Organic Orgy

2011-04-14T23:31:00.000-04:00

Hello Hip Cats and Kittens, In the event you've been wondering why your Kitty hasn't been posting about healthy and natural cosmetics so much lately, it's because I am planning the biggest event of my life. About a year ago, I got the opportunity to realize one of my fondest dreams: to make a movie. Today, the crew of Chicago Rot dropped the teaser trailer. Imagine me cutting a big, red bow

Anonymous Reader Claims Korres is a Greenwasher

2011-03-29T14:48:00.000-04:00

Hello and Happy Spring, Kittens! Recently, an anonymous reader left a comment alleging Korres is indeed a greenwashing company, despite my claims to the contrary. Despite my hella-heavy workload on other projects, I couldn't in good conscience let it go. I had to examine the data myself, especially because I use Korres daily on my face. I've tried many of their products, and I've stuck

2011-02-03T16:51:00.000-05:00

I was first turned on to Rare Minerals Blemish Therapy with a tiny sample. Where, or where was this product when I was a teenager? All natural ingredients with sulphur action decimates blemishes practically overnight. The powdered formula blends beautifully with anything else on your face. Two paws up! The brand is sold at Beauty.com (my favorite emporium for green and natural cosmetics), and

The No-Bummer Summer Hiatus is Over: Kitty's Back With a Giveaway!

2010-08-23T15:44:00.000-04:00

Dehydration during and after exercise can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, and heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated is particularly important for athletes, but pregnant women, children and many patients need to monitor fluid intake as well. Many sports drinks replace electrolytes, but are loaded with sugar and empty calories as well as unnatural food coloring. Active people looking for a

2010-05-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

Kittens, I've been waiting for this: 20% off at Beauty.com! (Click below) Yay! Stock up on your awesomely natural Arcona products. I'm currently dying over Lavanilla's Lavender scent, too. Don't forget your sunscreen, Jackie-O sunglasses and hats: the summer essentials, even on cloudy days! XO Kitty

Clinical Aromatherapy

2010-04-26T11:56:00.000-04:00

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

Biodegradable Sunscreen and Self-Tanner

2010-04-22T22:09:00.001-04:00

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

The Safe Green Sunscreen All Other Sunscreens Wish They Were

2010-04-06T23:23:00.000-04:00

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)

BPA and the EPA

2010-04-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

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

Groupons and Natural Beauty

2010-03-23T22:42:00.001-04:00

Hey Kittens, It's been forever long and the organic products are stacking up in my powder room begging to be reviewed. Your Kitty has been writing her paws off about yoga for her "real" job, and though I think of you between cat naps, I have been working. I feel like Vicki on Real Housewives of Orange County, sitting here in a trapeze top bedazzled all to hell squawking, "I'm working. I'm

Letting the Sunshine Into Frozen Indiana

2010-02-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

In the words of Borat, "Wowie Wow Wow Wow!" Thanks so much to Mandy at Yoga Addicted, my yoga sista in Charleston, SC for bringing the sunshine in all the time, and especially today! herewith, the 12 blogs that bring the sun into my life by educating me, supporting me, inspiring me and/or making me laugh daily (in no particular order, just off the top of my head): 1. Dumbwit Tellher: very

Cosmetic Chemicals Linked to Birth Defects

2010-01-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Kittens! In my endeavor to practice "extreme self care" in the new year, I'm afraid I have gotten behind on my blogging. Assuredly, however, you can count on your Kitty to keep testing and evaluating green and natural products on Organic Orgy and Zen of Homekeeping (just click my profile to access the blogs). I subscribe to Rodale news, which provides a lot of insight into healthy

Worst of the Best

2010-01-06T22:11:00.000-05:00

My drawers, shelves and cabinets overflow with cosmetic products, all green and natural brands at this point save for a few Dior eyeshadows. By my account, I've spent about $800 in the last year trying stuff in the name of ecology and health. I've found winners, scads of them really, but there are some definite downers out there. To kick off 2010, allow me to list a few of the worst of the

Antimony: Friend or Foe?

2009-12-07T22:39:00.001-05:00

Hello Kittens, Save the mention of ancient kohl eyeliner ingredients, this post isn't really about sustainable cosmetics. It's about antimony and safe toys, but I figure if you give a crap about what's in your makeup, you probably won't mind hearing about what your kids and pets could get their paws and mouths into as the holidays roll on and the new toys abound. More of such coverage is on

Suki Organic Eye Repair Balm: 2 Paws Up!

2009-11-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

I wasn't familiar with Suki until my last foray at Beautorium. Though I've tried combo products before to "repair" my 37 year old eyes and lips, I have been less than enthused with Caudalie the results. This balm is the bomb! I don't know how I've lived so long with out this uber green skin care product! Made with carrot extracts and rose hips, it's really doing the job. I will say it smells a

All the Sustainable Shower Products I Currently Use

2009-11-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

As requested by one loyal kitten: my current tried and true excellent sustainable shower products, well loved and still wet from the last go-round a few minutes ago! Old favorites like John Masters Organics, of course. You've heard about them in previous posts. Forthwith, some new great things I have to share since uncrating my ginormous Beautorium order last week. 1. Red Flower's

Help At-Risk Children Explore Art and Creativity by Shopping!

2009-11-10T22:33:00.010-05:00

January 2009: Last fall, I called upon family and friends of Innerspace Yoga to reach out to help at-risk children in the Indianapolis community. Thanks to your generous donations in class, our seven year old friend had a warm Christmas with many toys and new boots! Thanks to your abundant shopping through links on Innerspace Yoga and kitty:we also raised about $100 in advertising revenue, which

Natural Face Cleanser: a Guest Review

2009-11-03T20:21:00.001-05:00

I've been using Korres 3-in-One facial cleanser for the last month or so. Korres is a great natural brand, and I use several of their products. Last weekend, my aunt came from Chicago for an impromptu overnight visit. She likes to use any hand soap on her face, probably Dove or Ivory. She didn't enjoy the peppermint Dr. Bonner's castile and water mixture we use at the sink (it smells awesome

Eye Makeup Tips and Techniques

2009-10-18T19:46:00.004-04:00

The fall and holiday makeup seasons are always my favorite because they are heavy on the eye shadow. In the 80s, when I began experimenting with cosmetics, I had a penchant for purple - and now it's back! What I didn't know at the tender age of 11 or 12 was that I didn't need eye shadow then. Not because a smoky lid and black eyeliner looks sluttatious on a tweener (which it does, of course)

FTC Compliance for Bloggers Everywhere

2009-10-09T18:44:00.001-04:00

This morning, Liberty Post pointed me to a new FTC rule. Because I care about lawful compliance (although, I like to think I can discern for myself what is and is not malarkey in the media, and likewise I strive to be honest in everything I publish), I am posting the Advertising Policies for the entire domain. "Innerspace OMnimedia publishes a variety of blogs and electronic magazines

Lethiferous Lashes: Is Mascara Making You Sick?

2009-09-21T10:23:00.010-04:00

I once read somewhere that women tend to be very loyal mascara consumers; many use their favorite brand for years. I'm not one of them. Though I have my favorites, I tend to try the latest and greatest. Among my favorites are the very inorganic, somewhat dangerous Dior brands. Why, oh why do I insist on paying $20 -$30 for a tube of toxicity? Mascara theoretically touches nothing but dead

Kitty's Kreative Blogger Award

2009-09-17T17:28:00.012-04:00

Citizen Green passed on a Kreative Blogger Award to me today, and I am honored to share my 7 favorite things:1. Watching my son do anything.2. Walking in the garden with Hubbs.3. Taking a nap with my pups. If there are no dogs in Heaven, I don't want to go there!4. Yoga (I'm an instructor; you can see my main website here)5. Going to rock concerts. The louder the better. Especially love the jam

Greenwashing Alert

2009-09-08T13:27:00.004-04:00

Oooh! I am not happy with Beauty.com this morning. I clicked over to see what I want and what I need, and found a banner proclaiming, "Natural Makeup." I was pleased to see one of my former favorite brands, Urban Decay tossing their hat into the natural cosmetics ring. On this site, the product Surreal Skin is listed as a natural cosmetic, apparently because it's a mineral makeup. Guess what

Fall Deals on Natural Cosmetics

2009-09-03T21:03:00.003-04:00

Fall Deals on Natural Cosmetics:From Spalook.com, purveyors of such kitty-tastic green brands like Jurlique, Boscia, Caudalie, and more:Save $20 on orders of $125 with promo code "GET20". Expires 9/31/09. and also zippy service:FREE Priority Shipping when you spend $50! I love Spalook.com because I can combine products from so many hard to find natural brands. I have neither the time nor the

Great Natural Foundation and Blush by Korres

2009-09-02T10:15:00.003-04:00

(Image above, Sephora) Hello and Happy September, kittens! Just wanted to check in and tell you about my latest favorite natural makeup! First, however, I have to apologize for not posting recently on Organic Orgy. I've been working on the Kitty Mothership, as well as my two other blogs, Zen of Homekeeping and Shin-digs and Soirees (check my profile if you'd like to take a look). Korres

If You Like Organic Orgy, You'll Love kitty's "Zen of Homekeeping!"

2009-08-24T15:27:00.003-04:00

I just can't control myself from branching out to spread the word about greenwashing and natural home products! At kitty's "Zen of Homekeeping" I'll be telling you everything I have learned and experienced in the world of green cleaning! You know how I do it! Brutal honesty about what we're inhaling, bioaccumulating and washing down the drain. Goodbye migraines and allergies, hello healthy

Natural Beauty Deal

2009-08-23T10:21:00.002-04:00

Aloha, kittens! As I plunge into football world, and the testosterone practically drips from the walls of my house (just cleaning up from the Madden 10 tournament last night - did I really bring in an entire team of dudes?!?), I wanted to pass along this link to get you a deal the next time you shop for your organic/natural beauty products from Beauty.com. One thing I like about this joint is the

A Rant About Stinky Smells

2009-08-13T22:56:00.004-04:00

I come from a long line of perfume wearers, and I myself have a list a mile long of favorite scents. Smell is so evocative; I remember the scent of people long after I have forgotten more important things about them. I recall events, thinking of what perfume I was wearing at that particular time in life (Amarige by Givenchy on my wedding day; Elizabeth Arden's True Love the day Hubbs

Buyer's Remorse

2009-08-11T22:58:00.009-04:00

I want to like these products. But I don't. Well, for the most part, I don't. Let's just say I won't be adding them to my cart again any time soon. Let's begin from the left with the Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer. Pros: Readily available, works well to protect skin from the sun, easily recyclable in a glass bottle. Cons: It's expensive at about $29, works too well to

Everything's Coming Up Roses... and Vanilla!

2009-08-11T16:43:00.011-04:00

Hello, kittens. I've been remiss in posting my adventures in green cosmetology for you; I've had house guests who don't dig the blogosphere as much as we all do! I've missed you all and thought of you often as I stole moments at my Mac, but I never managed enough time to post anything other than comments on others' blogs. Rest assured, I've been diligently field testing natural cosmetics for

Suds Up for Less Than $7 With This Karma Free Shampoo

2009-07-24T00:20:00.003-04:00

Kiss My Face is a staple brand in the natural cosmetics movement. I've seen it around for at least 20 years; my parents' friend owned a chain of health food stores in our area when I was growing up, and her store shelves and bathrooms have always been stocked with the products. For those who want a truly natural brand that really works: behold! This one is fantastic. Lathers well, cleans

Again With the Arcona

2009-07-23T22:56:00.003-04:00

Arcona's Tabula Rasa may just be the answer to my adult-onset acne. Basically, if I touch my face, I'm getting a zit. Sunscreens are really doing a number on me this summer, too. I am currently half-way through my first vial of Tabula Rasa (that's "blank slate" for all my non-Latin deciphering friends) and I am seeing vast improvements. I think it's really soothing, and it calms and

Finally: a Truly Natural Skin Solution

2009-07-21T22:48:00.006-04:00

You may recall my disdain for most exfoliants; you may have read my entire rant regarding plastic nanobits polluting our waterways once we rinse so-called microbeads down the drain. I have found the ultimate solution for facial exfoliants and its name is Arcona! In a season of sunscreens, lotions, sweat, garden dirt and bad behavior (summer in Indiana), Arcona's Raspberry

Fabulous Organic Conditioner

2009-07-12T23:33:00.002-04:00

I had to go find a virtual version of this product because my own container is mangled, and therefore unsuitable for a photo shoot. The poor thing is already on its way to be recycled, having suffered all manner of extractive tortures. First, I twisted and wrung the tube to get every last bit. The next morning, I squeezed and cussed and managed to harvest a small daub, hardly enough to do more

Beautorium: Cosmetics Cloud 9!

2009-07-12T23:24:00.007-04:00

By their own definition, Beautorium stocks "carefully edited" product choices, "hand selected from the very best in natural and organic beauty from around the world." Beautorium picks the lines it carries according to criteria such as "Natural/Organic certification by the world's most reliable independent third party organizations." Indeed, with strong brands like Dr. Hauschka, John Masters

Beware of Greenwashing When Buying Cosmetics!

2009-07-03T19:29:00.007-04:00

Nothing makes your Kitty snarl and growl like greenwashing. Greenwashing is what sheisty, shady companies (and industries, and governments...) do to sway modern consumers. By using slick PR campaigns and words like "natural," "botanical," or "eco-friendly," some manufacturers make caring, health-conscious and environmentally-aware people think that otherwise toxic/polluting products and

If You Like Organic Orgy, You'll Love Kitty's Shindigs and Soriees!

2009-06-30T21:35:00.005-04:00

Yippee, kittens! I've added a new Blogger blog, Shindigs & Soirees. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, your Kitty worked as an event planner. I've done it all in every venue, from huge corporate Christmas parties to lavish baby showers. Golf outings, charity events (including a concert or two), a state university's homecoming (OK, well I was only on the Steering Committee, so I had help

Get Some Arnica Lotion for Your Medicine Cabinet

2009-06-27T19:53:00.009-04:00

I was first introduced to Arnica by my massage therapist, Amy. I bruise easily and I'm pretty much always inflamed in one muscle or another. Topically applied arnica acts as an anti-inflammatory and assists healing processes by facilitating transport of blood and fluid. Its thymol derivatives have been clinically shown to be good vasodilators of blood capillaries.

Caudalie Cleanser Doesn't Disappoint

2009-06-26T23:17:00.006-04:00

Soap-free Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (clickable, above) offers a travel size for $10. If you don't like it (doubt it), you can always refill the awesome little bottle with something you prefer - perfect for green divas who don't use polluting foamy soap. I thought it was great for controlling oil, and Caudalie is a really luxe natural brand. My skin felt sufficiently clean, but I did

Three Great Natural Products You Can Get Anywhere

2009-06-17T00:06:00.004-04:00

Hello Kittens, and Happy Wednesday! I apologize for the quality of the image; I shot it for you on the fly in my powder room/laboratory. I also realize I should be arrested for the horrible tilework. Haven't had time to jackhammer it away since I moved in, but I am planning to replace it with decorative recycled glass tiles soon. The orchid is my new little dendrobium. I picked it up at Trader

kitty's big red lips

2009-06-08T15:29:00.004-04:00

Go ahead, click on it! It's the lipstick featured in kitty's kiss below, Dr. Hauschka lipstick #6. It smells like roses, glides beautifully, doesn't smear and bleed and make me look like a member of The Cure. Come to think of it, I don't think I've worn red lipstick since I stopped listening to them in 1994! Anyway, this is a lipstick that can be blotted down to a stain with staying power or left

Kisses For My Kittens!

2009-06-07T22:43:00.003-04:00

Kisses to my kittens, loyal readers Marinik & Mextacy!!! I made this lip print for you with my new red Dr. Hauschka lipstick. It's been years since I've worn lipcolor this bright, but I am absolutely in love with it....and you two for loving yourselves enough to learn about healthy lifestyle choices. Thanks so much!Yours, kitty.

Great Natural Brands With Not-So-Great Products

2009-06-03T16:29:00.002-04:00

"I thought I would get that modern, high sheen glossy look seen only in futuristic fashion shots and music videos (hence the name). Instead, I got an itchy, burning, cakey effect that dried on my eyelids somewhat like school glue. My eyes felt sticky when I blinked, and this crap made my lids look like puffy fish scales! Don’t waste your money on this eye makeup...." Please click here for the

Battling Boring By Mixing Natural Neutrals With Pastels For a Fresh Modern Eyelid.

2009-06-01T23:06:00.003-04:00

Strengthen Weak & Damaged Hair Naturally

2009-05-21T22:14:00.007-04:00

"This neem treatment lotion encourages healthy hair growth and normalizes oil production of the scalp. Soothes an itchy, irritated scalp, helps prevent flaking and hair loss, and strengthens fine, thin hair while providing balance. Neem leaf and other plant extracts have an enlivening effect." ~ Spa Look I've never met a Dr. Hauschka product I didn't like. Neem Hair Lotion is no exception.

Yesterday I Dissed, So Today I'll Kiss: Best Self-Tanner

2009-05-12T21:52:00.010-04:00

Hello, kittens. On the cusp of summer in Indiana, I'm looking at how my skin over-wintered. Not particularly well. For the first time ever, I'm a little craggy. Dehydrated. And terribly pale and freckly. It's beginning to show just how carefree and hedonistic I've been on thousands of splendid summer days. Fine. I own the fact I destroyed my collagen, melanin and whatever the hell else by baking

Boscia Bombed With This Breakout Treatment

2009-05-11T14:13:00.004-04:00

I love Boscia. It's preservative free (made in a sterile facility and packaged in ways not conducive to festering bacteria) and botanically-based. It never smells gross, and their cleansers are amazing for my uber-sensitive skin. Willow bark is a known anti-inflammatory compound. Coupled with soapberry peel and vitamins, I thought Boscia Willow Bark To-Go Breakout Treatment would help me deal

Fighting Fugliness One Moisturizer At a Time

2009-05-09T23:30:00.004-04:00

First, please allow me to apologize for the image. This is not a photography blog. I used my crappy camera, which I usually carry in my back pocket. My backdrop is a manilla file folder juxtaposed with a washcloth from my very own powder room/cosmetic arts laboratory. I shoot on my desk because I'm too lazy to schlep downstairs to use the tabletop photo studio. Also, I have wet toenails. And

Mask imperfections with Dr. Hauschka

2009-05-08T09:55:00.003-04:00

In a previous post, I mentioned I like Jane Iredale (the gold standard in cosmetic purity) Circle/Delete concealer for under-eye circles and baggage. As great as it is, I'm not in love with its blemish covering power. Instead, I use Dr. Hauschka's Pure Care Cover Stick to cover up beastly little spots like freckles and pimples. Very blendable and dependable! Like all Dr. H products, it smells

I Love Dr. Hauschka

2009-05-07T23:09:00.005-04:00

Dr. Hauschka is without a doubt my favorite natural cosmetics brand, and the Moisturizing Day Cream is my favorite product. It smells like the Portland Rose Garden and is light and non-greasy. No disgusting ingredients. Its only downside is its price, but a little goes a long way and the bottle lasts about three months. It's glass, so it recycles easily. I've taken to buying it online because the

A Great Natural Concealer

2009-05-07T22:55:00.002-04:00

Jane Iredale's "Circle/Delete" Concealer is totally natural makeup that totally works. This stuff is marvelous for under-eye circles, and stays dewy rather than drying up into an under-eye mess. It really brightens up my eyes, but it's not the greatest for covering blemishes. It's not quite spackly enough for that job! That said, however, a little goes a long way! made in the USA and not

Ooops! I did it again...My pampered ass is now destroying forests!

2009-05-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

I’ve blogged before how shocking it is to examine one’s own consumption and the consequences thereof; we’ve made great strides in our overarching family culture in terms of how much plastic, gift wrappings/trappings, and bottled drinks we consume. We recycle diligently, plant native species in our landscape and we’ve switched to geothermal HVAC in our home. Not good enough, I’ve learned. Not

Sustainable Body Scrubs: What Are You Rinsing Down the Drain?

2009-04-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

Although I have banned all toxic cleaning agents from our home and changed all of my personal products to paraben-free formulas, I still employ a certain few commerical-grade beauty products in my arsenal. One is a delightful pedicure cream I use when I can’t get over to the neighborhood nail shop. “So what?” I think, “It has a couple of synthetic ingredients. I’m only hurting myself,” I

Do You Know What You're Slathering On Your Largest Organ?

2009-04-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

Your skin isn’t simply a sheath holding in your guts and bones; it’s an organ itself. As evidenced by certain birth control methods and hormone replacement creams, or nicotine patches, your skin can absorb strong chemicals (beneficial and toxic) that have significant reactions in the body once they enter the bloodstream. Eliminating unnatural petrochemicals, harsh preservatives, and

2009-04-21T22:18:00.000-04:00