So, I guess the title of my last article,”Learn How to Make your own Custom Essential Oil Blend“, was a bit misleading…eh hem, I mean completely and totally wrong. This week I will actually be teaching a “DIY Kitchen Skin Care” workshop in which you can learn how to make your own massage oil, sugar scrub and bath salt blends with ingredients you probably have lying around your kitchen. Sorry for the last minute correction, but maybe I can pull in a few last minute stragglers? (FYI, the Essential Oil class will be offered NEXT Thursday. Learn more here).

Date/Time: Thursday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. Location: Green and Greener (4838 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607). Cost: $25, which includes all materials. RSVP: Reservations are required. Please RSVP by contacting Alegre Ramos at alegre@green-and-greener.com or 818.358.4313.

My buddy, DJ Vox, is spinning at Skinny’s Lounge…so I’m heading there after “class” to dance the night away, 80′s style. Skinny’s isn’t necessarily a “green” choice (unless you happen to live nearby in North Hollywood and can walk), but it is a great place to just have good ‘ole fashion fun. No cover. Plus, drink specials all night long, including the POON-TANG (yes, that is Rum and Tang…I haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying it, but I’ll let you know what I think).

Location: 4923 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601. Phone: (818) 763-6581. Web: www.skinnyslounge.com

If the Poon-Tang didn’t do me in, I’m starting Friday with an early a.m. doctor’s appointment, magazine interview and intern “meet & greet”, then hoping on the 91 to Anaheim for the Natural Products Expo West. Now, this is generally considered a trade show for industry folk, but it can also be a great way for any Joe Schmoe to see what’s up and coming in the natural/organic products world. There will be over 3,000 – yes, three-thousand – exhibits, so I don’t think you could get bored even if you tried. Plus, if you’re a G.Love and Special Sauce fan, they’re playing from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday.

Location: 800 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802. Date/Time: March 6th to 8th. Fri/Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Web: http://www.expowest.com. Recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time on-line.

Tell it how it is: “Luxuriate in mini beauty and spa services from the best Los Angeles spas and salons, shop for beauty products, taste gourmet sweets and eats and score a Hollywood-style swag bag all under one swanky roof in the heart of LA. If all this ‘getting’ is overwhelming, remember that you’ll be ‘giving’ too! Ten percent of all ticket sales to the event benefit Step Up Women’s Network.” Come find me at the Chivas Skin Care / Jenny Wax table: I will be giving hand massages with goat milk crème and Jenny will be doing eyebrow waxing.

ydt Deal: 10% Discount by using coupon code: “Friends”. Plus, all VIP ticket holders get a Glowelle 30 Day Kit in their SWAG BAG (Valued at $112). The first 300 people to purchase a VIP Ticket will receive a pair of adorable sandals.

Location: 210 South Main Street, Los Angeles (Downtown) 90012. Date/Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: www.pampermefabulous.com/tickets.html

I hope to take Sunday to rest and relax by the beach. But, I’m not one to sit still for too long, so I’m bound to browse all the sales spotting Main Street in Santa Monica (and I’m sure almost every street in L.A. given our current economy). I don’t like the use of words like “recession” or “stimulus” in trying to get me to purchase (makes me think: if no one else is buying, maybe I shouldn’t be either)…but there’s nothing like a huge “50% to 75% Off” sign to perk me up. One specific sale I’m checking out is the Doie Designs informal trunk show (up to 75% off) with wine, cheese, & socializing. Designer Sara Kirsner is a friend of a friend and creates an interesting fusion of Asian silk prints with organic cottons, bamboos and wools.

Location: 204 Washington Ave Apt #308, Santa Monica, CA 90403. Time: Sunday, March 8th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Web: http://www.doiedesigns.com. Contact: Sara at 310.899.1915

Related Articles

• Founder’s Favorites
• LA Times Loves Co-Founder Tracy Hepler!
• Editors’ Picks: May 2011

… I’m teaching two more workshops this month on How to make your own Essential Oil Blend. And I hope you can join me! I love this Aromatherapy class because it gives each of us the creativity to be part scientist, part perfumer and part cook (you’ll see what I mean in a moment).

Next, I’ll give a brief lesson on how to blend top, middle & base notes. For example, a nice blend might include 15 drops of Lime (a high note), 30 drops of Clary Sage, 40 drops of Lavender (both middle notes) and only 10 drops of Patchouli (a base note). I’ll give you all sorts of cheat sheets, charts and suggested recipes.

Then, you’ll jump in and mix a few “experimental” batches before you decide on your favorite custom blend to bottle up. Plus, you’ll have the option to scent your own products – roller “perfume”, lip balm, face crème and bath salts. There are a bazillion ways to use essential oils at your home, office, bathroom and more ….and we’ll go over all of that in class.

If this sounds up your alley, check out the workshop details below and sign-up!

This week in North Hollywood: Date/Time: Thursday, March 5^th at 7:00 p.m. Location: Green and Greener (4838 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607). Cost: $25, which includes all materials. RSVP: Reservations are required. Please RSVP by contacting Alegre Ramos at alegre@green-and-greener.com or 818.358.4313.

.Next Week in Echo Park: Date/Time: Thursday, March 12^th at 7:00 p.m. Location: The Green Beacon (Echo Park; exact address upon RSVP). Cost: $35, which includes all materials (additional samples than above class), as well as food and drinks. RSVP: Reservations are required. Please RSVP by contacting Julie Solomon at contactgbf@gmail.com or 323.717.9636.

Also, my casual thoughts on the connection between essential oils and green living:

I think essential oils are important for many reasons but the gist is: (1) they replace fragrance oils in scenting products…fragrance oils are often made with chemicals that are not so earth friendly…essential oils are from the earth and are not harmful when returned to the earth. (2) They are naturally medicinal. You can replace many common pharmacy drugs with the proper use of essential oils. IE: I can show a great mix that can replace Vick’s Vapor Rub. Obviously they are also well known for stress relief too. I believe they can help “clean the air” and prevent sickness from even starting. They can also be good antiseptic/anti-bacterial…naturally though, not like the anti-bacterial soaps that actually strip your skin of its natural defenses.

Related Articles

• Essential vs. Fragrance Oil
• She Essential Beauty
• Biodiversity in Your Living Space: Viesso’s Custom Creations

Next Thursday I will be hosting a DIY skin care workshop – called “Love Potion #9” – at The Green Beacon in Echo Park. I realize, of course, that most editorial objectivity goes out the window when you write about yourself, so I’ll do my best to give you the facts straight up.

Why is the class called “Love Potion #9″?
You will learn how to hand-make your own bath salt blend, sugar scrub and massage oil…which you can take home and use to pamper yourself, throw a spa party or share with a loved one this Valentine’s Day. It’s really meant to be a one-size-fits-all type of class for single ladies, groups of friends, or girlfriends (who want to make something creative and sexy for their beau). Pick your potion.

Why should I come to this class?
It will be a fun night to meet new people, try your hand at something creative, learn about natural skin care, and socialize over homemade goat milk appetizers/desserts and fruit liquors (from my family’s farm in Ventura County).

Why are you teaching this class?
I have found tons of easy, at-home alternatives to commercial skin care products and I want to share these recipes and broader philosophies with you. For example, rather than buying commercial eye make-up remover, you might try simple Jojoba Oil. Oh, and I do know what I’m talking about too! As co-owner of Chivas Skin Care, I am constantly coming up with new product formulations and customizing new essential oil blends.

What is The Green Beacon?
It’s a non-profit organization that hosts on-going workshops, lectures and home tours as a way to provide Angelenos with tactile experiences of “going green.” All the events take place at a 94-year-old historically sustainable home in the hills of Echo Park, which the organization’s president, Julie Solomon, saved from demolition. View Julie on Discovery’s “Planet Green” here.

What does skin care have to do with going green?
Because many commercial cosmetics use harmful chemical ingredients such as parabens and phthalates, it is important to seek out more natural cosmetics that are good for your body and the Earth. Learn more here. Plus, if you make your own products, you can save on unnecessary packaging!

If I’m interested, what more do I need to know?
The class is on Thursday, February 12th at 6:30pm at the Green Beacon in Echo Park. The cost is $30, which includes all materials, as well as food and drinks. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by contacting Julie Solomon at contactgbf@gmail.com or 323.717.9636. Spaces limited. Download PDF Menu.

Any other questions that I didn’t answer?
Just comment below by clicking on “Thread with Us” and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Related Articles

• Peace Love Earth: Recycled Charm Jewelry
• Love Mountains? You Won’t Love Mountaintop Removal
• I Love Lucy Active Wear

Yesterday you got the chance to read what each of our writers’ resolutions are for the New Year.

Today you can catch what their favorite natural beauty products are.

Plus, share your own beauty picks and be entered to win a Chivas Skin Care Starter Kit (see “ydt Giveaway” below).

Tracy Hepler – Active Lifestyle and Weekend Guide Contributor

• Desert Essence Organic Jojoba Oil ($14.99). I use this product multiple times a day.  At night I use it to remove my make-up and moisturize my face. Sometimes I use it in the bath to moisturize my skin. And anytime I get a dry scalp, I put it in my hair for about 20 minutes and it usually takes all the flakes away.
• Weleda Wild Rose Eye Cream ($24.99). I love this eye cream because it really moisturizes and helps diminish the look of the very small (but I notice them) fine lines around my eyes (a product of smiling too widely).  Weleda uses only organic or bio-dynamically grown ingredients and is affordable too.   You can find them at Whole Foods, most drug stores, and even Target.
• Chivas Skin Care Original Lip Balm ($6.00). This lip balm is great because it leaves your lips feeling rich all-day-long.  You don’t have to keep applying it as if you were an addicted fiend.  Plus, the peppermint essential oil leaves a nice little tingle.  The only thing I wish is that it had SPF (which I hear is coming Spring of ’09). You can find Chivas on-line or at most of L.A.’s eco-shops, including The Green Life, Green & Greener, Kelly Green, Avita Co-op, and Co-opportunity.

Danielle Davis – Green Living Contributor

• Moon Valley Honey Ecza Salve (available at Green Cradle in Sherman Oaks) is amazing for dry hands, cuticles or dry, itchy spots anywhere. It’s full of soothing stuff to heal overworked, stressed out skin.
• Keys Soap 30+ SPF Solar Rx Sunblock is rated clean and green by the Environmental Working Group; plus it’s got good stuff like vitamins and shea butter for moisturizing under-sun bliss–I use it every day of the year.
• Zuzu Luxe Mascara does the job just like (perhaps better than?) its synthetic cousins. 100% natural and sleek to boot. It’s a new favorite of mine.

Sarah Shewey – Guest Contributor

• Chivas Skin Care Goat Milk Soap – Chivas is totally soft on your skin and leaves it feeling luxuriously clean. And I love every single scent they offer.
• Josie Maran Lip Glosses – You want to (and can!) eat these all natural lip glosses – they have a yummy smell and make your lips super kissable! You can find online at vertlosangeles.com or sephora.com.
• Zuzuzpetalz - This brand new, natural perfume oil does not have any alcohol in it, making it less irritating on your skin. Plus, the tiny drops seem to last forever. The new Zuzupetalz scent is unbelievably delicious and feminine. You can find it at Coco de Mer or online at zuzuzpetalz.com.

Connie Wu – Food and Fashion Contributor

• Korres Watermelon Sunscreen SPF 30- it has a lovely fruity scent that’s refreshing in the summer or the winter, and it’s free of the chemical avobenzone.

• Caudalie Vine Peach Shower Gel – this aloe vera shower gel has the most wonderful peachy scent and is soap and sodium laureth sulfate-free for my sensitive skin.

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Kukui Nut Body Cream – again, the most wonderful scent!  This sweet-smelling, thick and luscious body cream is heavenly and the lingering scent is reminiscent of tropical vacations.

ydt Giveaway:  We’ve talked about Chivas Skin Care products a few times on this site.  We love the owners (“love thyself”) and love the products, but now we want to know what YOU think.  Let us know what your favorite natural beauty products are and why (by commenting below) and be entered to win a Chivas Starter Kit ($35).

Plus, check out our updated ydt Beat for the latest in Local Green News!

Related Articles

• How to Be a Natural Beauty
• Pumpkin Inspired Beauty
• Affordable Winter Beauty

Have you’ve ever driven by the GOOD building on Melrose Avenue and wondered…what is this place all about? You can find out starting FRIDAY! The GOOD Space is opening up to the public for two weeks and will be hosting day and nighttime events. This weekend will kick off with a “Dead Author Reading” at 7 p.m. and a “World Fair” where you can eat, drink, and “make local” with various activities throughout the weekend. Some require an RSVP; so don’t wait till the last minute if you want to go. For more info visit our event calendar.

Location: 6824 Melrose Ave. LA 90038 Date/Time: December 5th-19th
Web: http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/december/

On the first Friday of each month, the Abbot Kinney shops keep their doors open late and throw a party for anyone who chooses to stop by. This Friday during the season of giving, Equator books is partnering with the Santa Monica Museum of Art to throw a party and silent auction of books, art, and other unique items. There will be live music and an open bar. Admission is $20 (Supporting the arts is always a good cause).

Location: Equator Books 1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice 90291
Date/Time: December 5, 7-10 p.m. Web: http://www.equatorbooks.com

The expression, “When Worlds Collide” suits this event in my opinion. Craft enthusiasts (like myself) can head over to the EchoPlex and get creative at over 50 booths, and bring along their music enthusiasts friends (like my bf) for djs, drinks, and dancing. Who ever came up with this event is brilliant! Thanks Bust Magazine.

Location: EchoPlex, 1154 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Date/Time: December 6, 11a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $2
Web: http://www.bust.com/Craftacular/BUST-Holiday-Craftacular-2008.html

Just because we are “officially in a recession” doesn’t mean that the holidays have been canceled. So wise up, limit your Starbucks consumption for a few weeks and head over to some great sales (while supporting local businesses). POOL in Silver Lake is hosting a one-day sale with over 25 local designers. They are promising great discounts from retail prices and ydt favorite Green Truck will be there selling healthy food to sustain you while you shop.

Location: 2900 Rowena Ave. Silver Lake, 90039 Date/Time: December 6, 12-8p.m.
Web: http://recessionistaholidaysale.blogspot.com/

Sometimes we all need to getaway from the city. Fortunately we don’t live too far from some beautiful open space. If you’re itching to see some countryside this weekend, drive one hour north to Camarillo for the Chivas Skin Care Holiday Boutique. The focus is on sustainable living, and this will be seen by the variety of vendors and goodies at the event (organic designer jeans, fair trade jewelry, handmade cheeses, fruit liquors, sunset yoga, and of course handmade Chivas Skin Care products). For more information and to receive directions please email:

info@chivasskincare.com
Location: Camarillo CA, Address available upon RSVP
Date/Time: December 7, 11a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP: info@chivasskincare.com

Related Articles

• Locali Vegan Bake Sale
• Liquidation Sale: Visionary Boutique
• Chivas Holiday Boutique

Happy Halloween! I don’t know about you but I am stoked for tonight.  I’ve got my costume.  I’ve got plans for a Halloween Bash.  But I also have a few unsightly blemishes and a sneaking suspicion my skin is going to look as bad as I’m going to feel tomorrow morning.

Lucky for all of us, Lavender Natural Beauty - a high-end and consciously-minded beauty supply boutique located in Sherman Oaks – is hosting complimentary half-hour mini-facials by Faith Frankenfield, creator of FAITH Skin Care, tomorrow Saturday November 1^st.  If you are interested, I suggest calling them pronto at (818) 986-1280 to book an appointment…there are very few “spots” left.

The highlight of this facial is the Pumpkin Enzyme Exfoliating Treatment which looks and smells like pumpkin pie.  It assists in the breakdown of dead skin (that causes oil build up and attracts p. acne bacteria) and contains Yellow Dock (to reduce the appearance of dark spots) and Kakadu Plum extract (which is the highest source for stabilized vitamin c on the planet).  AKA a great way to clear your skin after a long night out on the town.

Faith’s general philosophy is appealing to me too because she focuses on cleansing from the inside out.   Nutrition being the primary step to clear skin, the Purifying Chocoloate Protein Powder gets to the root of blemished skin: liver toxicity (ehhem), hormone imbalance, poor digestion and stress.  And she offers quick fixes too!  I’ve been told that if I dab the Sulphur Eucalyptus Masque on my blemishes before I go to bed, I will wake up spot free (I’ll let you know tomorrow).

If you can’t make the facial, you should still stop by Lavender Natural Beauty as they are offering 15% off all products for this one day only.

If you’re in the mood for more pumpkin-themed skin care products, ask their helpful associates about Chivas Skin Care Orange Spice Goat Milk Soap and Naturopathica Pumpkin Enzyme Peel.

Related Articles

• Pumpkin, It’s Not Just For Pretty Pies
• Perfect Pumpkin Peel Facial
• Oh My Gourd: 4 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes To Fall For