After watching documentaries and researching harmful chemicals that are put into beauty products, I am much more aware of what I put on my skin when it comes to make-up and skin and hair care. It is vitally important to be conscientious of what goes into the products we put on the largest organ in our body, our skin, which absorbs up to 75% of substances it comes into contact with. These three companies are some of my favorites that do not add in toxic chemicals and are dedicated to preserving the environment and our health. 

LUSH: Lush is one of the best companies I've ever come across, I am absolutely obsessed with their products! I first shopped at Lush a couple years ago and right off the bat, I strongly admired them for their ethics. I'm sure many of you know them for their increasingly popular bath bombs, but they also sell henna hair dye, soaps, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, face/hair masks, shimmer bars (right?), makeup, and even more.
Why do I love them?
1. They use 100% vegetarian ingredients, 80% being vegan.
2. They never test on animals; they actually donate proceeds to fighting animal testing, and never buy ingredients from companies that do.
3. All of their packaging is biodegradable, recycled material and they use as little plastic as they can, selling whole products without packaging whenever possible.
4. They rarely use synthetics, and when they do they use safe ones to ensure that your skin isn't being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
5. Their products are aromatheraputic.
6. The quality is on point! You won't be disappointed if you shop here.
7.The employees at the store are super helpful and friendly.
Website: www.lushusa.com

PACIFICA: After trying countless natural, organic makeup brands and becoming increasingly disappointed with the quality, Pacifica was a god-sent. It is becoming my favorite spot to shop for makeup recently due to their dedication to ethics, safety for your body, and surprisingly fairly cheap prices. They sell all kinds of makeup, perfume, nail polish, and even candles!
Why do I love them?
1. This company is 100% Vegan.
2. Similar to Lush, they are cruelty-free, and do not test on animals.
3. Their products never include, as their website proudly boasts (as they should), "phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, peanut oil, triclosan, and other ingredients you do not want on your skin".
4. They have wonderfully scented candles that are all made in Portland, Oregon with lead-free wicks, another toxic offender. 
5. Their makeup is great quality compared to other natural makeup brands; one of their goals as a company is to go against the idea that natural makeup doesn't work well, and as a beauty lover I can honestly say that they are achieving that goal.
Website: www.pacificabeauty.com/ 

ACURE:
Last Christmas, my mom got me some products from this company, and now I continually purchase from their website because of how great their items are. All of their products are certified organic, which, is hard to find in the beauty industry, and not only are they safe for your body, all the products I've used personally smell fresh and delicious. They sell skin and hair care items including: shampoo and conditioner, facial cleanser and moisturizer, oil for your skin, and lip balm.
Why I love them?
1. As aforementioned, they're Certified Organic!
2. They're cruelty-free just like Pacifica and Lush.
3. Their products are free from phthalates, gluten, sulfates, artificial colors, and harmful preservatives. 
4. They use natural and essential oils that work wonders for your skin and hair which may be tarnished or damaged from chemicals commonly found in non-natural products.
5. They are family owned and operated which allows them to ensure that their ethical and sustainability standards remain high.
Website: ​www.acureorganics.com 

There are many more natural beauty companies out there, but these three are my favorite. I hope you all check out their websites and test out some of their products, your body will thank you for it in the long run if you commit to using natural beauty products as much as possible.
If anyone is interested in knowing the toxic chemicals commonly added into beauty supplies, one can find a comprehensive list here: ​http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/ 

Crystals have been used for their metaphysical properties for centuries, and though the ancient practice has lost much of its momentum, the art of crystal healing is making a comeback. You may wonder why crystals are becoming very popular recently, and though it is commonly associated with spirituality, there is a scientific explanation behind the uses for these beautiful objects.
Everything that manifests itself to us in our day to day lives, at its basic core, is composed of energy; quantum physics elucidates this idea that has been understood by mystics and pagans for centuries. Our atoms are composed of infinitely spacious vortices of energy, and every object in our reality has a unique energy signature. Our energy signatures are very complex, and can thus become unbalanced and out of natural flow quite easily; rocks and minerals, however, have a fixed and unchanging energy signature that stays in harmonic incorruptibility. Using the fixed energy frequencies of crystals correctly, we are able to re-balance our energies and become rejuvenated in natural tranquility once more.
Here are three of the best crystals I believe everyone should have in their posession:
A) Rose Quartz, my all time favorite~ 
This pink crystal purifies the heart in order to encourage self-love and trust as well as unconditional love and compassion for others, which are extremely lacking in society today. Relieving the feelings of loneliness and heartache, it offers profound inner peace and dispels emotional wounds, fears, and resentments. I recommend wearing this close to your heart on a necklace to amplify the effects.
B) Smokey Quartz~
The mysterious, black Smokey Quartz transmutes negative energy and is the best stone for combating depression, offering serenity and comfort in times of despair. This stone also helps one to stay grounded and centered in daily life. Keep this gem by your front door to cleanse your home and keep it with you when you need positivity.
C) Amethyst~
Promoting peace and intuition, this brilliant purple crystal is a favorite among many. Known for instilling deeper meditative states and reconnecting with ones inner-wisdom and spirituality, this stone was worn by Catholic Bishops and was carved into heart shapes by ancient Egyptians for burial. Interestingly, in Greek, the name Amethyst means "not intoxicated" and was used as a sobriety stone for alcoholics. I personally recommend this stone for all those feeling disconnected from the Earth and those seeking wisdom and a keen intuition. 

One of my absolute favorite pass-times, especially as the weather starts to become dreary, is sitting down to watch documentaries. As boring as that may sound to some of my more active readers, I find that documentaries are an entertaining way to accumulate a vast understanding of the world around us.
My favorite kinds of documentaries are ones regarding controversial topics many journalists do not report on for fear of losing their careers. These controversial documentaries give insight into our society that is too often driven by the thirst for monetary gain and hyper-consumerism with blatant disregard for the ethical treatment of people, animals, and the planet. After watching these five documentaries I listed below, I found a wildfire of passion within that drove me to speak out on issues I never even knew existed. I hope they have the same effect on those of you who make the choice to educate yourselves and watch.

5. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014): Of all the health-related documentaries, this one is the best to start with in my opinion. It comes at the idea of a plant based diet from a purely logical and humble perspective. Using an environmental framework, it discusses some of the malevolent side-effects of the meat and dairy industries. 

4. Pump (2014): It is no secret the U.S. is addicted to gasoline, but there are some secrets as to how we became reliant upon it and other, cleaner alternatives. 

3. Secrets in Plain Sight (2010): Sacred geometry, ancient history, iconic art and  monuments, religion, philosophy, and architecture...how do all of these subjects intertwine giving us knowledge of the universe? This comprehensive documentary highlights many intriguing "coincidences" found in the world around us that are not seen by the untrained eye. 

2. Zeitgeist: The Movie (2007): This documentary deconstructs commonly believed myths in our culture. Keep an open mind when you view this one as it may invoke cognitive dissonance and be the catalyst in causing you to question your beliefs.

1. Ethos (2011): This documentary is my all-time favorite; it does a wonderful job of synthesizing loads of information into a meta-analysis of current issues plaguing our society. With interviews from some of my favorite activists and educators such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Bernie Sanders, it stresses the importance of making educated, conscious choices and the power we have as consumers to influence the future of the world.

Between working three jobs and taking 4 college classes, I have some tips and tricks to stay organized and make the most out of the 168 hour week! 

1. Get a planner: Specifically, one that has a section for each day of the week with plenty of room to write things in.
2. Color code: get a couple different color pens and choose colors for each activity in your planner. For example, in my planner, the times I work are written in black, the times I go to school are written in blue, and homework is written in purple. 
3. Utilize your syllabi: you know all those due dates they give you at the beginning of the semester? Write them down! Knowing when things are due and gauging how much of a time commitment each class is going to be will really help relieve stress!
4. Dedicate time to doing homework before it's due: set aside 30min-1hr of your day to sit down with no distractions to get it done. 
5. Composition Books: Pick out one comp. book for each class to write all of your notes in. This will make studying for tests easier, and you won't have to deal with shuffling through tons of papers.
6. Don't forget about those pesky errands: filling up the gas tank, doing laundry, paying bills, the list goes on and on. Don't fret, though, just remember to work some time into your schedule to get these things done too. 
7. Remember the small things: taking care of yourself is the ultimate key to success in a busy schedule. Remember to give yourself time to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, time to unwind and relax after a long day, and never neglect your hobbies, as they will give you the strength to continue to strive after your goals.