Most Makeup Geared for Kids is Toxic, Choose Safe Makeup!

Kids should remain kids in my book. As they get older they will want to do what Mommy does. I found this includes getting into your makeup bag! My toddler likes to put on my lip balm and one day I found her with my lipstick all over her face. Luckily I can feel confident that ALL of my makeup is non-toxic thanks to the research I have done through EWG's Skin Deep. I carefully chose all of the makeup I wear by first researching ingredients for toxicity. Most people do not realize that even the majority of the makeup geared towards kids is made with harmful ingredients. Some of these ingredients are even carcinogenic. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working towards changing guidelines for safer makeup and cosmetics. Luckily there are a few companies who are making organic, non-toxic products that are safe for you and your little girl in case she decides to mimic you. One company is Luna Organics. The products are made in Maryland and their standards comply with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Another is Pure Poppet. They are based in Australia as well as Orla and Maeve. If your little princess decides she wants to be a princess this Halloween or any other time of the year, please use caution and make sure she is wearing makeup that is safe.

Keep Ticks off of Pets Naturally!

We have 3 very furry dogs. An American Eskimo, and 2 Pomeranians who all shed and love to play in the grass. Unfortunately there are ticks where we live. Thankfully we have been able to keep the ticks from latching onto the dogs for nearly 2 years with the help of an All Natural Shampoo and Conditioner and occasionally using Flea and Tick drops. Summer is nearing its end and I have not seen a flea or tick yet! We buy our products from The Only Natural Pet Store online. The link to the online store is to the right on this page. Their Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Shampoo and Conditioner is what we have been using. In addition to the occasional Natural Defense Squeeze On which contains various oils such as peppermint, cinnamon and lemongrass. We used this in the spring when the ticks seem to attack the most and did not have one get at my dogs! Instead of using the toxic products to keep fleas and ticks from biting your four legged friends, I highly recommend these products instead. I feel much safer letting my children touch the dogs with these natural products.

"Green" Centerpieces (with a Purpose)

Here is the link to a Guest Blog which posted on July 16, 2013. The Sweet Christian Bride. You can apply the concepts of "Green" centerpieces to any event from a wedding, engagement dinner, family reunion, anniversary dinner, holiday dinner...the list goes on!

Is Toxic Triclosan hiding in your hand soap???

Washing hands is extremely important for toddlers and babies as well. When I am out I use my Clean Well hand wipes or sanitizer that is non-toxic. Sometimes I forget and need to wash my hands and use the soap from the restaurant or wherever we happen to be and regret it later. I sit in the car with a headache and finally remember that the smell from my hands is what is giving me a headache. The scented, chemical ridden soap that I used on myself and maybe my child is what is making me ill. The toxins of fragrance are bad enough but would you believe that there is a toxic ingredient hiding in hand soaps that causes endocrine problems? That ingredient is Triclosan. It can cause a whole host of issues from interfering with muscle function to interfering with thyroid regulation. What is even more frightening is that triclosan was first registered as a PESTICIDE!!! It apparently was even added to lunch boxes, socks and even toys! It is thought to be antimicrobial but is doing more harm than good. Read more about triclosan. Some manufacturers are phasing it out of their products but others will still use this dangerous chemical until it is officially banned by the FDA. Research is currently being done...so they say. For now, check your soap and avoid products that claim to be antimicrobial unless they state that they do not use TRICLOSAN.

Artificial Colors banned in Europe but US food is filled with them!

When you go to buy food you probably think the food is safe. If you are buying something prepared that has a list of ingredients, take a close look at those ingredients. You are more than likely to find an item that contains one or more artificial colors than has been banned in Europe. When I think of something with an artificial color I think of the obvious bright candies and drinks. Unfortunately this includes things such as pickles and ice cream to practically anything that comes in a package. The US is way behind in food safety regulations when it comes to artificial color/dyes. The colors that are banned in Europe have been linked to ADHD, cancer, allergic reactions and headaches just to name a few symptoms. What can you do? Do not purchase anything with a color such as these: FD&C Blue No. 1 – Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade) FD&C Blue No. 2 – Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade) FD&C Green No. 3 – Fast Green FCF, E143 (turquoise shade) FD&C Red No. 40 – Allura Red AC, E129 (red shade)** FD&C Red No. 3 – Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade, commonly used in glacé cherries) FD&C Yellow No. 5 – Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade)** FD&C Yellow No. 6 – Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (orange shade)** The more fresh food you eat, the better you will feel! Try to avoid these colors at your Fourth of July picnics and you may avoid that headache. Food should be made as nature intended, not artificial!

Organic berry picking without pesticides!!

Last Saturday my daughter and some of her friends went to pick strawberries at Golden Earthworm Organic Farm, although I think she ate more than she picked. Since strawberries are on EWG's dirty dozen list, I knew we had to find an organic farm. Ordinary strawberries contain high levels of pesticides so if you plan to go picking berries this month, look for an organic farm. We picked strawberries to make homemade jam and some to freeze and use for smoothies. Strawberries contain antioxidants and Vitamin C. They are oh so tasty when they are fresh from the field and a great treat for the kids!

Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray may be a safer option

After seeing a friend's stainless steel ice cube tray I decided this was something that needed to be added to my non-toxic kitchen. They are BPA free, aluminum free and free of plastic. The grips are made of silicone so your fingers don't freeze. This reminded me of a tray from the 50's that our grand-parents or great-grandparents may have had. I suspect the older metal trays may have been made of aluminum which now should be avoided. There are concerns by some that stainless leaches out lead and cadmium while cooking. Since the water is freezing I don't feel there should be cause for concern. Stainless is a better option than silicone or plastic by far. I found mine on http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Silicone-Comfort-Grips/dp/B007279MR6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370027106&sr=8-2&keywords=stainless+ice+cube+tray