Earth Week Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Jennifer J! She is the winner of my Earth Week giveaway. I will be sending Jennifer:

- "Green is the New Black," a book by Tamsin Blanchard

- 100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Foaming Shower Gel

- 100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Body Scrub

New "B" FF? Nope, just another corny joke before my review

Hilarious? No? Forgive me, I really need more sleep. If I was thinking up the name of my blog today, it would be “i feel sleepy.” I slept in as much as I could this morning; but I will be spending this Saturday night going to bed early. But before Saturday night comes Saturday day. Today I am going to the fun, fabulous Trend Show at Nordstrom (see earlier post). And even though I’m all drowsy and squinty-eyed, my hair looks freaking fabulous!

To round out my Earth Week beauty sampling; I tried out 3 products (shampoo, conditioner and body creme) from Philip B® Botanical Products International.

Last Fall, the company announced that they were Going Green: We never stop trying to make our botanical products even better — without changing the things that our customers love about them. So the entire Philip B® line is now environmentally friendly, with new paraben-, phthalate- and petrochemical-free formulations. Even better, we’ve slashed the carbon footprint for the journey of our products — from manufacturing to distribution– to the absolute minimum.

Way to go, Philip B®!

I tried 2 hair products: Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo and White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Creme

Shampoo Blurb: Soothe, nourish, and cleanse hair and body with PHILIP B® Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo, an herbaceous blend of Shea Butter and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) infused with 10% pure plant extracts of Piñon, Sage and Juniper Berry. The spiritually-enriching scent of the formula is evocative of the Sangrê de Cristo Mountains of Santa Fe. PHILIP B® Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo is a gentle, daily shampoo that is exceptionally wonderful for normalizing an oily scalp or soothing a dry scalp, in addition to silkening, softening, and conditioning your hair. Scent of Santa Fe Balancing Shampoo may be used from head-to-toe as an anti-bacterial wash. Safe for color-treated hair.

Conditioning Creme blurb: Restores intense moisture and repair without weighing down your hair! It is the solution whether your hair is parched, dry, or color and chemically treated and in need of deep conditioning. Made from pure, revitalizing botanicals combined with strengthening amino acids and soothing Vitamin E, Philip B® White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Creme will give your tresses silky, shiny, body and bounce with a youthful, radiant feeling!

Okay, the blurbs are a little wordy and dramatic. But, you know what? My hair is happy. Happy, shiny, clean, soft and pretty. And bouncy. I am dragging my butt around this morning; but my hair is bouncing around like you wouldn’t believe. And my dry, color-treated curls are all, "What frizz? I don’t see any frizz. What flyaways?"

The shampoo has a fresh, green scent (and extremely green color). No lather, but it got all the white stage makeup out of my hair without stripping or drying. And the conditioner – A++. My hair feels silky and soft! The big, good surprise was that when my hair dried, instead of flyaways, there was extra bounce and shine. Woo hoo!

Next item: A few nights ago, I also started using their Chocolate Milk Body Creme.

Blurb: We’ve had such an overwhelming response to our Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath that we felt compelled to make the decadent, full-sensory experience last all day. A rich, happy smell – our blend of the finest Chocolate and Vanilla Extracts made deliberately subtle and sophisticated in a crème – is backed by potent botanical hydrators like Cocoa Butter, Aloe and healing Milk Proteins. Great for kids, even better for your inner child.

Well, I can tell you that my inner child was pretty darn happy to walk around smelling like chocolate milk! Chocolate milk, people! The scent lasted until the next morning. I suspect if you put this on in the morning, it would last most of the day. Oh yeah, it made my skin soft too (which thrilled my inner-grownup).

Nuff said. Off to the trend show!
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Josie Maran Cosmetics (Review)

Since this is my first Earth Week as a fully-fledged (well mostly-fledged) beauty blogger; I am having a great time trying out stuff from companies I have only heard about in the past. Writing almost every day is a great big incentive to just dive in.

I've finally gotten around to checking out 2 products from Josie Maran Cosmetics. I love her motto, "Luxury with a Conscience." Here are some of her values, summed up as Being responsible: …Josie Maran Cosmetics is just getting started, but it is our goal to be known for the responsible choices we make. Our products, packaging and processes are only the beginning, as we endeavor to broaden our scope of responsibility each day. Our efforts include small but important steps – printing only when necessary and using recycled paper and eco-friendly products in our day-to-day operations. Our display units at our retail counters have been constructed from sustainable materials and we do our best to be responsible in our manufacturing and shipping materials. We learn as we go and these things take time, but we're getting there. I want to prove that a cosmetics company doesn't have to sacrifice luxury and performance in order to create products that are kind to the natural and social environment. And if we make the world– not to mention women's cheeks and lips– a little rosier while we're at it, even better.

I tried two of her color products and I am so impressed!

#1 Blush in "Fever" (soft brown)

Blurb: Long-wearing, blendable cheek color in shades that mimic your natural flush. The sheer consistency allows for complete control. Start with a subtle veil of color, then layer until desired intensity is achieved. The innovative formula contains natural, non-toxic ingredients - no fragrances or parabens.

This is a beautiful, high-quality blush. The color was indeed a "soft brown," and looked pretty and natural. The powder glides on (a little goes a long way) and has great staying power. The little compact is beautiful, well made and very portable. This blush has a new home in my bag.

#2 Plumping Lip Gloss in "Optimism" (nude gold)

Blurb: Instead of irritants or stimulants which cause lips to temporarily swell, this truly effective plumping gloss relies on gentle but effective Marine Collagen to pump up pouts for lasting results. Extracted from sea plants, Marine Collagen has been proven to help lips retain their moisture.

Okay, I only put the blurb up there for consistency's sake. My review can be summed up in 4 words: Glamorous Movie Star Lips. Okay, maybe 5: Sexy, Glamorous Movie Star Lips. The shade is a shimmery "nude gold," so it goes with everything. It has a nice fragrance/flavor and plumps slightly without stinging. But who cares? What really matters is (repeat after me): Sexy…Glamorous…Movie…Star…Lips.

Nuff said.

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More Earth Week Buzz: Burt's Bees

Get it? Bees? Buzz?


Oh, me…I am cracking myself up here. Is it Earth Week or Hilarity Week? (Okay. Sorry. It’s Earth Week. I’ll stop now.)

One of the more consistently stellar companies in the eco-friendly world is Burt's Bees. They are earth-friendly, wallet-friendly, and super skin-friendly.

Here is some of what they have to say about their company's values: At Burt’s Bees, our goal is to help create a world where people have the information and tools they need to make the highest ethical choices and do the best for themselves, their families and the environment. That’s no short order, but it is attainable. We’ve started with a strong and on-going commitment to a set of values and activities that support the well-being of people and our planet. We call it The Greater Good.

They even have a "Greater Good Business Model" on their website. And just to be a little more helpful and awesome; they have placed a "guide to reading your labels" in several magazines as well as on their website here. In addition to their products, their website is full of great stuff. Some more things you can learn about: The Natural Standard for Personal Care Products, Community Initiatives and their Event Calendar.

But what about their stuff? Well, folks, it's good stuff. Real good. Made with good things. Natural products, free of petrochemicals and potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. Thoughtful, eco-friendly packaging. And of course no paraben would dream of setting foot anywhere near a Burt's Bees package!

I recently got a chance to try out two items from their "Radiance" line. Good thing, because this week I am definitely in need of some radiance. I loved them both.

Here's a blurb about the line: These natural skin care and lip formulas contain nature's most nourishing substance, Royal Jelly, to boost your skins natural glow. Very nourishing, royal jelly is made of nectar, pollen, flower parts, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients. It is a very precious, mysterious substance that honeybees produce for the queen bee.

The first item I tried was the Radiance Exfoliating Body Bar.


Blurb: This natural soap is specially blended with royal jelly, one of nature’s most nutritious substances, to enhance skin’s radiance and overall tone. Jojoba beads and fruit acids gently exfoliate to smooth and even skin tone for a naturally healthy, radiant glow.

I expected to like this, but instead I loved it! It had a nice, rich lather, a very light, natural scent and a soothing feel. I was thrilled at how well it cleaned my face and how balanced my skin felt afterwards. I also used it as a body soap with my Salux towel and my skin was extra baby smooth. It isn't a "scrub" soap, so I also tried it as a shaving lather and it was fabulous!

Wonderful Item #2 was the Radiance Serum
Blurb: Get a more radiant complexion in just 4 weeks! This clinically tested serum combines royal jelly, licorice root extract and glycerin to bring out skin’s natural radiance. These ingredients increase moisturization by 15% in only 2 weeks, while nourishing skin with 134 nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and K, minerals and 17 amino acids. In 4 weeks, you’ll notice your skin becoming more even toned. The result is more radiant beautiful looking skin, naturally.

I know it says to wait 4 weeks; but I wanted to write about it during Earth Week. And even though it hasn't been 4 weeks yet, I am already liking the results. I have been using it at night after cleansing, and in the morning, my skin is soft, smooth, calm and balanced. I think I may even be getting less blotchy as the days go by. That's about as close to "radiant" as I could possibly hope for before 10:00am. I can't wait to see what 4 whole weeks will bring, but for now I am giving it a "glowing" review. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Burt's Bees also has a Radiance Kit, which has a sampling of some of the other products. I am so impressed with what I tried, I may check out some of their Naturally Ageless products later on.
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Happy Earth Day, Everyone!

Just in case you haven't opened up a magazine, watched any TV or talked to anyone anywhere recently, today is Earth Day.

Earth Day has become more than one tiny day to raise awareness for a whole collection of ideas, issues and actions. I'm glad Earth Day has made it into the "regular" media. I'm truly glad for all the hype and brou-ha-ha surrounding this week. It used to be that Earth Day was dismissed as some kind of marginal, new-agey thing that a bunch of "other" people paid attention to (mostly on college campuses). But no more - retailers are hopping on the eco-bandwagon in droves, and green is now "chic." Sound a little mainstream? Yes. A little conventional? Yes indeed. Wouldn't it be great if taking care of our planet was just the regular, conformist, boring, usual thing to do? What if it was just dull and predictable and ordinary to conserve, respect, give back, clean up and protect?

Okay, I'll step off of my soapbox now. I know that my contribution consists of writing a paragraph here and there this week on my beauty blog. Why write about beauty products when there are thousands of bigger, more encompassing issues? Because it's something I can do. I don't expect to change the entire world, just a little bit of it here and there. And then maybe a little more, and so on.

By the way, some estimate that the beauty industry is a $29 billion business. When you support a company that promotes your values, you are voting with your wallet. When you spend your hard earned dollars on products that are cruelty-free, use recycled packaging, promote fair trade, and/or use healthful ingredients; you are sending a big message to a very big industry.

And lest I forget my beauty junkie responsibilities. Here are a couple of companies we can be proud to know:

Aveda. Everyone already knows how fabulous their products are. Here's what the company has to say about their mission: Aveda believes that authentic beauty is one that works in harmony with the greater web of life. It does not qualify as beauty if it hurts any of the diverse life forms that the best beauty artist of all, Nature, created. Authentic Beauty cares for the environment which we inherited from elders and will leave to generations that follow us. Beauty cares for the society in which we live, enhancing harmony in the way we live and interact with one another as human beings. In order to be Beauty, it also needs to be Good. Beauty is the result, but also the process followed in pursuing that result. Said simply, Beauty Is As Beauty Does.

Right now, Aveda's Clean Water Campaign is dedicated to providing adequate access to clean water for the world's people and wildlife. You can participate in the campaign with a purchase or a donation. Aveda is also promoting the Clean Ocean Action program, which is committed to protecting the future of the New York/New Jersey coastline.

The Body Shop. Again, nobody needs to tell you about the beauty and quality of their products. Today is for telling you how they describe their values: We believe there is only one way to beautiful, nature's way. We've believed this for years and still do. We constantly seek out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe, and we bring you products bursting with effectiveness to enhance your natural beauty. While we're doing this we always strive to protect this beautiful planet and the people who depend on it. We don't do it this way because it's fashionable. We do it because, to us, it's the only way.

Learn more about The Body Shop's values: Activate Self-Esteem, Against Animal Testing, Support Community Trade, Protect Our Planet and Defend Human Rights.

During their Earth Day event, you can receive a "Bag for Life" cotton tote with any $30 purchase. These totes are also for sale in the stores and online. The reusable, organically-grown cotton bag is produced without the use of harmful pesticides. They donate $2.00 for every bag sold to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Okay. All done now. If you want to learn a little more about what's going on, here are a few sites to get you started: Earth Day Network, The Nature Conservancy, Envirolink, earthday.gov.

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And now for something completely different…

Earth week is about drawing attention to global issues and to companies that are working to make a difference. Besides developing awareness about our planet, its creatures and resources; this may also be a time to create mindfulness about what we do in our daily lives to take care of others and ourselves.

In addition to participating in Earth Week, I am also participating in something (completely different) we singers call "Hell Week" (also known as "Tech Week" by those without a potty mouth). This is the final week before a show opens when everyone is at the theatre very late, every night. It's exciting, stressful and exhausting. This week there is no time to visit the gym, no down time and barely enough sleep.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has some kind of "hell week" now and then.

My goal is to try to make it to the end of this week without becoming so stressed out and worn down that I spend all of next week eating pizza and collapsing in front of the TV. I'm actually going to try to take care of myself instead of just chucking all my good health habits and regretting it later. Imagine that!

Today's post features a whole slew of tips from YogaWorks that I received a while back. I've been saving them just for this week.

According to YogaWorks: yoga is much more than just a tool for relaxation and flexibility. Simple yoga poses can be used to combat everyday aches, pains and frustrations.

The 5 tips below come from one of YogaWorks' amazing yogis, Irina Ovsiannikov. (She is also the person in the photos). The photos are by Heather McLaughlin. (I don't know where Irina got the cute bracelet, though.)

1. Goodbye Carpal Tunnel Wrist Release
What It Does: Helps relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, tension in the wrists and palms.

How to Do it: Extend the right arm straight out in front of you. With the left hand and grasp the right top of the hand and gently press the hand toward your chest keeping your arm stretched forward. Hold for 5-8 breaths. Try to keep your spine lifted and your chest open. Repeat with the left hand.


2. Stress-Free Forward Bend
What It Does: Releases lower back and hip tension. Also stretches the back of the legs and helps relieve stress when the hip is higher then the heart.

How to Do it: Face away from your table and bring your hips on to the edge of the table top. Step your feet wide apart (hip distance or wider) and bend your knees. Make sure you feel stable support from your table. Take a full breath in, and as you exhale bring your torso down toward the floor. Take hold of the opposite elbows and relax your head in between your upper arms. Take 8-10 breaths here. At the end of the breaths, slowly roll up to an upright position one vertebra at a time.

3. Be a Friend to Your Feet and Back Stretch
What It Does: Helps relieve lower back and hip pain associated with sitting in an office chair for a prolonged period of time. Soothes the heels and feet from walking/wearing high heels or tight shoes.

How to Do it: Sit straight in the middle of your chair with both feet on the floor. Bring your right ankle on top of your left knee and flex your right foot. Keep your foot flexed throughout the whole stretch. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, slowly tilt your chest forward in the direction of your right foot. Hold for 8 breaths. Close your eyes, if comfortable. Switch sides.

4. Detox Spinal Twist
What it Does: Twisting detoxifies the body. It also helps relieve back pain and discomfort and helps relieve shoulder tension. This is great after a night out.

How to Do it: Sit straight on your chair with both feet on the floor. Take a breath in and as you exhale twist your body to the right first. Bring your right hand behind you, hold the back or side of your chair and bring your left hand on to the right knee. Let your head follow. Hold for 5 breaths, then come back to center and then repeat the same twist to the left.

5. Mid-Day Pick-Me-Up Seated Stretch
What it Does: Carpal tunnel syndrome relief. Also expands the chest for more optimal breathing. Helps revive you mid-day when you're feeling sleepy.


How to Do it: Sit up straight on your chair with both feet on the floor. Inhale and bring both arms overhead and interlace your fingertips. Keeping your fingers interlaces, turn your palms toward the sky, and breathe for 5 breaths. Think of length in the torso as you breathe, and soften your front ribs. Reach for the sky. Repeat a few times a day as necessary.

More About YogaWorks: YogaWorks is the country’s leading authority on providing quality yoga education and complete wellness programs for every mind and every body with studios in Los Angeles, New York City, Orange County and San Francisco. Since its inception, YogaWorks has been dedicated to offering a wide range of yoga programs that reach all aspects of the community. YogaWorks also offers a renowned Teacher Training Program and has mentored some of the world’s leading yogis. Visit www.YogaWorks.com for a class schedule or to find a YogaWorks location closest to you.

So in addition to taking along my crochet hook, yarn and some healthy snacks; I am going to give these tips a try. This is new stuff for me, so I'm not planning to do it perfectly – I just want to give it my best. I'll let you know how it goes – let me know what you think too!

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Earth Week Begins with a Giveaway!

Wednesday is Earth Day, so I’m planning to spend this week talking about Earth-friendly beauty. I’m also kicking off my first ever giveaway! Everybody wins – you and the planet.

I am giving away 3 items:

Some green reading:
- Green is the New Black, how to change the world with style - by Tamsin Blanchard

Some eco-friendly bath & body products by 100% Pure (I chose the Pomegranate scent because it’s sooooo good!):

Organic Pomegranate Foaming Shower Gel
Blurb: Deliciously hydrating and richly foaming body wash packed with antioxidant rich organic pomegranate juice. Skin brightening fruits will leave your complexion glowing while anti-aging vitamins will keep your skin healthy and youthful.

Organic Pomegranate Body Scrub
Blurb: Smooth away bumps, flakes and have glowing, healthy, silky soft skin with this deliciously nourishing organic body scrub packed with antioxidant rich pomegranates, anti-aging vitamins, skin brightening berries and deeply moisturizing organic fruit oils.

Yet another blurb: 100% Pure never uses harsh detergents, synthetic fragrances, chemical preservatives, artificial colors, synthetic chemicals or any other toxins which can strip, dehydrate or irritate. 100% Pure only uses all natural, organic ingredients to nourish your skin.

100% Pure products are vegan (unless the formula contains honey), cruelty-free, use organic ingredients and have some anti-oxidants thrown in for good measure.

How to enter my very first giveaway: Simply send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about one of my posts. Put the title of the post in the subject line, and your comment in the body of the email (the comment should actually have something to do with the post – not “great giveaway” or “hello”).

You have as many chances as I have posts – just send a separate email for each. I'll accept entries through Saturday, April 25 – so that’s 21 chances to win! You can visit every day for the new posts. I’ll email the winner on Sunday 4/26 and they will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person.

Good luck and Happy Earth Week!