the conscious decision blog
5 Natural Ways to Rescue Dry Skin
Fall weather is in full force and Winter is just around the corner. The brisk wind chill may be a welcomed change but keeping skin hydrated and rejuvenated may be a challenge. When skin becomes dry the epidermis is unable to maintain normal moisture levels resulting in dull complexions, but a few simple tweaks in our daily routines can help keep skin bright and balanced. Here are five natural ways to care for dry skin in the fall.
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Four Conscious Decisions you can make this Turkey Day!
Greening your Turkey Day can create its own type of feel-good holiday fun. It is the perfect opportunity to show your gratitude to nature with a couple of simple conscious decisions. Here are 4 easy tips for an Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Thanksgiving Celebration. Buy Local - Eating in season and purchasing from local food vendors, such as those found at Farmer’s Markets, can greatly reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season. Your fruits, vegetables, and proteins will have travelled less to reach your table, which means less air pollution and fresher, more flavorful ingredients. Plus you will be supporting small, local business. Go Organic - Organic, free-range turkeys are raised with access to fresh air and fed higher quality, natural diets. These turkeys are raised without the use of hormones and antibiotics. Since you are already on an organic roll accompany your savory turkey with organic fruits and vegetables. Organic cranberries, heirloom potatoes and winter squash can light up the table with colors, flavors and nourishment. Want to take things a step further? Go Vegan this holiday season. Try stuffed portobello mushrooms or maple glazed tempeh for delectable protein options. Or check out our Organic Vegan Vegetable Soup Recipe! Use Sustainable Tableware - Pull out the fancy china and linens…real friends love helping with the dishes! Truly sustainable tableware can be washed an reused. But if disposable tableware is a must try compostable dishes made out of sugarcane or corn rather than plastic. Use Eco Transportation - Ride your bike or carpool to your destination… the first works off the pumpkin pie and the second allows you to enjoy more wine! Fun fact about carpooling: Carpooling once a week can keep 800 pounds of greenhouse gas out of the air each year. We love your feedback: How do you make your Thanksgiving eco-friendly?
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Pregnancy - A Time of Self Discovery
Pregnancy has a way of inspiring reflection that is holistic bringing focus to the mind, body and spirit. A new pregnancy can kindle an array of thoughts and emotions. A journey has begun…life-altering, exciting and nerve-wracking. Sure there is researching baby names, and planning out a new nursery, but along side those tasks a true soul-searching begins where all basic choices are revisited. In many ways the pregnancy ebb and flow is timeless. Yet recent trends for expectant moms seem to be transforming some of the more challenging pregnancy moments into opportunities for self-discovery and renewal. The 2015 mom-to-be has a new set of tricks up her sleeve. As early as the first trimester many women modify their daily routine to include pregnancy wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, or switching to organic foods and products. These lifestyle modifications leave many women with a renewed way of life that can last far beyond a 9 month term. Here are a few reasons why we love these pregnancy self-care trends. Yoga - Nausea and back pain can be a major source of discomfort during pregnancy but prenatal yoga is being accepted as a viable remedy for these symptoms. Yoga is also known to enhance fitness, assist in stress reduction and improve sleep. A study by the Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation found that yoga may also help improve baby’s birth weight and decrease risk of preterm labor. Meditation - Mood swings are a common pregnancy challenge but researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that just 10-weeks of Mindfulness Yoga led to significant mood elevation for expectant moms. A daily prenatal meditation practice has also become widely recognized for its ability to promote mental clarity and provide increased attentiveness and inspire creativity. Organic Foods - Satisfying cravings while eating nutrient rich foods can be undertaking. But the vibrancy and palatable flavors found in locally grown organic foods is what has foodies and locavores rushing to farmers markets and ordering CSA boxes. Indulging in quality, nourishment and flavor – free from potentially harmful pesticides and toxins – is what makes organic the perfect choice for mommy and baby. Organic Personal Care Products - Caring for tummy dryness and itchy skin while using pregnancy safe personal care products can take some effort. Fortunately expectant moms that would like to avoid toxins, synthetic fragrances and unhealthy additives can keep and eye out for products carrying the USDA organic seal. The USDA Organic Certification is only granted after meticulous assessments from the National Organic Program scrutinizing everything from seeds, soil and water to harvesting and handling techniques. There is no safer standard for the health conscious mom-to-be. The wealth of benefits gained through these lifestyle changes is validated by both word of mouth (from mom-to-mom) and through health studies. These trends seem to speak to a defining spirit of our times that is arising from a well-informed new generation of mothers-to-be. Even post-pregnancy these new habits and self-discoveries lead to healthier, happier families. We would love to hear your feedback! Tell us how pregnancy inspired a healthier lifestyle for you.
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Kind Eye on Erbaviva's Ethos
Rachel Murray from Kind Eye recently interviewed Erbaviva’s founder Robin Brown in the blog post: A Kind Brand: Meet Erbaviva. Rachel and Robin discuss benefits of certified organic products, Erbaviva’s ethos as an ethical cosmetic brand, tips for health and well-being and more! Kind Eye is an online tool that helps readers find safe, healthy products. They support brands that focus on sustainability, social change and clean, pure ingredients. What is your company’s philosophy? Erbaviva is dedicated to creating the healthiest, safest, purest organic skincare products available that benefit the human body and the planet. Since the company’s inception in 1996 we have been uncompromising in use of organic ingredients. This was during a time when there were no organic personal care products on the market. As the company developed, the choice to become USDA Organic and Demeter Biodynamic came out of our genuine respect for environmental balance. We are also a Certified B Corporation, practicing sustainable business and social and environmental responsibility. What charities do you support (if any)? Erbaviva is an ongoing supporter of the BlinkNow Foundation in Nepal. Eight years ago BlinkNow was founded by Maggie Doyne, a 19 year old girl, who developed a personal bond to Nepal when visiting the region just after High School. Maggie was so deeply moved by this experience that she used her personal savings to build the Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School. Today it houses hundreds of otherwise homeless children and has extended to a school of 350 students. We met Maggie several years ago and witnessed her remarkable commitment, her tireless passion, and the gratefulness she feels for every donation. Every dollar goes straight to being used in a beneficial way. It is BlinkNow’s mission to provide an education and a loving, caring home for these children. They also provide community outreach to reduce poverty, empower women, improve health, and encourage sustainability and social justice. We are honored to be part of Maggie’s mission and to be a small part of the global change that BlinkNow creates. How do you determine which ingredients go into your products? How do you conduct your research? Our products are crafted using only the highest quality, sustainable emollients, emulsifiers, nutrient-rich base oils, herbal extracts and therapeutic-grade essential oils. These botanicals exist naturally in our ecosystem so the manufacturing and use of these products has a low impact the environment. When researching our agricultural ingredients we do not look for the lowest cost ingredient, but rather for the highest level of therapeutic properties possible, that will nurture the skin, regardless of the cost. We also have long, trusted relationships with small organic farms, producers and distillers that provide these exceptional ingredients. We use Demeter Biodynamic ingredients, which takes Organic a step further. Biodynamic farming is a form of organic agriculture that honors the ecosystem of the farm and the interactions of the elements such as soil, vegetation, animals and insects. This method observes the natural cycles of planting, harvesting, preparing, and composting, a process that nourishes the soil and increases biological activity in the plant life. Read the full article...
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Erbaviva on Elle ~ Best Sunscreen for Face & Body
Summer is officially here along with beautiful warm weather and strong sun rays. Elle.com gives beauty lovers a few tips on eco-friendly sunscreens that will keep you protected all Summer long in the article, “15 Sunscreens for Every Skin Type and Every Occasion”. We are excited that Erbaviva Sunscreen was featured as “Best Sunscreen for Face and Body”. Elle.com says, “If you don’t want to buy a separate cream for your face and body, this one is for you. It’s naturally crafted, ultra-light, chemical-free formula is infused with chamomile and lavender essential oils and won’t leave any residue on your skin.” Read the full article on Elle.com. Erbaviva Sunscreen is crafted with zinc oxide (a naturally occurring mineral), along with soothing aloe, and moisturizing sunflower, olive and jojoba oils. As Elle.com mentioned our sunscreen is infused with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender for a light and refreshing aroma. It also effectively provides UVA and UVB full spectrum sunscreen protection for the entire family. The texture is light and silky and does not leave an unsightly white residue while being water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Go to the Essentials tab for exceptional all natural sun protection or Buy Now!
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Winter to Spring Skin Care Tips
Spring is a time of renewal, rejuvenation and vitality. The days get longer, outdoor activities increase, and gardens flourish! During the winter months we battle dry, dull skin with deeply hydrating butters, balms and oils. But now that Spring is officially here it is time to brighten up our daily beauty regimen. Depending on the weather in your area the transition may start off a bit leisurely but sooner or later sunnier days should be met with seasonally suitable skin care. Here are a few rejuvenating skincare tips to help ease the transition and keep skin healthy and vibrant. Detoxify: Relieve Winter’s dry skin cells and pave the way for fresh new cells with the detoxifying and enlivening effects of sea salt. Whether you soak up the benefits of sea salt in a soothing warm bath, or use a bath salt and oil to create a fresh exfoliating scrub, the result will be bright, glowing skin, increased circulation and deep relaxation. Tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate spots like feet and elbows that you kept hidden all winter. Moisturize: Lighten up hydration levels to make room for warmer weather. If you have been using balms and oils during the day it may be time to switch to lighter lotions that contain refreshing ingredients like aloe vera. Those with a drier complexion may prefer to stick with deeper hydration until the Summer months. Tip: Balms and oils are still recommended for overnight moisture, but a little goes a long way. Protect: Get the most out of the great outdoors by staying protected naturally. Stock up on your favorite natural, broad-spectrum sunscreen to safeguard from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and to keep skin looking youthful. With progressive damage to the ozone layer skin conditions are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to prevent many of these ailments. Remember daily sunscreen is recommended for all skin types whether you burn or tan. Tip: Keep a tube of sunscreen in your car or purse so you are always ready for a spontaneous outing! Erbaviva’s has a wide range of clean, pure, organic products that benefit all skin types and translate well during all seasons. If you would like more information on a particular product feel free to contact us anytime!
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Creating Romance Rituals - Valentine's Day and Beyond
Just after New Years malls and markets start hanging red décor and filling their shelves with heart-shaped chocolates and goodies. Valentine’s Day waits just around the corner and couples start planning for romantic evenings. Some people start the night with extravagance, while others keep it simple, but at the end of the night the goal is always the same, romance and intimacy. So how can we navigate the evening in a way that will result in mood elevation and affection? Sometimes the most subtle of details can make a person feel special. Warm lighting, a decadent chocolaty aphrodisiac for desert, a fresh set of Egyptian cotton sheets, but at Erbaviva our expertise is aromatherapy. Erbaviva values the fact that for centuries the therapeutic properties of essential oils have been used to benefit the body. Some uses are for the physical body while others are emotionally based. In modern times science has confirmed that an aroma can change a person’s disposition. But sometimes our experiences speak louder than science. When's the last time you walked outside after a rainy night and felt uplifted by the smell of bourgeoning flowers and fresh-cut grass? Or caught the scent of an old perfume that completely transported you into a vivid memory? Evoking our sense of smell can be invigorating and enlivening. Likewise, infusing the home or bedroom with romantic aromatics may create the ideal sensual ambiance. Here is a list of our favorite romantic essential oils for Valentine's Day: Grapefruit essential oil is known as an energetic, uplifting oil with a bright, citrusy aroma. It said to create a warm atmosphere, perfect for date night. Lavender essential oil is also known to lift spirits and create a soothing sensation. The scent it sweet and inviting. Jasmine essential oil is considered an effective aphrodisiac with an exotic, floral scent. It blends perfectly with citrus notes.Neroli essential oil is earthy and zesty with floral undertones. It is known to stimulate romance, desire and to rejuvenate the senses. In the Victorian tradition Roses symbolize passion and love. Rose essential oil embraces this sediment with its intoxicatingly fragrant allure. A high-grade rose essential oil will boast a sweet but fresh full-bodied bouquet. We recommend using romantic essential oils in a diffuser or mixing in a few drop with your favorite carrier oil for a sensual massage. Erbaviva offers bath salts, massage oils and room sprays that make using essential oils easy. Explore the Relax line (Lavender, Rose, Neroli) and Embrace line (Grapefruit, Jasmine) to see which items may be right for you. For more Valentine’s Day friendly products check out the Daily Makeover article “7 Beauty Products That Will Boost Your Sex Life.” We hope everyone has an exciting Valentine’s Day and these little romance rituals find a way in to our daily lives.
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Super Saturday - Fundraiser for Women
With celebrities, fashion, food and activities, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund’s Super Saturday Event on May 17th, in Santa Monica, CA was an amazing success. Blue skies and warm weather set the tone for this vibrant, haute fundraiser that originated in the Hamptons 20 years ago. This first-ever West Coast Super Saturday ovarian cancer fundraiser was hosted by celebrity moms Rachel Zoe and Molly Sims who arrived with the whole family to bring awareness to this very worthy cause. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer among American women. According the the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, “Approximately 22,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and about 15,500 women will die from the disease. One in 78 American women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime.“ The OCRF focuses on strategies for early detection and much needed innovative treatments for ovarian cancer. The Red Carpet: The red carpet was alive with some of television’s favorite stars including Tammin Sursok, Vanessa Ray and Janel Parrish from Pretty Little Liars, Patti Stanger from Millionaire Matchmaker, and Nikki Deloach from Awkward, to mention a few. Tammin Sursok went home with organic baby products for her little one by Erbaviva. Fashion Moguls were also present at the Super Saturday event including Joe Zee, the creative director of Elle and fashion historian Cameron Silver. The Brands: Luxury brands donated everything from designer clothes, shoes and bags to beauty and baby products. Participating brands included Aden & Anais, Versace, Haute Hippie, Beyond Yoga & Planet Blue. Erbaviva was a proud participant donating over $2000 of organic skin care to the OCRF. OCRF estimates that over $600,000 was raised during the event. We would like to thank all of the OCRF organizers, volunteers and vendors for an amazing day of fun and fundraising!
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