Go Buy Now: Schimdt's Natural Deodorant

I recently realized that although I’m very careful about eliminating harmful chemicals in what I eat, I had no idea what types of chemicals I was putting on my body in the form of beauty products, hair care, makeup, etc. The cosmetic industry is not regulated, and the government does not require safety testing of the ingredients in products or long-term studies on toxic effects. As women, we typically put 200+ unique chemicals on our skin every day, which get absorbed into our bodies and wreak all sorts of havoc. Yikes.

It can be overwhelming to think about, but I always try to take it one step at a time, and I’ve been slowly phasing out my old products and phasing in new, safer ones. 

One quick swap I’d recommend is switching to natural deodorant. The American Cancer Society claims that there isn’t enough research to support rumors that deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer, but regardless, I want as few chemicals on my skin as possible. 

A few months ago, I ditched my dove deodorant, full of all sorts of chemicals I can’t pronounce, to schmidt’s natural deodorant. 

I have to admit, I a little was sketched on natural deodorant and wasn’t sure it would actually work, but this brand delivers. It works really well, is high quality, and has 100% all natural ingredients, without the harmful parabens and aluminum that come in other deodorants. Its also vegan and cruelty-free.

I love the ylang-ylang + calendula scent, and if you’re trying to convince your man to switch too, try the cedarwood + juniper for him.

Through June 30th, everything is 20% off with the code “SUMMERDEO”. Check it out + let me know what you think!

This blog post is not sponsored by schmidt’s natural deodorant. All opinions are my own. For more information on safe cosmetics, check out Organic Beauty Talk and Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database.

You Are More Beautiful Than You Think

You may have seen the Dove Real Beauty Sketches circulating on facebook and twitter this week. Granted, I'll keep buying my soap from LUSH (its made more naturally and sourced ethically), but this campaign struck a chord with me and with so many others.

It's brilliant because Dove flips marketing on its head. Instead of telling us that we are not enough, that we need their product to feel somehow more complete, they show us that we each have a natural beauty and intrinsic worth. It exposes that we are often our own worst critics, and suggests we should extend the same truth and grace to ourselves that we extend to others.

For me, this video was so compelling because it goes beyond beauty. I think it struck a chord with so many women because we are not only hypercritical of our outward appearance, which we relate to our worth all too much, but also of larger issues of our value.

Maybe I shouldn't speak for all women, but speaking for myself, this message rings so true. I've been realizing recently that I hold myself to an impossible standard in my work and personal life. There are times I feel like I'm succeeding, but most of the time, I can't meet my self-imposed standards. Between career, marriage, friendships, a hyperactive puppy, trying to invest in my health through exercise and eating well, and blogging, it often feels like something is dropping. And with that comes a lot of negative self talk. I'm a failure. I'm a bad wife. A horrible friend. I hate my lack of self control. I wish I could change my body type. and on and on. I tell myself things I would never project onto other people. Wherever this comes from, it is not rooted in truth.

Its a process, but I'm working on re-writing my internal narrative, trying to see myself as others see me, and meditating on gratefulness instead of fixating on imperfections.

And this is a good place to start. Imperfections are what make life interesting, and you are more than you think you are. I am more than I give myself credit for.

Guest Post: A Lush Life

Friends, meet the lovely Lauranne. Lauranne helped design most of this blog, and she has been talking about LUSH for weeks, so I'm thrilled for her to share her knowledge with all of you! Enjoy, Tiff 

I’ve got to share with you that I’ve become a LUSH. Not in the way you might assume, either.

A few months ago, I’d been itching to find a more natural haircare routine. After many conversations with friends about the excessive sulfates and unfriendly ingredients found in most all of our brand-name shampoos and conditioners, I knew I wanted to be living more naturally and giving my hair some more love.

A friend and co-worker introduced me to LUSH, a fresh and handmade cosmetic company creating skin and haircare products from organic fruit and vegetables, essential oils and safe synthetics – with a personality. I was intrigued and excited by the vision and the story behind the LUSH brand. Everything created is made by hand in small batches with little preservatives by fun, happy, like-minded people. LUSH sources all of their ingredients ethically, with no animal cruelty, traveling worldwide to meet the faces behind their ingredients to ensure fair working conditions and sustainability – entrepreneurs in Ghana, Morocco, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, Vancouver, and the Colorado Rockies.

Regardless of where you are, experiment with what works best for your hair and find the brands that align with the values most important to you! Sometimes we can get in a tizzy with the plethora of choices at our fingertips but LUSH reminds us that it can and should be fun. Remembering that our skin is our largest organ and gradually transitioning to a more natural haircare routine has allowed my skin and hair to drink in better, fresher ingredients each week and given me confidence in the sourcing of what I’m purchasing. Knowing that the individuals behind my purchase are being taken care of and respected is important to me and that not only brings excitement back to a hair and skincare routine but aligns with my values.

If you’re looking to try products from LUSH, I'm currently loving: Godiva Solid Shampoo, BIG Shampoo, American Cream Conditioner, Honey I Washed the Kids soap, Ocean Salt scrub, Celestial Moisterizer, and the Aqua Mirabilis exfoliating bar.

P.S. Fun fact: if you're planning on purchasing a few items, check out their UK store. With the currency conversion, it can be cheaper (including shipping!) and will take a just a week or two!

Naturally, 
Lauranne