From Left to Right:

Captain Blankenship Mantra Perfume Sample- I ran out of this dreamy sample almost immediately. After Jana heard about how much I liked this particular scent, she kindly offered to send me my own roll-on for free! My Christmas list just got a little shorter.

Wash the Day Away Calming Chamomile Facial Elixir- Since running out of this product, which I loved, I’ve been cleansing my face with another oil blend of Danielle’s.

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer- While I did enjoy this product, I probably won’t purchase it again since the ingredients could be better. I’ll probably pick up a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray next.

Karen’s Botanicals Perfect Lotion-I tried to make this lotion last as long as I possibly could, and I think I did a pretty good job. Now that it’s gone, I’m pretty bummed out. I need the largest bottle available, and fast!

Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Castile Soap- Luckily, when I was home for Thanksgiving, my mom bought me a huge bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Almond Soap to replace my dwindling supply of the other.

All done! Depending on how many products I finish this month, maybe I’ll do another at the end of December. Let me know if you guys do a similar post so I can check it out. : )

P.S. Be sure to check back tomorrow for a lovely giveaway! Here’s a hint: I’ll be giving away a product pictured above.

Health and Beauty:

Alexandra and Siobhan are kind of my idols.

Hey there, soft skin and hair.

Isn't this the dreamiest pair of polishes you ever did see?

I received a sample of this stuff recently (along with 4 other scents, reviews to come!), and it's pretty special.

For the Home:

My bedside table needs this atop it.

I can't resist a pretty tea set.

How cute are these toast coasters?!

It's impossible to go wrong with colorful birds and a bicycle.

Accessories:

The only thing I love more than traveling is traveling in style.

Maybe I'll ride my bike more if I can do it safely.

This tiny pinecone/pearl necklace is perfect.

These are just the right amount of fancy.

Clothing/Shoes:

I don't own enough blue clothing.

Oh God.

Sup, Dolly Parton?

These boots couldn't not make me feel like a badass.

What’s on your Christmas list?

Sources: Book, Argan Oil, Perfume, Polish, Radio, Tea Set, Coasters, Print, Bag, Helmet, Necklace, Sunglasses, Jacket, Dress, Shirt, Boots.

I don’t know many men who moisturize, and I think it’s a real shame.

I’m not gonna lie; the bright blue label is mostly to blame for this item’s presence on this list.

I bet this beard oil smells heavenly.

Kirby enjoys all things vanilla scented, and this vanilla almond shea butter would likely be no exception.

Getting clean never seemed so manly!

Moisture Cream, Shaving Gel, Beard Oil, Shea Butter, Body Wash.

Also, I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this to you guys yet, but I’ll be attending my first day of classes at McNeese tomorrow! Taking a year off made me realize how important finishing college is to me, and I’m pretty excited about going back and continuing with a history major. I’ll also be working at the school, so free time won’t come as easily as it has in the past several months. I’ll try to continue posting at least five times a week, but don’t worry if I miss a day or two. I’m not going anywhere. : )

Between the Rainforest Collection I received several months ago and the Fall Runway Collection that arrived on my doorstep last week, my stash of Alima Pure eye makeup has doubled in size (and I couldn’t be happier about it)!

Ingredients (provided with product packaging)-

“Backstage Satin Matte Eyeshadow- Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), may contain: Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007).

Front Row Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow & Press Pass Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow- Mica (CI 77019). May contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499); Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510).

Catwalk Luminous Shimmer Eyeliner- Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).”

These products all receive low hazard scores of 2 in the Cosmetics Database. I’ve linked to each product’s CSD page above. The only difference I noticed between the ingredients provided with the product packaging and the ingredients listed in the database is that Ferric Ferrocyanide was added to the Eyeliner in the database and was listed in place of Ultramarine Blue in the Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow.

Some great things about these products:

1. All of Alima Pure’s products carry the BDIH “Certified Natural Cosmetics” seal.

2. These products are cruelty-free.

3. $2 from each Limited Edition Collection purchased will be donated to the Global Fund for Women.

Product Description(provided at alimepure.com)- “For Fall 2011, Alima Pure announces the Fall Runway Collection. Four subtle yet sublime colors no serious eco-fashionista should be without.

Create A-list looks with:

Backstage – a soft pale pink that sets an alluring back drop

Front Row – a must-have shimmering pale gold

Press Pass – a versatile deep taupe

Catwalk – the ultimate glam eyeliner

All four full-size eye products in Fall Runway are exclusive to this Collection and available for a limited time only, while supplies last.”

Price- $30 for the set!

Performance- The Fall Runway Collection came with a little tutorial for ideal application of the shadows and liner, and this was very helpful to me since I tend to make a mess of things when anything powdered is involved. First, I applied Backstage from my lashes to just underneath my eyebrows. It’s very subtle and I love how evens out the shade of my eyelids. I’ll likely wear it by itself pretty often in the future. Next, I brushed Front Row on my lids and a little underneath my lower lashes as well. Press Pass is the darkest of the three shadows, so I tried not to go overboard when I swept some on the outer corners of my lids. Catwalk was the final touch, and it was pretty messy (as most powder liners tend to be). Surprisingly, though, correcting my mistakes was no trouble at all. I just used a dry cotton swab to wipe away unwanted eyeliner. Overall, I’m very happy with this collection. I actually did feel like I should be on a runway while wearing it, and once the shadow is on and the liner dries, it really stays put!

Here are a few pictures of me wearing the fall collection (I’m also wearing Alima Pure’s Organic Nourishing Lipbalm in Holly Berry!)-

Scent- faint, nondescript

Rating-9.5/10. I subtracted .5 since the eyeliner is a bit messy.

Image Source

I brought my own snacks to the Harry Potter premiere last night, and I think it was a smart move.

By swapping

a large Coke

for

this Super Fruit Tea

I’ve managed to cut out the high fructose corn syrup completely and reduce my calorie intake by at least 150. As an added bonus, this super fruit tea provides 100% DV of both B12 and Vitamin C.

By trading

a medium buttered movie popcorn

for

these sea salt & black sesame wildrice crisps

I’ve successfully cut the fat in half  and added 12g of whole grain per serving!

By substituting

a box of Raisinets

with

this Iced Oatmeal Raisin Luna Bar

I’ve picked a snack with half the sugar and significant amounts of Vitamins A, B,C, E, and K. Did I mention there are also plenty of minerals and protein in this 70% organic bar?

The best part? These snacks cost a total of $6. Assuming the coke costs $4, the popcorn costs $5, and the raisinets cost $3 (and those are all very low estimates), I’ve totally halved the money I would’ve spent!

You guys have a great weekend. I’ll be at the beach next week with Kirby’s family, so I have another week of beach themed posts lined up!

Image Sources: Coke, Popcorn, Raisinets.

The tea on the left pictured above is the raspberry leaf tea I usually buy. It’s tasty and it always comes in handy a few days before my period, but it costs over 5 dollars for only 16 bags. The tea on the right is a box I picked up a T.J. Maxx while at the beach with my family. There are 50 bags in that tiny little box, and it only cost 4 dollars. Even better, this tea has both raspberry leaf and raspberry fruit, so it’s slightly sweet on its own (and still only 5 calories per cup)! Don’t you just love finding a good deal?

Wanna read more about raspberry leaf tea? Check out this article.

In other news, I’ll be attending the Harry Potter 7.5 premiere at midnight with a small group of friends and I could not be more pumped.

If you’re having trouble deciding on the perfect birthday gift for yours truly, then maybe you should have a look at this list. I’d be thrilled to receive any and all of the following.

1) This lovely poppy ring is made from recycled sterling silver and is shipped (for free anywhere in the United States!) in a recycled kraft box. My finger aches for this ring, and I’m not joking.

2) I recently lost my eye liner at either a bar or a bowling alley; I can’t be sure which since I’ve unsuccessfully searched both places. Danielle jokingly told me that my vanity had cost me dearly, but she was actually right. I spent twenty dollars on that stupid little stick, and now it’s gone forever. Why did I even leave the house with my eye liner? I rarely reapply anything other than lip gloss after leaving the house. I could definitely use a less expensive and more natural replacement, and that’s where these guys come in. Jet Set, Smoking Gun, and Belgian Chocolate would all be right at home inside my makeup bag.

3) I just found a website that allows you to make your own natural gift baskets! You can fill them with a variety of treats, including healthy food, flower seeds, teas, and natural health and beauty products. I’m almost certain this site was made especially for me.

4) This beautiful blue glass straw from Strawesome is a green, safe alternative to plastic straws. I’ll take one in each color, size, and style. Please and thank you.

5) Birthdays are a time to celebrate, and I can’t think of a tastier way to celebrate than with a little of this Authentic Organic Root Liqueur over ice. “While incredibly unique in flavor, it is clean on the palate with strong notes of birch, peppery herbaceousness, spices, citrus and vanilla bean.”

Image Sources: Poppy Ring, Eye Liner, Gift Set, Glass Straw, Root Liquor.

And speaking of birthday presents, I got an early and unexpected one last Thursday when I learned that I won Julie’s Mad Men Giveaway. How exciting is that?! You guys should definitely check out Julie’s Etsy Shop and eBay Store. They’re both pretty great. Be sure to follow her blog too!

Oh, I almost forgot! Happy 4th of July everyone! We’ll be grilling delicious foods, sipping refreshing drinks, and maybe watching some fireworks to celebrate. What are your plans?

This Becca bikini in mint is made from soy pulp, a byproduct of tofu production that would otherwise be discarded.

These Ocean Minded Sandals are made with recycled materials and water-based adhesives.

This handmade notebook from Faye Dodges Zombies is full of unlined pages, perfect for beach doodling!

Doodling without a writing instrument is impossible, and this organic, recycled cotton pencil case is both functional and ocean themed (not to mention adorable)!

For carrying important beach supplies like sunglasses, books/notebooks, cute pencil cases, chapstick, and water bottles, this organic cotton fireworks tote is absolutely ideal.

Sources: Bikini, Sandals, Notebook, Pencil Pouch, Tote.

After realizing that all three of my bottles of sunscreen were expired, I began looking for a safe and affordable replacement to bring with me to the beach. I researched my past purchases (the first three below) and several other sunscreens I’ve yet to try. Below are my findings, made (for the most part) incredibly easy by the Environmental Working Group’s 2011 Sunscreen Report.

Burt’s Bees Chemical-Free Sunscree (SPF 30)- This sunscreen has excellent stability and good UVB protection, but the merely moderate UVA protection and the presence of fragrance and sodium borate in the ingredient list might be future deal breakers.

Price- around $15.00 for 3.5 fl oz.

Nature’s Gate Aqua Block (SPF 50)- Excellent and good UVB/UVA protection (respectively) seems promising, but the high hazard score of Oxybenzone, one of the active ingredients, is quite alarming.

Price- around $8.99 for 4 fl oz.

Alba Botanica Facial Sunblock (SPF 20)- This sunscreen has been reformulated at least once since I bought it, and it might even have a new bottle.  The current formulation provides only moderate UVA and UVB protection, so I probably won’t be repurchasing it.

Price- around $9.95 for 4 fl oz.

Kiss My Face Cell Mate Facial Creme & Sunscreen (SPF 15)- While the link and the picture are specific to the SPF 10 version, I actually have two small free samples of SPF 15. Still, I cannot imagine their performance and ingredients being terribly different from one another.  And while I do still plan to use my free samples, the poor UVA protection and presence of Oxybenzone are not at all ideal.

Price- around $21.oo for 1 fl oz.

Kiss My Face Oat Protein Complex (SPF 30)- I have two free samples of this sunscreen as well. Perhaps its decent ingredients and excellent stability will overshadow its moderate UVA protection.

Price- around $12.95 for 4 fl oz.

And now for those that appear to be the safest (unfortunately, affordable products with entirely exceptional ingredients aren’t as easy to come by):

Badger Unscented Sunscreen (SPF 30+)- With low health concerns, good UVB protection, and excellent UVA protection, this sunscreen seems like it might be a winner. For something a little fancier and for the same reasons, I’d also like to try the Badger Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen.

Price- around $16.00 for a 2.9 oz tube.

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Unscented Sunscreen (SPF 30+)- Good UVA/UVB protection? Check! Excellent stability? Double check! Low health concerns? Triple check!

Price- around $13.67 for 4 fl oz.

Loving Naturals Sunscreen (SPF 30+)- This sunblock has excellent UVA protection and stability. Additionally, its UVB protection is good and its health concerns are low.

Price- around $18.99 for 5 oz or $9.99 for 2.7 oz.

True Natural Cosmetics All Natural Sunscreen (SPF 40)- This sunscreen has fantastic ingredients, excellent UVB protection and stability, and good UVA protection.

Price- around $17.99 for 3 oz or or $7.49 for 1 oz.

Tropical Sands All Natural Sunscreen (SPF 50)- The UVA/UVB protection and stability of this sunscreen are all excellent, and the health concerns are low. It seems pretty great all around.

Price- around $19.95 for 5.4 oz.

I hope you guys find this information as useful as I did! I’ll let everyone know which choice I made with a product review in the near future.

If for some reason you feel like none of the above sunscreens would work for you, then you might wanna check out the full list of Top Sunscreens.

Image Sources: Burt’s Bees, Nature’s Gate, Alba Botanica, Kiss My Face Cell Mate, Kiss My Face Oat Protein Complex, Badger, Aubrey Organics, Loving Naturals, True Natural Cosmetics, Tropical Sands.

1) My sad little cuticles could really use this hand salve, and I’m comforted by the short list of familiar ingredients.

2) A silk and organic cotton eye mask would make me feel extra fancy while I sleep.

3) This professional set of vegan makeup brushes would be a real upgrade from my current incomplete set.

4) I could fill these BPA-free, #2 recyclable spray bottles with my own homemade household cleaner & fruit and veggie wash!

5) Clementine and Winston are in serious need of some new collars, and these bamboo ones by Wagging Green are eco-friendly and especially stylish.

Sources: Hand Salve, Sleep Mask, Makeup Brushes, Spray Bottles, Dog Collars.