safe products list

here is where i have been for the past few days...research for you and me...

1. in the title i said "safe"...let me term that word loosely because some of the options that i have included in the list are not necessarily the safest option. i made the list based on products that i know that i can get at the stores that i frequent. they are much safer options that i am currently using and i will be making the switch asap. many of these items can still be purchased using coupons.

2. the following list has been created using the skin deep cosmetic safety data base

3. the items are ranks 0-10, "0" being the best ranking in regard to safety "10" being the worst and extremely hazardous to your health. when i did the research on the products that i was using i could not believe the number of PROVEN cancer causing chemicals as well as a whole slew of other disease causing chemicals were in "my products."

4. a couple of tips that i will give you in regard to the list is you need to purchase the exact item in the description...not one that is similar or the same brand. many brands differ greatly in their safety from product to product. for example: there is a pantene shampoo that is safe, but it is one of the only pantene products that is...everything else is filled with chemicals that threaten your family's health. the other tip is organic is not always better. I WAS SHOCKED at the number of "organic" products that were ranked "5" or above.

5. please email or comment with any questions. also use the above link to check out any other products that you are currently using. this list is certainly not exhaustive, however, it is a guide that i think will help you be a wise and thrifty safety consumer.

SCALE: 0-2 low hazard 3-6 moderate hazard 7-10 high hazard

Hand Soap:

Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Fragrance Free- 0

Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One Hemp (citrus orange, eucalyptus, peppermint) pure-castile bar soap made with organic oils- 1

Ivory Bar Soap, Simply Ivory- 3

Dove Beauty Bar with Moisturizing Lotion for sensitive skin- 3

Sunscreen:

Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Suncreen Fragrance Free, SPF 30- 2

Alba Botanica Sun: Mineral Suncreen Kids, SPF 30- 2

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby, SPF 30+ - 2

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive, SPF 30+ - 2

Johnson & Johnson Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40- 2

Coppertone Kids Pure and Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50- 3

Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50- 3

Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Faces- 3

Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50- 3

Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple Sunscreen- 3

CVS Baby Sunstick SPF 50- 3

CVS Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 45+ - 3

Deodorant:

Toms of Maine Natural Deodorant Body Bar Lemongrass - 0

Burts Bees Outdoor Herbal Deodorant- 1

Almay Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Clear Gel, Unscented- 1

Mitchum Antiperspirant & Deodorant Clear, Gel, Sport- 1

Lady Mitchum Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deodorant Unscented- 1

Speed Stick Antiperspirant & Deodorant Solid, Unscented- 1

Ban Classic Invisible Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Unscented- 1

Baby Wipes:

Seventh Generation Unscented with Aloe Vera and Vit. E- 1

Pampers Sensitive Wipes- 3

Pampers Natural with Aloe- 3

Make Up:

This area is too huge to cover (look for yourself I was SHOCKED at mine)…two good options at the drug store are

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Pressed Powder (sand beige, warm beige, translucent medium)- 2

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% natural Origin matte finish veil translucent- 2

Mascara:

Physicians Formula Retro Glow Ultra Dramatic Mascara Ultra Black- 2

Sephora Brand Lash Stretcher- 3

Rimmel Volume Flash Instant Thickening Mascara- 3

L’Oreal Double Extend Waterproof Lash Fortifier & Extender Mascara, Black-3

Revlon Mascara Blackest Black 621- 3

Lotion:

Shaklee Baby Baby Lotion- 1

Aveeno Daily Baby Moisturizing Lotion- 2

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion- 2

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free- 2

Aveeno Anti-itch Concentrated Lotion with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal(anti-itch/rash cream-2

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (moisturizer)- 2

Aveeno Anti-itch Concentrated Lotion(anti-itch/rash cream)- 2

CVS Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal (facial moisturizer/treatment)- 2

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Daily Therapeutic Lotion, Body Moisturizer, Fragrance Free (moisturizer)- 2

Walgreens Natural Oatmeal Daily Moisturizing Lotion(moisturizer)- 2

Yes To Carrots Daily Moisture Body Lotion(moisturizer)- 2

Lip Balm:

White Petroleum Jelly- 0

Dr. Bronner’s Magic organic (orange ginger, Lemon-Lime, Naked, Peppermint) Lip Balm- 1

Softlips Organic (Honeydew, Pomegranate) Lip Balm Conditioner-1

Eos Lip balm sphere (summer fruit, honey suckle honey dew)- 1

Burts Bees Lip Balm-2

ChapStick Botanical Medley-2

ChapStick Lip Butter-2

ChapStick Lip Balm , All Natural- 2

Toothpaste:

Tom’s Of Maine Antiplaque Spearmint- 1

Arm & Hammer Teeth Whitening Booster Toothpaste- 2

CVS Apple Banana Toothpaste- 2

Crest Whitening Plus Scope Citrus Splash- 3

Shampoo:

Burts Bees Outdoor Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar- 0

Pantene Pro V Brunette Expressions Color Enhancing Shampoo- 1

(Nutmeg to Dark Chocolate and Auburn to Burgundy)…ONLY

Giovanni Magnetic Energizing Shampoo- 2

Mr. Bubble 3 in 1 Extra Gentle Body Wash, Shampoo, and Bubble Bath- 3

Neutrogena, T-Sal Maximum Strength Therapeutic Shampoo- 3

TIGI Bed Head Self Absorbed Shampoo - 3

Baby Shampoo:

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash - Fragrance Free - 2

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, Lightly Scented - 3

Baby Lotion:

Dr. Bronner's Magic Organic Baby Body Balm - 1

ALSO SEE LOTION LIST ABOVE

Mousse:

Giovanni Hair Care Natural Styling Mousse- 1

Sunsilk Anti Flat Weightless Volume Crème with collagen c- 4

Pantene Pro V Building Mousse- 5

these mousse products are terrible...there are very few household name brands that are not extremely harmful (same with gel and hair spray...just think you get to inhale the hairspray too)

Hair Gel:

Burts Bees Outdoor Miracle Salve- 0

Dr. Bronners Magic Organic (Peppermint/Lavendar coconut) Hair Cream- 2

TreSemme Clean Hold Gel- 2

VO5 Hair Dress Gray/White- 2 (who cares if it is for white hair...use it:)

Hair Spray:

TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Spritz and Shine - 1

Giovanni Hair Care Prod. F.N.M Styling L.A. Hold Spritz - 2

Aqua Net Professional Hair Spray, Extra Super Hold Unscented - 4 SHOCKER!!!!!!!!

Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray, Maximum Hold, Non Aerosol- 4 (just bought some of this today until i can get some of the TIGI...the one i was using was a 10...uugh!)

ThermaSilk Heat Activated Ultra Hold, Non-Aerosol Hairspray- 4

Vapor Rub:

CVS Medicated Chest Rub- 2

I really hope that this is helpful. It was a labor of love:). If you would like this list in a word document format, I can email it to you. I am so glad that Emily at Living Renewed posted this information about the cosmetic safety data base.

~type to you soon~

boiron children's flu relief

i am thanking the Lord that we have not had to use the samples that i received in the mail a few weeks ago. i highlighted the products that i received HERE. well this week, starting on Sunday the flu relief product, Boirion Children's Oscillococcinum, is on sale at CVS for pennies compared to its normal price. see the information HERE on how to purchase it for very cheap. apparently there is another coupon that can be combined with the manufacturer's coupon in the CVS $100 flu booklet. Ask for it if you can't find it by the pharmacy counter. The coupon is for $2 off a Boiron Homopathic Item. If you buy two of these you will get $10 back in an ECB, use 2 of the coupons from the CVS booklet so that is $4 off and then use 2 of the online printable coupons found on the link that i gave you above and you will pay $16.oo and get $10 back in ECB's. So basically you will pay $6 for something that would normally cost $24.

~type to you soon~

vitamin A

here is the long list of ailments and benefits of vitamin A

• night blindness/other eye problems
• some skin disorders
• acne
• important in the formation of bones and teeth
• protects against colds, flu, and infections of the kidneys, bladder, and lungs
• guards against heart disease and stroke
• lowers cholersterol
• it is a wrinkle eliminator
• reduces fine lines in the skin
• helps fight age spots

antibiotics, laxatives, and some lowering cholesterol drugs interfere with the absorption of vitamin A.

~type to you soon~

vitamin B6

this little beauty is good for all sorts of things. here is the long list of ailments vit. b6(pyridoxine) helps control or heal. hypertension, nervousness, cancer immunity, allergies, arthritis, asthma, acne, eczema, kidney stones, and pms (can i get an amen on this one). vitamin b6 is involved in more body functions that almost any other single nutrient. the foods that have the highest amounts of vitamin b6 are brewers yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs, fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ. if these foods in large quantities are not your bag of than a supplement is the way to go.

on another note...vitamin d that i shared with you last week should not be taken at the same time as a magnesium supplement. it does not hurt you, just decreases the effectiveness of a magnesium supplement if taken at the same time. in combination with vitamin b6 it works to reduce and disolve calcium phosphate kidney stones. please also note that you should always follow the dosage that is given on the supplement that you choose to take and make sure that the daily value is somewhere around 100%. some supplements have a very large daily value and are made for temporary use in battling certain diseases. you do not want to take those for everyday use.

~type to you soon~

garlic really?

so about three weeks ago this common wart (that is such a gross word) appeared on my right ring finger knuckle. so i let it go for a couple of weeks really wondering if it was a wart or if it was just a cut that had gotten infected. to make a long story short, i bought a book last week that i have been glued too since in came in the mail. is is called prescription for nutritional healing. the book it gives all kinds of advice on how to heal naturally. so i looked up that common wart and guess what it said...garlic. fresh garlic crushed and only on with wart. cover it with a band aid for 24 hours and the wart will blister and peal off. i will tell you that when i took off my bandage the wart was already significantly smaller. i will let you know what happens with the blister. i just think that it is so cool that God has given us so many things to heal simple common aliments. i love doctors, have many of them as personal friends, and they are truly amazing, but isn't it nice for the simple things to take care of them at home. who has some natural healing tips they want to share?

~type to you soon~

Vitamin D

( the above picture is the kids supplement that we use)

i am a vitamin and herb kind of girl. we take them at our house on a daily basis. i really try to encourage as much natural healing with our family as possible. we regularly see our chiropractor and we take vitamins. in general i would consider our family very healthy. praise the Lord, we have never had any major illness to deal with and i take absolutely no credit for that blessing. i do know that taking vitamins and herbs aids in the health of families but God is the ultimate physician and controls all things.


i have talked about my husbands great aunt and uncle before. aunt martha was a huge advocate for vitamins and herbs (she lived to be 90). there are many other stories like hers that indicate a healthy life involved healthy eating and taking care of your body by not over using conventional medicine.


do not get me wrong. if anyone in our family requires an antibiotic to heal correctly, we take it, and are thankful that the medicine is available to us.


in an effort to keep myself and you informed of the vitamins that seem to be most beneficial i am going to post about one supplement a week. i am not an expert, only a girl that does alot of research.


vitamin d is a great supplement to take in the fall and winter months when it is cloudier and colder outside. in the spring and summer the sun provides us with larger quantities of vitamin d. it is called the sunshine vitamin and aids in cardiovascular support, immune support, healthy brain function, muscle and bone health, and energy and vitality. i do not take vitamin d in the summer and spring when i am outdoors and getting plenty of natural vitamin d. in the winter i think it keeps us healthier and up and running at a more efficient pace. if you are taking a multivitamin check to see the amount of vitamin d in it. surprisingly some multivitamins do not contain vitamin d. if it has it look at the percentage. you may need to just get a booster that gives you the amount that you need to reach 100% in a day. or eat more yogurt. it has vitamin d, or drink vitamin d milk (just limit your fat content elsewhere).


ps...i give the children a vitamin d supplement too. they make a kids dosage that can be purchased at your healthfood store or on vitamins.com called vitamin d rex.

on another note...vitamin d should not be taken at the same time as a magnesium supplement. it does not hurt you, just decreases the effectiveness of a magnesium supplement if taken at the same time. please also note that you should always follow the dosage that is given on the supplement that you choose to take and make sure that the daily value is somewhere around 100%. some supplements have a very large daily value and are made for temporary use in battling certain diseases. you do not want to take those for everyday use.


let me know if this is helpful information.


more to come on supplements next week.

samples and freebies

a couple of weeks ago i saw a post on one of the blogs i follow for moms that have a blog to try some homeopathic supplements and medicine for cold and flu symptoms. i was a little skeptical on the quantity that i would receive so it made me wonder if it was worth my time to fill out the form. i did fill it out and in the mail yesterday was the goods, and oh my goodness, they are full size bottles like i would go to the health food store and purchase. i did not realize that when you sign up for samples they are full sized. maybe this is not normal, but i will definitely make the effort to continue to sign up for samples when i know it is a product that my family will use. there are a lot of freebies and giveaways out there so don't waste your time on things that are not beneficial to you and your family. if there is something you will use, make the effort. i am sure it will help out your budget and it is always fun to get a package in the mail, freebie or not.

btw...the products that i received are from boiron and are for children's cold and flu symptoms. if we have to use them this season i will let you know how we like them. i am sure praying that we do not need them. the nice thing about these products is there is one just for the common cold to help relieve sniffles and such. that is always handy to have around.

what is your experience with samples and freebies?

~type to you soon~

nine eleven

eight years ago today i was headed to my gyn to find out if he was going to become my ob. it was an early start for me that day as i was his first appointment at nine and i was trying to beat the rush hour traffic. his office is about a 45 minute drive from my house. i was teaching at the time and was doing my best to get back to school as soon as i could because i had a classroom full of 8 year olds waiting for me. i arrived at the doctor's office and was talking to the receptionist when a hush came over the waiting room. the ladies at the front desk were shocked, concerned, sad, confused. all of the same emotions that i was having but theirs just seemed to be a little more concrete than mine at the time. after all, i was there to see if i was going to be a mama. one of the dreams of this little life of mine. as i sat down to wait for my name to be called the reality of the situation started to sink in. all the lives that were lost, the children who lost parents, the husbands that lost wives, the wives that lost husbands, the parents who lost children and at this time the only victims that i was even considering were those that were on the plane. the first plane. then the unthinkable, a second plane flew into the second tower. right there, right in front of me, on the screen, in the waiting room. this was not happening. was i bringing a baby into this crazy world? needless to say 8 years later, i realize that i am not in control of when these sweet precious babies are brought to my sweet man and me. my gracious, all knowing heavenly father controls all that, thank goodness.

i sat there. really no emotion. hearing a shuffle next to me i look around to see everyone in the waiting room looking in my direction. my name had been called quite a few times. business as usually even though at the time the world seemed to be coming to an end. isn't that the way of it? your world can seem as though it is coming to an end but all around you, business as usual. i followed the nurse to my room. well first i was weighed, man i wish i weighed now what i weighed then but that is another story. i waited for the doctor. he came in, checked me, smiled as much as you can in the face of the events of the day, gave me a hug, and said congratulations as he walked out of the door. as he was leaving, he told me he would see me in a month. w's entire pregnancy, dr. f and i would relive that day. at each visit we would talk about the impact that day had made on the world. we are still living the impact of that day. i imagine we may live it our entire lives.

as i headed back to school i called the office to check on my kids. many of their parents had picked them up early. i understood that. i would have done the same thing. i talked with the children that were left in my room when i arrived at school. they had many questions. some i could answer, some i could not. not much is different today. my sweet darlings ask me many questions that i do not have the answers for. i have some answers and i pray that i answer them in such a way that they understand, and that my answer is kind, loving, compassionate, and truth.

eight years later i am much more sure of God's hand on my life, on the life of my husband, and on the lives of the most precious gifts that He could give, our sweet children. i am certain that trials will come. they always do. but i know that no matter what they are, when they are, and how difficult they may be, i have the assurance of knowing that no one loves me more than my heavenly father. no one. and he will be there through all of it. even the nine eleven's.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

thank you to all the public servants, military, and brave men and women who lost and risked their lives that day eight years ago. thanks to those who still lay their lives on the line each day to make this the place that i am so thankful to call home. let us never forget the cost, the pain, the attack on freedom.

~type to you soon~

picture credit: sanfranciscosentinel