My Favorite Natural Beauty Brands and Products

Like most women, I have spent most of my adult life searching for the best beauty products money can buy.  I've probably tried over a million shades of lipstick in my lifetime.  If you think  finding the perfect foundation shade is hard, try finding it in a natural and safe formulation.  I have spent years testing, applying, and researching the safest natural beauty brands and products. While I haven't tried them all, I've tried many. This is a list of my personal favorites. I have not been compensated for my opinion.  It is truly a list of the products I use day after day.

SKINCARE 

Cleanser:  #1 Sei Bella Hydrating Cleanser  #2 Mychelle Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser  #3 Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Toner:  #1 Sei Bella Clarifying Toner ( summer), Sei Bella Hydrating Toner (winter) #2 Lush Eau Roma Water

Moisturizer: Sei Bella Luxury Cream, Daytime Delivery Cream, and Night Firming Cream

Anti-Aging: #1 Sei Bella Skin Revitalizing Serum and Timeless Age Defying Serum #2 Mychelle Perfect C Serum

Face Mask: #1 Fresh Rose Face Mask #2 Lush Ayesha Face Mask

Peel: Mychelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel

Eye Care: #1 Sei Bella Wrinkle Release Eye Serum and Night Recovery Eye Cream #2 Mychelle Dermaceuticals Magnolia Fresh Eyes

Makeup Remover: Sei Bella Eye Makeup Remover

Self Tanners: #1 Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanner  #2 True Natural all Natural Self Tanner

MAKEUP

Concealer: #1 Sei Bella Age-Defying Concealer. #2 Jane Iredale Disappearing Concealer with Green Tea Extract

Foundation: #1 Bare Minerals Original Foundation #2 Jane Iredale Dream Tint #3 Sei Bella Liquid, Mineral, and Cream-to-Powder foundations

Loose or Compact Powder:  Sei Bella Loose and Pressed Powder

Blush: #1 Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee #2 Bare Mineral Blush #3 Sei Bella Blush

Eyeshadow: #1 Sei Bella Vitamin-enriched Eye Shadow #2 Bare Minerals- all eye shadows

Eyeliner:  #1 Jane Iredale Cream to Powder Eyeliner #2 Sei Bella Twist Up Eyeliner

Mascara: #1 Sei Bella Volumizing Mascara. #2 Bare Minerals- all

Eyebrow Pencil: Sei Bella Dual-end Brow Pencil

Bronzer: Sei Bella Bronzing Glo

Lip Balm: EOS Smooth Lip Balm

Lip Pencil: Sei Bella Definition Lip Pencil

Lipstick: Sei Bella Luxury Lip Color

Lip Gloss: Sei Bella Brilliance and Plump Glosses

Makeup Brushes: #1 Eco Tools    #2 Sei Bella

NAILS

Nail polish: Sei Bella Nail Polish

Polish Remover: #1 Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel  #2 Josie Maran Bear Naked Nail Wipes

HAIRCARE

Shampoo:  #1 Aubrey Organics Rose Mosqueta Shampoo  #2 John Masters Evening Primrose Shampoo

Conditioner:  #1 Aubrey Organics Rose Mosqueta Conditioner  #2 John Masters Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner

Hair Mask:  Sei Bella Intensive Treatment Repair Hair Masque

Hairspray: Sei Bella Firm Hold Finishing Spray

Hair Color: #1 Eco Colors- all colors.  #2. Herbatint- browns (blondes come out a bit too golden for my liking)

Specialty:  Aubrey Organics NuStyle Hair Smoothing Serum, John Masters Organics Shine-On Leave In Treatment, Sea Mist, and 100% Argan Oil,  Sei Bella Styling Pomade, Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion

Side note: I also love the Pureology Haircare line. I don't use it every day; but, every product I have tried has worked wonderfully.

Well, I hope this list helps when you're shopping for beauty products. Another great resource is the EWG Skin Deep Website. You can search beauty products before you buy to see their safety rating. Website:  www.ewg.org/skindeep

Happy Shopping!

If you need any help finding the recommended products, email me at tmoperillo@gmail.com.

Keep Me Beautiful Juice

For Christmas last year, my wonderful husband gave me a red Jack La Lanne power juicer. Since then, I've been a juicing maniac.  I love my juicer.  Here are a couple of my favorite fruit and vegetable mix juices:

Keep Me Beautiful Juice

1 Orange peeled

1 2"x1" cube of Watermelon 

2 handfuls Kale

1 bunch of Grapes with stems ( about 20 grapes)

1 small Cucumber

1/4 cup Aloe Vera Juice

Put first five ingredients in juicer, one at a time, in order. Add Aloe Vera Juice to mixture. Pour in big glass. Enjoy!

Look Mamma, I drank my Spinach Juice

1 fresh Peach, pit removed

3 handfuls fresh Spinach, squashed into a ball

1 small Cucumber 

1 Fuji Apple, cored and sliced

Put all ingredients in juicer, one at a time, in order. Pour into a big glass. Enjoy!

Also, be sure to check out our page on Facebook and Pinterest for more information and tips. Just look for Boho and Mo. Be sure to "Like" our Facebook page when you're there.

Super Simple Gluten Free Orzo Salad

This is a super simple recipe. You can even make it the night before to have for lunch the next day.

2 cups cooked Gluten-free orzo ( I like Delallo brand)

1 small cucumber, diced

1 medium tomato, diced

1/2 avocado, cut into small chunks

1/4 cup feta cheese ( I like Trader Joe's made with sheep's milk in brine)

1/4 cup lemon juice

Splash of red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

1 Tablespoon Greek olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo according to package. Meanwhile, dice tomatoes and cucumber. Cut avocado into small chunks. Once orzo is cooked, drain and rinse in lukewarm water. Place orzo in large bowl. Add all ingredients and toss lightly. Place in refrigerator and let sit for at least 10 minutes.  Serve.

Voila! Easy and delicious.

My Favorite Natural Household Cleaning Brands and Products

People constantly ask me which cleaning brand I use when cleaning my home.  Although I do make some cleaning products myself, there have been times when I just don't have the time. I need things cleaned quickly!

Luckily, many natural product companies have created effective and safe products that make our chores easier to manage.  Now, this is a list of brands and products I use in my home. I have not tried every brand or product on the market. But, I have tried MANY.  These are the products that work for me and my family.  These are the products that are safe for Boho and don't make her sick.

I have not received compensation to recommend these products.  These are truly the products I use in my home.

That being said, here is the list:

Kitchen Cleaner- Countertops, Stovetop, Small Appliances: Melaleuca Tough & Tender

Grease and Oven:  Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel.   Stainless Steel:  Method Steel for real stainless steel Polish

Dish washing Liquid:  Melaleuca Lemon Brite Hand Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwasher Detergent: Melaleuca Diamond Brite

Bathroom Cleaners-

Tubs and Toilets: Melaleuca Tub & Tile

Inside Toilets: Method Antibacterial Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Disinfectant: Melaleuca Sol-U-Guard Botanical Disinfectant 

Mirror & Glass Cleaner: Melaleuca Clear Power

Wood Polish: Melaleuca Rustic Touch ( also really good on leather)

Floor Cleaners-

Tile & Linoleum: Melaleuca MelaMagic

Hardwood: Melaleuca Tough & Tender

Laundry Detergent: Melaleuca MelaPower, Ecos Magnolia & Lily ( this detergent has a fabric softener in it. )

Laundry Brightener & Whitener: Melaleuca Melabrite 6x

Laundry Softener: Melaleuca MelaSoft Liquid Fabric Softener

Laundry Stain Remover: Melaleuca PreSpot Gel or Spray

Dryer Sheets:  Melaleuca MelaSoft Dryer Sheets, Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Sachets

Machine Carpet Cleaner: Melaleuca MelaMagic & Sol-U-Mel ( use instead of the solvent recommended, mixed with hot water)

Carpet Stains: Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel ( great for when Boho has an "accident")

Sponges: Trader Joe's Pop Up Sponges ( These are amazing! They pop up when you add water.)

Mop: Rubber Maid Reveal Mop (This is a great mop with a washable cleaning pad and a bottle that allows you to put in your own cleaning liquid.)

Trash Bags: Seventh Generation Drawstring Kitchen 

Paper Products-

Paper Towels and Napkins: Seventh Generation 100% Recycled, Natural ( I like the natural, unbleached color of these. They look so rustic.)

Toilet Paper: Seventh Generation Natural Unbleached 100% Recycled Toilet Paper

I hope this list helps. If you need any information on finding these products or how to use them, email me, tmoperillo@gmail.com .

Intermittent Fasting- Works For Me

After turning the big 40, I noticed the pounds slowly creeping up on me. Before I knew what was happening, I had gained 30 pounds in three years. Yes, I did the math. That was 10 pounds a year. Now, it's not like I had let myself go or anything. I am still one of the healthiest people I know. I was still working out 3 to 5 days a week.  I was still eating healthy foods, save for a treat once in a while.  Plus I noticed belly fat increasing.  We all know that belly fat is the most dangerous fat because it settles around our organs, especially our hearts. I had to do something, and fast.

That's when I discovered fasting. I mean, it's got fast right in the name.  Actually, it's intermittent fasting.  I discovered intermittent fasting while reading one of my health based emags.  The science behind it seemed compelling.  Study after study proved improvements to participants' risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Count me in.

I decided to try The Fast Diet by Michael Mosley first.  This is based on the 5:2 system. Basically, you eat normally 5 days a week, then fast 2 days a week.  Now, by fasting, I mean you cut your calorie intake to 500 for women or 600 for men. You can choose the two days you fast.  I chose Mondays 

( because I'm miserable anyway) and Wednesdays ( because that's my busiest day).  My first fasting day was not bad. I really didn't feel too hungry.  I decided to eat most of my calories at dinner since that's what I was used to.  Easy as pie!

I breezed through my first two weeks and lost 5 pounds.  The next week, I lost 0 pounds.  Fasting days started to become tiresome.  I was feeling hungry.  The following week, I lost 0 pounds.  I knew I needed a change.

I liked the science behind fasting.  I wanted to find an alternative.  I realize that each person is different.  It's a journey to find what's going to work for you.  That brought me to The 8 Hour Diet by David Zinczenko and Peter Moore.

The 8 Hour Diet requires you eat all meals within an 8 hour time frame, 3 days a week.  Again, I chose Monday, added Tuesday, and kept Wednesday.  I made it through my first week easily and lost 3 pounds.  After my second week, I'd lost 2 more pounds.  I also enjoyed this system more.  It mimicked the way I ate before I fell into the trap of eating 6 small meals a day.  I always felt like I was shoving food in my mouth.  I mean, people work for a living. We can't always be eating, eating, eating!

By the end of my fourth week, I'd met my goal of 15 pounds down.  I decided to continue this method of intermittent fasting for its health benefits. I feel so much healthier and have energy to burn.  I now practice 8 hour eating every day instead of just three days a week.  It works for me.

My advice is, if you have any interest in intermittent fasting, try these methods out.  I know many people who have found success with both. It's all about finding what's going to work for you.

I feel the need to mention that I have not received any compensation for reviewing these methods. My review is solely a reflection of my personal experiences.

Me- 15 pounds down!

Dangers of Household Products

A seven month old baby died on August 9th after ingesting a detergent pod.  If his death is found to have been caused by the pod, it will be the first.  However, it is worth noting that 5,753 US children (5 years or younger) have been sickened by eating detergent pods this year alone. This is according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

This is my motivation for doing what I do.  How many children have to suffer before we wake up and change our ways?  There are alternatives out there to using these toxic chemicals around our children and pets.  I would be happy to introduce you to companies that produce safe, non-toxic products.

I know most of us think we're being careful by placing cleaning products out of children's reach. But, why do we need these toxic products in our home to begin with?  You know how kids can get into things they shouldn't. 

I implore you to at least look into other options.  Check out my website for more information,  www.bohoandmo.com.  

Poison Control Center, National number 800-222-1222

Saved By The Houseplant

I know! I know! I've neglected my blog!  I've been stuck in a hell of my own making- Renovation Hell. My husband and I have embarked on a huge remodeling project, the kitchen. I would never have guessed that it was so difficult and expensive to find Eco-safe replacements for everything in our kitchen.  I think I did good, though.

But, of course, then came an even bigger concern. What to do about the toxins released during the removal of our old stuff? I knew I couldn't run around the work crew as they were demolishing it all. They tend to frown upon that.  I vowed to do the best I could to stay out of their way.

Off to the garden store I went.  There I picked up seven tropical house plants in a variety of sizes and styles.

My husband's eyebrows furrowed as I made each trip from the garage to the kitchen with an armful of plants.  I placed a few of them in the kitchen, out of the way,of course. The remainder were scattered around the rooms off the kitchen.

" Are we starting a nursery now? What's with all the plants?" My husband asked.

" I'm glad you asked, " I replied. Then, I told him what I'm about to tell you all.

Household plants help to remove indoor air pollution through photosynthesis.  In studies done by NASA in the late 1980's, it was discovered that plants are able to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. But, even more importantly, it was proven they also absorb benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. These are some of the very chemicals found in the dust of my demolished kitchen.

The most effective in purifying the air of your home are tropical or sub- tropical. You can find a list of the best plants to use in this months Health Naturally Magazine in an article titled Green Living-Improving Air Quality With Common House Plants by Dr. Lisa Watson, ND.

She suggest using one good sized plant in a 6 to 8 inch diameter container for each 100 square feet of indoor space.

Sooooo, I may have gone a bit overboard. When it comes to my family's health, I rather be safe than sorry.

Anyhoo, I'm still dealing with the noise and disruption in the meanwhile. I'll be glad when its all done! I do feel safer with my house plants working overtime. Until next blog, check out this list of pollutants found in most homes and the symptoms they can cause. Maybe you might want to pick up a few plants of your own.