5 Organic Foods you Should Eat

Do you ever find yourself dazed and confused while staring at the shelves of the grocery store trying to figure out which organic foods you should buy? Let's face it, organic foods are not always affordable; some cost an estimated 10% - 40% more. So how can you determine which foods are the most important to buy "green"?

Eating these 5 organic things will go a long way toward protecting your body & our air and water from toxic chemicals:

1)Dairy

2)Lettuce (Fact - conventional lettuce has some of the highest levels of pesticides)

3)Apples (Fact - apples are the 2nd most commonly eaten fruit (after bananas), and rank high on the toxic pesticide list)

4)Marinara Sauce

5)Meat (ex. choose free-range beef)

Have a great weekend.

xoxo,
Mia

The Hip Side of Vegan – Affordable Sneakers with a Stylish Edge

Did you ever imagine that you’d be able to find hip sneakers that are eco-friendly (vegan to be exact), well made and inexpensive?! Well believe it or not, they do exist – thanks to Autonomie Project! Check out this stylish pair of crisp white low-tops. These pristine white “ethletic” kicks are far from looking like “nurses shoes” (no offense). Made with 100% fair trade-certified organic cotton canvas uppers and an FSC-certified* natural rubber sole, these sustainable sneakers will have you walking in style for miles for only $54!

Autonomie Project is dedicated to helping communities around the world produce fashionable, vegan, sweatshop-free sneakers and wearable fashion/accessories. Autonomie’s sneaker line also includes edgy high-tops with hand-painted graffiti style art.

Check out Autonomie Project now to see what style suits your tootsies the best!

*FSC-Certified means the rubber was actually tapped from a tree in a well managed and growing forest instead of being made from chemicals like other rubber products.

Click here to read more about Autonomie Project.

xoxo,

Mia

Can’t take the Heat? Stay cool with Doie

Me in my Doie dress.

When its sweltering hot outside like today and you’re feeling dewy, I suggest you get yourself some Doie.

Doie’s designs, created by Sara Krisner, are made from breathable earth friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo jersey and silk. Doie’s designs won’t disappoint. There’s something for every fashion conscious chick. Sara’s styles capture the essence of both coasts – East & West. Sara & her collection, Doie, were based in NYC for quite some time, but now they have found a new home in Los Angeles.

Aside from earning style points in my book, Doie’s collection made from bamboo jersey and organic cotton will keep you looking and feeling cooler. Bamboo’s breathable fabric can keep you 2 degrees cooler. Organic cotton is another great fabric to wear during the summer because it’s a natural lightweight fiber.

I don’t play around when it’s hot outside… If I have a choice to keep my core temperature 2 degrees cooler just by wearing bamboo, I’m all for it!

Check out Doie’s latest designs and read more about the designer and her inspiration behind her eco-fashion line.

Use the code spring30, for 30% off of the Los Angeles Collection.

xoxo,
Mia

Lotion Police – Here to “Repair & Protect” You

PUMP, PUMP – that’s the sound I hear every morning when apply my daily dose of Sibu Beauty facial cream. All I do is pump 2 squirts of this light and non-greasy cream into my hand and apply. In just a matter of moments, I’ve got my face covered and protected.

Being the beauty junkie that I am, I have plenty of other face lotions lying around that I can use, but none really seem to compare to Sibu Beauty’s special paraben-free lotion. What makes Sibu Beauty’s facial cream unique is that it’s made from the “holy” sea buckthorn berry found high up in the Himalayas. This “magical” berry is packed with nutrients including:

· Omega 7 (3,6, & 9) fatty acids - which helps boost collagen production to battle the onset of wrinkles

· Vitamins & Minerals

· Antioxidants (carotenoids & flavanoids)

The custard color lotion has a pleasing citrus scent and is ideal for daily use. I apply it each morning and night after washing my face (typically with Sibu Beauty’s Cleanse & Detox Facial Bar). This facial cream has the strength of a SWAT team… “It creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect.” Plus, aside from being paraben-free, Sibu’s lotion is cruelty-free and contains NO dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives.

Note - A little goes a long way... I’ve been using my Repair & Protect lotion religiously for over 3 months now and I’m only ½ way through the bottle. Visit Sibu Beauty today to learn more & get your own bottle.

XOXO,

Mia

A Simple, Inexpensive Modern Twist to Create a New Outfit

Are you tired of your clothes, but can’t afford to spend time or money shopping for something new? Don’t fret; I’ve got a quick and simple solution for you... Go into your closet, pull out one of your favorite figure flattering dresses or skirts, and add a stylish new accessory to it like the Lina Rennell Wrap Belt.

This 100% organic cotton & linen blend belt is simple, timeless, and does wonders for cinching your waistline and defining your sexy curves. Plus, belts like Lina’s are an inexpensive way to spruce up any tired old outfit.

Visit Beklina.com to view Lina Rennell’s handmade belts. I guarantee you’ll love the modern twist her belts add to any outfit.

Enjoy your day!

xoxo,
Mia

Work & Play in Sexy Sustainable Wedges

Want a shoe that’s perfect to wear in the office and then straight out the door to happy hour? I've got what you're looking for...the Olsen Haus Wit wedges. These natural linen microfibre sandals are ideal for any work/play combo. In my opinion, they’re kind of like the "mullet of shoes" (but in a good way, of course!).

The natural beige color and peek-a-boo toe captures the modern “business in the front” look, but as soon as you catch a glimpse of this wedge from the side, you’ll see that it’s all “party in the back” (thanks to the 1” electric pink wedge)! The Olsen Haus vegan wedges were definitely made for walking…Strut your stuff around the office all day, then head right out the door for a little fun in the sun with your friends. There’s really no need to put high heels on after a long workday. These low wedges give you just enough lift to make your butt look perkier and without tiring your feet out. You don’t need to worry about having stinky feet either. Linen is a fantastic natural fiber that breathes well. Between the peek-a-boo toe and its breathable fabric, the Wit will keep your tootsies cool and dry.

Check out more of Olsen Haus’ fabulous vegan styles @ Olsenhaus.com. I guarantee you'll find some sexy sustainable styles.

I'm heading to the beach now to catch some rays. :-)

Enjoy your day!

xoxo,

Mia

Toxic Free Home Remedies that Repel Pesky Bugs

Ahhhh I can’t stop scratching these annoying mosquito bites on my legs! I’ve scratched them so many times now that they’ve now turned into giant red welts. I don’t own bug spray because I’ve heard nightmarish things about the chemicals they often contain, but I refuse to can’t confine myself to my apartment just because I’m afraid to be bitten again. Luckily for me I came across a few easy home remedies that will help me battle those blood thirsty suckers the next time I’m outside.

Here are a few toxic-free green suggestions to repel insects:

#1 Pepper Spray
This works great for ants and other small pests.

• Boil 2 or 3 cups of water.
• Add about ½ to 2/3 cup of chopped hot pepper. Let marinate for a few minutes.
• Run the mixture thru a sieve to remove the peppers.
• Put the liquid in a squirt bottle and use when necessary.
• Be careful not to spray directly on foliage.

#2 Pure Vanilla Extract

Dab a little on your wrists, neck and behind the ears. Many insects don’t like the smell.

#3 Chem-Free Bug Off Mist

• Mix witch hazel with a few drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, or peppermint oil in a squirt bottle.
• Lightly mist your body.

You can also add one of these essential oils to an unscented organic lotion for a bug repelling moisturizer.

#4 Lavender Works Mosquito Miracles

Stop the bites!

• Rub a lavender flower behind your ears, wrists and neck.
• Not only will you smell great but mosquitoes will leave you alone.

If you’ve already been bitten & you’re dying to stop the itch, I suggest coating your bite marks with:

• A baking soda/water paste
• A paste of plain oatmeal (cooked)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Scotch tape - some people say to put pieces of tape over the bite marks & it stops the itch!

Enjoy the weekend and watch out for those pesky biters!

xoxo,
Mia

P.S. - Don't wear perfume! Bugs are attracted to the scent.

Don't Fry like an Egg - Try an Eco-friendly Sunscreen

“Hellooo Maria. Pale is the new tan” says my girl Sarah. Ok ok…yes she’s probably right, I know it’s safer to stay out of the sun, but I can’t help myself. I look like Kermet the Frog when I don’t lay out on my lily pad and catch some rays.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Almost 50% of Americans who live to the age of 65 will have skin cancer at least once. We rely on sunscreen to help protect our skin. But chemicals in conventional sunscreens have been linked to a host of health problems. For example, common ingredients in chemical based sunscreen (as opposed to mineral blockers) such as benzophenone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate may mimic the hormone estrogen.

Luckily an eco-friendly solution exists. Mineral based sunscreens containing titanium or zinc seem to be a healthier option, and do not appear to contribute to coral bleaching (a significant problem occurring because of the sunscreen’s chemicals washing off in the water).

There really is no such thing as a “healthy glow,” but if you’re determined to scorch your skin in order to get some color, you should at least prepare for it. It’s important to pick a sunscreen equipped to protect us from harmful UV rays. It’s equally important to ensure that our sunscreen doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients, such as petrochemical additives (derived from petroleum) Petrochemicals are often found in moisturizers and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Here are some sunscreen choices that aren’t laden with suspicious-sounding chemicals:

Aubrey Organics Green Tea Protective Sunscreen – this sunscreen doesn’t contain any petrochemicals and protects the skin with titanium dioxide, a mineral that deflects burning UVB & UVA rays off the skin. Also, the organic green tea ingredient shields the skin from cancer-causing free radicals, and the organic shea butter ingredient keeps the skin well-hydrated. Available for $8.50 at www.aubrey-organics.com.

Also, our pals at Burt’s Bees make chemical free sunscreens.

Don’t be a fool and try kamikaze tanning (i.e. tanning with no sunscreen). Apply sunscreen before heading to the beach or park this summer & be safe.

xoxo,

Mia