workout. My mother was always interested in new age music, books and ideas. Being at peace with ones self and meditating was something she and I both tried to attain. To me that is a lot of what yoga is about. I hope one day to finally be good at it. With all my different attempts at yoga I’ve actually never had a proper mat until recently. Now that I have one I never want another. I have the Gaia Yoga Mat and I love it! Here are the product highlights:

The Gaia Yoga Mat is made from an innovative, environmentally friendly foam – both in composition and in manufacturing. Each mat is free of PVC and phthalates, and no ozone-depleting CFCs are released during the manufacturing process. This newly developed rubber is highly resistant to sweaty hands and feet, making it ideal for hot yoga. It’s also very easy to clean and won’t break down when wet. Incredibly soft and flexible, the Gaia Yoga Mat has tremendous shock absorption making it ideal for Ashtanga jump backs and jump throughs. With its extra cushion and great non-slip surface, this new eco-conscious mat is great for all types of fitness activities, particularly yoga. 72” x 24” x 1/4”

Nourishing Facial Cleanser

I have sensitive skin that constantly gets dry if I wash my face too much then I break out if I lotion my face at all. This, as you can imagine, is extremely frustrating in summer when I get a tan or burn or during the winter in the cold and wind. I am not a fan of just any cleanser and prefer to use the most eco-friendly products I can seek out. After some research I found Lily Organics Nourishing Facial Cleanser.

Lily’s Description
Perfect for daily use. Our non-detergent, emollient cleanser leaves the skin fresh, clean and balanced. It is made with our homemade soap consisting of Almond Oil and Essential Oil of Sage for cleansing and toning, plus Tea Tree Oil for its antiseptic qualities. Lavender is added to refresh and soothe your skin. Especially useful for normal to dry skin types. For all skin types; including sensitive. Apply a small amount to wet or dry face, gently massage and rinse with lukewarm water. Use with cotton ball or pad for a facial make-up remover (except eye make-up). Can also be used as a hand and body cleanser.
Lily’s Ingredients
(VEGAN) Lily’s homemade almond oil soap, Lily flower extract, kosher vegetable glycerin, Irish moss, witch hazel, lemon juice, essential oils of lavender, sage, tea tree oil, rosemary, camphor, and vitamin E.

After using this for a week I didn’t have any dry patches! My skin felt clean with out the some times harsh tingle of other skin care products. Also the smell and texture of this cleanser was amazing. The cleanser has a soft and silky. Many cleansers feel harsh and sting for me anyway which I thought meant it was working. This was cool and calming. I think I have become a life long user of Lily Organics because after using this cleanser and a few other products. After reading the book the Beauty, Health & Happiness, A Way of Life Lily I was inspired to take a closer look at what I put on and in my body in a way I never have before. I get excited when I find green products made by real green people. I appreciate she shared her experiences in her decision to become green. Her products reflect that along with the hard times that many of us face on our journey to be socially and environmentally responsible. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again we need to support companies that aren’t just green washing but have their actual beliefs invested in their products and companies. It is extremely important.

Apple Cider Vineger

Apple Cider Vinegar Plus™

The health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are said to be:
* Provides needed nutrients for optimal health
* Helps jump start your weight loss program
* Offers an energy boost
* Helps maintain proper pH balance in your body

Apple Cider Vinegar is made from crushed, fermented apples, apple cider vinegar has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Recently, Apple Cider Vinegar has enjoyed new found popularity for its ability to support weight loss.  Apple Cider Vinegar contains a wide array of nutrients, minerals, and amino acids to make up for any nutritional deficiencies which could cause unwanted weight gain.  For example, apples are an especially good source for potassium, often called the “mineral of youth” because it can keep your arteries flexible and resilient and your tissues healthy.  Apple Cider Vinegar also helps regulate the acid/alkaline balance in your body because of the unique composition of apple cider vinegar.

After reading all the hype about Apple Cider Vinegar I decided maybe straight shots wouldn’t be the best option.  After some research I decided vitamins maybe the better option to start off with. I found these vitamins from Botanic Choice and decided I would give them a try. I took the vitamins for about a month and I will say this although I didn’t necessarily see too much of a difference I think that my body processed things at a quicker pace. I am a moderately active person, I like to think I eat pretty well but sitting at a desk job for 10-15 hours a day your “active time” isn’t always as optimal as you would normally like. These vitamins made me feel at least like I was doing something to help with my inactive times. Even though I didn’t feel or see any big differences I think mentally I felt like I was doing more. I have since continued to take the vitamins to insure my digestion stays as fluid as it has been since I started taking them. After doing a little more research I have also read that Apple Cider Vinegar helps to block the absorption of carbs! That is another added bonus!!

UrthBag’s Victoria Bag!

UrthBags – Hip Handbags Made from Recycled Materials

If you are a fan of thegreenbeagle.com you have heard me mention a number of times my love for UrthBags Eco-Chic & Recycled Handbags! I am a huge shoe and purse gal and have always had trouble buying designer bags because I will not buy or wear leather! For a fashion forward lady such as myself I am constantly disappointed in my searches for new accessories. I don’t want to buy just any old bag even if it is animal friendly. I do have standards after all.
Being that I am an environmentally conscience shopper I prefer to buy from companies I trust and respect. After a long search I stumbled upon UrthBags am pretty sure I am in handbag heaven!!! I am obsessed!
I waited a while before using the bag because I wanted to wait for the perfect outfit and when the moment arrived it was great! I found the perfect dress that was the perfect compliment to my new Victoria UrthBag!!!!
I come from a large family not always very interested in my “hippie ways” but all of my aunts and even grandmother loved my Victoria Bag! They all asked me where I got the bag, what it was made from and where they can get one! Usually they think my handbags are over the top or silly!
It was completely worth the wait to use the bag! I love when people compliment what I am wearing or using so that I have a chance to explain where and why I purchased it! Its an excellent way to educate people who otherwise may not have ever sought out this product.

Recycled Cardboard Boxes!

$1 off any order and free shipping!! Coupon Code: TREES

Currently I am moving, which for most of us that don’t own homes happens pretty regularly. I am not a fan of moving because I don’t like heavy lifting but I do love new places and decorating! The one large problem I feel most people have is packing. Where are you going to get boxes, do you have to purchase them or are you lucky enough to find places that will give them to you for free? I actually have the perfect answer! Not only can you move in a greener more responsible way but you can do it all inexpensively!! Usedcardboardboxes.com is the answer to any of your moving needs. They believe in their own set of the 3R’s: Rescue, Resell & Recycle. Usedcardboardboxes.com are a zero waste company which personally is very important to me but is a rare quality even with green companies. They “rescue”, as UsedCardboardboxes call it, boxes evaluate them by size and quality then separate them into their “stacks” & “kits”.

I have received the Dorm or Studio kit. I have purchased boxes before from storage places and spent alot of money in doing so. The Usedcardboardboxes.com’s dorm kit is awesome. Now keep in mind this clearly isn’t enough to move an entire house worth of items but it is definitely a decent jump start! The dorm room kit comes fully loaded with:

• 9 Medium Boxes (approx 2 cubic feet)
• 5 Large Boxes (approx 3-3.5 cubic feet)
• 2 X-Large Boxes (4.5+ cubic feet)
• 1 Roll Packing Tape (2 inch x 55 yards)
• 3 Pounds of Packing Paper
• (approx 50 sheets of 36 x 24 inches)
• 1 Permanent Marker
• 1 Retractable Blade Box Cutter

Mind you the shipping is free and the total cost of this kit is $38.00!! That is it! I know many people get boxes from liquor stores or grocery stores and save up news papers to save money which is an excellent way to do so but I have to say Usedcardboardboxes.com helped greatly! Packing was soo much easier and much less stressful. It made me even happier to know that the boxes were recycled and to be reused by me. Since the boxes are in such good shape I will probably continue to use them as storage for holiday decorations or seasonal clothes.

I am happy to know there are companies out there that help support the ideas of recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. Not enough businesses or individuals are concerned enough about the importance of reducing waste. When I come across businesses that I trust who have the same values as I do about our environment and responsibility I need to share it with people so these businesses can continue to thrive and be brought to the forefront of the green movement. We cannot hope to bring about change without being active about our beliefs and even something small like moving boxes can help a great deal.