I first read about Alima mineral makeup in Domino magazine (before it sadly folded) and I recently came across this company again. I have yet to try their products but I plan to in the future and will post reviews once I do. There aren’t many stores that carry their products, but they have a great sampling program on their website so you can try out before buying a full size. Just from looking at their website, I would say Alima’s products are similar to Bare Escentuals, but they are such a responsible company. Here’s why: Alima contributes to the 1% For the Planet  program, they do not test on animals, they signed on to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, they offset their carbon footprint, and they have a jar recycling program. I think the packaging is really cute and original (except for the lip balms which could use an update) and I can’t wait to order something.

I have a pair of Terra Planas that I bought on sale last year and I get compliments on them all the time. This company uses local materials when possible, uses vegetable tanning, and even recycled materials. These boots are new for fall: Terra Plana has sales at the end of the season, so wait patiently if you can’t afford them now.

I feel a constant conflict between buying cute clothes and being sustainably responsible. A lot of the thrift stores I’ve been to before that sell used clothes are identical to my grandma’s closet.  And most of the responsible companies that are eco friendly are more high end and expensive (check out the prices at Stewart + Brown). In the past I’ve scoured the sale sections at JCrew and Anthropologie and I still don’t object to buying a great pair of jeans or shoes brand new, but after visiting Buffalo Exchange, I see an alternative to most of my former shopping habits. The kind of stuff rich people give away is insane, but at least the rest of us can benefit from it! I found four blouses that like they’ve never been worn– JCrew, Anthropologie, Velvet, and Tulle all at very low prices and none of these companies are benefiting in any way from my purchase. Keep in mind that each time you go to a used clothing store will be different. Sometimes there’ll be lots of cute finds but sometimes there will be nada. Their exchange policy is good too, if you accidentally buy something that has a rip or a stain, which sometimes happens if you’re buying used. For a list of locations, go here.

purple seems to be the color this year!

I have posted about Stewart + Brown before so I’ll just say that they have some new items available on the website. They are the most environmentally responsible clothing company  that I’m aware of and their organic cotton tees are soft and feel great. There’s almost always something in the sale section on the website too, and there’s a discount code at whiteapricot.com for bargain hunters.

This is a diversion from what I usually post, but I just love Hayden-Harnett, the amazing design duo of Brooklyn.  As a design fanatic, I have been following them for a couple of years now. Their handbags, shoes, and clothes are gorgeous and functional. I especially love the fun linings in their handbags.  Many of the items from the Spring/Summer Collection are discounted in their annual Big Bang Sale, which lasts through Wednesday, July 8.  Toni Hacker, the creative genius behind the company recently wrote, “We’re here for the art, challenge, fun and love of the craft.”  All of the right reasons, in my opinion.  Here are just a few things you can find in the Hayden-Harnett sale:

Circe Clutch in Moonbeam, $118, currently 50% off

Large EROL tote (an HH classic), 41% off

Penelope Dress, currently 57% off

..and not on sale, but worth it is the organic cotton Green is Good tote, with 100% of the proceeds going to Farm Aid.

(Shhh…there’s also a secret Twitter sale going on right now with free shipping. Find HH on Twitter for more info)

Simple things make the difference.

1. No matter how busy you feel, spend time with friends and family.

2. Read the newspaper or find a way to stay informed about what’s happening in the world.

3. Exercise frequently, and by this I mean sweat-inducing exercise not moseying to the neighbor’s house.

4. Spend less time on the computer/watching TV!

5. Get enough sleep– so essential.

6. Keep plants and flowers in your home.

7. Make homemade meals and avoid processed foods…

8. …and even grow your own food if you have the space and the ability.

9. Treasure your independence and don’t be afraid to spend time alone.

10. Be kind to the planet; don’t be wasteful.

11. Pay attention to proper skin care.

12. Save a perecentage of your income automatically. This avoids some stress about money.

13. Make your bed. Keep your home uncluttered.

14. Donate some time or money to charity if you can afford it.

15. Develop a hobby whether it be making jam, knitting, painting…

16. …and share these talents with others through gifts.

17. Surround yourself with beautiful objects that fit your aesthetic taste. Donate unwanted things.

18. Spend time outdoors. Not just in the city park, but in the wilderness. Breathe in the seaside/mountain air. It’s good for you.

19. Take care of tasks ahead of time. You’ll spend less time dreading the future.

20. When indulging in sweets, make it gourmet when you do.

21. Wear nice lingerie. But nothing too uncomfortable because that will just make you cranky.

22. Read a little every night before bed. It will calm your mind.

23. Relish the changing seasons: fireside snuggling in winter, pumpkin scouting in fall, summer fireflies, etc.

24. Try new things. Traveling is a great way to do this, even if it’s just a weekend getaway.

25. Keep a jounal to help you work through  your thoughts.

26. Adopt a pet, if that works with your lifestyle. It’s nice to have a companion, and dogs especially are great for getting you moving and outside.

27. Live with a natural curiosity. Ask questions. Read nonfiction.

For ladies who love the outdoors, I have found a shoe for you! The Merrell Siren Sport has excellent traction for hiking but is lightweight enough to wear out around town. It is by no means graceful or dainty, but it doesn’t look too masculine either. (I personally love the bright orange interior) They are cushioned on the sole, which makes them even more comfortable. I wouldn’t recommend them for a jog down the road because although they are lightweight, they do feel a bit bulky. If you’re doing a long hike, wear boots that support your ankles, but for shorter adventures, these are perfect. Sizing is small; order a half-size up.

Available at lots of places, including Merrell.com. Note: Free shipping thru June 30.

Siren Sport

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Here’s an idea for a simple summer meal:

Fettuccine (store-bought or homemade) tossed with tomato, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt and pepper. This is a great recipe for summer because you can grow the tomatoes and basil yourself, or get them at the farmer’s market.

Dessert? Watermelon or seasonal berries!

Monhegan Island, Maine is a great place to spend some time relaxing. The island is about a 1-hour ferry ride from the Maine coast.  Once you get off the ferry, there aren’t car rentals. Just dirt roads and your walking feet!  It feels like a trip back in time only without the bonnets and covered wagons. I went there for 2 days last week, and loved it.

Monhegan in the rain

The island is small– you can hike around the perimeter in an a day. There’s a village area with smaller roads leading off of it, and the rest of the island is woods.  Mid-June is a good time to go because the tourists haven’t arrived yet and the beautiful purple lupine is blooming (see below).  The only problem with going so early in the season is that the island museum isn’t open yet, and some of the artists’ studios aren’t open yet either. It could be an ideal place for an outdoor family vacation, or a secluded romantic getaway for two.

DINING

Most of the businesses on Monhegan don’t have websites, so you’ll just have to be surprised when you get there. There are several cafes on the island. Carina is a natural and organic grocer/bakery that has to-die-for cinnamon raisin bagels baked by the owner’s neighbor.  My other favorite was Black Duck, a coffee shop and gift store that serves my favorite coffee, Coffee By Design (roasted in Portland, ME). The Barnacle, down by the dock serves baked goods and hot drinks too. There’s a very sweet Polish woman working there this summer.

For dinner, there are two places I tried, both of which are at hotels with great atmosphere. The Island Inn serves dinner– the usual Maine fare like lobster bisque, crab cakes, clam chowder. It has pretty yellow walls and seaside decor. The Monhegan House has a similar menu. The night I was there, there was a fireplace going and a live guitarist, which really aided in the ambiance. Note: neither places serve alcohol, so make sure to buy some wine beforehand at one of the island grocers and bring it with you.

WHERE TO STAY

There are a handful of places to stay on the island. I stayed at Tribler Cottage, which was cozy and budget minded. It has that friendly feel that epitomizes the island. There’s a common room where the innkeeper has books and information about the island that visitors are welcome to read. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the Island Inn would be a great choice for a romantic getaway and it has the best view on the island. Monhegan House also has a cozy atmosphere; don’t be deterred by their mediocre website. Although I didn’t go inside, Shining Sails also looked very well kept on the exterior.

GETTING THERE

I took a Hardy Boat cruise out of New Harbor. It takes one hour, and the crew is extremely punctual and friendly. They serve hot coffee on chilly days and make sure to point out wildlife along the way. I would highly recommend them, though there are other boats that leave out of other nearby towns that I haven’t tried.

ART/CRAFT

In the village, there is the Lupine Gallery, which sells art from Monhegan artists. I’m an admitted art snob, so I tend to think a lot of the art is “touristy” and I was hoping to see something just slightly more original there, but it’s worth a trip inside. I did see a few things that were my taste.  There’s also a map you can get on the island bulletin boards that has all of the artists’ studio hours so you can make a day of art.

Winter Works

Nearby, you’ll find Winter Works. It’s a craft gallery of treasures that year-round Monhegan residents make in the off-season. There are knitted scarves and mittens, books published by residents, jewelry, etc. I adore handmade gifts, and I love that the money from anything you purchase goes directly to the person who made it.

OUTDOORS

There are a multitude of trails on Monhegan. Choosing one just depends on your fitness level and the amount of time you want to spend. I would recommend taking a trail to the eastern side of the island where you can see a rocky overlook 163 ft above the sea. Make sure not to miss the shipwreck on the south side of the island.

FINAL THOUGHTS

On your packing list: sunscreen, bugspray, rain jacket, umbrella, lightweight knapsack, water bottle, walking shoes.

Being there really makes you savor life. No internet, no phones, just fresh air and wildflowers. Makes you want to sit down with a good book or pick up a paintbrush rather than going back to your busy life.

I’m a big fan of Korres Full Color Lip Gloss in Light Pink #11. It’s the color in the center of the photo below. It’s a little less expensive than some of the other comparable lip glosses, and it’s all natural. Korres is a company that only puts the best and natural ingredients in its products. They are free of parabens, sulfates, and pthalates.

In comparison to other lip glosses, this one has a really nice smooth texture that doesn’t feel clumpy or sticky. Light Pink is a color that probably looks best on people with pale skin because it’s so sheer. For people who want to look like the best version of themselves, rather than a glamour girl with a face caked in bright-colored makeup, this is the type of product I would recommend for daily use.

Available at Sephora

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