Skin MD Natural Lotion Review

Posted on April 1, 2011 by pmitchell

071 300x199 Skin MD Natural Lotion ReviewLiving in Calgary in the winter is sure to make anyone’s skin begin to look like reptile’s scales.  There is absolutely no way around getting the dry flaky skin caused by the dry and (snow) flaky weather — especially on your hands and feet.  Or at least that’s what I thought until I was sent some Skin MD Natural shielding lotion to check out for myself.  I was sent a 4 oz bottle of the Face, Hand and Body Shielding Lotion and a couple of sample packs of their Shielding Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 15 to test and review.  What’s really cool is that you too can order some samples to try out before committing to buying a whole bottle.  Go here to get some sample packs for only $2 shipping and handling.  Many store locations that carry Skin MD also have free samples for you to try before you buy so you can skip the shipping and handling charges as well.  This means that you won’t cause any unnecessary waste by purchasing something that you don’t want or need.

069 200x300 Skin MD Natural Lotion ReviewThis lotion is super silky when you put it on.  It doesn’t even really feel like lotion actually — more like you have an aloe vera plant growing in your window sill and have rubbed it directly on your hand — except not sticky at all!  It’s fresh, light and slightly cooling formula leaves you feeling as though you have literally put on a shield between you and the elements.  I’ve been using it for nearly a week now and have definitely noticed a difference in the reptilian skin on my hands — less and less like a crocodile every day:)  It does not leave a greasy feel at all but absorbs extremely quickly leaving you feeling softer and smoother regardless of the weather.  This multipurpose lotion can also be used in place of your daily moisturizer and fits the bill entirely.  With sensitive skin, I was worried about it clogging my pores or causing a reaction but have found that to absolutely not be the case at all.

“Natural” or “eco-friendly” are buzz words that have gotten a lot of attention in recent days.  They are words that companies often toss around with little regard for the facts.  However, that is happily not the case with Skin MD Natural.  Here’s a few key points about why I love the way this lotion is made instead of just how it works:

  • 93% of the ingredients used in this product are all natural or plant based natural ingredients
  • The company is completely transparent in what the ingredients of the product really are — check out their comprehensive explanations of each item here
  • Manufactured in a 100% solar powered facility!
  • Cruelty free — absolutely no animal testing
  • Paraben free — this is a preservative that mimics estrogen and has some links to breast cancer and reproductive disorders
  • Vegan friendly — no animal products are contained in the formulation
  • Shielding formulation maintains your body’s own moisture instead of artificially moisturizing it in the short term
  • Prevents irritants your skin comes in contact with from being absorbed — literally keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out
  • Made in the United States so the carbon footprint of overseas shipping is decreased
  • Fragrance and colorant free

This lotion is also supposed to work great for people with problem skin such as eczema and psoriasis.  I plan on using this lotion on some of my daughter’s eczema and posting a review as to it’s effectiveness with her skin as well.  I am completely comfortable using such an actually natural product (as opposed to a green-washed wanna-be natural product) on her skin even though it is very sensitive and prone to rashes.  All I have to do now is wait for her next big flare up and then I’ll post again.  Hopefully it will be a little while before that happens again though…

Additionally, I really like the packaging options available — you can purchase the lotion in a small daily use bottle or by the gallon to cut down on plastic usage.  In fact, the only thing I didn’t like about this lotion is that the bottles are not recyclable as far as I can tell.  It’s pretty easy to overlook that one small downer when you’ve got so much good going on!!  Thanks so much to Skin MD Natural for providing me with samples to review.  All in all, this is definitely a product that I would (and will) buy in the future.

You can check out Skin MD Natural for yourself on their facebook page, twitter account or sign up for their monthly healthy skin newsletter.

 

 

 

 

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Massive Sale at Agoo

Posted on March 29, 2011 by pmitchell

70 tell your friends final 01 243x300 Massive Sale at AgooMy favorite Canadian retailer of active kids wear, Agoo, is having a crazy sale right now — 70% off everything.  I’ve got a number of their pieces including the Tushi Huggers outfits (in 3 designs), capri pants, long pants, a couple of tops, a coat and even some leggings.  Like I said — one of my absolute favorite stores.  I’ve got to admit that I hit up their sale as well for a couple more pairs of pants, a top and a skirt.

Their quality is absolutely impeccable with the garments looking brand new even after dozens of washes.  These are not items that you’ll be needing to replace anytime soon.  These are the ones that will be handed down through family and friends to last through several kids.  The fabric wicks away any moisturize from active kids that have been playing.  I’ve found these perfect for yoga, dance and gymnastics as well as good old fashioned romps in the park.

Their leggings are even made of bamboo — one of the best sustainable fabrics for kids in my opinion.  Bamboo grows without needing much water, quickly replenishes itself by growing 4 to 5 feet a day and needs absolutely no pesticides!  Beyond that, it’s soft, easy to wash, naturally wicks and resists odors even.  Another cool fabric they use is called Repreve which is made of 30% recycled polyester.  Absolutely loving the local companies that use green fabrics for my treehugging kiddos.

Keep your eyes peeled — there may be an upcoming review and/or giveaway in the foreseeable future with Agoo.  Would anyone love to hear about their bamboo leggings?  They’ve got a huge assortment of styles and at 70% off, you absolutely can’t go wrong!

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Turn Out the Lights, Turn Out the Lights…

Posted on March 26, 2011 by pmitchell

From a small grass roots movement to open people’s eyes to energy consumption to a global event in 3 short years…How will you be celebrating in Earth Hour this year?

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All Natural Lip Balm

Posted on March 12, 2011 by pmitchell

emmamakeup 300x225 All Natural Lip BalmWith two little girls in our household, all natural make-up becomes a huge issue.  This picture shows what can happen in the space of the ten minutes it took me to have a shower — mascara, blusher, eyeshadow and lipstick galore!!  It truly is a good thing that she’s cute!  Normally when she’s supervised, she’s only allowed to wear a few simple items of make-up.  I let her use moisturizer for foundation, lip balm for lipstick and all natural nail polish on fingers and toes.

Recently, I heard about an all natural lip balm that I’d love to try out from Keeki Pure and Simple.  I read about it on Natural Baby Good’s post: Keeki Pure and Simple Review and Giveaway.  She describes the lip balm as being completely organic and adding a bit of shimmer to the lips which is definitely something my little diva could get behind.  All that and it keeps your lips moist!  Okay, so she doesn’t care so much about that but our winter season is killer on lips.  They always end up cracked and dry at this time of the year.  I’m definitely entering the giveaway for the 3 organic lipbalms on the Natural Baby Good blog.  I really like reading this blog to find out about a huge range of natural baby products and some for moms too:)

Another product that Keeki Pure and Simple carries that I’d like to try is their all natural fingernail polish.  My oldest daughter is almost five so loves to have manicures and pedicures on a fairly regular basis.  However, you have to wonder what exactly is in regular nail polish with the harsh chemical smell.  I absolutely shudder when I see her put her tiny painted nails in her mouth!  She knows she’s absolutely forbidden to do so but does occasionally forget.  They also have an all natural nail polish remover so you don’t have to worry about inhaled acetone!  They have a special called “Club Keeki” that sends you a different color of nail polish every month.  That would be a great treat for a little girl’s birthday.  Hmmmm, I seem to have one of those coming up — off to shop!  All natural of course:)

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Nursery Necessity: Comfy Chair

Posted on March 3, 2011 by pmitchell

storytime rocker Nursery Necessity: Comfy ChairNow that our much awaited baby has arrived and her health is steadily improving, my thoughts are quickly turning to setting up a suitable nursery for her.  One of the most important items you need for your baby’s nursery is a comfortable chair.  Whether it is a standard wooden rocking chair or a fancier swivel glider recliner chair, it has to be comfortable.  And in our house, it has to be environmentally responsible.

There are literally hundreds of choices available in the market place when it comes to a nursery chair.  There are a couple of key points that you want to keep in mind before you make your big purchase.  First of all, having low armrests will help with proper positioning for breastfeeding your new baby.  Breastfeeding is the best nutrition that you can give your child and it is sometimes difficult to get going between milk coming in, positioning and attaining a proper latch.  Having a chair that helps things get going in the right direction is definitely going to be a bonus.  A low stool, not an ottoman that is chair height, can also help to get the optimal positioning for those first few crucial weeks of nursing.

Secondly, you’ll want to ensure that your chair rocks or glides.  There’s a reason that parents have been using a rocking motion to soothe their babies for centuries — it works!  Rocking a fussy baby is a natural reflex for new parents that can help to calm even the fussiest of newborns.  And hey, if it doesn’t work for the new babe, it might just help you to reach your happy place!

empire rocker Nursery Necessity: Comfy ChairThirdly, the chair absolutely must be butt tested.  This is not something to buy sight unseen.  Different chairs will feel more or less comfortable depending on personal tastes and preferences.  Remember that this is a chair that you could potentially spend hours on end in — it absolutely must be comfortable.  Take a nursing pillow with you to see how your arms line up on the arm rests with the pillow.  Do your feet touch the ground?  Is it easy to rock?  Does your back feel supported?  These questions all become critical when choosing the right chair for your nursery.

Lastly, consider how you can make this purchase one that is responsible for the environment that your little one will be inheriting.  There are many shades of green out there but make sure you choose at least a color of green in the spectrum.  I’m not saying that you need to revamp a find from the Salvation Army used furniture store (although that would be great!) but at least consider a few simple things before making your decision.  Where was the chair made?  What kind of wood does the chair use?  Is it a sustainably sourced wood?  What kind of chemicals are in the fabrics and cushioning of the chair?  Will the chair still be useful to your family beyond the life of the nursery?  Asking yourself a few simple questions before buying whatever catches your eye can really make a big difference.  Good luck making your decision and making it through all those long, sleepless nights falling in love with your new family member.  Keep in mind that the time really does pass by too quickly — cherish your little one as you spend sleepy nights together in your new chair!

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Moving — A Hassle For You and The Planet

Posted on February 17, 2011 by pmitchell

boxes 250x300 Moving A Hassle For You and The PlanetMoving is one of the biggest hassles that a household can undergo.  Cleaning, organizing, packing, driving everything, unpacking, re-organizing, etc. etc.  It can also be a huge waste of natural resources as well if you are not careful.  One way you can prepare for a move that makes sense for both you and the planet is to get Moving Estimates before you start packing up all of those boxes.

An easy way to get a variety of moving estimates from Local Movers is to check out the Movers.com website.  All of the hassle is taken out of getting quotes whether you are looking for Local Moving Quotes or Long Distance Movers.  The Movers.com website allows you to check out all of the top moving companies without even leaving your house.  That means no paperwork (which saves trees) and no driving (which saves a non-renewable resource and decreases the carbon footprint of your move).  It also means that you save money and time!

Movers.com has a great page explaining how using their company can help to make your move greener.  They also have a variety of tips that can help make your move fit your eco-friendly lifestyle.  A great way to lighten the load of your move both literally and figuratively is to purge before your move.  Decide what items you have that are just dust collectors — items that are not used by you but could be used by someone else.  Next, decide what to do with the items.  There are lots of options including having a garage sale, selling your items online, donating your items, freecycling or recycling.

Once you have decided what to take, make sure that it is packed in an eco-friendly way by re-using packaging materials and boxes.  You can also look into green moving supplies in your community for boxes that are made of recycled materials or packing materials that come from sustainable resources or are recyclable.

The Movers.com website has many articles suggesting a variety of ways to make your move fit into your planet friendly ways.  I absolutely love that the site has taken the planet and the needs of it’s customers into account.  I would definitely recommend using this website for anyone wanting to find a moving company to take the hassle out of their move and reduce the damage to the planet while they’re at it!

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Gloriously Green Gardens

Posted on February 5, 2011 by pmitchell

Winter is finally coming to a close.  I get anxious to go dig in the dirt when spring comes near.  I’ve done some work with my indoor planters but what I really want to do is start working on my vegetable garden in the back yard.  Living in Canada means that the growing season is generally quite short so you have to make the best of the time that you do have.  Lately I’ve just been randomly searching the web looking at pictures of gloriously green gardens with my heart green with envy.

garden bed 300x300 Gloriously Green GardensMy backyard is quite small and what yard exists is packed with kids toys — sandbox, swing set, trampoline, climbers…we are an outdoor family when the weather is nice.  What I’ve been looking for for ages now is an outdoor planter big enough to plant some organic vegetables in, an edge that will keep the kids out and made with materials that fit into my eco-friendly lifestyle.  I have definitely found what I’m looking for here!

This garden planter is raised just enough to keep the kids from running through it.  You can get it in a variety of sizes to have it work for practically any space that you have.  The planter itself is made from post-consumer plastic and wood flour.  The beams will not splinter, rot or fade in the sun — this means no maintenance and no chemicals needed to keep up a beautiful appearance.  A garden bed made of this material would be perfect for vegetables, herbs or even flowers.  It’s easy to install and can be left outside in all types of weather.  So once you’ve put it into place, there’s no further work required!  That is something that I can definitely live with.

versailles 300x300 Gloriously Green GardensWhile the design of this garden bed is super practical, it may leave something to be desired when it comes to appearances.  Not to worry, the same eco-friendly material can be used to make round beds too.  Or if you’re into an even more fanciful design, check out the Versailles pattern.  This one is my absolute favorite.

The sunburst pattern is meant to mimic the look of gardens throughout France.  The overlapping tiers allow you to showcase your gardening expertise in many different ways.  You could plant trailing vines from the upper tier to tumble down to the lowest layer of the planter.  You could mix the colors of each tier to create an incredible pattern of flowers throughout the entire planter.  You could use the entire planter as a herb garden with each petal combining herbs that complement each other in recipes.  The possibilities are truly endless.  This is definitely going on my gardening wish list this year!!

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Steampunk Etsy Find – Watch Movement Rings

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

steampunkring1 Steampunk Etsy Find – Watch Movement RingsThe Etsy shop Londons Gate is jam packed with wonderfully steampunk designs.  Their pieces range from steampunk to gothic to victorian to just plain dark.

Many of their pieces involve the use of watch movements being repurposed into the focal point of the entire piece of jewelry.  They’ve got a fantastic selection of rings available on their site featuring many different kinds of watch movements.  One thing that I really like about this site is that what is pictured is exactly what you receive.  It’s not similar to or like what’s pictured, it really is the actual item.  This means you know exactly what the piece you choose will look like!

They do custom pieces or you can choose from their ever expanding selection available in their store.  I use the term “store” loosely as they claim this is not a business.  Just two young people working together developing their craft!

The pieces are quite affordable as well.  The ring pictured here is priced at $35.  It’s a 17 jewel watch movement attached to a filigree adjustable band.  That’s a steal of a deal for the huge statement that such a piece would make!  The ring prices vary in range but all are extremely budget friendly.

steampunknecklace Steampunk Etsy Find – Watch Movement RingsThey’ve also got a variety of necklaces, cufflinks and even earrings for sale that utilize various watch movements.  My favorite necklace is the one pictured here with the black flower.  What a stunning accent piece that would look good in everything from casual wear to the office to a beautiful necklace to go with that little black dress.  It uses a vintage watch movement mounted to a vintage silver setting.  The black rose is what really set it off though.

This is definitely an Etsy shop worth checking back into again and again.  It sounds as though items are added almost daily.  They currently have 273 items for sale and I love almost each and every one.  Some of my favorites are the Lolita gothic hair clips that they have available in vintage silver settings.  Absolutely adorable!!  I love the flower designs and the skull designs.  You can even have them made in a different color to match a certain outfit!!

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CSN Stores Deliver a Message of Change

Posted on January 30, 2011 by pmitchell

ellanvickers CSN Stores Deliver a Message of ChangeCSN stores are one of my favorite places to shop online.  They have over 200 different websites where you can buy practically anything that you need!  I was recently asked to check out their laptop messenger bag line and write about what I found here on my blog.

This site, like most of the CSN store sites, has an easy to use function on the main page’s tool bar called “Go Green”.  All of the eco-friendly options available from that site are shown with the simple click of a button.  That makes it easier for those of us trying to live our lives in an earth friendly way to shop.  I really respect a site that offers their customers easy and clear ways to find exactly what they’re looking for.  There are many green options for you to change your lifestyle with your buying power.

When you click the “Go Green” button and look for laptop messenger bags, you get quite a lot of cool options.  One of my favorites was this recycled sail messenger bag by Ella Vickers.  Her company saves over 20,000 yards of sailcloth every year from landfills and upcycles them into gorgeous bags.  She is inspired by her days of sailing as a first mate on an American Cup winning boat.  Her first bags were made by herself and for herself.  She carried them to the regatta and people around her literally bought them right off of her arms!  Each bag is slightly different depending on the sail it came from.  This gives your bag a sense of individuality and personality that anyone would be happy to pack around.

tubus CSN Stores Deliver a Message of ChangeAnother green option available on CSN luggage site is the Tubus bag made by the Krejci company.  The founder began by making bags out of grey industrial felt but then received a bag of old deflated innertubes as a gag gift at Christmas.  This joke gift sparked her creativity and the new line of innertube bags was formed!  This material, much like the sailcloth, proved to be extremely durable and practical.  It also gives the bags an eye catching look.  I love products like this that speak of their previous lives.  It will lead people to ask you about it and open up the door to talk about recycled and repurposed materials.  This is a great way to help deliver the message of changing choices to promote a healthy planet through simply carrying around your messenger bag!

I look forward to another review opportunity with CSN stores in the upcoming days.  Maybe next time I’ll be reviewing eco-friendly toys or eco-friendly cookware.  That’s right, you can buy that through a CSN store too!  Definitely worth checking this company out.

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Hump Day Etsy Find: Upcycled Men’s Dress Shirts

Posted on January 30, 2011 by admin

shirtdress3 Hump Day Etsy Find: Upcycled Men’s Dress Shirts

Does your spouse have a bunch of dress shirts in his closet that he no longer wears??  Try sending them to Etsy seller allthenumbers.  She’ll take that little worn shirt and turn it into a dress your daughter will love to wear!  She even suggests that this would be a great gift for a new Dad or a Dad to be.  How about a Christmas gift for that new father on your list?  One day she’ll be big enough to steal his shirts from him anyways!

This Etsy seller has a ton of great listings for little girls on her site including peasant dresses or shirts that I absolutely adore, some beautiful A-line shift dresses that any girl would love, reversible pinafores that are as practical as they are gorgeous, some fantastic quilts (some include vintage fabrics!) and a range of ultra girly and comfy upcycled dresses.

This Etsy crafter is clearly gifted in the area of sewing and isn’t exactly a slouch in the creativity department either!!  It takes both creativity and skill to see these beautiful dresses from men’s shirts.  If you don’t happen to have any shirts laying around for your little one to wear, contact allthenumbers as she seems to be collecting them for just such an occassion!  She even has a few Mariachi tuxedo shirts around to make the dresses out of.  These are just simply adorable!!  These dresses are definitely going on my daughter’s Christmas list this year!

Crafters like this make it easier to live a green-er life by having the skills and creativity that others may lack.  They can turn something that may be headed to the trash bin back into an item that is loved and used constantly.  Thanks allthenumbers!!  Crafters like you are making families and the world a little green-er with every project you complete.

shirtdress1 Hump Day Etsy Find: Upcycled Men’s Dress Shirtsshirtdress2 Hump Day Etsy Find: Upcycled Men’s Dress Shirts

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