Hold On To That Summer "Glow" All Year Round With These Tips...

One of the things I love about living in Western New York is the change of seasons. I especially love the transition from Summer to Fall - the beautiful red and gold jewel tones that begin to appear in October and that crisp, almost "burnt" smell that perfumes the air. Oh, and pumpkins..and of course Halloween! 

The thing I don't like is that along with the cooler temps generally comes drier, duller complexions. 

Inspired by some posts I found on Aloha.com's Pinterest boards (their website is pretty awesome too!), I started thinking about ways to keep my skin from looking drab and blah during this time of year. 

Some of these tips are definitely not unique, and most (if not all) of you probably already do these, but hey, they work so this is what I've got. ;-)

1) Water with lemon everyday all day! We all know that water is important in keeping the skin hydrated, but adding fresh (no fake bottled stuff!) lemon to your daily H2O not only provides an extra boost of hydration, it also detoxifies your body (and thus skin - buh-bye breakouts!) and provides skin brightening vitamin C. I generally drink 2 liters of water with lemon a day at room temp. 

*bonus tip - Swap out plain water for mineral/sparkling water and add organic cucumber slices or berries of choice with lemon for an extra special (ie "fancy schmancy") mocktail!

2) Glow from the inside out - In keeping with the eating (and drinking) for beauty tips, making sure to supply your body with tons of skin beautifying nutrients is key in achieving a healthy, glowing complexion! A few of my fave beauty foods include dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds, avocados, berries and bananas, plant based proteins and raw cacao (umm hello, chocolate!). For some really mouth watering and uber healthy recipes, check out these from Aloha.com! I definitely want to try alllll of them! YUM-O!

3) Gentle exfoliation - To help keep skin smooth and bright, I love to use a non-abrasive, gentle exfoliant once or twice a week. My favorite right now is the Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub. I also like to dry brush my whole body before I jump in the shower. Doing this not only wakes me up and gets the blood circulating, but it also helps to keep my lymphatic system functioning properly and can reduce cellulite too! 

4) Sleep, sleep and more sleep! It's not called "beauty sleep" for nothing - while you are catching zzzz's, your body takes this time to repair itself, renewing skin cells and literally rejuvenating your skin. To make sure you get enough sleep, nix any caffeine before bedtime and try going to sleep at the same time each night!

5) Exercise - Any kind of movement that gets your heart pumping and the blood flowing will instantly make your skin look more radiant! As someone with back issues and a few other (sometimes) debilitating health problems, this can be a difficult thing to accomplish. But I find that even something as simple as lunges, stretches and squats can make a difference and I've been known to dance around the house to a few tunes too! However you prefer to get your fitness groove on, go for it! My personal fave total (or targeted) body workout (when feeling up to it) is this one here! 

6) Go for the bronze(er) - The quickest and easiest way to get your glow on is to "fake it"! A few strategically placed strokes of bronzer and a bit of highlighter and voila! Instant glow! Also, use a liquid or hydrating cream (my faves are this, this and this) rather than a powder foundation for a more dewey look, A swipe of gold or peachy-bronze lip gloss and you're good to go! 

7) Don't forget the sunscreen!!! You don't need to be a vampire and shun the sun completely, but if you're going to be out and about during the day, make sure to include some spf into your morning skincare routine. Seriously guys, I have been wearing sunscreen religiously since my teens and I swear it is at least one of the reasons why I don't look my age (44 going on 45 in Feb)! Look for non-toxic ones that offer broad spectrum protection. Some of my current faves are this one and this one. I also use make-up that contains UV protection like this or this.

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. A few of my fave glow inducing products! 

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. Elate Cosmetics shadow in "Ethereal" & Pacifica "Bronzing Body Butter"

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. "Tara California Bronzing Cream" by Delizioso Skincare

Bring that Summer glow into the Fall baby! 

What are some of your tips for keeping that glow all year round? I'd love to know! 

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

*post contains affiliate links. 

Guest Post: Healthy Alternatives to Toxic Cleaning Products

Hey guys! I have another guest post I'd like to share, this one focusing on "cleaning up" your cleaning products! I'm always looking for safer, more eco-friendly alternatives to contemporary cleaning products and this post that was submitted to TBE gives some great advice on how to get started! :-)

Enjoy!

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

We are all exposed to toxic chemicals every day not only when we are outside, but also indoors. That is why it is important to do everything possible to protect at least our homes from the dangerous impact of these toxins, since we spend such big part of our time there. Even simple things like cleaning and cooking can pollute the air and expose us and our families to toxins. When it comes to cleaning, however, we usually rely on strong detergents and various special disinfectants to get the job done. And even though those supplies can remove the grime, they can also leave unhealthy chemical residues behind.

A better solution is to find eco alternatives to those ordinary cleaning supplies. These "greener" products will still help you maintain every room of your place in good condition but will also preserve your health and the health of the other members of your family. It is important to do this, especially if you have little kids who are constantly crawling around, touching and playing with everything. Below are some measures you could take to make your home a safer place for you and your family:

·         Prepare you own eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaner – The shops certainly offer all kinds of effective all-purpose cleaners. The only problem is that they are filled with toxic chemicals, which could be very dangerous for you. There is a solution to this problem and that's a homemade all-purpose cleaner used by many companies like CityCleaners Croydon. The ingredients are simple – white vinegar, baking soda and water. You can put the special blend in a spray bottle and use it for the disinfection of all kinds of surfaces and places.

·         Use homemade air freshener – Cooking, dusting, vacuuming, all of those things could seriously pollute the air in your home. Good ventilation is certainly important but you can prepare your own chemical-free air freshener as well. You need several simple ingredients like distilled water, essential oils of your choosing and a little baking soda. This is an excellent recipe, which will give you a very effective product. Forget about the expensive store-bought air fresheners and enjoy your special toxic-free mix.

·         Cease the usage of chlorine bleach – Chlorine bleach is among the most dangerous cleaning products which a lot of people use in their homes anyway either for their laundry, for the disinfection of their toilets or other household tasks. Inhaling these toxins while cleaning is enough to endanger your health, so it's better to just stop using chlorine bleach altogether and replace it with chlorine-free products.

·         Make your own fabric softener – The laundry also needs your special cares, so instead of spending money for expensive fabric softeners every time, just start making your own. To make you will need one gallon of white vinegar and about 20 or 30 drops of your favourite essential oil. You can mix the ingredients together in a vessel and store your eco fabric softener in there. 1/3 cup will be more than enough for one load of laundry.

Those are only part of the many recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products you could try. Switching  to chemical-free cleaning supplies is without a doubt the best way to reduce the usage of toxic supplies for the disinfection of your home. So, don't hesitate any more and reorganise your bathroom and kitchen cabinets today! Collect all dangerous cleaning supplies and get rid of them. By doing that you won't be tempted to use them in the future and you will also free some space in your home for the new eco-friendly products you will be using later!

*Post was contributed to TBE as a guest post.

In Honor Of The 31 Days Of Halloween: Seven Things That Scare The Crap Out Of Me!

It's finally October! Yay!! I always get excited for this time of year - not just for the gorgeous Autumn color palette, but because hello, Halloween! For a nerd girl/horror geek like me, this is truly my favorite month! I love the costumes, decorations and treats, but most of all, I love watching all the scary movies that are on during this time!

So in honor of this "spookiest" time of the year, I thought I would list some of the things that scare the freaking crap out of me..because, you know..it's fun..

Testing out my "Scream Queen" chops...

Seven Things That Scare The Crap Out Of Me!

1) Clowns - I don't think I need to bother explaining this one...
(Nightmare fuel: Stephen King's "It", "Killer Klowns from Outer Space", "Clownhouse")


2) Spiders - The funny thing is, I used to love these little creepers, and I still admire the sheer artistry of their web making, but an "incident" during hide and seek when I was a kid one Summer literally changed how I feel about these creatures. Let's just say one of those really big outdoor suckers decided to climb up my bare leg and cause me to lose my sh*t (not literally thankfully)! The best part is that my parent's somehow thought that if I watched the movie "Arachnophobia" I would get over my fear. Thanks mom and dad, because of that movie I STILL check under the blankets before getting in bed, behind the toilet and never, ever close my eyes in the shower!
(Nightmare fuel: "Eight Legged Freaks", "Kingdom of the Spiders")


3) Zombies - I know they are make believe, but there is something so terrifying about dead people coming back to "life" and wanting to eat my brain or any part of me for that matter...I mean, do you really need to come back as a people eater? Why can't you just crave pizza or a burger like normal people? And don't get me started on the "fast zombies" - "28 Days Later", I'm looking at you. *shudder* Don't get me wrong, I still watch zombie movies and I loooove "The Walking Dead", but still, zombies = nightmares for me every freaking time.
(Nightmare fuel: anything with a zombie in it..except "Fido" and "Warm Bodies")


4) Werewolves - All I have to say is - "Dog Soldiers" and "The Howling"..'nuff said!


5) Creepy Porcelain Dolls/Ventriloquist Dummies - I don't think I need to explain this one either..
(Nightmare fuel: "Dolls", "Annabelle", "Dead Silence")


6) "The Gentlemen" - For those of you who are "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans, you know exactly what I am referring to. For those of you who don't, get on Netflix, go to season 4 of "BTVS" and look up the episode "Hush"...you're welcome.


7) Sharks - It's not just having seen "Jaws" when I was little that caused this fear. Look at any picture of a Great White opening it's mouth with all those teeth..yeeeaaahhh..that.
(Nightmare fuel: "Deep Blue Sea", "Jaws 2" and "Open Water" - which I refuse to watch!)


Now that I thoroughly freaked myself out, I'll be on my couch watching scary movies by myself, under a blanket with the lights off...

What are you afraid of? Sound off below and let me know! 

Peace and love,
Sabrina xo

Eco Home: The Best Plants To Improve The Air Quality Of Your Home

Hey guys! Today's post is all about greening up your home - literally. Plants not only make eye catching decor for your living areas, but they can also greatly improve the quality of air by removing health damaging toxins from your home!

The peeps over at ProFlowers break down which plants are best for improving your home's air quality and reducing your risk of exposure from toxins.  Read on to find out more! :-)

The Best Plants For Improving Air Quality

Have you ever stopped to think about the air you breathe in your home? While you may think it's clean, most households are actually filled with harmful chemicals like benzene, xylene and ammonia. 

Thankfully, it's easy to combat these chemicals with some simple cleaning and filling your home with safe products. In addition, indoor plants can serve as a helpful air purifier. 

After learning this, flower delivery company ProFlowers decided to investigate which indoor plants are truly the best at making the air we breathe better.

 See the full guide below or on their website—do you use any of these plants in your home?

Photo Credit

Do you use plants to purify your home? If so, which ones - any from this list? I have an English Ivy sitting on my home office desk and I can honestly say that it has definitely made a difference since my hubs placed it there! #plantpower

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

Five Blogs I Am Digging Right Now...

One of the things I spend quite a bit of time doing is reading other blogs. I find doing so is not only relaxing, but enlightening and inspiring as well. And I'll be honest, I read a LOT of blogs and my tastes are kind of all over the place. Sometimes I want to be educated, other times I just want to be entertained or uplifted. But whatever my current mood, I definitely have a large enough reading pool to choose from! The truth is that there are just so many talented writers and so many interesting and informative blogs out there that it can be hard to keep up with them all!

So, to help narrow things down a bit, I want to share a few that I have been enjoying for a while and that may or may not have made it on your reading list (but definitely should!):

1) The Skinny Confidential - Run by the absolutely gorgeous sweet and down to earth (not to mention funny and REAL) Lauryn Evarts, this blog is a must read! Lauryn covers everything from healthy whole foods recipes to fitness to decor and fashion to just everyday life! There is never a dull post written by her and I constantly find myself being inspired by her. She also offers a kick ass fitness and nutrition plan (get the deets here)!

2) Empowered Sustenance - I have learned soooo much about certain health issues that have been plaguing me from following this blog. Lauren Geertsen is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who has written e-books on finding relief from acne and PMS, as well as offering various resources and grain free recipes for a healthier life.

3) Organic Bunny - I adore Amanda and have loved every post she has written. She proves that you can still look as glam and fab using all natural, green beauty products as you can with mainstream brands!

4) Eco-Chick - If you are looking for a blog that covers eco-friendly fashion, beauty, travel and all around eco life-style, this is the one for you!

5) The Balanced Blonde - Former vegan, but currently living a more "balanced" lifestyle, Jordan Younger shares her passion for all things health, wellness, fashion, beauty and just her day to day experiences. She also has lots of delish recipes, as well as her own apparel line!


Well, there you have it - my current fab five! Since I am always researching and looking for new reading material to inspire and motivate me, I'm sure I'll have more to add to my list in the near future!

To check out more of my favorite blogs go here (this isn't all of them by any means, I'd need a second page lol).


What are some of your favorite blogs? Have you or will you be checking any of the ones above out? Let me know! 

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

Zensational Organics Review & Giveaway! ~CLOSED~

Zensational Organics is a natural skincare brand that creates products with the best organic ingredients, infused with Colloidal Silver and balanced with the spirit of Zen. 

Their calming and soothing products have been developed over years of study of natural healing, organic elements and a holistic approach to the Natural Mind, Body and Soul.

I love discovering new natural brands and when Zensational Organics contacted me to see if I would be interested in not only reviewing some of their products, but giving one of their best selling products away (details to follow at the end of this post), I couldn't say no! 

The genius behind the brand, Annie Berry

The founder and product creator of Zensational Organics is Annie Berry, who had developed a passion for healthy living upon realizing how many harmful chemicals were in many bath and skincare products. She began reading labels and learning about ingredients. From there she started taking courses in Reiki (and became a Reiki Master) as well as Yuen (her favorite being Quantum Touch). 

Using her kitchen as her "laboratory" and she the "mad scientist", Annie began creating her own products. She was determined to come up with an awesome body lotion that would keep skin moisturized for longer than an hour. She also had rosacea that she needed to address and thus "Whippity Bobbidy Boo" Body Lotion and "Rescue Lotion" were born.

I had the privilege of trying the "Whippity Bobbidy Boo" moisturizer among other of their products and today I want to share my thoughts! :-)

1) Bath/Spa Teas - As unique as they sound, these large tea bags are filled with healing salts (Himalayan and Dead Sea), essential oils, herbs and flowers like Clove Oil, Orange Oil, Lavender, Chamomile, and Calendula that all work together to make bath time an even more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Choose from "Nirvana", "Ah-Mazing" or "Spicy Fantasy" - they all smell delish and I don't know which is my favorite!

Price - $4 (or $11.25 for set of all 3)
Ingredients -  varies

2) Whippity Bobbidy Boo - This rich, decadent moisturizer is perfect for the impending Fall weather! With super hydrating ingredients like Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut and Organic Sweet Almond Oil, skin will stay soft and silky all day! The light lavender scent is quite lovely too! This will definitely be a staple in my Fall/Winter skincare regimen - especially for hands and feet!

Price - $12
Ingredients - Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Lavender Essential Oil

3) Calendula Citrus Soap - Energizing citrus scent paired with moisturizing organic oils wakes you up while leaving skin clean and super soft. I love how well it lathers, yet isn't the least bit drying. Great to use for shaving too!

Price - $10
Ingredients - Saponified Organic Oils of: Calendula infused Olea Europaea (Olive Oil), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Elaeis Guineenis (Palm Kernal Oil), Persia Gratissima (Avocado Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter Fruit), Hydrogenated Avocado Oil (Avocado Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Seed Oil), Organic Calendula Petals. Organic Essential Oils of: Lime, Orange, Lemongrass and Tea Tree.

4) "Quit Buggin Me" Insect Repellent - I have to be honest, I really didn't go anywhere this Summer where I needed to use a bug spray. That being said, however, this is something I would definitely want to keep on hand during this time of year, and especially if I were to go hiking or camping!

Price - $12
Ingredients - Distilled Water, Organic Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Argentums Metallicum (Colloidal Silver), Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed Oil), Organic Vegetable Glycerin. Essential Oils of: Citronella, Lemon Grass, Cat Nip, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cinnamon and Lavender

5) Rescue Lip Balm (not shown) - I loved this lip balm so much that I used it up before I even got around to taking pictures for this post! Whoops! With ingredients like Organic Bees Wax, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, this lip balm was highly moisturizing, but it was the orange citrus flavor that made this so irresistible to me! Definitely one of my absolute favorite lip products of all time and I am sad that it's gone! :-(  $6


My overall thoughts: It's clear that a lot of love, care and attention to ingredients went into each of these products and it's hard to decide which was my favorite as they are all beautifully formulated. But not only are these products truly a joy to use, they are quite affordable as well!


Now, as promised, it is giveaway time! Zensational Organics is kindly giving away a full sized jar of their uber popular "Whippity Boppidy Boo" moisturizer to one lucky reader! To enter, just click on the link below and follow the instructions. Giveaway is open to US peeps only and winner will be announced here and on my social media sites on 9/10.

Good luck! :-)


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Peace & Love,
Sabrina xo

Inspired By Hollywood: Airelle Skincare

*PR Samples

 I'm always on the look out for natural products that are not only great for acne prone skin, but that contain ingredients to keep skin looking young and firm as possible. In Hollywood, these are things that many actors and performers search for as well. The pressure to have perfect, youthful skin is even higher now for them, especially due to certain technological advancements that have recently been made in the film world.

The transition to HD cameras not only brought a more vivid clarity to the images they captured, but also various imperfections on the skin of many actors, resulting in more time being spent in the make-up artist's chair. This revelation led Stephen D'Amato, a Prime-Time TV First Assistant Director, to seek a solution from his Dermatologist wife, Kasey Drapeau D'Amato.

Together, they searched the globe to find the most effective and innovative natural ingredients. They needed to create products that would deliver immediate, noticeable and lasting results, as Hollywood actors often have extremely hectic schedules and they rely on skin care products more so than in office procedures to look their best.

Thus, Airelle Skincare was born. 

Formulated with Berrimatrix, a proprietary ingredient developed by Airelle containing blueberry extract and other anti-oxidants, these products work to protect the skin from collagen breakdown as well as photo-aging.

When Airelle contacted me to try a few of their products I was of course beyond thrilled! All of their products are free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, GMO's, are cruelty free, eco-friendly and made in the USA. They are also great for sensitive and acne prone skin, as well as containing potent anti-aging ingredients!

Here is what I tried and my thoughts on each product:

1) Exfoliating Cleanser -  Containing Bambo microbeads to exfoliate and Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid to brighten and smooth, this non-abrasive cleanser is basically a cleanser and facial scrub in one. While this was a little too strong for me to use on my sensitive skin daily, on the days that I did use this, I noticed that my skin was left nice and soft and any dry or rough patches were gone. I also noticed my skin didn't break out as much and the redness on my upper cheeks had pretty much faded as well. I think this is a great exfoliant and is probably one of my favorites ever!

Benefits:

• Removes impurities and dead skin cells and helps brighten skin
• Gently exfoliates with natural, biodegradable Bamboo microbeads
• Prepares skin to absorb antioxidants and nutrients
• Leaves skin clean, smooth and refreshed

Price - $64 for 4oz
Ingredients - see here

2) Age Defying Serum - This serum is definitely the "star" item in the collection in my opinion. Like all of the products, this contains Berrimatrix, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamin C and Manuka Honey. A few drops of this lightweight serum is all you need to cover face, neck and decollete, and skin is left hydrated and supple all day. I noticed after using this for a few weeks that my skin seemed to look brighter, less red with fewer breakouts and more firm. It's a bit on the pricey side, but if you can afford it, it is definitely worth the splurge!

Benefits:

• 16% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after only 28 days; 27% reduction after 56 days
• Vitamin C brightens skin and decreases the signs of damaged and aging skin
• Peptides reduce the appearance of wrinkles and create noticeably smoother skin
• Grass seed extract reduces facial shine and oil production

Price - $158 for .85fl
Ingredients - see here

3) Intense Hydrating Repair Complex - My other favorite is this silky light moisturizer containing Hyaluronic Acid, Acai Berry, Manuka Honey and Squalane, among other fab ingredients! This is the perfect counterpoint to the Age Defying Serum and using the two together seemed to achieve even greater results in my skin!

Benefits:

• Rescue treatment for damaged and aging skin
• Vitamin E helps condition and hydrate the skin barrier
• Enhances skin firmness and elasticity
• Improves overall skin texture with a unique combination of antioxidants and botanicals
• Unique combination of ingredients help reduce MMP-1 production and prevent collagen breakdown

Price - $116 for 1.7oz
Ingredients - see here

4) Hydrating Manuka Mask - This is a lovely, super hydrating mask that is great for parched or reactive skin. I actually loved to use this as my morning cleanser on days when I wasn't using the Exfoliating Cleanser. My skin felt so calm and soft and dewy afterwards. 

Benefits:

• Antioxidant rich therapeutic mask
• Vitamin B to soften, smooth and condition the skin
• Manuka Honey soothes the skin
• Leaves skin clean, nourished and hydrated

Price - $90 for 2oz

Ingredients - see here

My overall thoughts: Even though the price tags may seem a bit scary, if you are looking for a truly effective skincare line that is natural and non-toxic, and it is in your budget, this is definitely one to try! They do offer a travel kit for under $50, so for those who might not be able to afford the full sized products you can still try them out. And don't let the size of the samples fool you - you will still get amazing and noticeable results and these will last you quite awhile as you only need the smallest amount!

The Arielle line may have been developed for improving Hollywood faces, but it works great for everyone else too!


Have you ever tried Airelle Skincare? What are your thoughts? Let me know below!

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xo

*Products were sent to me for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Eco Home - Remove Toxins & Odors With Buddha Fresh Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier!

Hey guys! I know I feature a lot (like A LOT) of natural skincare and make-up products here on my blog, and as much as I enjoy and love sharing that with you, I also want to start featuring some green and eco-friendly home products as well!

Over the years since going green, my hubs and I have worked hard to remove as many toxins from our lives as possible. Cleaning up our grooming products and diets were the easy part. Finding truly clean (and affordable of course...we're kind of budget restricted at the moment) household products, particularly air fresheners (oh, my fave brand why do you have to be so toxic!?!) have been a wee bit of a challenge.

So, I was pretty stoked to hear about an upcoming product called "Buddha Fresh", an eco-friendly air freshener that is made out of 100% natural Bamboo charcoal! 

Photo Courtesy of Buddha Fresh

This natural alternative to chemical air fresheners not only takes care of odors you don't want, but it is biodegradable, non-toxic and lasts up to two years! Oh, and it's pretty affordable too! Sweeeeet!!

Read on to find out more....

"It all started when we were traveling through South East Asia. We instantly fell in love with the culture and how laid back all the people were. One of the most interesting things we discovered was how resourceful everyone was and that they had natural remedies and solutions for pretty much any everyday problem. One thing that we kept seeing being used everywhere, which they’re fortunate to have plenty of in South East Asia, was Bamboo. It is one of the most self sustaining and fastest growing plants on the planet and it is used for many things such as building materials, clothes, and even soap! 

That's how we discovered Bamboo Charcoal and how it was a natural way to absorb odors and prevent mold and mildew. It’s also chemical free and non-toxic. We knew right then that we had to try some and were absolutely amazed at how well it worked. Most air fresheners we all use today release dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems and only mask the odors instead of eliminating them. We couldn't wait to introduce it to our friends." ~The Buddha Fresh Family

So, what makes this product so awesome and why do I (and you) need it? Let's break it down:

• Eco-friendly  - Buddha Fresh bags are made up of all natural bamboo charcoal (the actual bag is made from Jute fibers) and are 100% recyclable.

• Eliminates Odors - Bamboo charcoal actually absorbs and eliminates unwanted odors rather than masking bad smells with sprays that emit harmful chemicals and toxins.

• Made for an Active Lifestyle - Buddha Fresh bags are great for yoga studios or your gym bag.

More uses are demonstrated here:

Photo courtesy of Buddha Fresh

There is also this lovely little infographic comparing Buddha Fresh to conventional air fresheners..

Photo courtesy of Buddha Fresh

You can find out more about this product by going here and following them on Facebook and
Instagram.


What are your thoughts on Buddha Fresh? What is your favorite non-toxic air purifier?


Peace & love,
Sabrina xo

Guest Post - Five Tips To Get Fit & Be Healthy Without Going To A Gym Or Giving Up Your Indulgences!

Hey guys! Today, I want to share another guest post with you. This one focuses on healthy living and a few ways to get fit without a gym membership or strict dieting! While I know that we Americans can't always walk to work (depending on where we live) or have quick access to the countryside (though that would be heaven for me!), these are still some great tips for busy peeps or for anyone who just wants to recharge a bit and be healthier (I for one definitely need to implement #4 into my life!!).



Peace & Love,
~Sabrina xo

Guest Post: Five Tips To Get Fit & Be Healthy Without Going To A Gym Or Giving Up Your Indulgences!

Do you like sweating in the gym and running for miles every day, or are you more into a pint of beer, burger, fries, pizza, and a cuban cigar from time to time? Eating tasty food while watching tv sounds good, but you’re not happy about the fact that all those pleasures have become visible around your waist? There’s no reason to despair because, whether you believe it or not, there is a way out of that vicious cycle. Check out these 5 suggestions on how to be healthy even when you’re not ready to give up all of your “sweet sins”:

1.       Eat, drink, and work while walking

Well, yes, it’s not really possible to walk with a computer in your hands, but even when your work requires being around a PC all the time, you can steal a moment or two to stretch your legs. Take a short break from work and get up every half an hour or so in order to improve your circulation. Instead of having your lunch in the restaurant, simply eat and walk.  Apart from saving you time, this idea is a great way to get rid of unwanted kilograms, since some studies showed that people who walk while eating are less susceptible to obesity.

2.       Walk with ankle weights

Although this may look like a scene from the life of a prisoner, you’ll be surprised how fast this method melts excess fat and burns calories. Every walk (or biking ) performed with ankle weights is equivalent to doing it 5 minutes more, which is why you’ll lose the weight faster. This will save you time as well because you will be working out while going to and from work without spending more time at the gym.

3.       Eat quality food

You don’t have to become a healthy food fanatic, but eating a burger and a fries every day is one of the worst things you can do to your body. There is a good reason it is called junk food, you know.  Instead, opt for a week in the countryside and you’ll see a fast improvement. A diet of fresh milk and cheese (for those that can't tolerate cow's milk, try goat's milk - it's a bit easier on the digestion than cow's milk and has many health benefits), organic meats and vegetables coming straight from the garden or Farmer's Market will do wonders for your digestion and weight. 

4.       Save a half an hour for mental rest

In the modern era in which we live, a number of people gain weight because of stress and lack of sleep. If you think your team’s debacle is worth your eaten nails – think again. You will not be rewarded for worrying, but your stomach and nerves will never forget all those hours you spent eating your heart out. Take some time off here and there, and allow yourself at least half an hour of peace and quiet every day – you will feel much better.

5.       Drink more tea

Teas are  real miracle workers for your health – nettle, mint, marigold, cranberry, aronia (kind of chokeberry), they all taste good and have great benefits as well. Mix them with raw honey and a teaspoon of propolis, and you will boost your immune system in no time!

It is fascinating just how some of these forgotten or lesser known plants can be easily rediscovered. Another great example is nigella sativa, also known as black cumin. This magnificent plant is under research for its healing potential to fight cancer or metabolic syndrome. Perhaps, the future of modern medicine can be found all around us - in nature. Make plants a significant part of your life and forget about illnesses!

These simple changes are just some of the ways that you can still enjoy all the things you like, be in great shape and stay healthy. :-)


About the Author:

Daniel Rogers, a freelance writer originally from Poland, feels inspired while thinking about ways to enrich his life with healthy habits. He has been writing short stories as long as he can remember. Recently, he has decided to redirect his passion into a job and he didn't regret it. If you find his pieces interesting you can follow him on Facebook.

Maple Holistics Shampoo & Conditioner Review + A Give Away! ~CLOSED~

Trying to find a natural shampoo and conditioner that not only works well for my color treated hair, but that is also affordable has more often than not proven to be quite a challenge. Usually the ones that work best are way out of my price range and the ones I can afford leave my hair feeling dry or greasy. Overall, it's been frustrating to say the least!

When Maple Holistics reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying out some of their products, I happily agreed.

*PR Samples. Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

Maple Holistics has one goal in mind - to provide natural, high quality products that will enhance hygiene, health and daily living. They develop and manufacture all of their own products, utilizing a holistic approach to ensure each and every product delivers the most therapeutic benefits.

All of their products are made in the US, are cruelty free, Paraben free, and vegan friendly. Their shampoos and conditioners are Sulfate and Silicone free and are safe for color treated hair.

I was sent their Winter Blend Shampoo and Conditioner to try and here are my thoughts:

1) Winter Blend Shampoo - Even though this was created for the Winter season, this shampoo will work wonders all year round. Containing five different mint varieties including Wild Mint, Bergamot Mint, Spearmint, Peppermint and Eucalyptus Mint, as well as Botanical Keratin and Jojoba Oil, this shampoo will leave your scalp feeling cool and refreshed and your hair soft and shiny. I found that I only needed a small amount of product - maybe a quarter size - and this lathered up really well. And it rinses clean without leaving my hair feeling dry. My hair smelled minty fresh and stayed clean for days before I needed to wash again (I generally go 2-3 days, but with this can stretch it to 4)!

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

2) Winter Blend Conditioner - Combining 18 different silk amino acids, as well as the same mint blend as the shampoo, this silky, rich conditioner keeps hair soft and tangle free without leaving a greasy film that some moisturizing conditioners can leave. Like the shampoo, I only needed a small amount for my long hair to achieve super conditioned locks! Again, the scent is pleasing, uplifting and lasting!

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

I would definitely repurchase these when I run out and would love to try some of their other shampoos and conditioners as well!

You can purchase both here on their Amazon store.

Maple Holistics is also hosting a #summerofgiveaways campaign and will be giving away a set of their Argan Oil Shampoo and Silk 18 Conditioner to one lucky winner! To enter, just follow the instructions below. Winner will be announced on August 17th. Contest is open internationally. Good luck to all who enter! :-D


Peace & Love,
Sabrina xx


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****Congrats to Danielle Floyd for being selected as the winner of this giveaway! And thank you to all who entered!!*******


*Products were sent to me for review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own

PiperWai Deodorant - My New Favorite Natural Deodorant!

Since switching to natural deodorants, I've had a somewhat hard time finding one that truly holds up, that doesn't stain my underarms or my clothes, doesn't smell weird and above all, doesn't leave me a sweaty, smelly mess when it's hot/humid out or after working out.

Enter PiperWai Natural Deodorant! What makes this deodorant different than others I have tried is that it is the first creme deodorant to use Activated Charcoal, which absorbs 1,000x its weight in moisture, ensuring there will be no more sweat stains on your clothes! WOOT! It also contains ph-balancing Magnesium Hydroxide (aka Milk of Magnesia) as well as anti-microbial essential oils to help keep odor causing bacteria at bay. If that's not enough to just make you swoon over this, then how about skin conditioning ingredients like Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and pure Vitamin E oil?

*PR Sample. Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

 So, how did this "miracle stink stopper in a jar" come to be? Here's the 411...

After having had enough of toxic conventional deodorants, co-founder Jess decided to create her own. Once she finally decided on a formula she liked, she had her life long friend and co-founder Sarah test it out. Using humid South America as a testing place, they found that this deodorant held up like a champ! Thus, PiperWai was born!

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

My experience with PiperWai:

I started using this deodorant right when the Summer weather shifted from cool and rainy to hot, humid and 90 degrees (gotta love good old Western NY!). The first thing I noticed was the clean, fresh scent. The second thing I noticed was how moisturizing it was when I applied it and that it rubbed in clear despite the dark grey color. It also did not irritate my skin, even after shaving!

Finally, and happily, I noticed that I still smelled fresh at the end of the day and even into the next morning - even after working out! Also, my underarms and my clothes stayed dry no matter how bad the heat!

I'm so excited to have finally found a natural deodorant that works as well, if not better, as the toxic conventional brands!

Price - $11.99
Ingredients - Cassava (Tapioca) Starch, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Magnesium Hydroxide, Butryospermum parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Rosewater, Witch Hazel, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Bicarbonate, Activated Carbon (Charcoal), Proprietary Blend of 11 Essential Oils

You can purchase PiperWai Deodorant here. 



Have you ever tried PiperWai Deodorant? What are your thoughts? Let me know below!


Peace & Love,
Sabrina xo

*Product was generously sent to me for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
**Post contains Affiliate Links

Flower Power - Siddha Flower Essences Review + A Giveaway! ~CLOSED~

I've mentioned a few times that I have been dealing with some health problems (and I hope to do a full post on that at some time in the future), so I am always looking for and researching natural ways to alleviate whatever is ailing me. Even if I was all for modern medical remedies, I'm one of those people who just reacts badly for the most part to chemical drugs. So, to avoid experiencing worse issues from medicine side effects, I prefer to go the holistic route.

When Siddha Flower Essences contacted me to try out some of their products, and after browsing their website, I was only too happy to oblige! These homeopathic remedies are energy based and work to balance out your body's natural electromagnetic fields so that your nervous system can operate more efficiently which will help you to experience better overall wellness. To get the more "science-y" explanation, go here.

*PR Samples. Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic

Siddha Product Philosophy:

"According to Chinese Medicine, there are both internal and external causes of disease. The external causes include: trauma, infection, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle choices, a harsh working or living environment to name a few.

We also have internal causes of disease and it is said that when it comes to maintaining your longevity, addressing the internal factors is even more important than addressing the external factors.  In this context, longevity is not how long you live…it is how long you maintain your youthfulness.

The internal causes of disease are sometimes know as the 5 Thieves because they rob us of our energy and our youth.  These 5 Thieves are: anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, and over-stimulation. Included are all of the variations of these five which means any afflictive emotion that accumulates within the nervous system and degrades organ function over time.

Siddha Flower Essences are here to help you resolve the internal causes of disease. This is how flower essences and homeopathics work. By resolving stress in the nervous system the body has a better change to heal itself on all levels."

Since anxiety, stress, and sadness/depression are issues I deal with constantly, it's easy to see why I was so interested in trying these products out!

Here is what I selected to try:

1) Muscles & Joints - Originally developed for martial arts to enhance athletic flow, this remedy is the one that I use the most and have noticed the most benefit from. I struggle continually with back issues and now that I am making more of an effort to work out and be more active, this has been my constant companion to ease any muscle pain. I also like to use this when I am sitting at my computer for long periods to alleviate any stiffness. Since this product wakes up the body's "inner doctor" and encourages movement, it is stressed that this is not to be taken if you live a sedentary lifestyle, as doing so can cause the body minor anxiety. This can be used internally as well as externally.

Temporarily relieves symptoms of:

•  Pains in back or extremities

•  Inflammation of joints

•  Swelling around tendons and joints

•  Pain in limbs

Price - $21.95
Active Ingredients - see here
Inactive Ingredients - Comfrey*, Dandelion*, Four Leaf Clover*, Natural Flavor, Pear*, Polylysine, Purified and Structured Water, Red Ginger*, Rose of Sharon*, Scarlet Fritillary*, Sour Grass*, Strawberry*

*flower essence

2) Emotional Detox - Everyone has those days when you just wish you could hit the "reset" button and recharge yourself. This is the perfect product to help your body do that. To be taken before bed, this helps to "erase" the emotional charge of the previous day and help you wake up feeling more refreshed and less stressed. This contains California Poppy, which is a natural sleep aid and helps to reduce stress and anxiety and won't cause dependency. This was another favorite and one I will probably repurchase once I run out!

Temporarily relieves symptoms of:

• Melancholy

• Irritability

• Lethargy

• Mental fatigue

• Worry

• Physical, mental or emotional shock

Price - $21.95

Active Ingredients - see here

Inactive Ingredients - Avocado*, California Poppy*, Cedar*, Cereus Jusberti*, Dutchman’s Breeches*, Figwort*, Flame of the Forest*, Garlic*, Jacob’s Ladder*, Lily of the Valley*, Natural Flavor, Polylysine, Purified and Structured Water, Swamp Onion*, Wintergreen*

* flower essence

3) Heart - Created for heavy intellectuals who are "too much in their head and not enough in their heart", this product helps to bring balance to the heart, and create a sense of relaxation and openness in the mind. This has been helping me deal with some anxiety and heartache over the past few weeks.

Temporarily relieves symptoms of:

• Anxiety in heart

• Indecision

• Melancholy

• Uncertainty about ambitions

• Soft pulse

• Weakness of will

Price - $21.95
Active Ingredients - see here
Inactive Ingredients - Bleeding Heart*, Milkmaids*, Natural Flavor, Phlox*, Pink Powder Puff*, Polylysine, Purified and Structured Water, Quinoa*, Rhubarb*, Rosa Castilian*, Rosa Macrophylla*, Rosa Primula*, Silversword*, Washington Lily*, Yellow Star Thistle*

*flower essence

4) Youthful Skin - One of the annoying things plaguing me lately has been a hormone imbalance (thankfully not menopause related..hopefully I won't be dealing with that for awhile!), and my poor skin has been taking a beating because of it! With ingredients like Calendula, Aloe Vera and Jojoba, Youthful Skin is a wonderful remedy that helps to speed the healing of any breakouts and soothe any itching or irritation. I love to use this as my morning facial mist and throughout the day as needed.

Temporarily relieves symptoms of:

•  Unhealthy looking skin

•  Mild acne and pimples

•  Dry skin

•  Scars

•  Itchy skin

•  Eczema

Price - $21.95
Active Ingredients - see here
Inactive Ingredients - Purified and Structured Water, Natural Flavor, Polylysine, Aloe Eru*, Aloe Vera*, Cacao*, Calendula*, Comfrey*, Dandelion*, Fireweed*, Horsetail*, Jojoba*, Lotus*, Luffa*, Orange*, Petunia*, Spice Bush*, Sunflower*, Sycamore*


For some tips on how to achieve the best results from Siddha's products, go here. 

Now, for the best part! Siddha Flower Essences would like to give away 3 products to one lucky reader! All you have to do to enter is to list in the comments section below which 3 products you would like to try and why. A winner will be chosen randomly on August 14th. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Good luck! :-)

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xo

*Products were generously provided for a review, as usual, all thoughts, experiences, opinions are my own.