I just read French Women Don’t Get Fat. If you, like me and most women, worry about dieting and weight, read it. I absolutely recommend it. Essentially the author, who is French but grew up in the US, teaches us that the secret to French women staying thin includes:

• They don’t weigh themselves; they go by how well (or not) their pants fit to judge their weight.
• They enjoy food: wine, chocolate, cream.
• They don’t overindulge. They eat smaller portions and truly savor what they’re eating.

I have been practicing these habits and I feel like I’m not overeating, so that’s a good thing. It’s really hard not to get on the scale, but my pants fit fine, so that’s a good daily measure.  Holiday season is in full effect, as evident by the chocolate peanut butter balls my landlady gave me and the Texas Trash (essentially Cajun Chex mix) I made. But I’m being cognizant and having a serving or one piece and not going crazy.

The book made me so, so ready to go to Paris. It talks about the patisseries (pastry shops/bakeries) and bread and wine and cheese…and heck, if the French can eat all of that and stay thin, I’ll be ok, won’t I??

I just read the most amazing book. It’s called Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. Since I am obviously interested in being more green, I thought it was a natural fit.

This is one of those books I just sat down and read. And read. And then ran to my bathroom to check the ingredients of my makeup. Then read some more.

It’s full of useful tips on how to be green without really going out of your way. And the section on the chemicals in your makeup and household products really surprised me. I had a few on Uliano’s red alert list, which made me feel all kinds of guilty for exposing my family to toxins. (I know, I know, a little overreactive).

Uliano provides lots of easy to start ideas toward greening up your life. She includes resources for organic clothing, cleaning and products that she has tried and approves.

Her website also offers tips and products for the eco-happy girl. Uliano is coming out with another book, Do It Gorgeously, in June. Can’t wait!

Recently when I attended National Moms’ Nite Out, I won a copy of Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. It’s a great book that is making me more aware of certain things that are harmful for me (and the earth). Today I want to focus on makeup.

I already use Karma Organic Nail Polish because the idea of having formaldehyde in nail polish is gross. But beyond that I really don’t (didn’t) know much about the chemicals in makeup. Now I do.

Here’s the list Sophie gives as the absolute worst (read: throw out anything with these ingredients NOW):

• Coal tar
• Fragrance
• Hydroquinone
• Aluminum
• Triclosan
• Phelnylenediamine
• Lead and mercury

It’s hard to read labels on makeup, but I think I’ll print up this list (or put it on my phone to be more green) and take it with me when I shop. She also recommends several brands that are chemical free and good for you.

It never ceases to amaze me how many chemicals we put in our bodies. How did we get to this point? I guess it was cheaper to use chemicals to get the desired effect, and only now do we realize these might be the things causing cancer and diseases.

Speaking of cancer, it makes me crazy that no one can pinpoint what’s causing it. My dad was a healthy eater and active, and he died of a brain tumor. I just know he got it due to something(s) that were in the house. Things that people use every day. It’s frikkin scary. So whatever I can do to eliminate these toxins from my house, even if it means spending more, I’m dedicated to doing.

PS I’m still reading the book, but it’s fantastic. I highly recommend it. And so does Julia Roberts.