Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mineral Makeup

I will be updating this post once I can try out my makeup a few more times, but I wanted to make a quick post for the wonderful momma that sent me some.

Lucy is behind Mum Mum's Crafts on Etsy. I've been able to try out my samples only once so far, due to being sick the last couple weeks, but I really liked it. I'm a very pale women with freckles, so I've always had a hard time find foundation that was just right for my skin tone, even light foundations were always too dark and covered up my freckles (which I don't want! I loove my freckles:). Her Fair was perfect. I didn't have those unsightly lines around my jaw like I used to with other foundations and my freckles weren't muted. It was so easy to put on and very light weight. Even after I added blush and eyeshadow, I didn't feel "weighed down" like when I used to wear makeup (I haven't wore makeup since Lyla was born). Next I applied her 3-in-1 Peach Glow as a blush. It's such a beautiful color and I felt it complimented me very well. All the blushes in stores seem way to pink or red, but this was just perfect for me. Last I applied her Pink Pearl Eye Color. It tied in everything so nicely! Since I've not been feeling well, after putting everything on I looked refreshed and flawless, yet my face didn't scream "I HAVE MAKEUP ON!" When Jeremy got home from work that day, he noticed right away that something was different, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was (which I feel should be the case with makeup). He said to me "Wow honey, you look really good. Did you do something today?"

I can't wait to try out other mineral makeup. I have some samples sitting here from Crystal behind The All Natural Face on Etsy, so once I'm feeling up to it, I'll be trying out her makeup as well and will post a review. Once I have some more followers, I would love to start doing giveaways and mineral makeup is definitely on my list of things I'd love for you all to try!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Momma Cloth

I finally went out and bought a new memory card! So now I can talk a little about my momma cloth. I can't really say I've switched yet, but that's only because I haven't had a period yet! I bought 6 pads from Blossom on hyenacart. These things are too cute! They almost make me wish I would start already so I can try them out. I did wear one for a whole day though, just to get a feel for them, and man are they comfy. You can't even compare them to a disposable pad, or a tampon for that matter. I honestly forgot I was even wearing it. During my search for an alternative menstrual product, I spoke with many women who have already made the switch to cloth and was surprised to hear the same thing over and over again, "My periods are lighter, shorter, and less crampy." Now who the heck doesn't want that!? I don't know about you, but I've always had bad periods. When I was in Middle School they were so bad I was actually sent to the E.R a couple times because we thought something was seriously wrong, but nope, just menstrual cramps. So after I start menstruating regularly again I plan on testing this tale out. I will chart my first 6 periods and let you all know what I come up with! Though, with me planning on extended breastfeeding, who knows when I will start again. So the results will obviously be awhile:) Feel free to test it out for your self though! If you do, I'd love to hear if you have noticeable changes in your cycle:)

Friday, October 9, 2009

Gross!

In my search for more natural, toxic-free cosmetics I have stumbled upon two very informative websites. I can't believe the nasty things that go into cosmetics (shampoos, soaps, makeup, etc)! At "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics", I read under "Cosmetic Laws" that the FDA does not review or regulate any of what goes into our cosmetics. "Major loopholes in U.S. federal law allow the $50 billion cosmetics industry to put unlimited amounts of chemicals into personal care products with no required testing, no monitoring of health effects and inadequate labeling requirements. In fact, cosmetics are among the least-regulated products on the market."

As I searched through "Cosmetic Database" today in search of a safe shampoo, I was even more shocked to see that a lot of their listed "low hazard" products had ingredients linked to Cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, violations, restrictions & warnings, allergies/immunotoxicity, and "other" concerns which they write out for you. They also tell you whether the product you are looking at is compliant with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Sadly, most of the ones I viewed were not. So, if the "low hazard" products had a few of the above mentioned ingredient links, what do the "high hazard" ones have!?!?

Also, I found out that non-toxic and tocic-free mean competely different things! Non-toxic means the petroleum chemicals has been buffered with other chemicals to make a gentler product. These types of products still contain petroleum-based chemicals. Toxin-free products use simple, natural ingredients. The thickness and texture will probably be different and sometimes there are slight variations batch to batch. Soaps (not detergents) have no Sulfates--lather will be less, but the cleaning power is superb.

I was able to find two retailers listed that had NO toxic ingredients in their shampoo products and were COMPLETELY compliant with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. I would assume if their shampoos are completely toxic-free then the rest of their products are also. I will be checking more into that.

Nothing Nasty is a UK based business inspired in 2001 when it's owner, Elin Ross, was pregnant with her first child. For more background click here. Her products look amazing and I was excited to buy something to try out, but once I converted their currency to US currency I was jolted back to reality! It is kind of pricey, but one can expect that with a natural product that is not mass produced. We just don't have that kind of money right now.

Poof's Closet is a US based family business that was inspired after the owners mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Her family became determined to stop using products laden with toxic chemicals. Their shampoo was more in my price range and after talking to the "money maker," I was given the O.K. to buy a bottle. I decided I could keep using ACV as a conditioner so I just ordered their "Poofy Organics Baby Poof Body Wash & Shampoo" so that Lyla and I could both use it (you should check out Johnson&Johnson on the database! OMG). An 8.5oz bottle cost me $17.06 after shipping costs. I'm very excited to try this product out! I'll be posting a review after I've used it a couple times, so make sure to check back!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

No Poo Update

Just a little update. It has now been over a month since I last used shampoo or conditioner. My hair is still a little oily, but it's getting much, much better. I'm feeling really good about October and am pretty sure everything will be balanced back out and the way nature intended before the month is over. Keep checking back:)

Monday, September 14, 2009

Monster Fluff

I just wanted to make a quick post about Monster Fluff Studio. After purchasing the wrong size and having to send Lyla's soaker back, I finally received her replacement today! I love, love, love it. Monster Fluff is ran by a mother/daughter team and their products are so cute. When I received the soaker today though, I noticed what I thought was a flaw in the stitching. After sending Amber a quick message to give her a heads up in case something was wrong with their sewing machine she promptly replied with this message:


"Hi Kyla, I'm glad you got it, and I hope it fits her well. The bunched part of the zigzag stitching is where we stop and start sewing on the doubler. Unfortunately it has to be there in order for the thread not to come unraveled, it's more noticeable with a zigzag stitch, but we use that stitch to insure the doubler and the soaker stay stretchy. I start it at the bottom of the soaker so it's less noticeable.Thanks again Kyla, Have a great week! Amber"


The stitching really doesn't bother me and she does put it in a not-so-obvious place so it's not a big deal. I just wanted to post about it though in case any of you mommas (or papas) out there want to purchase from them, you're not suprised like I was! I look forward to doing buisness with them again. Wonderful customer service:)


Here's the stitching:


And her cute fluffy butt:)

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fluffy Mail

Ok, all of it wasn't fluffy, but I sure do love getting deliveries! First, I finally got Lyla's diaper present for daddy! He loved it as much as I did and Joyce even sent a surprise skirt to go with it! Joyce is a wonderful WAHM that makes the best onesize snappiable/pinnable fitted diapers called Bagshot Row Bamboo. They make up over half of our stash. I would definately recommend these diapers to anyone interested in cloth diapering. You get a perfect custom fit every time for your babe. And if snappis and pins aren't your thing, no need to worry, Joyce is now offering to add snaps to any diaper for $5. Personally, I love my snappi! Joyce stocks Thursdays at 7pm eastern. Previews go up about an hour before hand, so pick what you want and pray it's still there when it goes up! Just make sure you're signed it!


Next, I got Lyla's first fleece soaker. I absolutely love it! I've already ordered two pairs of longies from the same WAHM (one of the pairs will be made with the same St. Louis Rams fabric that Joyce used. I bet daddy will love it too!). Jenoa has been a wonderful momma to work with and she loves custom orders. For only $6 a soaker (longies are $9), they are definitely worth the money. Very nice sewing job. Beautiful craftsmanship IMO. Check out Jenoa's store, Pumpkin Pants, on etsy.

Today I received my new bag of Rockin Green Laundry Soap in Grape Soda. This laundry detergent is GREAT for cloth diapers! I was originally using Purex Free and Clear but I always seemed to be having to strip my diapers. I stripped my diapers before I used the Rockin Green for the first time and since then I haven't had to strip again. This detergent not only smells completely wonderful (she uses safe essential oils), it also rinses so clean! I've not only cut out frequent stripping sessions but I've also cut out extra rinses. Which saves me time and money! Who doesn't want that? Rockin Green is also made in the loving kitchen of a WAHM. Can you tell I love to support WAHM? Check out some Rockin Green; she has sample bags for $2 so you can try a few different scents. Use code "welcome" at checkout for 10% off!

Last, but not least, I finally got my Tooth Soap samples and Coconut Milk Shampoo and Body Bar from roseofsharonacres. I really have enjoyed both of these products. The tooth soap isn't "soapy" like I thought it would be. It foams up nicely like toothpaste and I got just a hint of the orange flavoring. My mouth felt really great and "squeaky" clean afterwards with no aftertaste. Jeremy said it left a "soapy" taste in his mouth afterwards, but he didn't rinse either, so make sure you rinse your mouth out afterwards! The shampoo and body bar has a nice smell to it. I used it on my hair today and was very pleased with the results. It lathered up nicely and my hair actually felt soft and silky while washing it. When I rinsed, my hair did have that kind of "rubbery" feeling that bar soap often leaves but it wasn't bad. I made sure to rinse really well and afterwards was pleased to find out I could brush through it just fine. Not knots or tangles. I look forward to continuing to use both of these products. I opened the soap and used it before I thought about taking a picture and I can't get a good one of the Tooth Soap, so I hope I don't get in trouble for using the pictures off her site!
Remember to check back for more updates and reviews! Have a wonderful day:)

Monday, September 7, 2009

Update on No Poo: Hair is definantly starting to wean now. It almost feels waxy like. Nothing I can't handle though! I heard about a good recipe for when your hair gets waxy that I plan on trying; 2 egg yolks, 1/4 c. milk, and 3-6 drops of tea tree oil. Mix it up, work it into your hair really well and rinse in COLD water (if you don't rinse in cold the egg will start to cook and be a gross, chunky mess!). It's supposed to clear your hair right up! But you can't do it very often or the protein in the eggs will cause your hair to break.

I did get bored today though so I took a trip to my local Akin's Whole Foods store. I ended up buying some Kiss My Face Moisture Soap in Peach and Crystal Roll-On Body Deodorant. I 'm sad to find out though (through stumbling upon a FAQ list tonight and looking at the ingredients on the bottle) that the KMF has Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate in it which is a cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It is known to causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Though I've never had an allergic reaction to anything myself, I'm really wanting to avoid synthetic cosmetic ingredients. I was really wanting to like this soap too (it smelt wonderful). So I will be returning that tomorrow. As for the Crystal Deodorant, it only contains 5 ingredients, none of which I've found anything negative about. I'm a pretty bad sweater and if I don't wear something I can get pretty stinky. This worked great today though! No smell and I didn't sweat either. A+ from me for now.

I also ordered some tooth chips (soap for teeth) and a coconut milk shampoo and body bar from http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/ today. I can't wait to get them both to try and will post a review after receiving and using them! The FAQ I mentioned above was found on said website also or you can just click here.

Have a great night and remember to check back!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Happy Momma

I am very happy! It has been two days since I last washed my hair and it's not greasy yet! Usually my hair would already be feeling greasy by now, but it neither looks greasy nor feels greasy. Jeremy seems impressed too. Though I don't expect it to continue like this, because I know it will get bad during the weaning process, I am happy to know that after a BS/ACV wash it will look good for a couple of days.

I was given a recipe for deodorant the other day that I plan on trying out once we get paid again.
5-6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup corn starch (some people use arrowroot)

Mix it all up and spread on, but you don't need a lot.

I feel like I have nothing to lose, so why not? I also want to check out the book: Beauty Secrets of the Bible by Ginger Garrett. I hear it has a lot of natural recipes for skin care. I guess a trip to the library is in order. That is all for now. I have a load of diapers calling my name to be washed!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

No Poo

ShamPOO that is! Over the last month I've switched to cloth pads (no more tampons or disposable pads for me!), quit wearing makeup, and stopped using hair products (no shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, nothing). This post is about the latter. The last day I washed my hair with shampoo and conditioner was on the 27 or 28 of this month. Tonight while taking my shower I mixed a couple tablespoons of BAKING SODA and just enough WATER to create a paste and massaged it into my roots. I let it set for a few moments then thoroughly rinsed it out. I then mixed a couple tablespoons of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR and a little bit of WATER and applied it to the ends of my hair. Let sit for a few minutes then rinsed. Overall, I am quite pleased with how well this worked tonight. I was afraid my hair would be a tangled mess and gross feeling, but neither was true. I was able to smoothly comb through my hair and it feels nice. The "weaning" process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months before you notice a nice change. You’re probably thinking you could never go without your shampoo and conditioner and that your hair would be a nasty oily mess, but it’s actually the opposite. Since “we” have “programmed” our hair to be used to the shampooing and conditioning we do to it, it has got use to having to overproduce hairs natural oils. When we take shampoo and conditioner out of the equation, our hair will continue to overproduce oil until it realizes it no longer needs to. Much like the supply and demand relationship of a nursing mother and her child. After your child weans, your body will slowly stop producing milk. Same goes for the oils in your hair.

There are many ways to going about “No Poo”. My game plan is to only use the BS/ACV combo twice a week for now and on “off days” still “wash“ and scrub my hair with water. I’m also going to thin out the BS/H2O mixture so it’s not so pasty. I will continue to update on how this “adventure” goes for me, so make sure to check back! Check this method of hair care out here.

Hello!

Hello to all! I've decided to take a different approach to some of my lifestyle choices, so I decided to write about it in a Blog for anyone who is interested. I hope that I can give others who are interested in any of the subjects I may cover that little "push" to jump in and try it out as well. Thanks for reading!