Milk and Honey Wash

Did you know that 70% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body?  I've decided to take a step-by-step approach to replacing all of my toxic beauty products.  The most recent change was with my facial products.  I replaced my face soap with a milk & honey wash, and my face lotion with 100% jojoba oil.  My skin feels so soft and looks so healthy! 

Jojoba oil can be purchased at Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, or Central Market.  To reduce the chance of contaminating the oil and having it spoil, it’s best to purchase a separate glass container to use for dispensing.  Get a bottle that has a medicine dropper.  Sterilize the bottle in boiling water prior to using.  You can then squeeze out a few drops at a time.  A little goes a long way!  It also works fabulously for removing eye make-up.

Milk and honey wash:

1 tsp. honey (organic is best)

1 tbsp. milk

Mix together and you’re set to go!  Prepare fresh for each use.

Your nursery may be cute and sweet, but is it healthy?

Your nursery may be cute and sweet, but is it healthy?

Ready to build that beautiful new nursery for your baby?  There’s a little more to it these days than which motif to choose.  Over the last several years, there has been a growing awareness of toxins in our environment.  This applies to your new nursery as well.  You want to think everything is safe when you buy it from your favorite baby store, but just because it is on the shelf, does not mean it’s safe.  The government does not regulate many of the toxins that manufacturers use.  So it is up to the consumer to be aware and beware!

“As long as your not eating off it, it should be fine.”  I’ve heard this statement and this is far from the truth.  Did you know that the air in our homes is often far more polluted than the air outside?  The products we buy contribute to the air quality in our homes.  Some items actually emit the toxins they are made from into our air and sometimes you can actually smell it.  Think of fresh paint, something plastic you just opened or a  new piece of furniture.  Sometimes its not so easy to smell but it’s there.

Good Morning America recently did an investigation where they tested the air of a newly painted, furnished nursery.  What did they find?  Are you sitting down?  The air in the nursery contained 300 different chemicals.  Outside of that same home they found only 2 chemicals.  The crib mattress itself contained more than 100 chemicals.  Can you imagine putting your baby down on that?  You can read about the study here: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/the-indoor-pollution-threat-you-may-not-have-known-existed/

The laws are not there yet to protect us, to protect our children.  There are some wonderful groups who are working to change that, but for now its about information and action.  This may seem overwhelming, especially when all you want to do is get ready for that new little life.
There are many steps you can take and many products out there to consider.  Thankfully the word is getting out and manufacturers are responding.  

California has responded to this crisis with new regulations. One way to shop is by checking to see if the item meets the California standards.  There are great new paints that emit low to no volatile chemicals.  There are now flooring options that are safer.  In furniture look for real woods and make sure you check how it stained or painted.  At the very least, you must air out that room before baby comes home.  

Please take the time to learn about every item you put in your new nursery or call us.  I will do that for you.  A cute and sweet nursery - a plus, but a healthy nursery - a necessity!!