Cancer In A Bottle?

I've posted a lot about toxins in the things we put IN and ON our bodies, and so it came to no surprise to me when Rutgers University found a link between moisturizers and skin cancer. I mean, what exactly DO you expect when you apply lotions filled with parabens (Read: Cancer Causing Agents) on your skin everyday? I mean, really?

So many people are surprised by studies like these - they thought our government had a handle on it, that our government would protect them. I'm incredibly sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the FDA only limits certain chemicals. When it comes to cosmetics and bodycare, there isn't much by way of standards and regulations for what they can put into their products.

It's up to YOU to read your own labels to know what's safe, and what's not. Ignore the label's claims about organic or organic ingredients (I'll talk more about this later), because just because an item SAYS it has organic items, it doesn't make it so (another faulty FDA law...or non-law).

Exercise your right to read the labels, and carefully. For more information about chemicals you should be watching out for, read below. And, for more information, go to Skin Deep- where you can search for your particular product to see how it rates for safety.

The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics

by Catherine Zandonella, M.P.H

1. Antibacterials
Overuse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

2. Coal Tar
Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.

4. 1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms “PEG,” “-xynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth” and most other ethoxylated “eth” ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children’s bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.

5. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

6. Fragrance
The catchall term “fragrance” may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.

7. Lead and Mercury
Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men’s hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.

8. Nanoparticles
Tiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels. For a more complete discussion, see Screen Test: Reading the Micro-Fine Print.

9. Parabens
(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.

10. Petroleum Distillates
Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

11. P-Phenylenediamine
Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

12. Hydroquinone
Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there’s limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

Source: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/122/dirtydozen/3

The facts are compelling:

• A study by one of our founding members revealed that one third of cosmetic products on the market contain chemicals that are linked to cancer.
• Of the more than 10,000 chemical ingredients in personal care products, 89 percent have not undergone safety testing.
• On average, American women use 12 personal care products a day, and men average six products daily. That means an adult is likely to be exposed DAILY to 126 unique chemical ingredients in personal care products alone.
• We know that the skin is not a solid barrier – it’s a penetrable organ that can easily absorb chemicals, especially with repeat exposure. Derman absorbtion is commonly used to transmit chemicals to the bloodstream, notably with nicotine and birth control patches.
• Toxic chemicals find their way into our bodies, our breast milk and our children. And diseases linked to synthetic chemicals – including breast cancer, testicular cancer and reproductive problems – are on the rise.

Source: http://www.safecosmetics.org/action/endorsementform.cfm

Gypsy Soules

We've got something on our minds, over here at First Impressions - something that combines some of our favorite things: sparkles, pink, and shoes! Gypsy Soules by Van Glow Jewels are some of the most beautiful flip-flops we've seen yet! All of their flip-flops "are handmade and set with real Swarovski crystals, high quality cowhides, and Italian leathers."

We're excited because not only are these darling shoes PERFECT to wear with your black pants and skirts, but also because proceeds from this special Breast Cancer Edition will be donated to fight for a cure! How awesome is that?

We give these comfortable flip-flops a two thumbs up - not only for a well made product, but also for what they stand for. These would make a great gift for any woman in your life, no matter her age (and not to mention, perfect for an expecting mom!)

Click HERE to buy yours now!

Living On A Dime

• Having a hard time doing the things you used to because money just isn't stretching as far?
• Having trouble figuring out what to fix for dinner that you can AFFORD, is healthy, AND will tasted great?
• Feel like you can't look great on your budget?
• Want to know how to clean on a dime?
• Want to get out of debt?
• In need of ideas for holidays and other special occasions that won't break the bank?
• Would you appreciate some new ideas for your low-cost ideas regarding children?
• Want to know how to make the most of your money at the grocery?

If you answered YES, to any of these...check out Living On A Dime and their comprehensive selection of ebooks. These great ebooks can teach you what you need to know about living more frugally - but, without having to give up the things you love - and, how to save money to do the things you've always wanted to do.

With these ebooks and a little careful planning, you could be on your way to living on a dime!

Not feeling so HOT?

Not feeling so HOT? Check out this free guide to picking things up a notch. Just because you are a mom, doesn't mean you can't feel and look good, too!

Best Of...Baby Skin Care 2008

I know how difficult it can be to find a product that is "right" for you AND good for your (or your little one's) body. So... I set out to find what was behind the labels. I've compiled, in an easy to read list - form, some great products - complete with links, size, pricing, their rating, and a little about how they feel and smell and our panel's overall impressions.


Please note, although we'd love to give every company a "10," these ratings were reserved only for the best of the best products. Each and every product that made it onto this list is indeed worth trying, but some ranked higher than others.


Good luck on your search!




BEST OF... BABY SKIN CARE FOR 2008


Shampoo, Body Wash, and Cream Bath Products

Product: Calendula Cream Bath
Brand: Weleda
Size: 6.8 oz
Price: $15.00
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Luxurious cream bath with the spicy aroma of calendula. Perfect for dry, patchy skin. Leaves skin feeling baby-soft, no matter its age. Our only complaint? The scent was a little strong at first, but became less intense after the first use (and opening of the bottle).


Product: Baby Wash
Brand: Nature’s Boundaries - Little Lamb
Size:
Price: $7.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Great baby wash with medium skin moisturizing effects. Lathers well and has a great scent - Vanilla with a subtle note of mandarin.


Product: Baby Wash
Brand: Nurture My Body
Size: 8.5 oz.
Price: $16.50
Rating: 9
Comments: Gentle gel with a pleasant geranium-lavender scent.


Product: Friendly Face Wash
Brand: TruKid
Size: 4 oz
Price: $8.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Great face wash, especially for older children. Light citrus scent and great cleansing, without stripping skin of all oils.


Product: Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash
Brand: Weleda
Size: 7.2 oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Same spicy aroma of calendula as the rest of the Weleda baby products. This product was a good shampoo/body wash and was slightly moisturizing.


Product: Shampoo and Body Wash
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 8 oz or 16 oz
Price: $9.95 or $17.95
Rating: 8
Comments: Comes in Lavender & Chamomile or Vanilla Tangerine scents. Cream-based shampoo/body wash and suds well.


Product: Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Brand: Earth Mama Angel Baby
Size: 5.3 oz
Price: $12.95
Rating: 8
Comments: Foaming shampoo/wash with a subtle citrus (orange) scent. Great for scrubbing clean a dirty baby. This is not a moisturizing cleanser, it seemed to strip the oils off of skin.


Product: La La Baby Wash and Shampoo
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $9.00
Rating: 7.5
Comments: Thinner consistency with little to no scent. Great for skin in good condition that need no extra moisturizing and for noses sensitive to scented products.


Product: Baby Shampoo
Brand: Nurture My Body
Size: 8.5 oz
Price: $16.50
Rating: 7
Comments: Delicate baby shampoo. Scented with marshmallow root and roman chamomile essential oil.




Baby Bar Soaps


Product: Unscented Soothing Soap
Brand: Emily Skin Soothers
Size: 4 oz
Price: $6.00
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Great lather, very moisturizing, and unscented.

Product: Bubbly Body Bar
Brand: TruKid
Size: 4 oz
Price: $6.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Great lather, unscented.

Product: Lavender Meadow Soap
Brand: Mountain Girl Botanics
Size: 5.5oz
Price: $6.49
Rating: 7.5
Comments: Great lather with a lavender scent.

Product: Oh! Baby Soap - Calendula Castile
Brand: Oh! Baby by Creating Harmony LLC
Size:
Price: $6.00
Rating: 7
Comments: Unscented, not a great lather.

Product: Baby Bar Soap
Brand: Nurture My Body
Size: 3.5 oz
Price: $5.97
Rating: 7
Comments: Unscented with slight lather.




Other (Bath)

Product: Angel Baby Bath Blossoms
Brand: Earth Mama Angel Baby
Size: 1.5 oz or 3 oz
Price: $7.95 or $12.95
Rating: 10
Comments: An organic herbal bath blend that is naturally comforting - great for fussy babies and/or a distressed mama. Smells wonderful, and soothes sensitive skin as it moisturizes. Comes with a muslin bag for steeping, which can double as a washcloth. Perfect.

Product: Comfort Bath Oil
Brand: Demeter (Eco Beauty Organics)
Size: 3.5 oz
Price: $34.00
Rating: 9
Comments: A lightly scented oil for the bath. Easy to use and great for relaxation and tummy troubles. Another great resource for colicky babies.

Product: Conditioner & Detangler
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 8 oz and 16 oz
Price: $10.95 and $17.95
Rating: 7.5
Comments: Comes in Lavender Chamomile or Vanilla Tangerine. Very thin but creamy consistency. Great for finer hair. Is good for light conditioning, and the consistency is also great for “leave in” conditioner. Can be used and either left in or rinsed out.




Baby Oils


Product: Organic Baby Oil - Mandarin Coconut (scent)
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $10.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: USDA organic. Vegan, Paraben, Nut, and Gluten Free. Hypo-allergenic. Great lightly scented oil for moisturizing delicate skin.

Product: Angel Baby Oil
Brand: Earth Mama Angel Baby
Size: 1 oz or 4 oz
Price: $5.95 or $12.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Oil made from good-for-you ingredients with little to no scent. Great moisturizing oil with no nut oils (so, no worries about about nut allergies). Perfect for sensitive skin.

Product: Birth & Baby Massage Oil
Brand: Mother Love
Size: 2 oz or 4 oz
Price: $8.50 or $14.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Little to no scent oil. USDA certified organic. Made with lavender flower and apricot oil. Great for perineal massage during labor or infant massage (because it has no essential oils).

Product: Organic Baby Oil
Brand: Nature’s Boundaries - Little Lamb
Size:
Price: $6.95
Rating: 9
Comments: Wonderfully (yet lightly) scented oil. Works great. However, does contain almond oil.

Product: Calendula Oil
Brand: Weleda
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $13.00
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Little to no scent. However, does contain almond oil.




Lotions and Creams


Product: Calendula Baby Cream
Brand: Weleda
Size: 2.6 oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 10
Comments: Lightly scented, Intensive (VERY heavy) cream for seriously dry skin. (Think: heavy cream ointments). Wonderful product for when regular lotions just won’t do the trick.

Product: Angel Baby Lotion
Brand: Earth Mama Angel Baby
Size: 8 oz
Price: $19.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: lightweight, twist open/close pump, Light vanilla and orange scent. Think Orange Creamsicles. Mmmm...

Product: Organic Calendula Lotion
Brand: Nature's Boundaries - Little Lamb
Size: 8.5 oz
Price: $9.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Great lotion with a medium consistency and wonderful scent with a hint of vanilla and mandarin. Great moisturizer without being too heavy.

Product: Lavender Meadow Body Mouse
Brand: Mountain Girl Botanics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $11.99
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Deeply moisturizing lavender scented body mouse. Feels great! Moisturizing and light all at once? Wow!

Product: Happy Face and Body Lotion
Brand: TruKid
Size: 4 oz
Price: $8.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Fruity scent. Lightweight. Non-greasy.

Product: Lullaby Lotion
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 6.5 oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Thick non-greasy lotion with a lavender scent. Great product!

Product: Face and Body Moisturizer
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 8 oz
Price: $11.95
Rating: 9
Comments: “Fragrance free”, but not unscented. Very thick cream consistency. Scent: Rose. Good for really dry skin, may not be a good everyday moisturizer if your skin is not otherwise really dry.

Product: Calendula Cream
Brand: Demeter (Eco Beauty Organics)
Size: 1.8 oz
Price: $27.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Thick, lightly scented, but highly moisturizing calendula cream.

Product: Baby Lotion
Brand: Nurture My Body
Size: 8 oz
Price: $20.90
Rating: 8
Comments: Lightweight baby lotion with an orange citrus spice scent.

Product: Organic Baby Cream
Brand: Nature’s Boundaries - Little Lamb
Size: 2 oz
Price: $6.49
Rating: 8
Comments: “Cream” is in balm form (solid until you rub it or press it), but is thick all the same. Has the wonderful vanilla and mandarin scent. Great for moisturizing, but does feel a bit oily after applied (like shea butter).

Product: Calendula Lotion
Brand: Weleda
Size: 6.8 oz
Price: $12.00
Rating: 7
Comments: Spicy herbal scent. Thin consistency (like sunscreen), but a little sticky feeling afterwards.

Product: Cherish Your Baby Lotion
Brand: Cherish Your Baby by Green Valley Herbal Enterprises
Size: 5 oz
Price: $5.90
Rating: 6
Comments: Thick lotion with strong earthy scent.




First Aid/ Healing


Product: Sunny Days Face Stick
Brand: TruKid
Size: 0.6 oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 10
Comments: Light, moisturzing, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 30 mineral sunscreen for faces. In a tube. Great product, very convenient, and still that light citrus scent.

Product: Ah Choo! Chest Rub (Eucalyptus)
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 2 oz
Price: $10.95
Rating: 10
Comments: Great salve that helps relieve chest and sinus congestion. USDA certified organic and eucalyptus scented. Great product and I’d recommend it for your medicine cabinet.

Product: Children’s Cold & Flu Essential Oil
Brand: Aromatic Health
Size:
Price: $10.00
Rating: 10
Comments: A great mix of oils to help alleviate colds and the flu the “natural” way. Use this mixture in a bath, massage, or simple inhalation.

Product: Organic Soothing Stick
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: .63 oz
Price: $9.95
Rating: 9.5
Comments: GREAT product! Wonderful for rashes, burns, cuts and scrapes, bug bites, and anything else you could think of. It’s a first aid kit in a stick! Keeps fingers clean, and is packaged perfectly for travel.

Product: Sunny Days Mineral Sun Screen
Brand: TruKid
Size: 4 oz
Price: $14.00
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Love this mineral sunscreen (UVA/UVB broad spectrum with an SPF of 30). It’s light, wonderful, and has a pleasant fruity scent. - Which is great because what good is sunscreen if you can’t get the little ones to apply it?

Product: Soothing Salve
Brand: Emily Skin Soothers
Size:
Price: $14.00
Rating: 9.5
Comments: Works great, wonderful for any skin irritations. Works great for itchy skin, as well. Very earthy smell.

Product: Hero Stick
Brand: TruKid
Size: 0.6
Price: $10.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Great for rashes, cuts, burns, scrapes, bug bites. It’s like a first-aid kit in a stick form! Easy to carry in a purse or bag, and no mess for fingers.

Product: Peaceful Baby (colic or teething)
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 1 oz dropper bottle
Price:$12.00
Rating: 9
Comments: A great alternative to some of the other mainstream drops for colic and teething. And, alcohol-free.

Product: Joy’s Special Blend Tea
Brand: Cherish Your Baby
Size: 18 bags per package
Price: $4.20
Rating: 9
Comments: Herbal tea made from mint, lemon verbena, nettle, and chamomile.

Product: Spiffy Spearmint Lip Balm
Brand: TruKid
Size: 0.15 oz
Price: $3.50
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Moisturizing with a light spearmint scent and slight “sweet” taste. Great to get children to wear lip balm. No menthol for kids.

Product: Aromatherapy Calming Spray in Lovely Lavender
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $8.95
Rating: 8
Comments: Softly scented “lavender” spray to be used on linens or wherever to help calm baby. Both the spray and the scent are light. However, if you are looking for a true lavender scent (and, lavender alone), you may be disappointed.




Diaper Care (deodorizers, diaper rash cream, etc)


Product: Diaper Rash Salve
Brand: Mother Love
Size: 1 oz
Price: $9.50
Rating: 10
Comments: light - no scent. Great salve, and works great! Can even be used for rashes possibly caused by yeast.

Product: Love That Baby Bum Bum Balm
Brand: Sunflower Hill
Size:
Price: $7.95
Rating: 10
Comments: Balm with a very light, fresh scent.

Product: Sunshine Spray
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 4 oz
Price: $12.00
Rating: 9.5
Comments: This sunshine spray is unbelievable! Spray on a soft cloth to use when changing baby (as a wipe), spray on diapers to help deodorize, spray on linens, in the air, use on irritated skin (including minor cuts, burns, bites, etc). It really is for everything! Wonderful product - I’d love to see it with more choices for scents.

Product: Diaper Cream
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $11.95
Rating: 9
Comments: Great diaper cream. Goes on well, isn’t hard to remove and helps with rashes.

Product: Silky Dusting Powder
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $9.95
Rating: 9
Comments: This powder was lightweight and had a rose chamomile scent.

Product: Bottom Salve
Brand: Cherish Your Baby
Size: 2 oz
Price: $5.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Salve with a light scent (combination of evening primrose, tea tree, lavender, and rosemary).

Product: Birth and Baby Spritzer
Brand: Mother Love
Size: 2 oz
Price: $8.50
Rating: 9
Comments: little to no scent spritzer. Great for refreshing baby, as a room spray, or for mom while in labor.

Product: Angel Baby Bottom Balm
Brand: Earth Mama Angel Baby
Size: 2 oz
Price: $14.95
Rating: 9
Comments: Works wonderfully for rashes (including diaper rashes), cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites. A little greasy but goes on smoothly and helps to quickly clear up skin. Tea tree oil scented.

Product: Stardust Baby Powder
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 4 oz
Price: $9.00
Rating: 9
Comments: A light powder with arrowroot and baking soda base with a light and pleasant scent.

Product: Baby Nappy Balm
Brand: Demeter (Eco Beauty Organics)
Size: 3.5 oz
Price: $30.00
Rating: 9
Comments: Lightly (fresh) scented tub of “balm” for baby’s bottom. It’s like a cream and balm all in one. It looks creamy, but goes on smoothly and evenly like a balm.

Product: Oh! Baby Petroleum Free Diaper Balm
Brand: Oh! Baby by Creating Harmony LLC
Size: 2.5 oz
Price: $9.00
Rating: 8.5
Comments: Diaper balm with an earthy scent and a creamy texture. Great for bottoms that need a little extra loving and more moisture.

Product: PU All Purpose Deodorizer
Brand: Nature’s Baby Organics
Size: 4 oz
Price: $11.95
Rating: 8
Comments: Lavender Chamomile or Vanilla Tangerine scented. Works great, removes smell and leaves a light scent. -Great for nursery, bathroom, or anywhere else that needs some odor control.

Product: Magic Touch Baby Balm
Brand: Mama Rose’s Naturals
Size: 2 oz
Price: $12.00
Rating: 8
Comments: Diaper Rash Salve with an earthy scent.

Product: Mountain Baby Butt Balm
Brand: Mountain Girl Botanics
Size: 4oz
Price: $15.99
Rating: 8
Comments: Salve with an earthy scent. Easy to remove from baby’s bottom (it just soaks in, no residue). Would have received higher rating if unscented or had a more pleasant scent.

Product: Calendula Diaper Care
Brand: Weleda
Size: 2.8 oz
Price: $10.00
Rating: 8
Comments: Cream diaper rash ointment in spicy Calendula scent.

Product: Linen Spray
Brand: Cherish Your Baby
Size: 2 oz.
Price: $4.00
Rating: 7.5
Comments: VERY strong lavender scent. Could be great if diluted a bit.

Product: Hemp Bum Butter
Brand: Aromatic Health
Size: (30G)
Price: $12.00
Rating: 7
Comments: Product is balm based with a light earthy scent (not overpowering). Goes on smoothly. It comes in a tin with a loose lid (the type of container chosen, not defective), not good for traveling, purses, or bags.

Product: Powder
Brand: Cherish Your Baby
Size: 5.8 oz
Price: $6.50
Rating: 6
Comments: Scent - a combination of arrowroot, lavender, and tea tree oil. Nice consistency, but low marks for the scent.

Skin Deep

When was the last time you truly stopped to consider what you were putting on your body...or your child's? Every shampoo, every baby lotion, every cream contains SOME sort of chemicals - but how safe are they?

I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "If it wasn't safe, it wouldn't be allowed on the shelves."

Wrong.

I could give you a list of products on shelves across America that contain chemicals that were proven UNSAFE ...and yet, we still buy them, unaware.

Unfortunately, until further notice - it's up to you to make sure that the ingredients you are putting on your and your children's skin (our largest organ) is SAFE.

So, for now, start with these most toxic ingredients (in baby care items), and see what you can do away with. If you can't get rid of it all, do what you can and work on the rest.

The DIRTY list:


* DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants

* Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

* Ceteareth and PEG compounds - Petrochemicals that may contain cancer-causing impurities

*Triclosan - Linked to thyroid disruption, produces toxic byproducts in tap water

*Fluoride - Neurotoxic agent that can discolor teeth at high doses

*Oxybenzone - In sunlight, can produce allergy- and cancer-causing chemicals

*Triethanolamine - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants

*2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (or Bronopol) - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants

* BHA - Banned in other countries because it can cause skin depigmentation

* Boric Acid and Sodium Borate - Industry authorities caution against use on infant or damaged skin

*Sodium Borate - Industry authorities caution against use on infant or damaged skin

For more information about what's in YOUR specific products, check out SKIN DEEP.

Gal Pal Everything Tape

It's very possible that this only happens to me. But, on the off-chance that it's NOT just me, I wanted to share.

What really can be worse than your hem coming un-done at a fancy-shmancy dinner? --Your blouse gaping open at the most inopportune moment and giving your great Uncle Marty an eyeful. That's what.

Or, what about buying a really beautiful, strapless dress for a great night out...and then realizing that your bra shows if you move your arms - at all. You COULD run into the bathroom and pout...or you could pull out Gal Pal's Everything Tape and fix it in seconds!

This innovative tape is great for everything from hemlines to missing buttons to keeping your clothes looking oh-so-perfect. Better yet? You don't need an iron, and it's totally removable when it's time to wash your clothing.

I'm officially declaring (whatever that means) this product as a MUST HAVE for your purses. Who knows the genius things you'll come up with to use it!

Works for Me Wednesday

So, I've got myself a new "thing". It's called Works for Me Wednesday, and I hope for it to be a permanent installment here :) I got the idea (and header) from Rocks in my dryer.

The idea is that I post a tip I use and would like to share. I had a hard time sifting through my great tips and tricks (I am just full of helpful advice lol). Should I post about yellow snow? - SURELY everyone knows that one by now (but in the offchance you haven't heard, feel free to email me and I'll let you in on the secret). What about ....hey I know!

Here we go (I'll start simple - I'm not so much worried about confusing you all as I am myself...wait, what? see?!)
You see that? Yeh, don't use it. This stuff = distilled petroleum. It doesn't moisturize because it simply sits on the skin and acts as a barrier. AND, if somehow a baby (or anyone else) happens to breathe it in....it can coat their lungs and cause chemical pneumonia (it contains hydrocarbons). You may not anticipate your baby going around and sniffing baby oil...but if there is any chance at all (in a bath, etc)...

INSTEAD....

I use Olive oil or Coconut Oil (Almond Oil is great too if you know FOR SURE there are no nut allergies present). It's great as a moisturizer for dry or chapped skin....and, it's cheap (plus it's a multipurpose product...moisturizer and you can cook with it...can you say that about Johnson and Johnson products?)

Mere Minerals

BEFORE

AFTER

Simple. Natural. Pure.
Mere' Minerals strives to bring the most pure ingredients for your mineral makeup. I had been using some of the major brands of "regular" makeup, but was looking for something a bit more natural. But, I wanted something that would provide good coverage, be good for my body, and look great. I've found it - A natural mineral makeup that does all of this WITHOUT breaking my bank.

Their products:
-protect skin from sun and environmental damage
-keep skin soft and hydrated while rejuvenating and restoring damaged skin
-are long-wearing
-easy to use
-do NOT contain the following: dyes, lakes, carmine, talc, bismuth oxychloride, petroleum products, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, parabens, and UREA

Natural tooth whitening

Want a brighter smile without having to spend a fortune? Interested in a more "natural" way of achieving it?

Try pouring a little bit of hydrogen peroxide in a dixie cup and dipping your toothbrush in it and then brushing your teeth.

OR

Get your own small box of baking soda just for this purpose and clean your toothbrush really well. Dry it off so it's mostly dry and then dip your toothbrush into the baking soda so it's completely covered. Then, brush.

Want your teeth TWICE as bright? Use both! Wet your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide and then dip it into your personal stash of baking soda. We very much recommend that you use your baking soda SOLELY for this purpose. As you will be double dipping.

Repeat daily. Within 2 months you should see a pretty dramatic difference.

Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips

Want a beautiful white smile? Who doesn't? Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips are NOT the way to get there. Your teeth MAY end up white, but you WON'T be smiling. In fact, it's more of a grimace. The box's appearance reminds me a lot of the Listerine dissolving breath strips. Wrong. It's NOTHING like those. These strips have an awful, bitter taste. And, you will be lucky if they dissolve completely.

The commercial that has aired for this product is VERY misleading. The girl puts the strip on and then continues about her day and then goes out the door. Uh yeh. In reality, you may smile but it's only because the strip is sticking to your lips and you are trying to push it onto your teeth. And, then 10 seconds later you realized this must be a horrible mistake because this isn't anything minty at all (like the box suggests)...it's bitter and disgusting! If the girl in the commercial was accurate, it would have shown her trying to spit the awfulness out and then having to scrape the rest off her teeth. THEN she would have tried brushing her teeth twice to get it all off her teeth and the taste out of her mouth. So, either the girl really did not try the strips OR they cut out a few "scenes".

I'd take peroxide and baking soda over this (for whitening).

Or, be smart and just stick with Crest's Whitestrips.

Bella B.

Winter is here, and so is dry, itchy skin - even more-so if you also happen to be pregnant. I've fallen in love with Bella B Silk and Honey Moisturizing Body Cream. Thick and luscious, without feeling greasy, this body cream is wonderful for anyone needing a little pampering. It has a fresh, clean scent - making it perfect, especially for the queasy (hello first trimester!)

Bella B has an entire line of bodycare - from head to toe...all of which are free of petroleum, lanolin, mineral oils and parabens (artificial preservatives).

clean up.

Remember back in the day when you had a little dirt on your cheek or perhaps a smudge of ink on your hands, and your mother would use a little spit and wipe it right off? Well, I just received my own Momspit. Momspit is an alcohol-free cleanser and comes in three lovely scents: lemon and white tea, fig and green tea, and unscented. And despite what the name implies, there is in fact no spit involved. This cleanser comes in a 7 oz. bottle, but it also comes in a handy 2 oz. bottle as well - great for the diaper bag or purse!

I love my new momspit, and I love how it can make little sticky messes disappear...where exactly it goes, I have no idea - I'm just glad it's no longer on me!