Ok, it's back to fashion this week!
So we already talked about and know of all the dangerous and potentially harfmul/toxic chemicals and formaldehyde(known to cause cancer) found in NAIL POLISH. Thankfully, there are all natural choices that exist in nail polishes, and they come in the latest trendiest colors, classic colors and the like.
But taking the nail polish off can always be dangerous, toxic, smell of formaldehyde, and just not the most pleasant nor healthy process!
Enter Karma Organics Natural Nail Polish Remover- with Soybean Oil and natural oil extracts- I used the lavender oil one! They come in three different scent/flavors- Lavender, Tea Tree Oil, and Unscented with Vitamin E Oil.
I thought I would have to rub with a cotton ball for a while to get the nail polish I used off. But I was pleasantly surprised when with two swipes/rubs the nailpolish was off! No running of nail polish color on my skin, no smell, and best off all, my skin felt moisturized.
The scent was really light lavender, nothing to crazy. At 4 ounces per bottle and $12 for the bottle, it is a little pricier than I would like, HOWEVER, you only have to use a little bit to get the nail polish off so that is a good thing!
Check them out on their site http://www.karmaorganicspa.com/products-2/nail-polish-remover/ , or buy it at Whole Foods!
The best things come from nature, and whether it is food, fashion, or beauty, I want to do away with anything toxic, and discover great natural alternatives. My love of all things natural led me to create an all natural, mineral makeup line called Be Natural Cosmetics, which is a gluten-free makeup, 100% cruelty-free(and even a PETA-Recommended Beauty Brand) and on its way to being 100% Vegan very soon(lipsticks/glosses have beeswax)!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Gluten Free Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars
One of my FAVORITE loves of life is cooking for my family and friends, and them enjoying what I make! I am going to start adding gluten-free and other fav dish recipes here so that you can try them out too, if you have a finesse for cooking!
I have included 2 recipes- 1 is the easy way to make them, and the 2nd is for when you want to take the time and make some gluten free chocolate chip cookies with some TLC!
I love Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. And so do my neices and nephew when I make them! I wanted to make cookie bars just to try something different, so I basically mixed all wet and dry ingredients per Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe instructions. For those of you who do not eat eggs, yogurt is a natural substitute- for one egg, instead use one tablespoon(Tb) yogurt. Any plain yogurt will do, or if you want more of a vanilla taste add vanilla flavored yogurt instead!
Once I have the dough ready, I lightly grease the a baking sheet with organic butter or a light olive oil. The thickness when you lay out the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet should be about half an inch. Press the dough onto the cookie sheet and press down and to the edges if it is smaller in size(the cookie sheet), if the sheet is larger, one of the sides will require you to make the edges into a straight line to form a rectangle.
Once you have that, get some Trader Joes Walnuts, or any fairtrade, organic walnut brand, and chop them so that they are little peanut sized peices. Sprinkle over the cookie dough, and press into dough so that they can cook evenly.
I think the cooking time is about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Once it's done, leave to cool, then cut when it is lukewarm or cooled down completely(if you can wait!), and cut into 2" x 2" peices, and ENJOY!
Bon Appetite!
I have included 2 recipes- 1 is the easy way to make them, and the 2nd is for when you want to take the time and make some gluten free chocolate chip cookies with some TLC!
I love Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. And so do my neices and nephew when I make them! I wanted to make cookie bars just to try something different, so I basically mixed all wet and dry ingredients per Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe instructions. For those of you who do not eat eggs, yogurt is a natural substitute- for one egg, instead use one tablespoon(Tb) yogurt. Any plain yogurt will do, or if you want more of a vanilla taste add vanilla flavored yogurt instead!
Once I have the dough ready, I lightly grease the a baking sheet with organic butter or a light olive oil. The thickness when you lay out the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet should be about half an inch. Press the dough onto the cookie sheet and press down and to the edges if it is smaller in size(the cookie sheet), if the sheet is larger, one of the sides will require you to make the edges into a straight line to form a rectangle.
Once you have that, get some Trader Joes Walnuts, or any fairtrade, organic walnut brand, and chop them so that they are little peanut sized peices. Sprinkle over the cookie dough, and press into dough so that they can cook evenly.
I think the cooking time is about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Once it's done, leave to cool, then cut when it is lukewarm or cooled down completely(if you can wait!), and cut into 2" x 2" peices, and ENJOY!
Here is the next choco chip cookie recipe, courtesy of Gluten Free On a ShoeString, a great blog for gluten-free cooking!
Ingredients
2 cups (280 g) high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour
1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons (125 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening, melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 extra-large egg at room temperature, beaten
9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons (125 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening, melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 extra-large egg at room temperature, beaten
9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, place the flour, xanthan gum,
baking soda, salt and granulated sugar, and whisk to combine well. Add
the brown sugar and whisk, working out any lumps in the brown sugar. Add
the butter and shortening, then the vanilla and egg, and mix to
combine. The dough will be thick.
- In a separate small bowl, toss the chocolate chips
with the cornstarch to coat. Add the chips and cornstarch to the cookie
dough in the large bowl. Mix until the chips are evenly distributed
throughout the dough.
- Scrape the dough onto a large sheet of plastic
wrap. Shape it into a log about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and close the
plastic wrap tightly over the log. Place the dough log in the freezer
until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the cookie dough from the freezer, unwrap,
and slice with a large serrated or very sharp chef's knife thickly in
cross-section into rounds that are nearly 3/4-inch thick. Place the
rounds about 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheet, and bake,
rotating once during baking, until the cookies are lightly golden brown
and set, about 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet until firm. Store any leftovers in the freezer, in a freezer-safe container or wrap.
Bon Appetite!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Kevin Murphy- Trendy Salon Quality Hair Care Products Using Mainly Natural Ingredients!
Yes, Yes, Yes! I found it recently on a visit to Soon Beauty Lab Salon at their west-side location. Kevin Murphy hair care uses mainly all natural ingredients in their products, and even use eco-friendly packaging!
Some of the main ingredients they use:
Immortelle
Produced from the flowers of the Helichrysum plant. It is rich in antioxidants to help stopthe onslaught of damage to hair.
Bur Oil
Improves hair strength, shine and body. Helps penetrate the scalp to relieve dry, flaky skin.
Horse Chestnut Seed Extract
Adds strength, shine and body.
Safflower Seed Oil
Acts as a lubricant to give the hair a soft and smooth appearance.
Apple Extracts
Help to remove dead cells from the hair’s surface.
Sugar Cane Extracts
Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA’S) a gentile exfoliate to the hair prepares the hair to receive thenutrients and give a smooth shiny surface to the hair.
Citrus Limonium (Lemon Oil)
Antioxidant rich.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Strengthening antioxidant that helps prevent breakage
Their hair care products range from their washes, to their rinses, to treatments, to styling, to even tools. I was really impressed with the way my hair felt, and even smelled(so yummy) when they used the shampoo and rinse on my hair. They cut and styled, and used finishing serum and hairspray, and voila! My hair looked ultra-glam, well-styled, and even kept well in the humid heat! I am really happy with Kevin Murphy hair care products, and am excited to use this in my daily regiment, though it is pricey, I am convinced it makes for a good invenstment :-) !
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Do They Have Natural Nail Polish?
The answer- YES!!! They do!! I just came across this great brand of nail polish, that is natural, hypo-allergenic, and of course, FREE of toxins called Go Natural Nailpolish.
What is so great about them? Go Natural Nail Polish is made from biodegradable ingredients which will dry hard, be chip-free, and have a durable finish! What's more, they do not have foul orders, do not damage your nails or the environment, and have no toxic chemicals- they are free of formaldehyde, toluene, acentone, BPA, DBP, and every other chemical normally found in "harmless looking" nailpolishes.
They also have a biodegradable, soy-based polish remover, along with a base and top coat. Available in 49 shades, I went with the hot pink, and loved it.
I haven't tried their nailpolish remover but I am so GLAD they have come out wtih everything you would need to get that great manicure/pedicure. without all the chemicals!
What is so great about them? Go Natural Nail Polish is made from biodegradable ingredients which will dry hard, be chip-free, and have a durable finish! What's more, they do not have foul orders, do not damage your nails or the environment, and have no toxic chemicals- they are free of formaldehyde, toluene, acentone, BPA, DBP, and every other chemical normally found in "harmless looking" nailpolishes.
They also have a biodegradable, soy-based polish remover, along with a base and top coat. Available in 49 shades, I went with the hot pink, and loved it.
I haven't tried their nailpolish remover but I am so GLAD they have come out wtih everything you would need to get that great manicure/pedicure. without all the chemicals!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A Few of My Favorite Things- Tom's of Maine
They went from a tiny company to being known pretty much all over the world, and found in the common grocery store or drug store, and not just at Whole Foods or specialty natural stores.
I first got introduced to them when my sister (who was already all about natural things) urged me to stop using my deodorant and to use more natural deodorants that didn't have the aluminum. There was the Alum stick, which looks like a crystal, and once dipped in water, you can apply it to the under arm area. I didn't find it to be really effective, so I decided to try Tom's deodorant, and I was pleasantly surprised by its long lasting capabilities!
It now can be found in the common stick form, or the roll-on form. Tom's deodorant comes in various scents, and even an unscented one. I like the Lavender scent best!
I recently got introduced to Tom's of Maine Toothpaste. Admittedly, it wasn't the normal and usual minty bubbly action of the normal fluoride-filled pastes. It had more of a dry, baking soda consistency, but as I brushed, foam build-up was happening and I could feel the mint kicking in. Once I rinsed, I found my mouth to be refreshingly clean! I think it took me a few days to get used to Tom's of Maine toothpaste, but now that I am used to it, I don't mind the texture and initial taste at all. To top it, my normally sensitive gums are actually not as sensitive.
Not bad for a natural toothpaste!
The latest great find in the Tom's of Maine line that I have found is their Natural Beauty Bar. It's smooth and moisturizing to the skin, and feels great when showering because you get a real nice lather going. They have a few different scents like lavender and apricot.
If you haven't checked out this line of natural toiletry and body products, you have to try them out. You can find them at most retail, grocery, and drug stores.
I first got introduced to them when my sister (who was already all about natural things) urged me to stop using my deodorant and to use more natural deodorants that didn't have the aluminum. There was the Alum stick, which looks like a crystal, and once dipped in water, you can apply it to the under arm area. I didn't find it to be really effective, so I decided to try Tom's deodorant, and I was pleasantly surprised by its long lasting capabilities!
It now can be found in the common stick form, or the roll-on form. Tom's deodorant comes in various scents, and even an unscented one. I like the Lavender scent best!
I recently got introduced to Tom's of Maine Toothpaste. Admittedly, it wasn't the normal and usual minty bubbly action of the normal fluoride-filled pastes. It had more of a dry, baking soda consistency, but as I brushed, foam build-up was happening and I could feel the mint kicking in. Once I rinsed, I found my mouth to be refreshingly clean! I think it took me a few days to get used to Tom's of Maine toothpaste, but now that I am used to it, I don't mind the texture and initial taste at all. To top it, my normally sensitive gums are actually not as sensitive.
Not bad for a natural toothpaste!
The latest great find in the Tom's of Maine line that I have found is their Natural Beauty Bar. It's smooth and moisturizing to the skin, and feels great when showering because you get a real nice lather going. They have a few different scents like lavender and apricot.
If you haven't checked out this line of natural toiletry and body products, you have to try them out. You can find them at most retail, grocery, and drug stores.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
A Few of My Favorite Things: Alba Botanica Lotions, Creams, SunScreen, Lip Balm and More!
Well, I love all things natural, and this is the start of " A Few of My Favorite Things" series!
Alba Botanica is definetlely a brand this Glam Girl LOVES loves loves to use! I have been using this brand's products for 3 years now, and I started because I was looking for a natural, luxurious body cream that made my skin feel smooth as silk- naturally. I was so impressed!
This delicious brand has some amazing products. They have lotions, body creams, shampoos, conditioners, body scrubs, sunscreens, lip balm and lip gloss, cleansers, and so much more--- and their stuff smells and feels great!And then I found my new love- Alba Bontanica's Natural Hawaiian Body Cream.
I have the body cream, it comes in a large tub, and let me tell you- this stuff feels luxe, luxurious, creamy, not too oily, and goes on and stays on to moisturize even the driest of dry skin. I currently have their 'Coconut Milk' scented body cream, though I used to use the papaya scent(equally amazing!)
Another great Alba Botanica product I own is the Natural Hawaiian Body Scrub. This great product is filled with natural essential oils, and course sea salt, that feels invigorating when you put it on your skin. It is great to smooth your skin and exfoliate.
Then they have their shampoos and conditioners labeled Natural Hawaiian Shampoo and Conditioner, and currently we are using the 'Drink It Up Coconut Milk"' scented for both. The quality is great, you still get that clean feeling after washing hair, and the conditioner works well too. It's great because they are free of the parabens and chemicals, which is the same stuff you will find in the "big and popular brands." If brands like this are good for you and work well, I think then THIS is the way to go! Try them out today! You can find them either at their actual website, or they have them at Whole Foods Markets, Wegmans, and other fine stores!
Alba Botanica is definetlely a brand this Glam Girl LOVES loves loves to use! I have been using this brand's products for 3 years now, and I started because I was looking for a natural, luxurious body cream that made my skin feel smooth as silk- naturally. I was so impressed!
This delicious brand has some amazing products. They have lotions, body creams, shampoos, conditioners, body scrubs, sunscreens, lip balm and lip gloss, cleansers, and so much more--- and their stuff smells and feels great!And then I found my new love- Alba Bontanica's Natural Hawaiian Body Cream.
I have the body cream, it comes in a large tub, and let me tell you- this stuff feels luxe, luxurious, creamy, not too oily, and goes on and stays on to moisturize even the driest of dry skin. I currently have their 'Coconut Milk' scented body cream, though I used to use the papaya scent(equally amazing!)
Another great Alba Botanica product I own is the Natural Hawaiian Body Scrub. This great product is filled with natural essential oils, and course sea salt, that feels invigorating when you put it on your skin. It is great to smooth your skin and exfoliate.
Then they have their shampoos and conditioners labeled Natural Hawaiian Shampoo and Conditioner, and currently we are using the 'Drink It Up Coconut Milk"' scented for both. The quality is great, you still get that clean feeling after washing hair, and the conditioner works well too. It's great because they are free of the parabens and chemicals, which is the same stuff you will find in the "big and popular brands." If brands like this are good for you and work well, I think then THIS is the way to go! Try them out today! You can find them either at their actual website, or they have them at Whole Foods Markets, Wegmans, and other fine stores!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
2013 Eye Makeup Trends
The latest fashion craze found on the runways for this season as seen in Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Rebecca Minkoff, Ferragamo, and the like is beautiful, colorful hues in the eyes. That's right- blues, purples, greens- all were found on the runways.
This was paired with a muted lip, or nude; something natural like soft corals, peaches, and pinks. This look can bring out and enhance any outfit during the evening, and if worn subtly, can even look good during the day for work.
Some brands are with the trend : Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Gel Eye Liner with their liners, coming in colors like Ocean(ocean blue) and Raisin(plum). Even with Eyeshadows you can see these beautiful color palettes: Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Matte Eyeshadow, Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Shimmer Shadow.
These trends are classic, and can be worn well I feel in almost any season with the right outfit! So have you tried out these colors? Imagine a smokey eye with plums and blues! How hot would that be!? Be bold and get some more color in your eyes! You will love these classic, beautifully colored palettes, and perhaps find that they are not as crazy as you might have imagined!
This was paired with a muted lip, or nude; something natural like soft corals, peaches, and pinks. This look can bring out and enhance any outfit during the evening, and if worn subtly, can even look good during the day for work.
Some brands are with the trend : Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Gel Eye Liner with their liners, coming in colors like Ocean(ocean blue) and Raisin(plum). Even with Eyeshadows you can see these beautiful color palettes: Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Matte Eyeshadow, Glam Girl Naturals Cosmetics Shimmer Shadow.
These trends are classic, and can be worn well I feel in almost any season with the right outfit! So have you tried out these colors? Imagine a smokey eye with plums and blues! How hot would that be!? Be bold and get some more color in your eyes! You will love these classic, beautifully colored palettes, and perhaps find that they are not as crazy as you might have imagined!
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