Natural Beauty Co-Op

Scenes from Foodstock

2011-11-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may not know... I am a foodie. A sustainable foodie. I love local farmers and their markets. I know that I get too excited about small kitchen gadgets and appliances. I love cooking as much I love eating but most of all... I love having a deep connection and understanding of the food I eat.

So when a friend invited me up to her farm so we could attend Foodstock together, I said YES before checking my calendar. Knowing full well whatever was booked that was getting a big order of "rain check".

Foodstock was an event held on October 16th, 2011 World Food Day, to help raise funds and awareness to help stop the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon, Ontario.

The event featured 71 chefs who prepared dishes with local and sustainable food to celebrate the prime farmland that is under threat from the proposed mega quarry.

A few worrisome stats...

- 49% of Central Ontario's farmland has been lost to development in the last 60 years.
- .5% of Central Ontario's farmlands is considered Class 1 highest quality land, the proposed quarry sits on 98.5% of that land.
- It has been said that the proposed quarry will also need to pump 600,000 litres of water out the quarry to prevent it from flooding. More than 60 times the amount pumped out by other quarries in Ontario combined.
- The proposed quarry will take over, over 7,000 acres of land in Melancthon, just north of Shelburne, Ontario

If you want to learn more please go to nomegaquarry.ca

It was a wonderful feeling to see so many people eating and walking through the forest. Thank you to the four farmers who refused to sell their land and kindly shared it with everyone who came. Proof that if you build it... we will come.

Enjoy the photos! And yes that is a chicken! A heritage chicken! Just for record no one ate it!

xo
A

Nicola Holmes

2011-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Please meet the amazing Nicola Holmes.

Nicola is a Toronto based Life Coach.

I was recently honored to take Nicola's portrait for her coaching business.

Nicola's holistic approach to coaching is rare and so needed in this fragmented world we live in.

I can speak from experience about Nicola's natural talents... she is a incredibly deep listener and without at doubt deep listeners are rare in this world today.

Nicola is professional yet warm. Compassionate yet humorous. She is organized and strategic, yet open to change and process. Nicola honors where you are and yet encourages you to focus on where you want to go. Her natural coaching abilities are paired with extensive professional studies and an ongoing personal study in her field.

I have personally have benefited in ways i never imagined with Nicola's guidance. She not only encourages to envision what you want and where you want to go, but also equips you with tools, strategies and encourages you to take direct actions to help you down your personal visionary road.

If you would like to reach Nicola please email her at niciholmes@yahoo.com

Many thanks my friend,
Amy

Walnut Studio Spring Fever Art Exhibition this Saturday

2011-05-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

I will have paintings, photography and natural cleaning products for sale this Saturday at the Walnut Studio Spring Fever Art Exhibition.

The open house is Saturday from 12-6pm and the reception/party is from 7-11pm (but will probably run later) please come by I would love to see you!

There will be lots of amazing work by lots of very talented artists. It is a great space and is always a really good time!

xo
Amy

2011-04-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

I met Lesley-Anne Green at the one-of-a-kind show last week.

I love her stuff and wanted to share.

Check out her blog here

If feels like spring!

peace
Amy

New Babies are a great reason to choose natural non-toxic products for you, your family and your home

2011-03-29T15:34:00.001-07:00

I first met Maya when she was still in her Mom's tummy. No matter how many new borns I meet I can't help but be amazed by how truly magical the creation of life is. I find I can watch a baby like I can watch an animal... I loose all sense of time and am often filled with a sense of awe, appreciation and an overwhelming feeling of responsibility to guard and keep them and their surroundings safe... and I am not even a parent yet!

The truth is I visit a lot of my clients in their homes, which are clearly intimate and private spaces. I am continually surprised to find toxic air freshener sprays, plug ins, scented candles, scented fragrance sticks, fragranced body products, anti-bacterial soap among a number of other products that are not only harmful for us but extremely dangerous for babies and children.

I am in a constant struggle about sharing what I know without sounding like a nosey, judgmental, conspiracy consumed woman... but the truth is the regulations industry for these products is not even close what it needs to be... and the advertising campaigns promote these products like they will actually help you and your family stay healthy and smelling crisp and clean. The truth is they reek havoc on your immune system, respiratory system, your hormones, your skin, and when they go down the drain they also affect the health of our water, animals and our environment. The other important truth is that when I say something about it... well it is because I care and not so long ago, I did not know about any of this either.

So in my bid to keep myself, my family, my friends, my clients, the environment and animals healthy I do what I can by holding our natural cleaning and personal care products workshops, sending out newsletters, and sharing new products, made by people I truly believe in... like Jenn From The Blue House Jenn makes "out of this world" natural, non toxic yummy smelling, moisturizing, soap by hand. I bought one... and then bought a bag so I could share her amazing soaps with my clients.

One thing I know for sure... is change starts small... I encourage and challenge you to switch to one natural, biodegradable, non-toxic product for you and or your home... I also want to stress that you make sure it is fragrance free or made with natural essential oils like lavender, tea tree oil, lemon, rosemary, among many others... these oils not only smell amazing they are good for you, they can help heal your skin and your spirit and they are naturally anti-bacterial.

Want to learn how to make your own cleaning or personal care products? Contact me about our workshops!

Natural health to you and yours,
xo
Amy

Fun Family Photoshoot

2011-03-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love Fil, Nadia and Matteo... I had done their family photos last year when Matteo turned one. They invited me back this year to celebrate Matteo's 2nd birthday and the new addition to their family coming in May.

This photo shoot was so fun! These three had me laughing so hard I was crying... while taking their portraits I might add :)

As you can see all three of them have a great outlook on life and a contagious sense of humour. I love the photo of Fil and Nadia's tummies together.

They also fed me homemade chocolate croissants and m&m's... two of my favourite things in the whole word!

Happy 2nd Birthday Matteo!

xo
Amy

iPod touch, Alicia Silverstone and Moshi

2011-02-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

Three new things I have discovered and love. Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet, Moshi and my iPod touch.

Moshi 101

What is Moshi?

Even though the stuff has been around forever, I just learned about it in Silverstones' book.

Moshi is a super nutritious bake and serve snack made from brown rice. It is wheat and gluten free and can be eaten in many different ways.

What do I so with Moshi?

I cut it up into squares and fried it up in a pan for approx 8min and then drizzled it with yummy brown rice syrup!

I used my fancy new iPod touch and Hipstamatic app (which has a variety of very cool old school lens effects) to document the process.

I am not sure what I love more! Silverstone's book, the Moshi or my iPod touch.

xo
A

I want to live on a farm...

2010-09-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were lucky enough to head out of the city... but not too far... to a fancy farm off Highway 27.

Who knew a piece of farm paradise would be so close to Toronto!

We walked the land, hung out with goats, sheep and their babies... a chicken and her babies... we ate grapes off the vine, drank juice made from homegrown vegetables, ate salad made with tomatoes that actually were ripened on the vine and thanks to Frank took home fresh eggs (so fresh they still had feathers on them!) and the best smelling goat cheese ever!

I have loved goats since I was a kid... the idea of providing for my family and community from my very own land is not only a dream but a move I know will be a reality one day. We already grow our own vegetables and one day hope to have our own animals for eggs and milk only... I love them so much I can't imagine eating them. Goats are smart, cuddly and loving creatures... and I can't wait to have a few of my own...

Ah farm dreamin'

xo
A

Amazing Vegan Cupcakes!

2010-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have recently become obsessed with cupcakes. Not only the taste but how they look and most importantly what they are made with.

My friend and fellow Natural Beauty Co-op artist Cassandra Rizzotto and I spent the day in Kensington Market last week.

Kensington is an incredible place to spend the day... people walk where they want and cars wait... people have taken back the streets and truly own their community. The Market is full of independent locally owned shops, markets and restaurants.

Cassandra and i were celebrating friendship and life and what better way do that than with a phenomenal vegan cupcake from Wanda's Pie in the Sky.

If you have not have one go as soon as you can or you may just find me there eating them all.

xo
A

So grateful I meditated today!

2010-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

I went to see Eat, Pray, Love... it made me want to eat pasta and gelato (actually who am I kiddin' I always want to eat gelato) it also made me want to sleep under a canopy in Bali... and meditate again. meditate again... and again.

I have tried numerous times to "start" a regular practice... I am great at the start, I dive in and go for a solid month... then "life happens" and I miss one day, the cat pukes, the delivery man comes... I forget to go the bathroom first... blah blah blah

But today I accepted the fact that my meditation practice is what it is... exactly what I put into it... so I miss the ritual some mornings... c'est la vie... somehow during the day I still catch a moment of "in the moment"... watching birds, listening to rain, watching the trees, hugging my man, petting my cat, seeing a dog I love... I am a spiritual person even if I don't sit crossed legged and breathe every morning... that said... I sure feel better when I do.

The other day I could tell something just was not right with my car... it accelerated on its own... and well needless to say this made breaking very difficult.

Two things about this terrifying driving experience amazed me... first, even though I had my hazard lights on and my car was smoking and jerking, people still honked and swore at me... not one person asked to see if I needed help or if I was okay.

The second thing that amazed me was how for moment I went into panic mode, my heart raced... time made no sense, all I could think was that I did not know what to do... then like Liz in Eat, Pray, Love I heard a voice... "Amy be calm and deal with this... you know what to do!" I am not sure if this voice came from inside or upstairs... or both... but it worked... in a second I was calm, observing, reacting and coping.

After getting myself and my car off the road I realized that it is quite possible that my meditation practice saved my life. Not only would my car not stop it would not stop GOING... kind of a metaphor for my life. yeesh.

Cheesy... floofy, hocus pocus... whatever you want to call it or whatever it may seem like, does not matter to me... maybe it was a coincidence maybe it was not... but my car that would not stop or stop going showed me that you just can't operate like that all the time... its not good for you, or for the ones you love, other people or the rest of the living world.

As Ghandi challenged all of us... I have decided to "Be the change I want to see in the world".

To start I have committed to meditating every day even if it's just for 2min. Maybe then I will really see people who need help and I can ask them if they are okay.

Here are a few things I use when meditating... candle (not petroleum based), meditation beads, sweet grass and a few totems to send and bring in love.

Also here is a link to a guided mindful metta meditation... in case you too want to try it out too :)

Namaste,
Amy

Almost Fall Update! & is WiFi Safe?

2010-08-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is coming... I can feel it in the air today... less humid... crisp, clean and makes me think of sweaters, boots and walks in the park...

I have had a number of clients wondering when the fall workshops are coming... well trust that I am hard at work on new workshops... new events... new art work... and a new look for the website.

A sneak peak at this fall... new photography prices and specials... regular facebook fotobooth specials... make your own personal care product workshops (a warming cardamon vanilla sugar body scrub, deep moisturizing face and body oil, clean your home green workshops with scents of sandalwood, cedar and eucalyptus)... and cross your fingers a beautiful and educational herbal walk in High Park!

More details and new website coming soon!

Also click here for a link that made the news today... WiFi in schools and your home may not safe!

While Health Canada may be waiting for research to show its bad for you... I recommend minimizing your WiFi and cell phone exposure... you may be asking why should I minimize my use if the research does not prove its harmful?

Well a few reasons... first the way research works is researchers look at specific effects... not cumulative effects. So while a little bit of radiation from your cell phone may or may not be ok... pair that use with your cordless phones, blue tooth, wifi and so on and that's a lot of exposure!

Also in order for policies to change research has to prove something is harmful... it does not have to prove something is safe... in between harmful and safe is a slippery road... so I say practice the Precautionary Principle... turn off your WiFi when you are not using it... turn off your cell phones or only use blue tooth when necessary... opt for a landline phone with handset and cord and use that phone when you are home... use your office phone instead of your cell phone...

The benefits will be lowered exposure... cheaper internet and cell phone bills... peace of mind and more focused time with your loved ones!

To our health and the health of the planet!
xo
A

YOUR ARE INVITED TO OUR FIRST ART SHOW!

2010-05-28T11:41:00.001-07:00

YOUR ARE INVITED TO WALNUT STREET STUDIOS ART SHOW AND SALE!

WHO & WHAT: Amy Cross, Marlen James aka. Jamie and Cassandra Rizotto are part of a collective Art Show and Sale at our Walnut Street Studio!

WHEN: Opening Party Friday June 11th 7-11pm... and/or an informal Open House Saturday June 12th 12-5pm!

WHERE: 83 Walnut Avenue (South of King, West of Bathurst) here is a map
View Larger Map

** Friday is an invite only party so if you are coming friday please RSVP asap as we have to get you on the list!

Saturday is an informal open house so come and go as you please.

WHY YOU MAY WANT TO COME: To check out and support local artists in your community. Amy will have paintings and photo prints for sale, Jamie will have photo prints and Cassandra will have paintings. Not to mention there are 30 artists participating... lots of talent and creativity to check out!

For those who are not able to make it and would like to inquire about purchasing a painting or print... check out our sample photos on facebook (search for Natural Beauty Co-op) or email us directly. We are taking online orders too!

I have also attached an invite with more information on Walnut Street Studios!

See you there :)

xo
AC, MJ and CR

Amy Cross

"We capture life's naturally beautiful moments..."

NATURAL BEAUTY CO-OP * photography * art * education
http://naturalbeautyco-op.com
info@naturalbeautyco-op.com
http://naturalbeautycoop.blogspot.com/

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY AND A HEALTHY HOME!

2010-05-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love the Environmental Working Group!

I have to share this week's newsletter. It's full of tips to reduce your toxic exposure while pregnant and to reduce toxicity in your home.

They offer excellent suggestions like drinking safe water, using body care products that do not contain parabens, or sodium lauryl sulfates, choosing the safe grade plastics (1, 2, 4 and 5 keep you alive... no BPA!), and cleaning your home with out toxic chemicals! Not to mention they are a great resource because they not only suggest alternatives but they also present evidence and findings from top notch research studies!

Check them out and join their mailing list today!

Environmental Work Group

xo
AC

The Mansion Ladies

2010-04-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

I had a really fun shoot last week with The Mansion Ladies!

An inspiring group of women who share a home in Parkdale... they share organic food, compost, host community open mic nights and as you can tell love and respect each other a lot :)

I am honored to celebrate their friendship with my photography!

xo
A

SPRING ANNOUNCEMENTS!

2010-03-23T14:25:00.001-07:00

Good news from Amy, Marlen and Natural Beauty Co-op... as of April 1st we will have our own studio!

The studio space offers us a great location for workshops, private portrait sessions, group portrait events, and a great space to host special events and gallery shows.

More details to come soon!

Our Natural Beauty Spring Workshop Series kicks off this May!

What are our workshops all about? Well our workshops are geared towards natural and holistic personal and home care for you, your family, your pets and your home!

We are your photographers but we also believe that you and your family are naturally beautiful and as educators and nature enthusiasts we also want to preserve and encourage your natural beauty for years to come!

Here is a sneak peek into this seasons workshops...

Back by popular demand! "What's in your Bottles?" Together we look at some of the ingredients that may be in your personal care products. More than likely some are toxic, carcinogenic estrogen disruptors that are not good for you, your loved ones or the environment.

Then for a little fun we will make a natural, homemade and non-toxic brown sugar and vanilla body scrub to get your skin soft and glowing for the summer! Which you get to take home!

"Clean your Home Green!" Together we will look at unsafe and toxic chemicals in common household cleaners. Did you know bleach is a known carcinogen?!

Then for a little fun we will make an all natural and non toxic lemon or lavender scented all-purpose cleaner, which you get to take home!

"Plastic Friend or Foe?" Together we will go over the number systems on plastic. Yup there are numbers just look at the bottom of any plastic container... these numbers are an excellent guide for you to know what plastic's are safe and or recyclable.

Then for a little fun we will show you how to make your own beach bag out of old plastic bags! So start collecting old plastic bags now!

Dates and prices to come soon! Any questions email us at info@naturalbeautyco-op.com

Peace and Love
xo
AC & MJ

LOOKING FOR "GREEN" HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS?

2009-11-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Looking for holiday gifts that are good for you, animals and the planet?

How about a photo session with Natural Beauty Co-op?

As our Holiday Gift to you... We are currently offering special holiday packages! That include high resolution images!

$50 for a Pet Portrait Session (includes a 30min photo session with owner and pet and a CD with 25 high resolution images)

$100 for a Family Portrait Session (includes a 45 min photo session and a CD with 35 high resolution images)

$100 for a Natural Nude, Couple, or Individual Portrait session (includes a 45 min photo session and a CD with 35 high resolution images)

Our Natural and Organic Portrait Sessions are a timeless and irreplaceable gift that you can offer your loved ones during this holiday season!

Email or call Amy for more information...
416-722-0235
info@naturalbeautyco-op.com

How safe is your cell phone?

2009-11-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies and gents... Ever wonder why your cell phone reacts to radios and tvs?

Well they omit radiation which not good for us... check out this study from the Environmental Working Group to see how much your phone emits.

http://www.ewg.org/cellphoneradiation/Get-a-Safer-Phone?allavailable=1

Mine is brutal... scary.

Natural Beauty Coops Photography Jam Session 001

2009-08-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

That's a wrap!

Thank you to everyone who made it out for our Photography Jam Session in support of Every Note Counts! A charity benefiting SickKids Music Therapy Program.

It was an amazing way to spend an afternoon!

We will keep you posted on the Fall Workshop Series so stay tuned!

xo
AC and MJ

Yoga on SUN Day

2009-07-14T10:38:00.001-07:00

We had a beautiful SUN day...

The studio at Halcyon Health lit up with sunlight and a beautiful breeze. Cassandra guided us through an amazing practice of yoga.

Some met their yoga practice for the first time. Some said hello to muscles that had been hiding. Some opened up hips, knees, and shoulders.

We hung upside down with gratitude. Rooted our feet and stood tall and strong like trees. Smiled and laughed from our bellies.

Held hands in shavassana. And shared our gratitude for the day and each other.

I was reminded yet again how much I missed being IN my body accepting it just as it is. Often we run around pushing ourselves and our minds to do and be better... how exhausting. Cass had a great name for busy minds... Monkey Minds. Well on Sunday the monkey in me got to rest... even as I write this today she is much more chilled out.

I find that after yoga colors are more vibrant, people are much kinder, my body is loose and at ease... my mind is more calm and my soul is more grateful.

Thank you to Tiina, Cass, Eric and a great meeting of Souls on sun filled Sunday.

Homemade Personal Care Product Workshop

2009-07-09T08:40:00.001-07:00

Another great workshop success! We had a great turn out and the sun backed us up in full force.

We made an all natural and organic peppermint foot scrub, and soothing face serum. Both cooling and soothing products for summer.

We talked about chemicals and preservatives in personal care products.

Here is a little taste to help you out! Go and check your labels now! Look for Parabens. The problem with Parabens (which are a cheap preservative) is that they mimic estrogen so they reek havoc on your endocrine system (which regulates your hormones). Parabens are being detected in human breast milk and breast tumors. They are known carcinogens... and why they are allowed in personal care products I still do not understand.

Producers claim the amounts of Parabens in their products are safe for one time use. However, you use these products everyday... and chances are they are in all of your products... so this adds up to a lot of parabens for your skin to absorb. Did you know your skin absorbs 65% of what you put on it?

Health Canada recommends to producers that Parabens not be used in personal care products. However, this is a recommendation not a regulation.

All this said I want to close this post off with good news! You can look for products that are Paraben free (even Shopper's carries them now) Or even better make your own personal care products that are all natural and way more affordable that commercial products... and they best part is they are safe for you, the planet and animals.

We will be offering this workshop again in the fall... and we hope to see you there!

xo

AC & MJ

Natural Beauty Coop Workshops!

2009-06-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Marlen and I held our first workshop a few weeks ago! We had a great turn out... lovely people, amazing food and I am pretty sure we all learned a lot and had a lot of fun crocheting plarn bags out of old plastic bags!

Dayna Fradette is one fun, laid back and patient facilitator and we all got a good start on our plarn bags! Thank you Dayna!

I was so excited my first bag did not turn out so great... much smaller than I imagined! However practice makes perfect... plus it's pretty easy... and this second one is looking good!

Workshop 002 What's In Your Bottles? is on for this Saturday July 4th from 11-1pm at Rawlicious Vegan Cafe on Dundas Street West (past Keele) We will be learning about Canada's safety regulations in regards to personal care products, what ingredients to watch out for because some of of them like Paraben's are known carcinogens... and finally we will learn how to make our own personal care products for summer! A yummy foot scrub and soothing facial serum...

Click Here for information on our workshops!

Thanks again for coming out and we hope to see you at Rawlicious this Saturday!

xo
Amy

im on a roll...

2009-06-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Since Amy was talking about the water bottle issue, and I had a little too much time in my hands today, step right up and get your bottle!

Help save the planet while you rehydrate in style with an eye-catching BPA-free water bottle from SIGG. Made from a single piece of aluminum, it's ultra-lightweight yet rugged and crack-resistant. To minimize unwanted tastes and scents, the inside is lined with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin that exceeds FDA leaching requirements.

* Holds 1.0L
* Recyclable & reusable

CLICK HERE
or copy paste http://www.cafepress.com/nb_coop.393972446

Part of the proceeds will go to a charity chosen by us, last time Amy did a fundraiser for sick kids in Toronto, it has my vote too but we will make an announcement later on to make it official.

new look

2009-06-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

kinda, I redecorated... and I haven't told Amy... hopes she likes it!
I darkened the color a bit, yes it was too light and cheery for me :P
and I changed our illustration to actually reflect are current hairstyles and to look less couple-y.:)
Added more images, and I am in the process of upgrading our slideshow as well.
Just in time for the new workshops!

BOTTLE OR TAP?

2009-06-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

Do you bottle or tap it? And I don't mean beer.

During my walk home from a photo shoot last Friday I came across this sign on a city of Toronto garbage/recycling bin.

About six months ago I made the decision to stop buying bottled water, but I can't help thinking if my decision was a mistake??!

Currently, I fill up my stainless steel water bottle with Toronto tap water I filter at home. However, I am troubled about this decision. The city of Toronto admits there is chlorine in our tap water... don't believe me see here

I am trouble by this because chlorine is a known carcinogen and we don't just drink tap water - we bathe in it, wash our dishes in it, cook with it, and wash our little loved ones in it. The city claims the small amount of chlorine in tap water is safe for us to consume, but do their tests take into account all of the ways we use tap water and how it is absorbed by our bodies? After all our skin absorbs 67% if what you put on it.

For more info on the dangers of chlorine read here

What happens to wildlife when the water that runs down our drains makes its way back to animals and ecosystems?

Where does the chlorine go? Does it build up or breakdown overtime?

Don't forget chlorine is also used to bleach toilet paper, diapers, facial tissues, napkins, and feminine products! Ladies we especially have to be careful as feminine products have direct contact with our genitals and can reek serious havoc on our reproductive organs and health. Look for chlorine free options available in most grocery stores and pharmacies now. I highly recommend Natracare Feminne Products and Seventh Generation Diapers and Cleaning Products. For your laundry and cleaning needs I highly recommend oxygenated bleach, also by Seventh Generation... most are color safe and get your whites super bright without harming our health, animals or the environment. Not to mention neither company tests on animals! All members of Natural Beauty Coop dance with approval!

I am writing the city to find out more about chlorine in our tap water. I will keep you posted on my findings and their response.

For now I will filter and worry away wondering do we have to sacrifice our health for the environment? Why can't we find an option that keeps water safe for our bodies and the environment?! After all everything is connected. Chlorine is not good for us, animals or the planet. There must be a better way?!

xo
A

Snaps of Spring!

2009-06-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

For the last two weekends I handed out free Energy Star CFL's bulbs to Toronto residents.

I was excited, entertained, inspired and challenged by the public's reactions and responses to environmental issues like energy conservation and awareness.

Some people grumbled over change having to switch from incandescent bulbs to new, safer, and more sustainable options like CFL's. Others took the bulbs and felt inspired by business' who are helping them to do what they can for the environment... But it was the the people who took the bulbs but walked away sullen and still worried that one bulb was not enough change the world that got me feeling sad and thinking hard...

A friend and I talked about how global warming is like cancer... we may or may not be able to stop it but we sure can change our habits, behavior, and actions by boosting our environmental immune system... cancer has a hard time growing in a healthy environment. I have faith that the people I know who are fighting cancer will win... because they have slowed down, reconnected with their emotions and have chosen healthier options like yoga, meditation, good food and immune boosting supplements.

We can fight global warming the same way... by slowing down, reconnecting, choosing healthier actions and healthier food not only for us but for animals and the planet. Once you slow down you will see things not only start to make more sense but you will see how all things in nature are connected. This awareness will help you to see that one action even if it is a new CFL bulb to get you started will change you and our world for the better! I promise!

Here is a photo of the moon I took a few weeks ago... my new camera is so awesome! And what a moon!

xo
Amy

I truly believe that what you focus on grows.

What Natural Beauty is to Amy

2009-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

When I say natural beauty what do you see? A woman without make up? Gray hair? A man with a unkept beard and long hair? Both who live on farm somewhere... out there... who wash their laundry by hand and hug trees all day?

Well for me natural beauty is not giving up on make-up or shaving, or moving out of the city... rather, for me natural beauty is about learning about what is good for our bodies, animals, and our planet... it is not giving up but rather adopting in healthier behaviors and options so we and the planet can thrive and shine.

The bad news is unlike generations before us we are experiencing the serious effects of pollution, contamination, global warming, water safety... the lists goes on and on...

The good news is we are now more equipped with technology, awareness, education and a desire to make a difference!

The even better news is that we can make a difference! And I am hard at work organizing workshops to show you how!

Natural Beauty Coop workshops will educate and empower you so you can reconnect, rethink, and recreate a natural, healthy way of living so you, animals and the planet can be naturally beautiful and healthy for many generations to come.

Whether you already practice natural beauty or are curious about learning more about what you can do for your health and the environment our workshops will help you navigate your own journey towards "green" living and natural beauty.

Keep checking our blog for more information! Coming very soon!

xo
Amy

adriana

2008-09-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to go nuts here, glad for all the comments on facebook about the illustration about me and Amy. Like Amy said, when you are doing something that you love it shows!
I am accepting portrait comissions :)

Us- cartoon version

2008-09-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

I got a drawing attack, I do not get them that often lately, but here is the result :)

natural beauty - according to marlen

2008-09-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Two photographer for the price of one... wait no that sounds cheap.
Two women photographers to shoot you... maybe too kinky.

Really, is two different perspectives; Amy is all naturopath, and knows herbs and stuff, is all into the green living, and drinks tea, and doesn't eat things with a face. Has two cats, one with shedding issues. And loves photography.

Me, I like comics, spend a lot- too much time in front of a computer, like funny things, love make up and sexy black stuff, is force fed green tea and has 3 step shitzus. And I love photography.

hence the compatibility. While she is all birds and butterflies and nature sounds, I am all "poom-chicawawaaa"* her words not mine. And we come together and balance each other, and make my work rated G and hers oomph.

*best written impression of porn music, ever

hazel jane

2008-09-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

gallery 1- at high park

2008-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:00