My now 3 year old daughter had a cold that turned into something that actually had her saying "Mommy my ear hurts". While this will seem insane (according to all my friends), this was her first ear infection/ear ache. For me this was another WOW she has an ear ache, possible infection? I don't want her going to the doctor to get some antibiotics to take. What can I do naturally?
OK, here is what I made and put in a little bottle with a dropper for her. 1 garlic clove simmered in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil just till you smell the garlic. Let it cool. Put it in a bottle with a dropper, you can buy them at a drugstore. Use it 2 or 3 times a day until gone. The garlic and the coconut oil are both anti-bacterial. It will take a few extra days to the ear infection to cure, but reallly? Not having to do anti-biotics should be worth it.
If it doesn't help at all, than by all means call a doctor. But stats show that kids ear infections, even without ANY help improvement on their own, 80% of the time.
I'm willing to be in the 20% trying to help her without any antibiotics if I can!
Till next blog.........
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
When You Can't Find A Non-Plastic Doctor Kit......
My daughter's third birthday was coming up and since she into playing in full dress-up mode I decided to get her costumes of the things she loves to play. Astronaut, chef, and of course a doctor's costume. The first two were easily done, the last not so much.
I bought the little kids doctor coat online pretty easily and once I got it I ironed on the letters so it said "Doctor Zoe". But the rest was alot more challenging.
Every doctor costume I found online included plastic parts. The doctor bags were plastic, the ones that were not plastic were terribly shabby stitched bags. Almost all of the things that went inside the doctor bags were plastic replica's of what should be in a doctor bag. The pill bottles, the stethescope, etc.
This was not working for me being that I am so anti-plastic. I don't want an extra dose of BPA in my house to let my kid play doctor. So I decided I could do this myself somehow.
My husband travels and I was in the bathroom and saw his travel case for his toiletries and thought, THAT'S IT!!! It looks like an old-time doctor bag. It just needed some handles.
I went to my local TJ Maxx and bought a case for $6. I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought leather purse straps and the needles to stitch through them. (you will need leather needles)
To cover up the Nike symbol on the side and make it look more doctor-like I stitched a piece of white fabric and ironed a couple of crossing I's to make a medic patch.
I headed to my local drug store and bought cloth medical masks and gauze bandages, along with some bandaids. I also found an actual stethescope on Amazon.com. YES!!!!
I think it came out really well and she loves it. I took out the plastic factor and I feel great about her playing with it. She has even helped "fix" my toe when I cut it, which required a ton of bandaids and a check of the heartbeat!
Till Next Blog.........
I bought the little kids doctor coat online pretty easily and once I got it I ironed on the letters so it said "Doctor Zoe". But the rest was alot more challenging.
Every doctor costume I found online included plastic parts. The doctor bags were plastic, the ones that were not plastic were terribly shabby stitched bags. Almost all of the things that went inside the doctor bags were plastic replica's of what should be in a doctor bag. The pill bottles, the stethescope, etc.
This was not working for me being that I am so anti-plastic. I don't want an extra dose of BPA in my house to let my kid play doctor. So I decided I could do this myself somehow.
My husband travels and I was in the bathroom and saw his travel case for his toiletries and thought, THAT'S IT!!! It looks like an old-time doctor bag. It just needed some handles.
I went to my local TJ Maxx and bought a case for $6. I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought leather purse straps and the needles to stitch through them. (you will need leather needles)
To cover up the Nike symbol on the side and make it look more doctor-like I stitched a piece of white fabric and ironed a couple of crossing I's to make a medic patch.
I headed to my local drug store and bought cloth medical masks and gauze bandages, along with some bandaids. I also found an actual stethescope on Amazon.com. YES!!!!
I think it came out really well and she loves it. I took out the plastic factor and I feel great about her playing with it. She has even helped "fix" my toe when I cut it, which required a ton of bandaids and a check of the heartbeat!
Till Next Blog.........
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Making My Own Butter!!!
As Thanksgiving approaches tomorrow I decided to try something new. I decided to make my own butter for my turkey this year. I know you are thinking what I did when this thought came into my head, WHY? Why would I do this when Organic butter is in every store? Well, quite honestly because I wanted to see if I could. I also wanted to see what the flavor difference would be.
I bought extra Organic heavy whipping cream, set up my mixer and got ready for butter. I put the mixer on high and after about 3 minutes it was whipped topping. I kept going until the mixture started to separate. I couldn't believe it! It really happened. The liquid and solids really separated.
I strained the solids and put them into cheese cloth and squeezed the rest of the liquid out. TADA, butter!
After showing them, actually dancing them, across the house to show my husband, he called me Laura Engals. I think he actually said, "Little House on the Prairie Called....."
It came out delicious! I even went a step farther to get some thyme and sage from the garden and add them in to it so that I can rub down my turkey tomorrow with it.
This was one of the easiest things to make. I will be making my own butter from here on.
Till Next Blog.....
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I bought extra Organic heavy whipping cream, set up my mixer and got ready for butter. I put the mixer on high and after about 3 minutes it was whipped topping. I kept going until the mixture started to separate. I couldn't believe it! It really happened. The liquid and solids really separated.
I strained the solids and put them into cheese cloth and squeezed the rest of the liquid out. TADA, butter!
After showing them, actually dancing them, across the house to show my husband, he called me Laura Engals. I think he actually said, "Little House on the Prairie Called....."
It came out delicious! I even went a step farther to get some thyme and sage from the garden and add them in to it so that I can rub down my turkey tomorrow with it.
This was one of the easiest things to make. I will be making my own butter from here on.
Till Next Blog.....
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Burlap Veggie Keepers For LESS
Having our backyard organic garden is wonderful. I love being able to grow our own food! I also want to make sure that the food I grow will be usable as long as possible.
I had been looking into buying burlap bags to store my potatoes, onions and even carrots to help them last. They were alot more expensive then I thought they would be so.....I decided to do it myself. I had seen these wonderful wire baskets with the burlap liners in them in a gardening catalog and I decided to try to make those.
I used a 2 shelf wire shelf/basket. You can get them at Target, Walmart or even check your local dollar store. The burlap I got from Joann's Fabrics, which if your Sunday paper is like ours, there is a 60% off coupon every week.
I cut and attached the burlap to the wire basket with upholstery thread, leaving a good amount to run across the top and cover as many veggies as I could put in it. It came out great!!! It was sooooo much cheaper and now I can store the wonderful things from the garden in a dark cabinet in burlap that will keep them for months! Hurray!
Give it a shot. Even if you don't have your own organic garden, it will keep your grocery store potatoes, onions and carrots fresher longer (store each veggie in it's own group). And we all know how expensive buying organic is!
*for carrots I read that putting damp sand or sawdust in layers will keep them fresh
Till Next Blog................
I had been looking into buying burlap bags to store my potatoes, onions and even carrots to help them last. They were alot more expensive then I thought they would be so.....I decided to do it myself. I had seen these wonderful wire baskets with the burlap liners in them in a gardening catalog and I decided to try to make those.
I used a 2 shelf wire shelf/basket. You can get them at Target, Walmart or even check your local dollar store. The burlap I got from Joann's Fabrics, which if your Sunday paper is like ours, there is a 60% off coupon every week.
I cut and attached the burlap to the wire basket with upholstery thread, leaving a good amount to run across the top and cover as many veggies as I could put in it. It came out great!!! It was sooooo much cheaper and now I can store the wonderful things from the garden in a dark cabinet in burlap that will keep them for months! Hurray!
Give it a shot. Even if you don't have your own organic garden, it will keep your grocery store potatoes, onions and carrots fresher longer (store each veggie in it's own group). And we all know how expensive buying organic is!
*for carrots I read that putting damp sand or sawdust in layers will keep them fresh
Till Next Blog................
Thursday, November 8, 2012
My Daughter's First Stitches, The Meds Have WHAT???
We had gone to Chicago for a family emergency last week. While we waited in the family waiting area my daughter decided to listen to her cousin and stand in the back of a big Tonka truck. The result was us booking it to the emergency room of that hospital for the gash under her chin.
When they got us in the examination room the nurse said she was going to get my daughter some Motrin for the pain. I told her that she has never taken anything like that in her 2+ years. Then I saw her dispensing it. It was red so I knew it was the Motrin with artificial color and flavoring. I asked her if they had the clear Motrin (dye and flavor free) and she said "no, why is she allergic?". I told her that I don't like her to have dyes and artificial flavors. So the result was my daughter not getting the Motrin.
Then when the doctor came in she told us that they would not be able to use numbing cream on the wound before stitches because the same manufacturer of the cream also made the spinal shots that caused a meningitis outbreak and all their products were recalled! Seriously!
Watching my daughter gets the shots to numb her killed me! Hearing her crying "Ouch Please stop" was so awful. But she made it through like a champ.
I walked away from this experience so blown away. How did the hospital not have a clear Motrin? I cannot be the only parent that knows that regular Motrin contains High Fructose Corn Syrup (GMO) and Red Dye 40 (cancer causing). This is a hospital for Pete's sake. They should have a safer option, OHHHH wait! That's right, they are basically making money hand over fist by pushing those products on us. After all, the sicker we all get the more money they keep making off of us. They can't stay in business if we are all healthy and don't need them.
Thankfully, my daughter is doing great. The stitches are out and I am applying Emu oil on the wound to keep it from scaring. She was my brave little girl and still has never had Motrin. I think I will keep it that way!
Till Next Blog....
When they got us in the examination room the nurse said she was going to get my daughter some Motrin for the pain. I told her that she has never taken anything like that in her 2+ years. Then I saw her dispensing it. It was red so I knew it was the Motrin with artificial color and flavoring. I asked her if they had the clear Motrin (dye and flavor free) and she said "no, why is she allergic?". I told her that I don't like her to have dyes and artificial flavors. So the result was my daughter not getting the Motrin.
Then when the doctor came in she told us that they would not be able to use numbing cream on the wound before stitches because the same manufacturer of the cream also made the spinal shots that caused a meningitis outbreak and all their products were recalled! Seriously!
Watching my daughter gets the shots to numb her killed me! Hearing her crying "Ouch Please stop" was so awful. But she made it through like a champ.
I walked away from this experience so blown away. How did the hospital not have a clear Motrin? I cannot be the only parent that knows that regular Motrin contains High Fructose Corn Syrup (GMO) and Red Dye 40 (cancer causing). This is a hospital for Pete's sake. They should have a safer option, OHHHH wait! That's right, they are basically making money hand over fist by pushing those products on us. After all, the sicker we all get the more money they keep making off of us. They can't stay in business if we are all healthy and don't need them.
Thankfully, my daughter is doing great. The stitches are out and I am applying Emu oil on the wound to keep it from scaring. She was my brave little girl and still has never had Motrin. I think I will keep it that way!
Till Next Blog....
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Halloween Bait and Switch!
We ended up in Chicago for Halloween for a family emergency. To which my two year old asked "Mommy do they trick or treat there?" in horror as she worried about whether or not she could be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz in Chicago.
I had already planned on the "bait and switch" with my daughter's Halloween candy before we got the call to head to Chicago for the family emergency. So I definitely took my treats with me.
I found a great alternative to the crap that is handed out on Halloween. The lollipops I found are Organic, contain no artificial dyes, no corn syrup, no artificial flavors. They are by Yummy Earth yummyearth.com . They are seriously delicious!! I tried one to make sure before she had one and YUM!
So Yes I did. I was THAT Mommy that gave her one before we started to Trick or Treat.....so having already reeled her in I knew it would be easy to switch up the crap candy she would get while Trick or Treating with the Lollipops I bought. She loved them and never even thought she was missing out.
Yes, I did get grief for bringing them up there and doing it, but I don't care. My daughter did not have anything with Corn Syrup (GMO), artificial dyes (cancer), or artificial flavors (who knows).
I am proud to be THAT Mommy. I am not trying to fit in, I am trying to do the best I can by my daughter no matter what the holiday is! Does it make me a freak, maybe? Do I care? no way!
Till next Blog.....
I had already planned on the "bait and switch" with my daughter's Halloween candy before we got the call to head to Chicago for the family emergency. So I definitely took my treats with me.
I found a great alternative to the crap that is handed out on Halloween. The lollipops I found are Organic, contain no artificial dyes, no corn syrup, no artificial flavors. They are by Yummy Earth yummyearth.com . They are seriously delicious!! I tried one to make sure before she had one and YUM!
So Yes I did. I was THAT Mommy that gave her one before we started to Trick or Treat.....so having already reeled her in I knew it would be easy to switch up the crap candy she would get while Trick or Treating with the Lollipops I bought. She loved them and never even thought she was missing out.
Yes, I did get grief for bringing them up there and doing it, but I don't care. My daughter did not have anything with Corn Syrup (GMO), artificial dyes (cancer), or artificial flavors (who knows).
I am proud to be THAT Mommy. I am not trying to fit in, I am trying to do the best I can by my daughter no matter what the holiday is! Does it make me a freak, maybe? Do I care? no way!
Till next Blog.....
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Organic Not Better? What The??
I saw an article yesterday from the Baltimore Sun that said organic may not provide the added health benefit we think it does. That the "researchers" (I use that term loosely) don't have any evidence that long term exposure to pesticides on food causes health problems.
Are they kidding?????
And the best is that the Academy of Pediatrics, the same people who don't see any negative health effects from all the nasty ingredients in immunizations, are backing this up.
This actually blew me away as I was reading it. Are they really trying to now convince the public that eating a diet of organic foods not treated with pesticides or fed nasty fertilizers isn't a healthier way to eat? Especially for our children who's young systems and growing brains are susceptible to these types of chemicals.
I'm not sure where the "research" came from in this latest "study". My guess would be Monsanto, or the non-organic food industry trying to convince us that it's ok to eat their product.
I know that I have a giant organic garden in my backyard and what I can't grow I buy organic. The dairy products I buy are organic and hormone free, my meats and eggs come from a local organic farm (my Thanksgiving turkey is growing right now!), and I wouldn't change that for anything! My family is incredibly healthy and I would never be willing to "see what would happen" if we changed to buying commercial produce and products filled with chemicals.
All you have to do is look around at all the little girls going into puberty way to young and all the kids with more health problems these days than ever before to see there is a problem.
Keep buying organic and non GMO for the health and safety of your family. I for one am not buying into this latest attempt to convince us otherwise.
Till Next Blog.......
Are they kidding?????
And the best is that the Academy of Pediatrics, the same people who don't see any negative health effects from all the nasty ingredients in immunizations, are backing this up.
This actually blew me away as I was reading it. Are they really trying to now convince the public that eating a diet of organic foods not treated with pesticides or fed nasty fertilizers isn't a healthier way to eat? Especially for our children who's young systems and growing brains are susceptible to these types of chemicals.
I'm not sure where the "research" came from in this latest "study". My guess would be Monsanto, or the non-organic food industry trying to convince us that it's ok to eat their product.
I know that I have a giant organic garden in my backyard and what I can't grow I buy organic. The dairy products I buy are organic and hormone free, my meats and eggs come from a local organic farm (my Thanksgiving turkey is growing right now!), and I wouldn't change that for anything! My family is incredibly healthy and I would never be willing to "see what would happen" if we changed to buying commercial produce and products filled with chemicals.
All you have to do is look around at all the little girls going into puberty way to young and all the kids with more health problems these days than ever before to see there is a problem.
Keep buying organic and non GMO for the health and safety of your family. I for one am not buying into this latest attempt to convince us otherwise.
Till Next Blog.......
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Daughter's First Bee Sting Cure
We have a pretty large organic garden in the back yard and have since we bought the house when my daughter was a baby. She has always understood that the bees in the backyard are good since they pollinate and help our garden grow.
Well, tonight she was on the patio and I went outside to check on her and she was standing with her face against the glass door. When I asked her what was wrong she stated to cry her eyes out. She said a bee had stung her on the finger. This was the first bee bite of her 2 years.
I took her inside and immediately make a thick paste of baking soda and water. I use it for everything so I figured "why not". The paste worked like a charm. It make the stinger come out and took her pain away. YAY!
As my daughter started crying again, I asked her if she was still in pain and she said no. Then she said, "Mommy why did the bee that pollinates our garden sting me, it hurt my feelings". I love that kid!!!
So I have found yet another great use for the non-toxic baking soda I love.
Till next blog......
Well, tonight she was on the patio and I went outside to check on her and she was standing with her face against the glass door. When I asked her what was wrong she stated to cry her eyes out. She said a bee had stung her on the finger. This was the first bee bite of her 2 years.
I took her inside and immediately make a thick paste of baking soda and water. I use it for everything so I figured "why not". The paste worked like a charm. It make the stinger come out and took her pain away. YAY!
As my daughter started crying again, I asked her if she was still in pain and she said no. Then she said, "Mommy why did the bee that pollinates our garden sting me, it hurt my feelings". I love that kid!!!
So I have found yet another great use for the non-toxic baking soda I love.
Till next blog......
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Things I Never Thought To Clean Before
The other day as I was cleaning the house, with vinegar and baking soda of course, when it occurred to me as I was cleaning the sink.....how does the sink drain and stopper get cleaned? I had never done it and I am sure it needed it.
I decided to go get one of my extra bottle brushes and give it a shot. I poured some vinegar in the drain then put some baking soda on the brush and started to scrub the inside of the stopper and the inside of the drain.
EWWWWW. I was mortified. There was so much black gross stuff coming out. This nastiness had been living in the drain that we wash our faces and brush our teeth!
I went through the house brush in hand cleaning all the sinks! It was disgusting.
I had never thought about cleaning it out before but something just struck me that all the water that goes through there must create some mold like the shower tile can. Now it is a part of my cleaning routine and I will never let it build up like that again. When was the last time you cleaned yours???
Give it a shot and see.
Till Next Blog...............
I decided to go get one of my extra bottle brushes and give it a shot. I poured some vinegar in the drain then put some baking soda on the brush and started to scrub the inside of the stopper and the inside of the drain.
EWWWWW. I was mortified. There was so much black gross stuff coming out. This nastiness had been living in the drain that we wash our faces and brush our teeth!
I went through the house brush in hand cleaning all the sinks! It was disgusting.
I had never thought about cleaning it out before but something just struck me that all the water that goes through there must create some mold like the shower tile can. Now it is a part of my cleaning routine and I will never let it build up like that again. When was the last time you cleaned yours???
Give it a shot and see.
Till Next Blog...............
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Great BPA Free Kids Toothbrush
I have tried several different BPA free kids toothbrushes for my 2 year old. Some are ok and some are really hard for her to use since they are either too hard or the shape was hard for her little hands to work right.
I then decided to try the Preserve Kids Toothbrush after reading about them. The Preserve Plastic™ is BPA and phthalate-free. Made in the USA! They soft bristles and the handle has a great shape that is so good for little hands to use. And they give a percentage of the sales to the National Wildlife Federation.
My daughter loves the animals featured on the packaging. So far it has been the easiest toothbrush for her to use!
www.preserveproducts.com
Till Next Blog......
I then decided to try the Preserve Kids Toothbrush after reading about them. The Preserve Plastic™ is BPA and phthalate-free. Made in the USA! They soft bristles and the handle has a great shape that is so good for little hands to use. And they give a percentage of the sales to the National Wildlife Federation.
My daughter loves the animals featured on the packaging. So far it has been the easiest toothbrush for her to use!
Till Next Blog......
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning is out
The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Guide to Healthy Cleaning is out. In my house I use vinegar and baking soda with lemon juice for nearly everything. This guide will help you make decisions on what cleaners are safer than other to use in your home.
http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners
http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners
Friday, August 31, 2012
BPA Free Yummy Canned Tuna
My husband loves a good tuna sandwich. So I had to find one that is BPA free canned. BPA mimics estrogen in your body and is thought to disrupt hormone function. BPA is linked to a host of potential health problems, from fertility problems to developmental delays in kids to cancer.
I had been buying Wild Planet's canned tuna. It is a great tuna that is BPA free canned and sustainably caught. One day I ran out and instead of driving the 30 minutes to get to my local Whole Foods I went down to the Nutrition Smart down the road. The Wild Planet tuna was there, but there was also another brand there. It was also BPA free canned without extenders or additives. It was also alot less expensive than Wild Planet so I decided to give it a shot. The have several different types like the chunk light tuna, tongol, and albacore.
YUM! It was delicious. Cheaper, safe and delicious. It is Natural Sea www.naturalsea.com.
I had been buying Wild Planet's canned tuna. It is a great tuna that is BPA free canned and sustainably caught. One day I ran out and instead of driving the 30 minutes to get to my local Whole Foods I went down to the Nutrition Smart down the road. The Wild Planet tuna was there, but there was also another brand there. It was also BPA free canned without extenders or additives. It was also alot less expensive than Wild Planet so I decided to give it a shot. The have several different types like the chunk light tuna, tongol, and albacore.
YUM! It was delicious. Cheaper, safe and delicious. It is Natural Sea www.naturalsea.com.
Give it a shot and see what you think.
Till Next Blog..............
Sunday, August 26, 2012
My Daughter has Chicken Pox, Bring on the Natural Treatments!
Five days ago my daughter had a fever of 102.5 that lasted about 6 hours and was gone. Immediately I was suspicious. She has had a couple fevers in her 2 1/2 years, but they normally last a couple days. This one came and went quickly and I had this horrible feeling something else was coming.
She woke up in the morning with a couple red bumps which I assumed were bug bites. Boy was I wrong. As the day progressed those couple red spots multiplied. She had some on her face, her arms, hands and feet. Even in between her toes! The poor thing was itching like crazy. OMG the Chicken Pox!!!
In one way I felt thrilled!! YES, let's get them out of the way and she will have a natural immunity to them. The other was my poor miserable child and I had to help her feel better. But what to use? What would be safe?
So let's get to what's on the market that you are "supposed" to use on chicken pox. Calamine. Well, when you read the back of this there is Calamine 8%, Zinc Oxide 8%. So what's in the rest? What is the other 84% consisting of? And the Zinc Oxide, is it the non-nano uncoated like the one that is safe that is in my daughter's sunscreen? Then there is the Caladryl. It contains calamine 8%, pramoxine HCI 1%. But here comes the fun part, it also contains fragrance, polysorbate-80, propylparaben, methylparaben. Hmmm. So it contains cancer causing, hormone disrupting ingredients and I am supposed to apply this to my 2 1/2 year olds open wounds? I don't think so!!!!
So being the Green Mommy I am I had to find another way. I had to find a non-toxic way to help my child.
I read about the benefits of drinking water with some lemon juice (organic of course) added to help with chicken pox. It balances the PH of the body which helps with the sores from the inside. So I started to add a little to her sippy. She loves lemons so that was helpful. I swear the sores started to look less red.
Then of course there is the soothing baths. I gave her oatmeal baths and also apple cider vinegar baths. I love Braggs Organic Apple Cider vinegar, with "the Mother". I actually drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of it every day for health benefits so I thought why not try it for this. Add a cup of either and let them sit in it. It will totally help with the "itchies" and the apple cider vinegar will help the skin start healing.
I then started to apply the organic Coconut Oil that I use for EVERYTHING to her skin. I would just slather her down with it. Coconut oil is an anti-microbial so I thought why not? What do I have to loose.
As my daughter sat in her bath on the third night I saw that there were literally about 60 tiny red spots. I could think the warmth of the bath made them show. I thought "My God here comes another round and it looks awful". So after her bath I slathered her down with coconut oil from head to toe. I was just waiting for the misery as the bumps came in.
That night there was no crying because of "itchies", which I was totally expecting after the sight in the tub. In the morning there was not one red bump from the night before that had flared up on her legs. NOT ONE! I swear. I was stunned!
The original bumps that came in on day one were the ONLY ones that appeared. I was THRILLED!!! Is this really all that is going to happen? Is this really all there was to it?
Now five days later the spots are literally disappearing. The worst of her spots is on her foot and it is healing nicely. There doesn't appear to be anything that will scar, however I purchased Emu oil which is supposed to be a great scar reducing in case anything needs it.
It's funny, I had chicken pox as a child like everyone else did. These days we are all told how "dangerous" it is and that you should get the vaccine to make sure you child is safe. I am so much happier that I went this route and, like me, allow my child to get the disease. And using the products I did, it wasn't so terrible. My daughter survived the chicken pox and did it with as little pain and misery as possible!
Till Next Blog........
She woke up in the morning with a couple red bumps which I assumed were bug bites. Boy was I wrong. As the day progressed those couple red spots multiplied. She had some on her face, her arms, hands and feet. Even in between her toes! The poor thing was itching like crazy. OMG the Chicken Pox!!!
In one way I felt thrilled!! YES, let's get them out of the way and she will have a natural immunity to them. The other was my poor miserable child and I had to help her feel better. But what to use? What would be safe?
So let's get to what's on the market that you are "supposed" to use on chicken pox. Calamine. Well, when you read the back of this there is Calamine 8%, Zinc Oxide 8%. So what's in the rest? What is the other 84% consisting of? And the Zinc Oxide, is it the non-nano uncoated like the one that is safe that is in my daughter's sunscreen? Then there is the Caladryl. It contains calamine 8%, pramoxine HCI 1%. But here comes the fun part, it also contains fragrance, polysorbate-80, propylparaben, methylparaben. Hmmm. So it contains cancer causing, hormone disrupting ingredients and I am supposed to apply this to my 2 1/2 year olds open wounds? I don't think so!!!!
So being the Green Mommy I am I had to find another way. I had to find a non-toxic way to help my child.
I read about the benefits of drinking water with some lemon juice (organic of course) added to help with chicken pox. It balances the PH of the body which helps with the sores from the inside. So I started to add a little to her sippy. She loves lemons so that was helpful. I swear the sores started to look less red.
Then of course there is the soothing baths. I gave her oatmeal baths and also apple cider vinegar baths. I love Braggs Organic Apple Cider vinegar, with "the Mother". I actually drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of it every day for health benefits so I thought why not try it for this. Add a cup of either and let them sit in it. It will totally help with the "itchies" and the apple cider vinegar will help the skin start healing.
I then started to apply the organic Coconut Oil that I use for EVERYTHING to her skin. I would just slather her down with it. Coconut oil is an anti-microbial so I thought why not? What do I have to loose.
As my daughter sat in her bath on the third night I saw that there were literally about 60 tiny red spots. I could think the warmth of the bath made them show. I thought "My God here comes another round and it looks awful". So after her bath I slathered her down with coconut oil from head to toe. I was just waiting for the misery as the bumps came in.
That night there was no crying because of "itchies", which I was totally expecting after the sight in the tub. In the morning there was not one red bump from the night before that had flared up on her legs. NOT ONE! I swear. I was stunned!
The original bumps that came in on day one were the ONLY ones that appeared. I was THRILLED!!! Is this really all that is going to happen? Is this really all there was to it?
Now five days later the spots are literally disappearing. The worst of her spots is on her foot and it is healing nicely. There doesn't appear to be anything that will scar, however I purchased Emu oil which is supposed to be a great scar reducing in case anything needs it.
It's funny, I had chicken pox as a child like everyone else did. These days we are all told how "dangerous" it is and that you should get the vaccine to make sure you child is safe. I am so much happier that I went this route and, like me, allow my child to get the disease. And using the products I did, it wasn't so terrible. My daughter survived the chicken pox and did it with as little pain and misery as possible!
Till Next Blog........
Friday, August 17, 2012
Being A Green Mom Isn't Easy
My in-laws were in town this week. Which is alot of pressure. I am a second wife in my situation and being as green as I am I always have this feeling that they think I am a little insane.
My milk is raw, the cheese in my house is raw or organic, cream cheese is RBGH free, the meats I cooked were from a local farm grass-fed and hormone free, I make my own pasta and bread from organic non-bleached products, I make my own laundry detergent and clean my house with vinegar and baking soda. Is that so odd? hahahaha
My mother-in-law was a little taken aback coming into my house this visit. Every time we would go visit her I would bring my organic ways, but this time she got the whole picture. YES I am that green! And I wouldn't do it any other way
Till Next blog.....
My milk is raw, the cheese in my house is raw or organic, cream cheese is RBGH free, the meats I cooked were from a local farm grass-fed and hormone free, I make my own pasta and bread from organic non-bleached products, I make my own laundry detergent and clean my house with vinegar and baking soda. Is that so odd? hahahaha
My mother-in-law was a little taken aback coming into my house this visit. Every time we would go visit her I would bring my organic ways, but this time she got the whole picture. YES I am that green! And I wouldn't do it any other way
Till Next blog.....
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Easy Hardwood Floor Saver for Toys
We recently changed the floors in our house to include beautiful hardwood floors. Which I LOVE.
As the floors were being installed my daughter was going through the other part of the house with her doll's stroller. The installer said do not let her use that on the floors or it will scratch them up. Arghh! She loves the stroller, so I had to find a solution. She was getting frustrated at only being able to have the stroller on the kitchen tile and not being able to access half the house.
I went to Michaels Craft Store and found sticky back felt. I cut the felt into the right size for each wheel and wrapped them. Tada!! It's not the most attractive thing in the world but it solved the problem and now she can take her babies in her stroller everywhere.
And at $.99 a sheet, it was alot cheaper that having to have the floors re-finished from all the scratches!!
Till Next Blog.....
As the floors were being installed my daughter was going through the other part of the house with her doll's stroller. The installer said do not let her use that on the floors or it will scratch them up. Arghh! She loves the stroller, so I had to find a solution. She was getting frustrated at only being able to have the stroller on the kitchen tile and not being able to access half the house.
I went to Michaels Craft Store and found sticky back felt. I cut the felt into the right size for each wheel and wrapped them. Tada!! It's not the most attractive thing in the world but it solved the problem and now she can take her babies in her stroller everywhere.
And at $.99 a sheet, it was alot cheaper that having to have the floors re-finished from all the scratches!!
Till Next Blog.....
Friday, August 3, 2012
A Safe Non-Chlorine Bleach That Actually Works!
If you have read my other blogs you know that I make my own laundry detergent, which I LOVE! It honestly cleans and softens better than any non-toxic detergent on the market.
There are however some stains that need a little more work. Some I can spray with vinegar, like my husbands underarms stains, and it works like a charm. But then there are the ones my daughter manages to come up with that don't budge.
I have been trying every "non-toxic" bleach product on the market to try to find one that does what it says. Nothing impressed me until now.
Ecover Non-Chlorine Laundry Bleach powder.
Ingredients: 100% percarbonate, which is composed of salt, limestone and oxygenated water. Percarbonate is the most ecological bleach except for sunshine. Safe for all rivers and marine life.
I did not have a lot of hope since everything else I had tried so far did not do the job. But this one was so different. It got out stains great! It even got out a stain that was in my daughter's baby clothes that had been packed away for a year that I was loaning out.
I still use vinegar on everything I can. But now I know if the vinegar doesn't do it I can use something that is safe for the environment and my family, but also works very well.
There are however some stains that need a little more work. Some I can spray with vinegar, like my husbands underarms stains, and it works like a charm. But then there are the ones my daughter manages to come up with that don't budge.
I have been trying every "non-toxic" bleach product on the market to try to find one that does what it says. Nothing impressed me until now.
Ecover Non-Chlorine Laundry Bleach powder.
Ingredients: 100% percarbonate, which is composed of salt, limestone and oxygenated water. Percarbonate is the most ecological bleach except for sunshine. Safe for all rivers and marine life.
I did not have a lot of hope since everything else I had tried so far did not do the job. But this one was so different. It got out stains great! It even got out a stain that was in my daughter's baby clothes that had been packed away for a year that I was loaning out.
I still use vinegar on everything I can. But now I know if the vinegar doesn't do it I can use something that is safe for the environment and my family, but also works very well.
Till Next Blog.................
Monday, July 23, 2012
Finally A Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent I Love!
In my quest to find a non-toxic dishwasher detergent that works I feel like I have used every brand and product on the market. I have used the big name brands all the way down to the obscure.
I discovered that most of them leave a weird white coating over my plates and glasses that is a nightmare to get off, and really defeats the purpose of using the dishwasher! One of the brands I used actually removed the etching off of my glasses. Arghhh. And this was with the air dry feature on my washer.
I was so frustrated and about to give up and just start washing everything by hand, and then I decided to try one last brand....Wave Dishwasher Gel Free and Clear by Earth Friendly Products.
I really wasn't expecting much except to have to once again wash off the white coating, but...
Finally!!! A non-toxic product that did not leave a white layer on my dishes and actually really, really cleaned everything. YES!
The ingredients: Purified water, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, biodegradable low foam surfactant, enzymes. Made of replenishable/sustainable ingredients.
It is free of phosphates, chlorine, DEA and petroleum ingredients. Contains no bleach or bleaching agents.
Safe, non-toxic, non-polluting and it really cleans dishes.
Whew, now I don't have to resort to had washing all the dishes.
Give it a try, you'll be surprised! I was
Till Next blog......
I discovered that most of them leave a weird white coating over my plates and glasses that is a nightmare to get off, and really defeats the purpose of using the dishwasher! One of the brands I used actually removed the etching off of my glasses. Arghhh. And this was with the air dry feature on my washer.
I was so frustrated and about to give up and just start washing everything by hand, and then I decided to try one last brand....Wave Dishwasher Gel Free and Clear by Earth Friendly Products.
I really wasn't expecting much except to have to once again wash off the white coating, but...
Finally!!! A non-toxic product that did not leave a white layer on my dishes and actually really, really cleaned everything. YES!
The ingredients: Purified water, sodium citrate, xanthan gum, biodegradable low foam surfactant, enzymes. Made of replenishable/sustainable ingredients.
It is free of phosphates, chlorine, DEA and petroleum ingredients. Contains no bleach or bleaching agents.
Safe, non-toxic, non-polluting and it really cleans dishes.
Whew, now I don't have to resort to had washing all the dishes.
Till Next blog......
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
All No VOC Paint Is Not The Same
It has been a crazy month here. We had 4 sinkholes on each corner of our house and finally have had the repairs to the house done.
During this whole process I have been driving the contractors crazy with what they can and cannot use in our home. I did not want toxic products used that would have lingering effects on my family.
I clearly was the ONLY person they had ever encountered like me. Which made me wonder why more people don't ask the questions and tell them what to use. It my house after all, and I am paying them to do the work so why not have a safety input to what can be used.
One of the the things they had to use that I would not bend on was a no VOC paint. I do not want the chemicals from paint sitting in my walls affecting my families breathing, especially my 2 year old.
We had used the Benjamin Moore Natura line, which is there no VOC paint, and had great results when we had painted my daughters room a few years ago. I thought it would be the same with the contractors. Boy was I wrong.
They decided to use the Sherwin Williams no VOC paint.
The paint seemed fine until the areas in our house that they used a nail hole filler and painted over it had shiny spots. Our painter painted a second coat, same. He painted a 3rd coat, same.
He contacted the Sherwin Williams Rep and was told "yea we have been getting complaints about that from people". To which he told them, in some fashion, that it would have been nice to know before painting a clients whole house in it.
When we used the Benjamin Moore Natura line for my daughter's room we did the same thing as this paint, color match. So no that is not an excuse.
It actually took our painter sanding down the shiny spots and painting yet another coat to make the spots less shiny, to which my husband and I said ok that's enough.
We have never had a problem with our Benjamin Moore natura paint. I actually told my painter if they couldn't get it right to go buy that and use it.
I demand no VOC, but it also has to perform as well as anything else out there.
Apparently not all non VOC paint are alike, so beware!!.
Till next blog.......
During this whole process I have been driving the contractors crazy with what they can and cannot use in our home. I did not want toxic products used that would have lingering effects on my family.
I clearly was the ONLY person they had ever encountered like me. Which made me wonder why more people don't ask the questions and tell them what to use. It my house after all, and I am paying them to do the work so why not have a safety input to what can be used.
One of the the things they had to use that I would not bend on was a no VOC paint. I do not want the chemicals from paint sitting in my walls affecting my families breathing, especially my 2 year old.
We had used the Benjamin Moore Natura line, which is there no VOC paint, and had great results when we had painted my daughters room a few years ago. I thought it would be the same with the contractors. Boy was I wrong.
They decided to use the Sherwin Williams no VOC paint.
The paint seemed fine until the areas in our house that they used a nail hole filler and painted over it had shiny spots. Our painter painted a second coat, same. He painted a 3rd coat, same.
He contacted the Sherwin Williams Rep and was told "yea we have been getting complaints about that from people". To which he told them, in some fashion, that it would have been nice to know before painting a clients whole house in it.
When we used the Benjamin Moore Natura line for my daughter's room we did the same thing as this paint, color match. So no that is not an excuse.
It actually took our painter sanding down the shiny spots and painting yet another coat to make the spots less shiny, to which my husband and I said ok that's enough.
We have never had a problem with our Benjamin Moore natura paint. I actually told my painter if they couldn't get it right to go buy that and use it.
I demand no VOC, but it also has to perform as well as anything else out there.
Apparently not all non VOC paint are alike, so beware!!.
Till next blog.......
Sunday, June 17, 2012
My First Time Making Laundry Detergent
I have honestly tried every "non toxic" laundry detergent on the market. Some are ok, some I wasn't thrilled with the way my clothes felt and some seamed like they didn't clean the clothes at all.
This mixed with the price that goes along with these products I thought why not just make it myself. If it doesn't go well I could always go back.
After doing alot of research I decided that I would go the powder route. The liquid detergent making just seemed a little more difficult than I was willing to try my first time.
I bought my ingredients: 20 Mule Team Borax, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, Dr. Bronner's Castille Bar Soap (unscented), and Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap Liquid in Peppermint.
The hardest part of the was shredding the bar soap. I used my cheese grater on the fine side so I would be able to shred the soap as small as possible. Once the soap is all shredded it will look like grated parmesan.
I then added 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of the washing soda. I mixed them all together very well put them in a container and TADA! laundry detergent.
But the real test was how well it would clean my clothes.
I put two teaspoons of the "detergent" into the drawer of my front loader washing machine where detergent goes, I put a 1/2 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener area and I put a half tablespoon of the Dr. Bronner's liquid soap in with the clothes. I put the machine on a cycle that included prewash and let it go.
As I took the clothes out after the cycle they had a slight nice pepperminty smell. Once I took them out of the dryer (I only use wool dryer balls, no dryer sheets) the clothes were clean and soft!! Really soft.
I have now done about 10 loads of laundry with this combination with the same results. I LOVE IT!
It was really easy to make, except for the grating of the soap, and will end up being much cheaper than all the other products I have tried. My clothes also feel softer than they have in a long time.
I did research on borax and discovered that the toxicity of it very minimal. One of the articles I read compares it to the toxicity of table salt. Plus the amount being used is small that it really didn't concern me. It's definitely safer than the chemicals "regular" laundry detergent has.
So there you have it! My homemade laundry detergent. Give it a shot, you will be surprised how easy, and cheap it is. And there is something so satisfying about doing it yourself.
I for one am never going back to commercial "non-toxic" detergents again!
Till next blog.....
This mixed with the price that goes along with these products I thought why not just make it myself. If it doesn't go well I could always go back.
After doing alot of research I decided that I would go the powder route. The liquid detergent making just seemed a little more difficult than I was willing to try my first time.
I bought my ingredients: 20 Mule Team Borax, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, Dr. Bronner's Castille Bar Soap (unscented), and Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap Liquid in Peppermint.
The hardest part of the was shredding the bar soap. I used my cheese grater on the fine side so I would be able to shred the soap as small as possible. Once the soap is all shredded it will look like grated parmesan.
I then added 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of the washing soda. I mixed them all together very well put them in a container and TADA! laundry detergent.
But the real test was how well it would clean my clothes.
I put two teaspoons of the "detergent" into the drawer of my front loader washing machine where detergent goes, I put a 1/2 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener area and I put a half tablespoon of the Dr. Bronner's liquid soap in with the clothes. I put the machine on a cycle that included prewash and let it go.
As I took the clothes out after the cycle they had a slight nice pepperminty smell. Once I took them out of the dryer (I only use wool dryer balls, no dryer sheets) the clothes were clean and soft!! Really soft.
I have now done about 10 loads of laundry with this combination with the same results. I LOVE IT!
It was really easy to make, except for the grating of the soap, and will end up being much cheaper than all the other products I have tried. My clothes also feel softer than they have in a long time.
I did research on borax and discovered that the toxicity of it very minimal. One of the articles I read compares it to the toxicity of table salt. Plus the amount being used is small that it really didn't concern me. It's definitely safer than the chemicals "regular" laundry detergent has.
So there you have it! My homemade laundry detergent. Give it a shot, you will be surprised how easy, and cheap it is. And there is something so satisfying about doing it yourself.
I for one am never going back to commercial "non-toxic" detergents again!
Till next blog.....
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Your Garden Hose Could Be Poisoning Your Organic Garden
When you go out to water your organic garden, do you ever think about what you are watering your garden with? Do you use a garden hose?
Well... if you do, here is something to think about.
Your average garden hose contains phthalates, bromine, and lead. Really? Do you really want this watering your garden? Do you want these chemicals on the organic food you feed your family? The garden you have spent time and money to grow and care for.
A recent study showed that garden hoses purchased and tested from your average garden centers all contained phthalates, which are linked to birth defects and breast cancer.
Thankfully there is safer option for watering your garden. Water Right hoses http://www.waterrightinc.com/ are 100% Lead Free Polyurethane; 100% Phthalate Free; 100% PVC Free,100% FDA & NSF Grade Virgin Polyurethane Materials
100% Polyether-Based Polyurethane (For Long Term Water Use). They also come in some really cool colors.
In the meantime, if you have a regular hose, let all the hot water run out before you use it on your garden. And never drink out of the hose!!
Happy Gardening!
Till next blog.....
Well... if you do, here is something to think about.
Your average garden hose contains phthalates, bromine, and lead. Really? Do you really want this watering your garden? Do you want these chemicals on the organic food you feed your family? The garden you have spent time and money to grow and care for.
A recent study showed that garden hoses purchased and tested from your average garden centers all contained phthalates, which are linked to birth defects and breast cancer.
Thankfully there is safer option for watering your garden. Water Right hoses http://www.waterrightinc.com/ are 100% Lead Free Polyurethane; 100% Phthalate Free; 100% PVC Free,100% FDA & NSF Grade Virgin Polyurethane Materials
100% Polyether-Based Polyurethane (For Long Term Water Use). They also come in some really cool colors.
In the meantime, if you have a regular hose, let all the hot water run out before you use it on your garden. And never drink out of the hose!!
Happy Gardening!
Till next blog.....
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Mosquito Spraying and Your Garden
It's that time of year again here in Florida. Mosquito season. Which means that the Mosquito Control is out spraying.
The chemical that they use to kill mosquitos is Malathion. Malathion is a pesticide commonly used to kill mosquitoes and other insects. Malathion may affect the immune, neurological and respiratory systems, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. They have also linked exposure to possible birth defects.
If you have an organic garden like we do, this time of year is a nightmare. There is no way I want this chemical on the organic vegetables that I feed my family.
There is something you can do. Look up the phone number for the Mosquito Control in your county and give them a call. You can ask to be added to their call list. Then they have to call you and let you know when they are going to be spraying in your area.
We have giant plastic tarps that we made out of the plastic that painters use to put over the garden until after they are done. Keeps the Malathion out!
Good to know there is an option!!!
Till Next Blog....
The chemical that they use to kill mosquitos is Malathion. Malathion is a pesticide commonly used to kill mosquitoes and other insects. Malathion may affect the immune, neurological and respiratory systems, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. They have also linked exposure to possible birth defects.
If you have an organic garden like we do, this time of year is a nightmare. There is no way I want this chemical on the organic vegetables that I feed my family.
There is something you can do. Look up the phone number for the Mosquito Control in your county and give them a call. You can ask to be added to their call list. Then they have to call you and let you know when they are going to be spraying in your area.
We have giant plastic tarps that we made out of the plastic that painters use to put over the garden until after they are done. Keeps the Malathion out!
Good to know there is an option!!!
Till Next Blog....
Thursday, May 17, 2012
OK Ladies, Let's Go There......
This is the post I have been thinking about and haven't been sure how to approach. But it needs to happen so here it goes!
Let's talk tampons.
I know right? But honestly how often do you think about them? Do you know what it is that you are putting into a very important part of your body?
If the answer is no, than you need to seriously think about it.
The average big name tampon consists of bleached cotton, that is grown with pesticides, and many other chemicals. And you are putting that where?
Got your attention now?
Here is some info on regular tampons:
COTTON
Cotton farmers use one quarter of the world’s supply of pesticides. Five of the nine most commonly used insecticides are recognized to be carcinogens. Your vaginal mucosa is extremely absorbent; it doesn’t make sense to inject yourself with these chemicals, so why slide them into one of the body’s more precious cavities?
It should also be noted that a lot of tampon manufacturers use genetically modified cotton; this type of cotton is resistant to antibiotics. Many people in the United States suffer from STDs. People using tampons made of genetically modified cotton may not respond as well to antibiotic treatment. Yikes!
RAYON
Rayon is a highly absorbent cellulose fiber made from wood pulp. Before it is added to a typical tampon, it is whitened with chlorinated bleach; dioxin is released as a byproduct of the bleaching process. Dioxin is recognized to be one of the most dangerous chemicals in existence (it was used as a contaminant in Agent Orange). In fact, the EPA doesn’t believe that there is any “acceptable” level of dioxin exposure for humans. It is therefore disturbing, that in 2005, the FDA Office of Women’s Health found “detectable levels of dioxin in seven brands of tampons” (to see the study, click here).
Every time you remove a tampon, fibers are left behind. The fibers left behind by a cotton/rayon tampon linger longer and, because of their increased absorbency, hold the dioxin against your vaginal wall for an increased period of time. The EPA has determined that people exposed to high levels of dioxins may be at risk for damage to the immune system, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, and reduced fertility; research on monkeys has linked dioxin exposure with an increased likelihood of endometriosis. You may not be getting a huge dose with each tampon, but you are getting dosed repeatedly with low levels. According to Dr. Ilya Sandra Perlingieri, author of The Uterine Crisis, those doses can spell trouble. “In the last 25 years, millions of women- teens through women in elder years- have had uterine related troubles,” she said. “Part of the trouble we know from research is directly related to the bleaching of tampons.”
FRAGRANCE
If you use a tampon with deodorant, you are using one with added fragrance. Fragrance manufacturers aren’t required to disclose their ingredients to the tampon companies. So, basically, you have no way of finding out which synthetic chemicals make up your tampon’s scent.
HUH? Reduced fertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. Gee, is there any wonder why there is such a high infertility rate in our country?
All that because you probably didn't know there was an option.
Well, let's talk tampon options!
I use and love Natracare Organic Tampons. I buy the ones without applicators to save the extra trash.
Why natracare tampons??
Natracare certified organic 100% cotton tampons are appreciated by women for their comfortable and reliable protection and care and responsibility for our environment.
Natracare tampons are exclusively made from only fully certified organic 100% cotton. They are available in a range of absorbencies in both applicator and non-applicator styles to suit your menstrual flow and personal preference. The dispensing applicators for Natracare tampons are made from only chlorine-free card and not from plastic. If you are currently using a tampon that dispenses with a plastic applicator, then you may be concerned to know that apart from being made from petroleum products, they will also contain plasticisers, an additive which makes the plastic pliable and which contains phthalates.
All products are totally-chlorine free and women can be reassured by the fact that Natracare tampons do not contain any synthetic materials, such as rayon or polypropylene, or any chemical additives such as surfactants, fragrances, dyes, or lubricants. Choosing only fully certified organic cotton removes the risk of direct exposure to residues from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly used on conventionally grown cotton. Natracare tampons are made from 100% organic cotton which has been fully certified organic to the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) at the farm, where the cotton is grown, at the processor where the cotton is cleaned through to manufacture. In this way, there is a complete trail of custody for the organic process to guarantee that the Natracare tampons you buy are truly certified organic.
Independent research, conducted at New York University Medical School, suggests that the use of 100% cotton tampons may reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome compared with tampons that contain rayon. Natracare 100% cotton tampons were included in this research together with all other available brands on the market which are made exclusively from either 100% rayon fibres or a blend of rayon and cotton fibres.
The Natracare tampon without applicator is made from a rolled wadding of 100% organic cotton. As the cotton gently absorbs the menstrual flow, the tampon expands widthways. Unlike the applicator style, this tampon is inserted using your longest finger which tucks into the flared end of the tampon to enable the tampon to be pushed into place. Deciding between an applicator and non applicator tampon is generally a matter of personal preference.
About 20% of women naturally have a retroverted uterus (the uterus tilts backwards towards the spine instead of forwards) and using an inflexible applicator can cause pain during insertion. The Natracare non-applicator tampon, gently eased into the correct position using the longer index finger makes inserting the tampon more comfortable. The organic cotton withdrawal cord allows you to easily remove the tampon after use. The tampons are fully biodegradable.
I buy them from my local Nutrition Smart, but they are also available online.
There is another option that I was investigating. The Softcup menstrual cup. I have not tried it so I really cannot comment on it. Some of the reviews I read love it, some don't. I will have to investigate the ingredients a little more as I am anti-plastic of any sort!
Well there it is, hope this gives you alot to consider. If you are going to put something "there", make sure you know what is in it!!!!
Till next Blog..........
Let's talk tampons.
I know right? But honestly how often do you think about them? Do you know what it is that you are putting into a very important part of your body?
If the answer is no, than you need to seriously think about it.
The average big name tampon consists of bleached cotton, that is grown with pesticides, and many other chemicals. And you are putting that where?
Got your attention now?
Here is some info on regular tampons:
COTTON
Cotton farmers use one quarter of the world’s supply of pesticides. Five of the nine most commonly used insecticides are recognized to be carcinogens. Your vaginal mucosa is extremely absorbent; it doesn’t make sense to inject yourself with these chemicals, so why slide them into one of the body’s more precious cavities?
It should also be noted that a lot of tampon manufacturers use genetically modified cotton; this type of cotton is resistant to antibiotics. Many people in the United States suffer from STDs. People using tampons made of genetically modified cotton may not respond as well to antibiotic treatment. Yikes!
RAYON
Rayon is a highly absorbent cellulose fiber made from wood pulp. Before it is added to a typical tampon, it is whitened with chlorinated bleach; dioxin is released as a byproduct of the bleaching process. Dioxin is recognized to be one of the most dangerous chemicals in existence (it was used as a contaminant in Agent Orange). In fact, the EPA doesn’t believe that there is any “acceptable” level of dioxin exposure for humans. It is therefore disturbing, that in 2005, the FDA Office of Women’s Health found “detectable levels of dioxin in seven brands of tampons” (to see the study, click here).
Every time you remove a tampon, fibers are left behind. The fibers left behind by a cotton/rayon tampon linger longer and, because of their increased absorbency, hold the dioxin against your vaginal wall for an increased period of time. The EPA has determined that people exposed to high levels of dioxins may be at risk for damage to the immune system, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, and reduced fertility; research on monkeys has linked dioxin exposure with an increased likelihood of endometriosis. You may not be getting a huge dose with each tampon, but you are getting dosed repeatedly with low levels. According to Dr. Ilya Sandra Perlingieri, author of The Uterine Crisis, those doses can spell trouble. “In the last 25 years, millions of women- teens through women in elder years- have had uterine related troubles,” she said. “Part of the trouble we know from research is directly related to the bleaching of tampons.”
FRAGRANCE
If you use a tampon with deodorant, you are using one with added fragrance. Fragrance manufacturers aren’t required to disclose their ingredients to the tampon companies. So, basically, you have no way of finding out which synthetic chemicals make up your tampon’s scent.
HUH? Reduced fertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. Gee, is there any wonder why there is such a high infertility rate in our country?
All that because you probably didn't know there was an option.
Well, let's talk tampon options!
I use and love Natracare Organic Tampons. I buy the ones without applicators to save the extra trash.
Why natracare tampons??
Natracare certified organic 100% cotton tampons are appreciated by women for their comfortable and reliable protection and care and responsibility for our environment.
Natracare tampons are exclusively made from only fully certified organic 100% cotton. They are available in a range of absorbencies in both applicator and non-applicator styles to suit your menstrual flow and personal preference. The dispensing applicators for Natracare tampons are made from only chlorine-free card and not from plastic. If you are currently using a tampon that dispenses with a plastic applicator, then you may be concerned to know that apart from being made from petroleum products, they will also contain plasticisers, an additive which makes the plastic pliable and which contains phthalates.
All products are totally-chlorine free and women can be reassured by the fact that Natracare tampons do not contain any synthetic materials, such as rayon or polypropylene, or any chemical additives such as surfactants, fragrances, dyes, or lubricants. Choosing only fully certified organic cotton removes the risk of direct exposure to residues from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly used on conventionally grown cotton. Natracare tampons are made from 100% organic cotton which has been fully certified organic to the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) at the farm, where the cotton is grown, at the processor where the cotton is cleaned through to manufacture. In this way, there is a complete trail of custody for the organic process to guarantee that the Natracare tampons you buy are truly certified organic.
Independent research, conducted at New York University Medical School, suggests that the use of 100% cotton tampons may reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome compared with tampons that contain rayon. Natracare 100% cotton tampons were included in this research together with all other available brands on the market which are made exclusively from either 100% rayon fibres or a blend of rayon and cotton fibres.
The Natracare tampon without applicator is made from a rolled wadding of 100% organic cotton. As the cotton gently absorbs the menstrual flow, the tampon expands widthways. Unlike the applicator style, this tampon is inserted using your longest finger which tucks into the flared end of the tampon to enable the tampon to be pushed into place. Deciding between an applicator and non applicator tampon is generally a matter of personal preference.
About 20% of women naturally have a retroverted uterus (the uterus tilts backwards towards the spine instead of forwards) and using an inflexible applicator can cause pain during insertion. The Natracare non-applicator tampon, gently eased into the correct position using the longer index finger makes inserting the tampon more comfortable. The organic cotton withdrawal cord allows you to easily remove the tampon after use. The tampons are fully biodegradable.
I buy them from my local Nutrition Smart, but they are also available online.
There is another option that I was investigating. The Softcup menstrual cup. I have not tried it so I really cannot comment on it. Some of the reviews I read love it, some don't. I will have to investigate the ingredients a little more as I am anti-plastic of any sort!
Well there it is, hope this gives you alot to consider. If you are going to put something "there", make sure you know what is in it!!!!
Till next Blog..........
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Favorite New Product! Ilike Organic Skincare
I Love my coconut oil and I use it for everything from removing makeup, making a skin scrub, hair treatment, and even my night-time moisturizer. But for daytime moisturizer under makeup, my beloved coconut oil can make my skin a little oily. I found a product that I absolutely love for my daytime moisturizer. It is a line of Organic skincare called Ilike. http://szepelet.com/startpage/
I tried the Antioxidant Grape Moisturizer. LOVE this product. Made my skin feel and look amazing! I used it before putting on my makeup and it made my skin look flawless.
The Grape Moisturizer Contains:
Grapeseed (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), Shea Butter, Lemon Oil, Vitamin B, C, E and H, Kaempferol, Bioflavonoids, Fruit Acids, Tannins, Biosugars, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements
The products of Ilike organic skin care from szép élet, made in small batches from organically grown and handpicked herbs, fruits and vegetables -no mass production-, and containing the highest possible levels of natural active ingredients.
They have a huge amount of products for any skin type.
Check them out!
Till Next Blog...
I tried the Antioxidant Grape Moisturizer. LOVE this product. Made my skin feel and look amazing! I used it before putting on my makeup and it made my skin look flawless.
The Grape Moisturizer Contains:
Grapeseed (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins), Shea Butter, Lemon Oil, Vitamin B, C, E and H, Kaempferol, Bioflavonoids, Fruit Acids, Tannins, Biosugars, Mineral Salts, Trace Elements
The products of Ilike organic skin care from szép élet, made in small batches from organically grown and handpicked herbs, fruits and vegetables -no mass production-, and containing the highest possible levels of natural active ingredients.
They have a huge amount of products for any skin type.
Check them out!
Till Next Blog...
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Favorite Product Alert!!
I have tried and LOVE a product so I have to share. It's called Motherlove Diaper Rash and Thrush Cream. http://www.motherlove.com/product/2301_DR-Diaper-Rash-and-Thrush.html
It's an all-natural herbal salve for persistent, inflamed diaper rash. May also be used on mother's nursing nipples. Does not need to be washed off nipple prior to nursing. Diaper safe and compatible with all diapers including cloth. Motherlove’s diaper rash & thrush has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 96% certified organic ingredients. (extra virgin olive oil*, beeswax*, oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb*, calendula flower*) *Certified Organic Ingredients
I decided to try this after hearing rave reviews about it. My daughter has been getting chaffed lately and the coconut oil that I love to use for everything wasn't getting it done. This product is wonderful. It worked right away on the irritation. I love that the ingredients have ZERO toxins.
Give it a try!
Till Next Blog.....
It's an all-natural herbal salve for persistent, inflamed diaper rash. May also be used on mother's nursing nipples. Does not need to be washed off nipple prior to nursing. Diaper safe and compatible with all diapers including cloth. Motherlove’s diaper rash & thrush has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 96% certified organic ingredients. (extra virgin olive oil*, beeswax*, oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb*, calendula flower*) *Certified Organic Ingredients
I decided to try this after hearing rave reviews about it. My daughter has been getting chaffed lately and the coconut oil that I love to use for everything wasn't getting it done. This product is wonderful. It worked right away on the irritation. I love that the ingredients have ZERO toxins.
Give it a try!
Till Next Blog.....
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Moody Blues Blueberry Farm - Last Day
This is the last day of the season so head out if you can.
They are open today till 7. They are located at 404 Cloverleaf Drive, Lithia, FL 33547. 813-684-8468
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Organic U-Pick Blueberry Farm
We decided to head out to an Organic Blueberry farm with the family today. I had read about a local place that we had to check out. Moody Blues U-Pick Blueberry Farm.
They are located in Lithia, FL outside Brandon. It honestly doesn't seem like much from the street, but when you get to the end of the drive it is the cutest little place. They have a giant blueberry farm ready for the picking. The owners couldn't have been nicer. They even had swing seats and seats for the kids, picnic tables set up and a great homey atmosphere. It was so accommodating!
We took our buckets and set out to pick. They blueberries were amazing! We picked almost 7 lbs. I am so excited about the blueberry jam, blueberry pancakes, blueberry ice cream, and whatever else I can think of to make with them!
Worth the drive. Check them out online moodybluesfarm.com
I'm sure some blueberry recipes will follow.
Till next blog........
They are located in Lithia, FL outside Brandon. It honestly doesn't seem like much from the street, but when you get to the end of the drive it is the cutest little place. They have a giant blueberry farm ready for the picking. The owners couldn't have been nicer. They even had swing seats and seats for the kids, picnic tables set up and a great homey atmosphere. It was so accommodating!
We took our buckets and set out to pick. They blueberries were amazing! We picked almost 7 lbs. I am so excited about the blueberry jam, blueberry pancakes, blueberry ice cream, and whatever else I can think of to make with them!
Worth the drive. Check them out online moodybluesfarm.com
I'm sure some blueberry recipes will follow.
Till next blog........
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Easy Yummy Strawberry Jam Recipe
So with the Florida strawberry season ending we went to a local U-pick Organic strawberry farm. After getting 20 lbs (yes that's right 20 pounds) of delicious strawberries it's time to make some jam.
You will need:
ball canning jars
4 cups sugar (Organic)
1/4 cup lemon juice (from Organic Lemon)
4 cups of mashed strawberries (Organic)
In a large pot combine the mashed berries with the lemon juice and sugar. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium high/medium heat, depending on your stove, and bring mixture to a boil. Boil stirring often until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 mins to 45 mins. Take little spoonfuls out and let sit on a plate to cool so you can test thickness. When you are happy with the thickness take it off heat.
Bring a large pot of water to a low boil. It must be tall enough to cover the ball canning jars by 1 inch. Put in the jars and lids and let boil for approx 30 minutes. Take them out with tongs (canning tongs work better). Fill the jars leaving 1 inch at the top free. Make sure to clean off any on the outside. Add lid and screw top on until hand tight. Put jars into low boiling water and let sit for about 10 minutes. Take out with tongs and wait for the pop sound. It's the best sound because you then know you have done it!!!!! You have now made strawberry jam!!
It's really that simple and so delicious.
Enjoy!
Till Next Blog........
You will need:
ball canning jars
4 cups sugar (Organic)
1/4 cup lemon juice (from Organic Lemon)
4 cups of mashed strawberries (Organic)
In a large pot combine the mashed berries with the lemon juice and sugar. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium high/medium heat, depending on your stove, and bring mixture to a boil. Boil stirring often until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 mins to 45 mins. Take little spoonfuls out and let sit on a plate to cool so you can test thickness. When you are happy with the thickness take it off heat.
Bring a large pot of water to a low boil. It must be tall enough to cover the ball canning jars by 1 inch. Put in the jars and lids and let boil for approx 30 minutes. Take them out with tongs (canning tongs work better). Fill the jars leaving 1 inch at the top free. Make sure to clean off any on the outside. Add lid and screw top on until hand tight. Put jars into low boiling water and let sit for about 10 minutes. Take out with tongs and wait for the pop sound. It's the best sound because you then know you have done it!!!!! You have now made strawberry jam!!
It's really that simple and so delicious.
Enjoy!
Till Next Blog........
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Great Non-Toxic Easter Idea
As easter approaches I have been trying to think of what to do for my daughter. I refuse to get the plastic easter eggs, no plastic please! I am not loading her up with a bunch of candy either, she doesn't eat it. Just about everything in the stores are cute little easter themed things all made of plastic or candy made with all kinds of sugar and artificial (dye) coloring. No Thanks! So what is a non-toxic Mommy to do?
I found something so great that I did a little happy dance when I discovered them. Easter egg shaped non-toxic sidewalk chalk! The ones I got are by Chalk It Up.
I found something so great that I did a little happy dance when I discovered them. Easter egg shaped non-toxic sidewalk chalk! The ones I got are by Chalk It Up.
They are so great! They come in really cute colors and they are non-toxic. If you child is like
mine, sidewalk chalk is IT! I will be hiding these throughout the yard and having her take
her little easter basket and find them!
The Easter Bunny is going to be a hero this year!!!!!
Till Next Blog.............
Monday, March 26, 2012
My Daughter's First Fever and The Meds I Won't Be Giving Her
My 2 year old daughter came down with a sudden fever the other night. It was the first time she has ever had a fever. I will admit it I was a little caught off guard since she hadn't had one in 2 1/2 years so I contacted my neighbor who has a 3 year old to ask how she handles them.
She was was very thoughtful and brought some children's ibuprofen liquids over. I decided however to let my daughter's body fight it out without medication, unless the fever got dangerous. I gave her a lukewarm bath and then checked her throughout the night to make sure it did not get higher than the 102.8 she had going. Thankfully, she woke up in the morning feeling better and the fever left on it's own.
I was getting ready to take the medicine back to my neighbor when I decided to read the bottles to see what was in them. I was shocked! Both of them had High Fructose Corn Syrup and Red Dye #40 and Polysorbate 80.
I avoid all dyes in our food, especially Red Dye #40. It has been linked to hyperactivity in children all the way to being a known carcinogen. When I looked up Polysorbate 80, the possible side effects listed where anaphylactic shock and scientists say that polysorbate 80 causes infertility in mammals. Baby female rats were injected with the substance and experienced accelerated maturation, hormonal changes, decreased weight of the uterus and ovaries, and degenerative follicles. Also High Fructose Corn Syrup's possible side effects are weight gain and obesity, increased risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes, elevated triglyceride and HDL (cholesterol) levels, long term liver damage, oh yea and it contains alarmingly high levels of mercury!!
This is a medication to be given to a child while their body's immune system is under attack? So while their bodies are already vulnerable the ingredients in the medication supposed to help them can actually do way more harm then good. I don't think so!!!! Not my daughter.
I did research and even the dye-free options still contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and Polysorbate 80. Some of the even still had dyes listed!!
As shocking as it is there was not a safe non-toxic alternative I could find. There are some holistic methods that I read about, but for the most part it is the old school route for me. Lukewarm baths and socks soaked in cold water. The socks need to be able to cover the ankles and wrung out.
It caught me off guard this time but I will now know what I will and won't do in the future!
Till next blog....
She was was very thoughtful and brought some children's ibuprofen liquids over. I decided however to let my daughter's body fight it out without medication, unless the fever got dangerous. I gave her a lukewarm bath and then checked her throughout the night to make sure it did not get higher than the 102.8 she had going. Thankfully, she woke up in the morning feeling better and the fever left on it's own.
I was getting ready to take the medicine back to my neighbor when I decided to read the bottles to see what was in them. I was shocked! Both of them had High Fructose Corn Syrup and Red Dye #40 and Polysorbate 80.
I avoid all dyes in our food, especially Red Dye #40. It has been linked to hyperactivity in children all the way to being a known carcinogen. When I looked up Polysorbate 80, the possible side effects listed where anaphylactic shock and scientists say that polysorbate 80 causes infertility in mammals. Baby female rats were injected with the substance and experienced accelerated maturation, hormonal changes, decreased weight of the uterus and ovaries, and degenerative follicles. Also High Fructose Corn Syrup's possible side effects are weight gain and obesity, increased risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes, elevated triglyceride and HDL (cholesterol) levels, long term liver damage, oh yea and it contains alarmingly high levels of mercury!!
This is a medication to be given to a child while their body's immune system is under attack? So while their bodies are already vulnerable the ingredients in the medication supposed to help them can actually do way more harm then good. I don't think so!!!! Not my daughter.
I did research and even the dye-free options still contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and Polysorbate 80. Some of the even still had dyes listed!!
As shocking as it is there was not a safe non-toxic alternative I could find. There are some holistic methods that I read about, but for the most part it is the old school route for me. Lukewarm baths and socks soaked in cold water. The socks need to be able to cover the ankles and wrung out.
It caught me off guard this time but I will now know what I will and won't do in the future!
Till next blog....
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Simple Breakfast, or is it?
As I made breakfast this morning it seemed so simple, eggs, bacon and toast. Simple, right? Or was it?
Well it used to be. There used to be a time when people would go to the local store and pick up the bacon, eggs, and bread and not think twice about it. Unfortunately those days are long gone, for me and my family at least they are.
Now the bacon is hormone, antibiotic and nitrate free. The eggs are organic from a local farm. The bread I make to be sure it is preservative free and I know exactly what is in it. I cooked the breakfast on pans that are not non-stick to make sure the chemicals from non-stick (Teflon) cookware do not enter the food and possibly poison it. I used spatulas that are also stainless steel, no plastic here, to be sure that there are no chemicals that can leech into our food.
Seemed like a simple breakfast until you realize that there was alot of thought that went into the ingredients that go into the food that is served in my home everyday.
As sad as it may seem, there will never be another day that goes by that I don't know exactly what is in the food, or how it was grown that I feed my family. I cannot trust that my own government agency that is "supposed to" protect me and my family will actually do so.
As I looked at the meal I was making and thought about this, I longed for the days when going to the local store for all of these items wasn't toxic to my family. And it used to be the way things were. All before our government and big business started to run our food, and doing a damn awful job at it. AHHHH Long before Monsanto. Long before the company that created the toxic Round-up started to create our food.
A simple breakfast? Not in my house! But is it the best, safest breakfast my family could have!
Till next blog...
Well it used to be. There used to be a time when people would go to the local store and pick up the bacon, eggs, and bread and not think twice about it. Unfortunately those days are long gone, for me and my family at least they are.
Now the bacon is hormone, antibiotic and nitrate free. The eggs are organic from a local farm. The bread I make to be sure it is preservative free and I know exactly what is in it. I cooked the breakfast on pans that are not non-stick to make sure the chemicals from non-stick (Teflon) cookware do not enter the food and possibly poison it. I used spatulas that are also stainless steel, no plastic here, to be sure that there are no chemicals that can leech into our food.
Seemed like a simple breakfast until you realize that there was alot of thought that went into the ingredients that go into the food that is served in my home everyday.
As sad as it may seem, there will never be another day that goes by that I don't know exactly what is in the food, or how it was grown that I feed my family. I cannot trust that my own government agency that is "supposed to" protect me and my family will actually do so.
As I looked at the meal I was making and thought about this, I longed for the days when going to the local store for all of these items wasn't toxic to my family. And it used to be the way things were. All before our government and big business started to run our food, and doing a damn awful job at it. AHHHH Long before Monsanto. Long before the company that created the toxic Round-up started to create our food.
A simple breakfast? Not in my house! But is it the best, safest breakfast my family could have!
Till next blog...
Saturday, February 25, 2012
My New Love.......Coconut Oil
I have been hearing so many things about coconut oil and it's many benefits that I decided to do some research and give it a shot.
Some of the benefits of coconut oil include: healthy hair, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism and on and on. It seems too good to be true. How can one product provide so many things?
The benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These acids are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial abilities. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help dealing with viruses and bacterias.
Is that all? An oil that is good for you inside and out. Sign me up!
I bought a certified organic coconut oil. What is surprising is that it is a solid at room temperature. I took some of it out and heated it up gently and put it into a glass dropper bottle to keep in the bathroom.
I decided to use it for all the beauty benefits and see what happens. I started using it as my nightime moisturizer and my skin looks amazing! I use it as my eye makeup remover and not only does it remove makeup gently and easily but it has the added benefit of soft healthy eye lashes. I mixed it with sugar to make a body scrub for the shower and it made my skin is super soft, better and cheaper than any scrub I have used. I put it on my hair all day then shampoo'd it out for the best hair treatment I have ever used. I also used a small dot on dried hair to make it shiny and smooth. It also makes a great lip moisturizer and cuticle soother.
All that and I used it to make my eggs in the morning!
It's incredible that this one product can do so much. The best part is that I don't have to check the back of the package to see if it contains phthalates, SLS, triclosan, or parabens.
It seems to good to be true, but I am loving it.
Till next blog...
Some of the benefits of coconut oil include: healthy hair, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism and on and on. It seems too good to be true. How can one product provide so many things?
The benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These acids are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial abilities. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help dealing with viruses and bacterias.
Is that all? An oil that is good for you inside and out. Sign me up!
I bought a certified organic coconut oil. What is surprising is that it is a solid at room temperature. I took some of it out and heated it up gently and put it into a glass dropper bottle to keep in the bathroom.
I decided to use it for all the beauty benefits and see what happens. I started using it as my nightime moisturizer and my skin looks amazing! I use it as my eye makeup remover and not only does it remove makeup gently and easily but it has the added benefit of soft healthy eye lashes. I mixed it with sugar to make a body scrub for the shower and it made my skin is super soft, better and cheaper than any scrub I have used. I put it on my hair all day then shampoo'd it out for the best hair treatment I have ever used. I also used a small dot on dried hair to make it shiny and smooth. It also makes a great lip moisturizer and cuticle soother.
All that and I used it to make my eggs in the morning!
It's incredible that this one product can do so much. The best part is that I don't have to check the back of the package to see if it contains phthalates, SLS, triclosan, or parabens.
It seems to good to be true, but I am loving it.
Till next blog...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
New Favorite Non-Toxic Laundry Cleaners
I have discovered 2 new non-toxic laundry items and I HAVE to share!!
I went to the Fresh Market at the Shoppes at Wiregrass today and met an amazing woman named Monica. She has a company called Molly's Suds. They are a non-toxic laundry detergent company. After talking to her about her products I decided to tried the Laundry Powder today and I LOVE it. It is fragrance free, dye free, contains no SLS, phosphates, parabens, no. 1.4 dioxane or formaldehyde. It is biodegradable, certified vegan and cruelty free.
It cleaned my clothes as good or better than any other non-toxic cleaner I have used. Sorry 7th Generation and Mrs. Meyers!! It contains organic peppermint oil, but the scent does not stay in your clothes. It washed out in the rinse cycle. My clothes came out super clean and fragrance free!
For $21 the bag will clean 128 loads! It is safe for HE washer too.
They also have a product called All Sport for sport's clothes and equipment. I did not try that, although with my husband in baseball I probably will, but I did get to smell it and it had a wonderful orange scent to it.
The website is http://www.mollyssuds.com/ You can shop from the website, or if you live local, you can find places that are selling their items.
The other wonderful item I purchased and LOVE is the Wool Dryer Balls from Stoney Mountain Farm. They are eco-friendly dryer balls made from 100% wool. No chemicals, no dyes. They reduce static, soften clothes, even reduce drying time.
I had stopped using dryer sheets since even the free and clear ones still contain chemicals that can stay on your clothes and in turn harm me and my family. I had looked into dryer balls as a possible option, but they are all made from toxic PVC and the combination of PVC with the heat of the dryer cannot be a good combination inside my home and on our clothes.
The wool dryer balls honestly made my clothes softer, wrinkle free, static free and it really did reduce the drying time for the clothes!!
They are available on the Mollys Suds website or you can go to http://www.stoneymountainfarm.com/pages/product-list/wool-dryer-balls.php to check them out.
My 2 new laundry favorites! Non-toxic that get the job done!
Till Next Blog........
I went to the Fresh Market at the Shoppes at Wiregrass today and met an amazing woman named Monica. She has a company called Molly's Suds. They are a non-toxic laundry detergent company. After talking to her about her products I decided to tried the Laundry Powder today and I LOVE it. It is fragrance free, dye free, contains no SLS, phosphates, parabens, no. 1.4 dioxane or formaldehyde. It is biodegradable, certified vegan and cruelty free.
It cleaned my clothes as good or better than any other non-toxic cleaner I have used. Sorry 7th Generation and Mrs. Meyers!! It contains organic peppermint oil, but the scent does not stay in your clothes. It washed out in the rinse cycle. My clothes came out super clean and fragrance free!
For $21 the bag will clean 128 loads! It is safe for HE washer too.
They also have a product called All Sport for sport's clothes and equipment. I did not try that, although with my husband in baseball I probably will, but I did get to smell it and it had a wonderful orange scent to it.
The website is http://www.mollyssuds.com/ You can shop from the website, or if you live local, you can find places that are selling their items.
The other wonderful item I purchased and LOVE is the Wool Dryer Balls from Stoney Mountain Farm. They are eco-friendly dryer balls made from 100% wool. No chemicals, no dyes. They reduce static, soften clothes, even reduce drying time.
I had stopped using dryer sheets since even the free and clear ones still contain chemicals that can stay on your clothes and in turn harm me and my family. I had looked into dryer balls as a possible option, but they are all made from toxic PVC and the combination of PVC with the heat of the dryer cannot be a good combination inside my home and on our clothes.
The wool dryer balls honestly made my clothes softer, wrinkle free, static free and it really did reduce the drying time for the clothes!!
They are available on the Mollys Suds website or you can go to http://www.stoneymountainfarm.com/pages/product-list/wool-dryer-balls.php to check them out.
My 2 new laundry favorites! Non-toxic that get the job done!
Till Next Blog........
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Easy Yummy Broccoli Soup
With all of our broccoli sprouting in our organic garden I have been coming up with different things to make with it. It is delicious raw, or even lightly steamed, but I thought I would make a soup out of it. This was so simple to make and as my 2 year old said the whole time she ate it, "Yummy".
I took a head of broccoli and the stem chopped and steamed them. Then I put them in my chopper, or blender. I put the chopped broccoli into a pot with 2 cups of Organic chicken broth and 1/2 cup of Organic heavy cream. Brought it to a simmer and added some fresh cracked black pepper and salt. THAT'S IT!
It is so simple and yet has big flavor!! I love hearing "mmmm, mmmm" while my daughter is enjoying broccoli.
Till next blog.........
I took a head of broccoli and the stem chopped and steamed them. Then I put them in my chopper, or blender. I put the chopped broccoli into a pot with 2 cups of Organic chicken broth and 1/2 cup of Organic heavy cream. Brought it to a simmer and added some fresh cracked black pepper and salt. THAT'S IT!
It is so simple and yet has big flavor!! I love hearing "mmmm, mmmm" while my daughter is enjoying broccoli.
Till next blog.........
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Stress of My Daughter Going to A Birthday Party
My daughter was invited recently to her friend's 3 year old birthday party. She was so excited! She picked out presents for her friend and even wrote her name on the card, as well as a 2 year old can.
Thankfully the mother of her friend has hanged their food to more organic so it made me feel a better about going since they were providing lunch. It's easy to control things in my own home but going to someone else's home can be stressful since I only feed my daughter organic.
As I made a plate of food for my daughter she asked me if she could have some chips. I noticed the bag that the corn chips had come from and they were not organic, meaning that they were made with GM (genetically Modified) corn, so I had to tell her no. Thankfully she was ok with this since there were organic strawberries. I also had brought my daughter's stainless steel sippy cup filled with water from our Reverse Osmosis system and I was happy I did. They had water bottles for everyone. I really wanted to say something about not drinking from plastic water bottles since the bottles that water come in contain BPA and that it leaches in the water, but I didn't.
The birthday cupcakes came and they asked who wanted ice cream. I see that the ice cream container and I see it is not organic and I know it is made with milk that contains growth hormones and antibiotics that were fed to the cows. No ice cream.
The party was over and we get a little gift bag on the way out. We walked in the door of our house and my daughter immediately opens the bag and there are cute pads of paper, non toxic crayons, cute hair ties and a plastic brush and plastic little mirror. Damn! As my daughter went down for her nap the plastic items mysteriously disappear from the house. There is a certainty that the plastic they are made with contains BPA or other chemicals that I do not want going into her mouth.
It was a great party. Not really a stress-free day, but I am aware that this is the way things are and will be for me to keep my daughter away from the chemicals, hormones, pesticides and genetically modified things that exist in the items and foods that most people use everyday without a second thought. I know that for people who don't do things the way I do it must seem odd, but I don't care. I want my daughter to have as healthy an existence as I possibly can as long as I can.
Till Next Blog......
Thankfully the mother of her friend has hanged their food to more organic so it made me feel a better about going since they were providing lunch. It's easy to control things in my own home but going to someone else's home can be stressful since I only feed my daughter organic.
As I made a plate of food for my daughter she asked me if she could have some chips. I noticed the bag that the corn chips had come from and they were not organic, meaning that they were made with GM (genetically Modified) corn, so I had to tell her no. Thankfully she was ok with this since there were organic strawberries. I also had brought my daughter's stainless steel sippy cup filled with water from our Reverse Osmosis system and I was happy I did. They had water bottles for everyone. I really wanted to say something about not drinking from plastic water bottles since the bottles that water come in contain BPA and that it leaches in the water, but I didn't.
The birthday cupcakes came and they asked who wanted ice cream. I see that the ice cream container and I see it is not organic and I know it is made with milk that contains growth hormones and antibiotics that were fed to the cows. No ice cream.
The party was over and we get a little gift bag on the way out. We walked in the door of our house and my daughter immediately opens the bag and there are cute pads of paper, non toxic crayons, cute hair ties and a plastic brush and plastic little mirror. Damn! As my daughter went down for her nap the plastic items mysteriously disappear from the house. There is a certainty that the plastic they are made with contains BPA or other chemicals that I do not want going into her mouth.
It was a great party. Not really a stress-free day, but I am aware that this is the way things are and will be for me to keep my daughter away from the chemicals, hormones, pesticides and genetically modified things that exist in the items and foods that most people use everyday without a second thought. I know that for people who don't do things the way I do it must seem odd, but I don't care. I want my daughter to have as healthy an existence as I possibly can as long as I can.
Till Next Blog......
FAVORITE Product Alert!!
I just purchased a product that is my new FAVORITE so I must share!
It's the Dirt Devil Easy Steam Express. It is an electric floor steam cleaner. It uses only water to clean floors so incredibly clean! It works on hardwood floors and tile. Chemical free easy cleaning.
I used it for the first time today and it was amazing!! It is vacuum height so it is really comfortable to use. We have a lot of ceramic tile in our house and it is a pain to clean, not anymore.
I put in the water and plugged it in and it started to steam right away. The spots on the floor that were dirtier I just kept the cleaner on it for an extra minute then moved the cleaner over it, dirt gone!
LOVE this item!!
http://dirtdevil.com/products/details/pd20030/easy-steam-express-
Till Next Blog............
It's the Dirt Devil Easy Steam Express. It is an electric floor steam cleaner. It uses only water to clean floors so incredibly clean! It works on hardwood floors and tile. Chemical free easy cleaning.
I used it for the first time today and it was amazing!! It is vacuum height so it is really comfortable to use. We have a lot of ceramic tile in our house and it is a pain to clean, not anymore.
I put in the water and plugged it in and it started to steam right away. The spots on the floor that were dirtier I just kept the cleaner on it for an extra minute then moved the cleaner over it, dirt gone!
LOVE this item!!
http://dirtdevil.com/products/details/pd20030/easy-steam-express-
Till Next Blog............
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The CDC says WHAT??????
The headline of a story I read today absolutely blew my mind. "The CDC Researchers Say Mother's Should Stop Breastfeeding to Boost Efficacy of Vaccines".
http://www.naturalnews.com/034722_breastfeeding_vaccines_CDC.html
Whatever your take on vaccines is, for or against, this is utterly ridiculous!
Breastfeeding is one of the most important things in helping a child receive all of the nutrients they require. It makes their immune systems strong and healthy. The CDC researchers however claim that the "immune-boosting effects of breastmilk are a detriment to the efficacy of vaccines". They claim that the very things that help infants systems become strong, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and more inhibit the rotovirus vaccine from working.
They have to be kidding, right?
I remember going through the breastfeeding class while I was pregnant and learning that it is far and away the most important thing you can do for your child's health. I will attest to how healthy my child is. I would absolutely recommend to anyone that they do breastfeed their child.
I think this is a gross injustice for the CDC to be suggesting something like this. I mean really? Do you think feeding an infant a formula with chemicals that you can't even pronounce, let alone know what they are, is healthier that what the body creates?
Come on!!
Till Next blog.......
http://www.naturalnews.com/034722_breastfeeding_vaccines_CDC.html
Whatever your take on vaccines is, for or against, this is utterly ridiculous!
Breastfeeding is one of the most important things in helping a child receive all of the nutrients they require. It makes their immune systems strong and healthy. The CDC researchers however claim that the "immune-boosting effects of breastmilk are a detriment to the efficacy of vaccines". They claim that the very things that help infants systems become strong, immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and more inhibit the rotovirus vaccine from working.
They have to be kidding, right?
I remember going through the breastfeeding class while I was pregnant and learning that it is far and away the most important thing you can do for your child's health. I will attest to how healthy my child is. I would absolutely recommend to anyone that they do breastfeed their child.
I think this is a gross injustice for the CDC to be suggesting something like this. I mean really? Do you think feeding an infant a formula with chemicals that you can't even pronounce, let alone know what they are, is healthier that what the body creates?
Come on!!
Till Next blog.......
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