Alpha and Pomega5

Date: December 31, 2010 | Category: Beauty, Body Care, Skin Care

What does a sweet tooth and sustainable skin care have in common? We're here to report on an indulgent intersection. For the lemon cake batter aficionada concerned with the health of her skin, body, and environment, Pomega5's Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer is just the thing. The Mattifying Moisturizer is an opaque yellow cream, which, after just a dollop, transforms your skin into a hydrated, healthy, glowing canvas that smells like a delicious dessert. Like all Pomega5 products, the moisturizer contains the essential oil of the pomegranate seed, as well as other powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract, a personal favorite of Pomega5 founder, Tzeira. Green tea extract helps to unclog pores, as well as reduce wrinkles, sun damage and redness. One of it's most redeeming qualities, however, especially for ladies with skin prone to oiliness, is its "mattifying" effect - once your skin absorbs the moisturizer (which happens speedily thanks to the extra skin-compatible Omega 5 fatty acid) you can apply powder foundation without it looking dry or cakey - great for eco girls on the go! Pomega5 has our attention well beyond their mattifying moisturizer (and amazing travel-friendly cleansing bars). The company's history began with the same heartfelt and meticulous approach as a meal's preparation. Wanting to not only provide a product that was good for the skin, Pomega5's mission is also to create one that nourishes the body from the outside in, one that uses biodynamic and organic ingredients (90-98% actually coming from biodynamic soil) that have naturally restorative and sensory qualities that give you a whole new perspective on how connected to the earth you can feel while performing your daily cosmetic routine.

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Lighten Up

Date: December 29, 2010 | Category: Home Furnishings, The Home

We can't say enough about good lighting to really brighten up a room. The antique chandeliers used in the MODERN LIVING Showhouse this past year at Dwell on Design truly transformed the space. In lieu of large scale pieces, opt for table lamps or bold candles for a warm and inviting glow. LightenUp Designs uses natural clay and homemade non-toxic glaze to create gorgeous lamps and chic candle pillars. The camisole ($200) or fleur lamps ($600) will add interest and depth to a master bedroom, while the exclamati ($320) or orb line ($280-$340) are sure to bring pop to a dull space. For a table top that truly drips of glamour, check out the gold splattered "sterling" candle sticks ($175 for 2). If you've got your lighting needs covered, there's still room for girly, artsy table top pieces to complete your queen-worthy abode (like a sexy corset vase!).

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Twist and Shout

Date: December 29, 2010 | Category: Art, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, The Home

Leave it to a mother of three to make the connection that what you eat is just as important as what you eat on. Kat Nouri, founder of Modern-twist, grew up in a community passionate about nutrition and organic farming, so when she launched her line of sophiticated, minimalist home accessories, she took that passion one step further and made sure that her products were just as healthy. The entire line of placemats, coasters and wine glass "rings" are made of food-grade silicone, and hand-silkscreened with non-toxic inks. Free of the harmful chemicals found in most plastics, silicone leaves a minimal footprint on the environment, and won't contaminate or leach into your food. Modern-twist works with independent artists and designers to create the different collections, all of which are super easy to clean, non-porous (read: no stains), and germ-free. Moms will love the kidz placemat collection ($18-$20) since little ones can color all over them with washable markers. Simply wipe the slate clean with just a damp cloth, and you can have a masterpiece at every meal. Modern-twist products are also super portable since everything is extremely lightweight and easily foldable without creasing, or wrinkling. We're loving the vinotagz wine rings for creatively marking guests drinks at parties, and the stunning designer placemats ($18) and doileez ($26) for table decor that's as easy as it is elegant.

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Organic Bubbly

Date: December 28, 2010 | Category: Food & Drink, Lifestyle

For times of sweet celebration, nothing can replace toasting a nice glass of bubbly. Now there's another reason to rejoice - Korbel's organic champagne. Korbel's California vineyards are farmed sustainably and never use synthetic pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, which means this bottle is made from 100% organically grown grapes. Just like all Korbel California Champagnes, the organic brut ($17.99) features early harvested grapes for a crisp, fresh taste. The pure flavors of apple, pear and white peach are present, with a medium dry finish. A longtime supporter of organic farming, Korbel is certified as an organic processor by the California Certified Organic Farms (CCOF) and is in compliance with the USDA's organic certification program - we'll raise a glass to that!

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Sweet Perfection

Date: December 27, 2010 | Category: Beauty, Body Care, Skin Care

Stimulate senses and renew the skin with all-natural, vitamin-enriched skincare line, Perfect Organics. The cosmetic and body care company produces organic and vegan creams, washes and cosmetics to stimulate and renew skin through all-natural, vitamin-enriched ingredients like shea butter and essential oils. A bit like the all-in-one Dr. Bronner's products, Perfect Organics aims to supply products that can be used in a multitude of ways - like the Ultimate Body Wash. This cross-functional, botanical and citrus oil confection can be used to freshen up a sweaty bod, unwind in a relaxing bath soak, or shave your stems without the worry of unknown, potentially harmful effects from parabens. 8 oz. bottles are available in five stimulating scents for $13.99, and since it's super concentrated, a little goes a long way! For pocketed perfection on the go, we're equally impressed with the cute shea butter lip balms ($3.99). Healing ingredients like sweet almond and hazelnut oil will make you want to buy the entire 3-pack to prep for chapped-lip season. We love the sweet, shiny glaze of Vanilla Twist (like icing for the lips!), but carry Fresh Mint for a quick breath fix en lieu of gum. If a little color on your kisser is more your style, check out the vegan Lip and Cheek Shimmers, naturally scented tubes of complimentary shades (frosted pink to vibrant coral) that instantly brighten and beautify your most flirtatious bits. What's next for Perfect Organics? A kids line! Be on the lookout for Hippo & Turtle, a gently nourishing, completely sustainable line for little ones.

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Holiday Feature on The Inside Source

Date: December 23, 2010 | Category: Holiday & Gift, Lifestyle, Stores & Resources

If earth-consciousness is a way of life for you, then giving green gifts should be part of the package. (And if you've resolved to go greener in 2011, then why not get a head start?) We enlisted the help of some of our favorite eco-experts in order to generate green gift ideas for giving more sustainable, yet no less indulgent, holiday gifts this season. Zem Joaquin, Aaron Britt, Christiane from Dwell Studio (Photo credit:Michele Lee Wilson) Vintage, Pre-Owned and Recycled Jewelry Let’s start with every girl’s favorite holiday gift: jewelry. The sourcing of raw materials, including precious metals and gems, not to mention the chemical-laden manufacturing process that often goes into jewelry, can be hazardous both to our planet and to the health of the workers involved. Buying pre-owned or vintage jewelry is a great eco-friendly way to save money on once-pricey pieces and avoid the environmental effects of making a brand new piece. You can also look for old pieces that have been re-styled (or "upcycled") into new, more modern shapes. Zem Joaquin, founder and CEO of the eco-style and beauty website, Ecofabulous, as well as a regular contributor to eBay’s Green Team website, told us, “My husband usually gets me vintage or recycled gold jewelry. Either way, he shines and I sparkle!”.... Read the full article on TheInsideSource.com

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Green is the New Black: Our Top 18 LBD’s

Date: December 22, 2010 | Category: Fashion, Women

Get ready to ring in 2011 in one of these sexy little numbers! The cocktail uniform of choice, a little black dress is the eternal “go-to” item for a night out – it’s slimming and sophisticated and now… sustainable! There are a plethora of options for vintage dresses online (after all, the greenest product is often one that already exists!), but if opting to buy new, here are our choices for the top ecofabulous LBD’s. Enjoy!

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2010 Eco Holiday Guide: Festive Food & Drink!

Date: December 21, 2010 | Category: Guides

Half the fun around the holidays is indulging in all the delicious treats! Whether you’re a fruitcake fanatic, or simply can’t get through the season without your daily eggnog – we’ve found an organic version for all.

	Organic Candy Canes: Finally, organic candy canes for the holidays! Use these full-size canes to trim the tree, decorate presents, and fill stockings ($3.99 per box of 12).
	479 Organic Popcorn: Made by hand in San Francisco, 479′s organic heirloom kernels are seasoned with deliciously sinful sugar and salt combinations designed to appease even the most sophisticated palette. With flavors like Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt and Madras Coconut Curry + Cashews, taste buds will never get bored ($35 for pack of 5).
	Veev: Use Veev acai liquor to stir-up some delicious holiday cocktails - visit their website for fun recipes ($33.99 per bottle).
	Holiday Truffles: Awaken the nostalgia for holidays past with Voges' new, limited edition Holiday Truffle Collection. With a range of flavors from Candy Cane Peppermint to Eggnog and Jamaican Rum, anyone can find a favorite ($43.00 a box).
	Fruitcake: For the Fruitcake lovers out there, though they are few and far between, here is a version made with organic ingredients ($17.75 for a small cake).
	Dagoba's Authentic Hot Chocolate: There's nothing like a mug of tasty hot chocolate on a cold winter night. This season try Dagoba's Organic Drinking Chocolate ($11.95 for 12 oz. canister).
	Organic Eggnog : Whether you like it with a kick or au natural, go the organic route when selecting eggnog this year ($3.99 for a 32 oz. carton).
	Purely Elizabeth Baking Mix: A line of delicious gluten-free baking mixes that use nutritious whole grains, organic ingredients and superfood seeds (hemp, flax, and chia). The mixes are also free of sugar, dairy, wheat and gluten. Perfect pancakes for Christmas morning ($7.99/mix)!
	Urban Moonshine Organic Bitters: Incorporating Urban Moonshine’s handcrafted organic bitters and tonics into libation recipes has opened up a whole new world for us: health-conscious cocktails ($29.99 for 8.4oz bottle).
	eco.love Wines: Get a little toasty this holiday season and chock it up to supporting sustainable farming and carboNZero wines! When ordering anything from eco.love wines, use code ECOFAB for 20% off (excludes wine club).

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Face It, Natural Is Better.

Date: December 21, 2010 | Category: Beauty, Fragrance

A human nose can distinguish among hundreds of different scents, even in minute amounts. When our tongues can only recognize five distinct tastes, it’s no wonder that people are obsessed with smell. Every morning you may spritz an orgasmic Eau de Toilette, without realizing that the substances that make that perfume smell divine are similar to those that send addicts on their chemical trips. Thankfully there are people (like the lovely Stacey Bresnahan) who know that natural ingredients are better than synthetic. FACE IT offers organic perfumes with delicate scents that contain ingredients that are actually beneficial to your skin. If you haven’t heard, 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your blood stream, and "fragrance" which normally means "synthetically derived" is not offering your blood stream anything beneficial. FACE IT uses ingredients like botanicals, antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, and E - all made fresh in small batches with only natural preservatives. This company has mastered essential oils that both women and men can enjoy (don’t let the word perfume deter you gentlemen). Not only are their scents amazing but the precision you get with the roll-on application means you get the scent where you want it, and it makes for quick and easy touch ups while traveling.

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2010 Gorgeous & Green San Francisco Gala (VIDEO)

Date: December 20, 2010 | Category: Events, Lifestyle

For the 6th consecutive year, ecofabulous' own Zem Joaquin and Nadine Weil helped prove that being smart is sexy and oh so chic - all while benefitting Global Green USA. The ecofabulous ladies were accompanied by James Van Der Beek, Kimberly Brook, Rhona Mitra and Daphne Zuniga, Anna Getty, spoken word poet Steve Connell, Marissa Mayer, Splendora’s Gina Pell and a host of internet and cleantechnorati who rocked the W Hotel (LEED certified, bien sur) on December 13th. Check out the video below from SFWIRE for interviews and a glimpse of the party action: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tmVRM7b9ks[/youtube] Gorgeous & Green began with a mouth-watering organic feast prepared by Michelin 2-star chef Joseph Humphrey from eco-resort Cavallo Point. Patron guests sipped chardonnay and merlot from Newton Vineyard and Korbel California Champagne made with certified organically-grown grapes while Rogue Wave gave an intimate acoustic performance. As the dinner finale, guests were treated to an organic dessert reception with Miette macaroons, Kingdom Cake cupcakes, and Socola Chocolatier truffles. At 7:30 pm, the vintage Fashion Show astounded guests with unbelievable glam 50s and 60s collector pieces as well as the latest collections from top designers who blend consciousness with high style. The glistening Stars Models strutted down the runway in sizzling vintage looks from Vintage a la Mode, Ricky Serbin Haute, the Vutique, and Torso Vintages. Local San Francisco-designer Karen Caldwell debuted several jaw-dropping gowns (one of which was promptly whisked off to Rihanna). Also showcased were boutiques Eco Citizen and Oak & Co. and eco-fashion designers Emily Melville, Silk Utopia, and Pierre Andre Senizergues with his new collection C PAS. The nod to Mad Men continued with hair and makeup orchestrated by Pureology and Jane Iredale respectively, transporting us back to an era of enchanting beehive updos and cat eyes. A photo booth set was available for guests to get their 1960's ad age groove on, compliments of Orange Photography. Check out all of the runway fashion show photos (as well as more pf guests and the chic decor) by Drew Altizer. Rave reviews are pouring in about the lush living walls and vertical gardens that flanked both sides of the runway this year from Design Ecology. Landscape architect Josiah Raison Cain grew them off-site and then installed them (thanks for the oxygen!) at the W Hotel. The energy in the room was electric thanks to DJ Donovan who energized the crowd with his sexy beats and then spun a fashion show montage that spanned Frank Sinatra’s Unforgettable to Kascade’s mega dance hit “Don’t Stop Dancing,” which many guests then took literally. “This room is gorgeous!” exclaimed Peter Glatzer from SHFT upon entering the Patron Dinner. Kimberly Rider Interiors led the creation of the glamorous mid-century decor by borrowing items from Blueprint Studios and Coup d'Etat Antiques including sensational retro chairs, velvet settees, gold chandeliers, scalloped mirrors, and even the famous Mad Men desk. Rugs from the Florence Broadhurst Collection, Alexander’s and Cadrys added colorful, nature-inspired elegance to the walls. Guests at the cocktail party enjoyed libations by eco.love Wines, organic 360 Vodka, Arta Tequila, MateVeza yerba mate beer, the very pure Vinas de Oro pisco from Clear Grape, refreshing Bionade and Numi Tea, and of course pitchers of filtered water. No bottled water in sight! Gorgeous & Green was also a target zero waste event with enthusiastic recycling and composting in effect. All printing was done on 100% recycled New Leaf Paper with vegetable inks to save forests and help protect our majestic blue/green planet. At the end of the night, VIPs were treated to an abundant eco-gift bags by Make Love Not Trash stuffed with decadent dolings by Melvita, Weleda, Pureology, Brita FilterForGood, EcoTools, Alter Eco bars, Nude Skin Care, Korres, Suki, Earthlust, Sugar Beach by Stellar Spa, TCHO chocolates, Luna Bars, Duchess Marden, and many more. We would have written it up sooner, but the after party proved far too fun - thanks Steve Connell and James Joaquin for keeping the poetry and beats a bumpin'. *Photo credit: Drew Altizer Photography and Global Green USA.

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