It’s a fact :: your body is the only one you’ve got.

So why do we douse ourselves in chemicals on the daily?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):
“The average woman uses 12 products containing 168 different ingredients daily. Many cosmetic chemicals are designed to penetrate into the skin’s inner layers, and they do. Consequently, some common cosmetic ingredients turn up in people’s bodies. Among them: industrial plasticizers called phthalates; parabens, which are preservatives; and persistent fragrance components like musk xylene.”

Due to an autoimmune disease (where my body was literally attacking itself), I was forced to take notice of the damage I was causing my body inside and outside. I have looked high and low for the healthiest, most magical products to replace my old chemically ridden throwaways.

Here are 10 of my all-time favorites:

1. Water Filter Pitcher by Soma
Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. Make sure you’re putting good water into it. Now you don’t have to use one of those fugly pitchers!

2. Lip Balm by Bubble & Bee
I don’t know about you, but I’m super addicted to my chapstick! I love this company and their marketing is super fun. No “bad” stuff!

3. Aloe-Herb Facial Cleanser by Annmarie Gianni
I struggled for most of my life with combination skin. Oily + dry. Constantly battling acne. This cleanser has been the only one that is the perfect balance.

4. Organic Lemon Shampoo by Bubble & Bee
I also always struggled with my hair. Before, I always had to mix and match shampoos / conditioners constantly because my hair would eventually become too oily or too dry or too frizzy. I use this shampoo with a vinegar / water mix for conditioner and my hair LOVEs it now! I’ve been using it for a year and every time I go to get a hair cut it takes a few washes to rebalance the PH levels of my hair again.

5. Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone
I was super skeptical of this at first. You put “that”… under your arm?! I struggled with natural deodorants that actually worked. And, I’m not even really sure how this one actually works so well, but now I LOVE it!

6. Wearable Candle by Objects With Purpose
I found this at the BUST Craftacular fair in NYC and thought it was amazing! A candle that you can also use as lotion!

7. Raw Chocolate Bars by Gnosis
Because, come on… who wants to give up chocolate! They have tons of flavors that are literally packed with Superfoods! The truffles are also amazing. YUM!

8. Shrink Session Workouts by Erin Stutland
Erin Stutland is a fiery explosion of soul. Her workouts are a mix of yoga, cardio-dance, kickboxing, life coaching, meditation, and inspiring affirmations. I’ve never experienced anything else quite like it!

9. 10-Day Detox Diet by Dr. Mark Hyman
If you want to jump start your health, this detox diet has been one of my favorites. It’s not a fasting diet. In fact, you’ll probably eat more “real” food than you ever have before!

10. The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte
Because the inside is just as important as the outside. There also is a brand new Conversation Starters iPhone app!

A Quick Tip: You don’t have to replace all of your products right away. Avoid overwhelm by starting simple with just one product swap.

Would love to hear from you, which product are you curious to try out? What are some of your favorite healthy products?

xo
Christina

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

San Francisco Edition.

Aether

I’m not even a woodsy, outdoorsy kinda girl {my idea of “roughing it” is a Motel 6}, but Aether’s San Francisco outpost, filled with plenty of quality wears for the outdoor enthusiast, is definitely on my must-see list. Mostly for the obvious reason. It’s made of three shipping containers! Peep the cool video below . . .

Ramen Shop

Ok. I’m cheating.
This one’s in Oakland, but I just had to include it. It’s Ramen. In my old ‘hood (Oakland).
A worthy reason to pull me across the bridge if there ever was one!

Aesop

Aesop has hit my old stomping grounds on Fillmore Street. This Australian brand is among my top favorite skin + body care lines.
Clean. Luxurious. Perfectly scented. I highly recommend trying out their products. I’ve only seen them in boutiques and major luxury retailers, so I’m super excited to check out their new west coast digs.

Altitude Summit SF

I have such awesome blogger friends. They alert me to new blogs I should check out and most especially events like this one (thank you Rubies & Ribbon). If I can make it happen, you bet your sweet cheeks, you’ll see me at Alt SF.
UPDATE :: I just saw tickets are already sold out. Sign me up for the waitlist por favor.

What’s on your San Francisco radar?
Anything I should check out this weekend while I’m in the Bay?
Let me know in the comments below!

xo