Clinical Aromatherapy

Hello, Kittens! When I first started blogging, I became an instant fan of Liz on the Fragrant Muse. She has taught me so much about essential oils, which are now a staple of my laundry room, first aid kit, yoga practice, and stay-sane regime. Essential oils are the only permissible perfume in my world, and I even like to re-broadcast what Liz has taught me. Please click here to read my recent Examiner post featuring The Fragrant Muse, who is by far, one of the smartest cats I know. Peace & Love, Kitty.

Biodegradable Sunscreen and Self-Tanner

Lavera makes the most effective, best smelling, healthiest self-tanning products I have ever used. I love, love, love them and have used them for years. Did you know Lavera's sunscreens are biodegradable? Perfect for your family, especially if you spend the summer at the lake: you'll protect the environment and your skin! Many eco-tourism parks require biodegradable sunscreens for scuba divers and snorklers. Problem solved, kittens. Gotta go slather up!

The Safe Green Sunscreen All Other Sunscreens Wish They Were

    

     After extensive objective research (your Kitty is never asked by a brand to test their products, nor does she accept swag for reviews), I have no compunction whatsoever in saying Arcona may well be heaven's gift to lovers of green and natural cosmetics. I have found the sunscreen of sunscreens, Reozone 40 (click image above for ordering info. I can't find it anywhere but Beauty.com) Here is why it's the cat's meow:

•  It's made in the USA, which cuts down on expensive and unsustainable shipping from a far. Plus, I try to buy American whenever I can, 'cause that's how I roll.
• Reozone 40 blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Both are dangerous.
• The packaging is sleek and looks cool on my vanity (I prefer things left out to match their surroundings and my laboratory of a master bath sports brushed nickel hardware. I know, weird. This is an issue with tissue boxes, soap, and candles as well. One day I'll tell you about my towel-folding protocol in the linen closet).
• The formula contains a little color, so it doubles as a foundation of sorts. It will do in a pinch when I don't have time to use mineral powders on top to hide my freckles.
• I have yet to get that creepy stinging feeling some facial sunscreens impart. No carbuncles or clogged pores, either.
• It smells like nothing. I love that.
• The texture/viscosity is incredible, almost like mousse.
• Is purported by the brand to "Help guard against future sun damage and neutralize free radicals with antioxidant sodium selenite."
•  I hate petrochems, hate sulphates, hate sheisty perfumes, and double hate parabens. The former are terribly unsustainable and the latter two give me headaches and disrupt my already whackado endocrine system. Here is why I love Arcona: "ARCONA products do not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any other caustic, toxic ingredients." [per Arcona's website]. 

     Although Reozone 40 will set you back about $28, I feel it is worth the investment. The tube is generous, and the formula is thick enough to use just a little at a time. Sunscreen is definitely the place to spend as much as necessary for the perfect product, and this is it kittens. Enjoy and practice safe sunning! Love, Kitty

BPA and the EPA

     Two things today, kittens. First and foremost, BPA. Bisphenol-A, or BPA is now being taken seriously by the Environmental Protection Agency. BPA is the nasty chemical in plastic that leaches into our food and beverages. How you ask? Canned goods and bevs are lined with a think plastic layer to keep the product from oxidizing. Microwaveable dinners come in plastic containers; baby bottles and sippies are often made of plastic, notably polycarbonate (#7). Heat these things in any way, including leaving water bottles in the sun and you will be ingesting BPA. Gross. This insidious chemical is also in some cosmetics. Read my full post in my column on Examiner.com; please do subscribe! I list some options for getting this toxin out of your life!
     Second, a blogging tip from me to you: ever find yourself cutting and pasting some mobius strip of code? You can easily shorten long URLs by going to bit.ly. No www is necessary. Copy your link into the magic box and you'll get a bit that looks like this: http://bit.ly/chLoja. Presto! No more ridonculously long web addresses!
     Don't forget your sunscreen, kittens. As promised, I will be posting a piece on green and natural sun options. I am still hard at work testing some products for you. Love, Kitty