Waiting for the Tea Pot

Guess the adage is a watched pot never boils, which is why I'm posting of our new buy! We're trying to use kitchen utensils which will not leave harmful elements in the food that we've cooked. We're big fans of cast iron skillets (so ironic for this Chinese girl to be cooking with cast iron, but I love the health benefits) and stainless steel cookware (thanks to generous friends who bought those off our wedding registry) -- I still use the Teflon, non-stick frying pans for my pancakes since I can't get anything close to seemingly good without those!

But recently, my husband discovered that we have a rust problem in the tea kettle. Guess I shouldn't over-estimate and empty that thing more often than I do. But he wanted to get a glass or porcelain pot, since stainless steel still does leech into the water a little. This was a daunting task, since we didn't want to overpay for a tea kettle. We ended up getting one that looks old-style, seriously, and I had a coupon to use too! We'll have good, clean hot water to drink, but it does take a while to boil on low or medium heat!

Thoughtful Living Tuesday

I confess; I'm a snacker. I'm not one to ever skip meals because I hate feeling hungry; thus, I snack. Often I choose crackers, cheese, fruit, or cookies, and looking back (now that our Daniel Fast is over), I choose to reward myself with cookies much too often. The little one would do something well, and I'd reward her with a cookie; then I'd rationalize that I had also done a good job being home, and I needed a cookie! On the first day of the fast, I quickly realized how much of an emotional eater I am (and I still exhibited those traits on the fast too, dreaming of my cookies as I ate my peanuts and almonds).

Another thing I learned were healthy, creative homemade snacks! While we were on the fast, Kristin Feola provided lots of great recipes, some which we'll continue to utilize and adapt back to "normal" food, like her Baked Oatmeal. Speaking of great resources on healthy recipes, check out the $5 Dinner Mom (and my giveaway of The $5 Dinner Mom's Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook, with special snack recipes)!

Anything, whether food or activity, can become a detriment to your best life if its uncontrolled. I've decided to be more disciplined about my snacking, remembering to reach for the wheat crackers, cheese, yogurt, fruit, and nuts first, and OCCASIONALLY the cookies!

Thoughtful Living Tuesday

I made Potato Soup for the first time. . . and it looked great and tasted excellent, which made me think of the benefits of homemade soup. Pretty much every soup I've made at home has been preservative free and rather healthy, perhaps a little bit of chicken or protein and lots of veggies, a rather healthy combination! Some say soup is a good way to limit calories since the liquids tend to be filling without an overwhelming amount of calories. And with the bitterness of winter, the warmth does wonders! And if I can make it, it's easy to create! Would you make a pot of soup this week?!?
(And try this great recipe for Potato Soup!)

Thoughtful Living Tuesday -- Outdoors

We've been blasted with winter, lots of snow and below-freezing temps. But I've still been trying to get outside -- people are thinking I'm crazy! Yesterday, it was a little above freezing, and I wanted to pull the stroller out, but I figured I'd get too many strange looks -- instead, I bundled the little one, and we went out in the backyard to play!

Just getting a little fresh air does wonders for our body. And even if it's partly cloudy, there's still a chance for getting a small burst of sunshine, to naturally get that vitamin D level up! Depending on how active your child is, the outdoors will help expend some of that energy.

I keep telling myself that spring is right around the corner!

Thoughtful Living Tuesday -- Introducing a Vegetarian Meal

My husband and I began our Daniel Fast today, which consists of only consuming fruits, vegetables, and water. I know of some people who use this as a weight loss mechanism, but I'd rather look at some finer points which can be worked into every day living to make it even more excellent.

We eat rather healthy (in my opinion), and I didn't realize how much I love meat -- I was craving chicken today, on the first day of the fast! Although lean chicken is not bad for your health -- everything in moderation -- introducing a vegetarian meal once a week can help to bring a family's focus back on balanced, proper nutrition, because most of us do not consume enough fruits and vegetables.

I was watching television today, and one of the shows noted that many Americans have way too much sodium intake daily because of high sodium in processed foods. Since we're focused on fruits and vegetables, processed foods are out! Also, by going vegetarian for a meal, you can reintroduce fruits as dessert, cutting back on sugars -- as I type this, I'm craving cookies and chocolate.... but I'm realizing I eat them just to eat them, hence probably eating more than I really need....

This Daniel Fast might be considered extreme, with improper perspective -- which is why we're doing it collectively with our church for only 3 weeks in a year -- but taking small, healthy snippets can still make a difference.

Thoughtful Living Tuesday - Discovering the Me in Mommy

Each Tuesday, I like to look at something which makes my life healthier, whether it addresses the physical, emotional, or spiritual. There have been several changes our family has made to our diet because of these new things I'm learning, and I hope to share more insight throughout the year.

As we start out the new year, it's important to look inside before we look around -- I've realized the importance of investing in Myself! This is part of the reason for my blog, to help meet my needs of a more immediate sense of accomplishment and opportunity to socialize with other people. Before I stayed home full time with my daughter, I was engaged in the fast-paced, social world of high school -- as I approached my due date, my students' parents would ask how excited I was, and I would tell them of my apprehension about having a baby because I would have preferred to have a teenager! It actually took a few months for me to enjoy having a baby and not a teenager, but I was so shocked by how quickly my roles changed that I lost myself for a few months -- not sure if it was post-postpartum depression playing a part in it either.

Nonetheless, out of my search grew this blog and the opportunities to meet fun and amazing people as well as supporting businesses. And I'm so surprised by the outcome! I don't think I'll ever really get control of my life, but I'm remembering the ME in Mommy! =)

Thoughtful Living Tuesday -- And Giveaway!

It sure feels like the dead of winter around here -- blowing snow, below freezing temps, drying heat from the furnace (or fireplace for those who are lucky). And for several weeks, we were battling the onslaught of sinus issues, where we did use OCEAN for Kids to help the little one with her symptoms, since she can't really take any OTC medication.

OCEAN for Kids is a non-medicated, specially-formulated saline spray, even with a kid-sized nozzle. It's safe (and our pediatrician recommended it when little one was a teeny baby) for newborns up to pre-teens, providing (according to press information):
· General moisturizing during dry climates and cold temperatures, and while spending time in enclosed spaces (e.g., classrooms, train rides, air travel, etc.)
· Relieving allergy, cold & flu symptoms
· Relieving congestion by thinning mucus
· Reducing nosebleeds from dryness

I didn't realize that OCEAN has products for adults, like this OCEAN Complete, which is a 2-in-1 solution for relief from nasal congestion but also can be used for sinus irrigation, a great alternative (in my opinion) for pouring saline into your nostrils for rinsing. There is also OCEAN Premium, for people suffering from dry nasal passages, nose bleeds, nasal congestion, or allergies. This video tells you more about OCEAN Complete.

I trust OCEAN to provide excellent products to use on my child and also for myself. I also like the fact that the saline solution is formulated with moisturizers too. Especially with this winter/cold/flu season, we will all be using OCEAN's products!

Win It!!
You can also win ALL three bottles by liking Ocean's Facebook Page; please leave a comment with your name and email address. This is required and must be done before extra entries count!

Open to US only.

Extra Entries!
You can do any of these for a extra entries. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do, along with your email address.

1- For ONE extra entry, Follow Discovering the Me in Mommy on Twitter.
2- For TWO extra entries, Like Discovering the Me in Mommy on Facebook.

Contest ends at 10pm EST on Sunday, January 2, 2011 when I will draw a winner at random. I will notify the winner, and s/he will have 36 hours to respond.


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Robin Leedy & Associates, on behalf of OCEAN, who supplied the products for the review and giveaway!****

Thoughtful Living Tuesday - Guest Post

I "met" Joanna at a Twitter party and asked her to write about how she uses vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to clean her house -- I figured it was fairly simply, but didn't know the exact amounts, since I'm using a product which gives me measurements to put into their containers. But it is so simple I don't need to make those kind of purchases and can save by making my own!

Baking soda so simple

You clean your home diligently and yet more and more evidence is coming to light that the mass of luminous blue, green and yellow household cleaners that huddle underneath the kitchen sink, especially those with triclosan in, may not be a good thing in the environment.

So what are you to do if you wants a dust & grime free home but without the side effects of synthetic chemical based cleaners?

Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple; baking soda, white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Bingo! Household cleaner extraordinaire.

The recipe is, depending on the size of your bottle:

A few spoons of baking soda
Cautiously add some vinegar (the combination of baking soda and vinegar can be exciting, thus add slowly!)
Top up with cooled boiled water
Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil.

Put the lid on and shake well.

Baking soda is really effective at removing grime from ovens, baths, kitchen counter tops and I have been known to put in stinky training shoes, and dust out after a day or two. This spray cleaner can also be used on sinks, toilets and mirrors, just use an eco-cloth to remove any residue.

Vinegar is acidic and naturally good at keeping things clean. The combination of essential oils in this simple eco-friendly cleaner provides natures antibacterial agents, in the form of essential oils, and is more than enough for a normal house.

Triclosan, the common ingredient in many anti-bacterial household cleaners, was developed for hospitals and yet many American homes now have antibacterial soap, deodorants and toothpastes all containing triclosan. There is an illusion that if a little bit is good then more is best but I would disagree and say that when it comes to having a clean house, there is little substitute for soap and scrubbing, with a few essential oils.

My favourite essential oils are: organic lemon, orange and lavender. These three powerful little bottles are great for keeping your house clean but also smelling heavenly without a synthetic chemical in sight.

This winter why not aim to ditch the expensive shop bought cleaners and create your own, it will save you money as well as breathing in toxins. Are you up for the eco-friendly cleaner challenge?

To learn more about simple, effective ways to Detox your Body and our World™ with Joanna visit ActualOrganics.com

©Actual Organics 2010


Mrs Joanna Runciman, BSc(Hons), CMC
ActualOrganics.com
Detox your Body and our World™

Thoughtful Healthy Living Tuesday

This week I’ve been thinking a lot more about attitude. For most people, Thanksgiving and the preparations for Christmas put one in a good mood, thinking more about others than our own desires. However, for others, thinking about gift giving and shopping brings more anxiety than peace. For myself, this year I’m making more of an effort to keep my sanity and enjoy this special time, because it only comes once a year! Here’s a few things I’m keeping in mind to keep the stress away:

1. Take time to differentiate need and want, and then prioritize according to the budget.

We all know this – but it’s important to keep within the budget, because once that cap is lifted, so much more stress and anxiety fills in.

2. Make a list of people to gift and the gifts already purchased and those intended to purchase.

I tend to buy things throughout the year and then forget what all I’ve purchased! So I need to double check the “gift closet” before I shop.

3. Not fret over deals that I’ve missed

This might just be me, but I love a good deal that some times I feel guilty when I can’t get the deal, because circumstances kept me from getting to it or the deal just sold out so quickly. I have to remind myself to take it all in stride.

4. Think positively about the effect of my efforts.

Why am I making those purchases?!? It’s not to impress the person I’m giving it to but to bring a little more happiness and remind them that I appreciate them. After all, it is the thought that counts (for most people)!

Here’s to a healthy mindset during a seemingly busy season!

Thoughtful Living Tuesday

Leftovers!
I know most everyone is in full swing preparing for the feast on Thursday, and some look forward to the leftovers! I'm a leftovers girl and want to remind you of a few food safety tips.

Use those leftovers for around 3 days; after that, it's at your own risk!

Especially with big get-togethers, be careful about how long food will be sitting out at room temperature.

My mom was big on thoroughly reheating leftovers. Reheat food in a pot or pan on the stovetop to close to boiling -- might be good to reboil the gravy though.

When reheating, I try to avoid putting plastic in the microwave -- who knows what happens to the plastic when heated by the microwaves and how much of anything is transferred into the food I'd ingest! When I use the microwave, I use a glass or ceramic bowl or plate. Whenever possible though, I still try to reheat using the stovetop.

Happy Thanksgiving, and many healthy leftovers! =)

Thoughtful Living Tuesday

Before I delivered my daughter, I had thought about cloth diapering but ended up writing it off because of the hassle. But reading about ways to live healthier lives, I realized that even though disposables are much easier, sometimes cheaper (with sales, coupons, and the drugstore game!), there are chemicals in those diapers, and those chemicals are up against my baby's skin (pretty much) constantly. Since I know very little on the subject, I asked Allyson at Go Long! Go Green! to write a guest post about her cloth diapering experiences.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I just assumed I would use Pampers! It wasn't until a friend at church told me she cloth diapered that I was aware "modern" cloth diapering existed! For the last 3 months of my pregnancy, I researched cloth diapers, cost savings, energy costs (our water bill only went up <$1/month), prices, etc! You name it, I looked it up! It was pretty easy to convince my husband with the cost savings alone! He also wasn't bothered by the fact we would be washing the diapers at home (as opposed to having a diaper service)! My first purchase was a starter kit of prefolds and wraps, snappi, diaper sprayer, and a large wet bag! I also received some Bum Genius One-Size Pocket diapers at my shower.

When we brought our daughter home from the hospital, we had tons of newborn Pampers Swaddlers, so we used those up! At about 3 1/2 weeks, we started our cloth diapering journey with prefolds and covers! My husband and I really enjoyed cloth diapering! We washed diapers every 3-4 days. The only drawback to the prefolds was the bulkiness in her clothes. Lots of times I had to buy the next size up in pants so they would fit!!

When time came for her first diaper rash, I scrambled looking for something to use to protect the diaper. When you cloth diaper, you don't want the diaper rash cream to touch the diaper because it will stick to the diaper, be very difficult to wash off, and eventually ruin the diaper by decreasing fluid absorption! I ended up heading to Hobby Lobby and purchased fleece scraps, cut them up in strips and laid them into the diaper so the cream would only touch the fleece! I wash my fleece strips as well, so we use them over and over again!

Over the course of our first few months diapering, we slowly built up our stash of Bum Genius One Size Pocket diapers. We found we really liked these diapers the best! They were easier to put on (especially for other family members), less bulky, and overall easier ... however with a price tag of $17.95 each, it took awhile to build up a supply! We would always use our BG diapers for our nighttime diaper! We found it held so much fluid and was easier to change in the middle of the night! At about 8 months, she started leaking through the two standard BG microfiber inserts. I found some BabyKicks Hemparoo Joeybunz hemp inserts. These are so trim and very each to stuff in the pocket diaper!! Another perk of a pocket diaper over a prefold, you can always stuff more inserts to increase the absorption!

Eventually, I had enough BG (#22), so I decided to sell all of my prefolds and covers. I wanted to get my money back for the diapers I was no longer using! Would you believe, I almost got back 90% of what I paid!! Plus it gave me a few extra $$ to get a few more BG! Currently my stash includes 22 BG 3.0 OS (the 4.0's came out recently), 1 SmartiPants Pocket diaper, and 1 Applecheeks Pocket diaper!

We still use Pampers at church in the nursery because I don't want to hassle the nursery workers (and I fear they will throw out a cloth diaper!)! We always use cloth when going to our parent's house and also we try to travel with cloth when going to a relative's house. We also used cloth during our summer camping trip!! I NEVER leave home (for overnight) without my trusty nighttime BG pocket diaper fully loaded (2 microfiber, 1 hemp, 1 cotton insert)! At 21 months, Sophia started leaking through her 3 inserts at night (most likely b/c she is holding her pee in the evening and waiting to go till bed), so we moved to 4 inserts! No more leaking problems!

I LOVE cloth diapering! It is actually even addictive ... I am constantly entering blog giveaways to win more diapers and cloth supplies! I love checking out the newest pocket diaper online! There are some other great brands as well! Cloth diapering takes a little planning (but what doesn't these days as a mother?) and thinking ahead (gotta remember to wash diapers so you don't run out), but it is so worth it! I love the fact I am doing my part to save the earth and preserve it for my children's children, but I will be honest with you ... saving $$$$ is a huge reason why we cloth diaper!! You might be thinking, how can you save money when 1 BG diaper is $17.95? To which I say, you can get 20 BG for less than $350. You will have all you need from newborn to potty-training in that one diaper (b/c it is a one-size, grows with the child). A typically family spends $50-60/month on Pampers ($600-700/month). You will have paid for all your diapers in the babies first 6 months of life! If/When you have additional children, your savings are HUGE because you don't have to put any money upfront!

Remember, every family is different and everyone has their favorite cloth diaper or two! You don't have to spend $17.95 on a diaper -- there are cheaper options! However, we found pocket diapers (specifically Bum Genius) worked best for our family!!

If you have any cloth diapering questions, please don't hesitate to email me allyson dot long at yahoo dot com

ecoSTORE Review

I'm trying to learn more about these chemicals which I use, and I wrote about toxic chemicals here, more often than not, and figure out how to replace them with healthier options so that our lives and health won't be so easily compromised. A representative from ecoSTORE asked if I'd review a couple of their products, and it was only then that I googled (or swagbucked) the various ingredients found in my main-stream baby product versus the ecoSTORE product. It was disheartening, but it makes me want to learn even more about what I'm putting on my skin or on my baby's skin.

I realize there are several companies like ecoSTORE who have 100% organic or non-toxic products, and I want to thank them for propelling me to investigate "household chemicals" more.

Maggie at ecoSTORE allowed me to choose two products, and I received the Sleepytime Aromatherapy Bath and the Baby Nappy Balm (ecoSTORE is based in New Zealand!). One thing I really appreciate about the products is that I can understand and recognize the ingredients; I can see that there's Eucalyptus Globulus Oil in the SleepyTime Bath -- and you can definitely smell that too, which I do like! Both products worked just as well as the mainstream products did, and I honestly did feel much better about using these 100% organic products, with No Nasty Chemicals, on my sweet little girl.

Taken from their website (and it's backed up with other resources I found online --http://www.ecostoreusa.com/nonastychemicals.aspx

No Nasty Chemicals™

Of course ecostore products do contain chemicals - after all even water is a chemical. We just do everything we can to eliminate the nasty ones. Here's a list of some of the chemicals we avoid and why.

NO toxic petrochemicals

• overexposure to petrochemicals can contribute to health problems like skin irritations, eczema, allergies, weakened immune system (children with developing immune systems can be even more susceptible), chronic fatigue, endocrine system upsets and even cancer
• many petrochemicals persist in the environment and do not biodegrade
• petrochemicals are an unsustainable, non renewable resource

No Enzymes

• Synthetic enzymes are widely used in laundry products.
• They are effective at breaking down proteins and fat stains on clothes.
• Using enzymes means you can wash in cold water and you don't need as many harsh chemicals.
• We believe the downside of using synthetic enzymes in laundry products is more significant.
• If residual enzymes are trapped in your clothing/sheets/underwear they are up against your skin day and night.
• They can be reactivated by sweat and moisture - and start doing the job they were designed for - removing fats/protein - on your skin and potentially causing allergic reactions or other health complications.

NO Optical Whiteners

• These make clothes appear whiter and brighter by absorbing UV light and reflecting to make whites appear bluer.
• In order to work they need to stay in your clothes after washing.
• ecostore does not use optical whiteners because we believe they can cause an allergic reaction with your skin when exposed to sunlight.
• They also do not readily biodegrade and are toxic to aquatic life.

NO synthetic perfumes or dyes

• Dyes are generally used to make a product look more appealing.
• Perfumes are added to disguise odours and to impart a pleasant scent.
• In 99% of instances the colours and perfumes are not functional.
• We don’t use these ingredients as they are a common trigger for those who are chemically sensitive.
• They are almost always made from petroleum.
• They do not readily biodegrade and are toxic to fish and mammals.
• We use ingredients like lemon verbena in our cream cleanser or certified organic Eucalyptus oil in our laundry liquid and wool wash – as it not only gives a fresh clean smell to your clothes it is also an active ingredient.

NO Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

• SLS is a surfactant which is widely used in cleaning detergents and body care products, including toothpaste, shampoo, flowing soaps and shower gels and dishwashing liquid.
• It imparts foam and viscosity; it’s also a strong detergent to remove soiling. It strips oils and fats efficiently.
• We do not use this ingredient in our products because we believe that if SLS is absorbed through the skin then penetration can include systemic tissues such as the brain, heart, spleen and liver.
• SLS in your hair products could be increasing the rate of skin absorption of other chemicals used – like detergents, preservatives, fragrances and colour additives

NO Phosphates*

• These stimulate excessive growth of plants and algae in our waterways
• Phosphates can build up and endanger aquatic life
  
  *Analytical analysis may sometimes reveal minute traces of phosphates in some of our products. We never add phosphates but some of the raw materials used in production can contain very low levels of phosphates.
  During the processing of certain raw materials by our suppliers, phosphates are used to aid production i.e. soften water. Unfortunately some phosphate is then chemically bound into the final product, which is then supplied to our factory as a raw material. For example when using our laundry powder there may be a tracel amount of phosphate present during the wash cycle. This would be no more than approximately 0.1 grams which is significantly lower than many leading supermarket brands.
  Even though we have very low levels of detectable phosphate, we are always reviewing ingredient options with the aim of eliminating the phosphate content.

NO Chlorine

• as a result of chlorine production and use, many highly toxic organochlorines have been created which can persist in the environment for decades.
• many orgnanochlorines are known endocrine disrupters, some mimic oestrogen and are linked to certain cancers.

NO Ammonia

• an irritant that can affect the skin, eyes and respiratory passages
• adds nitrogen to the environment which can be harmful to plants, fish and animals

NO TEA, DEA or MEA

• Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine or Monoethanolamine are ammonia derivatives
• they are thought to have hormone disrupting effects
• they are possibly carcinogenic when combined with nitrates present in other products

NO parabens

• Parabens are chemical preservatives used in skin care, hair care and cosmetics to stop mould by preventing normal biological activity.
• Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl parabens were found to be mildly oestrogenic which means they have the ability to mimic female hormones in your body when applied to the skin
• Parabens occur in so many products that they could have a cumulative effect

NO propylene glycol

• This ingredient can be irritating to the skin

You can follow ecoSTORE on Twitter and on Facebook. Their products can be purchased online (with free shipping on orders over $25) and also at Meijer (one of my favorites!) and Duane Reade.


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Maggie at ecoSTORE who provided the products for the review.****

Thoughtful Living Tuesday

What's in your bath products?!?
I never thought that petroleum-based chemicals, possible carcinogens (lauryl/laureth sulphates), and preservatives that mimic estrogen (parabens) could be found in my body wash! And just because a product is labeled "natural" shouldn't provide quick acceptance because that product might just have one natural ingredient, thus giving the company the opportunity to label the entire product "natural." The world of marketing is simply amazing in how it can mislead consumers.

The following list in bold is taken from http://www.ecostoreusa.com/nonastychemicals.aspx, and I did some side research at various sites and also at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.

Toxic petrochemicals - overexposure to petrochemicals can contribute to health problems like skin irritations, eczema, allergies, weakened immune system (children with developing immune systems can be even more susceptible), chronic fatigue, endocrine system upsets and even cancer

Synthetic perfumes or dyes - are almost always made from petroleum.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - imparts foam and viscosity; it’s also a strong detergent to remove soiling. It strips oils and fats efficiently;if SLS is absorbed through the skin then penetration can include systemic tissues such as the brain, heart, spleen and liver.

TEA, DEA or MEA -(Triethanolamine, Diethanolamine or Monoethanolamine) thought to have hormone disrupting effects and are possibly carcinogenic when combined with nitrates present in other products

Parabens - chemical preservatives used in skin care, hair care and cosmetics to stop mould by preventing normal biological activity. Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl parabens were found to be mildly oestrogenic which means they have the ability to mimic female hormones in your body when applied to the skin. Parabens occur in so many products that they could have a cumulative effect

It's a start to learn more about these chemicals which are in products I use, more often than not, and figure out how to replace them with healthier options so that my life and health (and that of my family) won't be so easily compromised. Instead of trying to eliminate every cleaning and bath solution with 100% organic products, which would probably eliminate my checking account also, I'm first going to evaluate which is worth investing in a 100% organic product and which I can provide a viable (and economical) homemade remedy. I think I will have to throw some of my smelly body washes and lotions away -- didn't know my shower would be so insightful today. I know vinegar has several uses for cleaning and deodorizing, and with the addition of essential oils can be quite delightful too. And sometimes, simple water can do the trick -- for example, I cut down use of store bought baby wipes (or even the homemade option with baby shampoo) and just wet some cloth with water to wipe the baby (after she's gone number one -- number two is definitely a disposable wipe situation for me).

There so much more to dig into, and I know some of my favorite bath products are huge abusers of the chemicals. So it will take time and some disconnect for me to learn about these chemicals and fragrances, and say good bye to some of my smelly bath washes!

(Stay tuned for a review of products with "No nasty chemicals!")

Thoughtful Healthy Living - Coconut Oil

Healthy living does not happen by accident -- it often takes time, research, and understanding to make those steps to better, healthier living.

And coconut oil is something that I've recently been introduced to -- thanks to a nutritionist -- and am excited to incorporate into our diet. Coconut oil is very new to me because I've grown up with the idea that vegetable and canola oils are healthy options. Little did I know that these processed oils are actually overly heated and processed so much that the oil became rancid and full of harmful free radicals; even though "vegetable" and "canola" sound harmless and healthy (thanks to excellent marketing), they've been over-processed (heated, deodorized, etc.). According to a nutritionist I spoke to, the best options for oils are ones that are cold-pressed (not overly heated) and/or organic, like tallow (which I know nothing about!), coconut oil, unrefined sunflower oil, and olive oil.

From what I've found online, people rave about the benefits of coconut oil. Some take straight coconut oil (or add it to a smoothie) to lose weight! Others see the health benefits for the heart, liver, and immune system. Since I'm just a newbie, I'll have to wait and see! What do you think about coconut oil?!?

Oh, and later on this week, I'll be hosting a giveaway for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil -- be sure to come back and enter!