It's been such a hot summer so far.  I have been struggling to keep motivated after completing my first sprint triathlon.  To keep myself motivated to continue working out and train for my next triathlon, I have tried a new moisture mist post workout.  Lily Organics moisture mist is a great lightweight spray that contains USDA certified organic ingredients.   It is lightly scented with ylang ylang and lavender.  

Lily Organics moisture mist does not clog pores and does not leave any unsightly stains.  You can leave the mist in the refrigerator to keep the mist cool during the warm summer months (not necessary, though).  I leave my mist on my bathroom counter so I don't forget to spray post shower.  I enjoy using Lily Organics moisture mist as part of my post workout ritual.  I spray some of the mist on my hair and neck and the scent lasts for most of the day.

For more information about this product, please visit www.lilyorganics.com.

It's been such a hot summer so far.  We love going to the beach on weekends and hanging by the pool.  To ensure maximum sun protection for my family, I am always on the look out for new sun blocks and sunscreen products.  I have recently tried Supergoop! SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes.  These pre-moistened wipes offer UV protection with zinc oxide, Green Tea and vitamin E for sensitive skin.  This is a great product for yourself and especially for kids who are reluctant to use sunblock creams and lotions.  The wipes can be easily stored in glove compartments and purses.  

The wipes are lightly scented.  Kids enjoy wiping their body and face with the wipes.  It cleans dirt away from your skin while providing UV protection.  This two in one benefit saves you time when you are ready to start your relaxing day outdoors.  I love using the wipes after a bike ride or a run, too.

Now if I can only convince them to develop a multi-wipe pack!

For more information about this and other Supergoop! products, please visit   
www.supergoop.com.

Mornings are so hectic for me.  I left the house wearing my pajamas yesterday (luckily my ever observant son asked me whethere I was going to a pajama party which prompted me to change quickly).  You can imagine how excited I was to try the Kabana Green Screen tinted organic sunscreen.  The name says it all (ability to apple makeup and organic sunscreen at the same time).    It provides great UV protection and is non-greasy.




For more information about their products, please visit www.kabanasunscreen.com

I've recently had a chance to use the Nude Cleansing Facial Wash.  It is a very gentle facial cleanser with organic aloe vera and moringa extract.   I love the refreshing scent it leaves behind (even after a thorough rinse).  It rinses away easily with warm water.  The modern no nonsense packaging makes me focus on the great product ingredients.  Their products do not contain parabens, sulphates, PEGS, TEA, silicones and other synthetic chemicals.  It is gentle enough for children (my kids love using it, too but I had to hide it from them.  Mommies don't have to share everything).


For more information about this product, please visit www.nudeskincare.com.

Perpetual hand washing seems to be a major part of my life (between cleaning after my kids, doing household chores, making pottery, painting, etc.).  I tried counting how often I washed my hands per day and lost track after 50.  No wonder my hands are always dried and cracked.  I've tried a number of creams but the Shea butter from Afrikan Republic seems to work best for me.  It appears like coconut flakes mixed with butter and takes a while to absorb into my hands, but it really leaves my hands feeling soft and pampered.  No one knows how much I abuse my hands when they see how well the Afrikan Republic Shea butter works.  Best of all, it smells good enough to eat!


For more information about Afrikan Republic products, please visit www.afrikanrepublic.com.


They also offer great wholesale prices for their products if you order a dozen or more of the same items.  

I have always been a beauty fanatic.  As a teenager, I spent endless hours roaming department stores and sampling various cosmetics.  I enjoyed trying new cosmetics and body lotion.  However, I was always wary of the synthetic ingredients used on most traditional cosmetics and bodycare products.  As the eco-friendly trend continues to transform the cosmetics industry in the US marketplace, it is always exciting to learn and try new products.  I have recently tried Shea Terra Organic Rose Water Ester-C Facial Mist.  This 99.5% natural mist can be used throughout the day to refreshen your face.  I love the fact that it contains a vitamin C derivative.  As you may know, most cosmetic products that contain vitamin C can literally cost upwards of $100.  However, this generous 4 oz bottle is only $17.


Shea Terra Organics source their products from Africa.  By purchasing African ingredients at fair trade prices, they have helped numerous African villages maintain a stable source of income.  Equally impressive, Shea Terra Organics founder, Tammie Umbel, who fulfilled her lifelong dream of helping African villages, is able to juggle managing a great organic bodycare company while she lives on an organic farm in Virginia raising 12 children with her husband.


For more information about their products, please visit www.sheaterraorganics.com

Now that summer is right around the corner, I've been researching what are the best sun protection for my family.  I've found an organic spf 30+ sunscreen from little twig.  The sunscreen lotion is water resistant, PABA & paraben free.  The best part (as far as my kids are concerned) is that the product is non greasy and absorbs quickly (my kids dislike sunscreen that leaves white streaks on their faces, what picky kids).  I confess that I've been using it religiously on myself as well (what's good for the baby must be good for the mommy, too, right?)


Little Twig (in addition to having about the best and cutest company name and logo I've ever come across) offers a number of bath and bodycare products as well.  Each month the company donates 15% of their proceeds to a charitable organization that benefits children and the environment.  To support recycling efforts, the Little Twig will offer you a generous 30% discount from any new product purchase when you send them your empty containers.  If you know of a charitable organization that aligns with the above, please contact Little Twig and suggest that they make a donation towards that charity.

For more information about their products, please visit: www.littletwig.com.