Rules for Buying Lotion, Soap, and Shampoo

This in an interesting article I found about a possible link between cosmetics and breast cancer. It is a little far fetched...it is not proven that certain products cause cancer, but it is apparently best to avoid these products so that it does not contribute.


It is safe to say that buying organic products, free of harmful chemicals, is the safest way to go. Not only is it good for the environment to buy products that do not have harmful chemicals, but it is also good for our personal health.

I will give you a quick rule of thumb (based on the MSN article) for buying cosmetic products such as shampoo, lotions, and soap. Remember that "organic" can sometimes be a marketing a ploy, so be sure to check the ingredients!

Shampoo: Stay away from products that contain "methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, or isobutylparaben, and opt instead for paraben-free alternatives".

Soap: Avoid liquid soap that contains triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used in many antibacterial products that has been linked to hormone disruption in animals. Just FYI, it is also uncertain whether antibacterial soaps are any more effective than regular soaps.

Lotion: Look for lotions labeled phthalate-free, or opt for those that don't list fragrance as an ingredient.

Green Newsletter and Book Worth Reading

I'm sure all of you have seen Seventh Generation products around, but many of you may not know that Seventh Generation was actually one of the first "socially responsible" companies. I absolutely love their products. I swear by there dish soap in Lavendar and Mint. It smells so good AND it is enironmentally friendly!

Long story short, I subscribe to the Seventh Generation E-Newsletter. They send it out monthly and it is always full of fabulous information.

This month, the newsletter contained an article about a new book called "Go Green, Get Lean". The title appealed to me....LEAN AND GREEN! Two things I strive to be!

So check the book out at Amazon.com. Don't forget to buy it used....Reduce, REUSE, Recycle!!!

And check out Sevneth Generation to sign up for their newsletter. It it worth it!

My 5 Energy Saving Tips for the Summer

Hello Friends!

Recently, San Antonio has been stuck in a weather rut. The city has been in triple digit weather consistently for the past couple weeks. I know it is just as hot in other cities around the country, so I thought I would pass on some of my energy saving tips for the summer.

My Top 5 Summer Energy Saving Tips:
1. Use ceiling fans and in turn, set the thermostat to about 3 or 4 degrees higher than normal
2. Use your blinds and curtains to your advantage. Although it is pretty and sunny outside, angle your blinds facing upward to keep the sun out and close your blinds and curtains in the rooms that you are not using.
3. Unplug small appliances. Many people do not think about it, but when they are not in use, unplug the toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.
4. Check your refrigerator temperature. For example, my fridge is set on a 0-5 scale. 0 is off and 5 is the coldest. I set mine at 3 which uses less energy than 5.
5. GET NAKED. That's right. Sleep naked! You won't get as hot in the middle of the night which means you won't use the air conditioner as much!

Hope this helps you all out! Send me any suggestions on what I should post about next!

Green Office

I have a slight obsession with office supply stores. I just love buying new pens, folders, planners....and I can't live without post it notes. My favorite office supply store is Office Max for several reasons, one of them being that they carry an array of eco-friendly office supply options. So, just to keep it short, I am posting 3 office essentials that you can buy eco-friendly at Office Max.

1. The Recycled Paper Post it Note

2. Recycled Computer/ Multi-use Paper

3. Recycled File Folders

New, Natural Bedroom

Hello All!

Once again, I apologize for falling behind on my blog. I am learning to juggle my new job and having a life at the same time. It is challenging. I am working so hard on getting my apartment together. I really hate living in an unorganized and unfinished place so it has really been my priority during my spare time. As I said before, I am keeping in mind the environment while decorating and furnishing my place so I thought I would share my findings!

I will start with my bedroom. Two words I kept in mind while decorating my room was Natural and Serene. I wanted my bedroom to be a peaceful place that I wanted to fall asleep in. One that was comfortable and would look good even when it's a little messy! I got some of my inspiration from Pottery Barn (picture below).






My room is not nearly as beautiful and put together, but I pulled a few items from this picture including the color palette, the use of shells, and using natural wood for my bedroom. I am not able to paint in my apartment so I am having to keep the wall the greyish blue color. Ick. It is still in progress, but here are some pictures of my bedroom!!


I LOVE my bedding. I recently purchased the duvet and shams from West Elm. They are organic cotton and sooo comfortable!










I am adding some flowers to my vase (made out of recycled glass) which will add some life to my dresser!




This is my bedside table with a lamp and linen shade (filled with sand), a few journals and books, and a natural wood frame with special picture inside.

All of my candles, in my bedroom and throughout my place, are soy based. I found several different kinds at Target for about $8 each.

Hope you enjoyed the bedroom tour! If you have any questions about where I bought items just write a comment and I'll respond!