Every beauty routine needs a good daily moisturizer, adding SPF helps protect the skin from the aging caused by the sun. The two products featured, both the Juice Beauty and 100% Pure are very safe & pure options – they even score in the coveted 0-3 range in the Skin Deep Database.

The product from Juice Beauty  is very rich and moisturizing, a good choice for dry skin – it does need to be worked into the skin. The 100% Pure is very light, absorbs quickly and  is a good choice for those with normal skin.

Be sure to Subscribe to the Pure Natural Diva – PND Living Channel on YouTube – and while you are there add us as a friend too!

Protect Your Skin Image Courtesy of Sergiu Baciouiu

What is your favorite Daily Moisturizer?

Zookeeper: Fun Movie for the Whole Family

Plan For a Little Zookeeper Fun

I am excited to FINALLY share the trailer for the movie Zookeeper.  Some of you may know… Dude (aka my  husband) is a writer.

It seems like years ago that he started work on a project called “Zookeeper”…. then there was editing… screenings… effects… voiceover sessions… and at long last the wait is almost over. Zookeeper is being released this summer!

Kevin James stars in Zookeeper

So… gather the kids and make a plan… and hopefully you’ll be entertained (I know you will be), laugh. a little .. and when you laugh…. it just might be one of Dude’s jokes!

Zookeeper, starring Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg, Jim Breuer, Brandon Keener, Joe Regan and Thomas Gottchalk.

With voices by Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Jadd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Mark Linn-Baker, Jim Breuer, Mark Linn-Baker, Faizon Love, Bas Rutten, Maya Rudolph,
Billy Crystal, Don Rickles, Kiefer Sutherland, David Spade and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

I have yet to see the movie myself, but am looking forward to the Premiere at the end of June.   The “inside scoop” is that it is a fun movie that the kids will love – that will be fun for Mom & Dad too!

The movie will be released this Summer on July 8.

So… Do You Plan to See Zookeeper this Summer…. ?

Our Visit to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Park Hyatt Aviara Review

We discovered the Park Hyatt Aviara while we were planning a family  trip to Legoland in Carlsbad, CA.  Carlsbad is just north of San Diego and just over an hours drive from Los Angeles, making it a perfect local getaway.

The Quiet Pool

One of the ways you can make keep your travel eco savvy is to go on local adventures.  I also think local trips are easier on the family in many other ways  too.  For our family, the children are out of diapers, bottles, pack n plays and our world is beginning to open up again!  We are starting to enjoy traveling together as a family!

Those who know me well know that I haven’t been a great a traveling with the lil’s.  Frankly, it exhausted me, but now that they are a little older, it’s actually becoming fun. Especially when you find destinations that truly make it a priority to cater to families like the Park Hyatt Aviara.

Back in the day, we’d escape to one of the many Southern California luxury destinations, but once we had children, it wasn’t quite the same.  We just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of imposing our children on others – regardless of how delightful they are.  For this trip we were connecting with friends at Legoland, they chose the Park Hyatt Aviara (formerly the Four Seasons Aviara), we decided to go for it.  I’m not going to lie, I was a little  nervous.  Would we REALLY be comfortable with the children at a luxury hotel? Would I be so worried about the lil’s behavior that the trip would be exhausting?

I called the Resort directly to discuss which room might best meet the needs of our family for this trip, I have to share, from my very first contact with the hotel they were very welcoming and made a point of sharing their family friendly amenities.  While they do offer one bedroom suites, we decided to go with 2 adjoining rooms, this ended up working well for us.

Our Room

From the minute you arrive at the Park Hyatt Aviara they let you know that they welcome you and your lil’s. The front desk staff wheels out a wagon full of toys and the children get to pick one – now of course the eco savvy in me wished the toys weren’t made in china 2 days toys – but the message they are sending is clear.  Bring the family.

Family Friendly Amenities at the Park Hyatt Aviara

• Toy wagon greeting from the front desk
• Toys & DVD’s available for check out from the Concierge
• A separate pool area, spa & wading pool dedicated for families
• A super cool large family room style game room with shuffleboard, pool tables, air hockey and video games (It’s actually 3 rooms)
• Restaurants with children’s menu’s that go beyond mac n cheese
• Step stools in the public restrooms for easier hand washing for the lil’s
• Camp Hyatt.  A free day camp for  children to enjoy during your visit.  Yes… you read that right free.

  

  Welcoming Families

Our “unofficial” Aviara Itinerary

Everyone practiced their best manners at afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge – TIP – book early or you won’t get a reservation!

Clotted Cream & Scones

While the lil’s played in the pool, we took advantage of the poolside lounge.

Pool Time

While the lil’s slept, we took advantage of the games room (we had a sitter!).  Turns out I am clueless when it comes to shuffleboard, but have fun regardless.  I might have become a little addicted during our Aviara stay.

Great Games!

Dined at Vivace, a wonderful on site Italian Restaurant – they brought carrot sticks with dip out as a starter for the lil’s!  Love that.

Dined at the California Bistro where it’s worth noting children 12 and under dine FREE.  Yes, free.

Breakfast Noms

We had an amazing time.  We took full advantage of the amenities, although I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa… hmmm…. perhaps we’ll have to go back.  SOON!

The Grounds

Love Letter to the FDA:  After booking our reservation with the Park Hyatt Aviara I was contacted by their PR firm and accepted the discounted media rate during our stay they extended.  As always my opinion remain my own.

Our latest family adventure took us to the Park Hyatt Aviara, where was your last family getaway?

Contact the Park Hyatt Aviara: 760 448 1234

Primrose Organic Salon: Hair Salon Review

What self respecting diva doesn’t love a trip to the salon?  Even better – I love discovering a new eco conscious beauty salon.  One of my latest discoveries is Primrose Organic Salon & Boutique in Los Feliz.

PND was invited to come in for a review – given that I love nothing more than discovering new places to share with my readers – I was excited to check it out.

The salon is in trendy Loz Feliz and the mood is comfortable, cute with a retro vibe.  On walking into the salon – the first thing you might note is what is missing – the absence of a strong chemical smell that accompanies so many salons.

An Inside Peak

Primrose opened in 2009.  It was a partnership between Felicia Howe,  the salon’s head stylist and Melissa Tornay, who overseas the business and retail side of their business.  They are committed to bringing their clients the safest & best performing products coupled with outstanding services.

I was treated to a fantastic cut & color by Felicia – the salon primarily uses the Organic Color Systems Color Line, with the additional option of Davines for those who need a gluten free option.

Freshly Coifed

I’ve been wearing Felicia’s cut for a few weeks now and have found it to style beautifully.  The color added just the right amount of auburn to my brown locks – while still looking very much like it was my own color – so let’s keep the fact that it’s not our little secret!

One of the things that really impressed me about the salon was how informed Melissa is about the products she has handpicked to sell in the store.  For your product needs tell her your exact priorities and she’ll match the line to your wish list, from the ultra safe & purest organic ingredients, to the safer – but not perfect – high performing, to gluten free – she’ll break it down for you.

My purchases included a new hairspray, lip balms & homemade soaps!  I couldn’t resist.

Pricing at the salon is comparable to conventional salons with a cut & style priced at $60 and the single process color priced at $70.

I’ll be back soon – well worth the drive across town!

To book an appointment:

(323) 664-5446

4616 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90027

Life As We Know It: Movie Review

Last week I was invited by my friend Kim Tracy Prince to see a preview of Life As We Know It – the new Katherine Heigl movie. I happily accepted the invitation… Kim and I hadn’t seen each other in FOREVER, a girls night sounded like a great idea, and going to the movie meant missing bedtime.  Need I say more.

I hadn’t heard much about the movie and truthfully, without Kim’s invitation, I would have waited for Netflix, but I’m glad that I didn’t.

The basic premise of the movie is simple enough – the lives of two singles are turned upside down when their respective best friends – married living the suburban dream – are killed in a car accident and leave them joint custody of their one year old daughter.

I was expecting a light, popcorn, chick flick – instead I got an orphaned one year old and noticed more than a few tears being discreetly wiped throughout the theater.

Then we laughed – no, not at the poop scene – but at many of the other scenarios the mismatched pair end up in as they adopt to their new lives as parents.  I derived a good amount of pleasure from watching them struggle through this maze we call parenthood.

I know my heart strings were being tugged at by the scenario – imagining my children left without my husband and I – it’s completely unthinkable.  This movie tugged at the core of that emotion and balanced it with levity.  I for one enjoyed it.

By the way if you and your spouse haven’t taken care of your will – seeing this movie should be all the motivation you need to take care of business.

Love Letter to the FDA:  After attending the complimentary preview screening of this movie and I was contacted by Mom Central and offered a gift card to facilitate this review.

Vida Emanuel for Spa Week: Spa Review

This week SpaFinder “Deal Days”, a nationwide wellness event has spas around the country offering AMAZING deals!  Don’t miss out!  I found laser treatments, facials, massages, scrubs… all close to home at a fraction of their regular pricing!  $50 dollar services or 50% off!  Check out all the great deals <click here>.

A number of bloggers around the country were invited to be guests at local spas in there area to help spread the word.  Anyone who knows me – will know that I jumped at the opportunity.

What might surprise you – was the service that I picked.  I’m afraid the Diva in me came out in full force.  I had to try the Eyelash perm at Vida Emanuel Day Spa in Beverly Hills.  My lashes are thick and full, but stick straight.  I’ve always thought about trying this, but for numerous reasons have never done it.

This service is typically $175, plus $35 if you want the tint.  During Spa Week, it’s $50 for the curl and $35 for the tint!

Vida – the name behind Vida Emanuel applied my eyelash treatment.  She also takes care of Jessica Alba, Alie Landry, Amy Smart’s lashes, so I felt assured that she’s at the top of her game.

The treatment itself was very simple – I sat down and closed my eyes.  Vida affixed a small tube or roller to the base of my eyelash.  This was used as a guide for the lashes.  Vida then methodically affixes each of your lashes to the tube, then a mild perm solution is applied — I know… I know… just remember the diva part of me rises to the surface from time to time — you sit for another 15 minutes… she checks your lashes and applies a neutralizer.  Lastly she rinses both eyes with water and la voila.

I was almost speechless at the results.   My normally downward leaning lashes looked like I’d spent 15 minutes coaxing and curling them into perfection.  The best part, the results are supposed to last 4-6 months!  UPDATE:  My eyelashes went stick straight around month 2 – I was so sad.

I ran the perm ingredients in the skin deep database and it scored 5, with 2 ingredients not found.  So, that isn’t great.  That said – six months of great lashes vs 20 minutes of exposure… you’ll have to make your own choice.  UPDATE:  Given my lashes only lasted 6-8 weeks – I wouldn’t do this again.

I will say this.  You want to make sure a very experience technician – you don’t want to trust your eyes to the “new girl”!

Before

During - Not too pretty!

Curly Lashes

Love letter to the FDA – I was not paid to complete this review – Vida Emanuel did invite me to receive service for free so I could share my thoughts and experience with my readers.  As always… my opinions and thoughts can not be bought, not even for curly lashes.

Melaleuca Eco Sense: Diva Review

Not too long ago a friend of mine asked me what I thought about Melaleuca – so I did a little bit of research was intriqued. She is a huge fan.

It was a welcome coincidence a few months later when Melaleuca asked if they could sponsor my attendance of the EVO conference. I knew Melaleuca was doing good work and was excited to learn more about the brand.

Maleleuca is a company dedicated to providing natural, safe and effective products directly to the consumer.

Most of my readers are aware that I make many of my own cleaning products – and this is a great way to save money, but the truth is I know that most of you aren’t quite ready to become home chemists.  I know you are looking for a way to clean your home that is economical and safe – Melaleuca has created a line of products that meets both goals – Eco Sense.

The Eco Sense line contains Automatic Dishwasher Detergent – Diamond Brite, Laundry Products including a very effective stain remover – PreSpot, Furniture Polish, and a Thyme based antibacterial cleaner called – Sol-U-Guard.  To name a few of the products in their line.

What might be the best part of the EcoSense line is it’s packaging.  The Melaleuca starter kit contains empty spray bottles and corresponding concentrate.  You then add the concentrate to the bottle and fill with water from your tap.  When you use up the bottle of concentrate – you order another. This make so much sense; it saves money and is kinder to the environment.

The Eco Sense Line

The EcoSense line prices out much less expensively than conventional cleaners – one bottle of concentrate at $5.69 will make 96 oz of Tough & Tender – the EcoSense all purpose cleaner.  To buy the same 96 oz of 409 prices in at about $10 – not to mention the additional plastic that will be saved.

The Eco Sense line is not perfect, I’ve yet to find a brand that is.  Melaleuca is making every effort to meet the needs of their customers with a highly effective, safe product, while remaining as pure as possible.

Some of their products are a little more scented than I prefer – and not every scent 100% essential oil – but most are.  Any other fragrances ingredients used are European Union or EU compliant  – which is much more stringent than US regulations.

A discussion with Scott Hollander, Melaleuca’s head of Marketing – provided further explanation.  When they’ve made unscented products – they don’t sell.  I think I’ve gotten used to my homemade, lightly scented life – but most consumers have not.  I’m confident if their customers were asking for unscented – with their commitment to pure products – they would happily deliver.

Being a Melaleuca customer is a little different that shopping at your local market.   They area direct sales company and there are two ways to buy from them.

1. Invest in a $29 membership by calling 1-800-282-3000 – much like you would at Costco.  To maintain your membership they require a minimum monthly purchase, members typically purchase double what is required of them.
2. Conversely Melaleuca will introduce you to a local representative you can buy from without a membership.

Melaleuca also offers a money back satisfaction guarantee – so you can experience any of their products with the confidence of knowing that if you don’t like them – used or new – you can get your money back.

Love Letter to the FDC – I was not paid by Melaleuca or it’s agents to write this post, but Melaleuca did provide lodging and conference access to the EVO conference in Park City, UT – just to be clear about what sponsored means.  While they may have paid for me to be a part of an amazing event…. they did not pay for my opinions… those are and will remain my own.  Clear enough?

Cafe Blossom: Diva Review

While I was in New York City  for Blogher I had a chance to sit down with Neha from Greenista. We had lunch at Cafe Blossom, an organic vegan restaurant, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Now… to be fair,  when I eat out I lean towards conventional restaurants.  When Neha suggested Cafe Blossom I threw caution to the wind and went for it.  I was after all – on my own in NYC…  and I  write a naturally focused organic and eco blog after all…

Sitting down to order was a challenge for me.  Being a vegan restaurant meant  they had no dairy – which meant no cafe latte for me and even though it was lunch, I had been packing all morning and really could have used that coffee!  I settled for Earl Gray Tea with agave and lemon… steeped in a thimble sized cup.

The Cafe Blossom Menu

Note to Cafe Blossom – if you are going to serve tea – serve it in a teapot or at least a cup that holds more than 4 oz of water.  It took us 20 minutes to get more hot water to dilute the bitter tea.

Back to the menu…. I contemplated the Black Eyed Pea Cakes – but not being a fan of the black eyed pea – that seemed risky.  I considered the Autumn Sweet Potato Rolls, but was fairly sure I would be wishing for rice noodles while I munching on their raw coconut noodles and I wondered where the rest of the dish was for the Peas and Carrots – if it’s delish – it needs to be renamed!

I ordered the mushroom soup – which never made it to my table -  and the Veggie Grain Burger with sweet potato fries.  The sandwich my have looked a little plain, but it was delicious.  I didn’t miss the cheese at all (and I always miss the cheese!) and had the server ever returned I would have loved a little more of the yummy hummus.

Overall, service was a little too laid back for my style.  No one checked on our meal, to get more water for our tea I had to get up… twice… and by the time we flagged a server to get get our bill, we didn’t even have time to see if they billed us for the mushroom soup that never arrived.

After a little trepidation about the menu, I found the food to be very enjoyable.  I just wished the staff had shown even the tiniest care in serving their clientele, on the upside if you are looking for a vegan restaurant where they will leave you to linger in NYC this may be the spot for you!

Kabana Organic Sunscreen: Sunscreen Review

Kabana Organic Fragrance Free Tinted Sunscreen SPF 22

Planning a getaway for some fun in the sun this winter? You’ll want to protect your winter white skin from the sun with sunscreen, but you’ll also want to be sure the protection doesn’t care it’s own set of concerns.

Kabana Skincare offers a selection of ultra pure sunscreens, baby care products, soap & bodywashes that offer light UV protection for everyday protection, moisturizers, lip balms and sunscreens.

To learn more about the importance of careful sunscreen selections read the Diva Guide to Safer Sunscreen.

Count the Ingredients

Kabana offer’s sunscreen in both Tinted & Untinted.  Many of the safer sunscreens contain a high amount of zinc, as does Kabana’s.  Many people don’t like the white pastiness you end up with from the zinc.  Tinted sunscreen provides a solution to this problem.  I’m very fair and the tint disappeared into my skin.  Those with darker skin my find the tinting a little pale.

Sunscreen is an important part of a skincare regime.  Not only does it prevent skin cancer, but wrinkles too.  Let’s face it, most of us are more motivated by vanity then our health.  According to the American Academy of Dermatologists – 90% of wrinkles are caused by sun!

What I love about the Kabana line is their streamline approach they take with their products.  Their Tinted Sunscreen has 8 ingredients.  Eight!  They focus on high quality, effective ingredients.  I was initially concerned that they didn’t offer a SPF 30.  Their founder,  Eric Kreider believes that an SPF 20 is all the protection we need and equates to absorbing 95% of UV, while an SPF 45 only gives you 2.8% more protection while exposing our bodies to more chemicals that typically carry a %300 increase in associated health risk along with a higher price tag.

With a Diva Total  13.7 of out of 15 points this product is: Divaliscious!

CLICK HERE for review criteria:

8 Points Skin Deep Low Hazard Rating ~ 1
2 Points for being Organic – The Tinted Sunscreen comprised of %86 organic ingredients.

1.8 Points for effectiveness Worn at the Beach in Sunny California and on a Palm Springs getaway, my fair skin didn’t get burnt. I did get a bit of extra sun on my nose – I should have reapplied after 2 hours as per the instructions.

.8 Point for Texture This product was very smooth and creamy. For a zinc based sunscreen I found it absorbed in more quickly than other products I’ve tried.

.7 Point for Fragrance The Kabana Sunscreen is unscented and doesn’t contain any fragrance to mask it’s natural scent.

.3 Points for Packaging Appearance The packaging is very sporty in appearance. Royal Blue with Bright Yellow and Green Writing accents.

.1 Points for Packaging SustainabilityThe Sunscreen is not packaged using any additional boxes, but there was no information on their site or the tube.

Overall:

With a nice texture, effective sun protection and ultra pure ingredient list, this is a great sunscreen option for your entire family.  If whiteness from the zinc bothers you, choose the tinted option.  Otherwise I didn’t notice a difference between the two offerings.

Note – Don’t forget to shake the tube well prior to application as it separates when it sits.

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