Handi Sani- Reusable toilet bowl brush that cleans itself!!

What is more gross than your toilet bowl brush?  Or more wasteful than the disposable toilet brush heads that clog the landfills?  Check out this new product that is launching called the Handi Sani. It sounds like such a great solution to anyone's GREEN cleaning needs!!! Use your own favorite green cleaning products as you normally would or your homemade cleaning solutions with your favorite essential oils and you have a clean toilet and a clean brush every time you flush!!! Great GREEN idea!!! Check out the campaign here.

Ammo to boost your health during winter months...Thieves!

We eat really healthy in our home.  We also rarely get sick...maybe a sniffle or a sneeze here or there.  On occasion, a mild fever may pop up.  Besides having a great diet to support our health, we use Thieves products by Young Living.
The story behind Thieves is that a band of thieves applied a blend of special herbs and spices when they were robbing people stricken by the plague.  This special blend kept them healthy. This blend is composed of clove, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus  and cinnamon bark.  Today we use it in the diffuser or applied to the feet since the feet get to every cell in the body.  I keep our home stocked with all the products for use daily.  It has become our non-toxic way of life!
There is also a hand sanitizer, hand soap, soap, dental floss, mouthwash, toothpaste and spray, wipes and household cleaner to use around the home!
Bringing home germs is not an issue! We recover much quicker from anything that may come our way.
Contact me to learn how you can support your family the way the thieves did without chemicals or synthetic ingredients!!

Gassy Baby....Try Dill Oil!

Before my latest addition was due, I stocked up on all of the essential oils I had read about in Debra Raybern's book, Gentle Babies. One oil in particular was Young Living Dill oil.  She lists it under Colic and describes using it for gassy tummy issues in babies.  The baby can seem irritable and uncomfortable and you are not sure why.  When my son was about 6 weeks he seemed rather upset one evening and gassy.  I immediately thought I would try it and see.  I put a little organic raw coconut oil on his back, then a drop of dill and rubbed in a circular motion.

 I could not believe how quickly he calmed down. I could not pinpoint what it was I ate to upset him.  It happened again a week or so later and the Dill oil worked like a charm.  Anytime he gets fussy or gassy my husband says where is the Dill oil!!!!  He just applied it neat without a carrier oil on his tummy instead of his back one day with no problem.  I have to say the smell is strong but worth it to have a happy baby!!!

If you want more information on how to get Dill oil...contact me!

http://wendieaston.marketingscents.com/go/ms-oils

Watch out for chemicals on oranges and other citrus!!!

I am in search of organic oranges again this year and I am having a very difficult time finding them.  I thought I could buy conventional from Whole Foods but they are even selling citrus that is treated!  Some of the fruit does not even say and it is not organic so I am not taking a chance until I find organic.

This is what happened to us last year!!  During the winter months we love to eat oranges. We always buy organic. On one shopping trip to the health food store I decided to purchase CLEMENTINES instead since they are smaller and easier for toddlers to peel themselves. We enjoyed a bag over the holidays and I though nothing of it since they are not on EWGs Dirty Dozen list . A few weeks later we are at a large discount store and I saw a crate of them and thought...what a bargain, I don't have to drive to another store, we can buy these and drive home! Big mistake! We get home, I unpeel one and my husband says he is going to empty the crate and put them in the fridge and yells "STOP, look up these chemicals on your laptop, PUT THE CLEMENTINE DOWN". This is seconds before I am going to give it to my daughter and have some myself. Neither of us noticed the small writing on the side of the crate stating that they have been treated with THIABENDAZOLE AND OR IMAZLIL AND OR SOME OTHER CHEMICAL which is covered by a sticker. Look up THIABENDAZOLE and see that it is used as a fungicide on bananas and citrus among other uses. It is not approved for food use in New Zealand, Australia or the UK. Wonder why? Toxicity perhaps?? Look up IMAZLIL and it states according to California's Proposition 65, enilconazole(its other chemical name) is listed as "known to the State to cause cancer". I would not advise anyone to eat food treated with these chemicals, especially not children, pregnant or nursing moms, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Just when you think you are getting your dose of vitamin C, you are also getting a dose of toxins. Some may say the chemicals are just on the skin of the fruit, but the transference from fingers to mouth and any cracks on the skin that may let the chemicals into the fruit itself is a real possibility. Are you willing to take the chance on how tolerant you or your children's bodies are to these chemicals and increase your chance of cancer? I for one am not! Just another reason to support organic farmers!

Labor and Birth with Essential Oils

The picture above is me in labor about 5 minutes apart!  My 5 year old took the photo.  Let me start by saying...we almost didn't make it to the hospital in time.  We arrived at the hospital at 8:10 and delivered at 9pm!  It was so speedy that we forgot to call the midwife and a resident doctor caught our son while I stood which is something she probably had never done.

   When my due date came and went with my third pregnancy and my midwife mentioned the term “induction,” I began to research what I could do to induce naturally. During my second pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes. I induced with eggplant Parmesan, Evening Primrose oil, sex, walking, and acupuncture. By doing those things, I went into labor on my due date with my second child.

 With this last pregnancy, my third, I had a lot of work that I needed to complete. The main goal was finishing my book Going Green Before You Conceive! Instead of inducing, I decided to let nature take its course—that is until I reached 41 weeks. Then I decided to use Young Living Essential Oils in addition to the other methods that I had been successful with in the past. On Saturday, when I suspected that labor was approaching—I had a mild backache—a friend brought me Clary Sage oil. From what I researched, it said to use it with caution, because it could have different effects on different people.

I took a few whiffs of it in the afternoon and evening. I also consumed an eggplant parmesan dish with lots of herbs and spices and took Evening Primrose oil. When I woke up Sunday morning and nothing had happened, I applied Clary Sage to three pressure points known in Chinese Medicine to induce labor: points on my hand, leg, and shoulders.

That day, my daughter and I went for a swim! Before I left the house, I applied more Clary Sage oil on the pressure points and Peace and Calming on my chest and neck to relax. I mostly floated around the pool and walked back and forth in the pool. Still, nothing! For lunch, I ate foods I knew could induce labor: eggplant parmesan, pineapple with the core, and a lentil salad. Around 2:30 pm, I felt a little twinge in my back. A few intermittent back twinges later, I thought I might be going into labor, even though it didn’t feel like my previous labors. Instead, these contractions were very mild and erratic. It mostly felt like the baby was moving about stretching.

I called my Doula and began measuring contractions. When I noticed each contraction was about six minutes to seven minutes apart, I got excited. My family left the pool and ate dinner, and I packed my husband’s bag and took a quick shower. My Doula, Kathy, arrived at about 6:00 pm and, shortly after, I requested she insert a few acupuncture needles to calm me. I still was not in intense labor or feeling pain during contractions. On a scale of 1-10 they were maybe a 5 or 6. During this wait-time I kept applying Peace and Calming to relax, but when my Doula arrived, I began using Pan Away. Pan Away when in real labor.

For this third pregnancy, my husband and I choose a different hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, was a better choice than the hospital I used last time because, it has a reputation for being very supportive for all natural, drug-free births. Although my last birth was all-natural and drug free, the nursing staff was not very supportive. This lack of support sparked me to change hospitals and see a midwife instead of an ob-gyn.. However, by choosing this hospital, we had an hour-long drive from our house. With my Doula following closely behind us, we drove. I filled the car with the smell of Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Pan Away, and Valor. Fifteen minutes from the hospital, we all piled into the same car. My Doula immediately deduced that I was transitioning quickly and my contractions were much closer together. Between contractions she and I applied oils!

As we approached the hospital, I felt the need to do the deep ‘aww’ sound that numbed my tummy during the last birth. No one knew I was a little worried that I might have this baby in the car. I was more nervous because I was not wearing my seat belt, but rather leaning backwards over the back seat. At two miles away it felt like I might have to push! During one contraction it actually felt like the baby was pushing and that my body wanted to push with him!

The oils I applied were especially helpful in calming my nerves and helping me maintain a level head.  For instance, when we finally got to the hospital, my nerves were mild, and my mind clear enough to know I did not want a wheelchair. I remembered that sitting does not help—gravity helps the baby descend. I also declined the hospital gown and opted for my lucky bra. Finally, I firmly decided to lean on the bed, still standing, with my chest and arms stretched out. This was the most comfortable position for me during my last birth and for this one as well. All this time, my husband set up my diffuser and spread Peace and Calming throughout my hospital room. This helped me feel ready to give birth.

When the nurse checked me while I was comfortably on all fours, she said I was almost fully dilated at nine and a half centimeters. I was shocked by how quickly I got to delivery and how minimized my pain felt. I attribute this partly to the Peace and Calming, Valor, Pan Away, and Stress Away I kept applying during the car ride between contractions. I also know the acupuncture needles, seven weeks of listening to hypnobirthing CDs, and the support of my Doula helped me transition quickly and calmly.

 With a few more contractions and pushing, my baby boy arrived at exactly 9:00 pm on August 17^th, 2014. We delayed the clamping until the cord stopped pulsing blood into his little body. He began breastfeeding soon after. I was so elated with my second all natural, drug-free vaginal birth! I had no tearing, no need for ice, and was pretty comfortable sitting on the bed!  We diffused Gentle Baby oil in our private room and alternated that with Peace and Calming to have a peaceful experience, bonding with the baby.

Though this hospital’s protocol after birth is to give a woman Pitocin—a standard drug given at most hospitals to stop bleeding and “help” the uterus contract—I declined. Pitocin is known to result in stronger uterus contractions after labor. Instead, breastfeeding and massaging the uterus are natural ways to induce uterus contractions and cease bleeding. But once I began to bleed more than the nurses and doctors liked, they began to push the Pitocin. Luckily, my doula consulted my Gentle Babies book and applied Frankincense to the tips of my big toes. Wouldn’t you know it, Frankincense oil in combination with massaging my uterus and breastfeeding got the bleeding to stop! I had my perfect birth. I might have used Pitocin should my other methods have failed, and I advise you to take the advice of the experts around you. But, for me, these methods luckily worked, naturally as God intended!

Breastfeeding tips and natural remedies!!

Breastfeeding is by far the greenest option for feeding your newborn. You do not have the manufacturing of formula and you can also go without bottles for as long as you wish. No clean up! I have successfully breastfed my now 2 year old for a year.. There is a great sense of accomplishment that comes with this. Breastmilk has the best nutrients, antibodies to fight off viruses, and it is free! I breastfed my first child til she was almost 17 months! 
 To help with milk production I drank Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea. I brought it with me to the hospital and drank a few cups a day. Then every other day. It really worked great and tastes good with Stevia to sweeten it.  Now I am preparing for my 3rd baby due in the next week and I have stockpiled Mountain Rose Herbs Nursing Tea.  You can click the ad on this blog to purchase some for yourself!

My second baby was rarely collicky!! She had only had breastmilk. The only thing I had to change in my diet was stop drinking goat milk because it made her spit up more. She only seemed fussy when she was hungry and got gassy if I ate too much garlic or broccoli. I have read about what to eat and what not to eat to prevent colic or fussiness. It seems to vary among babies. What I have found to be a common factor among several women is that they must stop eating dairy because it has a negative effect on the infant. What I did find surprising is that you should avoid peppermint and parsley because it can halt milk production. Remember also to avoid caffeine and alcohol or use the test strips to check your milk after you have a drink. I truly believe each baby is different and you just have to see what works for you. If you have a family history of certain food allergies, your baby may be allergic as well. Common allergens are things such as wheat, eggs, corn, dairy, shellfish and soy.

If you plan on breastfeeding there are certain things I feel are essential to make it as easy as possible. First you need Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream. There are other brands but this is lanolin free, organic and doesn't need to be washed off before feeding your baby. You can also use raw coconut oil to moisturize as well.  If you get an infection known as mastitis...I have read that you can use on drop of Geranium oil(Young Living Brand) and one drop of Lavender(Young Living Brand) and combine with a pint and a half of  cool water and soak a wash cloth in the mixture to use as a cold compress.  I have my oils ready for this since it occasionally happens.(You can look at the Young Living link above for wholesale sign up info)
    A breast pump is great to have. They are pricey but well worth it! The Medela Freetyle is what I have and it also comes in handy when it is time to mix milk with baby cereal like oatmeal. Or you can express by hand which works to add milk to oatmeal... but it is not easy...milk just seems to go all over the kitchen and not much in the oatmeal bowl! So I suggest a pump of some sort! As far as bottles...I used the medela BPA free that go with the breast pump.  This time I didn't even pull out my breast pump or get bottles ready.  I will nurse and may eventually use glass since all of the recent backlash on BPA free bottles still containing harmful chemicals. For working moms who need to store milk and freeze...do your research.  Heating the bottle with milk in it is what worries me.  Consult a lactation specialist on this one.  Nursing bras and tanks are great too. You will want to have one per day or you will smell like sour milk. I like the nursing tanks for the winter to keep extra warm. Instead of the disposable breast pads filling up landfills, I like the organic cotton reusable breastpads. It is also good to have a few nursing tops to make it easier to feed when you are in public....even better! A button down shirt will work also but if you have a fussy baby, easy access is best! The fabrics you wear should really be cotton or wool or hemp and not washed with any harmful detergents as your baby is inhaling them.  A good nursing pillow is helpful but the popular brands are made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam!! Here are Natural options for nursing pillows. You can use a latex pillow which is safe as well or lay down to nurse which is so relaxing. Remember women have breastfed for ages without a nursing pillow!!! Whatever option is best for you, please give breastfeeding a try! You can contact your local Le Leche League for help if your hospital does not have a lactation consultant.Happy Breastfeeding Week!!

Help Heartburn During Pregnancy Naturally with Essential Oils!

During pregnancy all sorts of things happen to the body that may need a little help from an all natural remedy.  The one that I have been waiting and waiting for is heartburn!  I expected it to happen at the beginning of the third trimester and surprise it never came until about a month ago.  With my other two pregnancies it was something that occurred mostly at night and sometimes I needed to sleep somewhat upright to avoid it.  With this pregnancy I have been using Young Living Peppermint Oil in water mixed with Lemon Oil as a refreshing afternoon pick me up some days. Perhaps that is helping. Peppermint oil has all sorts of uses, I just didn't expect it to keep heartburn at bay! I also purchased a bottle of the Young Living Alkalime months ago in preparation for this heartburn which I thought we be as it was in prior pregnancies.  I have only used the Alkalime 4 times and it works immediately!!!!  I also watch what I eat and do not eat raw onions, only roasted and just a few bites.  My diet is healthy as it was with all pregnancies. I have not once had to sleep upright!!! The only thing I can attribute to not having heartburn nearly everyday and night is the Young Living Peppermint oil since I did not use it in other pregnancies...wish I had or my  sleep at night would have been much better! I will need to stop using it once a go into labor since Peppermint is known to halt breastmilk production...for now it is my favorite oil!
If you want more info on Young Living Oils and how you can get them wholesale..contact me!