GROCERIES APPAREL // Organic & Recycled Apparel MADE IN L.A.

Groceries Apparel is an organic and recycled clothing company made in Down town Los Angeles

Robert Lohman was born in Palm Springs, California.  From the age of five he ran his own small businesses ranging from lemonade stands and lawn-mowing services, to bottled water advertising sales.  His father, mother, and sister all ran their own businesses too, so it was only a matter of time before he followed suit.  Robert's life changed forever after mistakenly enrolling in a class called “Sleeping, Dreaming and Dying in Tibetan Buddhism” at UC-Santa Barbara. He was a freshman and the class was meant for upper division students only. Perhaps by fate- or a glitch in the enrollment system, Robert stuck around regardless. On the final day of exams his Professor told them that instead of a test he wanted them to meditate for an hour on one single question: “What is your purpose.” It was within that final hour of that accidental class where the idea for Groceries Apparel began.

This model is in Organic Cotton High Waisted Leggings & The Organic Cotton V-bra in "Cloud"

At first Robert sold American Apparel blank T's- dyed and printed with grass, milk, orange juice, rust, soil, tomatoes, you name it.  His idea was to create non-toxic clothing by using only natural fibers and natural dyes.  He soon discovered there weren’t many basics clothing providers available on the market that were 100% made in America AND organic.  There seemed to be a gaping hole in the market and Groceries Apparel was founded to fill that hole. Fate struck again when Robert ran into Dov Charney (the founder of American Apparel) at a fabric store and ultimately took him on a tour of his factory. The next day Robert was committed to manufacturing his own garments, bought three special sewing machines and never looked back.

A snapshot of all the looks you can create with Groceries Apparel basics

Now everything is made right in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the Groceries Apparel Factory. They source directly to the seed and trace all of their fabrics from the farm to their factory. They use only 100% GMO-free, Pesticide & Herbicide-free, Recycled & Fair-traded materials to make their garments. Groceries Apparel is striving to redefine transparency and responsibility by supporting family farms, localizing manufacturing, providing living wages and Monsanto-free, post-consumer ingredients. Groceries Apparel also empowers their employees through fair-trade, fair conditions and fair treatment across their entire supply chain.

The Groceries Apparel factory and employee's, Downtown Los Angeles, California

Monochrome sets are so chic and easy to wear 

I'm not lying when I say, I love every style they have. From basics to tie-dye yoga sets there is bound be something you'll love and be proud to wear.  Check out all their latest summer looks at GroceriesApparel.com and be sure to follow them on instagram! @GroceriesApparel

Until Next Time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxox

I'm wearing the organic cotton Stripe Foxglove Tank in White from Groceries Apparel

KEAP CANDLES // Candles Made Better

Grapefruit and Yuzu scented candle handmade by Keap Candles

Steve and Harry were just two roommates on Keap Street in Brooklyn, New York. They had one thing in common- neither of them understood why it was so difficult to buy a candle that not only looked and smelled amazing, but was also affordable. Most candles out there were either cheap, tacky looking, toxic and fake smelling, or simply way too expensive. So Steve and Harry set out on an candle journey all of their own and what they found changed everything. Thank God!

The founders of Keap Candles, Steve and Harry sit in their Brooklyn candle making studio for a video shoot

A recent study at South Carolina State University burned candles from different manufacturers, for six hours in small boxes to determine their emissions. After collecting and analyzing the substances released into the air, they found that paraffin-based candles, (the most popular kind) emitted toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene. They stated that lighting a paraffin candle every once in awhile wasn't likely to cause any serious health problems. However, frequently lighting many candles in an unventilated space (like your glorious bathtub, in your tiny bathroom or your cozy living room in the middle of winter, with all the windows shut) could lead to health problems and may even trigger asthma, allergy-like symptoms, or irritate the respiratory tract.

This candle in "Waves" was sustainably made in NYC by Keap Candles

With this information in mind, Steve and Harry took perfumery courses and started making candles in their kitchen out of better materials they found online or in local shops. Instead of paraffin, Keap Candles are made with pure coconut wax that is sustainably produced, clean and slow-burning. The cotton wick is lead and metal free so it produces less fumes and soot. The tiny Keap "sticker" is more like a window-cling and peels off with no soap or water, same with the wick. The candle jar itself was made to be repurposed. It easily wipes clean after your final burn to be given new life as a drinking glass or make up brush holder. The sky is the limit!

Keap Candles Scents- I seriously love them all

What I love most about Keap, aside from their amazing scents- is their passion to light up the world in a clean way. Today 1.3 billion people on Earth live without access to electricity. Most of them use kerosene lamps for light- a method that’s health-hazardous, incredibly dangerous and not very effective. So Keap Candles partnered with SolarAid, an international charity that fights poverty and climate change. They work by giving people solar powered lamps that provide clean, safe, affordable and sustainable light.  Keap donates 25% of their net profits to SolarAid to bring light to those without access to the electrical grid. They are also incredibly proud to be considered a partner in their mission to eradicate kerosene lamps by 2020.

Keap Candles is a PBC (Public Benefit Corporation) a for-profit company that is obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on society, not only shareholders.

Keap Candles offers Scent-To-Home samplers! Choose from "The Escapes"
or " The Classics"

Keap has so many magical scents it's hard to choose just one. Luckily, there are 2 sample sets of 4 mini candles, so you can enjoy them all first and pick your fave. You'll also receive a credit for the cost of the sample set to use toward your big candle purchase! You deserve a better candle and trust me- this one is a game changer.

Watch the video below to see people react to these amazing scents and Find all the magic at  KeapBK.com
and don't forget to follow them on Instagram @KeapBK

Thanks for reading along!
Until next time...

Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

ZION MEDICINALS // Organic Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

Zion Medicinals is U.S. grown, organic CBD hemp oil. Made using whole plant Spagyric extraction
This is a High Potency & Full Spectrum oil with no psychoactive effects

Brian Caruso has been a man of many hats throughout his professional life. He got his Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems. Then with a background in enterprise sales and healthy lifestyle knowledge, he was contracted to help launch an organic supplement company with their sales, marketing and operations departments. Sadly, the product never outshined the owner as it should have. So, Brian moved on and applied his business skills to his wife's chiropractic office as a Practice Manager. At the same time, he ran his own organic SEO and web development firm to help small businesses succeed online.

The founder of Zion Medicinals, Brian and his beautiful family

Shortly after the birth of their son, Brian's wife was diagnosed with late stage Lyme Disease. As time passed her symptoms worsened and they were forced to close their second chiropractic office and scale down office hours and expenses at the remaining location. Brian was very much a "fixer" and was on a mission to help ease his wife's pain and insomnia caused by the disease. He spent a lot of time researching and every forum and article kept leading him to the same place- CBD and hemp oil. After deciding to avoid any psychoactive side effects of Cannabis with THC (one of the cannabinoids that gets you "high"). They tried several major brands of CBD oil but none of them seemed to truly relieve her extreme symptoms. Naturally, Brian continued researching hemp and CBD oil manufacturing methods and ultimately decided to take matters into his own hands.

Zion Medicinals Full Spectrum CBD hemp oil comes in 1500mg & 750mg, sample sizes are available

Zion Medicinals came to life and Brian worked with a single, organic, hemp farm in Colorado to ensure quality and consistency. The hemp he uses is twice the price of average hemp, due to the farms organic practice, attention to detail, and single sourcing. The real difference though, is in the method of extraction. Zion uses alcohol extraction as opposed to the industry standard Co2 extraction. This is because the traditional Co2 method gives a very limited extraction of the plant, while alcohol extracts both water soluble and oil soluble components and maintaining the original chemical ratios in the plant.  Ester is also formed in this unique process which creates a more water soluble, bio-available product. The final step of the process is top secret, using the leftover plant matter they perform a mediaeval form of alchemy called Spagyrics. This involves fermentation, distillation, and extraction of acid, oil, and mineral components from the ash of the plant. This creates a more medicinally potent and purified product than anything else on the market.

 I use Zion Medicinals 750mg to treat my migraines, insomnia, PMS and anxiety

I have tried a few brands of CBD primarily as an alternative way to treat my migraines. I found Zion Medicinals to be as effective, if not more so than the others- it helped me sleep and took the edge off of otherwise unbearable migraines. Scientific evidence has proven CBD oil to be useful for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, heart health, neurological disorders and even acne.  For me,  it's exciting to find natural alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals with their endless side effects, potential long term damage and high costs. I hope anyone who doubts this medicine's legitimacy to do their own research, this truly could be an amazing treatment for you or someone you love.

Check out their other products at
ZionMedicinals.com
& follow them @ZionMedicinals

Have an amazing weekend!

Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

HANKY PANKY // Buttery Soft Lingerie Made in the U.S.

Hanky Panky lingerie is made in the USA

Hanky Panky began in 1977 when a woman named Gale, handmade a bra and panty set out of handkerchiefs for her friend Lida, as a birthday present. Together they impressed retailers, started their own lingerie brand and not too shortly after, created literally THE most comfortable thong I've ever worn in my life. Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn not only are they entirely made in the U.S., but everyday they are working toward more sustainable and eco friendly practices.

Hanky Panky has so many styles, colors, and prints

From the very beginning, Hanky Panky has been manufacturing in the Northeast area of the United States. This saves them time, fuel and shipping costs. It also greatly reduces their generation of CO2 into our atmosphere. It also allows them to monitor both the quality of their products in the factories and the working conditions for their employees. Hanky Panky's signature laces are knitted, dyed and finished in the USA with low impact, non toxic dyes. Even the Supima organic cotton fibers used to make the panty lining are grown in the USA. This special non GMO cotton has a smaller environmental impact than foreign-grown cottons by using less water, land, pesticides and energy.

I'm wearing the laurel chiffon sleep set in size S by Hanky Panky

They're also helping fight the threat of synthetic fiber pollution to waterways and marine life by striving to source high-quality fabrics and materials that are less prone to shedding fibers. Hanky Panky cares about animals too and refuses to use leather, fur or feathers in any of their designs. They partner with FabScrap to recycle and repurpose any of their textile waste and purchase 100% recycled paper for all printers and copy machines. Hanky Panky is working to make all packaging and shipping materials from recycled paper or FSC-certified products and ensure that they are easily recyclable.

Hanky Panky lets you "choose your nude" with a variety of nude shades- more on their website!

Hanky Panky's efforts don't end after your purchase. Obviously, worn underwear is not accepted for reuse or donation like most other garments. Most used lingerie sits for decades before biodegrading. Thats why Hanky Panky started their Lingeriecycle program. Simply request up to 5 of these special envelopes at check out and send back what is no longer wearable. The garments are finely shredded, metal parts like underwires and hooks are separated out by magnets and sent to a metal recycler and the fabric shreds are ultimately made into carpet padding. While there are processing costs on their end, it's an expense that Hanky Panky covers to take responsibility for their own products.

A lovely Hanky Panky lingerie-cycle pouch, stuffed and ready to be recycled

Hanky Panky has a print to match every girl's style!
Hello 4th of July!

Hanky Panky hopes that in the future, all brands and retailers will take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the items they sell, and they are proud to lead the way for the lingerie industry to transition into a sustainable future.

Check out every style, cut and color at HankyPanky.com and find them on instagram @HankyPanky

See you next Friday...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

PERI // Pure Eco Rag Industry MADE IN L.A.

The Summer Slip Dress in "Urth" by PERI Pure Eco Rag Industry

Pure Eco Rag Industry or PERI is a sustainable, eco friendly women's fashion brand nestled in the bustling streets of Downtown Los Angeles. It all began when the founder, Peri was simply looking for a new job. An ad in the back of LA WEEKLY magazine landed her a dream job in the fabric department at The American Apparel Factory. Aside from their infamous controversies, Peri found herself learning from the other employees, who at the time, were at the top of their field. Everyone involved there had a shared vision of creating a self-sustaining company, providing quality products, quality jobs, education opportunities, a living wage- plus benefits, all while taking the environment into consideration. It was there, where Peri truly built a foundation for her future in ethical fashion.

I'm in The Summer Slip Dress in "Water" by PERI, Pure Eco Rag Industry. I loved playing up the tie dye with other 90's classics. 

Eventually she left American Apparel and worked for a variety of other local designers throughout Los Angeles. While she gained more knowledge and experience, Peri saw first-hand, the excessive waste that most brands and design houses produced from design to production. It was then that she decided to start her own clothing line, but only in a way that would align with her "hippy" fashion roots. PERI's design process is made up of 3 elements: shape, color and fabric. The shape or silhouettes are meant to be easy to wear from day to night. The fabric for each shape is then chosen by how the color will "take" to the fibers. Fabric like Cupro absorbs the color more vibrantly, while other fabrics like Tencel provide a more muted finish. Every garment is hand dyed and no two pieces will ever be the same. Every PERI garment is truly one of a kind.

PERI's newest collection includes muted prints and solid options, plus POCKETS! YES!

Founder or PERI, Peri Donch poses with her designs following an
interview with California Apparel News

At PERI they are constantly discussing new ways to become more ethical and sustainable. They select fabrics, dyes, sewing contractors and dye houses based on how they can grow sustainably together. Their patterns, shipping materials, business cards, and tags are all made on recycled, marker paper. They use only certified organic cotton and all other fabrics are eco-friendly or reclaimed from what otherwise would be wasted. I am madly in love with the variety of options PERI carries for every woman's style. I'm almost certain you'll find something you'll adore.

See this beautiful collection at PeriTheLabel.com
and follow them on instagram @1PureEco

Until next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

A behind the scenes look at the hand-dying process

PERI has a line of fun accessories too

SCHMIDT'S NATURALS // The New Face of Natural

Schmidt's Naturals Geranium Flower Stick Deodorant, Bergamot and lime Stick Deodorant and their bar soa

It all started in a Portland, Oregon kitchen, with a natural product developer and her motivation to provide people with a safe, effective and all-natural deodorant. In 2010 Jaime Schmidt brought her life long passion for nature and innovative products to light when she founded Schmidt's Naturals. She was on a single mission to change the way people thought about and bought deodorant.

Jaime Schmidt, the founder of Schmidt's Naturals, in the factory.

I'll be the first to admit, making the switch from a toxic deodorant to a natural one is normally not the most pleasant venture. I had searched high and low, from brand to brand and can honestly say nothing ever worked as well as Schmidt's has. Don't take my word for it though, when Schmidt's launched, word of its crazy effectiveness spread fast throughout the Northwest. Shortly after, it completely sold out from retail stores, local boutiques and even online. It wasn't long before the brand drew some major attention from investors and in just a few short years, Schmidt's can now be found in thousands of homes all around the world.

In 2017, Jaime expanded her mission for Schmidt's Naturals. In addition to their legendary deodorant they also carry a variety of uniquely scented soaps and toothpastes. All of their products are available for custom subscriptions as single items or bundles, (that include free shipping and a free gift with every delivery) so you'll never have to run out of anything you love, ever again. They also offer an awesome recycle program with their jar deodorant. For every 5 empty jars you send back to them, they send you 1 new full one for free. Schmidt's then sanitizes the jars and reuses them!

All of Schmidt's Naturals products are vegan and cruelty-free. They are also free of aluminum, propylene glycol, SLS, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, artificial flavor, artificial colorants, and artificial sweeteners! They believe that no matter who you are, and no matter where you live, you should have access to quality natural products. Schmidt's team strives everyday for increased availability and affordability of their products without compromising on quality.

See every natural, interesting flavor and scent at
SchmidtsNaturals.com
and find them on Instagram
@SchmidtsNaturals

Until next time...
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

Just some of Schmidt's scents of Stick Deodorant 

JOON + CO. // Capsule Wardrobes for Remarkable Women

If you're a fan of sustainable fashion, timeless style, capsule wardrobes, or just looking amazing in high-quality clothing, Joon + Co. is the perfect online boutique for you. This one-stop online shop holds a plethora of sustainably made and fair trade clothing and accessories from the best brands, ready and waiting to be apart of your wardrobe forever.

Joon + Co. began with Becky VandenBout. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a background in web development and controls engineering. But don't be fooled, behind all the brains and computers, she carried a true passion for fashion. So, when the time was right she left her full-time job to pursue her dream of running her own clothing store. Becky saw the ugly gap in the fashion industry between modern, high-end goods and ethical production of these goods.

She focused her energy on creating a shop dedicated to doing just that: providing its customers with a beautifully curated selection of items they could feel great buying, without sacrificing style or color. The site warmly welcomes you to take part in their capsule collections. This simple, yet brilliant concept encourages less clothing in your closet but great versatility in each garment. Essentially, the goal is to actually wear and cycle through 30 different looks from just 10 pieces of clothing. Not to worry though, you're more than welcome to buy items all on their own too.

This lovey mustard top made by Krisnit works for all seasons. With it's unique cotton, polka dot texture, shoulder pleating, and wrap-style waist, this versatile go-anywhere top makes a perfect warm-weather look and also works great under a cute jean jacket too. Check out all the amazing looks and designers hand picked by Joon + Co at JoonandCo.com
And find them on Instagram @JoonandCo

Have an amazing first weekend of June!
See you next Friday,
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

VITABETTER // Better Vitamins, Better Health

My new workout essentials: Water, Music and VitaBetter Liposomal Vitamins

I've been a lover of vitamins my whole life. I was the kid who ate too many Flintstone chewables far too many times. Eventually, they had to be moved to the top shelf of the cabinet and dealt out by my parents every morning. I was unapologetically obsessed. I didn't understand why I couldn't have them ALL if they were so "good" for me! I'm not so sure if back then I really cared about my health as much as I loved their candy flavors and colors. However, I'm an adult now and times have changed... sort of! What matters most to me now when taking vitamins IS my health. So when I learned that most pills and powdered vitamins have a LOT of useless fillers and colors, and are only 10%-20% absorbed, I knew there had to be a better product out there.

VITABETTER B12, Curcumin Glutathione & D3 

At VitaBetter, they stand for better health through better vitamins. That's why they have created the best scientifically backed and clinically studied liposomal vitamins out there, that are uniquely encapsulated to ensure maximum absorption and bioavailability. A liposomal vitamin is very similar to a cell inside your body, making it absorb up to 10-times more than the average pill form vitamin. This is because the naturally structured liposomes are made in a way to mimic nature and work within your body in a non-invasive and natural way. (Too much science talk? Watch this video below)

VitaBetter came to life when Dr. Emek Blair Ph.D discovered a natural method to form liposomes. His method was derived from nature and does not require high pressure, high temperatures or toxic/synthetic chemicals. Since then he has received 3 major awards for his work and developed over 60 unique liposomal formulas that are on the market today. Every bottle of VitaBetter is non GMO, 100% vegan and contains no added sugar, no gluten, no soy and no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Every flavor and color is from natural plant extracts and everything is made in a GMP certified facility right here in the U.S.A.

Pill and powder Vitamins like these are only 10-20% absorbed

I'll admit the flavors aren't as tasty as the Flintstones from my childhood but I can honestly say I felt a huge difference between these vitamins and the solid ones I usually take. Within a few minutes of drinking them I felt a significant burst of awareness and energy without any jitters or crazy crash at the end. It will be really tough to ever take anything else, knowing something so much more effective exists. If you're looking for a way to be healthier in one fell swoop, Vitabetter can certainly benefit you and your family. Give it a try and let me know what you think. If you don't feel the difference like I did, they have a 365 day money back guarantee. In fact you can return the bottle completely empty if you aren't satisfied and they will refund you, no questions asked! Though, I really don't think that will be necessary.

See all the liposomal supplements at GetVitaBetter.com
and follow them on Instagram @VITABETTER

Have a Happy Friday!
Until next time,
Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

BEAUTY BY EARTH // Natural Skin Products that Work

This summer I'm making it my mission to be more mindful of the sun and its damaging effects. I went on a hunt for what I call the best Summer Glow Trio: An organic sunscreen to protect, a non-toxic self tanner to keep glowing and finally an Aloe Vera that wasn't dyed blue or green (for absolutely no reason), to replenish my skin after long summer days. It seemed like a lot to ask but I was more than pleasantly surprised by what I found. Beauty By Earth was founded in 2014 when two friends who were sick of putting harmful junk on their bodies, put their heads together to make safer, affordable and more easily-accessible products for everyone. Every product that Beauty By Earth makes is non-toxic, all natural and organic. They use NO parabens, chemical fragrances, phthalates, alcohol, soy, corn, gluten, petroleum, or any other fillers for that matter and almost everything is totally vegan. Beauty By Earth is a cruelty-free brand and everything is made right here in America.

The natural, organic self-tanner bundle from Beauty By Earth. Includes the in-shower exfoliator mitt, the vevlety body applicator mitt and the mini face applicator mitt plus clear carry pouch.

In California, the sun shines its brightest almost every day. I was so thrilled to finally find a natural sunscreen that is safe for my body and ocean life. This 25 SPF facial and body sunscreen uses non-nano minerals to protect from the harsh sun, creating a barrier on top of your skin instead of sinking into it. It uses natural ingredients thats won't harm local eco-systems, coral reefs, or any other marine life. It's also water resistant and biodegradable. The self tanner bundle is my newest, and most likely life-long, addiction. The shower exfoliator glove and tanning mitt bundle made the whole experience that much easier. The exfoliator glove really sloughed off my gross, dead skin, the velvet mitt made it easy to apply the lotion evenly and I didn't have to wash my hands to death afterward to avoid orangey fingers and wrists.The self tanner formula itself has a lovely light vanilla scent. I was noticeably two shades darker in a few hours and it lasted a solid week. Click here for the bundle I used and loved.

Beauty By Earth's SPF 25 mineral Facial Sunscreen- also comes in larger bottle for your whole body.

The Aloe has a great consistency and soothes the skin immediately. The formula also has small amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, and Sodium Citrate to give your skin some extra love. Keep the bottle in the fridge for an even cooler soothing sensation when you need it most! Organic aloe also has a variety of unique natural properties for use as a disinfectant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, so it's a perfect addition to your first aid kit. Finally, something I really adore- every product Beauty By Earth sells comes with a 30 day, 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. If at any point over the next month you don’t love your product, just send it back and they'll give you a full refund – no awkward questions asked.

Beauty By Earth Pure and Organic Aloe Vera Gel

You can read ALL about the products mentioned here at BeautyByEarth.com
and find them on Instagram @BeautyByEarth

Thank you for reading along,
Until next time...

Erin-Elizabeth
xoxo

P.S. Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you, 
I may receive a % of the sales generated by this article <3

A step by step guide to becoming a self-tanning pro

Just a few of the Beauty By Earth non-toxic skincare products