America's got talent, but Nature's got more

Did you know there is a World Tulip Summit? I didn't. By contrast, I have long been aware of the Tulip Time Festival held every May in Pella, Iowa. The tulip, by the by, is one of the sure signs of spring, so you can imagine how excited Midwestern people get about this plant's arrival and festival after a long, brow-beating winter. Accordingly, the Hawkeye State's flower festival is a powerful one, pulling in so many bloomin' souls from near and far that school buses and charter buses become about as hot as something, anything, Steve Jobs might bring to the marketplace. In fact, when I was in junior high, we had to schedule some of our end-of-year field trips with Tulip Time in mind. (This was extremely annoying to 14-year-olds who didn't give a rip about flowers.)

Though I wasn't aware of the international tulip gathering till today (thank you, pop-up ad on article about feng shui), I realize it's not surprising that tulips give rise to a world summit and an annual pilgrimage of Iowa's greener thumbs. Nature captivates and affects us in ways different from and to degrees much greater than the countless engineered creations that dominate our lives. (Landscape vs. lifescape?) While I truly appreciate and enjoy structures, architecture and the elements that adorn walls and occupy the spaces between them, I occasionally grow tired of these things. However, what lies outside of those walls in nature seldom bores and always fascinates. Now, and always really, the earth influences and inspires. Such is true for people and businesses, including our own Ecosaurus, perhaps especially during wildflower season.

Right now, the Arizona desert is in bloom. The shapes and colors of plants and cactuses are so stunning that you almost can't help feeling better, brighter and more beautiful for just gazing upon them. These eye-arresting ensembles worshipping the sky - and the good weather that nourishes them - have lured travelers to our state over the last weeks, and they're pulling residents out of their lifescapes into the landscapes of parks, preserves and neighborhoods like mine. I guess that's the nature of nature.

In closing, here are three ways to enjoy spring in the Valley:

1) Kick off your day at Chloe's Corner at Kierland Commons. The little patio - or a table just inside the open door - is the perfect perch for savoring a $.50 cup of coffee and whatever menu selection you make. Suggestions include the mushroom-spinach omelet; the yogurt, granola and berries mix; and/or a side of cranberry-walnut wheat toast.

2) Zip over to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Morning, afternoon and evening, this place offers plenty of earthy eye candy with a calming and/or romantic effect. Plus, its central location makes it easy to get to and home from. www.dbg.org

3) Pursue patio drinking or dining. There are countless great patios around town, including the one at Taggia at FireSky Resort and Spa. This destination is a client of mine and while I may be biased, my surveyed friends and colleagues agree that the outdoor dining area - which faces lush plantings and overlooks pools and fountains - is a delight day or night. The coastal Italian fare is fantastic, too. Not in the mood for Italian? Head to El Encanto in Cave Creek for amazing Mexican and a memorable sunset. ~A.F.

Moisturizing in the Desert: Say no to snake skin!

Arizona is not the best place for my skin. In fact, I don't think the desert is a ,place for humans in general. But I landed here after the Northridge earthquake in 2004, and I have learned to like it.

Body and facial moisturizers designed for the general public are not always efficient against the desert’s dry air. Before I decided to go green, I’ve tried big brands like Lancome and drugstore brands such as Nivea and Neutrogena. But when I passed the age of 30, it seemed like my skin was getting dry faster than usual. I could see it dying, and I needed to find products that kept my skin moisturized without injecting it with chemicals.

Lucky for me, Dr. Andrew Weil, who happens to be an Arizona native, has come up with a line of facial treatments for Origins. I’ve been a fan of Dr. Weil’s integrative medicine for a long time, even read some of his books, so I decided to try his products. I can honestly tell you that they are the best I’ve ever used.

Rhodiola: The creams are thick and luxurious. They leave my skin looking healthy and smooth, without any excess oil. The smell took a little time to get used to. Unlike the perfume-y chemicals added to most products, Dr. Weil's products are plant-based and smell more like medicine. However, the smell vanishes after the product gets absorbed into the skin, so no one will notice it but you.

In the morning I apply the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Serum, followed by the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream, and the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum, followed by Origins Youthtopia™ Firming eye cream (Dr. Weil doesn’t have an eye cream yet). At night I apply the same serums and eye cream from above, but change the facial cream to the Night Health™offered by Dr. Weil.

When removing makeup, I use the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads with Therapeutic Benefits. I figured that what’s good for my eyes is good for my face. These pads are very gentle and soothing; however, if you use a lot of makeup you might find them too soft and should try his Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cleanser. I use mineral-based makeup, which is very light and easy to remove.

For my body, I use The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Lotion, it feels like I just came home from the spa. In fact, if you really want to pamper yourself try The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Soak and The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Scrub. I absolutely love them, and they smell wonderful.

For more information go to www.origins.com. If you try out these products, I would love to hear what you think! ~J.S.