Going Green with my Beauty Routine.

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Green Beauty1.jpg

My sister has been telling me for years now. She's the queen of trying new products and has been slowly transitioning over to an all-green, non-toxic beauty routine. It's super inspiring but also intimidating. I am almost 30 years old - that means I've been doing this beauty thing for a while now. I've found the products that I like, that seem to work for me, and honestly... it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I haven't wanted to embark upon a taxing journey of finding new, cleaner products because, ugh. The expense. The work. The research. I'm a tired woman, yall. My babies exhaust me.

I've done this in other areas of my life - my pantry is stocked with healthy staples and my cleaning products are mostly non-toxic and free of harsh cleaning agents. Though I admit, there is a time and a place for bleach. But my passion for greenery hasn't extended to the beauty-licious part of my life, until now that is.

What changed? Well, there's the aging.

Graying.

The wrinkles, they're appearing.

I've had this epiphany lately. I am living in the time of my life where the most aging occurs. I think that these years of running on lots of adrenaline (and coffee) and very little sleep and taking care of everyone else's needs before my own - I think these are the years where aging begins to take its toll - even if it starts showing up a little later in life. I am doing my best to drink lots of water and exercise regularly and eat (relatively) healthy. Most of my household products, from cleaners to air fresheners and detergents are all composed of non-toxic ingredients. But the next step is cleaning out my bathroom cabinet and makeup bag from the products that are downright bad for my health. At the encouragement of my sister, I've started looking up my tried-and-true products on the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and the Think Dirty app - these rate the ingredients found in millions of products and offer research, education and guides on how to make cleaner choices.

I'm testing a few new products and I will keep you all updated on what actually works. I am a little apprehensive about this whole trial period but I finally feel the conviction that this is important. I am kissing all over my kids every day - do you know how many toxins are found in regular lipstick? It's appalling that this stuff is allowed on the market. It's appalling that I've spent so much money over the years on chemical crap. So here we go, friends!

Currently testing:
Makeup:
Ilia Multistick in At Last
Ilia Lip Crayon in Red Coral
Loli Lolo Mascara
100% Pure Liquid Eyeliner in Black Tea
Galaxy Milk Illuminating Beauty Oil

Body:
doTERRA Essential Oils (for face, hair and skin - I've been creating my own concoctions)
Aveda Shampure Composition Body Oil
Piperwai Deodorant

Any of you have non-toxic beauty products that are outstanding that you recommend? I would love to hear from you!

P.S. - The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is going on right now and there are some seriously good finds on super sale if you're looking for Fall staples. Just sayin'. :)

Father's Day Gift Guide.

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Fatherhood. It impacts the whole world, doesn't it?

While gifts might seem like a trite way to honor the men who have poured their lives into their families, it's still fun to give something that shows our appreciation for their investment. I rounded up this gift guide with a wide variety of good guys in mind. My dad, my husband, my father-in-law and bros-in law - these are all gifts that suit their tastes and needs (in my opinion, ha.) Hope this helps if you're stumped on what to give this weekend! Don't make it another year of socks and a tie!

Williams Sonoma Himalayan Salt Plate
Yum. This little contraption adds flavor to anything you throw on the grill, and can be used over and over again.

Dapper Desk Leather Planner
What dude doesn't need a manly planner? Made of supple leather and small enough to not be annoying, this little book can be kept on the desk or thrown into the briefcase and never again will an appointment be lost :) I have the feminine version of this planner and it's been a lifesaver for me this year.

Lindbergh Company Candle in Atlas Scent
My friend Savannah and her hubby make these ridiculously chic candles, and the Atlas scent is by far the manliest smelling candle I've ever whiffed. If you live in the Atlanta area, you can snag one of these bad boys at Citizens Supply in Ponce City Market like I did (this is my favorite of their collection!)

Chatbooks Mini Photo Book
So easy to make - just upload your favorite Instagrams, click "print" and in two days you have an adorable little book in your mail box! Such a great way to immortalize your favorite Insta snaps. We may or may not have done one of these...

Banana Republic Luxe-Touch Polo
This is by far Stevie's favorite polo shirt. The material and the tailoring are just perfect. This is a surefire gift idea, and also - they're on sale right now! We are such a Banana family.

Saints of Old Florida Lifestyle Book
I can't talk about this book too much because I'll cry again, but my friend Emily co-authored this gorgeous piece of coastal-inspired literature and I'm so proud of her. It strikes home for me because it's about a place in Florida that my family AND Stevie's family has vacationed for over twenty years. Needless to say, this is also being gifted in our family this year!

Williams Sonoma Grill Set
Necessary man tools. Need I say more?

Eno Hammock
If your man is outdoorsy, this hammock should be in his arsenal of camp gear. It's lightweight and apparently "the hammock to have", according to my bro-in-law.

Scoutmob Pine Tree Print
If your dad/husband spend a lot of time in their office, why not dress it up with some earth prints? I thought these were super cool.

Dollar Shave Club Membership
Apparently this is a gift box that guys will actually thinkis cool. Because Stevie told me so. And he isn't into cutesy stuff.

Klein Tools Pocket Knife
Klein is a legit brand for man tools because my dad says so. And he grew up on a horse farm. And what man doesn't need a good pocket knife for whatever they need pocket knives for? #manessentials

Titliest Pro V1 Golf Balls
This is the king of golf balls. So if your man is like mine (or like my dad!) and loves to get out there on Saturday morning and goof off on the course, definitely some of these his way.


Happy gifting and celebrating this weekend, friends! Comment below with any other gift ideas!