Special Coupon: 20% off from February 2nd to the 14th when you purchase this product from my OpenSky Store. Click here for more information.

This is my all time favorite Organic Essence product for the following reasons:

1. High quality cold-pressed, organic, pure shea butter that is truly a multi-purpose beauty staple (note: watch the video below to find out how I use it)
2. It is natural and “baby safe” since no solvents or chemicals are used in its production.
3. A biodegradable jar that functions just as well as glass or plastic, but will break-down via home composting.
4. Fairly traded – by purchasing this product you are helping support 600 women in Ghana.

Still not sold on how great this product is? One of my fellow OpenSky shopkeepers, Truth in Aging, wrote an amazing review of this product which you can read here. This gal knows her stuff!

This Shea Cream is a powerful moisturizer that really combats dry and stressed skin. Because of its high shea butter content a little goes a long way. Great as a massage cream, all over body moisturizer or even a make up remover. Available in refreshing and relaxing scents: Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemongrass Mint and Vanilla Orange. Since it is USDA Certified Organic there are no parabens, fragrances, or petrochemicals.

And the best part…
A biodegradable jar that functions just as well as glass or plastic, but will break-down without a trace.

Full Discloser: Organic Essence was kind enough to provide me samples of three of their shea creams for testing purposes but I continue to use (and purchase) these product because I love them.

I love this product for the following reasons:

• USDA Certified Organic: no parabens, fragrances, or petrochemicals.
• Packaged in a “eco tube”: made out of 100% recycled paper, organic glue and pure soy ink. Plastic free, completely biodegradable and safe for home composting.
• Ease of use: instead of turning a wheel to make the balm come up, you just pinch the bottom of the tube like you would toothpaste. Just the right amount of balm pops up. Beautifully simple.
• Surprisingly durable: the cap fits snugly and the packaging is much more durable that I would have expected.
• Available in four delicious flavors: Almond, Grapefruit, Mint, Vanilla, and Natural (flavor free).

Full Discloser: Organic Essence was kind enough to provide me samples of three of their lip balms for testing purposes but I continue to use (and purchase) these product because I love them.

My little sister (and maid of honor) moved to Phoenix a little over four years ago and until this weekend I never actually flew in for a visit. The idea of hanging out anywhere in 90 plus degree heat without an ocean view is not something this San Franciscan considers pleasurable. However after four years it looks like she is actually settling down in Phoenix so I figured I better get my butt down there for a visit before she finds a new sister.

To my surprise Phoenix reminded me of a desert version of Temescal due to its hip vibe and well-loved restaurants.

Palatte at the Cavness House

Some of these restaurants include:

• Fair Trade Cafe: Brews up fair trade, organic, great-tasting coffees and espresso while supporting sustainable economic independence and fair trade for communities locally and across the globe. (Read reviews on Yelp)
• Green: Vegan-vegetarian restaurant that masters all your favorite comfort foods. (Read reviews on Yelp)
• Palatte at the Cavness House: Breakfast/Lunch with a French flair served up in a rustic and hip setting. (Read reviews on Yelp)
• Pizzaria Bianco: Gourmet pizza with a two plus hour wait (Read reviews on Yelp)
• Urban Cookies: Made with gourmet organic ingredients including the freshest eggs, European-style butter, whole wheat flour and the finest chocolate and nuts. Orders can be placed via the web and shipped across the US. (Read reviews on Yelp)

So despite temperatures hot enough to fry an egg on a sidewalk I plan on visiting Phoenix regularly; especially November through March when I am less likely to melt.