First, there was White Apricot, writing about all our beauty finds and asking you to take our word for how good they were. Then came our Green Grab Bag natural beauty products monthly subsciption service, where our subscribers continue to enjoy trying out natural, organic and vegan beauty brands we love firsthand with a surprise box delivered to their doors each month. And, now, you have a new choice! We are thrilled to introduce Build a Box, a new program that allows you to customize your own natural beauty box!

For Green Grab Bag subscribers, Build a Box is meant to be a supplement to the monthly subscription service. The products are mostly from past Green Grab Bags. So, it allows them to build “bonus boxes” of products they might have missed that they’d like to try. Others can use it as a means to try out Green Grab Bag before they subscribe.

Check out the fun, interactive program at www.greengrabbag.com.

Yes, we realize this is a bit self-serving, but in the interest of blatant self-promotion, we are taking it upon ourselves to remind you that it isn’t too late to gift a Green Grab Bag subscription. Not only is Green Grab Bag a creative and health conscious gift, but it is also an amazing deal that will keep giving for 3, 6 or 12-months.

Give your friend or loved the opportunity to explore some of the best all natural, organic, and vegan beauty products, with at least six samples delivered right to her door every month! Prices start at just $45 for 3-months, $90 for 6-months, or $145 (a 20% discount) for a full year of beauty. To make gifting even easier, you can customize how and when the recipient is notified of your generous gift by selecting from three e-mail options:

1. “Send it now” for instant gratification.

2. “Send it to yourself” to present it in person.

3. “Schedule email for specific date,” which is perfect if you don’t want to give it away too early!

Beginning the following month, your delighted recipient will receive the first Green Grab Bag of products, guaranteed to make it a beautiful new year. It really is the gift that keeps on giving!
www.greengrabag.com.

We have always liked Not Soap Radio for its clever labeling, but now those labels make us even happier because they don’t include any harmful ingredients! Yes, the company behind products such as “Liquid Freud” and “Bubbles not Carbs,” is lessening its carbon footprint with a line of all-natural products in recyclable packaging.

Formulated without parabens, pthalates, synthetic dyes or gmos, the line is made up of lip balms, solid perfumes and our favorite, the “I’m not here, I’m really…”; collection that features bath/shower gel, whipped body lotion, dry oil perfume spray and solid parfums that will transport you from your ordinary life to a spa, a beachfront resort, or even a red carpet premiere. Who couldn’t use a little vacation from reality this time of year? $15-$40 at www.notsoapradio.com.

When you think of some of the most luscious scents in the world, do they come from laboratories or gardens? Designer/perfumer Amanda Walker says gardens. So, it makes sense that she makes scents using only the finest, safest and purest ingredients from plants for her line of A Perfume Organics.

Each of the five USDA Organic Certified fragrances are expertly crafted and blended using the natural essences of flowers, fruits, herbs and spices with results that are never overpowering and always divine. Their newest addition, Mejica, is a heady blend of three vanillas, rare resins and spices that pays homage to the vanilla orchid. It joins the juicy herbal blend of the company’s signature Green, the intoxicating notes of the Perfumed Wine Rose, the fresh scent of Urban Organic and the subtle sensuality of White Magik. $65 for a 12ml roll-on bottle, or sample all five for $22 at www.aperfumeorganic.com.

While we love our nightly bath rituals, we know that there are those of you who are strictly shower people. We don't pretend to understand it, mind you, but we do know you're out there. That's why we want to introduce you to Aura Cacia's Shower Tablets, that can take your shower to a level of aromatic bliss, once only reserved for us bath lovers.

Part of the reason we adore our indulgent baths is because of the way they engage our senses. The aromatic scents of our bath products can relax or rejuvenate, depending upon our mood. These little tablets accomplish the same thing — but they do it in the shower!

Each effervescent Shower Tablet is made from 100% pure, organic essential oils that release their aromatic properties when they come in contact with water. Simply toss one on your shower floor, turn on the water, and then inhale and let the reviving scent of peppermint, the relaxing aroma of lavender, or the purifying essence of eucalyptus turn your shower into a mini spa experience. We think these little drops of heaven are the next best things to our bubble baths! $6.99 for a 3 oz. box at www.auracacia.com.