No More Racoon Eyes

As you know if you read C&C regularly, I've had a long love affair with Blinc mascara (read about it here).

Anyway, It's the only product left in my makeup bag that has questionable ingredients. I've dabbled in other mascaras in the past (Juice Beauty and Beautycounter), but I've never been able to make the switch. Until now....

I love my tubed lashes, but I also can't help but think about the fact that it has a paraban (propylparaban) in it, which is known to cause allergies/immunotoxicity, endocrine disruption, developmental/reproductive toxicity and ecotoxicology. The idea of that sitting on my lashes next to my eyes all day long has finally gotten to me enough to do something about it. 

My biggest problem with other mascaras is the fact that I always end up with mascara under my eyes, making my dark circles look even darker. At the recommendation of a friend, I started using this Jane Iredale eyelash extender and conditioner under my new, safer mascara. It helps to "set" the mascara so it doesn't come off during the day. 

And so far so good. No raccoon eyes! 

So what mascara am I using now? Beautycounter, of course! I've been alternating between the lengthening and volumizing, and I really like them both! (Notice the difference in the brushes)

Beautycounter Volumizing Mascara $29

Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara $29

I can happily say I've finally made the swap, and I don't regret it one bit. 

If you're interested in trying one of the Beautycounter Mascaras and make your purchase by the end of the day on July 11th, you'll be entered in my "summer sun" giveaway which includes a packable "hello sunshine" hat, 2 Zizzybee bags and a Beautycounter sunscreen of your choice! 

Currently Coveting

Obsessed might be an understatement for my feelings about this Seersucker Flounce Top from Cuyana. 

Seersucker Flounce Top $155

The dress is pretty flipping fantastic too! 

Seersucker One-Shoulder Dress $175

They both come in red, white and blue and have 4th of July celebration written all over them! 

Grayson Rose

As you may know from previous posts, over a year ago I started a kids consignment business on Instagram with two of my friends called Les Petites PDX. I've since had to step away due to other work, but they are still selling and love new customers. You can follow them on Instagram at lespetitespdxgirl and lespetitespdxboy. 

And now the reason for my post.... get excited because they recently launched a high end women's shop called Grayson Rose. They have a fantastic selection of clothes, shoes and accessories from some amazing designers. 

If you have never shopped on Instagram, it's pretty simple...leave a comment claiming the item, "mine" and they will direct message you (DM) you for your email address. Then you will receive a PayPal invoice for your item. You have 12 hours to pay it before they move to the next buyer. The list price includes shipping. 

I scored these Jimmy Choo flats during one of their recent posts. 

They post once a week, so make sure to follow them for updates on when the next "sale" will be. Happy Shopping! 

Bueller....Bueller...Bueller...

I've noticed a significant decrease in the traffic here on the blog recently. Maybe it's because it's summer? Maybe it's my erratic posting? Maybe it's the content? Whatever the reason, ya'll just aren't reading as much as you used to. (sigh)

I've also noticed that when I post on highly personal topics the page views go WAY up! It makes me want to title all my posts with something personal and controversial just to get you to click on it. They call that "click bait". I promise I won't do that, but...

Here's my question...are you reading? Why do you read? What do you want to read? What don't you want to read.

I've got a lot going on in my life between my consulting business, Beautycounter, Scout & Cellar and my daily mother/wife activities, so this blog really is a labor of love, so a little blog love would be nice right now.

Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...

C&C in the Kitchen: Strawberry Oat Banana Bread

On Thursday I picked two flats of strawberries totally 14 lbs. This is the second time in the last two weeks that we've been to our favorite local farm, Columbia Farm, to pick. They have the most amazing berries...raspberries and blueberries will start soon, and it's a weekly event for us to pick there during berry season.

I'm often asked what we do with the berries....make jam, freeze them? Usually we just eat them, all of them. This time, however, I noticed that they were getting moldy faster than we could eat them, so I decided to make something.

Yesterday the Mini and I made strawberry banana bread! It was so good that we've eaten the whole pan already, and I thought I would share the recipe.

This ingredients are healthy, easy to have on-hand and the recipe would work with many other fruits and adds ons, such as chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, etc. This is going to be a new staple in our house.

STRAWBERRY OAT BANANA BREAD
Wet Ingredients
2 ripe medium sized bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/3 cup drippy nut butter (I used peanut butter)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted and cooled


Dry Ingredients 
3/4 cup oat flour (oatmeal food processed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Additional items
1/2 cup strawberries or any other fruit

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients with mixer
3. Add dry ingredients
4. Fold in strawberries
5. Bake for  35-40 minutes
6. Let cool and enjoy

Little Sous

For those of you with little aspiring chefs in your life, let me introduce you to my friend Kelly's fantastic new project, Little Sous.

Through their website, unique classes, and at-home education modules, Little Sous helps children become culinary adventurers who discover their natural talents and become intuitive cooks as they explore the world’s cultures through food.

Just yesterday they launched an  “early access” campaign for their first edition product—a creative cooking box subscription for kids. 

Check it out! 

This is such a new and fun way to get gets engaged in the kitchen! You can support their campaign here and you can follow Little Sous on Instagram and Facebook as well!

Au Naturel

Given my recent jump into safer skincare and cosmetics I've gotten a lot of questions about "natural" deodorant. Unfortunately, Beautycounter doesn't sell one (yet...hopefully they are working on it), but there are a number of great options out there. I thought I would share a few that I've heard good things about.

I am currently using Tom's of Maine, which I purchased at Trader Joe's.

When I'm ready to purchase a new one, here are some of the brands that have been recommended to me. I am looking forward to trying something new, and then after I can give you a true product comparison. 

Primally Pure- It comes in a variety of scents including: lemongrass, lavender, geranium and tea tree and unscented. 

Ursa Major-I've blogged about the Ursa Major products before (here) as my husband is a big fan. 

LaVanila- I've actually used this brand before but somehow made the mistake of buying one that was vanilla scented, and I couldn't stand it. I will definitely try the unscented though, as I liked the application and the overall feel of it. 

Clean Pits Company- I especially like the name of this one, but am not so sure about the method of application from the jar to my pits. However, it is in a glass jar, which is recyclable and much more earth friendly compared to the others in plastic containers. For that reason it might be at the top of my list for the next one I will try. 

Type A- This one comes recommended from a few different sources, including Lindsay Dahl who has tested it and says it passed with flying colors.

Native- This is Katie's favorite.