When it comes to eco-living, one word rings true: “simplicity.”  We are mislead to believe that going green is hard work and expensive, but the small things you do matter.  Whether it is your beauty products, clothes, cooking, cleaning-somewhere in there is a way for you to be green.  I just got back from a vacation from the Caribbean burnt like a roasted peanut!  I began googling “home remedies for sunburn” and the odd result of Apple Cider Vinegar worked miracles.  I dabbed it on before going to bed, and woke up almost red less and practically pain free!  Luckily, I had organic apple cider vinegar in my kitchen because just before our vacation my boyfriend had used it for his sinuses.  Neither of us like medicine therefore we try to find holistic remedies.  Organic apple cider vinegar is known to benefit your health in many ways such as balancing high cholesterol, fighting allergies, strengthen immune system and so much more![1]The next day after finally being pain free, I began peeling.  What a horror, my face was looking like a brown and pink cow on my face!  I had remembered seeing oatmeal in some of the remedies for sunburn, so I began searching for an “Oatmeal exfoliation.”  I came across this wonderful website with a list of many natural easy to do face mask.  The one in particular I used was crushed oatmeal, crushed almonds and palmer cocoa oil.[2]  I mixed it all together and started to soothe on my face.  This worked to blend my discoloration and put moisture back in my face.    Now I am just beginning my interest into this world of natural medicine, aromatherapy and making your own skin care products.  I have a shelf of old cleaned-out spaghetti, honey and peanut butter jars that will be perfect for the new beauty products I will create in my very own kitchen – reuse, reduce, recycle! 
 Be kind to your body, mind, heart and the earth.  The earth does not need a lot and neither does your skin, so just remember keep it simple and natural.  

Simple ways to be green/organic/natural/sustainable and happy:
Websites:
Natural Skin Care recipes (on this website also has good book recommendations)
http://styles101.homestead.com/natskinrec.html
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/apple_cider_vinegar_health_benefits.php

Organic beauty products:
http://www.greenridgeherbals.com/
www.lush.com

Books:
Natural Cures by Kevin Trudeau
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the planet one Simple Step at a time by Elizabeth Rogers, Thomas M. Kostigen, William McDonough

Living:
-Using regular dishes that can be washed even if it’s a large gathering or party
-Opening your shades instead of having lights on
-Short showers, don’t leave water running
-Showering in cold or luke warm water (it’s better for your hair!)
-Using energy saving light bulbs
-Using environmentally safe cleaning products
-Bringing your own bags to the grocery store
-Reading the ingredients on the back of what you eat and wear
-Having a clothing swap instead of shopping
-having plants in your house!

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[1] http://www.homeremediesweb.com/apple_cider_vinegar_health_benefits.php

[2] http://styles101.homestead.com/natskinrec.html#anchor_36248