If you live in an area of the country that gets cold in the winter, even if it doesn't snow, then you need to protect your skin from chapping, and drying out. This is not just a cosmetic issue, it is a health issue, because your skin protects your body from catching diseases. Healthy supple skin is important, and of course it also feels good.

I am the kind of person who forgets to put lotion or creams on during the day, and I don't like the way they feel on my hands while I am working, so it was difficult to find something that I could use on a regular basis and that I would want to use. After several years, I found The Body Shop's Body Butters. When they first came out, there weren't too many choices of scents, but it seems like every year now they come out with more. I like to use them after showering in the morning over moist sking, and sometimes in the evening before bed. They come in different skin types all the way to very dry, and they are never greasy. My personal favorite is the mango, but they have many floral, fruity, and natural scents. Best of all The Body Shop is an ethical, fair trade, and eco-friendly company and has been since its inception. Definitely a product to have on hand and a perfect gift for anyone. Totally worth every penny I have ever paid for it.

Keeping Your Skin Protected Against the Cold Weather originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on February 6, 2012.

The first choice is this wonderful handmade knit hat from Concious Clothing.

The hat is handmade from 100% all natural, hand spun, hand dyed lambswool, lined in polar fleece for a super warm and soft fit, and made in my favorite colors, blue, turquoise, and black. Best of all, it is only $20.00 and fair trade. Read more about this gift here.

Eco-Chic Gifts Under $25: Knit Hat originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on February 4, 2012.

One place to start is with a True Green Laundry Washing Kit.

The True Green Laundry Washing Kit includes the green products below:

The Truegreen Laundry Washing Ball is an Extremely Earth Friendly and People Friendly Product that DOES NOT contain harmful synthetic detergents, perfumes, dyes or oils.

The Washing Ball cleans your clothes without bleach or detergents in cold water. You will be amazed at how bright your whites will be.

The Laundry Washing Ball is cheaper than detergents and bleach and much more convenient.

The Dryer Ball lifts and separates laundry so air can circulate more freely.

1. Reduces ironing, static and creases

2. Reduces drying time by 25%

3. Naturally softens fabrics

4. Non Toxic-no chemicals

5. Will last approximately 6 months

The Dryer Balls are re-usable, just leave them in your dryer and enjoy their benefits time and time again.

Wash Your Eco-Chic Green Clothing in a Green Laundry Washing Kit originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on February 2, 2012.

Clean House Clean Planet

"I was thrilled to stumble across Karen Logan's book shortly after my son was born. I started to avoid cleaning because I detested using most household cleaners due to the harsh chemicals. I was also very concerned about my son's second-hand exposure or worse - possible direct contact. Karen's book educated me about the hazards of commericial cleaners and then taught me how to make my own simple and safe cleaners right in my kitchen. This information showed me that harsh cleaners are unnecessary and more important what natural products would produce similar results. Making my own products is also entertaining and educational for my toddler who is now able to "help" clean and I don't waste precious naptime on toilet bowls and bath tubs! Her receipes are very easy to follow and are effective!!! I gave away all my commericial products almost two years ago and have not gone back to one of them. It's so comforting to know that my family is no longer exposed to harmful cleaners and we are doing our part in protecting the environment."

This books is a great resource in combination with How to Grow Fresh Air.

Clean House, Clean Planet: Clean Your House for Pennies a Day, the Safe, Nontoxic Way originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on February 2, 2012.

Alternation reflects their varied talents. To purchase Alternation, you can link directly to the page on Lake Erie Artists Gallery's website, and I will ship it right to you, or you can buy it directly from Amazon in the U.S. or Amazon in the UK.

Both Shannon and Alexandra are very into recycling and reusing old materials in new ways. Shannon is an expert knitter and crocheter. She has written several other books on both topics, the most well known is the knitgrrl series. For more information on Shannon's books, click here.

Alexandra Underhill (also known as Xan) is most well known as a costume designer, dancer, and stiltwalker. She also is a proponent of eating raw foods. If you see a woman on a pair of stilts, and her hair is blond with other colors mixed in, chances are that it is Xan. This is her first book.

Alternation: The Perfect Eco-Chic Gift for Creative Sewers and Knitters originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on February 1, 2012.

They always have an outlet store, but right now they have a Fall Outlet Sale - Up to 60% off which further discounts a lot of great sporting goods, and jackets for the cooler climate. Definitely worth a check to see what they have, and maybe a few holiday gifts can be crossed off your list.

Get Ready for Winter Sports Now originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on January 31, 2012.

I figured that was just up my alley, so here is the list. Let me know if you agree with the order.

Eco-Chic #1: Sustainable Footwear
Eco-Chic #2: Green Beauty
Eco-Chic #3: Baby Goes Green
Eco-Chic #4: Sustainable Home
Eco-Chic #5: Bamboo and Organic Cotton Bed & Bath
To see the products listed under each item, click here.

I think that I would personally change the order to 5, 3, 2, 4, 1, but that is just me.  I really do like these suggested items, though.

3 Piece Super Soft 100% Bamboo Fiber Kitchen Towels - Pine Green

pb Bamboo Travel Blanket

Pinzon by Crypton Hillsboro Armchair

5 Ways to Be Eco-Chic originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on January 30, 2012.

Did You Know? Eco-Chic Green Fact #5 originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on January 29, 2012.

Throwing things at a newly wed couple is intended to symbolize good luck, fertility and abundance. This bag contains 100% pure lavender buds which are completely biodegradable. It won't harm birds or the environment. Guests can be given small packets of the lavender buds to throw at the bride and groom, and when everyone leaves the ceremony, they will be walking over the fragrant lavender. Another terrific eco-friendly idea from Beaucoup.

For more Eco-Chic Green Wedding ideas, follow this link.

Lavender Wedding Rice Eco-Chic Wedding Favor originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on January 28, 2012.

What APOC is doing is fascinating. They are working with construction and demolition experts in deconstructing buildings in order to recycle the reusable wood, bricks, and metal to make into new furniture, and other custom items.

APOC has been successful selling their custom work as well as a burgeoning retail line. To read more about APOC, click here.

Making New Products from Deconstructed Buildings originally appeared on Eco-Chic Green Fashion on January 28, 2012.