TheChicEcoFreak: December 2009

12.15.2009

Chic Eco Tip #2

Ugly truth: Snowflakes may not be the only white flakes that may be falling on your head this Winter! Winter's harsh weather can wreak havoc on one's skin & scalp, causing it to flake, itch, and become extremely dry. Say no to flakes this winter with the help of a 100% natural cure! I'm not talking about some pricey organic lotion or bath oil, but something you may already have in your fridge...Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! Jarrow Formulas Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a great version whose only ingredient is the coconut oil itself & it smells delish! So much so that one whiff may make you feel like your on a hot sand beach vacay with palm trees, crashing waves, and well...coconuts! It is also edible and gluten free ;-)!

To prevent and/or alleviate dry skin/scalp and banish flakes simply... A) Scoop out a few spoonfuls of the coconut oil and place in a small heat safe bowl B) Heat until it returns to oil form C) WAIT for it to cool for at least a few minutes (test with finger first) D) Apply to skin or directly to scalp and massage in, and E) Leave in for at least a half an hour or for best results keep in overnight (Don't forget to wash it out of your hair before you leave the house in the morning though, as it does tend to look really greasy!)

If you're having a severe dandruff issue and the coconut oil alone isn't strong enough for you, you can try adding tea tree oil and olive oil to the mix, and if that doesn't work try taking a zinc supplement as it is very likely that the problem you're experiencing may be caused by a vitamin deficiency. Whatever you do, DO NOT use chemical products on your hair or scalp anymore, including Head & Shoulders and like dandruff shampoos, not only do they contain phthalates, but they can actually create MORE flakes once you stop using them!

Unrefined coconut oil is proven to be the best relief for dry skin and scalp. Among many other health benefits, it also protects against free radicals and diminishes wrinkles better than any lotion can! So beat the itchy wintry skin this year, and from now on with this natural home-made solution and may snow be the only flakes you see!

12.07.2009

CEF Product of the Week-VerTerra Dinnerware

The most elegant and modern disposable Green dinnerware brand on the market! VerTerra sets the standard for eco-chic plates, bowls, and trays with both appeal and functionality. I came across this super trendy, eco-friendly line of dinnerware at my local organic grocery store, and fell in love! I have always had a thing for dinnerware with a simple and sleek yet modern vibe, and VerTerra plates, bowls, and trays embody just that while all the while being 100% Green! Constructed with fallen palm leaves, this dinnerware line is truly artistic and cutting edge. Although they are only good for one time use, you never have to worry about them contributing to your local landfill, because they are biodegradable and compostable (meaning: you can literally throw them into a compost pile in your own yard and they will turn into essentially soil after only 2 months!) Aside from that, for one time use dinnerware, they are highly durable. They can be used while baking, to store food in the fridge, and they are even safe for microwave usage (whenever you use a microwave, be sure to leave the room while it is running because they emit high levels of harmful radiation!) The process used to fuse the fallen leaves to create the VerTerra designs is totally natural and done using only steam, heat, and pressure, NEVER any toxins or chemicals! They are also sanitized using UV lights to ensure a safe and healthy product. They are offered in a range of sizes but all have the same basic natural yet trendy look. If you are interested in trying this brand, click on the title of this post, as it ill bring you to the portion of the VerTerra website where they offer a sample set for $25 that includes 15 pieces in 9 different styles with shipping included for U.S. customers! Also, look out for their upcoming Signature Collection which will be available in February 2009-excited to see what they will come up with next!

* Fun Fact: VerTerra was selected to be used to serve both the 2009 NBA All Star Weekend VIP party and the 2009 NFL's Superbowl VIP party! Great to know that those big-shot NFL and NBA coaches, players, and executives are being environmentally conscious these days!

7 Winter Essentials

1.TRAPP POURED CANDLE IN WHITE FIR- Finally, the true aroma of Christmas in candle form! Created with a high grade fully refined soy wax blend, pure natural oils, and essences of Fraser Fir and Juniper, this clean burning lead-free wicked delight will melt your heart and overwhelm you with feelings of nostalgia. When the White Fir candle is burning, it’s hard to differentiate between the scent of a live tree and the candle itself. Trapp’s candles truly live up to their motto “A bottle of perfume in every candle.” You seriously have to smell it to believe it! With the holiday season behind us, the scent has gone on sale in many stores (search for one near you on the Trapp Website.) Luckily, the fragrance of White Fir is still amazing all winter long.
2. A NEPALI BY TDM DESIGN SCARF- This line of gorgeous eco-friendly designer scarves are hand-made out of natural materials using AZO-free dyes. The designs include bamboo, organic cotton, cashmere, and silk styles (just to name a few,) in patterns such as tie dye, stripped, and checked. A portion of the profits of these masterpieces goes to support educational and health care programs for poverty-stricken women and children in Nepal. Click here to start browsing their Fall/Winter collection and to get one of these wardrobe staple stunners for yourself.
3. HARNEY & SONS HOT CINNAMON SUNSET TEA- Based out of the fabulous Berkshires of upstate NY, this premium tea brand does much more then create fantastic tea! The co. supports local and global non-profit groups and is also a member of 1% for the Planet. Aside from the draw of these philanthropic practices, the superb quality of the full leaved tea, natural flavoring, and lavish packaging (Reusable tin and silken sachets) makes Harney & Sons a “steep” above the rest. Hot Cinnamon sunset’s premium black tea leaves blended with cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves epitomize the true meaning of awakening the senses, and makes this blend the perfect companion for a fireside curl-up on a cold winter’s day. Buy a mini 5 sachet tin to try at Harney & Sons online for just $3.50
4. TRADER JOE'S CANDY CANE JOE-JOE'S- These seasonal snacks are one of the only things I actually enjoy about the winter. They’re the sandwich cookie with a minty makeover and just the right amount of sweetness. Eat 'em how you would an Oreo, without having to worry about pesky preservatives or hydrogenated oils. You can even blend them with some organic vanilla ice cream to create a delicious winter-mint shake. Trader Joe’s recently added a dark chocolate covered version too for all you chocoholics out there. The best part? They usually go on sale for about 99¢ a box later in the season!
5. OPI NO ROOM FOR BLUES NAIL LACQUER- The middle schooler in me was so excited to see blue polish make it's comeback in '09, and today's shades are far trendier than their mid 90's counterparts! This past summer, Paige Premium Denim "paired" up with OPI and created a line of 6 eye-catching shades of both polish and pants in which this beautiful blue hails. Although this was marketed as a summer hue, I found it a bit too obvious to sport in the warmer months, but in the winter this breathtaking blue is sure to make a statement! It's perfect as a cheerful pop on a gloomy day but still fits in great with the winter scheme of whites, blues and frost covered snowflakes.
6. CARLSON VITAMIN D DROPS- Throughout the winter months, our bodies tend to lack the proper amounts of this essential "sunshine vitamin", which can lead to serious medical problems including muscle pain, fatigue, decreased immune function, depression and eventually more serious conditions. To beat the winter gloom and avoid some unnecessary aches and pains, consume at least 2000 IUs of this stuff a day. Also, be sure to choose a liquid formulation such as this one as it ensures better absorption. Head over to Vitacost.com to order some for yourself ASAP, and never let the dreariness of this season get you down again!
J.R. WATKINS HAND & CUTICLE SALVE- Available in Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea, Mango, and Lemon, this heavy-duty salve is the sulfate, phthalate, and paraben-free answer to chaffed, desert dry, wintery hands & nails. Reasonably priced and pocket sized it is also très convenient for everyday use! Sold at food and drug stores such as Ralphs and Walgreens or online at JRWatkins.com

7 Fall Essentials

1. SLATKIN & CO TRIPLE WICK CANDLE IN AUTUMN APPLE, SPICED CIDER, VANILLA NUTMEG, & PUMPKIN PATCH: These industry leading candles boast natural lead-free wicks (less soot), veggie wax (last much longer than traditional candle waxes), & the highest concentration of natural fragrance oils (somehow never overwhelming.) Pick 'em up at most Bath and Body Works Stores Nationwide but hurry up before the x-mas scents take over!
2. PURE COLLECTION CASHMERE SWEATERS: 100% Eco-friendly UK based cashmere company that guarantees it's sustainable products. The painless process they use actually helps goats shed excess cashmere fiber rather than shearing them like traditional cashmere companies. Right down to the transporting of their shipments, Pure Collection is über aware of their environmental impact and discloses their practices and Green guidelines in detail on their website. Their Round Neck Sweater is a must-have 100% cashmere basic that's reasonably priced at $148 and comes in an array of Fall shades including Burnt Orange, Heather Camel, and Sapphire. Go to us.purecollection.com and check out the bounty of styles/colors they offer.
3. ORGANIC ACORN SQUASH: Many picky palates may hear the word squash and cringe, but please- do yourself a favor and just try it this Autumn! Not only is acorn squash delicious, but it also supplies high amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber, Manganese, Folate, Vitamin B complex, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Copper and Tryptophan. Due to it's vitamin, mineral, and nutrient rich qualities it prevents various forms of cancer, lung disease, and some studies show that many of it's ingredients actually prevent depression. It is great alongside roasted chicken or turkey and frequently used in soups and desserts... I prefer mine baked with a little bit of brown sugar and butter (both organic of course!) Always purchase seasonal produce from a local farmstand whenever possible in order to support your local farmers and ensure a quality product. If you're not lucky enough to have one nearby, you can pick up your acorn squash on the way into your local Whole Foods Store. In celebration of the Fall they're displaying them in giant boxes outside of the doors right now.
4. VEGETARIAN SHOES AMBER RIDING BOOT: Every trendy girl knows that a good riding boot is a staple for Fall, but do they really look as good when they aren't made of traditional leather? In the case of the Amber Boot- Yes! They look just like a classic black riding boot, and although they look and feel just like leather, they are made from a synthetic microfibre material that is typically used for yachting upholstery. Pretty Cool huh? Fit and breathability aren't compromised in the process either. Order a pair online at mooshoes.com for just $125.
5. ZOYA POLISH'S MATTE VELVET FALL COLLECTION: During a recent trip to LA I visited Recess Nail Spa (a trendsetting 100% Green nail Spa-which I would def recommend if you are looking to give those digits the royal treatment sans chemicals and fumes) and fell in love with Zoya's (Always big 3 free nail polish line) Matte Velvet Fall Collection. The shades are the perfect compliment to any Fall wardrobe and the matte finish creates a cool effect that ensures that both you and your nails are totally glam. Go to Zoya.com to get the collection but before you checkout don't forget to add their new Matte Velvet Winter Collection to the cart. It includes next season's gorgeous gem tones with the same super-hot finish!
6. BRAVE STUDDED JAKKI BELT FROM KAIGHT SHOP: Before Fall comes to a close make sure you get on trend with the perfect eco-chic skinny belt, ethically made of patent leather and available in the perfect Fall shades. Get them on sale now at Kaightshop.com or even better if your in their 'hood check out the super cute lower east side boutique and it's array of eco-friendly fashions firsthand!
7. LAVANILLA LABORATORIES THE HEALTHY BODY BUTTER IN PURE VANILLA: Now that the Fall elements are upon us, it is time to give our hands and bodies a little TLC. Whether you need to soften your hands on the go, or nourish your skin at home, reach for this richly scented 100% natural body butter. It's pure essential oil fragrance is strong without being nauseating, and totally alluring. This paraben, sulfate, and petrochemical-free cream is infused with Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals. Bottom line, this eco-chic body butter will make you feel good in more ways than one. Purchase it À La Carte or as a part of the Pure Vanilla Set which includes a lip gloss and roller ball perfume too for just ten dollars more at beauty.com!

7 Summer Essentials

1. Capri Blue Hand Poured Candle in Aloha Orchid- This is one of the most beautiful candles you will ever lay eyes on. It is encased in cobalt glass and when its lead-free wick is illuminated it has a gorgeous glowing effect. The fragrance is light and summery but totally intoxicating. Its eco-friendly soy wax blend makes for such a clean burn, not to mention it lasts super long!
2. Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen- This 100% natural sunblock uses Titanium Dioxide to shield your skin from harmful rays instead of chemicals and it really works! Bonus: It won't give you that white nasty lifeguard nose look
3. Trader Joe's Caribbean fruit floes- A modern take on the frozen fruit bar with whole chunks of all of the summertime fruit favorites like pineapple, coconut, and mango.Delicious, light, and refreshing!
4. Demeter Vintage Naturals 2009 Eau De Parfum Spray in Mimosa- The classy girl's favorite a.m. cocktail is now available as a 100% natural perfume spray
5. Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish in Locavore- A fun, multi-colored glitter polish that somehow pulls of this popular 90's trend in an updated and "polished" way. Big 3 free (DBP, Toulene, and Formaldehyde!)
6. Evian Brumisateur (natural mineral water facial spray)- The most natural way to hydrate skin on the go and a great way to cool off while at the beach or lounging poolside
7. Alba Botanica Cocoa Butter Lotion- Smooth, nourishing, and the perfect compliment to your summer tan