Kind of Crunchy

  Anyone that knows me knows that I am not what one would consider an environmentalist. I am definitely a global warming skeptic, and I think a lot of our feel-good environmentalism doesn't really deliver on the promised benefits. However, I definitely believe in treating God's creation with care and consideration, and I'm sure all the chemicals we put in our body have unintended consequences. For a couple of years, I've been on a casual search for balance between healthy, natural living and paranoia.

 One of my favorite discoveries a few years ago was Skin Deep, a comprehensive safety guide for shampoo, lotions, cosmetics and all those products we use daily without thinking about the possible harmful side effects. I found the database very overwhelming at first and a lot of the safe and healthy products are hard to find and expensive.

I've been slowly experimenting with new products one or two at a time because I was too overwhelmed to change everything at once. Plus, there are somethings I will never give up (like my L'Oreal black mascara) until they prove it is going to kill me or make me grow a third eyeball! Plus, my hubby has put his foot down on a few products, apparently he didn't like the scent of "woodspice" on his wife!

Just recently, I stumbled upon an online discount shopping site called VitaCost that carries some of these safer products for really low prices. I just stocked up on natural mousse (air-turbo charged and everything) for half what I pay at the grocery store! I'm still looking for some pretty, natural makeup products- if anyone has any suggestions, let me know!


(The picture below is of me trying to make my own laundry detergent. I was miserable shredding the soap bar with an awful, cheap grater)