monday links

It seems like Spring has finally arrived throughout most of the country this week. Everyone seems to be in the mood for spring cleaning - I did a bit of it myself this weekend. Little Green Notebook has a great round-up of homemade natural cleaners (that don't smell like vinegar!). And if those don't work, there's always Plan B. 

Did you do anything to celebrate Earth Day last week? It's always a great time for making resolutions to be more green. Check out this list of tips for 10 ways to be less wasteful everyday. I'm going to try to implement a few of these into my routine, like using cloth napkins on a daily basis and buying some re-usable mesh bags for produce. And recycling all our cardboard toilet paper rolls- it makes me crazy to think about how many millions of those must get thrown away. 

Have you noticed food prices rising lately? This article in Bon Appetit spells out all the foods expected to be in short supply and more expensive this year- scary stuff. So many delicious things: beef, pork, shrimp, coffee, and limes (which have tripled in price!). It's a good reminder that all our abnormal weather is affecting more than just our moods- time to get serious about those Earth day resolutions! 

Anthropologie has a new collection of ceiling medallions that are making me wish I lived in an old house with high ceilings and crown molding. The smaller options are quite affordable, but even the bigger options seem worth the price for the huge impact they could make in the right room. 

[Vintage woman via The Darling Housekeeper, Napkin photo from West Elm, Shrimp photo from Bon Appetit, Ceiling Medallions from Anthropologie]

dry brushing

Have you ever tried dry brushing your skin? I first tried it about a month ago, in an attempt to improve my dry, itchy winter skin. The internet is full of claims about the wonders of dry brushing. Most people agree that its a good way to exfoliate, giving you softer, smother skin. Dry brushing also increases circulation, helps the lymphatic system, and can decrease bloating (similar to the benefits of massage). Hippie science loves dry brushing- you can find claims that it helps the body detox, lose weight, improve digestion and eliminate cellulite. Of course none of these claims have been proven, but the brushes are inexpensive, so I figured I'd give it a try.

I did not find dry brushing to be a miracle cure for all my problems (at least not yet), but I do like it. My skin does feel softer and the skin on my legs doesn't feel as dry and itchy as it did. I appreciate that it's a re-usable way to exfoliate, and at about 10 bucks for a brush, its cheaper and less wasteful than buying bottles of body scrubs. Dry brushing before you shower in the morning is also a great way to wake up! The tingling sensation it causes is very invigorating and does make me inclined to believe some of the claims about improving your circulation.

If you want to give dry brushing a try, read on for a few tips:

the best sunscreen

Every summer, I search high and low for a good sunscreen to protect my pale, freckled skin. After reading the Environmental Working Group's report on sunscreens a few years ago, I've been determined to find a natural option that works. Did you know that most sunscreens are loaded with questionable chemicals, many of which don't even do a good job of protecting you from the sun? It's pretty scary stuff. 

I've tried a whole range of natural sunscreens looking for a safer option. My biggest complaint about most natural sunscreens is the milky white film that can leave you looking like you're ready to join a mime troupe. Some of them are so thick and sticky that they're impossible to rub in. A few that are more sheer turned out to be ineffective and left me with a sunburn. I like Erbaviva sunscreen for everyday use on my face, but the tiny tube isn't practical for trips to the beach. 

Not to fear, I have finally found a sunscreen that lives up to all my requirements. Goddess Garden Organics' Sunny Body is the best! 

Goddess Garden is recommended by the EWG in their guide to safer sunscreens. The 92% organic, mineral-based cream is not too thick and rubs in well with no ghost face residue. Most importantly, it works! 

After using it on a recent camping trip, neither me nor my husband got a sunburn. I usually burn fairly easily, so I was shocked to not be the least bit pink after two days out on a river in full sun.  It also lived up to its water resistant claims despite my failure to reapply after two hours. 

Though not cheap, Goddess Garden is actually relatively inexpensive for a natural sunscreen. The 8oz spray bottle is $24 and large enough to get me through the whole summer.  For something that is safe and will actually protect your skin, it's worth it! I bought mine locally from Pharmaca.

[Top photo from Found, Sunscreen photo from Goddess Garden]