In the know

Vaseline. A petroleum jelly that revolutionized the world. Or did it? I'm sorry, but I am here to tell you the truth! Vaseline, in all its gooey, slippery goodness is not as good as you think it. While it does have some very handy uses, such as getting you or your jewelry out of tight spots, taking off that stubborn makeup when you've ran out of the good stuff, and well, a lubricant.It is not good for moisturizing your luscious lips or supple skin! So stop using it as a lip balm! Okay, okay, you can keep using it if you want. But know the truth! Petroleum Jelly merely sits on the top layer of your skin, providing a barrier- it does not soak in to truly heal and moisturize your lips or skin. Instead, it just sits there, providing a subtle sheen and pretends to be doing something spectacular.

I was never one to use Vaseline as a moisturizing product- on my lips or hands. While all the girls in my high school toted around a mini jar in their over sized bags, I stuck to my regular ol' lip balm. Now, I don't even use that- the regular ol lip balm. I have been educated and hopefully now have you.

Instead I use, 99% of the time, a balm from Lush Cosmetics. Ultra Balm. This multi purpose balm can be slathered onto not only lips, but cuticles, , it can be used to add moisture to any dry spot- face, knees, elbows, heels. With only three ingredients, this balm is vegan and natural. Jojoba Oil ( which is the oil most similar to the our own sebum), Candelillia Wax ( an agent to prevent moisture loss and acts as a barrier) and Rose Wax ( which soothes) make up this oh so lovely balm- Ultra Balm.

A 40g pot, which costs just $12.95, has lasted me almost a year. Its too big and too precious to loose and works like magic, so I didn't have to replace it even once ( unlike all those tubes of lip balm)

Lush also had a handful of simple lip balms, some which are vegan, all containing either Shea or Cocoa butter, beeswax, olive oil and other naturally derived and moisturizing oils, among other lovely ingredients.

Burts Bees also offers natural and truly moisturizing lip balms. As do various other natural, animal friendly, ethical companies- all which do the job 100% better than that old pot of Vaseline- which no doubt is not ethically sourced or produced ( but that's a whole other post).

So I dare you- toss out your Vaseline and head down to Lush and get yourself some Ultra Balm!

saturday night thoughts

Well, its been a while since my last post... again, I've lost a bit of motivation. Life has been too stressful lately to be able to harbor any kind of creativity. Well, actually, its mostly work, which takes up most of my life, which is stressful. I've said it all before... under appreciated, over worked, treated like shit... the usual. Here's hoping things will soon be changing for the better... more on that later...

Not only have I not been blogging, I haven't been making any new hair accessories or working on any projects I've been meaning to... Recall Rockabilly Wreaths- which I totally intended to resurface for Valentines Day just a few short weeks away. The wreath hook on my door is looking awfully naked and pathetic without anything on it.

I promise to write more later. I have an upcoming birthday, new projects, and hopefully exciting future plans to share!

xo

H & M's latest line

I watched the new Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on the weekend. It was amazing! Lisabeth is

the bad ass best friend you've always wanted. It seems H & M is in agreement. They are launching a new line based on Lisabeth- the girl with the dragon tattoo. The line consists of leather jackets, jean vests, tight pants, ragged sweaters, and hoods in beige, black, brown, rust and all the shades in between.

I admit, I like a few pieces, of what I have seen, from the line. However, some people are finding it somewhat contradictory. The character of Lisabeth and her style is betrayed as gothic and punk, with a dirty edge. Her look is lived in, and that is what H & M tried to portray- pieces that look worn and old ( but still fashionable and new). Yet, Lisabeth does'nt care about fashion, trends, or what's in style. Im sure she wears whatever she can afford, find, or steal. Thus, the contradiction.

Some people are getting rather upset about the line for other reasons though. Some say it is glamourizing rape. I don't agree with this; to me, its just another clothing line; its just another way for a company to make sales. But I also believe everyone has their own opinion and the right to it. What do you think?

Here are what some other people are saying about the new line.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/thread-count/see-h-ms-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-inspired-collection-from-no-doubt-janet-jackson-designer-20111101

http://www.thefrisky.com/2011-12-03/hms-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-collection-is-as-much-of-a-dystopian-nightmare-as-youd-expect/

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Dragon+Tattoo+fashion+victims/5848358/story.html

http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/1101387--does-h-m-s-dragon-tattoo-line-glamourize-rape-survivors

http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/oct/26/h-and-m-launch-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-clothing-range