Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

I have always loved non-stick cook ware... why?! Because I hate doing dishes and love how easy they are to clean. In fact a few years ago all I wanted for Christmas was a full set of Paula Deen non-stick cookware in speckled green. I remember my husband saying, "are you sure thats what you want, don't you know how bad non-stick coating is for you". Of course I ignored him! Like anything would happen right?! Well I should have listened. Because ignorance is bliss and the more I learn the more I find out just how VERY toxic it is, no one should use it! When non stick cookware reaches a certain heat it releases chemical fumes into the air and also directly into the food your cooking. According to scientists the chemicals we absorb from non-stick cookware can take up to 20 years to leave our bodies! And its estimated that some 90% of Americas show high levels of the chemicals found in non stick cookware. http://articles.mercola.com. These chemicals have already been proven to show increased instances of cancer in the pancreas, liver, testicles, and mammary glands, as well as miscarriages, thyroid problems, weakened immune systems, low organ weights and low birth weight in babies. And that's just what we DO know, what about the stuff they haven't discovered yet? See this link http://www.ewg.org for tips on how to more safely cook with non stick cookware if you are "stuck" having to use it.


So now i'm in the process of phasing out all my Paula Deen and only using Cast Iron and Stainless Steel cookware. I highly suggest Lodge cast iron products, they have been the standard in cast iron since 1896! There  are SOOO MANY types of cast iron pots and pans, not just the old skillet I had imagined! You can cook/bake just about anything. Cast Iron can be spendy purchased directly through https://www.lodgemfg.com/ but it's a huge investment for your family, they will literally last you a lifetime. Check out amazon.com for some amazing prices (they just might not have all the options lodge.com has!). My coworker got 2 skillets for about $20 on amazon! I was surprised at how easy it is to use cast iron, I had always been intimidated by it because it was so heavy and I imagined that it would be hard to use (all I could think of was cowboys cooking on cast iron over an open flame in the wild wild west. And I am no cowboy!). After about a month of use my skillet has become "seasoned" and food sticks less to it! I highly recommend using coconut oil when cooking with it! I have tried several oils and coconut oil works best. I even rub a little coconut oil on it after washing and it keeps it from getting any rust when it dries. Purchase a couple of the Lodge scrapers & steel wool, they will be your best friend during cleaning! Make sure to wash the cast iron as soon as possible after cooking on it, run under cool or warm water, use scraper to scrape any remaining food off and then scrub with steel wool to finish cleaning, set aside to dry and apply coconut oil. NEVER EVER use soap on your cast iron! Cast iron is porous and will absorb the soap and make it rust like crazy, plus you don't want soap in your cooking.... Just warm water, scraper, and steel wool. I also suggest purchasing some of the slide on silicone hot handle covers! Cast iron handles can get very HOT! Dont burn yourself! Both the silicone handle covers and the scrapers are super cheap, just a few bucks each. Good luck and happy toxic free cooking!!!

The hot handle cover, scraper and steel wool.

Alba Botanica Skin & Hair Care Products

I have used various Alba Botanica products for about eight years! They make wonderful products that are infused with the fragrances of Hawaii. My absolute must have every day Alba product is their hawaiian lip balm in nourishing coconut cream. It is the softest lip balm I have ever used with a wonderful luscious light coconut smell, it is creamy not chalky and super gentle. I also highly suggest their very emollient body lotion, it was one of the only lotions I could use while going through beauty school when my hands were "adjusting" to the harsh life of hair styling. They offer skin care for everyone!

All of Alba Botanicas products are 100% vegetarian, organic, and cruelty-free, they do not use any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, propylene glycol, aluminum, mineral oil, petrolatum, oxybenzone, PABA, nanoparticles, DEA, MEA or TEA, PEGs and PEG derivatives, AND ethoxylated ingredients associated with 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde donors. (phew! that is a long list!) Visit http://www.albabotanica.com/ to purcahse or find a store that carriers it near you!

Coconut Cream Lip Balm Ingredients

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (1), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (1), Beeswax (1), Flavor, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil (1), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (1), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Allantoin, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citral, Limonene, Linalool. (1) Certified Organic Ingredient

Ecos Laundry Detergent

We found this stuff at our local Sam's Club. What first drew me was the big sticker on it that said "locally made in Lacey Washington", I'm all for supporting local businesses and thought how cool they got their product into a huge chain like Sams club, so I purchased some! First off I LOVE that its in a big jug with a twist off top, I hate that most laundry detergents now have the "pour spout" they always leak like crazy! I have tried both the lavender formula and the baby formula. It also comes in Magnolia & Lily, and Lemongrass. ( I would love to try the lemongrass! All of their scents are from natural essential oils). The formula is ultra concentrated so you dont have to use a ton and is suitable for HE machines, and both top load or front load machines. It has a neutral PH (7-8) so its great for customers who have skin sensitivities or allergies and its color safe for all your clothes! This product is completely non-polluting, 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and natural. It contains a natural coconut based fabric softener and is free of enzymes, phosphates, chlorine and petroleum ingredients. Its also low sudsing so its great for those who have top loaders or like to hand wash their clothes and works it in all water temperatures. Its also septic tank and gray-water system safe. Also, and this is a big deal to me..... its palm oil FREE! If you don't know the significance of being palm oil free you should really check out the documentary "Years of Living Dangerously" and watch the episode featuring Palm Oil farming. Its the #1 cause of pollution and deforestation on our planet. Here is the link if you would like to check out the documentary: http://yearsoflivingdangerously.com/watch-years/

Ecos also has an entire line of kitchen, bathroom, household and pet cleaners as well! I love their laundry detergent so much I know I will love their cleaners and I'm excited to try them!
Visit http://www.ecos.com/ now to purchase!

Ingredients:

• Magnolia & Lily - Water (CAS#7732-18-5), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#61789-40-0), Sodium Coco-Sulfate (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68955-19-1), Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68155-09-9), Phenoxyethanol (preservative, CAS#122-99-6), Fragrance, Methylisothiazolinone (preservative, CAS#2682-20-4), Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail Plant) Extract (CAS#71001-23-9).

• Lavender - Water (CAS#7732-18-5), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#61789-40-0), Sodium Coco-Sulfate (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68955-19-1), Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68155-09-9), Phenoxyethanol (preservative, CAS#122-99-6), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil (CAS#8000-28-0), Methylisothiazolinone (preservative, CAS#2682-20-4), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil (N.O.P. Certified Organic) (CAS#8000-28-0), Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail Plant) Extract, (CAS#71001-23-9), Linalool (CAS#78-70-6).

• Lemongrass: Water (CAS#7732-18-5), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#61789-40-0), Sodium Coco-Sulfate (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68955-19-1), Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (coconut-based surfactant, CAS#68155-09-9), Phenoxyethanol (preservative, CAS#122-99-6), Methylisothiazolinone (preservative, CAS#2682-20-4), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil (CAS#8007-02-1), Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil (N.O.P. Certified Organic), (CAS#8007-02-1), Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail Plant) Extract, (CAS#71001-23-9).

Dermalogica Environmental Control Deodorant

 

Last Year I searched and searched for a decent natural/chemical free deodorant. I seriously bought probably 12 different kinds and hated all of them, total waste of money. They either did absolutely nothing to help with sweat/odor or they made my armpits itch like crazy. I tried all sorts of brands like Jason, Toms, The Crystal, etc.... I even found a recipe online and tried to make my own, that stuff really didn't work! I started to believe I would be stuck using Dove Deodorant forever!

Enter Dermalogica Environmental Control Deodorant. I found this through one of my beauty wholesale suppliers. I've always known of Dermalogica for their great skin care but I had no idea they made deodorant! I hesitantly purchased it after my failed search last year.The chemicals in deodorant are scary bad, and its something that I wear EVERYDAY. I absolutely will not go without it. Some days I won't wear makeup or do my hair but no matter what I always wear deodorant.... If you would like to know more about the dangers of chemicals in deodorants visit http://www.naturalnews.com to read their article on "The Top Five Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorant". It is very eye opening! A few years ago I noticed my right arm pit looked puffy and was sticking out a few inches, unlike the other one which was naturally concaved like its suppose to be. I went to the doctor and what do you know I had a tumor, it had to be surgically removed and left me with a nice big 3 inch scar right through the middle of my armpit and goes completely through the muscle. (Aluminum, one of the main ingredients in deodorant is linked to breast cancer so I was pretty scared at first.) The tumor was fairly large, about the size and length of a sweet potato. Thank god it came back as benign but talk about scary! I feel very lucky! It sounds stupid but since my surgery I have always worried that my big scar is like a open door for deodorant chemicals to get into my body. I am so HAPPY I found this deodorant! It has a nice clean pleasant smell that both men and women will like, it goes on easily, it does not stain clothing, it actually works ALL DAY and has not caused me any irritation. This deodorant is an essential oil-based formula which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. They use a blend of Coriander, Parsley, Clove and Hyssop to neutralize order while other plant derived agents help inhibit odor-causing bacteria. It is completely free of Aluminum and S.D. Alcohol and uses no artificial fragrances or colors, it looks like a clear hard gel. Visit http://www.dermalogica.com/environmental-control-deodorant to purchase! This is a must have for me, and after a month of successful use I have finally tossed my Dove deodorant into the garbage can! Now I know this stuff is not 100% natural, but its WAY better than what I was using.

Ingredients:

Butylene Glycol, Water/Aqua/Eau, Isoteareth-20, Sodium Stearate, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil; Extracts of: Melissa Officinalis Leaf, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Hyssopus Officinalis; Essential Oils of: Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit; PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Triclosan, Farnesol, Dimethyl Phenylpropanol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Silica, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate.

The Fay Farm ~ Healing Hemp Salve

A few years ago my husband and I were in downtown Seattle at the world famous Farmers Market when we stumbled across a booth called The Fay Farm. The Fay Farm is a small family owned and operated farm located on Whidbey Island, they always have a booth at the farmers market in Seattle and you can even find their products in many stores across Washington. They have received rave reviews from health practitioners across the country for their products and their success in helping people who suffer from skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. I am always on the hunt for awesome all natural homemade body care products, especially soaps and lotions!  I purchased a few soaps from them at the market and my husband purchased their Healing Hemp Salve. Here we are years later and we are still huge fans on their products but specifically of their Healing Hemp Salve. This stuff is a cure all miracle product! My husband keeps a tin of it in his truck and at home! Infact I just used it this morning because I got a small burn on my arm, within minutes the stinging had gone away and the raised burn flattened out and felt so much better. This amazing product gives 100% organic natural relief for Eczema, Psoriasis, dermatitis and other autoimmune disorders. It also reduces redness, relieves itching, burns, wounds, fights fungus, chafing of the skin and heals insect bites. It promotes moisture and helps with new skin cell growth. In my opinion every family needs a tin of this stuff in their medicine cabinet!!!! Below is a before and after photo from their website of a child who suffers from sever eczema and shows his before and after success with the Healing Hemp Salve. Oh and by the way I LOVED their soaps as well, I seriously want to try one of everything!!! Order some now for your family!  thefayfarm.com
 

Ingredients in their Healing Hemp Salve:
Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Burdock, Organic Calendula, Organic Chamomile, Organic Chickweed, Organic Comfrey, Organic Licorice, Organic Nettle, Organic Plantain, Organic St. John's Wort, Organic Yellow Dock, Essential Oils of Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.

Pur Minerals Makeup

A girlfriend told me about Pur Minerals Makeup a few months ago, she loved it so much it sparked my curiosity.  I've tried other mineral makeups before and couldn't stand how I got powder all over the place and they often made my face feel dry and tight, or worse it made my skin itch like crazy! I seem to have an allergic reaction to BareMinerals which is a bummer because I love their huge variety of eyeshadows.  For the last eight years or so I have been using my beloved Mary Kay liquid foundation. Mary Kay worked just fine for me but I was really in the mood to do some new makeup shopping specifically for a less chemical ingredient makeup and with my friends raving review I decided to order a collection from Pur Minerals. I was lucky because it was in the beginning of February and they had a "valentines day" special (pictured above) which included one full sized 4 in 1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation, one bronzer and blush duo full sized, one full sized pink lip gloss, a foundation brush, a sample sized primer and a sample sized mascara for $45 (regularly $132!). I purposely chose this collection because of the pressed mineral makeup, woohoo no mess!!! However if you don't like pressed they also have the loose powder foundation, airbrush foundation, liquid foundation, CC foundation and tinted moisturizer. Shipping was free and it got to me in a week. I took a gamble and guessed what color of foundation I should get and to my great surprise it was spot on! The primer is great and makes the application of the powder foundation set perfectly. This makeup is super light weight and looks beautiful on my skin. It has great coverage without being cakey or looking heavy. I hate that heavy masked makeup look, the more natural the better but I still want great coverage and this fits the bill perfectly. I have received numerous compliments on my skin when wearing this makeup, And for me that is huge, I did accutane for acne when I was in high school and I have been ashamed of my skin forever, being told my skin is beautiful made me over joyous! I LOVE the Impact+ Mascara sample and will be ordering a full size soon. I have been using this makeup for almost a month and so far no irritation, no breakouts, nothing. Infact I would say my skin looks better! I am in complete makeup love! The valentines special I purchased is no longer for sale but they constantly have different sales and collections to offer, join their mailing list and you will receive some really great deals! Visit purminerals.com

Foundation Ingredients:
Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Boron Nitride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Mannitol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Ferulic Acid, Lactic Acid (L), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Retinol, Ceramide AP, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aqua, Glucosamine HCI, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Magnesium Carbonate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Loma Hair Care

      I have been a hairstylist for seven years now. And I have tried a LOT of hair products, i'm kind of a product junkie. Any why not be when you have access to try pretty much every professional product out there! However when I wanted to switch to a chemical free lifestyle it made me take a look at what I was using differently. Shampoos have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), which is bad chemical. The only thing it does is make suds/bubbles. It has no cleansing property, and does nothing good for you or your hair. Companies use it because we as a society believe that when we see/feel suds we are clean. They are now finding that sulfites are linked to many illnesses and causes irritated skin. And it is actually bad for you hair, it strips away all your natural oils leaving your scalp dry and desperately working overtime to make more oil. Do you have a super oily scalp??? This might be why. Some scientists say that absorbing chemicals through your skin is even more dangerous than eating them. So not only am I doing my own hair daily, but my clients at the salon, so I get a lot of exposure. Sulphates are in anything that suds, it is used in laundry detergent, dish soap, body wash, tooth paste, car soap, hand soap, etc... So now I will be on the search for alternatives to those products as well.
       BUT anyway, lets get back to Loma. This product line has been around since 1991 however I just recently discovered it! It was started in Washington State, which is where I live! The founder David Hansen is also a hairstylist and had an interest in organic chemistry. Today he is recognized as a leader in the formulation of sustainable beauty products. He uses certified organic aloe vera gel as the base in all his products, as well as the use of essential oil based fragrances to make them smell AMAZING. To keep prices affordable the entire product is made in the USA, nothing is outsourced. In fact Loma is one of the last independently owned and operated brands in the professional beauty industry who manufactures 100% of their entire product. Everything is made in small batches by hand, they even make and print their own bottles and all their advertising. All Loma products are paraben and gluten free, sulfate free and sodium chloride free. Everything they use is good for your hair and your skin. And I must say my hair has never felt better. Here is a list of all their products:

~ Daily Shampoo & Daily Conditioner
~ Moisturizing Shampoo & Moisturizing Treatment
~ Reparative Creme Shampoo & Reparative Reconstructor
~ Leave in Conditioner
~ Fortifying Repairative Tonic (my most fav product!)
~ Nourishing Oil Treatment
~ Curvature Curvy Creme
~ Firm Hold Gel
~ Maximum Volumizing Solution
~ Molding Creme
~ Smoothing Creme
~ Creme Pomade
~ Fiber Putty
~ Forming Paste
~ Firm Hold Hair Spray

So as you can see they have something for everyone. I am currently using the Moisturizing Shampoo and the Moisturizing Treatment conditioner, as well as the Fortifying Repairative Tonic (which is like a serum to use in hair wet or dry). I have been using it for about a month and my hair is much softer, my scalp is less irritated and thanks to the reparative tonic my dry blonde ends are softer! I cant even begin to describe how good this stuff smells, their aromatherapies include: tangerine, orange, grapefruit, cranberry, pear, mango, vanilla bean and raspberry ALL from pure essential oils. All I can say is WOW give this stuff a try, you will not be disappointed! It's great for the whole family. And at a very great price! Visit lomaforhair.com