A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
by Carrie Pollare, Editor
I don't know about you, but to me, there is nothing better than going home after work and throwing on a nice loose Kaftan. It takes me from the stress of the day right into a relaxed state (that and a little glass of organic wine...). So, I was very excited to discover Surfmonk.
Originally designed with surfers in mind, providing lots of room underneath to change in and out of beach gear, these eco friendly bamboo cotton, organically dyed robes are truly the epitome of the comfortable lifestyle. And Surfmonk (I just love saying the name) has thought of everyone and every style for men, women and kids in 10 different colors. Choose from ankle length, knee length or waist length, each complete with a comfy hood, that makes them all that much more snuggly. With summer quickly approaching, these robes are perfect for the beach or après sun. Surfmonk's up! www.surfmonk.com
AND SPEAKING OF SUMMER...FOUR GREAT ECO FLIP FLOPS
Who are we kidding... Here in LA, flip flops have become a year round thing and we're sure that those of you in colder climates throw them on the minute the snow melts! Here are four different styles at different price ranges that we think are hot. So, go get a pedicure and slide in!
Terra Plana Maputo Veg Leather Sandal in Tan
with latex rice hux sole - $110 at www.terraplana.com
Neuaura synthetic metallic leather Quail thong sandal in Bronze with removeable ankle tie (in case you get the urge to go gladiator) - $79 at www.neuaurashoes.com
Melissa Sin Sandals in black made of patented, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, recyclable MELFLEX plastic - $50 at www.tobi.com
Mink Shoes new pink Lemur vegan sandal - $125 at www.minkshoes.com or call 800-990-MINK to order
Make sure you check out our new "Seriously?" feature, where we'll bring you eco products & stories that are (how can we say) crazy, nuts or "over the top."
GOURMET BODY TREATS GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Chocolate Salt Glow… Brown Sugar and Coffee Scrub… Gourmet Body Treats is obviously a company that lives up to its name with skin care and cosmetics products that are pure enough to eat. And yes—they actually do taste each batch (although we don’t recommend that you do the same). Make sure you check out the Chocolate Bath Truffles (shown below) for your bath...not your taste buds...
Chemical free, organic, vegetarian and cruelty free, the products are made from the highest quality ingredients found only in nature, and purchased from local growers whenever possible. The result is a wonderfully aromatic and effective line of products that are suitable for even the most sensitive skin. The Chocolate Salt Glow and the Brown Sugar and Coffee Scrub leave your skin glowing and hydrated. We are also addicted to the loose mineral eye shadows—and we are not alone. Voted best eye shadow by H20 Magazine, these shadows can be worn wet or dry, are waterproof and last all day. www.gourmetbodytreats.com
HERE COMES THE "GREEN" BRIDE
by Bonny Osterhage
Wedding season is upon us and eco-conscious brides everywhere are planning the day they have dreamed of since they created a veil out of recycled toilet paper (okay...that isn’t as gross as it sounds). Fortunately, for those brides who want the planet to live happily ever after too, there are dozens of beautiful and affordable gowns for everyone in the wedding party that are made from environmentally friendly and/or recycled materials. Here are a few that will have even the worst Bridezilla saying “I do” to green.
We have so many wonderful natural and organic skin care products on our Beauty Exclusive Offers page at discounts up to 30% off!!
FINALLY...SOMETHING FABULOUS TO DO WITH ALL THAT JUNKMAIL!
S A Schimmel Gold describes herself as a "rabid recycler." We describe her as an amazing eco-conscious artist, who has found a way to keep junkmail out of the landfills and transform it into exquisite mosaic art. It's called "upcycling" and it's the practice of turning something disposable into something of greater use or value.
Originally inspired by a stained glass portrait, made of tiny glass tiles, she started cutting up accumulated paper and cards, junk mail, ads, postcards, greeting cards...you name it...and voilà! Schimmel Art was born. You can choose from her existing portraits...like Venus, John Lennon, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and many original faces...or commission a custom piece that blossoms out of your own photo. But whatever you do, get to her website and check out her pieces. Many are quite reasonably priced and all are worth experiencing. www.schimmelart.com
Where you see the White Apricot symbol, it means there's an Exclusive Offer - Click it!