As many of you know, over the last year I have been on a journey to change my diet in a big way. This all began with a mission to figure out what was going on in my little munhckin’s diet to cause eczema type skin reactions as well as heal some tummy issues.

My journey began with a full on elimination diet which is pretty hard core, but as most doctors will tell you is the golden standard in trying to figure out what exactly is causing the allergic reaction. Without going into too many details, let’s just say it was very difficult and a long process because ANY slip-up would be like going back to the first day of the diet. After much stress an quite a few of slip-ups…we FINALLY made it through 3 months of a very narrow diet. By the way, I chose to go on the elimination diet along with my son for a bit of camaraderie as well as to address some skin and minor health issues that had been haunting me for years.

The amazing things that came out of it were:

• we had a good idea of what caused both of our skin issues: gluten & dairy
• we tried LOTS of amazing new foods & recipes
• we felt great!

That was the first step in my journey. Since then, I have begun my self-education in a raw food lifestyle – taking classes with amazing raw chefs, buying and inhaling incredible Raw Books by fabulous raw food chefs Ani Phyo, Russell James and the Boutenkos.

Now, with my BlendTec blender creating my daily green smoothies, raw fruit & veggie juicing and my increasing knowledge of raw foods, I feel healthier than I even have. I get compliments on my skin almost daily…and I’m about to turn 35…which is the time when many women begin dealing with fine lines etc.  I will be sharing many recipes for raw beauty, raw meals and my raw journey. I’m not 100% raw or perfect, but I am passionate about eating for health and beauty.

Here is one recent recipe I tried that is easy, yummy and will be fabulous for the whole family.

Raw Diva Bliss Balls
The original recipe was sent to me by my hubby who found it online & forgot to save the page – I haven’t been able to find the source. I’ve changed quite a few ingredients. When I find the original recipe source – I will post it here right away.

1 cup dates, pitted
3/4 cup soaked almonds
1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds soaked
1/4 cup raw almond butter or raw macadamia nut butter
1/4 cup raisins, soaked in 1 cup filtered water
1 1/2 tsp cacao powder (raw if poss) – can sub with carob powder
1 tsp spirulina powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1 cup coconut flakes

Step One
Place dates and almonds in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in a large mixing bowl with remaining ingredients and mix well with hands
Step Two
Form into small balls or egg shapes and roll in shredded coconut to cover.

Step Three
Enjoy the bliss!

Truly, the raw food lifestyle is not about taking things away from yourself, it’s about adding health, beauty and a new perspective on the way you eat and how it affects the world around you.

Have questions about going raw? I’d love to hear them and share my experience…leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on raw.

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva

The Shop

One of the top complaints that I hear from women who are interested in learning about the world of non-toxic beauty is that they are overwhelmed and just don’t know where

to start making changes. I think that any change can be overwhelming, but when it comes to changing long-standing brand habits and simply getting used to the way we do things when it comes to our “look” there is even more of a struggle.

On my own path from using commercial brand makeup brands which STILL  include known unsafe ingredients, I had growing pains as well. I wish I had a place like Nature Of Beauty to help me in my journey. The Nature Of Beauty buying guide is an amazing resource that can help you transform your makeup bag into a lovely shade of green without any pain.

From choosing lipstick to finding gluten free and vegan brands, the NOB Buying Guide will walk you through with love and care. You can even e-mail questions directly to their experts and get a quick informative response.

The Scoop

Here is some wonderful information about Nature of Beauty from Terri Bly, the incredible founder (and fellow EcoDiva) of Nature of Beauty:

The Nature of Beauty, LTD was founded by clinical psychologist, women’s health advocate, and beauty product junkie, Dr. Terri Bly. For years, Bly had been sharing the latest in health research with her patients and clients. In 2008, she made the decision to combine her passions – mental health, physical health, advocacy for women, and business – into one entity: The Nature of Beauty.

Our Cosmetics Selection. No other website or brick-and-mortar store offers the extensive selection of natural and organic cosmetics you will find at The Nature of Beauty. We carry eight lines of the best natural makeup brands on the market, including rms beauty, Jane Iredale, Couleur Caramel, and Revolution Organics.

Our Blog. While many online retail sites have a blog, ours is unique in that we do not limit it to special offers and new product announcements. The Nature of Beauty blog offers extensive product reviews, tips, opinions, and updates on research, policies, and breaking news regarding beauty products and your health.

The Entry Rules Are Simple: Complete the following THREE steps -

1. Visit Nature of Beauty
2. Leave a comment HERE on theEcoDiva.com with 2 fave items you KNOW would buy on your fabulous $100 shopping spree
3. In the same comment, leave ONE burning eco-beauty question that you have about Nature Of Beauty (It could be about the site itself, a product, which foundation you would use for dry, sensitive skin, an ingredient list question, something you’d like to see in the beauty guide, etc.)
4. Don’t forget to leave your e-mail address in the comment for winner notification!

p.s. If you would like a personalized answer to your question(s), be sure to also send your questions to info@natureofbeauty.com.

Extra Entries – Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

• Join Nature of Beauty on Facebook
• Follow Nature of Beauty on Twitter
• Follow theEcoDiva on Twitter
• E-mail a friend about this giveaway
• Share on FB

Lucky winner will be chosen and by Random.org on March 31st, 2010 at midnight.

Enjoy and good luck!

Signing off…EcoDiva

My philosophy for living the EcoDiva lifestyle is that you can choose to be your own person, reflect your own style and still live in this world with a sense of peace and ‘harming-no-others’. My diet has evolved over the last decade to choosing vegan foods for my family and for myself and now I can choose vegan accessories for closet…without sacrificing my personal style. There are fabulous designers choosing the same philosophy in creating their designs. Today, you can walk into many department stores and local boutiques and choose cruelty free handbags, shoes and beauty products.

Vegan Chic is one of those resources which I was thrilled to discover. Vegan Chic brings together designers from around the world who choose to create products that let us “look fierce without being cruel.” Here is a bit about vegan chic in their own words:

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We believe our name ‘Vegan Chic’ illustrates our core belief that you can be vegan and still be fashionable and glamorous. We hope to bring you, not only great vegan shoes and vegan bags, but the widest possible selection of vegan apparel.

So, whether you’re looking to strut your stuff in vegan boots, vegan shoes, vegan pumps, vegan clogs, or vegan sandals, you have found the vegan store for you. Gone are the days of heartbreak when you spotted your dream shoes in a store window only to find they were made of leather or had leather soles.

This is a compassionate vegetarian’s shopping paradise! Welcome to fear-free browsing. In just a few clicks, you’ll find every shoe style that fits your need, being assured they are completely vegan shoes. WE do all the checking for you. Our shoes do not contain leather, suede, wool or silk.

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Sounds amazing to me and to anyone looking to add a bit of style to their wardrobe without having to sacrifice their eco-friendly and animal-friendly philosophy. Not only are the shoes and bags beautiful, but they meet another EcoDiva criteria…they are made with love and quality consciousness. These pieces are not throw-away fashion that will end up in the landfill. Part of being an EcoDiva or EcoDude is to be aware of each purchase that you make. When you choose to buy a new item, make sure that it is something that you love, transcends seasonal trends and is made so well that you will  still be able to wear it for many years to come.

Here are a few of my favorites from Vegan Chic. My first choice is one that I LOVED wearing this winter with tights, a long tunic sweater and a beautiful bright scarf. I received compliments on this boot everywhere I went and LOVED letting the admirers know that they are VEGAN and are made so well that I know I will be wearing this classic style for years to come!!! Spread the word EcoDivas.

Vegan Dress Boot – Thames by Neuaura - $175
I LOVE that these boots can are a bit wider at the top. This gave me plenty of room to where thick wool sock for the PNW winters. And they were actually very comfy considering the heal is pretty darn high.
Constructed from Synthetic Tumbled leather, this vegan boot exudes a classy and casual look, perfect for daily use, walking, work and for the weekend. Made of the highest quality – you certainly be the envy of your veggie and non-veggie friends alike.

Vegan Ankle Boot – Kaveri by Neuaura – $125

I LOVE these grey booties…they would be perfect with tights or jeans…the perfect city walking shoes.
Sourced, and constructed in the mountains of Brazil using fair labor practices, these great boots hail from Neuaura, who are committed to animal and humanitarian causes – and provide exclusive boutique-style footwear as can be evidenced here.

Summer Satchel  – Loops by Pink Studios – On Sale for $42.39

This is such a sweet accessory for the Spring and Summer. I can easily see this funky vegan bag going from daytime into night without worry. And I like a bit of a bigger bag so I can keep a few tricks in my bag at all times.

Standing 7 inches high, 12 inches wide and 3 inches deep, this gorgeous bag provides space for your daily essentials. A particular favorite at Vegan Chic, we can recommend this reversible vegan bag for work, the weekend, for almost every occasion. We love this bag, and recommend it highly!

“Vegan Image” Credit: rian_bean

Enjoy!

Signing Off…EcoDiva

Written by the fabulous diva EcoMama of EcoMamasGuideToGreenLiving

If there were such a thing as luxury yoga items–it’s Manduka. Check out this SEVA package for Off The Mat Into The World. This is everything you need for your yoga practice put together in a beautiful package. This is quality stuff. Everything is extremely well made with great attention to detail.

The eKo Lite Yoga Mat is entirely non toxic and made with Manduka’s proprietary natural rubber and sea grass texture. It’s the brainchild of yoga teachers who wanted to come up with a green performance mat. Its light weight and great for travel. The mat comes with a mat sized shipping bag and a prepaid UPS shipping label for convenient recycling, and a percentage of the proceeds from eKo mats go to support Off the Mat, Into the World, a program to help inspiring yogis to share their experience and help better the world.

The MatSak is probably the nicest yoga mat bag I’ve ever seen. Its’ soft cotton canvas and recycled PET mesh with three compartments and air holes. The shoulder strap is padded and I love the handles at either end. All that and it’s very good looking too. The Bolster has a soft removable cover for washing, a core made from recycled PET and cotton and a handle on one end–nice touch. There’s a micro fiber towel, a cork block and a cotton yoga strap. This is exceptionally nice yoga gear, find it HERE.

Enjoy!

Lemon Myrtle Essentials is a Certified Organic Australian Body care with a lemony twist. Personally, I simply adore personal care products that utilize the innate fresh qualities of lemon, lime and lemongrass. Aileen Peer, founder of Lemon Myrtle seems to share my lemony sentiments.

Aileen has created a beautiful skincare line that meets the stringent Australian Organic Standards. So what exactly is lemon myrtle? Great question. Lemon myrtle is one of nature’s gifts in that it not only smells fantastic it is is known for its calming and uplifting properties AND has antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities as well.

Here is my Interview with Aileen Peer Founder and Formulator of Lemon Myrtle Essentials:

EcoDiva: What does your logo and company name symbolize?

Aileen: Simply that we’re about lemon myrtle, Australia’s native plant, which is refreshing and uplifting.

EcoDiva: Tell me about your personal journey to green:
Aileen: It is difficult to pinpoint where it began – it feels like something that’s been present most of my adult life. Having suffered from sensitive skin and eczema, I was always very aware of the quality of ingredients I put on my skin, as even “standard” products could cause a skin reaction. From there I learnt about skincare ingredients. 20+ years ago before SLS and parabens and Propylene Glycol were the common fiends they are today, I was already avoiding these in the skincare & personal care items I used. I noticed almost all the “natural” products out there contained these ingredients at the time, but this is changing nowadays.

10 years ago, I started a company with my then husband, importing and selling a natural health product into Australia. Not long after, I fell in love with the unique citrusy scent of Australian Lemon Myrtle, and found myself buying everything I could find on shop shelves that had that scent. But I couldn’t find any lemon myrtle products that were truly natural, so in one of those “aha” moments a couple of years later, all the factors (love of lemon myrtle, love of natural skincare, an awareness of organic) came together to give me the idea to create Lemon Myrtle Essentials and make it truly Certified Organic, so that customers would have the guarantee of a truly natural product.

EcoDiva: In this new market of green beauty and skincare, what makes your products and your company unique?

Aileen: We have put everything behind one star ingredient – lemon myrtle – a unique and relatively new essential oil from Australia. It has only been in commercial plantations since the 1990s. And we’ve gone all the way to make it Certified Organic by ACO, the most stringent organic certifying body in Australia. It took us 2 years of intense work to get this certification.  To be certified organic 95% of the ingredients have to be certified organic and verifiable, plus the other 5% including processing aids have to be natural and not use any unapproved processes in manufacture. It’s the 5% that makes the difference – the organic certifying body I’m with does not allow some common ingredients that the other certifying bodies allow. So I had to go outside the cosmetics industry and ventured into the food industry. Not all the certifying bodies are as stringent, but why not start at the best? So now, many of the products in the Lemon Myrtle Essentials range are literally good enough to eat!

EcoDiva: What are your some of your “green” personal and business practices?

Aileen: For the range, we use recyclable glass packaging where possible, organic/biodynamic and/or locally sourced ingredients predominantly. We go beyond organic in many cases because we focus on whole, virgin, unrefined ingredients, as close to Mother Nature intended. Personally without being militant and obsessive about “organic” I eat a mixture of organic and non-organic food, use my own self-made products, avoid heavily processed and packaged foods, create minimal rubbish, recycle bags and boxes, feed all vegetable off cuts and organic kitchen stuff to my happy goats, avoid all pharmaceuticals like the plague (even antibiotics and aspirins) and enjoy a wonderful lifestyle in Victoria’s spa capital in the Central Highlands, on 10 acres, with my wood heater, mud brick home, lots of glass windows and sweeping views!

EcoDiva: Why is this important to you personally?
Aileen: I’d like to know that there was a net positive gain from my presence in this world, rather than a cost to the earth. However I think it’s also important to be balanced about it, and I’m not militant about organic. I just think it’s important to practice awareness, consideration, and to look at the bigger picture of why we’re here! And enjoy!

EcoDiva: What would your friends/other people be surprised to learn about you?
Aileen: My friends have become accustomed to being constantly surprised with all the new (and sometimes eccentric) ideas, projects or interests I get into, so I think they’d more likely show an indulgent amusement rather than surprise.

EcoDiva: What organic beauty/fashion products do you use & recommend?
Aileen: I don’t have any particular brand – I just use mineral makeup of different brands, my own self-made lip glosses and luxury skin-active creams; I experiment with lots of organic shampoos – still haven’t found the ideal one (aha! Another opportunity).

EcoDiva: What books, movies, or CDs have been most helpful or inspiring to you?
Aileen: Well, for awhile I subscribed to Spiritual Cinema – a very interesting DVD movie club with interesting movies sent monthly, but I found that I don’t have time for TV or DVDs so I stopped. I still have a stack of DVDs waiting to be seen! But one mainstream movie – Sliding Doors starring Gwyneth Paltrow stayed on my mind for a long time. It was about parallel lives, how taking a different train, or missing something by a few minutes can cause one to step into a different time track, and one’s life to take on a different trajectory. It sort of appeals to my “What if” imagination and my questions about Destiny vs. Self-Determination.

EcoDiva: Who formulates the line and what is the inspiration?
Aileen: I am the formulator. Inspiration is the main ingredient – lemon myrtle. After working with lemon myrtle day in day out for several years, I am still as much in love with it as I was at the beginning. It’d be nice to have a marriage like this! The other inspiration is the “energetic” quality of its ingredients. Hence the freshness, the organic aspect because it’s good to have the “life force” still present. Of course it’ll not be as fresh as something just plucked off a tree, but it is incomparably fresher than the products of multinational companies who say Natural but aren’t, whose logistics require them to do mega production, store in mega warehouses and use strong chemicals to preserve.

Therefore you’ll also find Australian Bushflower Essences in some of the products too. ABFE is the Australian equivalent of Bach Flower Remedies, very subtle but powerful remedies for balancing mental and emotional states.

EcoDiva: Where to buy your products?

Aileen:  http://www.lemonmyrtleessentials.com

EcoDiva: What’s your current obsession?
Aileen: That’s a good question – obsession is a good descriptor of my interests, sometimes! I’m afraid it’s Facebook and Twitter which I discovered only recently and that’s why I’m communicating with you! After awhile I’m sure this obsession will fade to normal and I will be able to have regular mealtimes and bedtimes again. My other obsessions – food, travel books, books about travel and food, books about almost anything, parrots, clothes designed for adults with children’s designs/colors (why do we have to wear serious colours like black, black, brown, navy, grey, and more black?), iPhone apps, netbooks.

EcoDiva: Who inspires you?
Aileen: Mahatma Gandhi, my rich/successful/sexy/healthy girlfriends who seem to lead such effortlessly happy lives, Walt Disney, and a host of other people that I can’t seem to remember right at this moment.

EcoDiva: How do you get things done?
Aileen: I don’t start until I know I can finish, and once I start I don’t stop until the finish line.

EcoDiva: What would you like to revolutionize?
Aileen: People’s blind and unconscious belief in authority, in doctors and pharmaceuticals, in what they read in newspapers and hear/watch on TV – it’d be nice to have a mass awakening from automatic unconscious mode, the slavish adoption of unexamined beliefs.

EcoDiva: What’s the biggest change you’d like to make in your life—even if it’s impossible right now?
Aileen: Balance!  It feels quite achievable right now, I think I’m on the right track if I can get away from my keyboard and mouse.

EcoDiva: What’s the best green advice you ever received—and who gave it to you?
Aileen: “Eat organic because it’s richer in nutrients, flavour and energy” – Friends who obtain their vegetable supplies almost exclusively from their own vegetable garden almost all year round.

The Offer

Here is your chance to experience Lemon Myrtle Essentials for yourself.

You will receive 1 FREE organic Lemon Myrtle Soothing Balm with any purchase over $25.

Simply mention ECODIVA in the notes section of your shopping cart.

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva

I began replacing all plastic containers in the kitchen since last year since the chemical “Bisphenol-A (BPA)” started to creep up in the paper, news, and in store shelves. Who can forget the whole Nalgene episode and subsequent premiere of “BPA-Free” labels on their bottles in BIG BOLD letters in colorful circular decals? And how about the Sigg Water Bottle company that quietly took their aluminum bottles off the shelves after EWG’s urging to remove them because their epoxy lining contained BPA?

I wrote about the Endocrine Society’s findings last year and recently, how BPA is found even in toilet paper and pizza boxes.

It’s maddening how BPA is in EVERYTHING!!

Photo: Steven DePolo

What is BPA?

According to Chemical Sensitivities Manitoba (CSM), “Bisphenol A (BPA), a high volume production substance worldwide, is utilized in epoxy and epoxy-modified resins, electrical encapsulations, internal lining of food and drink cans, polycarbonate (PC) and items from PC, dental materials, automotive components, medical devices, tin plating additives and cosmetics, among other products. This diversity of its usage makes its presence pervasive.”

How does BPA affect our health?

BPA can cause breast cancer, prostate cancer, interferes with reproductive system, infant development, heart disease, diabetes, and interferes with cellular development in the uterus even before the fetus is born. Although our exposure might be minuscule from one product, it’s the accumulative effect that will damage on the cellular level over time.

In Cosmetics?

BPA is most commonly used in hard plastics, like those clear tough water bottles – and yes, even those 5 gallon water cooler bottles and some pitchers. It is also used in canned foods – except for some cans like Eden Foods’ Organic Beans. It is even in infants’ formula cans and plastic sippy cups and also in baby food jar lids. And since babies are more vulnerable to toxic chemical exposures, it is especially alarming.

But in cosmetics? Again, according to CSM, “BPA-based polymers may be used in the production of cosmetics, such as lipsticks, face and eye makeup and nail lacquers and it was expected that BPA exposure through this type of dermal contact to be minimal. This is direct skin exposure and depending on the type of cosmetic, there can be frequent exposure. There were no scientific references to qualify this assumption of minimal harm and neither were there any explanations as to the rationale for the presence of BPA-based polymers in cosmetics. Also not known or mentioned in the assessment is the packing composition of some cosmetics – are they BPA-based or not.”

So, what do we do?

Assumptions cannot be made as to the safety of BPA-containing cosmetics since the government has not provided any evidence as to the effects of these products on human health. So until further research can be done or proper BPA warning labels can be seen on the packaging, we have to minimize BPA exposure ourselves.

• Use cosmetics that come in glass jars or stainless steel containers
• Use organic cosmetics to avoid BPA in the ingredients.
• Avoid plastics that are labeled #7 as the hard plastic is polycarbonate that contains BPA.
• Although plastic is not labeled #7, some still do contain BPA so do not heat in plastic containers in microwave or wash in dishwasher as high heat can leech BPA into the content. Even if the packaging states it is Microwaveable, it only means that the plastic won’t melt in the microwave; not that it’s safe for humans.
• Avoid refillable hard plastic water bottles without #7 stamp – the chances are, they are polycarbonate.
• Do not eat canned foods – it’s healthier to eat freshly prepared meals anyway so avoid canned foods – especially canned tomatoes as the acid makes BPA leech out. Except for Eden organic beans, even organic foods can’t escape BPA as the linings of cans contain BPA.

For list of items that contain BPA, please visit ecokaren.

Sign this petition to ban BPA.

Watch this video by Bill Moyer about BPA.

*On a related note, Origins will take any cosmetic packaging, from any company, to recycle or for energy recovery and in exchange, you will receive a sample of their skincare product.

{Brush Image Credit: annia316 }

The first time I caught a glimpse of designer Sara Seumae’s clothing line SPUN, I knew I was looking at a classic designer who knows how to cut for a real woman’s body. Each piece looks like something I could and would and now DO where on a daily basis. Beside that fact that each piece can easily be dressed up with a few fabulous accessories or easily thrown on with your favorite tights or jeans, my favorite thing about SPUN is that unique details and cut of each piece.

At first, you might think you are trying on simply another comfy cozy shirt. But once you slide on the super soft organic cotton shirt or dress, you will be thrilled to find that you are instantly flattered by design details like the extra long shirt cut and the boat neck on the shirt. Not only do I love Sara for her amazing spirit, her design motivation and her overall big heart, I simply adore her designs and easily give them the EcoDiva Stamp of Approval!

Here are some of my favorites:

Boat Neck Top – $55.00

I have this piece in the Beet color and I never fail to get a compliment.
I especially love the secret little pockets on either side…very chic.

“Diane”  Wrap Dress

This is one of those easy wardrobe pieces that will be a fast favorite.
It is SO flattering to a mama’s curves and can by dressed up with tights & boots for a night out with the divas.
Add a bright little scarf and you can’t lose.

The Exclusive EcoDiva Deal

Courtesy of the lovely Sara from SPUN Organic Clothing, you EcoDiva readers get this amazing exclusive coupon code to enjoy 30% off your purchase at SPUN.com. Make sure to share with a friend!!

The Deal: 30% OFF

The Code: EcoDiva

The Shop: ChooseSpun

EXPIRES: Sunday Feb 21st at Midnight

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva

Each piece is proudly made in the United States using high quality 100% Certified Organic Cotton which is dyed using environmentally safe low–impact fiber reactive dyeing processes.

As the cold weather continues to blanket the season, my skin is feeling the effects. Besides the requisite Moroccan Mint tea from Numi, and drinking lots of filtered water, I love to treat my skin to really luxurious thick and creamy body butter to restore moisture. My favorite thing to do is to cover my feet and hands in body butter before I go to sleep at night and put on soft organic socks over my feet and sometimes hands (depending on the dry skin situation).

Here are a few of my favorite body butters that are made from the most pure and luxurious ingredients. (Tip: These also work amazingly well on those mama-baby tummies during and post pregnancy).

LUXE + Lemongrass Body Butter

A deep moisturizing blend of shea, cocoa and mango butter enriched with 3 different organic oils with a hint of lemongrass essential oil is 100% natural.

It will help condition, soften and smooth the skin and prevent dryness especially on drier regions such as the knees, elbows and feet. For the the best results use after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp.

Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter ( Butyrospermum parkii), Organic Cocoa Butter (Theobroma caco), Mango Butter (Mangifera indica), Organic Palm Oil, (Elaeis guineensis), Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Organic Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius), Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus), Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

PLEASE NOTE: Since the body butters are 100% natural with no fillers, when ordering during the summer months or in warmer climates, butters may arrive in a melted state. Let it set again and use.

100% Natural
75% Organic
Petroleum Free
Paraben Free

10% of your purchase goes to support your charity of choice.

Inesscents + African Shea Butter

Inesscents African Shea Butter is processed according to Fair Trade standards and traditional methods by West African women.

Simply the best for fine lines and wrinkles, African Shea Butter penetrates deep into the skin rejuvenating damaged cells and restoring elasticity and tone.

Naturally hypo-allergenic and safe for sensitive skin, nothing protects against sun wind and weather better than African Shea Butter.

Ingredients: Unrefined shea butter and jojoba oil*.

*Certified organically grown.

Suggested Uses: Excellent for use as a nighttime eye and face cream. Can be applied to the hair and scalp for intensive conditioning by allowing it to soak in for several hours and then washing thoroughly. Wonderful for protecting infant?s sensitive skin.

Available in 0.85 oz, 2.00 oz and 4.00 oz.

10% of your purchase goes to support your charity of choice.

Sante Face & Body Butter

The three varieties of Sante Face & Body Butter provide a pure and rich form of skin care ideal for your face, throat, and decollete – exposed areas that often become dry and appear visibly stressed. Similarly, other areas of your body that tend to develop a rough and dry texture and appearance, such as your hands, elbows and knees, also benefit directly from the type of rich care of these skin care butters.

Upon contact, these water-free formulations melt into your skin to combine perfectly with its protective hydro-lipid film (acid mantle). The deep moisturizing therapy visibly relaxes your skin, improving its elasticity and texture. Each Sante Face & Body Butter contains natural Vitamin E to help protect your skin from free radicals and other negative environmental influences, and reinforces your skin’s own regenerative processes.

These natural products liquify at about 40°C (104°F), and will re-solidify at a cooler temperature. For best results, store in a cool location.

Enjoy!

{Leaf image credit: Ctd 2005}

I’d love to hear how you keep your winter skin from cracking & drying out….leave a comment below … What’s Your Winter Skin Tip?

Signing off…EcoDiva

I’d like to introduce you to a new EcoDiva sponsor – Selma Valentine, an amazing vegan luxury spa skincare line that contains botanical ingredients.

Here’s What I Love

• Use of Fair Trade Ingredients
• Clean Energy Sources
• Distilled Extraction Process (eliminates use of synthetic or chemical preservatives)
• Recyclable Packaging

Here’s What’s Missing – In a Great Way

• NO Artificial fragrance and color
• NO GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms)
• NO Animal Products
• NO Parabens or Synthetic Preservatives

An EcoDiva Favorite Pick:

Thai Lemongrass Sugar Body Polish – I LOVE a good body scrub. A scrub or body polish is an amazing way to loosen old skin cells and get the circulation flowing. You can most certainly make one for yourself at home using simple ingredients in your pantry. Or you can treat yourself to a bit of luxury (currently on sale AND you can use the exclusive EcoDiva coupon below) and try this refreshing scrub for yourself. I love using it after shaving.

The Exclusive Deal

Try the a few favorites for your self with this 20% coupon code: Eco2010 and let me know how you like it.

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva

I am so grateful for all of the amazing friends and connections I have made over the last 3 years here at theEcoDiva.com. Each day I like to share my finds and discoveries in the world of eco-friendly beauty and fashion. Most of the products I choose come from a place of love for my family, respect for the earth and a never ending well of gratitude for my friends.

My passion for non-toxic choices in beauty, fashion and the home truly stem from a belief that each and every one of us make a difference with the choices we make and each dollar we choose to spend, or not. I am not a conspiracy theory advocate, yet it is difficult to discount what I read, see and know to be true from my personal observations in the world of chemicals, animal cruelty and healthy living.

My vision for the future for us all includes the availability of products and services that are tied into making this stunning earth a better place to live for us all. We can make the shift to sustainability a reality, despite those who don’t seem to GET IT, or admit that there is something wrong.

So, today on this day (and every day) that we are reminded to pause and take note of those we cherish, I want to send  a big heartfelt thank you to each of you who visit every day, share your story, or just stop by to see what I’m up to. I am truly grateful and look forward to many more incredible discoveries, friendships and lots of magic along the way.

Blessings and light to you all. If you ever need an ear to listen…I am hear. Now, I off to spend the day sharing lots of hugs &  kisses with my sweet big & little guys.

{Image Credit: seyed mostafa zamani}

Enjoy!

Signing off…EcoDiva