I did a lot of internet research and learned the natural beauty and personal care world is a lot of smoke and mirrors. There are many false claims on labels much like the natural food world. To find out which cosmetics are actually safe, my doctor pointed me in the direction of the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. Apparently, it's the gold standard of product safety ratings. My doctor recommended I only use products rated between 0 and 3. The lower the better.

I narrowed it down to 100% Pure, which seemed like great options for one stop shopping for non-toxic makeup, hair products, and most other personal care needs (deodorant, shave cream, etc.).  
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100% Pure is My Favorite Beauty Brand for the Following Reasons:

1. Safety - Their whole claim to fame is safe, non-toxic, high quality ingredients. Also, the products are cruelty-free, vegan, and made in America. On Skin Deep all 100% Pure products are rated 0-3.   

2. Location - Many natural brands don’t have a brick and mortar store, There is a 100% Pure store not far from me where I live. I like to test makeup before I buy it.

3. Semi-affordable - Living a toxin-free lifestyle isn't cheap, but as I embark on this journey I must take into consideration the long term costs of putting toxins in my body. I will be saving in health care costs and I can't put a price on living vibrantly and pain-free. That being said 100% Pure is more expensive than drugstore brands, but less expensive than most department store brands.

4. Good reviews - Very few of the products available on amazon are rated below 4 stars.

5. Variety - The cosmetic line is only the beginning. 100% Pure has offers skin care, hair care, body care, even nail polish.

The product containers are so cute and made with recycled materials. Keep in mind most do not come with applicators or brushes. 100% Pure sells cruelty-free brushes that are not outrageously priced, but you can also use brushes you already have or buy ones that are more affordable.
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​When I looked at the ingredient list on my deodorant and read the warning, "consult doctor if you have kidney disease," I knew it was time for new deodorant.

Natural deodorants get a bad rap. People say they don't work, which is partially true. Most natural deodorants do not contain an antiperspirant. This is because preventing us from sweating takes chemicals. Chemicals, which I might add, are easily absorbed into the thin skin of our armpits.

I understand the importance of staying dry and I'm ever so lucky that I don't sweat very much (except for Lyme-induced night sweats). But sweating serves an important purpose--we sweat to get rid of toxins and as Lyme patients we need to detox. One thing I've read is that you sweat more if you use a traditional deodorant, so after a few months on the good stuff, you will start sweating less.

My research led me to Green Tidings All Natural Deodorant in Lavender Scent:

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​This stuff really does work. It's a stick deodorant, which is more comfortable to me than a spray or roll-on. I prefer the lavender scented version. The smell is amazing. I love unscrewing the container every morning for a whiff of spicy lavender. It goes on easily and doesn't leave marks on my clothes. I'm in month two of using it and no pit stains.

​Yes, it is pricier than other deodorants, but them's the breaks with all non-toxic products. Also, my stick is lasting longer than I've read in reviews.

After water, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. However, in the United States we are loyal coffee drinkers. That's why it's so difficult to give up coffee if ever necessary. Many anti-inflammatory diet protocols advise against coffee due to the caffeine. The good thing is that after you shake the addiction tea is a lovely substitute.

Like coffee, tea is inexpensive, easy to brew, and warms your insides. I start every day with a cup and usually brew another during the mid-day adrenal crash. Sometimes I even have a calming cup before bed. These are my personal favorites: 

The Best Caffeine-Free Teas: 

Chamomile
My go to tea, because it's always caffeine-free. Here are some great options:

1. Trader Joe's Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea 
​A dependable, inexpensive option with nice light, flowery flavor.  

​2. Equal Exchange Organic Chamomile Tea
A pure blend with pleasing aroma and taste. You can feel good about drinking it because it is organic and fair trade.

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​3. Tazo Calm Chamomile
​A little more expensive, but a very smooth taste. The best part is you can taste the rose petals, which are part of the blend.  ​

For the Gut
I like to drink gut healing teas daily, such as, mint, ginger and licorice root. Here are some good ones to try:

4. Trader Joe's Herbal Peppermint Tea
Mint tea is a good alternative to coffee. It has a definite “pick me up.” It also has the added benefit of settling the stomach.   

​5. Yogi Ginger Tea
This ginger tea has just the right balance of ginger. It’s not too strong, but it has a slight kick. This tea was a lifesaver when I was having strong nausea related to Lyme. I had 3 cups a day for 3 days and my nausea was gone. The other wonderful thing about Yogi tea is that each teabag has a "Yogi Inspiration" on the end. You can also write your own and post it on Twitter using #yogitea.

​6. Aveda Comforting Tea
This is a tea a worthwhile splurge. I always ask for a cup of it when I go to an Aveda salon for a haircut. It's an herbal blend, but the primary flavors are licorice root and peppermint. It is so sweet and decadent you won’t even notice the healing powers. And it smells amazing, too.

Chai
Then, there is Chai. Probably my favorite flavor of tea, but not always decaffeinated. Here are some decaf ones to try:  

7. Tazo Decaf Chai
A rich, flavorful tea, that is an excellent substitute for coffee. Unlike some chai teas, which can be overwhelming, all the notes in this chai blend together for a taste that is both subtle and spicy.

8. Teavana Oprah Chai Herbal Blend
I loved Oprah's Chai Tea blend at Starbucks when it came out. I also loved the Oprah’s Chai Tea Latte, because it had less sugar than the regular Starbucks Chai Tea Latte (update: the Oprah Chai Tea Latte is no longer available at Starbucks). Teavana and Oprah have developed a caffeine-free version for those of us who have given up caffeine. It is a loose leaf tea, so it requires a tea infuser, but that makes it even more special.

​I'm always looking for new teas to try. What's your favorite caffeine-free tea? 

"'I don't feel very much like Pooh today,' Said Pooh. 'There, there,' said Piglet. 'I'll bring you tea and honey till you do.'" - from Winnie The Pooh by A.A. Milne