Apr 19Local Stops: Charlotte Clean & Green Festival

Mark your calendar for this fun and educational festival coming up May 19! It should be a great time! More info here.

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Mar 28Earth Hour 2012

This Saturday is Earth Hour from 8:30-9:30PM. Are you familiar?

In an effort to gain global exposure to a growing climate change problem, last year 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide participated by switched off their lights.

This year, some of the amazing landmarks around the world are going dark include the Empire State Building, Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and amazingly, the International Space Station.

What about you, are you participating? I think it’s fantastic and really is a great way to not only bring attention to this problem, but unplug from our connected world. How about a little stargazing or reading by candle light? Sounds great to me.

You can learn more here.

Image: Getty Images

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Mar 16Favorite Things: Boscia Skin Care

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been trying to phase out all my personal care products that have synthetic fragrance, preservatives and scary chemicals. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had skin problems associated with fragranced and “extra care” body lotions. And, the more I got thinking (and researching), I began to realize that some of my facial ailments might actually be caused by the products I was using to treat them.

So, after reading about Boscia on Kate’s blog where she described herself as having very similar skin to me (oily, blackhead prone, occasional breakouts), I decided to go talk to the skincare experts at Sephora where each and every one of them raved about the products.

They’re made without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Triclosan- all ingredients found in both professional and over-the-counter make-up and personal care products. If you’re unfamiliar about what these things do to your body, I highly recommend you educate yourself. The majority of the chemicals in these products are outlawed in the EU and it’s an insult that we are still allowed to use these products. Educate yourself, please.

Moving on…

I picked up a Clear Complexion Starter Kit, really loved three of the treatments and went from there building on additional products. They have literally transformed my skin and I highly, highly recommend. Here’s my favorites:

1- Clear Complexion Cleanser - My absolute favorite cleanser; I will never use another again. My oily skin never feels tight but the shine and slickness is gone. I use morning and night.

2- BB Cream – If you don’t like heavy foundation but want to even out your skin tone, this beauty balm is it! A broad spectrum SPF 27, moisturizer, primer, skin tint, concealer and pore minimizer, this replaces so many products. Perfect for all skin types, I put this on after my No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment and am set for the day!

3- Clear Complexion Treatment - Because I have a tendency toward breakouts, I use this at night to help control oil, get rid of breakouts and maintain clear, glowy skin.

4- No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment – A new favorite; this goes on in the morning after cleansing. I’m always shiny about 2-hours after applying my BB Cream and don’t look or feel fresh. This changes that. Seriously, it controls my oil and shine all day.

Not pictured: Clear Complexion Tonic – This is a standard astringent that provides a deeper clean. I tend to use more in the summer after cleansing, both morning and night.

Several of my friends use the products for normal, dry and aging skin with the same raving reviews. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Images: Boscia

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Mar 01Favorite Things: Method Laundry Detergent

Over the years I’ve been on a quest to find the best eco-friendly laundry detergent that does a great job cleaning and leaves a pleasant scent on my clothing and towels. I don’t want anything too perfumey, but I do like my towels to have some type of scent.

I’m pretty sure I’ve tried every eco-detergent on the market. The Arm & Hammer eco-line, Purex eco-line, Seventh Generation, Costco Kirkland eco-line and Trader’s Joe’s too. But, it’s always Method that comes out on top. Seriously, you only need 4 little squirts from the tiny bottle and a whole load come out clean and fresh.

Definitely a brand that I’m 100% loyal to and will continue to be so.

P.S. I adore the Fresh Air scent and use this scent of the fabric softener in my homemade wrinkle reducer too.

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Feb 23Sustainable Thursday: Fatal Attraction

Fact: You don’t want lead paint in your house let alone your body.

Fact: You wouldn’t drink anti-freeze.

Fact: You wouldn’t rub petroleum on your body.

Fact: You’re doing this if you use conventional beauty products and personal care products.

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