Lamongelo Lane

Getting Brown Hair With Henna

2011-10-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

My latest article is now up on Daily Glow. Henna is not all about getting red, coppery colored hair. Henna is more versatile, with brown, mahogany, chestnut, auburn, and strawberry blond colors available. Henna is a natural, economical way to color hair without synthetic chemicals, peroxide, or ammonia. Read more on Daily Glow.

Three Natural Beauty Essentials

2011-10-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Anyone who wants to avoid chemicals and synthetic ingredients in their beauty regimen should consider these three natural items. Read more in this article Suite101: Three Natural Beauty Essentials

Using Organic Coconut Oil in Skin Care

2011-09-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Organic coconut oil has many uses in skin care. It is a natural product, free of artificial ingredients. Read more about how to incorporate it into your skin care routine.
Using Organic Coconut Oil in Skin Care

My Memories Suite 2.0 Review and Giveaway

2011-09-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was offered an opportunity to review My Memories Suite version 2.0 and host a giveaway. I enjoy making slide shows, videos, and greeting cards, so I figured I’d try this software out. I’ve never really been interested in scrapbooking because I don’t have very much spare time for crafts. However I do love photography and tinkering in Photoshop.

My Memories Suite is a digital scrapbooking program that allows you to make digital scrapbooks, photo books, cards, calendars, DVDs/videos with music, and gifts. My Memories is rated #1 by Amazon and Top Ten Reviews. It costs only $39.97 (USD), but thanks to a generous offer by My Memories, if you order using this code STMMMS15422 you get $10 off the regular price of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software and another $10 coupon to use at the mymemories.com store.

My Memories Suite is user friendly and easy to learn to navigate. Putting together a scrapbook page is simple. The hardest part for me was deciding which pictures to use. I have tons of photos saved on my computer. Lately it seems I rarely get photos printed —that’s another reason that I like digital scrapbooking.

Scrapbooking is pretty popular, and there are many digital scrapbooking software programs available. But what I like best about My Memories Suite is the customer support, tutorials, and the ability to add music and video. My Memories has as YouTube channel with tutorials, which I think is great for a newcomer like me. There is also an informative blog with tutorials and inspiration.

When you open the My Memories program, you have a choice of using a pre-made template or designing your own. There are a variety of templates, background papers, and embellishments included to get you started. There are also many reasonably priced kits for sale on the My Memories website, as well as free kits available for download.

There are so many potential projects. I’m excited with the ideas that I’m getting for making a photo DVD, and I can’t wait until Christmas card time.

The Giveaway

Entry is simple; just take a look at the My Memories website. Leave a comment below about which product you like best. Contest closes on October 14,2011 at 11:59 PST. One winner will be chosen on October 16, 2011, using random.org. The winner will be notified by email, and an announcement will be posted on this blog. The winner has 2 weeks to claim the prize.

Earn additional entries by:

Following My Memories on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite

Following My Memories on Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

Join the MyMemories Blog with Google Friend Connect - http://www.mymemoriesblog.com/

Please leave a separate comment for each of the above. Be sure that I can contact you, especially if you are commenting in anonymous status, leave your email address.

Below are some samples that I made.

Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was received for the above review, but a complementary download of the software was provided. The giveaway is held at the voluntary offer of My Memories. Lamongelo Lane will notify company of winner and is not responsible for delivery of the giveaway item.

2011-09-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

HoMedics Back Massagers: Relax and Pamper Yourself

"If it's not convenient to get an appointment with a massage therapist, the next best thing is HoMedics back massagers. They can be used any time of the day or night. Massage relieves soreness, relieves aches, and relaxes tense muscles. It also helps muscles feel rejuvenated while helping stress melt away." Read the rest of this article that I wrote for Daily Glow -- HoMedics Back Massagers: Relax and Pamper Yourself

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Soothe an Itchy, Dry Scalp with Organic Shampoo

"Organic shampoo contains natural ingredients such as botanicals and essential oils that soothe itching and dryness. They are often milder than regular shampoo, which can be drying and irritating. Non-organic shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), detergents, artificial ingredients, and perfumes irritate sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema." Read more of this article that I wrote for Daily Glow -- Soothe an Itchy, Dry Scalp with Organic Shampoo

Natural Skin Care - A Face Mask Recipe with Olive Oil

2011-09-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Olive oil has been used for thousands of years in skin care as a moisturizer and cleanser. It is full of vitamin E and other antioxidants that slow the appearance of aging by fighting free radicals. Vitamin E has been shown to moisten skin and improve smoothness. Read more and get the recipe at Daily Glow: Natural Skin Care Recipe: Olive Oil Face Mask
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Comcast Outage

2011-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

I make my living off the internet and check my email several times throughout the day. So I get a little miffed when I can't get into my email due to an apparent problem with my internet service provider. I can't even get to customer service or help page. Uggh!

I can only sit here and wait. Seriously, one would think that a large corporation like Comcast would have back-ups in place to still provide access to customers.

Is it too much to be able to log-in to check my email? Especially, when I pay for a service that I expect to get.

Costume Review: Hooded Velvet Black Cape for Adults

2011-05-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

I recently got a black, velvet hooded cape from Costume Discounters®. I was excited to have the opportunity for this review and eagerly awaited its arrival.

The cape is 63 inches long, made of black crushed velvet. It has a generous hood and slits on the side for putting your arms through. The cape itself is made out of quality velvet that is neither too lightweight or heavy. It has a Velcro® fastening at the neck. The sizing is “One Size Fits All” and can be worn by both men and women. I found the cape to be quite roomy; I’m 5’8 and of average build.

This cape is extremely versatile, with the ability to add something to many different types of costumes. You can be mysterious, bewitching, evil, sexy, or elegant. Be a vampire, a Sith Lord from Star Wars, a witch, wizard, or magician, the possibilities are endless. I felt rather gothic while wearing it. Overall this cape is well made and will serve my family and I well.

The Hooded Velvet Black Cape for Adults sells for $26.97, plus shipping & handling and any applicable tax.

Costume Discounters® also has a wide selection of costumes for children and adult costumes. There is also an ample supply of costume accessories. There seems to be something for everyone. Costume Discounters® has a “lowest price guarantee” and has a generous exchange policy.

Hooded Velvet Black Cape Costume

Product Review: MY-GRASTICK™

2011-04-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve suffered from migraines for several years. Sometimes they knock me down, where I will be lying in bed in a dark room for a few days. As a busy mother, I really don’t have time to get wiped out by a migraine.

I came across this neat little tube called MY-GRASTICK™ (or MiGRASTICK®, as it appears to be called in Europe). It contains one hundred percent pure, natural steam–distilled peppermint oil and lavender oil. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which causes a cooling sensation on the skin, which can act as a pain reliever and an inflammation reducer. Lavender essential oil is relaxing and reduces stress.

I bought it about three weeks ago at a local Super Supplements store. It seemed like a novel idea, essential oils in a small roll on stick. It’s convenient, because it fits in a purse or pocket. According to the packaging each stick lasts for more than 100 applications. The tube is made of glass, which is breakable, so one must be careful to not drop it. The glass bottle, says the company's website, is needed to retain the properties of the sensitive essential oils. The glass bottle is coated with a metallic film to protect the light sensitive ingredients.

Over the past few weeks, I have used it several times. I have found that it is useful if you apply it at the very first sign of getting a migraine or headache. If you wait until the migraine is advanced, then it really doesn’t do much except provide a pleasant scent. Some times when I have a full blown migraine, I’m sensitive to odors, so I need to be careful to not use too much or it makes me feel worse.

This morning I awoke with a throbbing headache, if it were not for having several things to do today and two young boys, I would have stayed in bed. I massaged the My-GRASTICK® on my temples, forehead, and neck. After some stretching exercises and a cup of tea if felt much better.

According to the manufacturer the product got high marks in a clinical trial with 91% of patients being satisfied with the effectiveness. The website contains lots of information about studies done about the effectiveness of the product. It also notes that it is not for use by pregnant or lactating women, children, or epileptics.

Swiss Chard Provides Some Awesome Health Benefits

2011-04-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Swiss chard is not necessarily a popular vegetable. When you say "green, leafy vegetable" Swiss chard may not pop into your mind. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, and is quite a healthy vegetable. Read all about Swiss chard.

Jonathunder via WikiCommons

Quality Content on the Internet

2011-04-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

At the end of February Google announced an algorithm change that affected search rankings for websites. Their goal was to weed out low quality content. Honestly I've lost county of the numerous times that I've typed in a search to come up with the same article that has been posted 3 or 4 different times on various websites.

When I do a search, I want quality content that answers the question that I had. I get frustrated with some of the things I find. The truth is that anyone can start a website or blog, and it doesn't have to contain relevant or truthful information.

I am still confused about YAHOO! Contributor Network's assignment desk and Helium marketplace. They encourage duplicate content and multiple articles about the same subject. How is that helping the situation? How is that helping the writers that signed up expecting to earn a little money. YCN pays $1.50 for 1,000 page views. When there are at least 20 articles about the same topic, how is that helpful? As a person looking for information, I type in a search and get multiple pages of returns about the same thing. They are articles with basically the same information.

I appreciate Google's efforts to clean up the search results (SERPs), but I am concerned about the billions of people out there trying to make money from providing web content.There are many freelance writers with their careers hanging in the balance. Print media is declining as more people turn to the internet. Local newspapers are struggling with trying to keep their subscribers. However it is increasingly difficult for writers to find quality writing jobs via the internet, as the web is flooded with web content writers.

Making Your Own Facials

2011-04-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

An awesome way to avoid undesirable chemicals and additives is by making your own facials out of ingredients in your kitchen. For a detailed list of ingredients you can use and some recipes, check this article out.

Earth Day Events

2011-04-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

If you are around the Puget Sound Area during the month of April, there are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Month. Check out this list of events going on.

"Make it Green"

2010-02-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

I just found out about an inititive out of Germany called "Make it Green." Their goal is to have a small part in reducing the carbon footprint by raising awareness of the severe environmental damage caused by carbon emissions. One of their activities is to raise awareness of the carbon emissions resulting from the use of the internet - specifically of blogs. The idea is to point the way to convince the international community to contribute more to protect the environment.

They have created "My blog is carbon neutral" buttons so bloggers can demonstrate that they care about the environment and the carbon footprint of their blogs.

Who are they? They are a German based company called kaufDA, which provides advertising brochures of local stores online to help consumers search for specific products and find good deals in their neighborhood. This reduces the amount of brochures printed and so the project helps the environment by reducing unnecessary paper in mailboxes. An American on average receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. This has the same carbon footprint as burning six gallons of gasoline.

How do they actually neutralize your blog's carbon footprint? They are planting trees in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation in Plumas National Forest in Northern California. Thousands of wildfires have burned in many national forests over the past ten years and 88.000 acres of Plumas' were destroyed by 2 fires in 2007. For every participating blog, they plant a tree. Bloggers all over the world can help. One blog - one tree.

Why is a German company helping to plant trees in California? They actually plant trees, both in Germany (in the upper Harz region) and in Northern California. The reduction of carbon emissions by planting trees has the same effect, regardless of where in the world the trees are planted.

For more details and to find out how you can participate please go to http://www.kaufda.de/umwelt/co2-neutral/my-blog-is-carbon-neutral/

Uses for Olive Oil

2010-02-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

Olive oil is a versatile oil that can be used for much more than food. It can be used for body, nails, and hair. I have used it as a body moisturizer, but since I have rather oily hair I've shied away from using much oil on my hair.

Store oils in a dark tinted bottle to prevent oxidization, and store in a dark, cool place. (cool, but not in refrigerator). Olive oil is full of vitamin A & E and polyphenols. It is a rich source of minerals, anti-oxidants, and essential fatty acids.

soak nails in a dish of olive oil for 30 min. - massage into hands & cuticles

gently massage into face, then wipe off with a warm wash cloth put on damp skin after shower or bath

use as a make-up remover

use as a shaving oil; it provides excellent lubrication

mix with some sea salt for a body scrub

use as an all over body moisturiser

good for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks

use as a deep conditioning treatment for hair. rub into your hair & massage your scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap & wrap with a towel. Leave on for 30 to 60 min, then wash. (I read about this method, several years ago. I tried it one time and would not recommend it if you have a naturally oily scalp and unprocessed hair. Maybe it works for someone with dry or damaged hair. It left me with a greasy mess. Personally I prefer coconut oil or jojoba oil, as they seem to absorb better.)

Samy E-sen-cia Styling Mousse Product Review

2010-02-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

This past week I've been using E-sen-cia by Samy styling mousse with pomegranate, marshmallow, and yarrow. I don't often use styling products. I tend to have oily hair, and I don't like build up or products that make my hair feel dirty or greasy.

The E-sen-cia line is sulfate free, paraben free, has no artificial colors, vegan, has organic ingredients, and is phthalate free. They are not tested on animals. The styling mousse is 99.1% natural. The essence of pomegranate is supposed to invigorate the scalp and hair. Yarrow provides rich conditioning. Marshmallow adds weightless volume and shine. It also contains other key botanicals & extracts that combine to create a gentle formula that delivers beautiful results with every use.

I used it for casual wear, not for any elaborate styles. At first it feels a little sticky, but after it dries is silky. In general I would recommend it. The smell is not great, but it did make my hair soft, bouncy, and controlled fly-a-ways. It retails for around $6.99. I bought it marked down at Walgreens. I have a feeling Walgreens marked it down because they are not carrying it anymore. It is available for sale on-line at such places as Samy's website and Amazon.

INGREDIENTS: Purified Water, USP, Polysorbate 80, Glycerin, Panthenol (ProVitamin B5), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract**, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Pyrus Cydonia (Quince) Seed Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, Althaea Officinalis(Marshmallow) Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract,Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aruantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Butylene Glycol, Polyquaternium- 4, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.* Certified Organic Ingredient

Orglamix Eyeshadow

2010-02-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

I just discovered Orglamix eyeshadow. They have some awesome, vibrant colors. I have really fallen for the color selection. It is mineral eyeshadow. They are made without any nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, synthectic fragrance, parabens, or petrochemicals. I have not had the chance to try them yet, but there is a review and giveaway over at the Product Reviews Blog. Check out the review and enter the giveway.

Sign the KSCA Petition | Kid-Safe Chemicals Act Interactive Magazine | Environmental Working Group

2010-02-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

Sign the KSCA Petition | Kid-Safe Chemicals Act Interactive Magazine | Environmental Working Group

Please take a moment to read the above petition & sign it :)

Posted using ShareThis

Book Review - The Georgeously Green Diet Book

2010-02-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I completed reading the Gorgeously Green Diet Book by Sophie Uliano. The goal of the Gorgeously Green Diet is to help lessen eco-impact and improve health. There is a 6 step pledge to help you define your goals. The author offers 3 different diet plans, to suit different individual needs and personal desires.

I read the book at the perfect time. Last year I made some major changes to my diet. I had been dependent on frozen dinners and fast food. Most of the time I felt exhausted and had little energy. I felt so depleted and knew that something needed to change. I visited a naturopathic doctor, who advised me that I needed to change what I eat. I was never into cooking, and lacked creativity. So this book was a welcome addition to my home, with all the recipes in it.

The are several good points to the book:

The author urges the reader to consider the eco-impact of the foods you buy - packaging, chemicals, preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, hormone riddled dairy. Also use re-usable shopping bags. Don't use polystyrene cups or "doggy" boxes for take out. One should also carry a re-usable water bottle.
There are tips for cutting down portion sizes.
There is a discussion about truth behind labeling. "Natural" doesn't mean much. Label claims such as, "made with whole wheat," "natural," "0 trans fat," and "high in fiber" mean very little. The consumer needs to read the fine print.
The book urges the use of certified organic produce, dairy, eggs, and meat. The book gives good, detailed reasons why to choose organic. Also urges buying organic/fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Lists certain products & food additives to avoid such as, artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives.
The book promotes cooking from scratch, rather than buying pre-packaged convenience foods. It saves money and is healthier.
There are tips for eating out and travelling.
List of good foods to stock up on.
Tells how to scout out a grocery store.
Tips to make your kitchen more energy efficient.
The book contains 100+ recipes.
There is a chapter on exercise, with instructions for strengthening exercises and yoga poses.
discusses supplements
There is a chapter on the how to's of starting a garden.
There are some good ideas for non-toxic/eco friendly cleaning
The book even talks about non-toxic skin care.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to change their eating habits for the better or anyone looking for some cooking ideas.

Benefits of Bathing

2010-02-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

Bathing has many benefits. It seems that people are in too much of a hurry, often quick showers win out over a good old fashioned bath. A 10-20 minute soak in the tub can help you to relax, increase circulation, reduce stiffness & pain, and detox. Cellular fluid gets pushed back into circulation. People suffering from arthritis, chronic pain, edema, varicose veins, constipation, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and asthma can benefit. Adding Epsom salts or bath sea salts can experience added benefits. If you add a couple of drops of essential oil you can get the added help of aromatherapy. Dead sea salts are another option. People have visited the Dead Sea for centuries for the therapeutic properties of it's concentrated minerals.

Avalon Organics

2010-02-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Cream is a creamy, smooth, and great quality face cream. It is supposed to stimulate collagen & elastin production. It is formulated with the antioxidants vitamin C & E, lemon bioflavanoids, melatonin, and white and green teas. Antioxidants perform longer and more effectively when used in combination. It is also enriched with skin smoothing Lipo-Filling Complex. The label promises to energize your complexion with improved circulation, clarity, tone, and texture. It is scented with organic Sweet Orange essential oil.

What I like about it: I like that it is easily absorbed into my skin & doesn't feel greasy. I can wear it under make up. The smell is a nice "perk-me-up" in the morning. It makes my skin feel smooth & soft. It is also inexpensive,which is an added bonus.

no parabens
no harsh preservatives
no artificial colors
no synthetic fragrance
no animal testing
100%vegetarian ingredients
ph balanced

buy it on Amazon Avalon Organic Botanicals Vitamin C Renewal Facial Creme

Get some beauty sleep

2010-02-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

Sleep is important, unfortunately many people don't get enough. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. During sleep your body is busy repairing itself. If you don't sleep enough you will look tired and worn out. Loss of sleep affects your ability to concentrate and think clearly, lowers your body's ability to fight illness, and increases your risk for depression.

Here are some tips:

Always wash your face and remove make-up before bed.

Apply face cream with antioxidants, like vitamin C & E before going to bed.

Sleep on your back to prevent wrinkles.

If you have a hard time going to sleep listen to white noise.

Don't watch TV right before bed.

The temperature of your bedroom shouldn't be higher than 70F.

Avoid caffeine

Avoid alcohol

Don't drink fluids withing 2 hours before bed.

Take a hot bath before bed.

Establish bedtime routine.

Exercise every day (but not right before bed)

Avoid large meals right before bed.

for more sleep tips check out Dr. Michael Breus, Phd. - sign up for his free monthly newsletter & get a free sleep starter kit that has a 12 min relaxation mp3 & downloadable sleep guide or read his book Beauty Sleep: Look Younger, Lose Weight, and Feel Great Through Better Sleep

Frest Air Fund

2010-02-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

Dangers in your jewelry?

2010-02-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

I just read an AP article that came out this morning about Cadmium being found in jewelry. A less than a month ago there was an article about Cadmium being found in children's jewelry manufactured in China. Now a California environmental group has found high levels of the toxic metal in adult necklaces and bracelets through recent testing. The jewelry was bought at 3 leading retailers: Saks Fifth Avenue, Aeropostale, and Catherines. One necklace was purchased from Saks 5th Avenue for $69.99. One would think that paying that amount for costume jewelry, that it would be a safe product. The pieces were made overseas, in places like China and India. Saks & Catherines have pulled items that were involved in the testing that came back with high levels.

Apparently due to the uproar over the use of lead, cadmium is being substituted. Cadmium is even more dangerous than lead. Cadmium is a known carcinogen, particularly when it is inhaled in a factory or other workplace. Like lead, cadmium can impede brain development and cause learning disabilities in children. It also can cause serious problems with kidneys and bones. The exact risks to adults aren't clear because typically the metal takes long-term exposure to cause the diseases. It has been more of a concern with children because of the risk of sucking or biting on the item containing cadmium. Adults normally wouldn't suck on a piece of jewelry, but by handling the item and then eating they can ingest the poison.

The Center for Environmental Health said it would seek a ban on cadmium in all jewelry. There is currently no limit under federal law on cadmium in jewelry sold in the U.S. "Our legal action sends a strong signal to industry that we will not stand by while they play toxic flavor of the month with jewelry," said Michael Green, the group's executive director. "Cadmium is toxic at any age. There is no excuse for cadmium in any jewelry, and we intend to eliminate this health threat to women and children," he said.

Some of the worst offenders of the toxic children's jewelry were found at Wal-mart, dollar stores, and Claires. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced it was pulling three of the contaminated items from store shelves. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has since advised parents to throw away all cheap children's metal jewelry and federal lawmakers have proposed legislation to ban cadmium in children's jewelry. Last week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of two of the items sold at Wal-mart stores.

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but now I do wonder about some of the jewelry that I have. Does it have toxic metals? I do think that the focus should be on all jewelry, not just items manufactured specifically for children. Babies & toddlers don't discriminate; they'll suck on anything. Research is essential before buying anything. You really need to find out where an item came from & how it was made.

free sample of Nordic Naturals fish oil

2010-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Nordic Naturals is allowing interested consumers to get a free sample of their quality fish oil. Call the phone number for Nordic Naturals at 1-800-662-2544 (when the auto attendant comes on push 3 for consumers, then push 1 for getting samples, then leave your name & address on the voice mail). I tried calling myself a few weeks ago & my samples arrived yesterday.

I've been using their fish oil for about 5 years and am very impressed. The ones I currently take are lemon flavored. There is no icky aftertaste.

Nordic Naturals are 3rd party tested and free of environmental toxins. They offer 80 different products for adults, children, and pets. It's really hard to get my children to take their supplements.

The many benefits of Fish Oil

2010-01-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

I have been taking fish oils for about 5 years. I first learned about fish oil when I was breastfeeding, and my doctor advised me to take some DHA because it was good for my baby's brain and my mood (as I suffered from post-partum depression.) Omega-3 contains 2 essential fatty acids (or EFAs), EPA and DHA. Our body can't make EFA's; they are only obtained through diet and supplementation. There is also Omega-6 (GLA) and Omega-9 (Oleic Acid). Omega 6 is also an essential fatty acid. Omega 6 is much more common in the average North American's diet, than Omega 3's are. Omega 6 is found in many common cooking oils, seeds, and nuts. On Dr. Weil's website, he states that hormones derived from Omega 6's seem to have the opposite effect of Omega 3's, increasing inflammation and blood clotting. He says that many people consume too much Omega 6. So it's important to strike the right balance. Omega 9 is not technically an essential fatty acid because our bodies can make it from unsaturated fat. Normally we don't have a shortage of Omega 9 in our diets. Omega 9 is found in olive oil and animal fats.

Fish oil has may health benefits. Here are some of them:

Supports heart health
According to the American Heart Association, Omega 3 fatty acids can decrease heart arythmias, reduce triglycerides levels, and slow growth of atherosclerotic plaque, and slightly lower blood pressure
good for increasing circulation
EPA supports balanced blood sugar
DHA is good for supporting learning and memory
DHA and Omega-6 promotes feeling of well-being & helps mood - many use it to help ease symptoms of depression
EPA is good for joint health and flexibility. It supports the body's anti-inflammatory response.
may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis
Nourishes the skin and hair
According to Nordic Naturals' literature and Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, " those who consume fish oils tend to have better body composition and may burn fat better. Some research has shown that omega 3 fats, EPA + DHA, in fish oil may help reduce fat and even help protect against obesity."

The American Heart Association warns that high levels of fish oil can cause excessive bleeding in some people and recommends using under a doctor's supervision.

sources:

http://www.nordicnaturals.com/UserFiles/Image/pdfs/News/VolXVsports.pdf

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html

free sample of Perlabella anti-aging pearls

2010-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

I just ordered a free sample of Perlabella by going here: http://www.perlabella.com/more (there is a $2.95 shipping fee) I can't wait to try it.

"Perlabella PureDose Pearls, direct from Italy The Power of Purity -- The effectiveness of any anti-aging product depends upon the integrity and purity of its ingredients. Perlabella PureDose Pearls are unique because, unlike most other anti-aging products, they are airtight, making it impossible for water, air or preservatives to compromise the integrity of their ingredients. That’s what we call real beauty, pure and simple."

Chemicals to Avoid in Everyday Personal Care Products

2010-01-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do a post about chemicals that should be avoided. This article puts it very well: http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/stayHealthy/cos2.html

Natural Solutions Magazine

2010-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

I'd like to bring Natural Solutions magazine to your attention. It's been around since 1994. First it was known as Alternative Medicine, then in February 2008 it became known as Natural Solutions. Their website is full of wonderfully, useful information, and there is a free e-newsletter to sign up for. The website has recipes, articles, and a section for coupons & free samples. There is also a link to view a free sample issue of the magazine online.

http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/

I'm in love with ylang ylang

2010-01-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to buy some ylang ylang essential oil for some time, but have been waiting. Ylang Ylang oil is rather expensive, as far as essential oils go. I am so in love with the scent. It's a floral scent that is beautiful and sensual.

I recently bought some Avalon Organics Ylang Ylang shampoo. I had never thought that I would be so excited to wash my hair. Avalon Organics also has shower gel and body lotion.

My husband also surprised my a yesterday with some Aura Cacia Ylang Ylang III essential oil. Aura Cacia is a widely available brand. Aura Cacia uses 100% pure essential oils and uses environmentally friendly production practices. My local Fred Meyer carries it, as do many grocery stores with a health food department. I have been experimenting with making some perfume. It is also nice to put a drop or two in an aromatherapy diffuser; it makes my bedroom smell wonderful. For aromatherapy purposes it is supposed to induce calmness.

*author's note - I was not compensated in anyway for mentioning any brands above. Those are just the brands that I personally used and liked.

» Beauty Exfoliants That Destroy Marine Life

2010-01-12T22:54:00.000-08:00

» Beauty Exfoliants That Destroy Marine Life

Mourning the loss of a fellow blogger

2010-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

From time to time I dropped in to visit the blog "Prissy Green." Today I sadly learned that bloggger Karissa (the author of Prissy Green) is no longer with us. Apparently she suffered greatly with a private pain that few realized the depths. I do know that she had recently gone through some major life changes, that must have come with quite an emotional burden. Karissa will be greatly missed in the blogging community. She had many fans that are mourning her loss. This is a sad time for her many family and friends who are now grieving. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

PCECKYY3MXGZ

Looking for a new look

2010-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

I'm in search of a new look for my blog. I've been searching pre-made templates for the past couple of hours. Hopefully I will find something soon. I've also entered a contest for a free blog design from Giselle Jaquenod & Birdie. She's got a contest going on, and the prize is a blog theme/template design. If anyone is interested in entering, click the banner below :)

Almond facial scrub

2010-01-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

I love using ground almonds as an exfoliant. They remove dead skin, while leaving the skin soft and silky. The almond oil is great for your skin.

I had a bag of Bob's Red Mill almond flour that I really loved. I kept it in the freezer to keep it fresh. I would take a little out once in a while & mix it with a few drops of water and rub lightly on my face. Then my husband decided it was too old to eat, so he threw it in the garbage. He didn't understand why I was so upset that it was gone. I don't like waste; I can usually find a use for fruits & veggies that are turning. Bananas that are going a little soft and brown that no one wants to eat are good for face masks. I have a cucumber that's been in the fridge just a little too long that will be good for my eyes. When I was a teenager, my mom couldn't stand for me to waste perfectly good food by smearing it on my face. So that thriftiness remains with me today.

Since my pre-ground almonds were gone, I thought I could grind some myself. I had a bag of stale almonds that no one in my house wanted to eat. I don't have a food processor, but I thought a blender or coffee grinder would work. I ended up with almond butter smeared inside my coffee grinder...yuck. I think I kept the grinder going too long. Anyhow, I decided to try the chunky buttery mixture for a mask. It worked pretty nicely. My skin was quite soft and smooth afterwards. You really can't beat pre-ground almonds.

Beginning a New Year

2010-01-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Many of us start the new year with resolutions to exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, etc. But why? As we head into the new year it’s good to take a look at our motivation. If we are not focused then it’s easy to get off track.

Last year I decided to try to eat healthier. I was tired, lethargic, and depressed. I knew I wanted a better life. There are also some health issues that run in my family: diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. My mother-in-law had a stroke at the beginning of last year and that really made me think. I wanted to live a long, healthy life. I knew that started with what I put into my body for fuel. So this year I am continuing my quest for healthy eating. Here are some good ideas.

stocking up on whole grains
choosing whole foods - foods that are minimally processed, no artificial flavors or sweeteners
no partially hydrogenated oils
no high fructose corn syrup
choosing organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy
choosing organic fruits and vegetables. Organic foods have no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fumigants, no GMO's, no irradiation, no hormones or antibiotics, or artificial ingredients. Choosing organic foods heps to keep chemicals out of your body, helps protect the environment. According to Earthbound Farm's website organic fruits and vegetables are 30% higher in antioxidants. They say emerging science is showing that average levels of nutrients are 25% higher in organic foods.

This year another focus of mine is daily exercise. I tend to get easily distracted and procrastinate. Exercise really does help me feel better. It gives me more energy & helps my mental outlook. I like walking outside, but during the winter it's cold and rainy. My goal is to limit my excuses. I do have an exercise bike and stair climber, but I seem to put exercising on the back burner. It really is a choice, though. I make time to eat dinner and make time to do other things that I like. So exercise is just another think that I need to make time for.

The key is developing good habits. As a little kid you are taught to brush your teeth and bathe. Keeping an exercise program going & making healthy food choices is no different.

Hard Night Good Morning Facial Cocktail

2009-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

I received a sample for Hard Night Good Morning Facial Cocktail. It is made by D'Andra Simmons. I had not heard of this company before. It is aloe based, and it contains powerful antioxidants, essential oils, and a proprietary blend of botanical extracts. It also has Gatuline and Osilift in it. I'm still unsure of the exact ingredients, as they are not listed in the literature or website. The product promises to tighten, tone, and firm the skin. It also is supposed to invigorate and hydrate the complexion. According to the company it is formulated with the finest ingredients to address the visible signs of aging.

My work schedule varies. I work many late nights and early mornings. I'm also a mom to 2 busy boys. When I heard about this cream I thought it sounded like a miracle in a little jar. The price told me that it'd better be a miracle. A 1 fl. oz. bottle sells for $155. There is a whole line with am cleanser, pm cleanser/makeup remover, facial cocktail/serum, eye cream, detox toner, daytime moisturizer, nighttime moisturizer, and detox mineral mask.

I've used the facial cocktail for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of use, my wrinkles are less pronounced and my skin is smoother and softer. It smells really good. I did get complements about my complexion. I have always had dark circles under my eyes that it did nothing for (as it says to avoid contact with the eye area.) In all fairness, though, I did not try the cream specifically for the eye area. I have searched my entire life for something to help the purpleness under my eyes go away.

The Hard Night Good Morning line is currently on sale for 50% off. I tend to be a thrifty shopper and would buy it on sale. I have a problem spending $155 for a little jar of face cream.

I have a sample packet left and will give it away to the first person to leave a comment here. Just leave a comment about how you try to look refreshed in the morning when you've had a hard night.

http://www.dandrasimmons.com

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all of you!

During the business of last minute shopping yesterday, I saw something that really made me stop and think. At the corner of a busy intersection by the mall stood a man. He was holding a sign, "DISABLED VET, PLEASE HELP." I've seen this man around town before. He stands there in all kinds of weather holding his sign, asking for handouts. He is just one of hundreds of homeless people we have around the county.

Yesterday the weather was quite cold. It's been sunny, but cold with temperatures below freezing. The parking lot of my sons' school is a meal site for the homeless. There are many that come to the meals that are served outside in all types of weather.

I've gotten caught up in the business of shopping for gifts and food for entertaining, working, and going to appointments that it seems easy to get self absorbed. I can tell myself, "Oh yeah, I put some money in the Salvation Army's red kettle, or I gave a bunch of food at the food drive." But there is still a huge problem.

This man that was standing there had a hacking cough and did not look well. People were driving past, seemingly in their own worlds. All of a sudden he started throwing up. Not a pleasant site to wittiness, I must admit. Then he went back to holding his sign. I did not see anyone coming to offer him help. To my chagrin I did not either, my light was green so I continued driving. I kept wrestling with myself. I felt like I should do something, but didn't know what. Anything that I could do would only touch the tip of the iceberg.

I have not gotten this image out of my mind. All night I thought, not just about this particular man but about all like him that are out there during this holiday season. They have no warm home to go to, no gifts to exchange, no fancy holiday meal. It is just another day of desperation. There's also families out there...with children trying to scrape by. Santa is just some fairytale to them. There is no miracle on Christmas night where they get a home, warmth, food, or stability. My heart has been grieved for them. While I've been here in my house and my children were getting spoiled, there are many people to whom an evening like I had is a distant dream.

Is POM Wonderful Wonderful?

2009-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

I've seen the unique bottles of POM in the grocery store but didn't try it until recently. I was asked by POM if I would like to sample their juice. So upon receiving a small package in the mail from POM, I tried POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice for the first time. The tartness reminds me of cranberry juice, and it's not as sweet as concord grape juice. ( I love cranberry juice and usually drink a glass of concord grape juice each day.) POM sells a variety of juices, POMx tea, even POMx iced coffee, POMx bars, POMx pills. A 16oz bottle sells for between $4-$5.

According to POM's promotional literature:

POM juice has more antioxidants than red wine, concord grape juice, blueberry juice, black cherry juice, and acai juice.
POM Wonderful is the only brand guaranteed to contain 100% authentic pomegranate juice.
POM contains to added sugar, preservatives, colors, or cheap filler juices
POM grows their own fruit (in the San Joaquin Valley,) squeezes it with their own presses, and manufactures their own bottles.
POM is guaranteed to be made exclusively from the "wonderful" variety of pomegranates. The wonderful variety is known for it's unique combination of superior antioxidants, delicious taste, and deep crimson color. There are different varieties of pomegranates, not all have the health benefits of the wonderful variety.
POM Wonderful has proved $32 million to fund medical research (primarily in cardiovascular, prostate, and erectile health) 45 published clinical studies in peer reviewed journals document the benefits of drinking 8oz of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice daily. It is important to note that the medical claims are based on medical research that POM financed. One study appears to have been conducted using only 13 test subjects and 2 others with only 10 test subjects.

For more information you can check out POM's website at http://www.pomwonderful.com/. There's also some great recipes there.

*A word about antioxidants - antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that prevent oxidative damage to the body. When our cells use oxygen they naturally produce free radicals which can cause damage. The body also picks up free radicals from sun exposure, pollution, stress, alcohol, and cigarette smoke. The oxidative damage done by free radicals can cause heart disease, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and rheumatoid arthritis. Antioxidants can prevent and repair the damage done by free radicals. Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, flavenoids/polyphenols, lycopene, lutein, lignan, and co-enzyme Q10.

POM Wonderful did support using lab tests on animals until PETA lodged a boycott, The company issued a statement in January 2007 saying that it would cease all further animal testing. They are now listed on PETA's list of "Good Guys." http://www.caringconsumer.com/products_juice.asp

here are some more links about the controversy: http://record.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/5484.html

http://www.energygrid.com/action/2007/01-pom.html#pomleter

Recipe - Pumpkin Bisque Soup

2009-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

The first time I had pumpkin bisque soup was at a Christmas party about a week ago. I fell in love with it. It is now one of my favorites & I wanted to share.

3 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/8 c. chives
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
dash of pepper to taste
pepper to taste
2 cans of unseasoned pumpkin
32 oz. of chicken broth
2 cups of milk

melt butter in a large pot; add celery seed, chives, bay leaf, and thyme. Saute for a few seconds until chives appear wilted. Add the pumpkin, broth, pepper, and basil and bring to a simmer. Stir in the milk and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

A new discovery Endless.com

2009-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for shoes & handbags, especially when they are eco-friendly. I've found a new website (at least it's new to me, lol) at Endless. They sell lines like SAK's Eco Harmony that are made bamboo yarns that are dyed with non-toxic and azo-free pigments with recycled cotton linings.

Just type in "eco" to the search bar at the top their website & it will pop up with tons of eco-friendly shoes & handbags. There are much more than I ever knew existed. Some items look more eco-conscious than others.

Looking Forward to a "green" Christmas

2009-12-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

I've been absent with my posting lately. I've been busy with kids & holiday stuff. Why does it seem that everything happens at once. School programs, sick kids, fundraisers, shopping, holiday parties, etc. are all smashed into the same couple of weeks. I love the holiday time from November to January, but breath a sigh of relief when it's all over.

I'm trying to make this year a "green" year, with my gift choices, packaging, and wrapping. I'm thinking of wrapping presents in newspaper or something reusable. I'm also taking a look at my decorating. I'm reusing as many decorations from last year as I can. I usually find that I have to replace light strings. This year I'm using LED lights that are supposed to use more energy. I do realize that it would be more green to not use any lights, but I do have little ones and hate being a Scrooge. I have yet to mail out Christmas Cards. In the past I've sent out photo cards with the family portrait. I'm still debating (I know I don't have much time left, lol.) Is it bad manners to send e-mail greetings? I think about the pile of cards I have received from people in the past. I do love to hear from people that I haven't seen in a while, but with envelopes & cards it seems like a lot of waste. (not to mention the cost of postage) How about holiday post cards?

I will be using the artificial tree that I have had for a couple of years. I dislike the idea of going out & chopping down perfectly good trees to sit in people's living rooms. However live trees are biodegradable & recyclable. Artificial trees are made from plastics & involve all sorts of unhealthy chemicals in the manufacture, and they contribute to more "stuff" in the landfills. So I can see both sides. Since I already have the artificial tree, I'll continue to use it. When it gets too old & ratty I think I'll look for a small potted tree or something.

If you have any "green holiday" ideas, I'd love to hear about them.

Book Review - Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

2009-11-28T02:17:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I started reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. While I was out perusing books one day with my boys, this book caught my eye.

This book is full of tips & helpful tidbits. The website at http://www.gorgeouslygreen.com/ is also full of information, recipes, and also has givaways.

The book has:

a green lifestyle checklist to help you see areas in your life that you need improvement

tips on making your home non-toxic

healthy eating, with tasty looking recipes, explains organic food, labeling practices, truthfulness in advertising, and covers best fish to chose and which to avoid.

covers skin care, face care, cleansing, moisturizing, body care, lotion, hair care, and includes product recommendations

the author recommends sesame oil for body oil with a few drops of essential oil. says that sesame oil penetrates the skin easily, contains antioxidants, and has a reputation for slowing the aging process.

cosmetic & body care ingredients to avoid - classifies them as red alert & orange alert ingredients

covers shopping habits & avoiding items manufactured in sweatshops. This section also covers cutting back on buying items that you don't really need. This is not only economical, but it cuts down on consuming stuff, like newspapers, paper cups from the coffee shops, etc.

exercise - includes yoga poses, arm strengthening, bottom firming & toning, and ab exercises.

tips on green travel

tips on green gift giving

This is an excellent book for someone starting to live a green lifestyle. The checklist offered in the book is really good at pointing out weak areas that need improvement. Someone who has already been travelling down the road of greeness may find the book has a lot of information that the reader already knows and a little simplistic. Although a refressher is not a bad idea. At least in my own life I find myself slipping, getting lazy, and falling back on bad habits.

Next up on my reading list is The Gorgeously Green Diet

Chlorine rinsed vegetables

2009-11-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

I was forwarded the following e-mail a few days ago:

DO NOT EAT COCKTAIL (BABY) CARROTS

"Good to know.

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc. The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots - most people probably know this already. What you may not know and should know is the following: Once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them)this is the same chlorine used in your pool).

Since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine. You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots. This is the chlorine which resurfaces. At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables? Chlorine is a very well-known carcinogen, which causes Cancer. I thought this was worth passing on. Pass it on to as many people as possible in hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed.I used to buy those baby carrots for vegetable dips never again!! "

I decided to do some research. I don't like to take risks when it comes to my health and the food I ingest. I also don't like to perpetuate false information.

Some baby carrots are made by whittling down larger carrots. They are treated with a chlorine solution to kill bacteria, (but are rinsed with water.) According to Snopes most baby carrots today are bred to be more sweeter than larger carrots because the sweetness appeals more to people, especially children. Also the brighter orange color and more even coloring has been bred into them.

It is also worthy to note there are other vegetables in the produce department of your store that are pre-washed with chlorine, baby carrots chlorine content is not any different that those other vegetables. Tap water also contains chlorine. So if you drink plain tap water, that should also be a concern.

Per the Snopes web site, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency rinsing produce with a chlorine solution is an accepted, current practice for antimicrobial purposes. It is approved by the United States' FDA with strict rules for what concentration of chlorine can be used and how long the carrots can be exposed. However organic growers use a citrus based non toxic solution.

An article from Consumer Reports stated that “Manufacturers often treat produce—even organic produce—with a mild chlorine solution to disinfect it and extend its shelf life. But the concentrations are tiny compared with those used in, say, cleaning products, and they pose no known risk to humans. If you’d prefer to avoid the chemical anyway, choose produce fresh off a farm stand, or grow your own.”

The white film that appears on baby-cut carrots, however is not the chlorine coming to the surface. The white film or “blush” would appear on any cut carrot from your own garden that you put in your refrigerator for a couple of days.

Benefits of Massage

2009-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Not only does massage feel got, but it has other benefits.

It's good for your mood. Massage can ease depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Massage eases pain. Chronic tension headache sufferers have fewer episodes after neck and shoulder massages. According to Dr. Daniel Hinshaw massage can be as powerful as morphine for helping those in pain.
It calms children with ADHD. According to a small study of children with ADHD, those who got a 20 minute massage twice a week for a month behave better in school.
enhances immunity by improving lymph flow.
improves circulation - which helps get more oxygen to vital organs as well as improving the condition of the skin
helps sore muscles feel better, reduces spasms & cramping, increases joint flexibility
Reduces Hypertension - stimulates the vagus nerve, which regulates blood pressure. In a 2005 study patients at the University of South Florida who received 10, 10 minute massages over a 3 week period had improved blood pressure

However some should speak to a medical professional before having a massage, such as those with burns or open wounds, severe osteoporosis, unhealed fractures, persons with a fever, deep vein thrombosis, cancer, or recent heart attacks. Pregnant women should seek a massage therapist trained in prenatal massage. Massage done improperly can also lead to damage, so get your massage from a trained massage professional.

Sources:

Samuel, Neena. "Hands On Pain Relief." Readers Digest April 2008: 47

Ehrenfeld, Temma. "Five Surprising Benefits of Massage." Newsweek 4 Sept. 2008.

"Benefits of Massage." Editorial Staff. Body Sense Fall 2001

The Mayo Clinic

Aloe Vera Juice

2009-11-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a short video with some great uses for Aloe Vera juice

Do It Gorgeously - Aloe Vera from Gorgeously Green on Vimeo.

Ecostore Review and Giveaway

2009-10-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Ecostore has been in business in New Zealand for 20 years. They offer baby care products, bath & body care, hair care products, household cleaners, and pet care items. According to their website http://www.ecostoreusa.com/ all of their products are made from plant and mineral based ingredients and free of toxic chemicals. Their slogan is "No Nasty Chemicals."Their products are available on-line and at Meijer stores, if one happens to be in your area. Ecostore USA always offers free shipping on orders of $25 and more.

I was contacted by Ecostore USA to try a couple of their products and write a review. I decided to try the Rosemary Orange shampoo and Lemongrass soap. I was eager for the package to arrive and to try the products. The packaging used for shipping the items were even environmentally friendly: the packaging peanuts made from soy, the news print, packing tape, packing slip, and box all made from recyclable paper.

Lemongrass soap
I loved the shape of the bar of soap. A 2.7 oz bar sells for $4.00. The sides were rounded and it fit easily in my hands. I loved the lemony smell. It didn't dry my skin like some soaps do. The ingredients of the Lemongrass soap are:
Sodium Palmate (palm oil)
Sodium Cocoate (coconut oil)
Sodium chloride (salt)
Vegetable Glycerine
Tetra Sodium Etidronate and Tetra Sodium EDTA (antioxidants used to preserve the stability of vegetable oils in soap base. Derived from vinegar. Safe for skin)
Lemongrass oil
Titanium Dioxide

Rosemary Orange Shampoo
The shampoo cleaned my hair well without drying it or leaving residue. it left my hair soft. When I first saw the price for the shampoo $11 for 6.8 fl oz, I thought that was expensive (being the thrifty person that I am.) Ecostore's products are super concentrated, so a little goes a long way. I've been using it for about 2 weeks and I still have nearly 3/4 of the bottle left. The ingredients of the Rosemary Orange Shampoo are:
Water
Lauryl-glucoside (from glucose)
Derivatives from coconut and palm oil - olefin sulphonate
Laureth-2
Polyol Coconut Fatty Acid Ester
Sodium Hydroxymethyl Glycinate (from natural amino acid)
Citric Acid
Certified Organic Cider Vinegar
Essential oils of Rosemary Cineol, Orange Sweet Organic, Pine Scotch, Sage and Cypress.

Now for the giveaway -I'm so happy to hold my first blog giveaway! To enter (US residents only, please) do any or all of the following for each separate entry. Leave a separate comment for each entry:

Check out the items for sale at http://www.ecostoreusa.com/ & leave a comment about which 2 items you would like to try if you win.
Sign up for the NO NASTY CHEMICALS newsletter at blog (http://blog.ecostoreusa.com/) & leave a comment here saying that you did.
Follow Ecostore USA on Twitter @ecostoreusa & tweet about this giveaway
become a fan of Ecostore USA on Facebook.
subscribe to or follow this blog
blog about this give away & post the link here in you comment

Contest ends at midnight Monday, November 2nd. Winner will have 72 hours to reply to my winner notification email.

Update - Winner is Nycole at knycks1@aol.com - Thank-you to all who entered.

2009-10-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

"If I make one tiny positive change today, I consider myself green. It can be as simple as flicking off a light switch or buying an organic
apple. My motto is one change makes a difference, and if you can make
tow, that's even better!" Sophie Uliano, Gorgeously Green 8 Simple steps to an Earth-Friendly Life.

The above quote is from a book that I just started reading. I'm so excited! So far I've only read the introduction, but the book looks like an informative and awesome read. The books offers eco-friendly tips in the areas of beauty, home, fitness, style, food, travel, and gardening. So I eagerly await finishing the book and being able to blog about the results.

Natural Hair Color

2009-10-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

I've colored my hair on & off since I was 15. My hair was a dirty-dishwater color that I couldn't stand, so I lightened it. Then about 8 years ago I decided to try red. I liked red; it looked good with my skin tone. It made me feel good too, more vibrant.

I made the decision about 2 years ago to use natural products in my hair and stay away from synthetic chemicals as much as I can. After showering there seemed to be tons of hair left in the tub and lots of hair left in my comb after combing my hair. I was getting concerned. I'd seen the older women with thin hair and bald patches. I didn't want that to be me. I switched to a more natural, organic shampoo. (I'd also seen the doctor and had a full blood work-up to rule out thyroid problems or some other medical condition.)

I started using henna on my hair. I loved henna. At first I was turned off by the smell, but I've since gotten used to it. The color is rich and beautiful, plus there's no roots to worry about. I also learned there are more options than just red. There's shades of brown, mahogany, chestnut, sable, and blond. Blond henna doesn't lighten hair, just brings out highlights.

Recently I decided to expand my horizons. I was at the health food store and saw some other "natural" hair care products. I decided to try Naturclolor hair color. I stopped using the henna for a few months. I put some yogurt with lactobacillus like their website suggests to remove the henna.

I opened the container, and "whew!" I smelled a pungent, unnatural aroma. This product is supposed to be natural, but it certainly smelled like chemicals. It may be more natural than the products available at the drugstore and be the "lesser of two evils." I got a shade of color from the "N" series, which is supposed to cover the grey better, but it didn't have any affect on the grey hairs. The hair color made my hair feel dry and straw like. The echinacea hair rinse that was enclosed made my hair feel silky.

After using Naturcolor I decided to stick with henna. It covers the grey, is very economical, natural, and gives my hair more body. It is fun experimenting and trying some of the recipes that are out there on the Internet to make it smell good and enhance the color. 2 of my favorite brands are Light Mountain Natural and Rainbow Henna.

Red Palm Oil as a moisturizer?

2009-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've been using unrefined red palm oil as a moisturiser for about a year. I dab just a little on my face at night before bed. I discovered red palm oil when I saw an ad for an upscale face cream. I found out that the cream was very expensive and way out of my budget. I did some research and found out the main ingredient was red palm oil. So I bought some red palm oil to try.

The brand name cream supposedly is all natural. According to it's website it is supposed to fight aging, prevent the onset of dry crepe paper skin, restore the skin's oils that have been lost due to aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and give the skin a moist radiant glow. They boast that it is full of tocopherols and antioxidants.

Red Palm Oil is full of vitamin E, vitamin A, Vitamin K, and COQ10. Vitamin E is itself an antioxidant. I found that it does temporarily help in the reduction in appearance of "crepe paper skin" and fine wrinkles. Unrefined Red Palm Oil is an inexpensive, natural moisturizer.

Palm Oil is, however, shrouded by controversy. Rainforests are supposedly being deforested to make way for the palm tree plantations. This of course has an environmental impact. With such a heavy concern over climate change, many people are opposed to the use of palm oil and it's derivatives. One jar of red palm oil lasts a long time, so when the jar I have runs out I may research the effectiveness of other oils.

I searched a couple of local health food stores and was unable to find unrefined red palm oil. It is available on Amazon for as little as 5.99 for 16oz up to 14.99 for 17.2 oz

Coupons and Special Offers

2009-10-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Derma e is offering a free sample kit ($4.95 shipping) containing 10 sample packets of their most popular produts. I've not tried their products, yet, but all you have to pay is shipping. http://www.dermae.net/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=dei.portal&cmd=dei.freesampler&sessionid=1534753783A

Here are some Special offers & Coupons for some great natural products. These are all brands that I have tried & recommend :)

$1.00 off on The Natural Dentist oral care items

$1.00 off coupon for Boiron Homeopathic Children's cold & cough relief medicine - get link for coupon by clicking picture above - read about the products here.

Coupons for Stoneyfield Farm products

$1.00 off on Organic Valley dairy & eggs

get $1.00 off coupon on Laura's Lean Beef - cattle never given growth hormone or antibiotics

For some more coupons & offers check out these resources

Mambo Sprouts

Delicious Living

Is your mineral make-up really mineral?

2009-10-15T22:22:00.001-07:00

updated March 7, 2011 - Apologies for the links to the original source being dead

Here is an interesting article about testing mineral make-up. The Beauty Bunny tested 5 different kinds of mineral make-up to see if they are truly mineral. The results are interesting.

Facial Mask

2009-10-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

I love this facial mask! I try to use it at least a couple of times a month. It leaves my skin feeling so soft. This was emailed to me a few years ago as a forward of a forward, so I don't know who it originated with.

2 Tbsp honey
1/2 cup oats
1 large whole egg, beaten
2 tsp. sugar, granulated
1/2 cup milk
1 chamomile tea bag, broken open into mixture
1 Tbsp olive oil or light sesame oil
1 tsp. lemon juice

First cleanse face with a gentle cleanser; then rinse face with warm water to open up pores. Pat dry. Mix all of the ingredients above in a glass bowl, for two mins., to ensure even mixing and to allow tea to moisten. Apply your mask evenly, avoiding eye area. Rub the mask in circular motion in order to allow the sugar to slough off any dead cells,gently! Rinse after 15-20 minutes with warm water.

Deodorant

2009-10-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

I decided to try to live a healthier lifestyle and use less chemicals. After making the decision to be more natural in my skin & hair care regimens, I considered anti-perspirants and deodorants.

Back in September of last year, I decided to go a week without anti-perspirant. I decided to try this after reading about how antiperspirants clog your pores, preventing your body ridding itself of toxins. Then I read some other articles saying they cause cancer. Then there is the debate about the aluminum in antiperspirant being absorbed into the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer's. Well I don't know if the cancer causing element is true or not. It seems there may not be enough evidence to support either argument. You can read this article for more info: http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/aluminum_in_deodorant
or
http://www.antiperspirantsinfo.com/english/faq.php

I can tell you that I need antiperspirant. I can't stand being moist. I don't want my shirts getting sweat stains, and most importantly I don't want to stink. I've tried some natural deodorants, some left me less than impressed. The crystal deodorant I tried was okay. It was better than going without, but I wouldn't wear it with a fitted shirt at work and raise my arm, if you know what I mean.

The one that I did use and was happy with was Arm & Hammer's Essentials natural deodorant. It is aluminum free and Paraben free. It has baking soda and natural plant extracts. It does contain Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, and something called Tetrasodium EDTA. Which I didn't know what they were, only that it didn't sound natural. So I looked them up. I encourage everyone to look things up if they don't know what they are. Look at a few, reputable, sources to help you get a good idea. In my next blog I will talk about these items and what I learned.

If you're feeling adventurous here is a website with some homemade recipes for deodorant: http://spaindex.com/HomeSpa/deoderants.htm

About Me

2009-10-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

I've been blogging for over a year on topics ranging from post-partum depression and social issues to beauty and health. I'm a mother of two young boys, a writer, and photographer. I've been a 911 operator/public safety dispatcher, event model, and TV commercial extra. I have an Etsy shop, where I used to sell handcrafted jewelry. I've held local, state, and national pageant titles. I'm now in my mid 30's trying to age gracefully and coming to terms with the fact I'm not 25 anymore.

As a teen I wanted to be "beautiful" and glamorous like the women in the magazines. I read every book on beauty, make-up, and hair that the local library had. It took me a few years, but I finally realized that real beauty starts on the inside. Being well groomed is important, but even more so is what is on the inside of a person.

I like make-up & girlie skincare stuff, but I've made the move to try to be as free of artificial ingredients as possible. I like products that are chemical free and free of petroleum based additives. Affordability is also important to me.

Lately I've been turning to less glamorous household duties like trying to figure out how to get rid of fruit flies and how to unclog a drain without harsh chemicals. I'm trying to give up chemicals in my daily routine in both cosmetics and for household cleaning. I love baking soda, vinegar, and borax. They are so versatile!

I'm learning how to feed a family nutritious and wholesome meals on a budget. For years I was hooked on pre-prepared frozen meals, the grocery store deli, and fast food. I also was tired, suffered depression, and generally felt bad. Last year I visited a naturopathic doctor and decided to change my eating habits. What a person eats really does affect how a person feels. The experience was difficult for me because I've never liked cooking.

My Myspace page is here: http://www.myspace.com/lamongelolane

Questions or comments? feel free to e-mail me at lamongelolane@comcast.net

My new favorite shampoo

2009-06-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm totally in love with Avalon Organics peppermint shampoo. It smells really great, but more importantly it gives my hair body. It makes my hair feel clean without harsh chemicals. According to the label it "Invigorates scalp circulation and gently cleanses as Babassu Oil restores strength and elasticity for revitalized hair." There are no lauryl or laureth sulfates and no parabens. I had been using Avalon Organics Rosemary shampoo, which I like too. The smell of rosemary is more earthy. The rosemary shampoo is supposed to build body and strengthen hair, which it does quite well.I decided to search for more natural hair care products. As I'm getting older, and after having 2 children my hair is changing. It seems to be getting thinner and has less volume. I was also alarmed at the quantity of hair left in the tub after showering. I decided to shun chemicals. Now I find less hair falling out & my bathtub drain is happier.So far I'm impressed with Avalon Organics shampoo. I look forward to trying more items that they offer.

White Chicken Chili

2009-06-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

I tried this recipe recently & it was awesome. I really loved it! I just thought I would share. I also added some finely chopped carrots to give it some more color.

http://healthbeginswithmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/white-chicken-chili-super-supper.html

Chiny Chin Chin Part 2

2009-04-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today at my work, some of my female co-workers and myself had an interesting conversation about facial waxing. The conversation started when someone brought up a waxing gone wrong and had a red, irritated chin to show for it. Waxing is something that I've never tried. Among some of the methods those present used were shaving with a razor & tweezing. I, myself, stick with tweezing. Interesting fact - all of us present were under 40.Vanity? Yes. Comforting? Yes, after my previous post about my chin hair. Now I know that I'm not the only one. .

The hair on my chiny chin chin

2009-04-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ugh! Today I found inch long grey hair on my chin! I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm only 35. What happened? Lately I've been dealing with the battle of aging gracefully. I'm now supposed to wear compression stockings. I have a collection of supplements. To top it off I now apparently have facial hair.

No Poo?

2008-10-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

I read about the no-poo method for hair on the Internet. If you Google no-poo, you will get several sites that explain why shampoo is bad for you. Here's a good article http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html. Some of the ingredients in shampoo reportedly cause cancer. Whether they are carcinogens or not, I don't know. I've found other web sites that say that they don't, so it depends who you trust. http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/daily-green-tips/%e2%80%98poo-for-you/ & http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/shampoo.aspSupposedly the chemicals used in commercial shampoos strip you hair of natural oils, causing damage. Basically the theory is that oil glands work on a supply & demand basis. Supposedly if you stop washing your hair, then you will stop producing excess oil. I'm not a dermatologist, but I don't think I believe this theory about oil production. Why do some people get acne? Why do some people have oily skin or dry skin? If I don't do anything to my face except splash some water on it in the morning, it's still greasy by evening. That has nothing to do with harsh cleansing products.

The proponents advise to just use baking soda & apple cider vinegar to cleanse your hair. Apple cider vinegar? It stinks. Supposedly the vinegar doesn't smell after your hair dries. I beg to differ, though. I've used baking soda occasionally to remove build up of product from my hair, but it is drying. It's too gritty & abrasive. It seems to me that it shouldn't be used very often on hair.

My hair has been getting thin, and I've been worried about all the hair left on the shower floor when I get done bathing. So I decided to give it a try. Anyhow I managed to go for 4 days without washing. Then I couldn't take anymore. Supposedly there is about a 2 month adjustment period, where your hair goes through a transition, and gets really greasy. Then it gets better. Well I can't go around with greasy, gross hair for that long. I do have to go out in public. After that experience I decided to use more healthy shampoo. Now I use Avalon Organics, and I love it. There is less hair that falls out in the tub after my shower. The drain hasn't gotten clogged, since I switched.

My husband says I spend entirely way too much time surfing the net. I have also learned that you can't believe everything you read. It's worth checking into things for yourself. I figure there's no harm experimenting.

Disclosure Policy

2008-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

This policy is valid from 17 October 2009
updated 16 January 2010

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact lamongelolane@comcast.net.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity.

All of the reviews on this blog are on products I have actually used. Most are items that
I have purchased at the store for my personal use and wish to share the results (whether good or bad.) I only endorse products that I have used and find worthy of my recommendation. I occasionally receive free samples of products to review. If I am compensated in this manner, it will be noted.

This blog does accept forms of compensation via ads (Google) and affiliate advertising programs (Amazon, Endless, Best Bath Store.) Content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

Even though I may be compensated for some items that appear on this blog, I will always strive to give my honest opinion, finding, beliefs, or experiences. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org