Need some extra enegry? Shaklee 180 Energizing Tea to the rescue

 

 

I work full-time and have my Shaklee business on the side and run this blog.

I don't know about you, but at around 3pm I start to run out of energy.

 

But I have a little secret weapon that keeps me going-

Shaklee 180 Energizing Tea.

 

I never drank coffee ever- can't stand the smell of it!

 So until recently the only caffeine I had was from soda.

Soda is gross and bad for you- I have stopped drinking it totally and replaced it with this tea.

 

This tea does not give me the jitters or a headache from using it or not using it like

some other caffeinated beverages will do.

I am just refreshed and rejuvenated when I drink it and ready to conquer the world!

 

 

The Importance and Benefits of Shaklee 180 Energizing Tea

prevents Transfer of Toxins and Oxidation during fat loss!

TOXINS are stored in FAT.

When you lose fat … you MUST provide for a way to eliminate the toxins!

Otherwise they will transfer to other areas of the body and cause havoc in the cellular tissue of glands, organs, muscle, etc.

Many diet programs DO NOT provide for the elimination of these toxins.  This is very dangerous! (Shaklee 180 Tea is part of our Shaklee 180  Healthy Weight Loss Program). Fiber is like a SPONGE … it is ESSENTIAL for SAFE WEIGHT LOSS because it absorbs TOXINS. That’s why there is so much fiber in the Shaklee180 Smoothees, Meal bars and snacks!

Oxidation causes cellular membrane damage.

Loss of FAT causes a high level of Oxidation in the body .

Antioxidants are ESSENTIAL to Protect Cellular Tissue from Damage

from High Levels of Oxidation

The Shaklee Energizing Tea is an ESSENTIAL part of the Shaklee180 Inch Loss

program to address this OXIDATION ISSUE

It is essential to provide optimal ANTI-OXIDANTS to block the negative affect of this oxidation!

The SILENT side effects of insufficient Antioxidants with fat loss is a HIGH LEVEL of

Cellular Membrane Damage

(Aging or Degenerative Cellular Health)

 

 

A refreshing energy boost.

Forget coffee and amped-up sodas. Here’s a safe and natural way to head off the slumps when you need a quick pick-me-up. An exclusive blend of antioxidant-rich green, white and red teas,

as well as taurine, naturally boosts your energy and enhances alertness.

Enjoy morning or afternoon, hot or cold.

Features:

• A blend of green, white and red teas for a natural energy boost
• Includes taurine, widely studied for enhancing alertness and energy
• No artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives added
• Gluten free
• Tastes great hot or cold

Flavors:

Pomegranate Tea
Green Matcha Tea 



Adventures in Sunscreens

Do you have trouble finding a sunscreen?

Do you or your children break out from them?

I have had this problem with my boys.

Mommy passed on her very sensitive Irish skin so I have trouble finding lotions

 that don't make them break out in a eczema rash.

Which makes finding sunscreens  tricky.

 

I want a sunscreen that is as natural, nontoxic and won't irritate their fair skin, plus it needs to work!

Our skin is one of our largest organs and it does absorb what you put on it so I don't want lotions or sunscreens that have toxic chemicals going on it, especially for my kids.

 

Last year we used California baby and it worked for us.

This year the new bottle made both of them break out in an eczema rash.

(Not sure if they changed the formula.)

 

Back to the drawing board!!!

 

After a lot of research and reading tons of reviews I ordered two sunscreens to test out.
They both have a rating of 1 on the EWGs website.

They both worked, but one I like better than the other.

 

First one is the Honest Company Sunscreen.

It was great on their sensitive skin- no irritation,

but it was difficult to rub it and then they were very sticky even hours later.

 

The second one I liked a lot. It was Badger brand sunscreen. I bought the baby formula.

This stuff worked great, no irritation, smells great and rubs in easily and leaves no sticky residue.

Also no toxic chemicals- its all natural.

So if you are in the market for a new sunscreen I suggest you give it a try.



Dust Allergy

 

My son and I both suffer from dust allergies.

When you think of allergy symptoms you think the typical runny or stuffy nose,

itchy, watery eyes and sneezing that may occur when doing common household chores such dusting and vacuuming. But this can also trigger asthma and breathing issues.

I have some simple things to do to reduce the dust and lessen allergic symptoms.

 

First, if you think you are really allergic to dust seek out a board certified allergist-immunologist to make sure that is what you are allergic to.

 

Stage 1-

Basic things to try that are easy and cost little to no money.

 



1. Dust from the top to the bottom. Dust will fall so start at the top and work your way down.

Ceiling fans and light fixtures first then move down. Finish with vacuuming the floor.

 

2. Try not to DRY dust as much as possible. What is dry dusting you ask? Using a dry rag just kicks the dust back up into the air to fall back down. Try using a wet rag or I mist furniture with my trusty basic H and then wipe down.

 

3. If dusting bothers you try wearing a dust mask or have someone else dust for you. Trade duties like have your husband dust and you clean the bathrooms. If your child has a dust allergy make sure they are out of the room when dusting.

 

4. Dust weekly- especially the bedroom of the person with the dust allergy.

 

5.When dusting is completed, but before I vacuum I strip the bedding and bring it into the laundry to wash it. Then I return to vacuum.

 

5. Launder bedding on HOT once a week. I do sheets and blankets and stuffed animals once a week and I do comforters/quilts every two weeks. The weeks that they don't get washed I put them in the dryer for an hour on the HOTTEST setting. This kills the dust mites which are the major cause of dust allergies.

 

6. Take down all curtains and wash them every season- so that is four times a year. This is especially important in the bedroom of the allergic person.

 

7. Keep pets out of the bedrooms. You might say, but my kid is not allergic to our pet- but their coat can carry other allergens from other areas like outdoors in.

 

Stage 2-

Things that cost a little more money.

1. Buy mattress and pillow encasements- I recommend purchasing organic cotton. Don't want to replace mites with chemicals. These trap the mites in your mattress with in the encasement so there is less allergic reaction. Remove once a year and wash. (try the pillow encasements first if the mattress one is too expensive)

 

2. Try removing all curtains and replace with wood or vinyl blinds or wood shutters. Something that can be easily wiped down and won't harbor dust like cloth.

4. Purchase a heap filter vacuum.

 

Stage 3-

Things that cost  a lot of money.

1. Remove carpet and replace with hard wood, vinyl or laminate floors. Use throw rugs that can be washed if you still need that carpety-feel.

 

2. Purchase a new mattress and immediately cover it with a mattress encasement.

 

3. Purchase an air purifier.

Allergy Buyers Club is a great resource for Hepa vacuums, air purifiers and mattress encasements.
They have ratings and reviews. Even if you choose not to purchase from them, its a good place to do your research and then shop around for best prices. They even answer any questions online.



For a natural way to help with any allergy try Shaklee's Alfalfa Complex.





Mosquitoes Really BITE!!

My six year old suffers from a mosquito bite allergy... I think.

Every year we end up in the doctors office (usually twice a year) because it gets red, swollen and hot.

Then we end up on an antibiotic or they send us home to wait a few more days and  try

Benadryl and cortisone cream and then we end up back at the doctors office and

 then we get the antibiotic because cellulitis is starting to happen.

Does this sound like you or your child???

 

 The immediate reaction to an insect bite usually occurs within 10 to15 minutes after the incident, with local swelling and itching, which may disappear in an hour or less. A delayed reaction may appear in 12 to 24 hours with the development of an itchy red bump, which may persist for days.

Large local reactions to mosquito bites are very common in children and toddlers seem to have a reaction within minutes to the bite.

Here is what I have learned after numerous mosquito bite issues over the years with him.

 

PREVENTION IS KEY

1. Try to stay indoors around dawn and dusk.

2. Wear long sleeves and pants in light colors even a hat if you must be out at those times.

3. Try a insect repellent spray.

4. Use citronella candles when having fun outdoors.

5. Try a yard spray to knock-down and repel mosquitoes like this all-natural garlic spray.

(have not tried it yet, but I am intrigued)

6. Fix any holes in your screens and make sure your screen door closes quickly.

7. Do not wear perfume when outdoors.

8. Eliminate any standing water in your area if possible.

 

 

TREATMENT

Once bitten here is my regime for combating the reaction.

1. See if you can find the pesky culprit and kill it before it can strike again.

2. Wash area gently with hand soap. DO NOT RUB AREA. pat dry.

3. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for swelling (as often as needed)

4. Apply Topricin for Children to bite three to four times daily or as needed.

5. Circle area with a pen to outline any redness, swelling, or heat and watch it to make sure it is not getting bigger, redder or hotter. Call doctor if it does not start looking better within two days from bite you may be getting cellulitis. Also watch out for any fever, vomiting, headaches which might be a symptom of disease mosquitoes spread.

6. Try an oatmeal bath.

 

 

Once I found Topricin, things really started to change for us in the war on mosquito bites.

This is why I like Topricin:

 

Topricin® Junior Ingredients:HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES (HPUS)... PURPOSE
Aesculus hippocastanum 6X... Relieves pain in the lower back, hip and spine
Arnica montana 6X..................Treats pain of impact, falling injuries and contusion to muscles and joints
Belladonna 6X.........................Treats muscle spasms, night leg cramps
Bellis perennis 6X................... Excellent for bruises, muscle soreness and sprains
Calendula officinalis 4X.............Promotes rapid healing of the skin
Crotalus horridus 8X................ Relief of impact injuries and deep muscle bruising
Echinacea 6X.......................... Relieves sharp stitching pain in joints and muscles
Graphites 6X........................... For skin conditions
Hypericum perforatum 6X......... Excellent for nerve pain and impact injuries to fingertips, toes and tail bone
Lachesis mutus 8X...................Relief of sciatic pain, and carpal tunnel
Naja tripudians 8X....................Relieves nerve injury pain
Rhus toxicodendron 12X...........Pain relief for muscle cramping, joint and post-surgical pain
Ruta graveolens 6X................. Relief of injuries to the knee, shin and elbow
Sulfur 8X................................. Relieves itching, stinging and irritations of the skin

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Purified water, Highly refined vegetable oils, Glycerin, Medium Chain Triglyceride

 

 

We had our first mosquito bite of the season this week.

The culprit got him inside the house through his pajamas, or under them?

I immediately washed the two bites, and applied the topricin and by the second day of applying it 4 times a day the bites were almost gone. Usually be day two we are either on our way  to the doctors.
I am completely in LOVE with this product, finally a safe weapon in the war on mosquito bites!!!

Please note- I am not a doctor. This is just what I have found works for me and I am sharing in the hopes it will help someone else. Please consult your doctor if you have any medical questions about mosquito bites, your bite has become hot and swollen and or their is red streaking around the bite.


 

 







 

Spring Time/ Bug Time- Nontoxic ways to combat the war on bugs

Last summer I posted about our wasp problem. They were invading our front porch.

We had to call a pest control company in.

See Invasion of the Insects

 

This year, we are being proactive and using some safe, nontoxic ways of deterring them.

 

Problem #1- WASPS

Last year we had big paper wasps in the eaves of out porch making us need to use the back door for like two weeks when we had not one, but two treatments done by the pest company.

Since they liked that spot so much, we are spraying the front and back eaves with this stuff to deter them from flying near these areas. We also spray under the pool rim as they have been known to build nests there too. Use this directly on any nests to kill them.

 

We also had little yellow jackets in the kids plastic playset so we are spraying there too and this is what the pest control company used on that spot, but their professional grade version.

 

We are trying as a preventative to spray these areas so we don't have any issues this year.

 

The main ingredient is peppermint oil so it gives off a very minty scent which is actually pleasant, but can be strong. If using as a preventative as we are will probably need to spray several times throughout the season. We are trying once in the Spring, once or twice in the Summer

 and then again in the  Fall. Please note product says safe for outdoor and attic use.

EcoSmart Wasp & Hornet Spray

 

 

Problem #2- ANTS

We have a crack in our foundation that we know we have ants in and they are entering the house. We are going to try this company's ant and roach product as we liked their wasp and hornet product so much.  And once the ants are gone seal up the crack. This time the main ingredients are rosemary and cinnamon oil. Please note product says safe for outdoor and indoor use, but says to wipe away aceess product when used indoors.

EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer

 

Inside the house I use my trusty Basic H spray on the ants- either the all-purpose or the degreaser formula. Just spray the ants and they drown in the soapy water. Then wiped up.
No need to worry about any chemicals as Basic H is organic. If I have a particular area that
 is an issue I will soak it with this stuff and let it sit over night- just so that it keeps working for an extending period of time without the dog or kids running through it-
it won't hurt them, it just less of it on the floor doing its job. :)

Get your Basic H here.


Happy Spraying Y'all!

 

Time for a Detox?

 

The Shaklee 180 Kick Start is a 5 day detox designed to reboot your body. 

It rejuvenates, energizes and removes the toxic junk from your body. It gives you a kick start to clean eating and/or losing fat. 

Reset your cravings, feel energized and maybe even lose a few pounds without going hungry, workouts or cooking.

It is natural, safe and it works.

I  am personally a big fan of cleaning out once in a while.  No one is perfect so this is a great time to start fresh!

The Shaklee 180 Kick Start Detox helps my body let go of the junk it wants to hold on to.

It is super easy to follow!

Watch this simple video to find out how easy it is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FFqnoiJFR5A

To join us, you will need the following products:
alfalfa*
liver dtx*
Tea*
180 smoothee*
180 snack bar*
herb lax*
raw veggies
organic lemons for your water
* Indicates a Shaklee product.  This detox is specific for Shaklee products.


Happy Detoxing!

Is your Nail Polish Toxic?

Yes you should now also be checking the labeling on your nail polish! Many traditional brands carry dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde -- commonly called the ''toxic trio."

Toluene is a toxin that may cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been linked to birth defects in studies involving lab animals, and formaldehyde, a carcinogen are all ingredients you want to make sure are NOT in your polish.

Unfortunately, there are no certifications or labeling in the United States that indicate a ‘safe’ or ‘better’ nail polish or polish remover. The best you can do is look for advertising that publicly claims they are free of these specific chemicals, so look for "DBP-free" "formaldehyde-free" and "toluene-free" messages.



Here is a list of brands that are
free of these toxins:

Acquarella

Butter London

Honeybee Gardens

Nars

No-Miss

Nuance

Priti NYC

Suncoat

Scotch Naturals

Zoya Naturals


For little ladies- try these fun non-toxic
brands made in more kid-friendly colors:

Hopscotch

Piggy Paint

Priti in Pink Princess




So now it also stands to reason that if most nail polishes are toxic, then the stuff you use to remove them is also toxic. They’re usually full of acetone, fragrances, methyl ethyl ketone, phthalates and toluene. Most of these cause significant damage to the human body.

So now that you have chosen a toxin-free brand and painted those fingers and toes how do you get the color off safely when you want to change colors? Fortunately some of the brands mentioned above are already ahead of you and have safer polish removers.

Acquarella Polish Remover

Butter London Nail Polish Scrubbers

Hopscotch for kids Polish Remover

No-Miss Nail Polish Remover

Piggy Paint Polish Remover

Priti NYC Soy Polish Remover

Suncoat Polish Remover

Scotch Naturals Polish Remover

Zoya Naturals Polish Remover

And not to leave out our furry friends that might be polish divas- I could not help but share Puppy Paint. A non-toxic brand of polish for posh pups that even covers dark colored nails and dries quickly.

 

Happy painting!



Keeping Your Kids Healthy this Cold Season

It’s November and that means everyone has been back to school for a few months now, and has been exposed to plenty of germs and now the weather is starting to change. Which also means that your house will inevitably be hit with colds, if they haven't already. Here are some natural ways to combat colds:

TO PREVENT COLDS:

1. A Good Multivitamin- I have my kids on the best children's multivitamin available which is Shaklee's Increditives. My kids love these!  They are actually the first children’s chewable multivitamin in the U.S.with lactoferrin, which helps kids’ immune systems stay strong.
Most kids consume more than 25% of their calories from junk food, and French Fries are the number one vegetable source in their diets.  What is your child’s diet like?

Studies show that kids who consume diets lacking adequate nutrition perform poorly in school.  Poor nutrition can negatively impact a child’s immune system, bone growth, and overall physical development!

 

Incredivites are packed with 23 essential nutrients – with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C.

• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added
• Naturally sweetened with xylitol, which does not promote cavities
• Gluten free
• Packaging is safe from BPA, phtalates, and toxic inks – and it is recyclable.

I give my 6 year old 2 chewable Incredivites a day and my 3 year old gets one a day crushed up and added to applesauce, or you can also crush and add to drinks.

Here is a short video that talks about the Shakleekids products.

*if you need gluten and casein free vitamins try The Ocean Wonders Vitamins


2. DHA-
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and is a major building block of brain and eye tissue.  Adequate intake early in life is vital to proper brain and visual development and to ensure the cells of the brain, retina, and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly.  Foods that are high in DHA are things like tuna, sardines and organ meat…not really foods high on a kid’s list! :)
Mighty Smarts is 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA.

Mighty Smarts are gluten free, have a natural orange flavor, and contain no artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Just one Mighty Smart a day is all you need!

3. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

I give my kids 1 chewable per day as a preventative. When they are sick, I will give them 2-3 a day.
If you need to you can crush up and give in applesauce.

4. A Healthy Diet-
Feed your kids a well balanced diet that is organic as possible. Now we all have our days when we hit the fast food line for a quick dinner, but I really try to stay away from there as much as possible. When you feed your kids crap, they feel like crap! So try to feed them the healthiest food you can get them to eat as often as you are able to.

5. Sleep-
Everyone needs a good night's sleep! Infants need 15-16 hours a day (including naps), Toddlers 1-3 years old need 12-14 hours a day (including naps), Preschoolers 3-6 years old need 10-12 hours a day, School age kids 7-12 years old need 10-11 hours a day, and teenagers 13-18 need 8-9 hours a day. Sleep is a vital to every one's health and well being, so make sure you and your kids are getting enough!

6. Hygiene-
Be sure to wash hands when you come in from outside, when you come home from being out, before you eat or prepare foods, and after you blow your nose. I go one step farther and change clothes after the kids come in from playing outside (allergies) and especially when we come home from a doctors appointment. My favorite hand soap is Shaklee's Hand Wash Concentrate and dispenser, this super mild, sudsy wash has wheat germ oil and algae extract to moisturize; soy protein to condition; aloe, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and linden flower (Tilia cordata) extracts to soothe; and rosemary and arnica extracts to energize and it has a mild refreshing scent. Stay away from soaps with triclosan as it has many adverse affects on your health.

 To Combat Colds-
Once the cold or flu bug hits, here are some ways to combat it naturally and help you get back on your feet sooner.
 
1. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

2. Humidifier-
 Use a humidifier in the bedroom at night- this helps to keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe.
My favorites are the Crane humidifiers. Be sure to clean them properly once a week.

3. Elevate your head-
Prop mattress up a little under your head- try sticking a pillow under your mattress directly under where your head lies. This help with keeping drainage going down, not up into your sinuses.

4. Saline-
Flush out stuffy noses with saline. I stock up on the little noses non-medicated saline drops. Since it is just saline you may do this as many times as needed. Helps thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe. Also for little ones, who are not able to blow their noses yet, it may be helpful to get a nasal aspirator (or as we call it in our house- the nose sucker)

5. Stay Hydrated-
Drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of healthy food like fruits. Try to get some chicken soup down too!
Our favorite hydration drink is Shaklee's Performance Drink.

6. Honey-
To help soothe scratchy throats and coughs try some honey before bedtime. Honey has many antioxidants that can help you fight off the cold faster and because it is thick and sweet it helps coat and soothe the sore throat from coughs. It is best to let kids cough during the day to get the mucus up, but when coughing is keeping them up all night, when they need rest try some honey. For kids ages 2-5 try 1/2 tsp, ages 6-11 try 1 tsp, and ages 12-18 try 2tsp.

DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OLD- may cause a rare, but serious case of botulism.

I usually give my kids honey mixed in with something they like, usually I mix it with a little applesauce and warm it for 3 seconds in the microwave so its goes down smoother, you could try to add the honey to some warm (not hot) water.
http://suite101.com/article/honey-may-be-best-cough-medicine-a169827

6. Clean-
I find it helpfully to change the sheets everyday or at least every other day to get rid of the germs quicker (can be hard if you are the one sick). I also will run  every one's toothbrushes through the dishwasher and replace them after illnesses. And clean and disinfect with soap and water and vinegar. Keep in mind to do all door handles, phones, computer keyboards and also remote controls- you know the items every one touches all day, but you never really think to clean.

Here's to a happy and healthy fall and winter!


You may also like-
Fighting colds naturally
How to Clean your Vaporizer Nontoxically

Back to School Lunch Gear

I used to love the fall, until I had kids that were old enough to go to school. Now back to school dampens my favorite time of the year :( 

 

Whether you love or hate back to school, you still need to do the back-to-school shopping for supplies thing. So  I am sharing my favorite back to school lunch essentials.

 

 

1. You need a lunch box. Pictured above is the LapTop Lunch System by Bento-Ware. They are a great little company that makes SAFE lunch containers and carriers. Click Here for my post about them.

 

 

 

2. You need Baggies. Ditch the not safe, and not earth-friendly plastic baggies and go for the reusable, washable kind. My favorite is lunchskins2 they are free from toxins, come in fun colorful patterns and are available at Target. You get a large and a small coordinating 2-pack that can easily be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. These will soooo pay for themselves very quickly!

 

 

 

3. You need drink ware. My favorite are the FUNtainers by Thermos. They are double-wall insulated providing up to 12 hours of coolness, have a hygienic push-top lid with a silicone straw, and are made from unbreakable stainless steal. And all parts are dishwasher safe and are BPA free.

 



4. If you need utensils try not to do the disposable plastic thing. But if your kids keep tossing your good utensils then you may have to do the plastic-thing, or buy cheap plastic reusable ones. I like to use the old toddler spoons for this as they clean up well in the dishwasher, come in fun colors and I don't mind if they don't make it home because they are easy to replace.

 

5. Now that you have all your supplies the big question is what to make? For lunch ideas try Momables a great website and blog that plans the lunch menus by week, gives you shopping lists and recipes for a small subscription fee.

 

 

Happy Back to School! :) /  :(





Nontoxic Mattress

Most Mattresses are Toxic
The boys were in need of new mattresses so I decided to do some research into the new nontoxic mattresses. Typical adult and crib mattresses contain dangerous chemicals and toxic gases that are not healthy for anyone, but particularly not safe for babies. The primary filling material used in nearly all mattresses today is polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is highly flammable because it is essentially a petroleum product. In fact, the National Association of State Fire Marshals refers to it as “solid gasoline.” While new mattresses off-gas toxic chemicals, older mattresses can be just as bad- as they age the materials they are made of break down and become part of your household dust and you are exposed to the toxins. Both children and adults can become ill by repeated and continuous exposure to the low level of chemicals continuously emitted while sleeping. Babies are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals, and there is research that suggests that the toxic gases emitted from mattresses can be a cause of crib death or SIDS (see article on toxic gases and SIDS).

What is a Healthier Option?
I chose a 100% organic cotton mattress which is the safest, most non-toxic mattress material available. Cotton is also firm and breathable and provides a comfortable sleeping surface. Other nontoxic mattresses can be made of wool or latex which can be allergens, so cotton is the most hypoallergenic choice. And does not have any toxic flame retardants applied. The Mattress I chose was The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Quilted Deluxe Mattress. It is GreenGuard Select certified – the most stringent certification for off-gassing. It is completely safe, non-toxic and firm.


How is it made Fire Safe?
Organic cotton is a far superior filling material and is significantly less flammable to begin with.  Naturepedic uses an exclusive fire protection system that is based on the unique fire retardant properties of  baking soda and hydrated silica permanently bonded to cellulose. This results in an inherently flame resistant barrier that does not break down. The cellulose fiber used is derived primarily from eucalyptus and poplar trees and has a low carbon footprint.


Now How do I make it Leak Safe?
 You will need something to protect the mattress from the baby’s or child’s fluids and night-time “accidents.” The typical vinyl (PVC) or polyester laminate waterproof mattress pads may be toxic and can contain phthalates, so you will want to avoid these. An organic waterproof mattress pad is recommended to protect the mattress from wetness and Naturepedic also sells these or you could by the 2-in-1 Ultra Mattress which has one side that is leak-proof.

What if I can't afford to replace my mattress right now?
Well without purchasing a nontoxic mattress you won't be able to completely illuminate the toxins, but there are steps that can help reduce the exposure. I would do these steps and start saving for a new organic mattress in the mean time:
-Purchase an organic cotton mattress cover
-Purchase organic cotton waterproof mattress pads
-Replace your pillows with organic options.
-Replace your bed linens with organic cotton options.
-It is hard to say no to your kids when they want those popular character sheets, but they come covered with toxic flame retardants. So wash them many times until you no longer smell anything coming off them and be sure to use some vinegar in each wash as it helps to break down the flame retardants.

Sleep Safe!!!

Invasion of the Insects

Hi All! It's Summer and you know what that means... the insects are out in FULL FORCE!!!

We have had a bit of a wasp problem over here. The past two years it has been ants in the Spring time, but last week hubby found 2 small yellow jacket nests forming under the edge of our above ground pool, near the ladder and on the swing set and this week we had wasps hanging out by the front door.

I HATE chemicals and try to avoid them when and where ever possible so I started researching how to tackle these buggers (pun intended) naturally.

ANTS-
For ants try checking out my post on 10 NONTOXIC WAYS TO COMBAT ANTS

YELLOW JACKETS AND WASPS-
First we had little nests, just starting to form around the pool so we felt we could handle this ourselves and wanted to do it using as little toxins as possible. My researched yielded using basic dish washing soap would work. So we purchased a garden sprayer for the hose and added our Shaklee Dish Wash Concentrate into it (about 1/2 cup) filled with water and sprayed first somewhere away from nest until the soap starts to come out. Then sprayed the hell outta that nest!!! We did this about 2-3 times over 2 days. It dries up the nest and suffocates and dries up the wasps. Once we were convinced they were gone, we took down the nests and crushed them then bagged them and disposed of them. Then the following week the nests were back on the other side of the pool. So we sprayed again with the soapy water, this time after we knocked the nests down we went around the pool and sprayed DW-40 in the areas the seemed to like and so far two weeks later, still no nests. Then we noticed very tiny yellow jackets coming out of the kids play set. We hit this with water several times and have seen less of them, but they are not totally gone because the nest is not exposed. So we found the soapy water will kill them and the nest, however it doesn't do much to keep them from coming back. Using DW-40 on areas they seem to like has done the trick and killed one on the spot when the hubby had one come at him.
Am I happy about using DW-40, well... I feel it it safer than MOST of the sprays for yellow jackets and wasps... so I guess I am OK with it.

Then this past week we had wasps congregating and trying to get in the front door. OK! This is where I DRAW THE LINE!!!!! It was time to call in the professionals. I called a local company that was GREEN SHIELD CERTIFIED this means they have technicians that are trained in using options that are safer, and employs methods that use physical, mechanical and biological options using less toxins and reducing your exposure.

So in the end if you feel backed into a corner by pests (or in our case, backed into using the back door) look for a GREEN SHIELD CERTIFIED exterminator or try searching natural or ecobased companies and products like EcoSMART because there are less toxic ways to deal with these intruders.

You might also like:

Try going blue, Haint Blue that is. Down south they paint their porch ceilings blue to mimic the sky and help prevent insects from setting up shop.

Apply DW-40 to the area to help repel insects.

How to Kill Wasps Naturally

EcoSmart which is a company that uses plant-based products as safe pesticides.

Here's to enjoying the great outdoors this summer without pesky pests bothering you and without having to resort to toxic chemicals!!!

Vinegar as a Home Remedy

Did you know Vinegar can be used to treat some simple common ailments?

1. Athlete's Foot-  Got a case of itchy athlete's foot? Try some Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Add 5 cups vinegar and 5 cups water to a plastic tub and soak your feet from 5-10 minutes for 10 days. Be sure to soak both feet as athlete's foot is very contagious to make sure it doesn't spread. Dry your feet well afterwards. (Seek medical attention if you have tried this and it is not working) You may want to do this every so often even if not affected at the time as a preventative method if you are someone who gets this chronically.

2. Toe Nail Fungus- Have embarrassing toe nail fungus? Try some Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Add 5 cups vinegar and 5 cups water to a plastic tub and soak your feet from 20 minutes for several times a week. Be sure to soak both feet as fungus is very contagious to make sure it doesn't spread, dry feet well. Or if you don't have time you can put some undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray toes with it twice a day. (You could do a combination of the two ways) Be sure to continue until the nail bed had grown out and there are no more signs of fungus.(Seek medical attention if you have tried this and it is not working)  You may want to do this every so often even if not affected at the time as a preventative method if you are someone who gets this chronically.

3. Dandruff- Got a case of the itchy dandruff flakes? Try some Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Dandruff comes from having to much yeast on your scalp, apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your skin. Mix 50/50 solution with water and put in a spray bottle. Spritz your scalp (be careful not to get ears and eyes) and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then rinse and dry.

4. Yeast Infection- As mentioned above vinegar changes the pH of your skin so if you are suffering from a yeast infection this is a good way to calm things down down there until you can get to the doctor for more assistance. (Always have any female issues checked as it may not be a yeast infection at all- it could be bacterial)  Try a vinegar bath- pour 1 cup vinegar into a tub and soak for 20-30 minutes, dry well. Don't have 20-30 minutes,  try a wash cloth dampened with a little vinegar and warm water- pat the itchy area with the cloth being sure to stay externally.

NOTE- if you aren't having any luck with these please seek medical assistance!!!!

Nontoxic Toaster Oven

What? Toasters are toxic? What am I talking about???!!!

Well this story begins when I wanted a new toaster oven for my birthday- simple enough request, right? Who would have thought it would become quite a production?! I did some shopping and decided on a KitchenAid Toaster. It was pretty and new and shiny and when I turned it on for the first time it STUNK up the house SO BAD that my husband and I had headaches and I had to open all the windows and turn on the ceiling fans for hours!

A little research online revealed that other people were complaining of this from this toaster too. So I researched other brands and found the same complaint. WHY are these ovens stinking so bad? Well more research gave me the answer. Nowadays toaster ovens come with a nonstick interior and are covered in protective oils for storage which leads to a noxious smell when used and from the complaints I have read lingers every time they use it for quite some time.

Well what to do? Keep the smelly toaster? With all the hype about nonstick cookware being not good for you I kept thinking about any damage I was doing to my family by turning on this toaster oven. Nonstick cookware fumes are toxic to birds- if you have a bird as a house pet they tell you not to use them. Well if its not good for birds, how good can it be for people? I got rid of my nonstick cookware a few years ago and opted for more healthy stainless steal pots and pans, why then would I want a nonstick toaster oven? I didn't...I don't! So back to the store it went and I was back on the search for a new, new toaster- one that would not make my family sick!

Which one did I FINALLY decide on? Well as far I could find WARING is the only company that has toaster ovens that DO NOT HAVE nonstick coatings inside. Once I read and did extensive research (much more than I feel should have been necessary for a toaster oven) I decided to purchase it. Once it came, we took it out and plugged it in and did a test run as the manual suggested and guess what? NO SMELL!!! Yes! So short version- if you are looking for a nontoxic, non-smelly toaster oven check out the Waring Pro® WTO450.

How to Clean Your Pillows

Did you know that your pillows can hide dust mites???!!! YUCK!!! So it is very important to clean or replace your pillow periodically. Now most soft fiber (synthetic or down) filled pillows can be washed in the washing machine- check the washing instructions on the pillow tag. The squishy contoured foam ones can't be washed, but their covers usually can.

To wash your pillow, put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent on hot water to kill germs and mites. It is a good idea to do two pillows at a time to keep the washing machine balanced. I always run it through another drain/spin cycle to make sure all the water is wrung out from the pillows. Then put in the dryer, be sure to follow drying instructions for your pillow and be sure it is completely dry before using it again as if it is damp it can mold.

Pillows should be washed at least twice a year. If you or a family member had a dust allergy, it is a good idea to do it more frequently like four times a year. Purchasing a dust mite cover is a good idea as well for allergies.  And you shouldn't go to sleep with wet hair as this can cause your pillow to get moldy.

CeraVe Cream for skin issues

This winter both my son and I were plagued with dry skin issues. Mine started and was caused by washing my hands too much and getting my skin dried out. I tried tons of creams, but my usual stand-bys were not cutting it- my hands were so dried out they were at the point they were cracking and bleeding!!!

My son started with eczema this December with it on his face, behind his ear and on his wrists. I use the Exederm Baby brand on him and myself and this usually keeps our skin looking good. However all of a sudden this year it just wasn't keeping ahead of the dry skin. A trip to the pediatrician for a steroid cream and using aquaphor gave some relief and then it flared up some more. Then we made a trip to the pediatric dermatologist (yes, there is such a thing) for a steroid ointment that almost cleared it up, but we could only use for two weeks and then when the two weeks were up- it flared up again. Then we happened to be at our routine visit to our allergist when she saw his eczema and recommended we try CeraVe Cream. After a week of applying it once daily my hands are 90% healed and after not quite a week of applying at least twice daily to my sons eczema patches his is looking better too- not healed, but not red anymore...it has lightened to pink and I think we are starting to see it make a dent in the healing process.

So if you are struggling with dry skin or eczema give this cream a try. It is strictly a moisturizer cream, not a steroid, so it is safe to use and apply as often as needed.

We found ours at our local CVS or any drug store should carry it. You can check out more reviews at http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Cerave-Moisturizing-Cream?skuId=322573
It comes in a large container and is between $15-$20, but  a little goes a long way- it will last you a while. I put it on my hand before bed and for my son I put it on before bed and then in the morning before school.

Hope this helps!

Breast Feeding Bliss

I breastfed my boys exclusively for the first six months and then continued on after they started solids for well after their first birthdays. There are a lot of good reasons to breast feed, including health benefits both for baby and mother:

1. Breast Feeding is MUCH CHEAPER than formula. You just have an initial start-up cost for a pump and some supplies.
2. Breast milk is much gentler on little, not fully developed tummies.
3. Liquid Gold- it has immune fighting properties from mom's immunity that NO FORMULA can match.
4. Breast milk is always on-hand- no waiting to warm up than bottle when mommy is around!
5. Helps mom and baby form a special bond.
6. Helps reduce risks of ovarian and breast cancers in mom.
7. Helps lower risk for SIDS, respiratory diseased and other childhood and adult diseases later in life.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/index.html

That being said, every mom needs to make the best choice for them, their child and their situation. If you do decide to breast feed here are some tips from a mom who has done it.

1. Take a class, read books and watch some videos before giving birth- will help you understand and have a game plan.
2. Contact a local lactation consultant- ask other moms or your OBGYN for recommendations- you may need help in the beginning and the last thing a frazzled, stressed new mom needs is to be looking for someone to help. Do this before-hand to save you some stress.
3. Breast feed right after delivery- helps form that bond right away.
4. Ask for help! Many hospitals have lactation consultants on staff and the nurses may also be helpful when getting baby to first latch on.
5. Nurse as much as possible right away. Very important to help flush baby's system out and get your milk to come in.
6. After nursing, express some milk on your finger and rub into nipple, let air dry. This will help them from not getting chapped. (think of chapped lips)
7. Always have a glass of water handy for yourself when nursing- you'll be amazed at how parched you will get.
8. Wear COTTON nursing bras.
9. Hot showers are best for clogged milk ducts. Just hop in and knead your breast until milk comes out. Also pumping can help alleviate some milk when clogged.
10.  Buy a Boppy or any other kind of nursing pillow- it really helps!
11. Buy some breast pads to wear when you are out of the house- will save you from embarrassing leaks. And pack an extra shirt for yourself  in the diaper bag when leaving the house (just in case)
12. Buy or borrow and good quality pump. (If borrowing- be sure to use your own breast shields and bottles- don't share! and purchase new tubing)
13. I found when pumping, using the bottles worked better than the bags for suction. I would pump into the bottles and pour into the bags for easy storage.
For more info try http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/.

Happy Nursing!

Disinfecting Nontoxically

The cold and flu season is in full swing folks!! When illness hits your house you need to go into disinfecting overdrive to keep it from spreading through every member in the family.

1. Have everyone wash hands numerous times a day.

2. Spray door handles, sink faucets and handles to appliances like the fridge with full strength distilled white vinegar, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean. (I usually clean with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, but when we are sick I use vinegar straight)

3. Spray counter tops and tabletops down with with full strength distilled white vinegar, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean.

4. Dampen a cloth by spraying with full strength distilled white vinegar, and wipe down all phones and remote controls, computer keypads, light switches (do not spray directly onto electronics or anything electrical!)

5. To clean kids toys:
- throw stuffed animals into the wash. Be sure to use hot water and make sure to dry thoroughly in the dryer. I sometimes run them through 2 rounds in the dryer to be safe.
-for plastic toys that can get wet let sit in either the sink, a large bowl, or a clean bucket in very hot water with some dish soap for like 10 minutes. Then you can rinse clean. I then set them to dry on dish towels. Depending on the illness- for a cold this should suffice, for the flu or stomach bug I would go a step further and spray the toys down with vinegar let sit a few minutes and rinse again and then let dry.
-for other toys that can't get wet dampen a cloth by spraying with full strength distilled white vinegar, and wipe down.

6. Wash all bedding in hot water and on the highest setting on your dryer. Try to do this everyday if you can while someone is sick. (this becomes much harder to keep  up on all the laundry when you are the one sick)

7. Run toothbrsuhes though the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle as often as once a day while the illness is present. I also usually replace every ones toothbrushes once illness is over.

For more tips on cleaning with vinegar check out this site http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7

Nature's Promise Organic Foods

For those of you looking for Organic foods, but don't live close to a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods stores. Try your local Stop & Shop. They have their own brand of organic foods called Nature's Promise. They have recently expanded their brand to include many different items and some stores have now made an entire aisle dedicated to healthy, organic brands.
For a listing of items under this line click here http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/offerings/brands/index.htm?brnd=NATURE_PROMISE

We love their Organic Animal Crackers, Cheese Crackers, Pasta Sauces, Chicken Broth, Frozen Strawberries, Homestyle Frozen Waffles, Milks, Meats, Cheeses, Lemonade, and Black Beans- just to name a few.

Everything we have tried under this brand we like better than the non-organic version we had been eating before. I have even had people ask me what sauce I used in my ziti- because it tasted so good! Being a busy mom, I can't always do homemade everything so when I do buy ready made items I always try to get the best products for my kiddos and I know when I give them Nature's Promise items that they not only taste good, they are good for them! Nature's Promise items are cheaper than most other organic items found in your regular grocery store and because it is made by Stop and Shop they have these items on sale regularly. So if you haven't tried Nature's Promise brand I highly recommend you do so!

Fighting Colds Naturally

 

It’s September and that means back to school which also means that our house will inevitably be hit with colds. Here are some natural ways to combat colds:
-Use a humidifier in the bedroom at night- this helps to keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe.
-Prop mattress up a little under your head- try sticking a pillow under your mattress directly under where your head lies. This help with keeping drainage going down, not up into your sinuses.
-Flush out stuffy noses with saline. I stock up on the little noses non-medicated saline drops. Since it is just saline you may do this as many times as needed. Helps thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe.
-Drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of healthy food like fruits. Try to get some chicken soup down too!
-To help soothe scratchy throats and coughs try some honey before bedtime. Honey has many antioxidants that can help you fight off the cold faster and because it is thick and sweet it helps coat and soothe the sore throat from coughs. It is best to let kids cough during the day to get the mucus up, but when coughing is keeping them up all night, when they need rest try some honey. For kids ages 2-5 try 1/2 tsp, ages 6-11 try 1 tsp, and ages 12-18 try 2tsp. DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OLD- may cause a rare, but serious case of botulism. I usually give my kids honey mixed in with something they like, usually I mix it with a little applesauce and warm it for 3 seconds in the microwave so its goes down smoother, you could try to add the honey to some warm (not hot) water.
http://suite101.com/article/honey-may-be-best-cough-medicine-a169827