“Swag” Goes Green

Mod Mix

One of this year’s Emmy “swag” parties stood out from the rest. I’m biased, of course, because this one was held in an eco-living lounge known as The Ultimate Green Room, located at the W Hotel in Westwood Village in L.A. Celeb guests included Daryl Hannah, Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives), Kathy Griffin, Sharon Lawrence, Jean Smart and Vanessa Williams, among many other guests.

Nominees were indulged in spa treatments with eco-conscious products from Naturopathica, Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Lavera, Pureology and Zoya from the Green Bliss Eco Spa. Guests chose from face rituals (facials), body rituals (massage), hand/foot rituals (manicures/pedicures), hair rituals (styling) and makeup rituals (makeovers) to even a healing ritual from Debra King. Guests also had a chance to explore Linda Loudermilk’s Eco Couture & Jewelry line.

Tasty organic food bites were catered by Nine-Thirty @ The W. Drinks were sponsored by organic wine distributor Dynamic Imports, featuring its latest addition to the lineup: the new, hip, organic cocktail mixer, Mod Mix. With flavors like lavender lemon drop, pomegranate cosmopolitan and citrus margarita, you couldn’t go wrong. A little birdie told me that Oprah once sampled the sweet sips of Mod Mix and absolutely loved them, indulging in two.

Linda Loudermilk

My favorite products at the event were the Mod Mix (paired with an Italian prosecco and organic vodka; I had to try the different flavors with the differing spirits) and H2OM Water. I am not a big fan of new bottled waters because I am suspect of their quality and purity, and I don’t like all of the excess trash the plastic bottles create. This new bottled water, however, is a winner. It is the first vibrationally charged water infused with the power of intention through thought, words and music. For those of you who have seen What the Bleep Do We Know?, you know how positive or negative thoughts, vibrations and words can affect water. The human body is composed of more than 75% water, and the Earth is made up of more than 70% water. I had one taste of this water, and it truly tasted different—like the pure water I used to drink as a kid growing up in Colorado.

I was also pleasantly surprised to discover a nail polish and remover that are free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects and motor neuron disorders in children. Zoya, known as “The Safe and Healthy Polish for Pregnant Moms & Smart Women Worldwide,” is an awesome product.

If you want to throw a spa party at home for a birthday, wedding shower or baby shower—or any special occasion—check out Green Bliss Eco Spa. The staff will coordinate the entire event, bringing the party to your home, setting up the treatments and topping it off with organic champagne.

Nicole Landers and

Daryl Hannah

I will close this post by saying that even though companies promote their products as “natural,” “pure,” “made with organic ingredients” or “vegan,” read ingredient labels, and get to know your sources. Many of these products still contain synthetic preservatives and chemicals like parabens. As you may know, whole parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors, which made many—including the scientific community—suspect of the effects parabens have on the human body.

Remember: Get healthy, go organic!

Laura Klein is a trained chef with roots in the organic food movement and brings intelligence, intoxicating energy and... More about Laura Klein, Chef & Wellness Expert

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