Please tell us about yourself, Dawn…
Most importantly, I’m partial caretaker to Clementine and Winston, who just so happen to be two of the sweetest dogs in the South. Kirby, my long term boyfriend, helps out on that front. I’ve just started my final semester as an undergrad in Louisiana, and I’ll be receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in History in May (YIKES). In addition to being a full time student, I’m also a history tutor four out of five weekdays. I hope to eventually get my Master’s in Public History, since the idea of working in either a museum or a library seems both practical and awesome. However, I will probably take a year or so off before pursuing those goals to achieve smaller ones that I’ve yet to make. Most of my family lives in Mississippi, and since my parents are the best around I’d like to eventually live within driving distance of them. When I’m not studying, reading, or failing at baking sweet treats/crafting of any kind, I’m usually blogging and drinking ridiculous amounts of green or herbal tea. My friends who have seen my ever-expanding tea collection would probably say I have a problem. Speaking of friends, the few I’ve made in Louisiana are very dear to me, as are the ones back in Mississippi. We always joke about ending up on a commune together someday, and a very real part of me wants that to actually happen.
How long have you been on your all-natural path, and what inspired you to be on it?
One of my four beautiful sisters, Danielle, has always steered me in the right direction when it came to healthy living. She encouraged me to read the labels of my beauty products in my early high school years, and it is a habit I feel fortunate to have developed. Turby and John (my natural health and beauty blog) is a direct result of the curiosity she encouraged and the research that curiosity inspired. Her dietary leanings have always influenced me as well. It’s pretty safe to say that I would have never even considered buying organic produce (or—I don’t know, not eating frozen pizza daily) if she hadn’t always been there to share shocking articles and enlightening books with me. She is an inspiration in every sense of the word.
What makes you choose ‘the ANB’ and what do you like about it?
Why wouldn’t I choose the ANB?! I can’t think of a more expansive and helpful resource for all things natural health and beauty related. Between the recipes, the access to stellar brands, and the monthly giveaways, I’m pretty smitten. Additionally, the willingness of the experts to help with any question I’ve had in the past is incredibly refreshing.
Which products and/or DIY recipes have you tried from our sites and what are your favorites and why?
Shear Miracles is a brand with which I’ve been thoroughly impressed, and I actually won three of their products in an ANB monthly giveaway! The Save Your Color Leave-In Conditioning Spray, Beautiful Body Organic Body Butter, and Organic Shower Gel were all lovely additions to my daily regimen. As for DIY recipes, my hair and face are forever indebted to whoever first created the rosemary honey hair conditioner and cucumber-honey toner. I’m a big fan of honey; can you tell? 🙂
What would you tell a friend about choosing all-natural beauty products?
It has been said countless times before, but it bears repeating: When scanning ingredient lists before purchasing products, if you can’t eat it and/or can’t pronounce it, it might be wise to think twice about putting it on your skin. Why slather yourself in a science project when you can use products (homemade or otherwise) made entirely of ingredients found in nature?
Make sure to visit Dawn’s Blog, Turby and John
