In my post 10 Steps to a Greener Back-to-School I outlined some ways that you can make your back-to-school purchases a little more green. Well here are some examples of green items that you can find in stores, online, and right here in the Savvy Shop!

Kotobuki Child’s Bento Box $15.50 – This thing is so cute, I might get one for myself, even though it’s for kids. Bento boxes aren’t anything new in Asian countries, but they’ve become a big hit here in the US, and are fast replacing the good old-fashioned lunchbox. They usually have a minimum of two tiers and the adult versions have divided trays for different types of food. You can find this at the Savvy Shop here. For an adult Bento Box check these out.

100% Recycled Paper Wirebound Notebook (College Ruled) $1.99 each

These are great because you can stick them in a larger 3 ring binder, or you can use them individually. The price is great too. And the great part is that they’re made from 100% recycled materials. You can buy these from the Savvy Shop here.

After hearing about this product and taking a trip to Karen’s Body Beautiful’s store in Brooklyn, NY and WATCHING them make it. I decided to try it.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk (Sweet Ambrosia)* $16

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, Vegetable Wax, Panthenol, Arnica, Calendula, Echinacea, Nettle & Horsetail Extracts, Vegetable Glycerin, Wheat Germ Oil, Essential and/or Fragrance Oil, Natural Enzymes & Vitamin E

I’m a big fan of these all-natural ingredients, and I’m an even bigger fan of what this stuff does to my hair! I find that this product works best on dry hair. It is the same consistency as conditioner or lotion and it works really well to moisturize my hair and make it nice and shiny. I like how it makes my twistouts look nice and full, and how my puffs stay nice and soft. . (It does not, however, provide much hold, so you need to use some type of gel for that). The great thing about this product is that

Natural-haired women with 3b/3c/4a/4b/4c hair have all been raving about this product on other sites, so after checking out the mostly all-natural ingredients, I finally decided to try some myself to see what the fuss was about.

Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream   2oz. $5.50; 8oz $16.50

Ingredients: Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Distilled Water, Organic Amla, Organic Brahmi, Organic Aloe, Methylsulfonylmethane, Vegetable Glycerin, Conditioning Emulsifier (Sorbitan and Cetearyl), Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexglycerin (a paraben-free and formaldehyde-free preservative), Essential oil blend

I like the fact that I can identify most of the ingredients and that it doesn’t contain parabens or formaldehyde. The consistency of this product is thick, it’ NOT a cream , it’s really a butter.

If you’ve followed me on Facebook and Twitter than you’ve probably heard that Savvy Brown has been nominated for a Black Weblog Award in the Best Health or Wellness Blog Category. I was shocked and surprised that this ‘lil blog was even nominated. Although I feel this blog is for everyone, I appreciate the honor. And heck,  the more press the better, because that way I can bring you more great interviews and tasty tidbits about all things green, healthy and frugal!

To vote for Savvy Brown, please click on the Black Weblog Awards logo below and on PAGE 2  scroll down to the “Best Health or Wellness Blog Category”, and click next to Savvy Brown. While you’re there, explore and vote for other blogs as well! (Remember to go all the way to the last page to make sure your vote is counted!)

Thank you! And again, thanks for your support!

- Savvy

When I don’t have enough lemons to make Homemade Lemonade, I make this instead. I ALWAYS have teabags and it’s so simple it saves us from buying yet another beverage at the store.

Homemade Iced- Tea

Ingredients:

• 6 teabags
• 1 cup of sugar (any type is fine, I like to use raw or turbinado)
• 1 few slices of fresh lemon
• 2qt (or more) pitcher
• 2 qt saucepan

Directions:

Fill saucepan 3/4 of the way with water. Pour in sugar and bring to a boil. Once water has boiled and sugar has all dissolved, take from heat and