Beauty Beauty Everywhere

A little bit here and a little bit there... 

These gorgeous agate earrings have Czech (Bohemian) glass faces, are tied with 
fair-trade recycled sari ribbon, and were hand-made in New Orleans by one of my fantastic followers, Heidi Post and sold in her Etsy Shop, Ex Post Facto. If you're 
looking for something original and inexpensive (most jewelry is under $75), her 
shop is worth checking out! Heidi sent these to me in an Altoids tin, and the very 
first time I ever had Altoids was shortly after I moved to New Orleans to start my 
life of Bohemian adventures... before NYC Paris London Las Vegas Seattle and LA. 
I love synchronicity, there are no coincidences. Merci Heidi!!!

The lovely people at Pacifica sent me this reed diffuser in Indian Coconut Nectar and now my bedroom smells like an exotic vanilla dream. Scent is an important layer to having a beautiful living space, and I prefer diffusers to candles, as they're long-lasting and don't have to be watched constantly for safety. Pacifica's diffusers are stylish and subtle and most importantly, aren't toxic like most commercial room fragrances. Remember, just because it says NATURAL on the label, does not make it so. Read and research every ingredient. It's not possible to eliminate every toxic chemical, but every little bit adds up. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel when you start basing your life in nature, not to mention how smart you'll be when you stay informed. 

Scentual Sidenote - I asked Pacifica if they had any fragrances that would be 
considered "masculine", for you eco-conscious men out there who care about your 
health and how you smell (thank you for that, from all the ladies). They suggested Spanish Amber and Sandalwood, which they sent me. Woodsy, warm, and light, with 
a hint of citrus... I think it works for men and women. Merci Pacifica!!!

 Bohemian Beauty Finds - These make my life better:

Under $5, Crystal Essence deodorant changed my life, seriously. Nothing on Earth will stop stink from happening like this stuff and it leaves no pesky residue on clothes. I love that it's a spray and like the rest of these products, works for both men and women. 

Crafting herbal-based remedies since the mid-1800's, Thayers makes a gentle rose-petal witch hazel that I use as a toner after washing my face with my LilyB facial wash. It's wonderful for sensitive skin and also makes a great body splash in the summer; just put 

it in the fridge and use it to cool off! There are many varieties, but the rose-petal is intoxicating without any heaviness.  At under $10, it's another great value.

I've been a fan of vitamin C serums forever, and about two years ago I discovered NuFountain on Amazon. I buy the C+ Lightening serum, which has significantly reduced what little sun damage I suffered from and took a few years off. What's really groovy is that what you buy doesn't get made until you order it, making it fresh AND if you order two bottles at the same time, you get one free (I store them in the fridge). Another cool feature, on the NuFountain website is descriptions of the ingredients they use, something every cosmetic/skincare company should do with every product. 

Argan oil is a miracle. I replaced all my moisturizers and body lotions with this pure, 

raw organic elixir from Morocco, that is also empowering the women who harvest and minimally process it. My skin has never been healthier or happier, partly due to the high amounts of vitamin E present. Make sure you get the RAW oil and not anything that has been "deodorized". Some people don't like the smell of the raw, but I think it smells a little like olive tapanade and it's not anything that sticks around or interferes with anything sweeter you want to smell like. I bought a deodorized product once and I could detect the smell of the chemicals used to take the smell away. It was weird. There are many products out there, but for price and quality I like Slice of Nature.

Everything your bring into your life and home should be beautiful and have purpose, settle for nothing less and you'll have no regrets. Remember, beauty is everywhere.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

My Favorite Pikake

Perfume is another layer to how you express yourself to the world, and there's nothing sensual about artificial or chemical-based, no matter WHO is selling it. For years I indulged in expensive "designer" perfumes, $100's spent on spritzing something that now gives me a headache just to whiff! Fortunately there are many good, nature-based cosmetic/perfume companies out there, and one of my favorites is Pacifica. I've been buying their scents for years, after falling in love with their Tahitian Gardenia. 

For only $22 I get a delicious aurora of aroma that gets me compliments every time I wear it (every time), and no allergies or headaches or harm to the environment.

What's not to love?

My current summer favorite is Waikiki Pikake. According to their website: In Hawaiian, pikake means both peacock and jasmine. The pikake flower was named by Hawaii's beloved Princess Kaiulani, who adorned herself in necklaces of the sweetly scented white flowers and compared its exotic beauty to the peacocks that roamed her garden. 
Two of my absolute favorite things are peacocks (my totem animal) and jasmine and here they are, one and the same in an amazing clean floral perfume. 
It's like it was made just for me.  


Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Good For Earth = Good For All

A few easy everyday things that promote a healthier planet:

1. Eliminate toxic petroleum and chemical-based perfumes/candles and switch to

fragrances (body and home) that use nature-based ingredients.

I'm a big fan of Pacifica products!

2. Launder everything in cold water - saves energy/$ and fabrics last longer.

Use plant-based detergent and softeners.

3. Make QUALITY NOT QUANTITY your mantra.

I'd rather have nothing than something cheap, mass-marketed and disposable.

Love everything you wear or bring into your home!

Do some spring-cleaning, clear your space and mind, and donate your excess.

4. Bring your own bags when shopping.

I'm still waiting to win the Bag Raffle at Trader Joes...

after bringing my own bags for 8 years!!!

5. Plot a circular car-route when you go out to save time and gas.

6. Recycle everything.

7. Save money and express your individuality by buying vintage and second-hand

clothing and decor. Besides, nothing beats the thrill of the hunt!

We only have one planet and it's already in serious trouble.

It's so easy to make little changes that have large impacts.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe