Product Review

I made a recent purchase from Naturally Natalie's. Because I'm sure you don't want to read about my experience with cloth menstrual pads, I wanted to review her Vegan Lip Balm.

This is definitely one of the best lip balms I've ever used. It goes on light and smooth with a slight tingling sensation, thanks to the presence of peppermint and tea tree oils. It also delivers long-lasting moisturizing, which is very important to me. I'm a chapstick fiend! The ingredients are all natural, as the shop name implies. For those of you who hate the icky taste some balms deliver or the waxiness they leave on your lips, this product doesn't have either of those unfortunate qualities. Plus, it was a great deal! Natalie currently has a notice in her shop announcing that only the lip balms currently in stock -- one last time I checked! -- will be sent out during the summer as she lives in hot, hot Tucson. However, she has several other natural body products that I hope to try as well. If you're looking for a place to buy chemical-free, wonderful body items, check out her store.

Product review

My new camera arrived, and I think it's going to work out great! I'll be able to download pictures this weekend, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you all something to read. So behold, my review of Soy Candle Cottage, a company out of Edmond, OK.

I got my first candle from Soy Candle Cottage a year ago, when my mother attended the Herbal Affair in Sand Springs, OK. It's hyacinth-scented, which happens to be one of my favorite fragrances. The candle is one of the best I've ever had. The smell is dead-on and beautiful without being overly sweet or strong. Being a high-quality soy candle, it burned a very long time, keeping us with some light during last December's ice storm. This year, my boyfriend and I attended the festival just long enough to make a stop by the booth. We purchased two candles -- caramel and mango mandarin. We have not burned either yet, but unlit, both have a wonderful aroma without being too sweet or overpowering.

The best purchase I've yet made, however, was the company's soy lotion. I purchased a purse-sized bottle in rose, and it is a truly amazing product. The smell is wonderful and unbelievably long-lasting. Plus, it makes my skin so soft and moisturized for hours. It's the best hand lotion I've ever used, no question. I can't wait to try the body cream. A variety of scents are available, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

Soy Candle Cottage makes a variety of other products, including soaps, pet treats, and items for babies and breastfeeding moms. Everything is made from high-quality ingredients that are both environmentally friendly and -- as far as I can tell -- suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The stuff is worth trying out, so head over to the Web site and shop away!