Let’s say you need an engagement ring, a farmhouse kitchen table, or a new desk, but you just aren’t finding exactly what you want out in the marketplace. You know what you want–you’ve got a picture in your head–and you even come close, but nothing is just right.

That’s where CustomMade comes in–it’s an online marketplace committed to matching makers and buyers together for the creation of all kinds of custom-made goods. Successful pairings have produced products ranging  from wedding dresses and handmade shoes to ceramics, humidors, liquor …

It isn’t easy being green. Sometimes, adopting eco-friendly habits — whether avoiding plastic bags or researching sustainable food options — only seems to add more stress to our already hectic lives.

But one green habit might be as easy as skipping next Sunday’s grocery trip. A study published in the Journal of the Transportation Research Forum reveals that grocery delivery is easier not only on you, but on the planet, too. Using Seattle as a model, engineers at the University of Washington found that …

It is hard to believe that something so detrimental to our health is prevalent in more than 90 percent of American homes.

The microwave oven may very well be energy efficient, cost-effective, and convenient, but there is a reason why it has been the focus of research studies and subsequently denounced for its negative health consequences. Microwaving essentially kills nutritional value and deems food devoid of the wholesomeness it so deserves, all the while infusing your body with possible cancer-causing agents. Take the time, for your health’s sake, to replace the microwave with …

Planning a graduation party, family reunion, or just a backyard barbecue with a few friends? Grill up a tasty feast without the big carbon footprint.

If you’re planning a Memorial Day cookout, big or small, you’re probably tempted to reach for the old standbys: paper plates, plastic cutlery, canned beverages, and packaged meats. Unfortunately, along with ease and convenience, these American barbecue staples come with a lot of unnecessary waste and negative environmental impacts.

With a little planning and some flexibility, you can plan a gorgeous cookout with delicious food that …

With the increased popularity of natural and organic skincare and cosmetic ranges fueled by some well known celebrities even launching their own lines, there has been more attention drawn to the many harmful ingredients in everyday personal care products like nail polish, and the benefits of going ‘chemical free’.

Most of us are becoming more mindful of what we are putting on our faces each morning, but one cosmetic item that perhaps hasn’t been in the spotlight, is nail polish. With summer soon upon …

Not all sunscreens are created equal.

Every summer for the past decade, the media has issued staunch advisories reminding consumers to wear sunscreen. But this year, their tone has changed. Studies are showing that not only are many sunscreens filled with potentially harmful chemicals, but also that sunscreen wearers can actually be more susceptible to dangerous skin cancer strains like melanoma. Too much time in the sun can increase the risk of damage, but too little can lead to vitamin D deficiencies. What gives? This week’s Behind The Label …

ColumnChoosing simplicity in what we eat.

Last week, I wrote an article about what ingredients may or may not be regulars in your shopping cart. You know, beetle shells and all that. As often happens on the internet, it did illicit quite a few comments, many of them defensive. I had worded it carefully, and ultimately, in my mind, the point of the piece was not to say “if you eat X you are also consuming Y and Z,” but to be a reminder of all the potential things that …

The summer may be a time to shine, but the season also poses a threat to the vitality of your skin, hair, and body.

Sun and heat exposure can make your skin flaky and pigmented, your hair dry, and your body sluggish. The following 5 summer tips to keep your skin, hair, and body beautiful are just what you need to keep in mind in battling the season’s elements.

1. Eat and Apply Antioxidants

According to research, antioxidants may very well …