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

If I had....$50 - Good for the Kids Giveaway

During one of our latest giveaways (don't worry, winners to be announced from last week's giveaways on Monday), I asked what you would like to see more of on my site. One of the overwhelming responses was ALL THINGS NATURAL AND ORGANIC. So, I thought what better way to kick it off than with yet ANOTHER giveaway AND something GREEN AND ORGANIC?

We are giving away a $50 gift certificate from Good For The Kids, a brilliant online store featuring some of the best toys EVER. From Melissa and Doug wooden toys to soft cuddlies, you can rest assured that your little one will be playing with toys that will not only be safe for them, but will also nurture their creativity and imaginations.

In order to enter, please visit Good For The Kids website and visit their website. Come back here and leave a comment, telling us what you would buy from their store if you won the $50 gift certificate (along with your name and email, please). This contest ends August 9 at 11: 59 EST, and a winner will be chosen randomly. If you are the randomly chosen winner and your comment does not include the necessary criteria (name of favorite products from Good for the Kids store, your name, your email), you will automatically be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

**Please note: All entrants are limited to one entry per day, but are invited to enter their name each day during the week that the contest is open (please choose a different products for each entry).

Good luck!

Bazura Bags - EcoFriendly Bags

Want something fun, fresh, and eco-friendly to hit off your back to school appearance? Check out Bazura Bags, and their line of Back To School bags.


The Zipper Shoulder bag would be great for all of your school essentials, and it's big enough for books, too! You'll never have to worry about getting your bags mixed up again!


Bazura Bags also makes tiny bags, perfect for carrying around your pencils and pens!
A really great organizer, that folds up compactly - great whether you want to hang it in your locker, your bathroom (for all of your essentials), or even carry it around with your money, checkbook, and coupons! Best of all, slim chance you'll forget it and leave it lying around!
Bazura Bags' Two Pocket School Bag is a great messenger-style bag for the young and young at heart. Each bag features 2 exterior pockets, as well as an inside divider pocket.


These bags are great, not only for back to school, but also for everyday use, including as diaper bags! The colorful juice packets that these bags are made of truly make them one of a kind, funky, and colorful! These unique bags are not only easily washable pretty much waterproof, but they are also eco-friendly and made out recycled materials - a true "trash to treasure" find!

You can check out the entire line of bags available HERE.

Summer Fun and Natural First Aid

Whole Foods has more than a great store full of products that are great for your body and soul, they now have podcasts on their blog! The following are two podcasts by respected professionals that I thought you could put possibly put to use. (Just click on the links to go to each one.)

Summer Fun, Not Sore Muscles
Don’t let sprains, strains and pain get in the way of your summer fun! Discover homeopathic, herbal and lifestyle recommendations for supporting the muscles, joints and whole body before during and after your activities. Dr. Tiffany Binder is a Naturopathic Physician, a general health care practitioner and a leading expert in nutrition and supplements.


Natural First Aid for Summer
Sunburn and scrapes, bites and bruises remind us that summer’s not all easy. Fortunately, there are effective natural products for addressing nature’s small challenges. Learn how to create your own summer first aid kit with essential oils, vitamins, herbal ointments and homeopathic remedies. Malia Curran, MS, MPH, is a nutrition and health consultant.

BPA - and more...

I'm sure by now, you've heard it all in the news: BPA in bottles. Most of you know it can be harmful (and has shown as such in lab animals), and some of you may even know that companies such as Toys R Us are working towards clearing their shelves of bottles that contain BPA (Good for them). But, what some of you don't realize is - BPA is in WAY more than just bottles. I'm not trying to start a freak out fest, here...but you should know. For example, the plastics you eat off of, the disposable containers you put food in to store in the fridge, your water pipes could all have BPA (depending on what you use). BPA is NOT a new thing. We're just learning about it - our society kind of has this "do now-ask questions later" approach. And now, tests have confirmed that BPA has also been found in....canned foods. As in, your favorite spaghetti sauces and veggies (and more). In general, the more acidic the food is (tomatoes, fruits, etc.), the more BPA it leaches.

In order to not cause a public uproar, the government is taking a very laid back stance on this, saying there is nothing to be concerned about. However, the scientists are not in agreeance - they say that the evidence shows harm in lab animals and it may be the same for humans. But, they aren't positive yet, and neither should the government be, either.

The report is here. You should definitely take a look and decide for yourself.

The good news: There are some companies that use special BPA-free products for your food (like Eden Foods). And then of course, there's always paper cartons and jarred foods.

Solana Swaddling Blankets

If you didn't read the title, you may be curious as to what the above pictures are. Well, I'm sure you guessed fabric-somethings...but, what I have to tell you is so much cooler. They're swaddling blankets by Solana Babywear.

Solana makes dozens of swaddling blankets, in any color you need. My personal favorites - the Organic Baby Tree wrap and the Signature Ashley wrap (respectively) - are shown above. The Baby Tree Wrap (top) is made from 100% organic (meaning no pesticides or un-natural chemicals) cotton and is SO SO soft, as well as lightweight. It reminds me of a really really soft t-shirt, actually - and, I'm seriously wondering if I could have some bedsheets (for me) made of this stuff. That's how awesome it is.

And, then, there is the Signature Ashley wrap (second picture). 100% (gauzy) cotton with beatiful eyelets and detail. Oh, how I wish I had this when we were baptizing Lorelei. It's PERFECT for a baby girl or a baby boy, with an understated elegance that really is oh-too-sweet.

And, unlike a lot of the wraps you are seeing around, Solana baby wraps keep your child comfortable and secure (feeling) with soft, luxurious, breathable 100% cotton - meaning you'll both get more rest.

i can - Earthchild

"We do not inherit the earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children." - Earthchild (established 2004.)

I have come across another great company - one that believes in being environmentally friendly AND socially responsible. Earthchild. Earthchild has an entire line of children's clothing - all made from cool, soft, organic cotton.

And, right now they have these AWESOME children's t-shirts, and right in time for Earth Day! I really really wish they had one in my size, too!! Lorelei plans to rock this shirt, not only for Earth Day, but for the rest of the year (and maybe the next - if it still fits). Not only are these shirts organic cotton, but they INSPIRE others. They inspire and they build confidence in our future generations that yes, they CAN change this world.

And quite frankly, what more could you ask for?

To learn more about the Earthchild brand, visit www.Earthchild.co/za.

To place an order, log onto www.thandanakids.com or call 1 877 518 1555.

Susan Murphy Inc. - a review

I thought it was time to introduce to you a new line of totes (and other personalized goodies) by Susan Murphy Inc.

Susan makes a lovely assortment of bags (you can even request a specific color and saying) that is great for the whole family! Use these bags to go shopping, as a purse, as an overnight bag, or any other purpose you can dream up!

Susan Murphy Inc. allows you to also choose whether you'd like to turn your bag into a "gift bag" - filled to the brim with goodies.

Check 'em out and tell us WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE??

PS - You know that challenge I issued the other day? This one? This would be a great bag to help you use less trash. Use it as a gift bag or as your grocery bag!!

WHAT IF...

Have you ever stopped to think about the impact we make on this world? Have you ever stopped to think about the garbage that we daily consume and throw out? Have you ever thought about what it would be like if we all reduced our trash for one day...much less, for an entire year...or *gasp* for the rest of our lives?

April 22nd is Earth Day, and with that, comes a challenge for all of us to do something better for our Earth. And so, I have a challenge for you ;)

Between now and April 22nd, for ONE DAY, try to reduce your trash to as close to "zero" as you can get it - And then document it. If you have a blog or website, write about it. Take pictures if you want. Or, if you have no blog/website, come back here and tell me about your experience (in my comments).

For one day, see if you can have no trash (or see how close you can get). Re-purpose the things you would normally throw away...and go out of your way to use things that aren't encased in plastic, paper, styrofoam, paper, etc.

If you are up for the challenge, please sign up in my comments. And, to make the deal a little more sweet, I'm going to do a giveaway (which will be drawn from the participants names). Don't forget to leave a link to your post if you do it!!

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.

March - Go Green. Giveaway.

Monthly “Clean Up” Giveaway!!!!

I’ve decided to make this a monthly giveaway to do my part in helping the environment! Have you thought about "going green" but you didn't know where to start? Which products do I use? Are they more expensive in concentrate form? Which company to purchase products from, grocery store or a direct selling company? And last but not least, do green cleaners really work? Those were my exact questions as well.

Here's a great example of what you may not know about household cleaners. Take a look at this video called Toxic Brew. It was done by a Toronto news crew: http://www.theglobalsuccessteam.net/resources/wmv/toxic_Brew.html.

In my search for a non-toxic cleaning line, I found a wonderful company to purchase products from. I was introduced to this awesome line called Get Clean by Kristin Grayner, a Shaklee Independent Distributor. She decided to become a Shaklee Distributor because of this non-toxic line of cleaners. She wanted to make a difference for families and for the environment. Her mission, and one that I agree with, is to speak with families about the toxins they are innocently bringing into their homes through household cleaners. Not only has she helped the environment within homes, but she has affected the outside environment as well.

Every time someone purchases a Get Clean Starter Kit to convert their entire home in one shot, they are eliminating 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills, eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and it's the equivalent of planting 10 trees. One of the nice things about using these products is once you get rid of all those undesirable cleaners you may have in your home, you won't have to replace them with 27 more. You'd have to spend more than $3,400 in store bought cleaners, to get the same amount of clean that you do with the Starter Kit!

These products were featured on America’s favorite day time talk show 5 times last year and are considered a “favorite thing!”

If you'd like to enter into a national drawing for $250.00 worth of free products, you can do so at www.goshaklee.info, password XE88705. You need to watch the videos to be entered into the drawing. Shaklee will then choose someone each month! GOOD LUCK! Please disregard the automated e-mail you receive from the system, Kristin will thank you personally for your entry.

If you'd like a free sample of Basic H2, you can send a message directly to Kristin Grayner at graynerfamily@gmail.com. You can visit her website at www.PowerfulClean.com.
Through this blog, you can enter the win a bottle of Basic H2 (windows/mirrors and all-purpose cleaning), a 3-pack of spray bottles and a box of the vegetable based Dryer Sheets, which are recyclable! - Just leave me a comment with: your name, email, and why you MUST win. Two winners will be picked!

Be sure to check back March 24th, 2008 to see if you were the lucky winner!

Bisphenol A (BPA) in Plastics

Perhaps lately you have heard about the controversy and concern raised over BPA - which stands for Bisphenol A, an organic compound that mimics estrogen.

Organic compound? Organic is good, right? Well, not in this case. This is something totally different.

Bisphenol A has shown to cause:

-Permanent changes to genital tract
-Changes in breast tissue that predispose cells to hormones and carcinogens (meaning it could also predispose a person to breast cancer)
-30% increase in prostate mass
-signs of early puberty
-Decline in testicular testosterone
-Prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer
-Insulin resistance
-Decreased maternal behavior
-Damage to eggs and chromosomes
-Hyperactivity
-Reversal of normal sex difference in brain structure

BPA is showing up in all sorts of stuff...and the latest concerns are over our plastics. Doctors and scientists are especially concerned regarding the growth of fetuses and infants. But, with almost everything being plastic in today's society, it seems like we're fighting an uphill battle with no chance of winning, right?

Don't feel discouraged...there IS a way to cut down on your use of BPA in plastics.

Here's how:

On the bottom or back of most plastics, you will find the recyclable symbol with a number printed in the center. Reference those numbers to see if you should trash your plastic, or if it's safe enough to keep.

Trash it (not safe):

1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE) - Found in many soft drink, water, and salad dressing bottles; peanut butter and jam jars

3 - Polyvinyl Chloride (V) - Juice Bottles, cling films

6 - Polystyrene (PS) - Egg cartons, disposable cups, disposable plates, disposable trays, disposable cutlery, disposable take-away containers, yogurt and margarine containers

7 - Other - Beverage bottles, baby milk bottles

Keep It (okay to use - doesn't leach harmful amounts of BPA):

2 - High Density Poyethylane (HDPE) - Milk, juice, and water bottles, yogurt and margarine tubs, trash and retail bags

4 - Low Density Polyethylene (LPDE) - Frozen food bags; squeezable bottles, e.g. honey, mustard; cling films; flexible container lids.

5 - Polypropylene (PP) - Reusable microwaveable ware, kitchenware, yogurt containers, margarine tubs, microwaveable disposable take-away containers, disposable cups and plates.



Want to know MORE?

Wikipedia
ehp Environmental Health
Toxic Nation

Clean Up.

Have you thought about "going green" but you didn't know where to start? Which products do I use? Are they more expensive? Which company to purchase products from, grocery store or a direct selling company? And last but not least, do green cleaners really work? Those were my exact questions as well.

Here's a great example of what you may not know about household cleaners. Take a look at this video called Toxic Brew. It was done by a Toronto news crew: http://www.theglobalsuccessteam.net/resources/wmv/toxic_Brew.html.

In my search for a non-toxic cleaning line, I found a wonderful company to purchase products from. I was introduced to this awesome line called Get Clean by Kristin Grayner, a Shaklee Independent Distributor. Who decided to become a Shaklee Distributor because of this non-toxic line. She wanted to make a difference for families and for the environment. Her mission, and one that I agree with, is to speak with families about the toxins they are innocently bringing into their homes through household cleaners. Not only has she helped the environment within homes, but she has affected the outside environment as well.

Every time someone purchases the Starter Kit to convert their entire home in one shot, they are eliminating 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills, eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and it's the equivalent of planting 10 trees. One of the nice things about using these products is once you get rid of all those undesirable cleaners you may have in your home, you won't have to replace them with 27 more. You'd have to spend more than $3,400 in store bought cleaners, to get the same amount of clean that you do with the Starter Kit!

This non-toxic line of cleaners has been featured on daytime's favorite talk show 5 times in the last 7 months. Here's a recap of the segment done during an Earth Day show back in April: www.shaklee.net/pws/library/flash/getclean-tv2.html.

If you'd like to enter into a national drawing for $250.00 worth of free products, you can do so at www.goshaklee.info, password XE88705. You need to go through the entire video to be entered into the drawing. They will choose someone each month! GOOD LUCK with both!

If you'd like a free sample of Basic H2, you can send a message directly to Kristin Grayner at graynerfamily@gmail.com. You can visit her website at www.PowerfulClean.com.

Through this blog, you can enter the win a bottle of Basic H2 (windows/mirrors and all-purpose cleaning), a 3-pack of spray bottles and a box of the vegetable based Dryer Sheets, which are recyclable, plus a lovely bucket! - Just leave me a comment with:
your name,
email,
and why you MUST win!


Be sure to check back February 11, 2008 to see if you were the lucky winner!

***DUE to the huge response we had, we are now adding another set to be given away... so, now TWO lucky readers will win! If you haven't signed up yet, be sure you do!!

Got Lice?

From time to time, kids will get lice. It doesn't matter that you bathe them often, and you wash their clothes... it will probably happen. And, if it does happen to your kiddo, don't beat yourself up -You're a great mom - or dad! After all, you aren't the one that gave them lice, or are you? (Okay, I'm just kidding.) But seriously, here's a homemade (and organic) recipe to get rid of head lice. It's a great alternative to those other expensive lice treatments that may or may not work in the end.

Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil (add more if hair is really long), 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil (which can be found at your local health foods store). Put mixture on child's head and cover with shower cap or saran wrap (or you can borrow Granny's plastic bonnet).

Let sit for AT LEAST 1 hour.

Then, mix 1 cup white vinegar with 3 drops lavender and 3 drops thyme essential oils together.

Rinse hair with warm water to get the excess olive oil out. Then, use the vinegar solution (be careful to not get in eyes or mouth).

Comb through hair with a nit comb (with metal teeth).

Shampoo and bathe child with regular products, and then go through the hair again with the nit comb.

No-Egg No-Milk Vegan Teething Biscuits

Want a cheap and fast way to make baby teething biscuits with ingredients you probably have on hand (assuming you have a baby)? Well, here you go:

Ingredients:
1 cup fruit juice
1 cup flour
1 cup baby cereal

Directions:
Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together until well combined. Roll out on a floured board and cut into shapes. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). These biscuits can be frozen for storage and your baby might even enjoy sucking on a partially defrosted one.

Pros And Cons Of The Different Type Of Cloth Diapers

All In Ones (AIO)

Pros:
Easy to use
Function similar to that of a disposable
Daycares prefer them

Cons:
Long drying times
Some wear out faster (especially ones with PUL outers), since they spend more time in the dryer



All In Twos (AI2, a type of All In Ones that comes apart into 2 pieces, the liner snaps out)

Pros:
When cared for properly, do not wear out any faster than covers/prefolds
Easy to use
High resale diaper
Somewhat daycare - friendly
Much like a disposable


Cons:
Must keep matching doublers with their coordinating diapers
Expensive
Need alot



Fitted Diapers

Pros:
Similar shape as disposables
Don’t need to be pinned or folded
Can be washed at a high temp (separately from covers)
Elastic around legs and waist hold in (hopefully) all messes even before you use the cover (which should provide even more protection)
Depending on style, can wash and dry quickly
Doesn’t take up a lot of space
Many choices

Cons:
More steps (diaper plus cover)
Some covers won’t fit well with the fitteds, so be sure to check before you buy
sometimes made with so many layers they are hard to clean and slow to dry
Have to struggle with getting two layers off squirmy, dirty baby
Every brand does not fit every baby
More expensive



Flats and Prefolds:

Pros:
Absorbent
Economical
Easy to customize the fit to your baby
Fits all babies
Easy to wash, fast to dry

Cons:
Takes more time to fold
Must use a pin or other fastener
Must use a cover
Takes longer to change the diaper (more steps)


Pocket Diapers:

Pros:
You control the absorbency by how much you stuff
No wet bottom ( synthetic liner wicks moisture away from baby’s skin)
Not too bulky

Cons:
Have to stuff them once they are done washing and drying
No wet tush (may be harder if you are pottytraining)
Cost

Organics by Tadpoles

I recently found a great new option for organic baby wear. I'd like to introduce you to Organics by Tadpoles.

These products are made without harmful chemicals and made of natural cotton interlock knit (interlock knit is a double jersey knit, a more luxurious version of everyone's favorite t-shirt fabric).

They are luxuriously soft and wonderfully simple. Organics by Tadpoles offers short and long sleeved rompers, pants, hats, hooded towels, and a wash mit in their fabulous collection. I have mine in a fabulous sage trim, but you can also get them in a pink or cocoa trim.

Types of Cloth Diapers

There are many things to consider and take into account when choosing whether to cloth diaper you child or not. If you choose to cloth diaper, no matter your reason, getting started can be quite intimidating. So, to help you get started, we’ve gathered some information for you.

There are four basic types of cloth diapers.

1. All in One Cloth Diapers (AIO’s) - I recommend these diapers for first-time users. They are easy to use and most like a disposable diaper regarding how they are put on. They have a built in diaper cover sewn into the cotton or fleece layer. They fasten with snaps or velcro. You do not need a separate diaper cover.

2. Fitted or Contoured Cloth Diapers - These diapers are fitted with snaps or velcro. They DO require diaper covers.

3. Pre-Fold and Flat Diapers (old-school diapers) - Pre-fold and flat diapers can be used for a variety of reasons (washing your car, cleaning, burp cloths, etc). These diapers are some of the cheapest options available (if you go for the plain-jane variety). Of course, these come in a variety of fabrics and colors...or you can go with plain white. They must be fastened with pins or other diaper fasteners. They DO require diaper covers.

4. Pocket Cloth Diapers - Pocket Cloth Diapers are a three piece diapering system, consisting of a waterproof material sewn to a moisture-wicking material (to keep baby’s skin dry), which makes a pocket. The third “piece” is a removable absorbent insert which is “stuffed” into the pocket to increase absorbency.

Cloth Diaper Cost Calculator

People choose cloth over disposables for many reasons...one of which is long term cost. If you'd like to see the difference in cost between disposables and cloth, check out this calculator.