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.

Today was a rare day. Max was out of school due to parent/teacher conferences (and yes, people, he is advanced beyond some of his classmates bc he can read and do math. I’m relieved the teacher will start him on some enriching reading projects). I wanted to spend time with him rather than plopping him in front of the tv all day (it was only a few hours this morning. Don’t judge) so we had a fun day.

First we went to my favorite bakery, Mueller’s, for a donut (sprinkles. him) and eclair (with weak coffee. me). Then we went to the flea market. And later we watched Where the Wild Things Are. This book had special meaning since, well, yes, since the main character is Max. Like my son. Got it? Let’s move on.

So they take the simple, short story and transform it into a 2-ish hour movie. The cinematography was great. It was so…artistic for a kids’ movie. I wanted to freeze several frames and make photos out of them.

The story was good. It gave depth to who Max is, why he acted like a wild animal, and even gave backgrounds to the monsters. The costumes were amazing. Their personalities made me laugh.

The only part that left me dangling was this one monster, Carroll. He has anger management issues, and I’m not clear why. I want to say this was a magical, perfect movie, but there was a bit of darkness to it…that didn’t really manifest. I was surprised to see the dark side creep in, but had they taken it all the way I would have respected that more than just the toe-in-the-water approach with everything ending the way it’s supposed to.

Sorry I’m being so cryptic. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but if you’ve seen it and want to talk about it, email me!

I’m definitely glad we saw it, and I recommend you see it too.