As a child with an April birthday, I felt so hurt by the old saying, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” I identified strongly with my birth month, and the idea that it was famous for rain was insulting to me. I felt personally slighted that this grand, glorious month I looked forward to each year […]

If you’ve ever dreamed of being on one of those “30 under 30” or “40 under 40” lists, like “the top 40 women in business who are under 40 years old,” welcome to the club. I used to fantasize about that. But as I watched the opportunity to be a “20 under 20” pass me by, followed, […]

What does it mean to be rich? Certainly it means something different to me now than it did when I was a kid, or even when I was in my 20s. Now, in my late 30s, with two small kids, a head full of ideas, and a million things I want to do, I measure […]

I’ve been writing the blog for Integrity Botanicals for a while now. This is my 17th blog post here, and, since it contains entries from all my co-workers, it’s the one where I have to do the least amount of writing. AND YET. This is the hardest assignment I’ve ever been given. Those absolute monsters, Terri […]

Like a lot of Conscious Consumers, I have mixed feelings about Black Friday. On one hand, as a certified Product Junkie, I love the bargains and deals and special offers. On the other hand, the idea of making people work in retail stores starting at 4 am the day after Thanksgiving, when I’m cozy in […]

I pride myself on being an expert in some beauty things: on-the-go lipstick application without a mirror, understanding the best way to use face oils and toner together (you mix first in your hand, then apply to face! You’re welcome!), how to style dirty hair (dry shampoo FTW)… the list goes on, but I won’t […]

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but I really love summertime. (I’m just kidding, I mention it regularly!). I love swimming and going to the beach, and being outside and hiking and sitting in the park reading a book, and all things sun, sand, grass, and sea. But there’s one little issue… all […]

I, as a long-time North-Easterner, have always loved the time when it finally becomes summer. I love spring, too, but I particularly love when it’s just so undeniably warm that you can really put away your winter coats, boots, and/or seasonal depression (just me? anyone else?), and finally declare that it’s going to be hot […]

One of many things that makes Austrian brand Max and Me so special is its founders/creators. Tanja (the “me” of the duo) and Max are a fantastically lovely couple who work together to make the products so much more than just skincare. They literally and figuratively infuse their stunningly gorgeous energies into the products, and the […]

…without giving up any of the luxury or effectiveness we all want! I know how frustrating it can be to have sensitive skin, especially if you’re a product junkie like I am. You want all the fun lotions and potions, but can’t handle the rashes and literal headaches that sometimes accompany heavy scents or additives. […]