Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but inside my steam shower, it’s so delightful. I swath myself in a cotton towel, sit on the stone bench and breathe in the warm, moist clouds puffed out by a Mr. Steam(R) vent near my feet. It’s the next best thing to being at a spa – and has relieved sinus tension and muscle aches since I installed it several years ago when I was more lean on my commitment to going green.

Installing steam was in fact the top priority in my master bath remodel, to the extent that we payed thousands of dollars to boost our power from the street. I had sought out steam rooms at various day spas in San Francisco to alleviate chronic sinus infections during the preschool years when my girls were bringing home mega germs along with their finger paintings. The respiratory specialist I saw prescribed steam, along with more hydration, the removal of carpet in the bedroom and investing in air purifiers. I’ve avoided sinus attacks since and continue to take steam showers when I find the time to take care of me.

In terms of energy use, I’ve found the addition has not increased our power bill greatly. We use it moderately and have simultaneously reduced our use of heat. I also keep the shower off until I’m done steaming, using a low-flow shower head to keep the output down to 2.5 gallons per minute. The amazing Kohler Tea for Two tub I also installed in my home spa rarely gets used. According to the California Energy Commission, filling up a tub requires an average of 30 to 50 gallons of water. In my tub, the water can turn cold fairly quickly even inside a porcelain surface. The few minutes of pleasure don’t really outweigh the water down the drain.

If you’re considering adding a steam to your shower, here are some things to consider:

Manufacturers are improving their residential products to make them more energy efficient. According to Mr. Steam (R), its generators use five gallons of water for a 30 minute steaming session which is boasts is a “75 gallon reduction in water compared to a whirlpool bath.” The company also produces corrosion resistant, 100% recyclable stainless steel in its components (just in case you need to recycle those parts).

Another option is the Coral Sea Spa modular walk-in units ($2,600 to $7500) that employ solar thermal water heating upgrades (below). Everything is included in these steam showers which are pre-plumbed, wired and sealed. Most of the models are big enough for two. In the long run, you’ll spend less than on building a large shower and adding steam, but the look is quite different, akin to an inground pool versus a giant Doughboy.

Meantime, competitors like Wasauna also produce modular units like the Monza, but instead of promoting the green features, this one offers 7 chromotherapy lighting schemes and music from a digital surround system.

Weighing the choices out there, I would still go with the Mr. Steam(R) (sans the surround sound) and build a sensible shower with a low-flow shower head. At the end of the day, you will gain all of the health and skin benefits of steam without evaporating more money and energy than any of us can afford.

A good hour of yoga can leave you feeling relaxed, energized, and introspective. It can also leave you with soggy clothes and a wet mat.

Kathy Swanson, a New Englander with a passion for everything natural, recently added Happy Yoga Mat to her collection of Kathy’s Family Products. It’s made with certified organic castile soap (that’s antifungal and antibacterial) and organic vegetable oils, extracts, and botanicals. Like all of the Kathy’s Family products it’s free of things like synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives and parabens, and naturally, is not tested on animals.

What you will find inside the bottle are organic oils such as coconut, olive, jojoba, tea tree and lavender. There are also citrus essential oils, organic aloe vera, and rosemary extract.

"Unfortunately, many new mats and balance balls on the market today have chemical residues on them,” said Swanson. So a thorough cleaning before use is a good idea. Removing chemicals from the manufacturing process as well as sweat, dirt and other impurities extends the life of a yoga mat, maintains its non-slip surface, and keeping it hygienic.

The fresh scent of the Happy Yoga Mat Wash was respectfully crafted for chemically sensitive and immune system impaired individuals who often react to detergents and perfumes. Happy Yoga Mat Wash comes in a 4-ounce travel bottle ($7.80), a 32-ounce studio size ($16.95) and a gallon refill ($51.95), and can be found at health food and natural product stores and online.

Image: adra.richards

Bugs who bite think I’m imported chocolate. I found this out during one of my recent outdoor adventures when I went hurdling through a cloud of black, wingy things, and the little buggers latched on for dear, sweet bloodsucking life. Unfortunately, my body thinks bugs are the devil incarnate, and tells me so through a solid week of welts and fevers.

Thank goodness I had read about homemade detox baths -  scathing pools of tub water filled with cabinet magic that pull toxins straight out of your skin. If you’re really full of junk, these baths are even known to change color as you soak! It sounded promising, so I gave it a go.

Trial: Two cups of Epsom salts, 1 cup of baking soda, some ground ginger and me went into the hottest bath water I could possibly handle. Then, I stayed put for 30 minutes. It sounds relaxing – a nice homeopathic soak pulling out the poison – but it was a sweatshop.

Verdict: I emerged from my soak woozy, and the bath didn’t deal with the situation in its entirety, just sped up the healing process. (Plus, my water didn’t change color – boo.) However, I was able to keep my mind off of the itch during my meeting the next day, and for that reason, I’d do it again. A few days later, my bites are much smaller and less irritable.

Word To The Wise: Passing out is a firm possibility during your soak. I only saw a few stars, but I should’ve chugged more water during the whole process. Also, if your water is too hot…read the rest.

Editor’s note: Sara here. This is the third post in an ongoing guest series from our sassy pals over at BeThree. (Read posts #1 and #2, and go visit BeThree so those lovely ladies know you enjoyed their guest post.)

I love to get my organic mani-pedis at a sweet spa in Mill Valley, CA. Biondina is the boutique beauty brainchild of Carrie Nelson, a clinical skin specialist, aesthetician and self-professed beauty product junkie. I happened to luck out when I stepped in last week for an impromptu polish and discovered that a free class for DIY organic facials had just begun. Nelson and her staff insisted I participate, and as I enjoyed organic cupcakes from a neighboring bakery and took a sneak peak in the eco goodie bag, I learned several smart beauty tricks for inexpensive and nourishing at-home facials.

According to Nelson, most beauty products can easily be substituted with organic basics like vegetable glycerin cleanser, olive oil, sugar and even avocado. Though every woman should use an antioxidant moisturizer, an anti-aging serum containing retinols and daily sunblock, the expensive toners, cleansers and treatments just aren’t necessary. To prove it, she demonstrated surprisingly indulgent facials that used every day items you’d find in your pantry. These two were my favorite:

Eco Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the key to a glowing complexion and it’s very easy to purify your skin of old, dead cells and oily buildup in order to get that glow. Sugar is a terrific exfoliant – Nelson says it is gentle enough to be used before date night. Simply blend a few teaspoons of organic, raw sugar with organic extra-virgin olive oil and rub into your face. For a really deep exfoliating treatment, rub for 5 minutes in small, circular motions. For a more gentle treatment, only rub for a minute. Limit exfoliation to twice-weekly sessions to give your skin time to renew itself. The ingredients for this facial are things you probably have on hand. They’re also eco-friendly, organic and healthy for you!

Eco Moisturize

According to Nelson, there’s no need for a pricey investment in Creme de La Mer. Natural foods and substances are safer, better for the environment, less expensive, and easier to come by, as well. The ideal moisturizing treatment will gently remove dead skin cells so that your skin is primed to absorb as much moisture as possible. In addition to a nourishing moisturizing ingredient, a humectant, which will draw moisture to your skin and create a protective layer, is also necessary. Here’s how to create this triple-action treat at home:

Mash 1/2 of an avocado with 1 tablespoon of organic, local honey. (You don’t have to use an organic avocado.) Blend in about a teaspoon of organic heavy cream. (The cream contains lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant famously used by Cleopatra.) The avocado is a rich emollient, while the honey acts as an antibacterial humectant. Leave on for 20 minutes and indulge as often as you like.

Another tip I picked up involves making use of leftover lime wedges (or any citrus slice). After cleansing, gently dab your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin with the fruit to give yourself a mini-vitamin C skin treatment.

Your rather pink editor with Biondina spa owner Carrie Nelson.

If you’re a Bay Area resident, it’s worth the trek to Mill Valley for an organic rose pedicure or beauty treatment. (Or cupcake!) See Biondina for treatments, event information and specials.

Images: (top, bottom) Darwin Bell, Carrie Nelson

By August, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my cute sandals and fun flip flops as well as plenty of pretty toenail polish.Yet even with all the pedicures and buffing rituals I get those heels that most closely resemble rhinoceros skin.  

Dry, cracked heels are a common complaint as our feet are exposed in the summer.Not only does it happen to women who wear sandals and other open shoes, but men get it, too.  Buffing with sandstone helps slough off the dry and dead skin, but we still need to moisturize and heal the skin. 

Looking around at the options for our lovely feet that have taken us so far are plenty foot creams on the market, but none have been as successful for me as African Gator Balm.Just the name transports you to a hot desert vision, or perhaps one of your poor feet facing the hardships walking the Nile river all day, or fighting through the jungle climbing over rocks and limbs (sounds just like Fifth Avenue).

Save your feet, because African Gator Balm is made from all natural ingredients and the mix is just right.You’ve heard of shea butter, oils of avocado and almond as your best friends for keeping your skin smooth and healthy. The rich balm has this and more, including colloidal oatmeal, coconut, mango and caprylic and linoleic triglycerides, a whole host of vitamins and comfrey that smooth and heal.

Comfrey alone has been reported to promote healthy skin with its mucilage content that moisturizes and soothes while another compound in comfrey, allantoin, promotes skin cell growth.  No more scratchy, cracked heels that look like a leathery beast.

Image: Torsten Mangner

There is no absolutely natural nail polish; they all contain chemicals. But you can definitely green your manicure by using nail polish that is free of VOC’s and the most harmful chemicals. I’ve never been much for nail polish myself because of its toxicity and smell (I hear some people like it!), but I’ve been getting the glamor bug lately and wanted to find shimmering solutions without the toluene and formaldehyde.

Recently Kim posted about Acquarella’s Water Colors, and I’m glad to see the niche for non-toxic is growing. Check out these other safe nail color options.

Honey Bee Gardens $6.75

Peacekeeper Cause-Metics (I love that name!) $10.20

Sante Cosmetics $9.99

Nubar $6.99

The aptly-named Safe Nail Polish $12.95

Spa Ritual $10.00

Any other favorites you use? I’m always glad to see the greener sector growing in any industry.

Image: Maryam S.

What would your hair stylist want you to know about your true beauty?To find out, I went for a consultation at my favorite local hair salon, Fusion 3, an Aveda salon. I met with Frank to discuss possibilities for coloring, cutting and most importantly, bringing out the healthy radiance of my hair.

Frank took his time, offering me the free consultation of a lifetime. We looked through Aveda’s many products, which have focused their products towards earth friendly ingredients and sustainable practices. We also looked through images he had placed in a magazine of beautiful women. And then the confessions came, right from the stylist’s mouth.

All those hairstyles, he explained, are created in layers over several hours. And the one Frank thing he wished every woman would deeply know about herself? That her inner beauty is the starting point to his being able to bring out her natural style. And, the flip of that is that, try as he might, if a woman’s inner beauty is turned off inside of herself, no amount of his flair will transport her to see the vision of gorgeous that his artistry with her hair supported.

Try adding these practices to bring forth your inner beauty: read Louise Hay’s small book of affirmations, I Love My Body and post the best ones on your mirror and read them everyday. Using a tip from Dr. Emoto, on your water bottle, post phrases like, "I am radiance", "I am beauty," or "I am love". You may be surprised when friends or strangers who have not seen your post it note begin to agree with your own acknowledgment. Finally, find yourself a good mirror and place high quality lighting around it. Then, every morning and evening, look deeply into your own eyes and give yourself sincere praises. Let yourself move past any discomfort until you see real beauty, light, love and radiance reflected back to you.

Image: FrischMilsch

Let me be honest here: I’m a very hairy girl. I’m Middle Eastern and that’s just the way we come. I’ve got an abundance of hair in the all the usual places, and an occasional smattering in places you wouldn’t expect. My tweezers are always by my side.

Bikini waxes have always been a necessity ““ let’s just say my bikini area comes with its own sideburns ““ and when a friend first told me about Brazilian bikini waxes, I couldn’t quite fathom it. “You mean they wax away all the hair there?” I was incredulous, to put it mildly. She nodded solemnly.

My first time I was nervous – I was worried about the pain. This is, after all, delicate territory. But my waxer, Katie, (she calls herself a "Vagina Dezina") reassured me she’d done this hundreds of times before. I wanted to be extra clean before we started and slipped away to the bathroom with some baby wipes.

My Dezina then slipped on her gloves and began to inspect my overgrown thicket. I thought it would be an impossible task, but she smiled and told me we’d start at the back and work our way forward. Dutifully I spread my cheeks and she began to relieve me of my hair. Now, ladies, don’t be squeamish ““ this is a professional at work here, and surprisingly, your rump’s skin is not a very sensitive area. If my furry butt can handle it, then your peachfuzz should be no problem.

The real challenge begins with the labia. These are tender parts  and she had to hold them delicately and wax away very tiny strips at a time. It wasn’t biscuits and tea, but it was hardly unbearable. Every so often she’d hand me a mirror and we’d consult. Thanks to Katie’s disarming attitude, despite the awkward positioning, we were both relaxed. It was certainly a lot more comfortable than a trip to the gyno.

Because it was my first Brazilian and because I’ve got more hair than the average woman, I decided to forego full frontal removal. The hair on your pubic bone can be the most painful to wax, and truthfully I’d had enough. I left a petite, natural-looking patch of hair but was totally bare behind.

When I was done, Katie told me to stand up and look in the mirror. I spread my cheeks, twisted back, and squealed.“I look like a porn star!” I laughed. This was the first time in decades that I was hairless. I loved it. Brazen sexiness was my new vibe and I bared it well in a thong. In the shower at home, I could feel the water rushing over skin that was normally insulated by thick mats of hair. Even the friction of walking around became erotic. I had no idea all the sensation I had been missing out on because of my hereditarily thick swatch of hair. Now I was truly naked and felt like a sensual goddess! I’ve been a fan of Brazilians ever since.

Image: powderruns

Sara’s shameless plug: Hi, it’s your editor. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. (We love chatting.) You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to win free eco goodies! You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.

Even though I do most of my lounging in my bed and on the cozy couch in my living room, my true relaxation zone has always been my bathroom. Treating myself to facials and deep-conditioning hair treatments helps me to unravel more than reading a good book or watching a classic film.

When you’re in a décor frenzy, don’t overlook this pivotal area. As you pamper yourself with bubble baths and pedicures after a long day, your surroundings should complement this peaceful method of unwinding. My latest favorite: unique accents that are both functional and charming, these Stone towel hooks are tactile and clever.

Flowing water smooths these earthly wonders lining the riverbeds and coasts of New England, and each one taken for decorative purpose is replaced with a rough stone for nature to take its course. (For more stone-embellished items, take a look at the Stone mugs and Cairn candle holders we have blogged about.) If you’re in need of ornamental hooks for the rest of your home, make sure to check out the Jiv Jiv hooks from Saldendro design that we recently featured as well. (Stone towel hooks available at sponsor VivaTerra for $49 each.)

Sara’s shameless plug: Hi, it’s your editor. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. (We love chatting.) You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to win free eco goodies! You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.

Skin care is a personal ritual.

So say the four co-founding women of Juara Skincare. They look to age-old beauty rituals of Indonesian women to create blends made of traditional tropical ingredients while also implementing  the best of Western science.

Using ingredients like banana, avocado, ginger and turmeric, Juara products are a delicious dessert for your face and body. Reading the ingredients is like taking a walk through the tropics, knowing that the fruits of the forest will provide the perfect natural formula just for you.

The women of Juara believe that taking care of your skin’s health can become a ritual of beauty, in which you take the time to nurture yourself consciously, one natural step at a time. Beauty isn’t skin deep, as the old aphorism goes; it is also a connection between the wisdom of the ancestors and the abundance of the Earth.

Images: Foraggio, Juara