Hate the smell of chemicals in your home or on your skin? Worried about what you're flushing down the sink drain? Environmentally conscientious but still want things that work?

Myself, I've been called a "domestic bohemian" and a "pampered hippy". I think what people are getting at is that I try to do my best by the environment and my body, but I still like products that WORK!

Recently I've discovered some new products and rediscovered some old ones and I thought I would share my recommendations for anyone who cares.

For cleaning house:

1. Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap (you can choose any other scent but I particularly like this one). I rediscovered Dr. Bronner's while at someone's house who used it on their floors. I used to use it to kill white flies on herb plants and in a pinch for soap and shampoo. I don't recommend it for shampoo as it seems to leave my hair tangled and a bit dry. HOWEVER, I discovered that it does make an excellent floor cleaner, is great on the bathtub and sink, and even for dishes. When mixed with hot water it dissolves soap scum and dirt easily, and no gloves needed since it's all natural! It does also make a great soap if you run out of deoderant and keeps you odor free all day.

2. Sun and Earth dish soap and all purpose cleaner. Mmmmm, smells like orange, suds but rinses easily. And the benefit of putting money into a small conscientious company.

Body products:

1. Burt's Bees has some of the best natural make-up around. I prefer natural because it feels better on my skin, and isn't perfumed. Their lip tints are the best for every day casual wear when you don't want to wear full on lipstick.

2. Burt's Bees pore refining mask. This is the absolute best clay mask I've ever found that isn't high cost. This is what turned me on to Burt's Bees in the first place. Totally transforms the skin.

3. Just found the best best wax kit EVER! It's called Moom, also all-natural, not actually a wax but works the same. Comes with reusable cloth strips and the stuff is soooo easy to rinse off. Just warm water and it comes right off. For men and women, for face and body, I highly recommend it. HIGHLY.

4. Also just found an essential oil perfume that I actually like. Tunisian Opium...yummy.

5. Tea Tree Oil. You need to have this in your medicine cabinet. Especially if you spend time outdoors. I've used this for so many things for myself and children. Helps clear acne, natural antiseptic, kills skin fungus like athlete's foot, repels ticks and mosquitos (also removes ticks), put a few drops in steamy water and inhale to open airways and clear congestion ...I know there's tons more. Just about any skin or scalp condition you can think of except ones that need moisturizing.

That should hold you for a while. Got any recommendations for me?