Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Product Review: Death By Lavender Deodorant

Let me preface this by saying I'm not someone who sweats a lot or often. So I don't have a need for a strong deodorant. I first learned about the dangers of toxins in deodorants late last year from a video by Eco-Vegan Gal's Whitney Lauritsen. Here is an in depth article from Natural Cosmetic News. After the new year I decided to go ahead purchase a deodorant Whitney mentioned in her video called Death By Lavender All Natural Deodorant by North Coast Organics.

Growing up my mother had these spa neck wrap things that were filled with lavender. I couldn't stand the sent of lavender in fact it made me nauseated. That being said I can't actually smell the lavender. What I smell must the rosemary & cypress. (I've never been good at identifying or describing scents). My cousin smelt the deodorant and said it was too "woodsy" for her. I personally love that about this deodorant.



Here is what the deodorant label says
"Death will kill [odor] for you. She relishes snuffing odor out. She bares her true face for it puts odor on notice. Death is a cocky elite assassin that will never miss her target. She is unlike any other deodorant you will meet because Death actually works and uses only natural ingredients.

This all natural deodorant only contains Coconut Oil* Carnauba Wax* Cornstarch* Baking Soda, & Lavender* Lemon* Rosemary* Cypress*
*Certified Organic
This deodorant DOES NOT contain Aluminum Parabens and is BPA free.

This Certified Organic, Certified Vegan & Certified Cruelty Free deodorant comes in 3 scents.

Naked
Death By Lavender - for women
Revolver - for men


Check out North Coast Organics & try some of this killer deodorant for yourself.

Monday, March 24, 2014

March 2014 Vegan Conscious Box

Conscious Box is an all natural, eco-friendly monthly subscription service.
“Conscious Box helps you discover healthier choices. Our personalized subscription service lets you sample the best natural, non-GMO products, every month. Find something you like? Pick up full-size favorites at deep discounts. It’s that simple. Conscious Box makes living healthy easier than ever.

We Read The Labels
We sort through hundreds of natural goods like snacks, beauty and cleaning products and pick only the best. Every product must meet our standards. That means all natural ingredients and zero GMOs. We always aim to support sustainable, fair trade businesses.”

There’s also a rating system where you earn 10 points per item you rate/review. 100 points = 1 dollar towards a full sized item in their market place. Since this is my first box I have not had any experience with the rating system or marketplace.
There are 3 different boxes to choose from:

  • Vegan
  • Classic
  • Gluten Free
Each box comes with 10 - 20 sample products
There are 4 different subscription plans:
  • Monthly - $19.95
  • 3 Months - $18.95 Save $3
  • 6 Months - $17.95 Save $12
  • 12 Months - $16.95 Save $36
(All 4 plans include free shipping)



Traditional Medicinals Relaxation Teas Traditional Medicinals
Get a good night's sleep without the pills - try an all natural tea instead.
I received the 'Organic Nighty Night' tea. I'm not a tea drinker but who knows maybe some day I'll bite the bullet and start drinking tea.

Via Nature Sensitive Care Lotion Via Nature
Argan oil makes this lotion a great daily morning moisturizer for smooth, clear skin.
I received this in my last months box and loved it.

Via Nature Hydrating Lotion Via Nature
Full of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids, this lotion hydrates, tones and smooths skin.
I also received this lotion in last months box. Again I loved it.


Mighty Leaf Herbal Tea Mighty Leaf Tea Company
Relax and experience a mug of bliss with these soothing artisan whole leaf teas from Mighty Leaf!
I received these last month as well. This time I received Organic African Nectar, Organic Mint Melange, and Chamomile Citrus. Like I said I don't drink tea.

Vintage Italia Pasta Chips Pasta Chips
Made with Semolina, these tasty snacks are baked and come in 5 authentic flavors.
I received these in the flavor Sea Salt. I've had these before in this flavor as well as the flavor Marinara. They are amazing and I love them.

Derma E Soothing Anti-aging Trifecta
This natural anti-aging product line helps reduce redness and fine lines while soothing and hydrating your delicate skin.
I received this in last months box as well. Wasn't thrilled with seeing it then so I'm not thrilled with seeing it now. However, I read somewhere that we begin to age in our 20s, although I'm not sure how true that is. Never the less I will use it just in case it is true.


Vibrant Health Field of Greens
More than just wheatgrass, this mix has the power of kale, spinach and other greens to help detoxify and energize you.
Another product I received in last months box. Haven't tried this yet, it intimidates me.



AloeVella Wrinkless Cream
This unique cream has winter cherry, an adaptogenic herb that goes deep to restore your skin.
I received this in last months box and have not used that sample yet.



Smock Paper Stationary Smock Stationary
What makes this beautiful stationary so unique? It's sustainably pressed on bamboo paper.
I received a single card. This card is elegant looking yet simple. Very nice

Bonelli Fine Foods Simply Sesame Spread Bonelli Fine Foods
Slather this tasty, antioxidant - rich spread on your morning toast, use it as a fruit dip, or even cake frosting.
I received a sample in Vanilla with Almond Bits. Its nutty and sweet, its delicious!

Crystal Deodorant Towelettes Crystal Deodorant
Throw a pack of these handy, unscented wipes in your gym bag or purse for freshness on the go.
I currently do not need an on the go deodorant wipes but who knows maybe the weather will start to warm up enough to where I might need them.

I also received a 20%  coupon for Mineral Hygienics makeup. I haven't decided if I'm going to use this or not.

My Overall opinion of March 2014 Vegan Conscious Box is that I'm not impressed & not happy with as many repeats as there are. I loved the Sesame Spread, can't complain about the Pasta Chips & the card is nice.
If you would like to sign up for a monthly subscription of Natural goodies click this link Conscious Box

Here is the link to my previous Conscious Box review on Tumblr
February 2014 Vegan Counscious Box





A Brief Story of How I Decided to Go Green

This blog is pretty self explanatory. When I was still a pre-teen I decided to be vegetarian for the simple reason that meat grossed me out. I was also pretty paranoid about getting a food born illness.
 In 2008 I became sick for an unknown reason and no matter what I ate I would become sick to my stomach. It didn't matter the time of day nor what I ate, I could count on vomiting not long after. It got so bad that I was hospitalized that October, having lost 36 lbs. I don't weigh much to begin with. They couldn't find anything wrong with me and chalked it up to it being all in my head & me having an eating disorder. Needless to say I was pissed. I was sent home with some anti-nausea pills and they left it at that.

Over time I've learned to listen to my body noting which foods make me sick and which foods don't. However that really doesn't matter since my stomach is so messed up, some days I can eat something specific and others that specific food makes me sick. Also in 2008 I became severely depressed at this point I wasn't eating much to begin with but due to my depression I lost any appetite I had left. I only ate when I had hunger pains and the food I ate was fast food & processed junk. Fast forward to 2013 I was diagnosed with gallstones. I had to have my gallbladder removed the day before my 21st birthday. As a result of this surgery I started to look into healthier ways of living. It started with Organic food & then it became Vegan food.

On October 20, 2013 I stopped eating McDonald's, all fast food since March 17, 2014 (I was doing great with this until pizza was ordered & I caved). I cut out soda on March 10, 2014. I still eat processed food. However, since the fall of 2013 I've done quite a bit of research on healthy living. I went from wanting to cut out meat because it grossed me out to finding out about just how bad EVERYTHING on a standard supermarket shelf was. I've learned about the toxins in our food, clothing, cleaning & beauty products. I've learned about the environmental damage that's done to bring these products to consumers. The cruelty to animals to test the products & workers who work in the factories.

I don't know everything there is to know about the eco/green lifestyle nor am I an expert. I'm simply starting this blog to record my journey to going green & I hope to inspire others to join me.