Since recently changing out all my beauty products for  more organic and natural choices I discovered the wonderful company  called ‘Yes To Carrots’. Pictured  above is an ordinary facial cleansing cloth you might use to clean the day off your face, but packed with tons of chemicals.  Yes To Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes gently remove dirt, sweat and makeup without the need to rinse! It’s an exfoliant, detoxifyer and rejuvenater all wrapped up in one on-the-go biodegradable wipe, keeping you free and fresh-faced. Most of the ingredients are certified organic, made with socially and environmentally responsible materials and of course the packaging is recyclable. Not only do they do a great job of cleaning your pores, but  its reasonably affordable (5.99)  and easy to find as they are sold at most Target Stores. And part of the proceeds go back to your community (See Below). You cant lose with a fabulous product like this.

• 98.7% Natural
• Biodegradable & FSC Certified
• Dermatologically & Opthalmologically Tested
• Oil-free, non-comedoenic, hypoallergenic

A portion of proceeds from every Yes To product goes toward the Yes To Seed Fund – giving kids fun and engaging ways to connect with Mother Nature and teaching them to lead healthier lifestyles.

OBJECTIVES

• Create innovative, fun, and educational ways for kids to spend time outside, learn about organic gardens and food sources, and learn to lead healthier lifestyles
• Provide schools with the tools necessary to build self-sustaining, environmentally-sound gardens, around which educators can build curriculum and experiential learning
• Fight childhood obesity by teaching kids about nutritional food sources, the importance of balanced diets, and giving them hands on experience creating healthy food and nutrient-rich meals.
• Build connections between kids and their communities through mentorship programs with community leaders and organic food restaurants

www.YesToCarrots.Com

Introducing a toothbrush that not only cleans your teeth, but minimizes your impact on the environment. The design includes a curved handle for those hard-to-reach places and a three-level bristle arrangement to massage your gums. And while the bristles are brand new, the coolest part is the handle is made from recycled yogurt cups and is BPA Free. Preserve Toothbrushes are not only made from recyclable materials, but they also have a Mail Back system. The Mail Back Pack is a revolutionary approach to packaging, the lightweight package doubles as a return envelope. Just pop your old used Preserve toothbrush inside and send it back to us for recycling free of shipping charges.

Since Dentist recommend you change toothbrushes every months. You can say goodbye to that toothbrush and shopping lists with Preserve’s subscription program. Every three months, a new Preserve Toothbrush is delivered to your door. Each subscription order contains one Preserve Toothbrush which is delivered to your door every three months for one year (four toothbrushes total with one travel case). – THE WIFE

Preserve toothbrushes are incredibly affordable $2.99 each or the subscription program for $13.00, They come in 5 different colors with bristles ranging in Ultra Soft, Soft and Medium.

www.PreserveProducts.Com

Since Today is Earth Day, I’ve decided to kick things off with an easy way for you WIVES to switch to Eco Friendly and Organic or All Natural Products.

Is your Oral Hygiene Green? Photographed above is an ordinary toothpaste brand you would find in any household. Toothpaste is a controversial issue because of two ingredients that some say are harmful: Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and Fluoride.  SLS is a foaming agent that is derived from coconut oil, It is used in brake fluid and anti freeze and also in a huge variety if skin care products, including toothpaste, shampoo, bubble bath and soap.  It is not only a proven skin irritant but also known to be a carcinogenic. SLS is also linked to causing canker sores. Also floating around in that little tube of toothpaste is Hydrated Silica, Lead is a neurotoxin and a naturally occurring contaminant of Hydrated Silica. And chances are if your brushing with blue colored toothpaste that it has FD&C Blue, which is Coal Tar based dye.

Below is a great alternative and all natural toothpaste by Toms of Maine. Lets start with the packaging, All products are packed in environmentally sustainable  post consumer recycled paper board and are printed with vegetable based inks. All plastics used by the company can be recycled (#5 polypropylene) and or packaged with biodegradable cellulose. Tom’s of Maine offers a variety of Toothpaste for everyone. Weather your looking for a fluoride free toothpaste or an SLS Free toothpaste, They’ve got what your looking for. They believe and use sustainable farming, absolutely no testing on animals and reject anything artificial. Best of all Toms of Maine is available at all Pharmacies, Target, and Whole Foods and costs the same as any other regular toothpaste. Why wouldn’t you switch! – THE WIFE

*And the easiest  way to be environmentally kind is to turn off the faucet while your brushing!
www.TomsofMaine.Com

This may seem like a no brainer, but some overly busy wives may need to be reminded. Every once in a while I run into a friend or wife who blurts out  she hasn’t shaved her legs in 2 weeks or what ever the over due time frame may be. And all I can think of when hearing this information is – Her poor husband who is stuck caressing her gross hairy and prickly legs. Which is why Tip number 17 is:  A good WIFE should shave her legs every day or every other day. And if shaving your legs in too much of a dreaded chore, look into laser hair removal. An extra tip… And if you’ve found yourself out of shaving cream while in the shower, use your husband’s or any hair conditioner (conditioner actually makes your legs extra silky and soft.)  - Taryn Cox

Remove. Take off old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)

Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other.

Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Add two tablespoons of a bath powder or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails. (If you don’t have time, you can skip this step.)

Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.

Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, Scalogna explains, but it’s best not to do this at home. “Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails,” she says. “Just push them back and keep it easy.”

Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.

Moisturize. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturizer.

Polish. Apply a base coat first, then apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat

• If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
• No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
• If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
• Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
• Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.

Our 100% natural blend of bug-fighting oils repels even the most stubborn of pests. Rosemary, Lemongrass, and Citronella oils mix with 5 other oils that bugs hate, creating an all natural solution for keeping them away. Since there’s no DEET in this formula, it’s safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets.

Apply liberally to exposed skin, particularly your ankles, legs, arms and hairline before venturing outdoors

$8.00

Made with an all-natural blend of essential oils, this balm quickly soothes pesky bug bites. Camphor and menthol relieve pain and itching, while lemongrass, thyme, lavender and orange oils reduce discomfort.

Apply directly to your bite or sting, rubbing gently, and reapply as needed.

$6.00

www.BurtsBees.Com

Add California Baby®’s Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Spray to your fight against bug bites! It’s a safe and natural alternative to toxic bug repellent chemicals, Citronella, lemongrass and cedar do not cause harm to humans, pets or the environment. Our DEET free natural formula repels bugs such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. California Baby® Natural Bug Spray does double duty helping to soothe existing bites with herbs that are specific to the healing of the skin. California Baby® uses only the finest quality, traditionally recommended oils that are safe, gentle, and effective. California Baby®’s essential oils are guaranteed pesticide free and sustainably grown.

$13.50

www.CaliforniaBaby.Com

Thermal spring water - A 40-year journey in the Cevennes Mountain allows the water in Avène acquire the perfectly balanced mineral composition and becomes gradually enriched with the trace elements and silicates. The water is the only thermal spring water directly connected from the source to the Hydrotherapy Center and the manufacturing plant next to the Center. The first time it sees the light is when it touches your skin!

• Rich in silica to soothe and soften skin
• Protects and purifies skin
• The optimal calcium/magnesium ratio provides anti-oxidant protection
• Naturally bacteriologically pure

This has been my favorite beauty products for the last 7 years. I was turned onto it by my Dermotologist in High school. I use it after I wash my face and before hydrating with a moisturizer. Also they Produce this product in cute mini spray bottles, perfect to take when traveling, to make sure your skin stayed hydrated.

UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin. A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin phototype classification. People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for Photo aging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer. The proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in the battle against wrinkles.

Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens ingredients can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation. The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation. Older formulations like zinc oxide are opaque and may be cosmetically unacceptable. However, a newer formulation of micronized titanium dioxide is not as opaque and provides excellent protection. The radiation absorbing ingredients are differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb UVA absorbers and UVB absorbers.

Picking the Proper Sunscreen
The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption. The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

Applying Sunscreen Properly
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Reapplying Sunscreen
Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen “frequently”, but the definition of “frequently” is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough sunscreen initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.

Daily Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF sunscreen.

Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion for the face with SPF 30

Formulated specifically for the face and to provide better, longer-lasting sun protection. Unlike ordinary sunscreens, this formula combines the patented Active Photobarrier Complex , which maintains protection over time against the sun’s harmful rays, with natural soy proteins and vitamins A, C and E to help shield your skin from environmental damage. Additional product benefits include: oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, water resistant, dermatologist-recommended brand, endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Available at Target, CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Walmart and Rite Aid, $10.50. Visit www.Aveeno.com for more information.

I’ve recently started using Marvis Jasmine Mint toothpaste… At first when upon buying it I had my reservations about flavored toothpaste. Of course only being routine to original mint since the age of 3. I was pleasantly shocked at how refreshed this toothpaste tastes. Marvis has found the perfect balance between mint and their splendid flavors. It was like brushing my teeth with jasmine tea! And now has become the new permanent resident in my medicine cabinet, keeping my tooth brush company.

Marvis flavors are created by offsetting the aroma of mint, to provide the freshness you need, with innovative notes to offer you a long-lasting pleasurable taste sensation that can be different every day. The

Marvis Formula: White, protected teeth, fresh breath all day long, helps prevent tooth decay, tartar and plaque and also Contains Fluoride.

Flavors:
Classic Strong Mint - Intense and lively, The enticing peppermint favor takes you to a new dimension of long lasting freshness.

Jasmine Mint - A surprising fusion, a harmonious blend of fragrant hints of jasmine delicately mixed with the freshness of mint.

Passion Fruit Mint – Is taste bud heaven. A flavor which blends woody, refreshing hints of sweet and fruity mint.

Aquatic Mint – A touch of marine freshness: A delicate hint of mint, The perfect combination to feel the caress of an ocean breeze.

Ginger Mint - Subtle spicy effects conjure up the atmosphere of a tropical Forrest, perfectly balanced with warm fresh hints of mint.

Tube of ToothPaste – $10.50, Travel Size – $6.00
www.MarvisMint.Com
Available At C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries and Most Beauty Supply Stores

Laura Mercier Make Up by The Wife

Clock Wise :
1. Laura Mercier Tinted Mosturizer with spf 20, 42.00 - Is Great For those days when you want something very lightweight with minimal coverage and To Even Skin Tone. I swear by it on Days when I’m running out the door and need to throw on a small amount of make up. (It offers a sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types. It’s Oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow.And Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness.)

2. Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil, 19.00 - This Eye pencil serves dual purposes, It can be taken from day to night very easily. Used minimally For a day time look or applied heavily for the perfect smokey eye at night.(Luxurious texture for maximum wearability. Soft, creamy formula glides easily along the eyelid. Creates a smooth & well-balanced line.)

3. Laura Mercier Shimmer Mosaic Block, 38.00 - This is my favorite Product Laura Mercier makes. I was instantly hooked By the Shimmer Bloc. After using this blush the compliments starting rolling in on which blush I use. I love to mix and match the shimmer blocs with other blushes by Laura Mercier. Its a great way to brighten cheeks and give them an extra Bronzy Glow. (It is a unique based formula that applies effortlessly while brightening the eyes, cheeks & body with a hint of natural colour & light. Contains light-reflecting properties that blend together to give the skin a healthy all-over glow.)

4. Laura Secret Camouflage Concealer, 28.00 – (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage completely camouflages dark circles, minor imperfections & discolorations. A unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of color & one to match the skins undertone)

5. Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub, 46.00 – This Scrub not only does an amazing job of exfoliating, but smells delicious! (A polishing scrub with sugar granules and exfoliating beads to gently slough skin as well as clarify and tone.Promotes a radiant, polished glow. Vitamins A & E protect & soothe while Grape & Olive Oils soothe, soften & moisturize skin.)

6. Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath with wooden honey dipper stick, 40.00 – This Bubble Bath makes for the Best gift. Whether it a Birthday or at Christmas time, and the cute wooden dipper stick is just too cute for words. Its perfect for those nights when you want to curl up with a hot bubble bath and book. (Decadent, foaming honey moisture bath with natural ingredients to help firm, lift & tone skin. Richly fragrances water, leaving skin with a softly scented veil. Soothes & leaves skin moisturized.)

7. Laura Mercier Mineral Cheek Blush, 22.00 - This blush can be a little messy, but I think its well worth it. It goes on beautifully leaving a flawless finish on your cheeks. (Laura Mercier Mineral Cheek Powder is an ultra-lightweight, velvety mineral powder that never grabs or blotches for smooth, effortless application of color creating a radiant, healthy glow.Contains the exclusive Gem Stone complex which captures and reflects light to visually intensify colours while minimizing the appearance of fine imperfections. Long-wearing and stays colour true all day)

8. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, 22.00 - (Lighter-than-air powder offering an instant boost. Creates the appearance of the most naturally perfected skin & maximizes wear & coverage.)