Soapbox :: Ingredient Spotlight - Phenoxyethanol + Why It Shouldn't Be In A Natural Or Organic Beauty Product

Ah Phenoxyethanol (aka ethylene glycol monophenyl ether), the preservative that seems to have taken the place of the paraben.  You may or may not know this is one of the ingredients we avoid and you won't find it in any of the products reviewed here, though many, many "organic" and "natural" beauty brands use it while claiming their products are "safe" and "completely non-toxic".  Companies attempt to defend their use of it and some easily dismiss it when I've questioned why they chose to use it and why they belief it is safe.  I can tell you from personal experience that 99.99% of the time there are only two responses I receive when I ask why a company chose to use Phenoxyethanol in their so-called safe, non-toxic, natural, pure, organic product(s):


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Taza Chocolate :: USDA Certified Organic + Stone-Ground Makes A Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate + Stocking Stuffer - Recipe

If you're like most of us - you're either going to someone's home for T-day or planning, prepping and stressing about guests arriving next week.  Holiday gatherings are all about family, friends and let's be honest - (typically) gorging ourselves. If you'll be a guest - why not bring a stack of these organic chocolate hockey pucks (wrapped with this baker's twine) from Taza Chocolate.  Or if you're the Hostess with the Mostess - how about setting up a self-serve drink station with apple cider or wassail (in our case), tea, coffee and organic Mexican Hot Chocolate (why not let guests make their own?!). These discs would also make awesome stocking stuffers!!


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Stocking Stuffer Or Hostess Gift Idea :: SMART SPICE: Organic + Convenient Packets Preserve Freshness + Flavor + Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe!

Are you already thinking stocking stuffers?  How about unique hostess gifts (that no one else will be bringing)??  These USDA Certified Organic spice packets make a totally unique gift for any cook.  Because each packet includes just 1 teaspoon each (and each box contains 4 packets), there's no need to get the measuring spoons out - just tear open and pour fresh spices into your recipe. 

The premise of the SMART SPICE concept is that usually more spices are wasted as they sit in the back of our cupboards and lose their freshness over time (very true in my case - I really need to clean out and replenish my spices!), rather than being consumed - and that is wasteful.  Who wants to use stale spices to cook all those holidays pies and cookies, anyway?!  By packaging them in sealed packets - freshness is retained and adds more flavor to your dishes.  Now, while I did find the spices to taste more flavorful and potent - I wouldn't necessarily use them for everyday cooking because frankly, it would be quite wasteful to keep throwing out all those little packets every time I made a meal.  But I definitely would give them as  unique and thoughtful gifts.


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My Little Postpartum Secret #1 :: Stretch Happy 360 Body Products by Trillium Organics + $74.92 GIVEAWAY

If you are one of "those" women who give birth and then slip right back into your prepartum state within days, you should stop reading and go give thanks for your blessing. If you are like me {and most women}, you need a little extra help to get your long-lost body back from the throes of pregnancy. I have snagged some tips and tricks and I will now share with you - my lovely mama readers - because I'm nice like that.

Trillium Organics is a company we love and we recently announced their newest organic body care line for expectant and postpartum mamas to help support a woman's body during and after pregnancy. OGmama Stretch Happy 360 body care products were created with the mindset that what you put on your body gets into your body, and when you're building a little human, it's most important to keep your products pure.

The Stretch Happy 360 Body Wash is 100% organic and has a wonderfully light lavender and rosemary scent that comes from only the highest grade essential oils. With ingredients like aloe vera and honey as well as saponified olive and coconut oils, you will never have to worry about questionable ingredients getting in your body and to your baby.

My favorite product from this line is...

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Body Care Made To Order :: Kimberly Parry Organics USDA Certified Organic Smooth Body Oil - Review

I generally look down on addictions...except in this instance. I'm addicted and I'm admitting it. I wish I had a big vat of this Smooth Body Oil by Kimberly Parry so I could just dive right on in. I have tried many body oils in my day, but I will officially put this one on the top of the list.  This product is luxury in a (BPA-free) bottle. 

First things first: I love the sweet and rich aroma of my Kimberly Parry Organics Lemongrass & Ylang Ylang body oil (there are three scents - but this one is hands-down my favorite....utterly feminine and entirely intoxicating). It is something I look forward to smelling then applying after each shower. There are natural scents that are "nice", "okay", "pleasant"...but this one just plain makes me happy! It is a genius mix of essential oils that not only works to feed your skin but to lift your mood as well.


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Spread The Word About Saffron Rouge's 5 Beautiful Lies List + Save $20 On Your Next Order

If there's one thing that REALLY gets under my skin - its lies.  Whether its false representation of certification on a product label, the word "organic" in a brand name (that doesn't include any organic ingredients, or a minuscule amount) or someone lying directly to me, I don't tolerate it. Though Fig+Sage is a place where you won't necessarily find negative or bashing product reviews like many blogs do (and some do it really well) - that doesn't mean we don't have very strong opinions about right and wrong, green-washing or companies that mislead.  In fact, without a doubt - we most definitely do.  That's why we choose to align ourselves with, seek out and promote retailers and manufacturers we believe are selling and/or creating pure, effective products and those that behave ethically.   

For this reason, I'm excited about Saffron Rouge's "5 Beautiful Lies List" and I took advantage of the offer to save up to $20 off my next order and I'm sharing it with you so you can score the same great deal. (I bought a good friend this body oil for her birthday after she mentioned how nice it smelled on me at a wedding).  If you subscribe to the "knowledge is power" mantra vs. the "what you don't know won't hurt you" mantra - this list is something I recommend you check out.   


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Must Have :: Raw Earth & Wild Sky 100% Organic Horizon Jacket Made In Los Angeles, California

I seriously love this coat.  It was love at first sight.  We are destined to be together.  No, really - this is serious.  A crush?  I think not.  I've fallen head over heels.

Could it be the exaggerated collar?  The fitted ribbed sleeves?  That its made of organic cotton?  That its rough around the edges, yet soft and feminine?  It must be all those things.

Find :: Raw Earth & Wild Sky Organic Cotton Horizon Jacket $216 @ BTC Elements

Save :: Save 20% on all coats at BTC Elements for just a few days - use coupon code warm09 (this coat is $172.80 right now with coupon).  Offer valid through 11/2.  (Psst...you can always use coupon code fignsage and score 15% off any order at BTC Elements)




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Fake Pumpkin Smell Is Scary :: Introducing Woodsprite Organic NEW Pumpkin Chai Body Care - Review

Its raining here today and what used to be my lawn is a thick blanket of gold leaves as trees quickly turn to sticks.  Temps are dropping and the smell of fireplace smoke often fills the air.  I'm craving the scents, sights and tastes of all things Fall, so of course I jumped at the chance to try Woodsprite Organic Body new Pumpkin Chai body and skin care line.

After I reviewed the ingredients, I was reminded of the intense waves of seasonal fragrance wafting out the front of Bath & Body Works this time of year (I usually hold my breath now).  Not because these Pumpkin Chai products will  knock-your-socks off with overwhelming artificial fragrance, but because they are festive and smell like baking pies, cakes and cookies.  Back in the day, I was drawn in to B&BW by the bright and cheerful displays and their "farm fresh" persona, but I always felt like I was being suffocated and left the store with a headache.  So what does this have to do with Woodsprite Organic Body's new Pumpkin Chai line?  For me, a lot.  I used to love cruising in to B&BW during holidays and sniffing, rubbing and buying their Warm Vanilla Sugar or Gingerbread products - because I liked to smell "festive".  Many of you likely have the same cravings and now that you've switched to organic products or are considering them - you don't have as many seasonal options to choose from.  Well, now you do - these Pumpkin Chai products smell so delish and they're the real deal, not the synthesized, perfumey, chemical-version of pumpkin and spices.  These smell delicious, thoroughly Autumnal and a fabulous anecdote to dry skin. (And a nice bonus is that my husband likes the smell of these as much as I do, so he's been using all the products as well!)

A large percentage of all their ingredients are certified organic and this line boasts comforting scents of the seasons such as cardamom, clove, anise, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and vanilla.  If you spot "pumpkin essential oil" in any ingredient deck - beware.  There is no such essential oil.  Woodsprite Organic Body uses only highly beneficial pumpkin seed oil, which is a hydrating treat to your skin. 

I tried the entire Woodsprite Organic Body Pumpkin Chai line and these are the products I liked:


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VOGUE Features Lovely Michelle Williams In Stewart+Brown Ethically-Sourced Mongolian Cashmere

I have a soft spot for Michelle Williams.  She has a soft spot for organic fashion pioneers, Stewart+Brown.  S+B was surprised to learn that the Academy Award nominee picked their sweater made of ethically-sourced Mongolian Cashmere to wear in her full page photo spread in VOGUE's November issue.  Have you seen it??


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The Must-Have Eyeshadow Set for Fall :: The Zen Garden Collection from Alima Pure

I made an apple pie a few days ago...from scratch. I bought the apples from a roadside stand, gathered my other ingredients, put on some James Taylor, an apron and baked myself a pie. "What does this have to do with eyeshadow??", you may ask. Well, I'm feeling festive and starting to fall in love with this season all over again. In addition to my baking bug, I'm celebrating this season with what I wear and that includes what goes on my eyelids. Yes, my eyelids.

I have been wearing colors from my Alima Pure Zen Garden eye shadow collection for a few weeks now and they are absolutely perfect.  The Bamboo shade is a perfect all around color for your entire lid and it has replaced my beloved Sacre Coeur from my favorite Spring/Summer go-to collection by Alima.  Eucalyptus is a rich silvery green shade that's great for accenting the eye.  Liliko'i is a matte, deep purple color and Teak is a shimmery dark brown with golden accents that is perfect as an eyeliner or an eyeshadow.


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