Random Thoughts

RACHEL: Erin - I am not sure why I have been procrastinating on posting after our lovely St. Paul G3 meeting last week. We had great conversations about recycling, the new products we are trying and how we are all moving forward - one thing at a time. I didn't take the best notes - so I hope that Carrie and mom will post about the nail polish remover and mesh produce bags that they tried respectively. And now to my random thoughts ...

I am wondering if anyone has sent in their old nail polish and gotten new ones from Zoya. I plan to do that this week - and I have posted the link to the left. And - I will put that in my manicure kit! I talked a bit ago about what to do about the amazing Smashbox product. I ran out awhile ago and was planning on buying some - until I mentioned that to mom and she wondered why I would buy something not perfectly green for my skin. So .... scratch the Smashbox!

And, this months commitments to a green workout. First, I vow to walk to the gym - even at 5:15am in the rain. Second, at the gym I will not use any equipment that is plugged in - ie the treadmills, even if it is raining outside. Third, I will do 10 sun salutations in the morning. I want to do more yoga - but that is all I can commit to at this time. Forth, I will do 5 minutes of mediation daily. Again, starting small.

I hope all is going well with everyone else. It is nice to know that we are not doing this alone!! And, I continue to remind myself that each choice - even the small ones - keep me moving in the right direction to be kind to myself and the earth.

Erin: Rachel, this last month was a tuffy. There is so very much about beauty products that is either unknown or very confusing. Of course with the "scientists" here in the CA club we talked more about the ingredients and what it all meant. It's a little beyond me right now but I am slowly learning. One thing that we did note was that it was easier to talk about what we eat. We understand those ingredients and what we should put IN our bodies, but I think it might take more time to learn the lingo of what we can healthfully put ON our bodies.

I did get a note from Ideal Bite today about other "products". (posted in the comments)

As for this coming month we in California tend to think we so a good job with workouts. Something that seems a constant work in progress in the land of sunshine. Of course it is always helpful to learn more. I received this inventory from the sierra club which I think has some interesting questions.

What I think might be of importance is that 1 - we move our bodies and 2 - that we have time to center ourselves (i.e. yoga, meditation, journalling, etc.)

So take some deep breaths and remember - just a little is often enough.

Pedicures

RACHEL: Erin, I have been thinking about your pedicure question lately -- even more so, since I went to go get a pedicure this afternoon. It is finally spring in MN and I REALLY needed one. I tried to put all of my new-found knowledge out of my head and think about all of the cute spring/summer open-toed shoes in my closet. I felt guilty the whole time I was there .... and when a woman came in to get fills for her acrylic nails I felt horrible for what we were putting on/in our bodies!!! So - my mission this week is to put together a complete pedicure kit to bring along with me the next time I go. I know mom posted a link to a site to get eco-friendly nail polish remover - so I need to get some of that along with nail polish, lotion and all of the nail "equipment". I promise to report back on what I put in my kit and how it goes the first time I pull out my kit at the nail salon! :)


On another quick note, I have been relatively car-free for the past week. I have only used my car once for a trip under 15 miles - and it feels so great to be walking and biking. It is amazing what a different perspective it is to be walking -- so peaceful and calm -- and so freeing!

Erin:
Rachel, what an interesting concept - putting together your own pedicure kit to bring to the nail place. I wonder how they will take it. I am always one for saying - "write a letter to . . ." but sometimes actions speak louder than words.

On my own journey this week - I have been using the coconut oil (off and on) but I found that I like Dara's baby lotion better (mostly Method) - and since I use sesame oil on her I feel that she will not mind so much. I really like it so far - but when that runs out I will probably go back to the coconut oil.

I do have to add a quick think about HAIR here. Tim and I have been looking through this Better World Shopper book that we have (thanks ang) and found that Aveda is right up there (actually at the top for social and environmental responsibility). So although expensive I think I can stick with my favorites - it feels nice to know there is something I have been doing well.

So how about you all - what are the things that you have been doing well this past week (or day)?

ONE THING

Erin: SO Rachel, as I am thinking about all these products - I have to say that I came into this month thinking that I was an all natural kind of girl when it came to make-up and hair stuff and lotion. Mostly I figured I just didn't use it - so what does it matter. But this month has me looking more closely on the products that I really do use. AND realizing that if I am going to claim to be "gorgeously green" I probably need to figure out how to be of assistance to others - rather than just NOT doing things myself.

So one of the California g3club girls called me the other day from Whole Foods - all proud of some things she had found, many products that where new to me (and she figured it out by asking someone who worked there - who would have thunk??) So we celebrated a little over the phone and then she said . . . "I still do not want to give up my shampoo." Now as one who absolutely LOVES my hair (although most days you can't really tell) I understand this dilemma. It is hard to switch shampoos. It takes weeks for your hair to adjust - and then you are left wondering if that will happen. Still, admittedly, I tried to coax her to change. But as I sit and write this I realize what a great job she IS doing. So kudos to you for the little choices you make - ONE THING at a time - one day at a time.

Rachel: Yes, Erin - you have SO much to offer the group! So - start sharing!! :) I have admired all of the choices you have made when it comes to being gorgeously green and I know that I, and others, can learn a lot from you ... and we will be learning a lot from each other. And, that is really what this group is all about. The other day mom mentioned that she and Mike have made better choices about body soaps and lotions - so I am hoping to learn more about that soon.

I have to tell you , that I am feeling much more at peace with the whole change. Perhaps, because the coconut oil has done wonders for my skin - but also because I have completely let go of needing to change everything at the same time. ONE THING!!!! And, now that I have done that I am completely freed-up to change whatever I want. The one thing I am struggling with is that about 2 years ago I found this "magic" skin primer by Smashbox. It makes everyone's skin look AMAZING!!! It is on the orange list - but I decided that I am not giving it up for right now. Maybe at some point - but like another G3 member and her shampoo I am not ready to take the leap. Although the nagging question is ..... "Is even a little danger worth it?" .... I don't know how to answer that question at the moment .... ONE THING ...

PS You do have awesome hair!