A Few of My Favorite Things… November 7, 2009

I’d like to share a few of my favorite environmentally friendly goods with you! More specifically, a girl’s best friend – beauty products!

#1 – EcoTools: Earth-Friendly Beauty  (shown in photo from L to R: Kabuki brush, loofah sponges, bamboo applicators, & mini bamboo nail files)

I discovered these fabulous ‘green’ make-up brushes over the summer & instantly fell in love! Why buy? Their brushes are designed with:

• Synthetic Taklon bristles (100% animal cruelty free) – so soft!
• A sleek ferrule (& retractable cases) made from recycled aluminum.
• Bamboo handles that have low impact on the earth’s resources – as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Their packaging is recyclable.
• They donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental organization.

My FAVORITE ECOTOOLS are:

* RECYCLED RETRACTABLE KABUKI- the ‘case’ keeps the bristles clean. I used this brush to apply my all-over mineral powder.

 

 

* BAMBOO 6 piece BRUSH SET - Contains a brush w/ bamboo handle for: blush, eye shadow, eye liner, & concealer; as well as a lash & brow groomer. Keep them all together & clean in a natural cotton & hemp case w/ tie.

#2 – MyChelle Dermaceuticals

First, I have to say - I have THE most sensitive skin ever – I’m allergic to everything! So I can guarantee you that if I love a product, it is definitely safe for your skin! Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when a lady at my local organic store recommended this natural facial care line to me! Their products are always free of parabens, propylene glycol, fragrances, artificial colors, & other harmful chemicals.

* MyChelle’s WHITE CRANBERRY CLEANSER. It’s a sulfate-free mild complexion balancing cleanswer w/ Totarol, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, White Grapefruit Peel Oil, Lemongrass Oil, & Cranberry Fruit Juice. It smells citrusy & leaves your skin super soft. However, I do miss the ‘exfoliation’ of my last cleanser. My solution? I simply wet my face w/warm water, ’scrub’ w/finely ground unbleached organic oatmeal - then rinse. Next, I wash w/ the white cranberry cleanser – rinse, & pat dry. To complete my skin care routine, I use MYCHELLE CLEAR SKIN SERUM containing Lavendar oil, Aloe Leaf Juice, & Tea Tree leaf oil. It’s organic, non-drying, & so good for your skin – Perfect!  *p.s. I like to purchase MyChelle products at iHerb.com.  Use Coupon Code UKU201 for $5.00 off your 1st order! And they always have great shipping specials.

 

#3 – EVERYDAY MINERALS - Named Real Simple magazine’s “Best Mineral Base” in August 2009.   For 3 years, I had used “i.d. Bare Minerals ” mineral powder make-up. I thought I was doing this great thing for my skin by making a switch to natural make-up. Well, to my surprise this past summer – when I began using the powder on my entire face vs. spot treatment – my face began burning! After a little research, I found out it contained a filler – bismuth oxychloride. This ingredient causes allergic reactions to people w/ sensitive skin & creates a “sheen.” Surprise! That is when I discovered EVERYDAY MINERALS. It is bismuth oxychloride-free… & after the first application, I could tell a significant difference between the two. I love it!

What I love most about Everyday Minerals is… you can purchase sample sizes to try (for $2.50) BEFORE spending more $$ on the full-size products. The sample sizes are also great to carry in your purse or take on a weekend getaway! AND they have Try Me Kits (includes 4 shades) you can add to your cart for free w/ every order. It’s a great way to play w/ samples sizes to find your perfect shade(s).  *I apply the Multi-Intensive Concealer w/ my EcoTools Concealer Brush as spot treatment, under the eyes, and as a ‘base’ to help my eyeshadow stay in place. I apply the Base Powder (Beige Neutral) w/ my Kabuki brush. To finish my natural look – my favorite blush is: Coffee Break. And my favorite eyeshadows are: On the Phone and Smokey Pink. Have fun experimenting to find YOUR perfect colors/shades!

*Peace, Love, & My Favorite Things*

O-R-E-’NOO!’ (Newman’s Own Organics) October 25, 2009

Who doesn’t love OREOS?

AND who doesn’t feel guilty every time you eat one… or, um, TWELVE?

Hmmm… what’s a chocoholic to do?!

Well, now you can have your cookies & eat them, too, GUILT-FREE with:

Newman’s Own Organics’

“Newman-O’s” in Original Crème!

FEELING ADVENTUROUS?

There are many ways to stray from the original…

• Chocolate Crème
• Peanut Butter Crème
• Ginger ‘N Crème: Ginger-O’s
• Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Crème
• Hint-O-Mint Crème (*my favorite*)

(Available in 16oz. and NEW 9 oz. packages)

“We’ve been listening to our consumers. They requested a smaller size that is more economical & suitable for the single person, small family, or those counting calories who find the larger packages too tempting.” – Nell Newman

Try Newman’s Own Organics’ Hint-O-Mint!

These are my favorite because chocolate & mint… they are made with 100% organic ingredients (like all NOO’s products), so I know I’m eating quality snack food!

• No Partially Hydrogenated Oils
• No Trans-Fatty Acids
• No Artificial Flavors

MADE WITH:

Organic Palm Fruit Oil

Natural Peppermint Oil

Organic Unbleached Wheat Flour

Organic Unsweetened Chocolate

Only 2.25 grams fat & 5 grams of organic sugar per cookie (around $4 for 16 oz).

CHEERS to one fabulous organic lady – Nell Newman!

*Peace, Love, & Chocolate Mint Cookies*

Carissa’s Kitchen Sweep Chicken Salad. October 13, 2009

The BEST PIZZA ever created is located in the south (within the fine state of Louisiana). What is the name of this fabulous venue?

JOHNNY’S PIZZA!

One of their famous creations is:  SWEEP THE KITCHEN. However, this entry is not about pizza at all! It’s actually for my fabulous chicken salad recipe! The one I like to call:

‘Carissa’s Kitchen Sweep Chicken Salad!’

Over the years, I’ve added more & more ingredients, because I love to experiment w/different combination’s. I never plan to make it… it’s usually just a spur of the moment idea. So, I basically use whatever I have in my fridge. So, as long as you have a couple key ingredients (chicken, mayo, apples, celery, seeds/nuts), the rest is up to you!

Carissa’s Kitchen Sweep Chicken Salad

* Makes approximately 4 – 1 cup servings.*

• (6) Frozen Chicken Breast Tenderloins (shredded after baking)
• (1 cup) Mayonnaise (your favorite – I use one w/ EVOO)
• (2 stalks) Diced Organic Celery
• (1) Diced Organic Apple (I use Gala or Granny Smith)
• (1/2 cup) Chopped Organic Red Seedless Grapes
• (2 tbsp) EVOO
• (1/4 cup) Lemon Juice
• (a couple dashes) Powdered Garlic (& your favorite herbs)
• (handful) Raw *unshelled* Pumpkin seeds
• (handful) Raw *unshelled* Sunflower Seeds
• & other favorite ingredients (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, etc.)
  

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a small square pan, pour 2 tbsp EVOO in the bottom to coat. Arrange frozen chicken tenderloins. Pour lemon juice over the tenderloins to coat sprinkling with powdered garlic & herbs. Cover with aluminum foil – 2 sides wrapped tight, 2 sides left loose. Bake 10 mins, then flip chicken & bake for additional 10 mins. *Cooking times will vary. Cook until the “pink” is gone within the chicken.

While your chicken is baking, prepare other ingredients. After chopping & dicing your fruits & veggies – combine in a medium bowl with mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly with a spoon for consistency. After allowing chicken to cool for approximately 10 mins., shred chicken while in pan (allowing to soak up the ‘juices’) and add entire contents of the pan into the bowl. Again, mix thoroughly. Refrigerate one hour.

SERVE ON:

• Kashi TLC Crackers (my favorite ‘Toasted Asiago’) for a snack.
• Ezekiel 4:9 Prophet’s Pocket Bread for a wrap.
• Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame Sprouted Grain Bread for a sandwich.
• or your favorite organic bread/crackers!

*Wildflowers by Paris* Organic Baby Clothing. October 11, 2009

BIENVENUE!

In late October, I will begin designing *Wildflowers by Paris* – my new Organic Baby Clothing Line!

It will debut in January 2010 on Etsy.com.

* * Please BECOME A FAN on FACEBOOK! * *

AND

Visit the *Wildflowers by Paris* website!

The intrinsic essential oils. September 3, 2009

Did you realize our SKIN is our body’s largest organ?  That’s right!

Everything we apply to our body – head to toe – is being absorbed up to 60% into our bloodstream. Don’t believe it? Try rubbing garlic on your heels… within 20 minutes you’ll actually taste the garlic!

COUGH REMEDY Try this trick during the cold/flu season. If you have a persistent, deep cough – rub Vicks VapoRub generously on your heels at bedtime, cover with socks, & within 5 minutes your cough will subside for many hours!

ORGANIC SUBSTITUTE

Use Eucalyptus Oil (the oil of the Eucalyptus Plant is the #1 active ingredient in Vicks; this herb plant is named the Vicks VapoRub Plant by many) while adding a hint of Peppermint or Spearmint Oil (menthol is the #2 active ingredient). Follow directions above.

*Photo of actual Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees*

My favorite website to shop for my essential oils, shampoo & conditioner, skin care line, & more is iHerb.com. They offer amazing prices w/ incredibly reasonable shipping costs; and they are always running specials w/ either free shipping or a % off your total order. Use Coupon Code UKU201 for $5.00 off your 1st order!

*PRECAUTIONS: As with any essential oils, always read the precautions. Do not use these three oils in concentrations higher than 2% due to their high stimulation. Eucalyptus Oil should not be used if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy & can be fatal if ingested. Skin application of Peppermint & Spearmint Oil is not advised during pregnancy.

*Peace, Love, & Intrinsic Remedies.*

– wildflower

my sunday morning field trip. recycle. August 30, 2009

RECYCLING. It’s great for the planet, so why doesn’t everyone do it?!

Easy. It’s time consuming, it’s expensive, it’s a hassle, & you could care less about your planet. RIGHT. WRONG!

It’s convenient. Simply separate your PLASTIC, METAL, GLASS (these 3 materials are usually grouped together in most areas), & PAPER. Aside from that, you have your “trash” non-recyclable items, e.g., paper towels used to clean your home, Kleenex’s, apple cores, cantaloupe shells, diapers, et cetera. This is what you want to cut down on. You’re used to taking 2 secs to walk over to a trash can to throw your trash away anyway. It really doesn’t take anymore time than usual to recycle. And you’ll feel great about it!

Watch this sequence of short VIDEOS @ EXPLORE THE CYCLE to educate yourself on the recycling process. Enjoy!

Earth 911 is a fabulous website! Enter your address and/or what you’d like to recycle. Then you’ll have your nearest recycling centers at your fingertips! Piece of cake!

****It doesn’t cost a penny. In some cities, you have to buy special bags for your trash & they are not cheap! Cost to RECYCLE? FREE. Use any bags, boxes, receptacles, or vessels you choose. Don’t want to purchase 3 different trash cans? Simply do as I do. I have one trash can in my pantry & I have attached 3 bags (spare shopping bags- paper & plastic -from groceries & clothing) on my wall w/ signs above each labeled “PAPER”, “METAL”, “GLASS”. Piece of pie!

*****WHY to CARE. You know it’s great for YOUR environment to recycle. I bet you even purchase items here & there that are packaged in or created w/ recycled materials because you feel like you’re doing your part. Well let me ask you a question. Where do you think they find this used paper, plastic, glass, & metal to make these recycled goods? FROM YOU! But let me just lay it on the line for you. Buying recycled goods is fabulous – HOORAY FOR YOU! So why not take this teeny tiny extra step & contribute to your environment even more? RECYCLE! Donate your recyclable waste – the same waste they use to create these fabulous recycled goods. HOW BRILLIANT!

Get involved in your community! For example, MIZZOU has an organization named SUSTAIN MIZZOU. Become a member of their Green Team by visiting their MIZZOU website or read their BLOG here. OR visit the MISSOURI RECYCLING ASSOCIATION website for tons of information on recycling within your state. Of course, there are thousands of websites on the net to peruse, too! Involve your children, make it fun – some areas may pay 5 cents a pound for aluminum/metal!

Hope you enjoyed the photos from my local Recycling Center … now go find yours!!

*Peace, Love, &  Paper.Plastic.Glass.Metal.Recycle.

- wildflower

Sunbutter… & Paul Newman’s Daughter?? August 29, 2009

My favorite venue to shop for organic & all natural snacks, fruits & veggies, bread, cheese & yogurt, nuts & seeds, et cetera is: Clover’s Natural Market in Columbia, Missouri. If you’ve never been to an organic store, it’s something you must experience. I love waking up on Saturday mornings & visiting Clover’s after they’ve been to buy produce from the local farmers.

Tonight I’m sharing two of my favorites:
#1 * SUNBUTTER All Natural Sunflower Seed Spread. It is Peanut, Tree Nut, & Gluten-Free. It has 4 ingredients total w/ an amazing % of Vitamin E, fiber, protein, & iron. The Total Fat content is 16 grams per 2 tbsp (& no trans fat), which is average of peanut & almond butter. I use it sparingly on my sliced organic apples & celery; also great to eat on a slice of Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Sesame Bread. Made in the USA. Price is $3.99-6.49, depending on where you buy – so shop around! I do have to warn you, the first time you eat it… your mouth will think you’re playing tricks on it due to the fact that you usually crunch sunflower seeds… but after you get used to the fact that you’re eating sunflower seed butter (instead of peanut butter), you’ll fall in love with it! Mmmm…

#2 * NEWMAN’S OWN ORGANICS Chocolate Alphabet Cookies. You would have guessed Paul Newman, right? I did! While it was Paul Newman who created “Newman’s Own,” it was his daughter, Nell, who created “Newman’s Own ORGANICS.”  Their slogan is ’Great tasting products that happen to be organic’ - and great tasting is RIGHT!  There are 2 things Nell & I have in common – our love for organic and CHOCOLATE! So I will go ahead & warn you about these chocolate alphabet cookies, too. They are so seriously addictive… BUT they are all natural & made with Organic Palm Fruit Oil. So you can go ahead & treat yourself! You can eat 10 cookies (one serving) and it only contains 3 grams of total fat (no trans fat) AND only 9 grams of sugar! Wow! There are only 9 total ingredients - including organic unbleached wheat flour, organic cocoa, organic sugar, salt, & organic unsweetened chocolate. No hydrogenated oils! Made in the USA. The Alphabet Cookies come in 4 different flavors (just in case you’re not a fan of chocolate…if that’s possible?!): Arrowroot, Cinnamon Graham, Chocolate, & Wheat-Free/Dairy-Free. ENJOY!

*Peace, Love, & Organic Chocolate.*
- the wildflower.

My 1st organic thought… Klean Kanteen. August 29, 2009

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I made the decision in June to go “organic” & become an environmentalist for many reasons. The #1 reason being: a quest to feel healthy, pure, chemical-free … & be more respectful to our planet earth & Mother Nature. My first step (of many) towards my organic & environmentally-friendly movement was purchasing a KLEAN KANTEEN!

Why? Because it is FREE OF BPA’s (Bisphenol A), toxin-free, & made from high-quality stainless steel w/ no liner & no weird plastic or metal taste. It comes in a variety of sizes & colors. I chose the 27 oz. design in classic brushed stainless. They are also extremely easy to clean: simply hand-wash with soapy water & air dry.

Since drinking at least 64 oz. OF WATER A DAY (eight 8 oz. glasses) is the way to keep your body fabulously hydrated… all I have to do is fill my Klean Kanteen with filtered water 2.5 times in 24 hours & I’ve thoroughly watered myself for the day. Cheers to H20 & hydration!

*Peace, Love, & Klean Kanteens.*

- the wildflower.

** Succeeding the completion of this blog, an article was written by Yahoo! Green on September 2, 2009: “Is there plastic in your water bottle?” It named KLEAN KANTEEN as one of the 3 water bottles that are completely safe!