A little bit artsy...

During one of my recent trips to Jo-Ann Fabrics (there are many), I found the cutest thing... tiny Artist pads!

It's hard to tell in the picture, but these babies are only 5" x 7".  Perfect for a quick pencil sketch or a mini acrylic masterpiece.

This is a great way to get back into fine arts, like I've been wanting to... so I can't wait to start using them!  And I promise, if I produce anything worthy enough, I will post it.  ;)

Let the flow of creative juices begin!

recipe // GREEN Juice

Brian and I started juicing about a year ago after we saw Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead on Netflix.  We have always tried to be healthy and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (F&V), but honestly, and unfortunately, it's hard to eat the recommended amount - 6 to 13 servings - each day.  By juicing, you can fit way more F&V into your diet (even the ones you may not particularly care for like the green leafy kind). Plus it creates a concentrated source of valuable nutrients that can be easier for your body to absorb.  

We purchased a Jack LaLanne Stainless Steel Power Juicer Pro, which has worked really well for us.  But I've heard Breville and Kuvings are good brands too. Although we stopped for a few months (laziness), we are back to it again, since the new year.  

 Brian and I like to supplement our daily meals by adding a juice with lunch, or as a snack during the day... and we probably juice once a week or so.  I'd like to up that to 2 or 3 times a week over the next couple months.  I just need to get on a routine of buying enough fresh F&V for the whole week.  Oh, I also want to add, we still eat whole fruits and vegetables too...gotta get that natural fiber!

Anyhow, I made a delicious juice this afternoon, and thought I'd share.  Maybe it'll inspire some of you who've been thinking about juicing, to actually do it!

 

This green juice helps boost immunity, digestion, and cellular health.  

Don't be scared by the kale...I promise you won't even taste it!!

What you'll need (makes one 16oz serving):

4 hand-fulls of kale
1/2 medium cucumber
1 medium carrot
1 green apple
1 pear

Put all ingredients through the juicer, then pour over ice.  

Make sure to enjoy your juice immediately, since the nutrients and enzymes begin to break down relatively quickly when exposed to light and air.

And remember, there's no limit, the mix of fresh fruits and veggies is endless!  

Do you have any favorite juicing recipes??

review // Nature's Beauty(works) Wet Cleansing & Make up Remover Towelettes

In my 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid post, I briefly went through my all-natural morning and night skincare routine.  I also mentioned that I was in the search for a new cleansing towelette after finishing up my Ponds ones.  It took me awhile to find one that was natural and void of any synthetic ingredients, but I finally did!  

I've gone through the whole pack and thought it was time to share... and buy more!

 Nature's Beauty(works) is a brand of Global Beauty Care.  All of the ingredients are derived from natural or organically grown plants, flowers and sugars, so it is free of synthetic preservatives, SLS, fragrances, alcohol and parabens.  Yay!

 There are three types, ones for oily, sensitive and aging skin.  I chose the sensitive towelettes since I have dry, delicate, blemish prone skin.

The ingredients are:  Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside**, Organic Chamomile Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Organic Aloe Vera Extract*, Lavender Oil*, Vanilla Oil*, Patchouli Oil*, Allantioin*, Gluconolactone***, Sodium Benzoate***, Glycerin*.

*Plant Derived  **Sugar Derived  ***Naturally Derived

 

I was a little concerned when I found out it had chamomile as an ingredient.  For most people, chamomile has properties that sooth and regenerate itchy, flaky and dried out skin.  But since chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed, people with ragweed allergies may not be so lucky.  

I, unfortunately, suffer from seasonal allergies (that are starting right now..oh Springtime) and that includes oak pollen and (though I've never been formally tested) probably ragweed.  Well, I figured I'd give it a try and if any reaction started to occur I would stop immediately.  Fortunately, I got through the whole pack with no issues... so I say they're a keeper! 

 So how did they fare?

Well, the cloths remove all of my makeup, even mascara (I actually don't have to use my coconut oil eye makeup remover, when I use these wipes). They have a light flowery, herbal scent, that just smells clean.  I LOVE the packaging, with the plastic lid that securely closes, leaving you knowing your wipes won't dry out by the next time you use them.  The clothes themselves are a pretty good size about 5" x 7".  The biggest downside I found was that they were also a bit thin... I would have liked them to be a bit thicker... so I usually use mine folded in half.  Other than that, I really like these face towelettes.

I bought mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond in their Face Values beauty section. I paid $3.99 for 30 towelettes (a bit steep) but with the 20% coupon they mail out, I actually paid just over $3.  The price point is the only other downside for me.  I wish it was less, but I will probably continue to purchase because it's the most natural towelette I've found, and using something without chemicals is important to me.  If your local BB&B doesn't have a Face Values section, you can also buy them online here.  

If any of you give them a try, let me know what you think!  Or if you've found another natural face cleaning towelette that you like, please feel free to share with us.  :)

 

recipe // Easy Fudgy PB & Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

  The No-Bake has always been a dessert/snack fav for Brian and I, and over the years I've made many small manipulations to make it just how we like it...dark and fudgy.  Don't get me wrong, the original is good, but, in my opinion, this version really amps up the delicious factor.  

Every time I share with friends and family I get asked for my recipe, so I decided to go ahead and share for everyone to try.  Oh, and just a warning...you may be tempted to eat the whole batch before they're even cool...so watch out! :)

What you will need:

1/2 cup milk

3 Tbsp. butter  UPDATE: We use organic unrefined coconut oil in place of butter now (3Tbsp.)

1/2 cup raw turbinado sugar

4 Tbsp. special dark cocoa powder (you can use regular if you prefer)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (we like Skippy Natural)

1 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

What to do:

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. 

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring consistently and cook for exactly 1 1/2 minutes. The timing is really important here... If you boil too long the cookies will be dry and crumbly. If you don't boil long enough, the cookies won't form properly. I suggest setting a timer for the exact 1:30.

 

 Remove from heat when the time is up, and stir in peanut butter and vanilla.

When the cocoa mixture and the PB are completely combined, add the oats, 1/4 cup at a time.  We like a fudgier consistency, so I usually stop at 1 1/2 cups, but if you like a firmer cookie, feel free to add another quarter cup of oats. 

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool until hardened... if you can wait that long!

If you have any leftovers, these babies will last 3-5 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Enjoy!

The Beauty Benefits of..... Apple Cider Vinegar

from here

Oh, it can be used for much more than just dressing salads, my friends.  This cheap, all-natural kitchen staple can help make you b-e-a-utiful.  It's been used for centuries for a variety of things, but lately I've been using it as a all-natural hair conditioner and facial toner... and I though I'd share!

 Harsh soaps and chemical-laden shampoos strip hair and skin of its natural oils, which leaves you feeling dry all over (this can sometimes cause an overproduction of natural oils to make up for the dryness -- no good!).  Apple Cider Vinegar, with it's ideal acidity level, counteracts that process and actually balances your skin and hair's natural pH levels.  

Now, you need to make sure that you get the good stuff though. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ORACV) has the most benefits, due to it's inclusion of 'mother'.  Mother is a dark, cloudy, foam that contains many minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine, all vital for body health.  I know, I know, it doesn't sound very pretty, but the effects of using it will be.  I've been using Tree of Life Raw Organic ACV, but there are many great brands out there.  You can find them at most health food stores and some grocers.

Natural Hair Conditioner Rinse

 

from here

 

  Months ago, I learned that ORACV can be used as a rinse for hair, so I've been using it once or twice a week since then.  It removes product buildup, which clarifies hair and increases body. It also closes the hair cuticle so light reflects off of it...giving way to super shiny locks!  It's like a hair recharger.  

To relive smoother hair days, mix the equal parts ORACV and water together. After shampooing, pour the mixture into your hair.  If you have a spray bottle, that works even better. Massage it into your scalp. Let the apple cider vinegar sit for a few minutes before rinsing fully with water. You can finish with a light conditioning, but there's really no need to use conditioner. The apple cider vinegar will leave hair feeling smooth and soft.

Natural Facial Toner

from here

  About two weeks ago, I started using ORACV as a morning and night toner.  I heard somewhere (unfortunately, I can't remember) that it is good at combating acne and discoloration (both of which I had at the time).  Also, because skin is naturally acidic, ORACV can help restore your skin's natural pH balance, leaving it at an optimum level between oily and dry.  So far it has cleared up my small blemishes in record time (days instead of a week or more) and I feel it has even lightened some of my darker freckles and lessened my ruddiness.  All wins, yippee!
  

To use as a daily toner, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water (I like distilled).  If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the solution further.  After naturally cleansing morning and night, I squirt a bit of the mixture on a cotton round and smooth all over my face.  This will leave a light layer on the skin, locking in moisture.  Don't worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate after a few minutes.  To finish,  I lightly moisturize with Jojoba oil.

(Always remember to do a skin test first to make sure your skin is not too sensitive -- even with an extra diluted version. Place a small amount on your neck and leave it on for 15 minutes. If you do not see any reaction then you can apply it directly to your face.)

________________________

These are the two ways I use ORACV right now, but below are other interesting uses that I found...some that I can't wait to try!

For Sunburn Relief  //  Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes.

As a Natural Aftershave (for the guys)  //  Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face. 

To Reduce Allergies and Illness  //  Research suggests that ORACV can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).  Drink at least 2 tablespoons mixed with 8 oz of water daily.  You can also add a tablespoon of organic honey or stevia if it tastes too bitter for you. **

As a remedy for bad breath  //  Due to its antiseptic properties, it makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 2 teaspoons of ORACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time and spit the solution out. Repeat until the cup is empty.  

To Eliminate Body Odor  //  It can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. For armpit odor, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week.

 To Alleviate Heartburn  //  Mix 2 tablespoons ORACV in 8 oz of water, taken three times a day before meals. **

AND EVEN As Flea Prevention on Pets  // A mix of one part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation should vanish. 

Feel free you send me an email or post a comment below with any questions.  

How do you use your Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar?

**Please consult a physician if you are taking any prescription medications or if you have any serious ailments, 
before starting any oral ORACV regimen.  

lions, tigers and GERMS, oh my!

Uhhhhh, is anyone else totally freaked out to be in public right now with this year's mutating flu virus just floating around..everywhere??  Because I am.  Apparently, it takes two weeks to kick in and it lasts on objects for 8 hours. 8 HOURS!!  I could be infected right now...and not. even. know it. 

Gross.

I guess you could call me a germ-a-phobe...I mean I'm not crazy about it, but I will do whatever I can to avoid the buggers.  So, how do I plan to fight it, you ask?

 With a daily intake of vitamins, weekly juicing, a bit of hand sanitizer, (I like Crabtree and Evelyn's Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Gel in Citron, Honey & Coriander - it sanitizes and and naturally moisturizes!) and this list of obvious (and not so obvious) tips:

1//  Don't touch the first floor elevator button or escalator handrails. They are breeding grounds for germs.

2//  Use the first toilet stall, research shows that most people use the middle stall in public bathrooms, so those have the most bacteria.

3//  Instead of using your hand to flush a public toilet, use your foot or a bundle of toilet paper.

4//  To open the public bathroom door from the inside, use a piece of paper towel, then dispose of it properly.  Remember that the soap dispenser and faucet also harbor germs because they are touched before hand washing.

5//  Most grocers provide sanitizing wipes in the entrance, wipe down the shopping cart handle and seat and then use another one on your hands.

6//  About as germ infested as the restroom, avoid these dirty spots in your work break-room: the coffee pot, microwave & fridge handles, stocked dishes, and sink (sponge). Also try to avoid the water fountain and vending machine buttons.

 

7//  The phone, keyboard and desktop of your desk area are just as germ-y as any restroom. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean these items at the end of every day.

MOST IMPORTANTLY//  Keep your fingers out of your mouth, do not rub your eyes or nose and WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!

And if you're unlucky enough to catch the flu, please stay home (we all beg of you!) and avoid touching things others come in contact with.  No need to keep on spreading it, right?!  Now, if you can't stay home, take meds to alleviate symptoms, when you do sneeze or cough use several tissues and face away from crowds, wash your hands very frequently, especially after touching your face, coughing or sneezing, and wipe down any surfaces you touch.

 

I just want to mention one last thing that I found in my research; that frequent use of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes may be bad. (I know, I know...it goes against everything we've been told)  It's because the antibacterials also kill the good bacteria on your skin that your body needs to defend against the bad bacteria. Just try to limit use to only when you absolutely can't get to a sink & soap.

I hope these tips help you defend against the flu season bugs. 

 And if you have any helpful tips, please feel free to share your two cents!  Good luck!

I gathered a lot of this information from the following sites, as well as added a few of my own tips.  :)

  

http://www.ehow.com/how_4854203_avoid-germs-public.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4854203_avoid-germs-public.html#ixzz2ICYh4A3O

 http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/1/23/123237.shtml?s=br

DIY // homemade body scrub

I really like Tree Hut's Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Tropical Mango.  It's a pretty natural option and that's why I've been using it (plus it smells really yummy!).  But since I've switched to an all natural skincare regime, I thought...why not use an all natural and homemade body scrub as well... one that includes the nourishing oils, but not all of the chemicals.  It can't be that hard and it definitely has to less expensive.  So I decided to try it, and better yet, give it as Christmas gifts.  Well, it's been unanimously praised so I thought it time to share.  :)

Honestly, this is one of the easiest homemade beauty recipes I've tried (more to come on that).  It only takes 5 minutes with items you probably already have in your kitchen.  I found several recipes in my Google search that severed as inspiration for my own recipe.  The possibilities are nearly endless however: variations of salt, sugar, oil and essential oils abound, so it is easy to formulate your perfect scrub. I stuck to sugar this time...but I think I may experiment with salt next! 

 I actually made 4 sugar based scrub varieties in total; the other three, I will list at the end of this post, but the easiest is definitely the Brown Sugar Vanilla.  This scrub smells just like a sugar cookie and has a medium grain for a moderate scrub.  More white sugar produces a finer scrub, good for sensitive skin, and more raw sugar produces a coarser scrub, good for rough areas like elbows and knees & not as ideal for sensitive areas.

This recipe makes about 16 ounces of scrub and isn't too runny or too dry, but somewhere in the middle. If you like a runnier consistency just add extra tablespoons of oil, one at a time, until you are satisfied.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup white sugar (pure cane) 

1/4 cup raw sugar (organic turbinado) 

5 tbsp sunflower oil 

4-6 drops vanilla extract

Add all of the sugars and vanilla to a small bowl.  Mix well, breaking up any clumps.  

Add the oil and mix to fully hydrate the sugar.  

Allow to sit for about 5 minutes, so oil can fully saturate the grains; mix again and adjust amount of oil or sugar if necessary (you want a pretty thick mixture; ideally the scrub should hold together if you pick up a dollop in your hand, but should not be so wet that oil is dripping). 

 Package in a clean jar (I used 16oz Ball Glass Preserving Jars from target).  

Now, you can jump right in for personal enjoyment or decorate with a bow and cute tag and give as a gift like I did.

Here are the other varieties that I made:

 Cinnamon Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub (top)

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/4 cup white sugar (pure cane) 

1/2 cup raw sugar (organic turbinado) 

6 tbsp apricot kernel oil

3-4 drops vanilla extract

several dashes of cinnamon

Lavender Vanilla Body Scrub (left)

1 1/4 cup white sugar (pure cane) 

1/2 cup raw sugar (organic turbinado) 

1 t lavender buds (dried)

7 tbsp sunflower oil 

1-2 drops vanilla extract

Coffee Body Scrub (right)

1 cup white sugar (pure cane) 

1/2 cup raw sugar (organic turbinado) 

1/4 cup coffee grounds 

7 tbsp apricot kernel oil

1-2 drops vanilla extract

 Well, I hope you will try this out.  It's a wonderful spa treatment right at home, that will only set you back about $3.50 for the whole 16 ounces including the mason jar (compared to Tree Nut at $7.49 for 18 ounces). When a refill will only cost about $2.60 (since I already have the jar),  I'd say I've found 

a permanent addition to my beauty arsenal!

Enjoy!

Currently...

A few of the blogs that I follow do reoccurring posts either about what they were wearing (like my friend Sara of The Lovely Lemon) or what their top 5 things of the week were, usually called High 5 For Friday. I love both of these ideas and may very well incorporate them into my blog in the future, but for right now I really love the posts titled 'Currently'. 

I first saw it on Sierra's blog Exceptionally Ordinary, who I believe found it from Sometimes Sweet.  I love it because it's a simple way for readers to find out a bit more about a blogger and for a blogger to randomly share..no planning, just writing. Anyhow, I thought I'd give it a go.

Loving...  ^^^ this little stinker!  After a long day of work, I love coming home to her and Phoenix, with their waggly little tails and their crazy jumps of joy. It warms my heart. ♥

Watching...  Downton Abbey, Season 2: Episode 6.  What?!  I'm just being accurate.  :)

Eating...  home popped popcorn, of course!  I've always loved the snack, but thanks to my lovely friend Katie (who reminded me that you don't have to buy it in a bag covered in hydrogenated oils) my new favorite nighttime treat is a big bowl of popped goodness with a parmesan herb topping. YUM...and pretty healthy too!

Reading...  unfortunately, nothing.  I just finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was really good.  It's an honest coming-of-age tale, somewhat like A Separate Peace or The Catcher in the Rye.  It's very real and very raw, and you can't help but ponder life for a bit after finishing.  If anyone has a suggestion for my next read, please do share!

Learning... to play my brandy new ukulele!  I always wanted to play the guitar but never did, and honestly being so petite made it kinda hard.  But the ukulele is the perfect size and has the happiest sound.  You just can't be mad while playing or listening to it. IMPOSSIBLE. So far I've learned 4 chords and 5 strumming styles, and I'm just trying to master those for now.  Brian gave it to me for Christmas and I've set a goal, to be able to play some actual songs like Over the Rainbow, by next Christmas.

Thinking about...  how fast time flies.  I mean, our parents always said it and we never believed them because, frankly, Christmas felt like it was every millennium not every 365 days... but really, every year goes by faster than the last it seems.  As part of my goal to live more authentically, I really want to make an effort this year to spend less time worrying about stuff that doesn't even matter in the overall scheme of things and more time savoring the good stuff.  The stuff of memories.  I believe time flies whether you're having fun or not.  So why not have fun, right?

review // 100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 3

Sooo, I would have posted the last part of this series a few days ago, but I've been spending my time in the early 20th Century, via the Downton Abbey series.  I finished the first season on Netflix in about 4 days and am now on to Season 2 on Hulu.  I don't know what it is about shows from past time periods, but I always find myself drawn to them... Maybe it's the witty dialogue, or the wonderful clothing, or the British accents, or the way that history is taught through personal (although mostly fictional) stories.  Really, I think it's just fascinating.  Check it out, maybe you will too.

________________________________________________________________________________

Okay, back to the real topic for this post. :)  

The final items I'll be reviewing from 100% Pure are the items I received FREE (from a customer appreciation special they were having) with my purchases from Part 2.  And they all came in this cute canvas drawstring bag!  

If you missed it, you can check out Part 1 here, and remember all of these products are colored with antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit pigments instead of synthetic dyes or minerals.

I guess we'll start with the FRUIT PIGMENTED EYE SHADOW.

 

 In this set, I received the COCOA PLUM color and the VANILLA SUGAR color.  These powder shadows have a smooth velvety feel and are definitely layerable on the lid.  

The Cocoa Plum is a rich coppery purple color with a bit of shimmer.  I use it mostly as an accent over eyeliner or lightly, as a contour color on the outer half of my eyelids from the lash line to the crease. The Vanilla Sugar is a shimmery champagne color.  On the website it looks more pink but in actuality it is pretty neutral.  This color is very close to my skin tone, so it offers a nice neutral eye look.  To do that, I usually apply all over the lid.  For a more 'done' look, I'll use it on the inner part of the eye and lightly blend with the Cocoa Plum in the crease, then add a bit more VS up to the brow.  

I recommend layering over eye primer for more staying power.  Otherwise, I find it creases and fades during the day. I assume it is because they do not contain any chemicals the help it "stick" to the lid... but that's just my opinion.  :)

 Next, is the FRUIT PIGMENTED POT ROUGE BLUSH & SATIN EYE SHADOW.

I received the POT ROUGE in BLUSH & BALLERINA and the SATIN EYE SHADOW in FIJI.  I wouldn't really call these creamy since they are a solid, but they sort of have a cream-to-powder finish.  They do have a velvety feel and are very blendable onto the skin.  

I love Fiji.  It's a shimmery walnut brown color, perfect for use in a warm smokey eye look...just add eyeliner and blend!  I actually use the Ballerina as an eyeshadow, even though it's a blush pot.  It's a soft, shimmery, pink nude color that gives my lids a nice warm glow.  If you use it as a blush I'd sure it'd do the same. Honestly, I haven't really used the BLUSH color... I'm slightly blush-a-phobic (more of a bronzer girl) and this one scares me a little.  I will definitely have to make that something to play with in 2013.  It has the same consistency as the other two, but it is has no shimmer. 

I have found that these have more staying power than the powder shadows, but layering over eye primer will definitely make them last longer. 

Next is the FRUIT PIGMENTED BLUSH.

I received the blush in STRAWBERRY.  It comes in a beautiful pink tin and there's even a mirror inside. I might actually like the packaging more than the product!  Okay, I'm being over dramatic...but it is very nice.  And the blush is actually pretty good too.  Like I mentioned before, I'm not big on blush, but when I use this it gives a very soft flush on my cheeks and it blends nicely.  It's so light, in fact, that I couldn't even capture it in a picture for you to see.  Because of this, it doesn't scare me as much.  It's also matte, which I prefer in a blush/bronzer.  

The strawberry is a pinky mauve color, which is okay, but I had been able to choose I think I would have liked to try the CHIFFON color...still light but more pink, less mauve.

Last, for today, is the FRUIT PIGMENTED LIP GLOSS.

I received the PINK BERRY, which is a berry mauve color.  It's very flattering on me, and would be, I think, for many skin tones.  This is probably my favorite item from the bunch (as you can see from the almost rubbed off writing on the tube).

It's pigmented like a lip stick, but glides on and feels like a gloss.  It has a rich texture, but is not sticky or tacky.  It's made with 83% Vitamin E from organic rice bran, so it's very moisturizing.  I actually think my lips feel healthier after wearing it.   It is a click up tube with a brush end applicator.  I think this works well enough, but I'd be interested to see how long it lasts and how much product is left in the tube when it's done, if any. I'll have to update once I find out.  There are also a lot of colors to choose from, I think I'd like to try SUGAR PLUM SHEER or PINK GRAPEFRUIT.

Overall, I really like all of these, and I actually use them in my make up regime most days.  Their individual prices are a bit higher than I'd normally pay for regular cosmetics, but again, I feel it's worth it to get a natural product without all of the chemicals, etc.  Plus, I was really impressed with the packaging of these little buggers... frosted glass, metal and BPA & phthalate free plastic... shows they put a little more thought and effort into production.  Buying these items in sets and ordering while they have a free gift special will save you some money, so look out for those.  If you sign up for their emails, like I did, you can find out when they have these specials going on.

Well, I hope this series has been informative...and fun!  And if you have sensitivities to cosmetics, as I do, hopefully this has given you something new to try that will make rashes and break-outs a thing of the past!  If I didn't touch on something that you have a question about, please feel free to email me or write a comment below.  I am more than happy to share more!  I know this was a long post, so thanks reading.  :)

I was not, in any way, paid for this review, by 100% Pure or any other affiliate. 

I purchased every product myself and decided to share to help others find a bit of direction in their own natural beauty journey.