Cara's All Natural Products

Last summer, when I had the pleasure of participating in the very first Confidential Music Theatre Project I had the chance to share a very unique experience with some incredible Toronto talent. One of the very special people that I met was Cara Adams.


In addition to being a lovely operatic soprano, Cara also runs her own company selling all natural beauty care products. It all started with a passion for natural skin care products as she was concerned about the things she was using on her own body. Cara went on to share some of her creations with close family and friends, who went on to share the products with their family and friends, and so a business was born.

Being in the opera world, Cara created a special body butter blend for her friend Measha Brueggergosman which has definitely helped to channel some attention to her brand!

I love that the products have very few ingredients, and Care speaks passionately about her reasoning for including each one. Her products are also free of parabens and synthetic fragrances. She uses many organic ingredients and works hard to use the very best sources for her ingredients. I've had the pleasure of trying out a selection of products from both Cara's regular and luxury lines and I've definitely found a few new favourite things!!

Of the products I tried, my favourites would have to be the Rosemary Mint bodywash, Ultra Rich Handcream and moisturizing lip balm (in coconut macaroon!!) 

I love the fragrance of the Rosemary Mint Body Wash, but didn't find it to be overpowering. It lathers nicely and a little bit went a long way. The ultra rich hand cream also doubles as a beautiful face cream. As someone who doesn't use a tonne of creams or moisturizers, I liked that it didn't make my skin feel oily or gross - just hydrated and happy. And I'm obsessed with the coconut macaroon lip balm - cocoa butter & extra virgin coconut oil come together to make a deliciously moisturizing lip balm -- I want to get one to put in every bag / pocket I have!! Cara also carries a selection of baby products as well as sugar scrubs and bath salts. 

You can order Cara's All Natural products through her website and you can get more details about local events where she will be selling her products on her Facebook page. With the holidays around the corner, she will be at a couple of upcoming markets including the French Christmas Market this Saturday December 12th

and the Vendor Queens Market at Markham House from December 17 - 20. 

It's so wonderful to see friends doing awesome things out in the world! If you're looking for a new Canadian-made brand of natural products or perhaps you are looking for a holiday gift - be sure to check out Cara's lovely products! 

M is for Make Up and Other Girly Things…

…and proof as to why Ashley should only make videos when she’s well rested.

While not directly related to food, I have really started to think about what kinds of products I’m using on my face, skin and hair. While we may be putting wholesome, delicious foods into our bodies, we also want to be nourishing them with natural products on the outside. I wanted to share some of my favourite products that make me feel amazing!

Living Libations, Best Skin Ever – Such an amazing product made from pure pressed plant oils. My skin feels soft, moisturized and happy when I use this product! “One bottle to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize” – love that! A little bit goes a long way and the subtle scent is beautiful. Love love love this stuff and I really believe that it helps to make your skin its best ever! Purchased at their booth at the Vegetarian Food Fair.

Peaches and Cream Ultra Moisturizer – Yummy all over body moisturizer (Details on vegan and gluten free products in their FAQ) Available at The Big Carrot or Shoppers Drug Mart

Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick – My “zapper” (which I found in the couch after I finished the video) Tea tree and juniper oils combined with calendula helps to improve your skin naturally. Available at The Big Carrot or Shoppers Drug Mart

Bare Essentials – I started with the Get Started Kit (how fitting) in fair, which gives you two shades of foundation to work with and blend. It also comes with the mineral veil, warmth, brushes and the ever-important dvd! I also recently picked up eye shadows in Queen Tiffany and Blush shades  which are really pretty and neutral and make me feel glamorous. All of their products make you feel like you’re wearing nothing on your face and give you a natural glow with great coverage. Available at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Korres B5 and rice bran mascara – Lovely product line from Greece. The mascara contains B5 which is said to strengthen and improve the quality of your lashes. I got a whole starter set at Sephora, but this product was my absolute fav!!

There are others I could have talked about, but these are definitely at the top of my list I’m also a huge fan of natural feminine care products, like the Diva Cup. I’ve been using mine for a couple of years and it’s such an amazing products. I love not having to use tampons anymore, it’s cost effective, you can leave it in all day and I swear it reduces my cramps. I would add the Diva Cup to my top five favourite girly products because it rocks! If you’ve been thinking about giving one a try, Meghan is currently giving one away.

If you’re looking for some more ideas on natural beauty products, be sure to check out Ange’s Project Natural Glow and  Meghan also has some classes coming up on Natural Body Care – and creating your own is as natural as it comes!

As I said in the video, I’m still learning about animal-free products and would love any suggestions that you have regarding your favourite brands. What do you look for in make up, skin products and other girly goods? What are your favourite products and which do you use every day?