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Must-Have: The Honest Life by Jessica Alba

2013 March 20
by WWGD

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Last week I was invited by The Honest Company and The Moms to attend a meet and greet with Jessica Alba at the Mondrian in Los Angeles (fun fact: I used to do the hotel’s PR) to celebrate the launch of her new book, “The Honest Life.” The afternoon event was lovely – manicures, light finger food, cocktails, and of course, a chance to chat with Jessica in-person about her new book and all things Honest.

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First, let me tell you about Jessica.

She was lovely. Very pretty, looks the same in real-life as she does in the media. Taller than I expected, though not as tall as me…as my mom kept randomly pointing out when she saw the picture above.

Smart. She is obviously very passionate about the topic of clean living and its effects on us and our kids.

Focused. She has clearly done seven million press interviews and meet and greets and knows exactly how to get her message across.

And kind. We were all on a tight schedule but she never seemed rushed or anxious to move on or impatient. We even snuck in an extra minute to talk potty training and kids’ birthday parties on the side.

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Now let me tell you about the book. It’s a great, simple, easy-to-follow guide to what Jessica calls “Honest” living, focused on home, style, beauty, parenting and food.

Each section offers some of her personal tips (my fave? She layers a natural deodorant under a regular commercial one that is packed with chemicals to create a barrier of sorts for days when she needs the extra protection), input from industry experts, key things to watch out for and/or try, and fun, glossy photos of Jessica living “honestly” at home.

It’s the kind of book you can read cover-to-cover (as I did) and then keep handy as a quick reference when you’re making your grocery list or want to find a good non-toxic lipstick to try or a VOC-free paint for your new baby’s nursery.

It is not-preachy – she admits up front that she is not a martyr of modern clean living, she just strives to do her best every day (I know that feeling) and wants to share the knowledge she has accumulated.

It is easy to read and follow. Her three main tips? Take your shoes off at the front door, open your windows as often as you can, and read labels. Figure out what you are putting into and onto your body and the little bodies you love. Easy, I tell ya.

And honestly (pun intended), it is inspiring. I put it down and spent the rest of the weekend airing out the house, making a trip to the farmer’s market and second guessing every product I came in contact with.

I think “The Honest Life” is a must-have for any modern mom (or woman, for that matter) who just wants to live a little better, a little cleaner, a little slower, a little simpler…without sacrificing style.

In a nutshell, it’s for you and me.

*not a sponsored post. I was gifted a copy of Jessica’s new book for the purposes of this review but opinions (as always) are all mine…honestly. 😉

11 Responses
  1. liz duncan permalink
    March 20, 2013

    Sounds like a good book to read and a great party to have attended:)

  2. Cat permalink
    March 20, 2013

    I love the Honest products! My son is one and we’ve used the diapers and products this whole year. Sounds like I should get the book as well! As a working mom I love that everything is shipped to you, is in adorable packaging and is better for you and the baby. Easy and safe = awesome.

    • WWGD permalink*
      March 20, 2013

      So awesome, right? I am newly obsessed with the body oil for my littles. It is a must-have, for sure. Thanks for reading!

  3. Alissa Sanderlous permalink
    March 20, 2013

    You are a brave women to have your picture taken next to Jessica Alba. She is just so flawless!! I had my picture taken with Heidi Klum years ago. I love it but it is hard to look your best next to perfection.

    • Alissa Sanderlous permalink
      March 20, 2013

      woman (not women)

      • WWGD permalink*
        March 20, 2013

        Ha ha, I don’t know how to take that…but thanks, I think?? 😉

  4. March 20, 2013

    Your review is inspiring me to read this book. I’m always interested in hearing tips and recommendations that aren’t preachy. What do you know, we take our shoes off before entering the house because it’s a Japanese tradition. Who knew I was living a semi-Honest Life. 🙂
    PS~Love that photo of the two of you.

    • WWGD permalink*
      March 21, 2013

      You should definitely check it out! It’s easy, breezy, but really has some great tidbits for us.

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