Vegan Beauty Products To Try

Photo by Dermstore

Vegan products are popular with consumers who are concerned about staying healthy, animal curelty and protecting the environment.  Made with pure, wholesome ingredients that are not tested on animals, they are very often organic, as well as, biodegradable and come in minimal, recyclable packaging, according to veganpresence.com.  Being more mindful of the products we buy is a good thing.  Finding products that are good for the planet and the people who live on it is common sense, right?

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, THE SAVVY SHOPPER is highlighting three vegan, all-in-one products.  As more shoppers lean towards vegan and eco-friendly goods, the production for them will go up, making them cheaper to buy.  Another way to lessen your carbon footprint is to look for products that do double, or even quintuple duty.  The following are beauty products with several benefits that yours truly is eager to try:

1. Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation - Lightweight coverage with built-in skincare ingredients.  It's a face powder, concealer, sunscreen and moisterizer all-in-one. Smooths away fine lines, plumps, lifts and firms the skin's appearance.  Bring it on, sister!  Costs: $27.
2. Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser Line - Sold as a new concept in hair care.  It's sulfate-free and lather-free.  Cleans and conditions without stripping hair of its natural oils.  Takes the place of 5 hair products: shampoo, daily conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and detangler.  Revitalizes damaged hair leaving it shiny and full of body. Costs: $8.
3. Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic All In One Healing Cream - It's certified organic and contains healing bee properties like honey, bee pollen and royal jelly, plus olive oil to nourish, smoothe and protect the skin.  Treats cuts, dry and sensitive skin. Costs: $25. (But, you can find it for $16.98)

I am always on the lookout for products, containing top-notch, all natural ingredients that work, and I love double duty products.  One product -- with multi-benefits and several uses -- saves time, money and reduces clutter.

If you want to explore other vegan merchandise, go t0 VeganEssentials and VeganStore.

Happy Earth Day!

You many also enjoy:
Celebrate Earth Day
Waste Not Want Not ... When Less Is Enough
Time To Tidy Up
The Story Of Stuff: A Review

A Nutmeg Mill ... Nice!

William Bounds Nutmeg Mill, Chrome

My mom and aunt (her sister), add nutmeg to nearly every dish they prepare, including meats, vegetables, soups and desserts.  They have all the cooks in the family believing that nutmeg makes nearly every food taste better; and like medicine, nutmeg is very good for us.  We simply must sprinkle some into whatever we whip up.  Well ... I have been brainwashed, and mostly I comply!

Recently, I received a gift I did not even know I wanted -- a nutmeg mill.  Had I read the product reviews, I would have been reluctant to buy it.  Some of the reviewers are unhappy with it, but mine is fantastic.  It's easy to hold and turn and seems to have the right amount of tension.  The rotary blades are stainless steel.  They grind a fair amount of nutmeg quickly, and the shavings are not exactly a powder, but a fine texture.  My trick is the turn the handle in both directions to keep the shavings coming.

I love my new hand-cranked, kitchen gadget. Fresh shaved nutmeg is superior to already ground nutmeg.

The nutmeg mill comes with 4-5 whole nutmegs, which are conveniently stored inside a clear acrylic chamber.  I find that unscrewing the top to pop in a new nutmeg is simple and hassle-free.  Several reviewers say, the mill doesn't grind as well with old nutmegs.  So a tip is to always use fresh, hard nutmegs to have the ease and just-right-size shavings of nutmeg.  Plus using the mill, you will save your fingertips too! It's a handy, not to mention, attractive kitchen tool. $24-$30.

By the way, ever wonder what a nutmeg is?  It's a seed or kernel, not a bulb or nut.

You may also enjoy:

Pass The Pepper Mill, Please

Healthy Spices In A Well-Stocked Kitchen  

Steaming Hot Cincinnati Chili

Take A Trip Down Memory Lane

Rubbermaid Easy-Find-Lids Set(s) At Walmart

Plastic food containers have a way of disappearing or wearing out.  So I needed a new set. Although I would rather have glass, plastic is far more practical.  It takes up less room in a cupboard and won't break when dropped.  That's why I selected this rubbermaid set.

Walmart is offering a super deal.  2 sets: 56 pieces for $20.  Here is what you get:

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids 24-Piece Plus 4 Food Storage Set x 2 =

• (16) ½-cup containers with lids
• (8) 1 ¼-cup containers with lids
• (8) 2-cup containers with lids
• (8) 3-cup containers with lids
• (8) 5-cup containers with lids
• (8) 7-cup containers with lids

Microwave, freezer and dishwsher safe, the containers are sturdy and cleverly designed.  Despite being BPA-free, I never microwave food in plastic.  But here's a useful feature, the lids snap to each other and also to the bottom of the containers, so you are less likely to lose them.

Another fantastic deal is, you can order merchandise online from Walmart and receive free shipping.  The online-retailer will ship an order that is under $45 to a Walmart store, or to your nearest Fed Ex Office for you to pick up.  And, if your order is $45 or more, you get it shipped free to your home.  You can order toilet paper, or paper towels to make up the difference and enjoy the convenience of home delivery.  Bargains, plus convenience, make shopping online worthwhile.

You may enjoy:
A Mobile Computer Cart Instead of A Desk?
Time To Tidy Up
Home Gyms: Save Time, Space And Money  
Decorating Your Home With Art

Spring Forward In Style With Five Easy Pieces

Photo by Anita Martinz/Flickr

Spring is here again, and not a moment too soon.  Some mornings there's a chill in the air, but now the days are bright, sunny and getting longer.  Garden flowers are in full bloom, and it's time to think about a transitional wardrobe.  Here are Five Spring Essentials to add to your closet:

1. A City/Resort Ruffle Shaw from April Marin - Versitle and easy to take on trips to wear with dresses, trousers and skirts.  Occasionally, they go on sale for under $30.

2. Scarves from Old Navy - Keep chills away while making your outfits pop.  They are lightweight, inexpensive and shield you from a strong wind. $10-$15.
3. Big Shirts from LL Bean - They fall low at the hip, are made of plush corduroy; are a relaxed fit; and are great to layer.  Wear with dark leggings and skinny jeans to look polished.  Under $40 on promotion days.
4. T-shirts from Landsend - Made of durable, soft 100% cotton.  They are colorful and cozy to wear under your shawl, big shirts or sweaters.
5. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers from Zappos - Cute, comforable and casual smart.  Perfect when paired with jeans or shorts. $40-$50

You can't go wrong with these five easy pieces.  Simple to wash and fun to wear.

You may also enjoy:

Your Spring Wardrobe
10 Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Should Own
10 Wardrobe Pieces Every Man Should Own
Dry Cleaning Mindfully, Saves Time, Money And Clothing

After Easter Vittles

Photos: Deviled Eggs courtesy of Food and Wine and Butter Cookies by Debra Turner

On the left are classic deviled eggs topped with paprika (plus I added freshly ground nutmeg).

On the right are my (baked this morning!) butter cookies.  We can taste vanilla, butter and a hint of pecans in every bite.  Into a recipe for butter cookies, I threw in a cup of ground, uncooked oatmeal and about 1/3 cup of pulverized pecans.  [Note: I reduce the butter to ½ cup (1 stick) and the sugar to ¾ cup.]  So tasty, there's no need for frosting.  A chocolate chip eye is the perfect finish.  We served the more perfect-shaped bunnies to guests.  From the same batch, I made some star-and-heart-cookies for an after Easter tea party.  Those I can decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Butter Vanilla Cookies - ingredients you'll need:

1 cup butter, softened 

1 cup sugar 

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk 

1 tablespoon vanilla 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

Go here to continue -- it's what I did. :)

You may also enjoy:

The Health Benefits Of Tea

Ted Baker Opens A New Fifth Avenue Store

Are You A Downton Abbey Fan?

Health Care Reform: A Doctor Weighs In

Happy Easter From The Savvy Shopper

Photo by Orbmiser/flickr

Easter is a holiday of bright, lively colors ... from dyed eggs ... to budding flowers ... from baby ducks ... to Easter dresses.

Photo by Almaharri

Easter is a time of renewal and new beginnings ... in nature and religious faith.

Photo by Handful Of Quietness

This little bunny reminds me of A Tale Of Peter Rabbit.  He is perfectly content resting in gentle hands unlike Peter Rabbit, who was chased after by mean, old Mr. McGregor after entering Mr. McGregor's garden and eating his "lettuces, green beans and radishes."  Had Peter not gotten away, Mr. McGregor would have hit him with a rake and served him up as a pot pie!   This little guy is in much safer hands.

1909 Wessler Easter postcard - on Ebay for $2.99 here

Now that a new season is here, stop to notice the flowers ... enjoy the spring ... and a Happy Easter Everyone!

You may also enjoy:
It's Easter Sunday
Happy Easter This Sunday
Papyrus Greeting Cards
The Secret Sisters: Tomorrow Will Be Kinder

Hearty Split Pea Soup And Cornbread For Meatless Mondays

Photo by EatMoreBalance.com

Recently I stopped buying canned soups.  As I said in previous posts, either my tastes have changed, or canned soups have changed.  I used to like them; now not so much.  These days I make a batch of homemade soup, eat a meal, then freeze the rest in 16 ounce containers to be nuked (i.e. microwaved) later for quick meals.  One of my favorite soups to prepare is hearty split pea.  Sometimes I make it with smoked ham, and sometimes I make it vegetarian.  Even without meat, you have a complete protein by pairing the soup with corn bread or Irish soda bread.  It's definitely a stick-to-your-ribs-square-meal.  Below are my recipes: 

Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:
16 ounce bag of dried split peas

8 cups water

1 large onion, diced

3 large carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 small tomato, diced (if you have one, if not omit)

1 bay leaf

1 ½ double bouillon cubes, or 3 small cubes (contains salt, so don't add salt, separately)

1 tablespoon dried garlic

12 turns of the black pepper mill

a sprinkle of dried celery

a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes

a dash of Worcestershire sauce
a sprinkle of nutmeg
a sprinkle of parlsey flakes

Directions:
Throw all the ingredients into a stock pot on a stovetop, bringing it to a boil, cover with a lid, then lower the heat and simmer for about one hour, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Golden Yellow Corn Bread

Ingredients:
1 cup yellow corn meal

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon sea salt (or smoked salt)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups buttermilk  You can substitute milk, Russian kefir, plain yogurt, or sour milk, whatever you have on hand will work.

Optional spice: 

12 turns of the black pepper mill

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

A sprinkle of garlic powder

A sprinkle of onion powder

Directions:
1. Put all the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl; follow with the wet ingredients.
2. Mix with a folk.
3. Pour into an oiled cast iron skillet and cover with a lid.
4. Cook on the stove top until golden brown. Flip over and cook the 2nd side until golden brown. (Or you can bake in the oven about 30 minutes until golden brown.)  When done in the center, remove, let cool slightly. Cut and eat.

I like the idea of meatless Mondays for several reasons.  Many of us grew up eating too much meat. Several studies suggest eating less meat can reduce your risks of preventive illnesses like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Meatless Mondays also help reduce your carbon footprint.  It takes a lot more water and fossil fuel to raise livestock than to grow vegetables and grains. So going meatless one day a week is good for your health and the environment.  With so much hunger in the world, it's a painless and delicious way to make a tiny difference.

You may also enjoy:

Eaters Beware

Eat Healthy One Step At A Time

The Best Cookbooks Ever

Greenmarkets, Community Gardens And CSA's

Papyrus Greeting Cards

Greeting cards by Papyrus

Recently my mom said, "Now that everyone carries a phone everywhere, you can't get ahold of anyone!!!  Years ago when you called someone at home, a child ... or someone answered the phone and it lead to a conversation!"  

Imagine that.  You didn't need to text, email, or tweet a "friend," nor wait for a typed reply.  No peck, peck, pecking ever.Goodness, I know we can't live in the past, but let's keep it simple ... and meaningful.

Personally, I'd rather have one telephone call in lieu of 50 text messages, a face-to-face chat over 100 emails and a handwritten card instead of a column of electronic greetings.  To tell you the truth, sometimes I don't even open electronic greetings.  But I would never leave a handwritten card unopened, plus I save cards with heartfelt notes.  They become memories.

Several years ago, an elderly neighbor sent me an Easter card that I still have.  She said, when my parents first moved next door to her, she watched my dad carry me outside in a snowsuit to show me the falling snow.  She wished me a Happy Easter and told me to enjoy the Spring ... then passed away a short time later.  I'm glad she took the time to write and reminisce, and she inspired me by her example.  It's quite nice getting an Easter card.

Papyrus has unique and beautiful selections of stationery and greeting cards for all occasions. Expect to find rich paper with glitter and foil at reasonable prices. If you hit a sale, you can get a box of expensive cards for under $5.  It's always a good time to let someone know you care. (My Papyus Christmas cards are bought and on hold.)

You may also enjoy:
Laugh With Me
Organic And Eco-Friendly Gifts  
A Mobile Computer Cart Instead Of A Desk?
Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap, A Review

Irish Soda Bread: Sweet Or Savory?

Photo by All About Food

I can't claim much Irish ancestry, but aren't we all Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  I do love meat and potatoes, Irish stew, cabbage, root vegetables and Irish soda bread.  I started making soda bread because it tastes similar to buttermilk biscuits, but you can substitute healthier ingredients: like butter instead of lard and whole grain flour in lieu of all white flour.  Soda bread is delicious served warm.  Here is my recipe:

Irish Soda Bread

For Savory

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 extra large egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

1 ¼ cups buttermilk (Regular milk with a teaspoon vinegar works if you don't have buttermilk. Let it sit before pouring it in).

optional: 1/3 cup caraway seeds

For Sweet

You will add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 cup raisins. (= Irish American soda bread, and it tastes more like a pastry.)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Stir the first 5 dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

3. Mix in the beaten eggs.

4. Next incorporate the cubes of butter until you get a coarse mixture.

5. Here is where you add the sugar and raisins, if you want to sweeten your soda bread. I always opt for savory, skipping the sugar and raisins.  Does that make me a salty girl?

6. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until a dough forms.

7. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a little bit, then shape it into a round, slightly flattened loaf.  Be careful not to over-knead, or the bread will turn out tough.  Aim for a sticky dough.

8. Place the round dough on an olive oiled baking dish.  I use a cast iron skillet.

9. Cut a cross [like this +] about 1 inch deep into the dough with a sharp knife. By scoring the top, the bread bakes evenly and is easy to slice. 

10. Bake about 55 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and done in the center.  Cool, cut and eat.

Extra tips:  The soda bread for this 3 cups of flour recipe will last about a week. Sometimes I make a smaller loaf, using 1 cup whole heat flour to 1 cup of all purpose flour (also reducing the other ingredients); or make a bigger loaf, using 2 cups of whole wheat to 2 cups of all purpose flour (and increasing the remaining ingredients proportionally).  

Usually I sprinkle the top with raw oatmeal (and a sprinkle of salt) before baking. Brush the top with butter or milk to give the oatmeal a wet surface so it sticks. Sometimes I toss 1/3 cup of caraway seeds into the batter -- provided my guests like caraway seeds (Delish!).  

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

You may also enjoy:

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

A Father's Day Memory

Are You A Downton Abbey Fan?

A Deep Dark Chocolate Cheescake For Valentine's Day

Are You A Downton Abbey Fan?

Photo: itv

I am spending far too much of my leisure time re-watching seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Downton Abbey.  It's so well written and cast that I catch little details with each viewing.  Isn't it the best series to air in a long time?  Unlike so many other shows, Downton's twists and turns make perfect sense while being totally unpredictable.  Worth the price of the Blu-ray or DVD.

Each season the cast has grown, both in numbers and as a result of their experiences.  There are 24+ characters featured-in-detail, and I love the ensemble acting.  Even the bad characters are layered and gain your sympathy as plots thicken.  I truly appreciate how neither the series, nor the characters are black and white.  The creator, Jullian Fellowes, writes about times and a class system he knows very well.  Mr. Fellowes' wife is the daughter of an earl.

Downton Abbey is a series in which you invest in the characters.  As complicated as events get  -- and whether you agree or disagree with how characters behave -- you understand and root for them.

Watching Downton Abbey makes me think about a bygone era and the evolution of mores.  My God, were times harsh for everyone both upstairs and downstairs. The days were long, while the years were short, and if you were a servant, the work was endless.

After watching a Downton episode, certain thoughts run through my mind. Far from being original thoughts; they are clichés, but they are nonethess true.  Life is over in a heatbeat.  The world doesn't begin nor end with our present age.  Nothing and I mean, nothing ... people, places or things last forever.   Time changes things.  People can change with time and be changed by the times, but the more times change, the more people stay the same.  As Mr. Carson notes, "Human nature is a funny business."

Downton Abbey gets human nature right, and I can't wait for seaon 4.  Although the show would survive it, I hope none of the remaining characters want to leave.  I'd like to see a season 5 also. Just saying.

The cast on a press junket in New York City. Photo by just jared.

You may also enjoy:

The Voice Premieres On NBC

What We Watch On TV

Thnking About Father's Day

What I Like About Mad Men And The 60s

Remembering Patsy Cline 9/8/32 – 3/5/63

It's been 50 years since the world lost one of its most iconic singers.  Because there will never be another talent like Patsy Cline, let's take a moment to remember her.

Patsy began singing on a radio show in Winchester, Virginia as a teenager to help support her family.  She had perfect pitch, and through determination and hard work went on to become one of the most respected and influencial female singers of the 20th century.  She was a pioneer, crossing over from the country charts into pop music and leading the way for female artists to headline music concerts ... which was unheard of for women in her day.

Patsy's lively personality, emotionally expressive voice and pivotal role in the music industry will never be forgotten by anyone who listens to her songs.

Photo: Patsy Cline website here

Aside from Cline's remarkable contralto voice, people who knew her always mention what a geniune and likeable person Patsy was.  Often described as generous and big hearted, she accomplished so much in just 31 years.  Not only did she reach the top of her profession, she was a devoted wife, mother and daughter and much loved by friends and Nashiville's music community.

Why not remember her spirit, as well as, her talent?

To understand what I'm saying, take another moment to read The Dash, a poem written in 1996.

R.I.P. the one and only Patsy Cline.  In every way, you used your dash well.

Patsy Cline's remastered albums are a must-have for anyone who loves a gorgeous voice. Click here and here to listen to two of her signiture songs. 

As musician Roy Clark, Jr. points out: Faded Love was forever a Bob Wills song -- Bob wrote it, recorded it and had a hit with it, but as soon as Patsy sang it, it became a Patsy Cline song.

You may also enjoy:

My Love Letter To Queen

Who Am I: Pete Townshend

Guilty Pleasure Songs

A Rock 'N' Roll Odyssey

Happy 4th Birthday To THE SAVVY SHOPPER

Photo courtesy of  pinkcakebox.com

THE SAVVY SHOPPER turns 4 years old today.  Where does the time go?  This site started because I wanted to see what all this blogging business entailed. 

My least favorite part of blogging is futzing with photos and the layout.

In the print world, it takes a team.  Either you work on the editorial, or the business side.  On the editorial side, staffers work as reporters, writers and editors.  There are separate art, photo and copy departments within the editorial side.  All these separate, but linked departments worry about different aspects of a magazine (or newspaper), with all their roles and efforts coming together to close (i.e. publish) an issue (or edition).

Until I began this blog I didn't worry about pictures, layouts or copy editing.  I don't think fussing with layouts and spotting misspelled words are my forte, but I like trying ... and stretching myself, as well as, succeeding.

And, I love how direct and democratic blogging is.  I don't have to pitch nothin'.  Anybody with a computer and a voice can do it.  If you enjoy learning, coming up with story ideas, have the skills to do some digging (research) ... use good judgment ... then have the ability to make it understantable for readers, you can be a blogger.  No capital required, but you will have to invest your time.  Oh ... and you should enjoy fiddling with words.  In fact, that's my favorite part, the writing.  On this blog, it starts and ends with the words.

THE SAVVY SHOPPER now gets a few hundred savvy readers a day, and YOU are awesome! Thank you for stopping by.  Here's to another year of fun facts and entertainment.  Please let me know if there are topics you want to explore.  Let's learn stuff.  Share your thoughts under comments.  Click here for free birthday gifts.

You may also enjoy:
Who Shares The Shape Of Your Face?
Chili, Mmm, Mmm, Good!
M.C. Hammer Presents The ZAGGmate iPad Case
The Skinny On Face Serum ... And Skin Care

Oscar Dresses 2013: What Did You Think?

All photos are courtesy of  IN STYLE. Click to enlarge. 1) Jennifer Hudson is wearing a glittering dark blue Roberto Cavalli dress; 2) Kristen Stewart selected a cream Reem Acra gown. It doesn't photograph well, but cute details; 3) Jennifer Aniston's red dress is by Valentino; and 4) Sandra Bullock is wearing Elle Saab.

Some years you see lots of wow at the  Academy Awards.  Standouts, both good and bad.  Not so much this year.  What you saw on the red carpet this time was tasteful dressing and pretty packages.  Tame, but elegant and smart.  Here are a few of my favorite Oscar gowns.  What about you?

(Another gorgeous dress was worn by best actress winner, Jennifer Lawrence, to Vanity Fair's Oscar after party.  She changed from the earlier Dior Couture one.  I like the second dress better and posted it on our facebook page: here.)

You many enjoy:

Favorite Oscar Dresses 2012  

Oscar Looks For Less  

Fashion At The Academy Awards  

Red Carpet Glamour

Cheap Botanical Beauty For Body And Hair

Lavender Photo courtesy of  Flower Picture Gallery

Your skin, measuring 20 square feet, is your largest organ and the first line of defense, keeping all kinds of wicked microbes from entering your system. At the same time, everything you rub on your skin can penetrate it and get absorbed into your blood stream. As winter sets in many of us slather on moisturizers from head to toe to counter the dryness. Some of us wonder: Are the chemicals in the beauty products we use every day harmful?

Although I haven't given up commercial products (I still love my corner drugstore); when all things are equal, such as performance, price and convenience, I prefer products with certified organic, or 99% all natural ingredients. Patricia, writer of the Red Cardinal blog, asked me to feature a few paraben-free products from time to time, and I'm happy to oblige.

If you live in the US, UK or Australia, you can order many certified organic lotions, potions and creams, as well as, vitamins and supplements from Puritan's Pride, an online manufacturer of vitamins. The natural e-company offers low prices and super sales, but more importantly, they guarantee that their products are of the highest quality.  I placed several orders with them at different times ... all positive experiences. Once I had to cancel an order, and customer service was very helpful.  And finally, I find their website easy to navigate. (Some aren't.)

Here are a few botanical beauty products I like ordering from Puritan's Pride:

1. Perfectly Pure Argan oil  - It has only one ingredient, argan oil. I use it on skin and the ends of my hair right after a shower. 2 oz./various deals - 5 for $55.
2. Organic Health Emollient Lavender Lotion with Antioxidants - This smells lavender-amazing; it's non-greasy and moisturizes skin with essential oils. 12 oz./various deals - 5 for $20.
3. Organic Health Invigorating Tea Tree Oil Shampoo - Tingles your scalp; great for oily, dry, fine, limp and most hair types. 12 oz./2 for 1 and other deals - 5 for $19.98.
4. Organic Health Invigorating Tea Tree Oil Conditioner - Leaves your hair tangle free, shiny and silky smooth. 12 oz./2 for 1 and other deals - 5 for $19.98.

And one from Amazon:

5. Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion Lavender (also available in vanilla and unscented) - The ingredients include shea butter, lemongrass extract and vitamin C.  In winter I mix in olive oil, argan oil, or Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment (or Boudreaux's Butt Paste) to make a heavier hand cream. By itself, the Everyday Shea lotion is light and completely absorbes into your skin. It is formulated for sensitive skin. 32 oz. for $10.

These five personal care products, made with the finest botanical ingredients, are generously sized, so you can afford to use them every day.

You may also enjoy:
Going Organic: Face, Body And Hair Essentials
When Is Organic Necessary?
Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap: A Review
Greenmarkets, Community Gardens And CSAs