friday favorites.

here are my friday favorites for this week:

lush cosmetics. i think girlfactor (she's back with a gorgeous redesign!) is a big fan of these products and i meant to try them for a long while on her recommendation. i finally did and i'm really enjoying them. first, i'm using herbalism ($10.75; vegan) to cleanse my face. i like the results, but the formula does take a bit to get used to. it's kinda cakey, but it exfoliates which has proven to be a bonus for me. i'm also using their bb seaweed mask (can't remember the price; you can't order this online as it needs to be in the fridge), which has helped calm down my skin. and finally, i think i've found it. the perfect hand moisturizer (maybe good for your cuticles, little things?). their helping hands lotion ($14.95). unfortunately, after i bought it, i see that it's not vegan. i'm kind of peeved because i told the rep that's all i wanted. argh. it does work beautifully though. i need to contact them to see what animal ingredients are involved here. it will be tough to give it up!

el yucateco hot sauce. i'm a fire fiend. if it's not melting off my taste buds, i'm not satisfied. one great thing about the trip to my grandma's: i discovered this hot sauce. my aunt stocks the habanero green and gave me a big bottle to take home. i found the habanero red at the local super s, which my dad put back the first time (i noticed after we checked out), so  i had to snuck off to buy more and happily, it's in my luggage now. can't wait to try it. about $3.

my ipod. i'm really excited that my valentine brought me this. it was totally unexpected after the gorgeous potted phalaenopsis orchid he brought me. i was able to chill out on the plane and drown out the chatter of the people next to us. made it to texas and back on one charge. can't wait to add stuff to it! i'm looking for a way to receive fm radio signal (i need my npr!) and i really need a case for it. any suggestions?

grocery bag system. i'm getting a little teensy weensy obsessed with reducing my use of plastic and paper. this morning, i cringed at the wastebasket in my (much nicer than the one in texas!) hotel room. i used all that stuff? in less than 24 hours? this system looks fantastic. the bags are made of heavy duty hemp canvas; fair labor/fair wage; and each one has a volume equal to standard paper grocery bag. plus, they qualify for free shipping. to me the only barrier is price (what's new?). the set of four are $87.80.

body and soul magazine. tired of real simple, o! and maybe even organic style (though that's hard to do)? try this mag. i like the articles, they're accessible, useful and not too "new age-y." my mom turned me on to this and i really need to subscribe because she doesn't recycle these throughout the family. they're that good. free issue offer, then $14.95 for eight issues.