Although females too produce androgens, it is when too much is produced within the ovaries, that ovulation is disrupted. PCOSupport.org lists symptoms as being, “irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, depression, infertility, excess or abnormal hair growth and distribution, and more.” Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are treatments to help ease the pain and prevent “progression of PCOS to frank diabetes, endometrial cancer, or other threatening illnesses” (PCOSupport.org). Bringing about awareness, educationg ourselves, young daughters, and supporting one another is vital.

Sasha Ottey, a former microbiologist, was diagonosed with PCOS in 2008. Instead of being down on herself, she was proactive and did something about it. In 2009, she started PCOS Challenge,Inc., a non profit organization that acts as a community for women living with PCOS. In order to trump more awareness and support on a larger scale, PCOS Challenge will be airing a thriteen-episode tv series, showing the day in the life of ten women living with PCOS. Find out more about the organization and about the show that will be airing this fall. Giving up is not an option, fighting to get your life back and live a full, long and healthy life is the goal.

View a sneak peak of the show here.

Happy first of September everybody! Summer breezed by way too quickly. Thankfully there is a long weekend awaiting us, enjoy it wisely. Catch up on some much needed rest and time with your friends and family. I’m celebrating today with natural make-up additions.

Fruity Make-up. I recently interviewed the animal friendly and beauty concious founder of 100% Pure, Susie Wang and am head over heals in love with her fruit pigmented cosmetics. If you are a fruit lover, you too will swoon over her fruit pigmented beauty line. I’m always searching for healthier make-up alternatives that will still leave you feeling beautiful, yet won’t damage your skin and health. Now you can combine your love for fruits with beauty!

Turn Up the Volume.  Yes, here it is, 100% natural ultra lengthening mascara, in black tea, blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate. Not only does the mascara deliver a healthy tone to your lashes, but it smells edible too. Have fun with all four and mix it up. You’ll find oat protein, acai berry, lavender honey, and more yummy and natural ingredients each time you give your lashes as fruity swoop of color.

Butter Me Up. Pout those lovely lips of yours and treat them to your choice of a fruit pigmented lip butter. Pick a fruit, any fruit at all! There’s cherry, raspberry, watermelon, cranberry, peach, strawberry, and pomegranate. Give your lips some much-needed moisture, a hint of color, and make everyone jealous with your naturally scented smooches.

Find your ultra lengthening mascara and lip butters at: 100% Pure. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!

Peter let the heavy glass door slowly swing back to place as he sauntered out into the brightening morning . Living on the east side of the city was definitely a benefit, Peter thought as he began noticing the beautiful sunrise; which he did every morning provided he wasn’t too hung over or if it was going to rain.

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“Me thinkith I shall taketh the sturdy iron horse this here fine morning.” Peter said this aloud while crossing the street with an Asian lady and her baby.
Peter took a glance at his watch before slipping on his cashmere lined leather gloves. 6:08, he had to pick up the pace if he were going to catch the #6 train to 14th street. He knew there was one at thirteen after. There was a really cute Spanish girl on that train; the last car from the back. Peter thought she might be Puerto Rican but he really didn’t have a clue. He’d seen her six times in the last three weeks. Peter loved synchronicity.

He never spoke to her, just sat close enough to catch a whiff of her. She always smelled like roses. Peter never knew himself to be partial to the smell of roses but on this girl it was wonderful. He saw the way she would look at him, always trying to appear as if she were just perusing the always nearly-empty train car.

At that time in the morning only the blue collar workers, the all niters, and the freaks rode the trains. The suits didn’t show up for another hour or so. As he would sit across from her he would devour her with his eyes, he was safe behind the cover of his ever-present sun glasses.

As he sat there thinking up sordid and sexual scenarios, becoming aroused by the rhythmic ride provided by the train, making sure his object of affection was none the wiser. He would sometimes catch himself thinking, “is this normal behavior? Do all men sit across from women and think-up sex stories. Does this happen to Fiona all day long? Was he a mental deviant?” Then poof. The bell would ring and the car would come to a stop.
Peter only took the train one stop to 14th from 23rd. All this mental and sexual energy was generated in less time than it took to drink a cup of coffee. Peter had actually noticed this one morning.

Peter had walked the two blocks in three minutes, he had two minutes to catch the 6:13 train. He turned in to the staircase of the train station on the north east corner of 23rd and Park, flew down the long narrow flight o’stairs, jumping over what appeared to be a family of bums, (but who knew if they were related), and stepped up to the turnstile.

Almost instinctually, (for Fiona had told Peter that, ‘that is what separates us from the lower animals, that we don’t follow our instincts’) he unzipped and reached into the left inside pocket of his heavy black leather and pulled out his card holder. He took off his right glove and proceeded to remove his metro card. Peter slid his car through the required slot and proceeded to slam his thigh against the steel arm of the turnstile. There was a loud bang and Peter now had a searing pain in his right quadriceps.

“What the fu@k!” Peter bellowed as he rubbed his leg and looked down into the small liquid crystal display “zero balance.” He couldn’t believe it; he had two minutes and now this.

Peter turned to see the token booth attendant watching him. He hurried out of the turnstile entrance, trotted over to the enclosure, and slapped down his trusty metro card as he pulled a wrinkled ten spot out of the front pocket of his worn five o’ones.

The token attendant gave him a broad smile and took his money. She was a rather round dark brown woman and wore her hair in braids made up of two shades of pink, or was in burgundy. Her red rouge shone off of her beautiful brown skin almost as brightly as her lipstick off of her big red lips. Peter liked that she had a gold tooth, maybe two, it was a quick smile.

The size of her breasts immediately aroused Peter; the way they swelled up over her too-tight bra and out over her much-too-tight transit employees shirt. He imagined how much tension the thread holding her button onto her shirt must be under, possibly creating a sound only dogs can hear.

Peter wanted another look at those teeth. “Why do they call this place a token booth when you come here to charge up your metro card?”

The round brown woman lit up at the sound of Peter’s deep voice. She slid his card back to him and gave him a great big grin. He was right– two gold teeth. “You have a nice day, you sweet ‘ting.” She said in a melodic island accent. He flashed her his own toothy grin; Peter had perfect white teeth and loved to show them off when ever he got the chance.

He read her name which was emblazoned on her shirt, took another look at her incredible melons, winced at the sight of the straining button and said in a deep even tone, “Now you try to stay warm in their Helen. Have a nice day.”

He heard the #6 train rumbling into the station. As he turned to go through the turnstile once again, he witnessed something he couldn’t believe. The [alleged] family of sleeping bums had obviously heard the train too, for they were now in one cumulative effort trying to pull two huge piles, of what to Peter appeared to be junk, through the arms of the turnstile. There were four, maybe five of them. The smell was awful.

Peter silently stood as the 6:13 pulled into the station. The bell rang the doors slid open, the bell signaled again and they shut. The train proceeded out of the station heading south, final destination some place in Queens, all the time carrying his rose-scented girl. From his vantage point Peter was not able to see the second to last car but he waited, there was nothing else to doing. The train picked up speed and the long line of cars made their way out of the station.

There she was. He knew it, he saw her whiz by. Sitting just where he knew she would, far side, second to last seat all the way in the back. That seat was a two-seater, one was usually guaranteed to sit alone in that seat at that time in the morning.

          Our skin deserves the best and nothing less. Have a mini spa for yourself and love your face! Take care of your beauty needs with Doux me’s Caroline’s Cream and the White Rose Comforting Face Mask and Exfoliator.

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From the Ultra Delicates Line…

          Not only does Caroline’s Cream provide the face and neck with 99.2 % natural ingredients within the formula, but it also smells lovely, and moisturizes your skin. The main treat and active ingredient within the cream is organic beech bud extract. “Beech bud extracts have the property to regenerate skin cells in a very effective way. The beech buds contain extremely rich energetic preserves, which stimulate the metabolism of these cells. It boosts the skin’s metabolism, smoothes the micro-relief of the epidermis, and restores the hydration of the skin. It is perfect for dry and reactive skin,” says Caroline Wachsmuth, founder of Doux me.

          Awaken your skin by refrigerating Caroline’s Cream and rejuvenate your face and neck in the morning and before you go to bed. According to dermatological testing, there was “101% more moisturizing 4 hours after application” and “ 95% more moisturizing 8 hours after application” of the cream. When applied to your skin, the cream feels gentle and soothing, not harsh or oily. You’ll find other natural gems like shea butter, sweet almond oil, rose hip seed oil, macadamia oil, and more each time you apply the cream.

You can purchase Caroline’s Cream at Doux me’s website here.

From the Specifics Line…

          What has apricot kernel oil, bamboo powder, white desert rose extract, Indian jasmine extracts, and more skin soothing organic ingredients? That would be the White Rose Comforting Face Mask and Exfoliator. As for me, I always have to be careful with what I apply to my skin, since it is extremely sensitive and goes from being oily one week to being dry the next. Skin varies from woman to woman on a daily basis. Doux me’s exfoliator, caters to those women with fragile and sensitive skin. You can choose to cleanse and exfoliate your skin every day or one to two times a week, which is up to you and what your skin endures on a daily basis. With the busy lives many of us lead, dedicating time each day to your skin may seem impossible, but it is worth the extra 10 minutes.

          I recommend exfoliating before bed, when you aren’t pressed for time to get to work or shuffling around the house. You may be wondering what’s so unique about this exfoliator as opposed to the others? Wachsmuth says, “We can use it in three different ways. Either just as a mask, as an exfoliator or both! Its smell like it is some kind of pastry and the effect that it has on the skin is amazing.”

You can purchase the Comforting Face Mask and Exfoliator at Doux me’s website here.

Caroline Wachsmuth

          Doux me is the first organic beauty and cosmetics line for women that launched in France in 2002. Today, Doux me is thriving with love from women around the globe. All thanks to the founder Caroline Wachsmuth, whose curiosity of what things are made of as a child, sparked her passion as a young woman to create her own cosmetics line.

Check out Wachsmuth’s three lines, Aromatherapy, Ultra Delicates, and Specifics at the Doux me online at the website: Doux me.

Jane:  What or who influenced you when creating Doux me?

Caroline Wachsmuth: I was born and raised in Switzerland and my parents were quite ecological and green. As far as I can remember when I was a child, I was interested in understanding what was within food, products for skincare, make-up, perfume, and any household products. Then of course, my personal research came later as I was a beauty and health writer.

Jane:  As a woman, what is most important to you when it comes to beauty products?

Caroline Wachsmuth: The safety and efficiency of the products and most important of all, how green they are (formula, packaging etc…). Then comes their smell and texture.

Jane: Who or whom supported you when you were working on your line?

Caroline Wachsmuth: My husband, my friends, a lot of faith, and hard work .

Jane: What is the importance of safe beauty products to you? And why do you feel more people should take a stand to create more natural products?

Caroline Wachsmuth: Anything on this planet that is created by man “should” be safe. We all know it is possible… anything that is a “product” such as: food, skincare, body care, clothes, and household products, anything that has a name! But we went so far in the opposite direction, that we have to struggle extremely hard to “reverse” it (beliefs, tastes, habits, knowledge…). Thank God there was a real awakening, for different reasons like green and conscious lifestyle brands. Whereas they are created out of fear for the next generation, political views, personal rebellion and beliefs or just to satisfy a narcissistic urge, are flourishing everywhere and that is what counts!

Jane: What is so unique about your Comforting Face Mask & Exfoliator?

Caroline Wachsmuth: The fact that we can use it in three different ways:). Either just as a mask, as an exfoliator or both! Its smell like it is some kind of pastry and the effect that it has on the skin is amazing, I love it!

Jane: How does organic beech bud extract within Caroline’s Cream help those individuals who have dry and sensitive skin?

Caroline Wachsmuth: Beech bud extracts have the property to regenerate skin cells in a very effective way. The beech buds contain extremely rich energetic preserves which stimulate the metabolism of these cells. It boosts the skin’s metabolism, smoothes the micro-relief of the epidermis, and restores the hydration of the skin. It is perfect for dry and reactive skin.

Jane: What is the most rewarding, exciting, and best part about creating a line for women that supports being healthy and beautiful?

Caroline Wachsmuth: Receiving messages from women from all over the planet saying they love my products and also seeing how loyal they are to the brand after eight years. From a complete day-dream, it became a reality and it still is and I hope it will be for a long time! It is also proof to myself that I actually did it. I am so grateful!

Jane: How does it feel to be known as the first line in France that is organic?

Caroline Wachsmuth: I am proud of what I did because it came from my heart. I didn’t create it to follow a trend.

Jane: Which product or products of yours can’t you live with out, you use, and why?

Caroline Wachsmuth: Caroline’s cream, morning and evening, because it is just perfect for my skin that is quiet dry and very reactive.

Next week, look out for a review of Caroline’s cream and Comforting Face Mask & Exfoliator from Doux me!

Whether you are walking through a department store, flipping through a magazine or scanning the television channels. We are clouded with advertisements for cosmetics and beauty products in every way imaginable. With so many products out on the market, who’s to know what’s good for our bodies and what is damaging our entire nervous system. We don’t. Unless, we each do our research and dig through information on each product and company. Susie Wang, founder and chief creative ambassador of 100% Pure fruit pigmented cosmetics line as well as beauty products made with pure food grade ingredients. Fruit is beneficial for our bodies when we eat it, so why not put some fruity vibrant colors on your skin, that won’t cause you damage. 

Jane: Can you give me a little background about 100% Pure and when and how your company sprouted?

Susie Wang: Previously to 100% Pure, I invented a way to stabilize natural ingredients from oxidizing in skincare. Just as you would cut an apple in half and watch it turn brown from the oxygen– the same thing happens in skincare. If you put vitamin c for example in a cream, the benefits of the vitamin c oxidizes. So, I invented a process of formulating skincare to prevent oxidation and patented this technology. Once I filed for this patent, I started getting calls from large cosmetic companies to work for them. I was very honored and dropped out of college to work for the cosmetic companies as a formulator. During this time, I discovered that a lot of chemicals were incredibly toxic and hazardous.

This is how 100% pure was created. I wanted to create a line that was free of all the toxins that can wreak havoc.  Whatever you apply on your skin is like eating it because it gets absorbed. There is an easy test to do at home to test this. Cut a garlic in half and tape the juicy side of the garlic to your wrist and in 30 minutes, you’ll taste the garlic.  

Jane: When formulating your line, 100% Pure, what or who influenced you?

Susie Wang: When I used to be a formulator for these gigantic cosmetic companies, I learned about how toxic some chemicals were and I learned that sometimes when companies claim no animal testing, it means the final formula was not tested on animals but it doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredients were not tested on animals. 

             Susie’s love for animals is heart warming. None of the products or at any point of production are tested on animals-at all. 100% Pure has rescued and found homes for 21 dogs and stands up for the rights of animals. As we all should and must.

Jane: Why is it so important to be cautious of what we put on our skin and body?

Susie Wang: Whatever we apply on our skin, we ingest, inhale, and it gets absorbed.

          While Susie was working in the lab formulating an eye cream, prior to her pride and joy, 100% Pure, she unintentionally knocked down a chemical that was to be used in the cream formula. The chemical ate away at the lab table, leaving Susie in utter shock. However, she was proactive, and decided to take a stand and do her own research.

           The unfortunate truth, is that many people work for cosmetic and beauty companies and have no idea what the chemicals they are playing with can do to the human body. Where as cutting costs for some companies, may mean using cheaper ingredients, that hurt us in the long term, yet leave us, as the consumer, deceived and with a list full of health issues and problems.

Jane: Have you always had a passion to create natural/organic products?

Susie Wang: Not always – it wasn’t until I learned first hand how dangerous some of the chemicals in cosmetics were and how much we actually ingest that turned me very passionate about natural / organic beauty which is why I developed 100% Pure.

            All of 100% Pure’s products are cruelty-free, vegan, synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, and toxic free.

Jane: By providing women with natural products that will keep them healthy and safe, how does that make you feel?

Susie Wang: The purpose of cosmetics is to indulge women and to make women feel beautiful and I feel grateful that I get to do this in a healthy way for so many women.

Jane: Why did you choose to create fruit pigmented cosmetics?

Susie Wang: I was blessed with the idea of color cosmetics with fruit, vegetable and flower pigments while I was picking blackberries one summer. Coloring cosmetics with fruit and vegetable pigments is so much healthier and more beneficial than with minerals or dyes because fruit pigments contain all the healthy vitamins and antioxidants of fruits.

Jane: By incorporating natural ingredients such as fruit pigments into your products, how are you also protecting the environment?

Susie Wang: The ingredients are healthy and biodegradable and so 100% Pure is not introducing any harmful or toxic chemicals into the environment.

Jane: What can natural beauty lovers and newcomers to your products expect to see in the near future?

Susie Wang: I love animals. My passion is to help as many animals as I can.  In the future, my goal is to open up an animal sanctuary that can rescue thousands of animals. I am also excited about a clothing line I’m currently designing.

          Susie’s clothing line is set to take off in the Spring of 2011. You can find the designed fashioned in recycled materials and vegetable dyed textiles. Get fashionable in eco-friendly clothing for your body and our environment.

 Jane: When you start off your day, which of your products can’t you live without?

Susie Wang: I can’t live without 100% Pure’s coffee bean eye cream – it keeps my eye area looking refreshed and makes me look rested.  I am also crazy about 100% Pure’s apple products. The delicious smell of crisp green apples is my favorite out of all our delicious bath and body products.   

 Jane: Is there anything else you’d like to add as far as advice for women when it comes to transitioning over to natural products and to 100% Pure?

Susie Wang: We often take for granted our health and ourselves.  Eating healthy, exercising, drinking plenty of water and using natural products are all things to do for the sake of your own health and well-being.

 Learn more about 100% Pure and about Susie at her website, 100% Pure!

Don’t let the romance disappear because your pockets and wallet don’t run deep. Here’s five ways you can still have a wonderful time together without the hassle of long lines and spending a fortune. So, grab your honey and have your own little escape.

Five Romantic Ways to Spend Time With Your Love That Won’t Cost You a Bundle

1. Romanic movie marathon

My top ten picks:

1. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)

2. Dirty Dancing (1987)

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

4. Pretty Woman (1990)

5. City of Angels (1998)

6. Sweet November (2001)

7. Kate and Leopold (2001)

8. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

9. The Notebook (2004)

10. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

2. Your Own Fondue! Prepare your very own chocolate covered fruit desert and feed each other deliciousness!

First, buy some of your favorite fruits. Choose from either or all fruits, like cherries, fresh strawberries, pineapple, blueberries or apples.

If you are your snuggle buddy aren’t fruit fanatics, or simply want to try something new, you can get walnuts, almonds, and pecans and dip away!

Next, get some dark, milk, and or white melting chocolate. If you are going to use the pineapple and apples, cut them up into edible slices. Place all your fruit pieces or nuts into a large bowl and start dipping into the chocolate delight! Whatever the fruit or nut may be, chocolate makes it much tastier!

3. Picnic for two. Have a picnic in the park or even in your backyard if you have a lawn with privacy. Leave all electronic devices at home, or if you must, leave them in the car. If you’re driving there, leave the car parked, and take a stroll through the park first. Then come back for your meal. This is your time together. There is nowhere to rush to so enjoy each moment together. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring along two bikes and you can both ride together. If you happen to live near New York City, take a walk through Central Park, where you can find your own cozy spot just for the two of you. Or, if you are up for the walk, cross over the Brooklyn Bridge. There are breathtaking view of New York and perfect spots of photos.

4. Sale Sale Sale! Look through the local paper for listings of garage sales, flea markets, farmer’s markets or even an arts and crafts show. You don’t have to buy anything, but just can spend the morning or afternoon looking at antiques and other peoples treasures. Who knows what you may find!

5. Touchy Feely Time. Massages these days can cost a fortune. Why pay the money, when you can have your own, free of charge at home-by yours truly? Take turns giving each other a massage, slowly, showing your partner you care about their needs. Both of you have had a hard week at work, and need the down time to rest and unwind. You can use lotion or oil, depending on what your partner prefers.

 Remember, being romantic doesn’t mean you have to spend your whole paycheck in one night. Take the time to talk to one another and understand what each of you needs and wants. Romance doesn’t have a price tag. Spending time together, making each other laugh, and listening to one another’s thoughts and feelings is as intimate as you can get. Go ahead, and enjoy!

            Take a stroll through the ages of earth friendly clothing from the mid-18^th century all the way till today at the Fashion and Textile History Gallery within the Museum at FIT. Over 100 garments, accessories, and textiles are available for the public eye to view.

            Not only can you learn about a variety of techniques and designs, but you will take away an understanding of the positive and negative impact manufacturing clothes has on the planet.

            When we wake up in the morning and dress ourselves up, not too many of us think about the process our clothing had to go through before we put it on. Although our clothes protects us from harsh winters, blistering summer heat, and even keeps us cool, a lot of us either are too preoccupied or are not aware about what goes on behind textile closed doors. What we wear on our bodies should make us feel proud, comfortable, and confident in ourselves. Yet, we must not forget the impact our clothing has on our planet, the individuals who create our clothes, and on our furry creatures. The exhibit takes you through the history of repurposing and recycling of textiles, the growth and manufacture of fabrics, dyeing processes, quality craftsmanship, the health and treatment of industry workers, and the treatment of animals.

            What we wear on our skin not only shows people our sense of style and personality, but also our commitment to environment friendly clothing and manufacturing.

          The exhibit runs through November 13. More information is available at their website. Step up and join the eco-friendly revolution!

The gallery is open during the week from Tuesday-Friday (Noon-8 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), but is closed Sunday and Monday.

Admission: Free

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Peter swung around to the edge of the bed and put his bare feet on the wooden floor. “ What the fu@k! “ The floor was freezing. He wrapped himself in the sheet and blanket from the bed and walked toward the bathroom where he heard the shower running.

As Peter opened the door to the bathroom steam poured out around his wild bed-head hairdo.
“How’s my little macadamia nut this morning?” Peter tried to sound as awake and fresh as possible despite the fact that he actually had a slight headache and his mouth felt like it was coated with wallpaper glue.

He quickly gargled with the blue mouthwash, the generic brand, Fiona said it was just as good as the other one, at one third the price. At this point it could have been Aqua-Velva, his mouth tasted like shit.

Peter pulled open the shower curtain slightly and slipped inside behind Fiona. Shampoo in her hair and now rinsing it off, Peter entered at the perfect time. Just as Fiona finished her rinse and reached for the conditioner, Peter grabbed her from behind.

In a flash, Peter had Fiona’s elbow lodged in his solar plexus. The wind gone from his lungs, he squatted down and tried to regain his breath.

“Oh my god! Honey, I am so sorry, I didn’t know you were there.” She bent down and wiped Peter’s hair from his face.

He looked up at her and gave her a big goofy smile. “I guess those kickboxing classes are really helping.” He said as he stood. The air flowed freely again. “Maybe next time I’ll bang pots and pans together for a while before I get in the shower with you.” Peter rubbed his now sore spot.

“Awe, let me make it better for you sweetie.” Fiona began to kiss Peter’s strong solid chest.
His body was sculpted so well, she imagined him, her statue. Something only an artist could create, for all of god’s creatures had flaws.

“Hey, why was the window open? It’s fu@king freezing in the apartment.”

Fiona stopped kissing Peter long enough to give him an answer. “Well, last night you were complaining how I always keep the place so hot and I just figured…”

Peter got her meaning and gave her a sly knowing look then proceeded to guide Fiona’s head toward his now thick, pulsating member.

Peter got dressed in record time. He closed the window, after he got out of the shower. So the room was still really cold.

He had turned on the radio while making his morning espresso, his morning libation, and had heard that a cold front had blown in from Canada and it was going to be cold for the rest of the week.

“No shit, it’s late November; it’s probably going to be cold for the next three months. What a racket those weather guys got.” He thought and listened to the rest of the report. ‘The current temperature was now twenty-two degrees and it was supposed to get colder before it got warmer.”

Peter pulled his double-knit sweatshirt over the sweatshirt he was already wearing. Downed the remaining espresso, took a hit on a roach he had in his pocket from the night before. Slipped into his black steel-toed combat boots, threw on his black biker leather and zipped up tight.

He checked in on Fiona before he split. She was in the middle of masking or toning, or something when Peter stuck his head in. “Bundle up today Sweetie, it’s cold as a bitch out there.”

Fiona never understood Peter’s aggression about the cold, he grew up here. As for herself she loved the cold, never experiencing it as a child, she found it exhilarating, plus it helped to keep the pores tight.

“Okay honey.” She turned with a smile, still naked, standing in front of the full-length mirror in the steamy room. Peter got a big wet kiss and helped himself to a handful of backside before slipping back out. He wiped the sweet smelling cream left from Fiona’s kiss from his face. He checked, nope not cocoa butter.

He put on his black wool cap, pulled it down over his ears, slipped on his sleek black sunglasses, checked his reflection once, adjusted his hat, grabbed his backpack and left for work.

It was now five minutes to six. Peter had to be at check-in at seven. He worked at the fourteenth street generating station for Con Erickson; the city’s producer of electricity.

Although he only lived on the third floor, he waited the three or four minutes for the elevator. Peter enjoyed all the luxuries that came along with living in a luxury building. The sun deck on the roof, the doorman service, and especially the elevator. Most of Peter’s other girlfriends had lived in basements or in walk-ups.

Peter also enjoyed the synchronicity of the city. He would see the same people at the same time in the same place almost every day.

       Set the phrase, “No Pain, No Gain” straight! There is absolutely no need to sacrifice your health and well being for beauty. I recently walked into a couples shared bathroom, and to my horror saw the whole sink counter cluttered with women’s beauty and men’s hygiene essentials. All of those products have a variety of chemicals we must avoid. According to the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, a red flag should pop up when you see triclosan, synthetic musks, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, lead, parabens, phthalates, hydroguinone, and 1,4-dioxane listed within the ingredients of your product(s).

       Every single day we come into contact with a variety of substances and many of us forget to stop and think about what exactly our body is consuming. In a recent news release on July 21^st, “representatives Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, which gives the Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients” (Environmental Working Group).  A seven-minute video, “The Story of Cosmetics,” was released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, produced by Annie Leonard and Free Range Graphics whom crafted a powerful and eye awakening glimpse into the truth about the world of cosmetics. You can also see the video here at: The Story of Cosmetics as well as visit their website, Campaign for Safer Cosmetics and be proactive in the fight to create safer and healthier products for each and every one of us.

       “From lipstick to lotion, our medicine cabinets are filled with cosmetics that may contain potentially dangerous chemicals. This important bill closes a gaping hole in our Federal laws that allows potentially dangerous chemicals to remain in the cosmetic products we use everyday,” says Representative Markey. As of March 17, 2010 over a thousand companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics (ranging from 100% Pure, known for their fruit pigmented cosmetics to Zuii Organic, who use certified organic flower petals, whose products and information can be found in Skin Deep’s database. Skin Deep debuted in 2004 and stands proud to be “an online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products.” Check out Skin Deep and type in a product, ingredient, or a company to find out how harmful/safe a product is, the hazardous level of a company and more information about the hidden ingredients within your products.

       When it comes to your health, there should be no pain involved. The only pain that exists is the one many of us suffer, from constant use of products that deteriorate our body and overall health. Our government has sat far too long out in the sidelines and it’s time for it to get up and play the role of protecting us from harmful toxins. The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 “recognizes that consumers have a right to safe personal care products, that companies have a responsibility to understand the health effects of the chemicals in their products, and that we need government to help us get there,” says Janet Nudelman of the Breast Cancer Fund and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.” Don’t be a guinea pig for a company, take a stand to protect your body, do your research, and be a part of the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics!

            Also, coming soon is an interview with 100% Pure Founder and Chief Creative Ambassador, Susie Wang!