Tag Archives: health

Why You Should Try A Natural Sunscreen This Summer

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I’ve been thinking a lot recently about natural sunscreen. Even though I have found a ‘better’ sunscreen for my kids, I still cringe (a little) at what I’m smothering on their skin each morning before school. Because I don’t feel I know enough about it.

Sunscreen is a tricky one. I don’t feel comfortable making my own, and I don’t want to NOT use it, but I don’t just want to layer it onto my kids’ super awesome and absorbent skin either. Ermmm… quandary. If I’m honest with you, I don’t put it on my kids more than I do (don’t judge). We all know Vitamin D in its purest form (sun) is really good for us, BUT ALWAYS within SAFE limits.

So, I did my research – and here it is. Are you ready? Time to switch your brain on…

Wellness Mama says: “Of the 1,400+ sunscreens tested by the Environmental Working Group, only 5% met their safety standards and over 40% were listed as potentially contributing to skin cancer.

I (Wellness Mama) explain the reason that sunscreen may actually lead to skin cancer in this post, but one of the reasons is that a Vitamin A derivative, retinyl palmitate, that is often used in sunscreens was shown to speed up the growth of cancerous cells by 21%.

Many sunscreens also contain methylisothiazolinone, which the American Contact Dermatitis Society named as its “allergen of the year”.

She then goes on to say..

Most sunscreens completely block the body’s ability to manufacture Vitamin D. Statistically, 75% of us are deficient in Vitamin D and Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher risk of cancer and heart disease.

We might literally be cutting off our noses to spite our faces when it comes to sun exposure. We lather up with chemical sunscreens that have the potential to greatly increase skin cancer risk and reduce Vitamin D production in the name of avoiding skin cancer, and increase our risk of more widespread diseases related to Vitamin D deficiency.”

This was what I was wresting with, maybe because in Vancouver, we used to have to give our kids a drop of Vitamin D every day – which seemed crazy to me coming from sunny South Africa. They used to encourage us to get our kids naked and put them in direct sunlight for 20 min a day. Of course, this is all relative to where you live, your weather and state of the ozone layer above you.

Ddrops1

But, DON’T PANIC. There are solutions to this (potentially terrifying) information: NATURAL SUNSCREEN.

I found interesting information on Natural Lab’s Blog and have added some thoughts from Wellness Mama’s blog post on the (controversial) topic. And they have sort of put my thoughts on paper (screen) for me… (my additions in italics).

Here are the benefits of a natural sunscreen: 

1. They contain no parabens. Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products. They stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your products. Their names are a mouthful – methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. Scientists have been debating for the last few years whether these chemicals are harmful to our health and are linked to cancer due to their ability to mimic estrogen. Research is not conclusive, however we would rather not take the chance.

2. They contain no artificial fragrance. It is estimated that the majority of synthetic fragrances on the market today are derived from petroleum by-products. A trademarked scent is protected by the law as a “trade secret”. These types of protected fragrances are not required to list the concoction of chemicals on the product label. They are only required to list the term “fragrance” or “parfum” with the list of allergens. The chemicals that are often used to formulate these fragrances can be toxic to the body over time as well as cause allergic reactions. Completely natural sunscreens use natural fragrances such as essential oils which do not contain these harmful chemicals. (I’ve always been wary of perfumes, scents or fragrances on my kids from a very early age; my first born had a severe reaction to them. Almost everything we use is scent free OR it only contains pure essential oils.) 

3. They contain no Chemical UV blockers. This gets a bit technical. (This is copied and pasted from the blog article!) Sunscreens can protect your skin using PHYSICAL (mineral) barriers or CHEMICAL barriers. Natural sunscreens use physical barriers, these are metals out of the ground such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which reflect or scatter the suns’ rays. These are safer to use than chemical barriers provided they are non-nano (particle size not too small which could potentially make its way into the blood stream). Chemical barriers are ingredients such as octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) and benzophenone-4. These are very useful ingredients as they have the ability to absorb UV light very well, and protect your skin from UVA rays. However they also have a potential negative effect (not founded, we are saying “potential”). When a molecule of one of the above mentioned chemical UV blockers absorbs a UV photon (a quantum of UV light), it becomes excited (energised). However the sunblock molecule does not stay excited forever. Eventually it releases the absorbed energy by emitting lower energy protons and interacting with other molecules. These secondary effects often lead to the formation of harmful chemical byproducts, particularly free radicals. If this occurs inside the skin (i.e the molecule has penetrated the skin before absorbing UV photon) the free radicals (and possibly other secondary effects) may potentially cause skin damage, irritation, skin ageing and, some believe, increase the risk of cancer. Again, this is inconclusive, however we are led to believe that there is a risk of this happening based on various studies that have been performed.

phys-v-chem sunscreens

4. Chemical UV blockers may alter hormones and impair male fertility. Well that sounds awful. We’ll let you decide how grounded the research is based on the 501 couples they studied over a 4 year period. Read this article.

Wellness Mama agrees saying:

“This new research by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) reveals that the chemicals commonly used in sunscreen are endocrine disruptors, estrogenic and may interfere with thyroid and other hormone processes in the body.

The most common sunscreen chemical, Oxybenzone, was found in 96% of the population by a recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This is especially alarming since oxybenzone is considered an endocrine disruptor, can reduce sperm count in men and may contribute to endometriosis in women.”

5. Natural Sunscreens are often rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can offer skin health benefits and are touted to reduce oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals when the skin is exposed to UV light.

Here are some natural sunscreens available in South African Health Stores which we recommend you try:

oh lief sunscreen

Conclusion:

It is important to be responsible with sun exposure, but many sunscreens offer a false security of sun protection and may do more harm than good.

The safest option is covering up and supporting skin health internally and externally. Mineral sunscreens (without nano particles or sunscreen chemicals) are a good option, but for the most part, spray and chemical sunscreens should be avoided (Consumer Reports warns that spray sunscreens should not be used on children and that adults should exercise caution and make sure not to use on the face or inhale them, as convenient as they are…)

More and more natural mineral sunscreens are on the market now, so please consider choosing safer sunscreens for your family!

Picture credit: www.kinooze.com, oh-lief, www.goddessgarden.com.

Your Local Eco Salon – The Little Green Box

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Christmas came early for me this year. I never knew that right around the corner from where I live (about 5km’s – no jokes) there is a beauty and skincare therapist called Peta who, after being involved in the industry for over 10 years, started asking questions about how she could move towards a more eco-friendly way of treating her clients.

Amazing right? Think about it: a professional in the industry, with a heart to treat her clients with honest and natural products – promoting health, contemplating her environmental impact, and supporting local brands – all the while PAMPERING YOU. Now come on. I might need to outsource this blog writing to her because she is on the money. I’m full-on inspired.

Peta invited me to her Little Green Box, a bespoke eco-friendly skincare clinic that offers professional treatments using organic products. Her salon sits cozily on her property in quiet Constantia Meadows, Cape Town.

Little Green Box Salon Mirror

Not only did she treat me to an Esse Anti-Aging Facial, but I was able to relax, be pampered (and my lucky face and neck were cleansed, exfoliated, loved on and and and for an HOUR), and I was able to chat with her about her story.

After working in the salon industry for many years, she came to the realization that the traditional skincare products she was using on her clients every day had many dangerous chemicals in them. She found that this affected both ones skin health and general overall health, and not only was she using these products on her clients but as a therapist she was being exposed to them every day. After the birth of her daughter she decided to launch her own salon, and in doing so she made a huge (and pretty brave) change – she went green.

And here’s how she did it… (are you ready for this?)

The Little Green Box – Eco Skincare uses LED lighting, flow restrictions on the basin and shower, dual flush toilets and even eco-friendly laminate flooring. She installed a solar geyser and tries to keep as much plastic out of the clinic as possible. All of the packaging of the products that she stocks is recyclable(!). Her and her husband have a well-point for their garden to offset the water that she uses in the clinic, and she takes great pride in being eco-friendly by supporting South African brands like Esse (a brand for which she is the Western Cape Trainer). The wax she uses is also eco-friendly and contains no petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances or animal by-products and is cruelty free.

“I love knowing that the products that I am using on my clients are amazing, clean, green, results-driven-products that really work. I believe in ethical and sustainable skincare as well as having a holistic approach to skincare and ageing”.

Are you as completely flawed with inspiration as I am? Her salon is beautiful, fresh and inviting. I’m a green-ish person (hence the blog name). I love playing around with making things, going homemade, growing food, rethinking how we do things and supporting local, but this is another level. Peta has dedicated her day-to-day work (read: livelihood) and has courageously committed herself (and her earning potential) to this cause.

I’ll also tell you what she’s not: she is not a green-freak who will look down on you if you don’t encapsulate your own placenta, or water your garden any other time besides between the hours of 2am-4am (exaggeration added). She is remarkably down to earth for someone who has taken such a bold move. She is warm and open, easy to talk to and really approachable. Her clients are a mix between those who moved along with her (and have embraced and found real benefit from the eco-style) and those who are thinking about what she is doing and appreciate her eco-efforts.

Little Green Box Salon

Peta is a huge fan of Esse. I’ve recently come to know this brand quite well and hearing Peta talk about it made me that much more excited. Peta, being a trainer for the product, knows what shes talking about, and you know your face is in good hands (ha ha – get it?).

Prior to the facial, she took some gizmo and checked the hydration levels on different parts of my face. After thinking my skin was quite dry, she reassured me that my levels weren’t too bad (especially around my eyes). About 5 minutes later the penny dropped (I was obliviously way too relaxed) and remembered I had been using Esse’s Eye Contour Cream around my eyes. I kid you not. Even I was amazed.

So let’s get back to the facial. It was the Esse Anti-Aging Facial R370 (60min)

She started with the Esse Triple Cleanse which included Eye-make up Remover R170 (100ml), Cream Cleanser R300 (200ml), Gel Cleanser R280 (200ml).

After the cleanse, she did a gentle exfoliation with the Enzyme Exfoliator for 10 mins under steam for a brighter, clearer complexion and to remove dead skin cells. I then sunk deep into the bed as she continued with a facial massage with the Facial Massage Cream. She then massaged my feet (I LOVE foot massages) for 15 mins while the Eye Mask and Omega Mask did their thing. The Omega Mask is an intensive treatment mask formulated to feed the skin as well as sooth, relax and calm. And calm I was.

Peta also offered to tame my eyebrows with some threading. I was really appreciative of the offer (plucking is such a shlep) but initially hesitant as my previous experience with threading had not been all that great. I used to pop down to 4th Ave in Vancouver and some tiny little lady would have a good go at my eyebrows and exactly 17 seconds later, I’d be $9 poorer with blood spots framing my newly shaped brows. She gently encouraged me and I obliged – and I’m SO glad I did. For the first time I had no blood spots and very little redness. I’ll be back. For sure.

She wrapped up my facial with a spritz with Toner Plus R370 (100ml), she applied Serum to my entire face R295 (20ml), Eye and Lip Cream to the eye area R285 (20ml) and finally the Omega Deep Moisturiser R430 (5x10ml pots). AMAAA-ZING. This was my jumping into the Esse world, and she’s given me tips on how to continue with a healthy skincare regime (which I’m happy to report I’ve kept up and am loving!)

Little Green Box Salon Esse

My hydration levels were checked again after the facial and it was obvious to tell that Peta and Esse make a winning combination. My levels were optimal and my skin felt incredible. Full stop.

Other Treatments and Products on offer include:

•  Esse Organic Skincare (certified organic by ECOCERT)
•  Bt-micro and Bt-analyze
•  Kalahari Ancient Desert Secrets
•  Hello Nature Organic wax (certified organic by ECOCERT)
•  Manual Lymphatic Drainage
•  Threading
•  SpaRitual Vegan Nail Laquers

The Little Green Box Salon

You can purchase any of the Esse products above from The Little Green Box. Chat to Peta about what she thinks will be best for you skin – she’s a wealth of info!

Check out the full The Little Green Box Pricelist and don’t forget that Gift Vouchers and Spa Packages are also available. With Christmas coming up – this is a great Christmas present idea. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more info.

Contact Details:
41 Meadow Way, Constantia Meadows
Tel: 074 816 7794 (or whatsapp)
Email: littlegreenboxskincare@gmail.com
Web: www.greenboxskincare.co.za

The Little Green Box – Eco Skincare 

Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 008:00 – 14:00
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Homemade Kale Chips

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It doesn’t get much greener than kale chips.

Kale – that infamous leafy green which no one really knows what to do with, right? So back in the ‘Couve, friends used to grow kale and then make us crispy kale chips and OH STOP IT they were delicious. I’m not crazy. They really are delicious.

I’m pretty sure when I pull out massive bunches of unknown greens at home my dad inwardly shudders. And the bunch of kale I bought was huge, but he dared to try the chips and he even ENJOYED them. No lies. All you need is kale, ground salt and olive oil and you’re off and away…

These are seriously addictive! My mah-hoosive bunch of kale made 6 trays (!) of the stuff (which I cooked 2 trays at a time) and I’d almost finished 2 trays worth of the chips before the next 2 trays were cooked. Like I said. Addictive.

HOMEMADE KALE CHIPS (thanks to Kitchen Treaty)

Ingredients: kale, good quality ground salt and extra virgin olive oil.

How to: 

1. Wash your kale well, and pat it as dry as you can get it.

2. Pull the leaves apart from the stem (or cut it if you want to be dainty), and tear them (or cut them) into small pieces (we don’t need perfection, you can be rustic about it).

3. Put them in a large bowl and pour a little extra virgin olive oil over it, and toss gently but thoroughly so the leaves are all coated. (I had to laugh as Kitchen Treaty says ‘You don’t want to bruise the kale, but you want to make sure every single bit of every leaf gets coated‘. Ha ha ha)

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the kale in a single layer on the sheet. Sprinkle with a bit of coarse salt.

5. Bake at 150 degrees C (300F) for 8-12 minutes. As soon as the kale is rigid and crisp, remove it from the oven. It’ll burn quickly. And if it isn’t yet crisp, keep baking, checking every couple of minutes until it is. It should literally crunch into bits in your mouth – not be chewy.

6. Wait a minute or two for it to cool and then crunch away. This is best eaten straight after cooking. You can store in an airtight container, but I highly recommend preparing it just before you plan to eat it as it doesn’t keep too well.

Bake-until-crispy

So easy and so delicious. Let me know what you think! I dare you to take it to your next get-together and see what your friends think (then go outside a hug a tree for pure entertainment value)…

Enjoy
xxx

Crazy Delicious Veggie Burgers

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So, a while back we made these homemade veggie burger patties and they are astoundingly delicious. Like, trust me. If you’re trying a meat-free-ish diet, please, please make these!

Whether you’re trying to eat less meat for personal reasons, to create healthy habits or for environmental concerns – this is a win-win.

This recipe makes about 12 patties. So throw a party and include this recipe. If that’s more than you need, pop the extras in the freezer. You’ll eat then soon enough – I promise.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
3 cups each grated beets, and grated carrots
1/2 cup minced onions
2 eggs
1 cup cooked brown rice (I’d imagine quinoa would work well too)
2.5 cup grated cheddar cheese (I use the really old stuff, it’s tastier)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove minced garlic
Dash of cayenne pepper



Method:

Toast sesame seeds in a skillet on the stove, for 3-5 mins.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly (get your hands right in there!).
If the mix seems runny, add a bit of extra flour, it can get messy…
Shape into patties, and bake for about 25 minutes at 180 degrees C (350 F), until browned on the edges.
Only turn patties if you make them extra large and thick.

TOPPINGS:

Get creative. Add sliced tomato, avocado, feta, fresh greens, crunchy slaw and maybe even some fresh purple or caramelized onion. So really, I’m describing a vegetarian burger bar. Add some homemade salsa, or some paleo mayo… Eat it on a fresh bun or between some lettuce leaves if you’re going low carb.

Aaaaand enjoy.
xxx

Source: Farmer John’s Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables.
Image credit: www.self.com

Green ‘GET ME BACK TO HEALTH’ Kale Smoothie

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I’m stiiiiiill sick. Argh man, it’s been too long and I’m just not on top of it. So, after devouring half a slab of chocolate earlier in despair, I decided I needed to up my attitude and EAT my way back to health… (because who doesn’t love eating). Starting with greens.

So I dashed off to the shops and stocked up on EVERY fruit and veg known to mankind (okay, you know I’m exaggerating), but I loaded up (including a 5kg pocket of oranges) and came home ready to propel this bod back to health.

Since my kids love making smoothies/juicing, it’s a family affair. No extra energy needed (of which I currently have a limited supply).

Green ‘GET ME BACK TO HEALTH’ Kale Smoothie:

– 5 leaves of kale (de-stemmed)
– 2 apples (chopped)
– 1 small pineapple (chopped)
– 2 oranges (de-skinned. Bring on the Vit C)
– half a cucumber (peeled)
– cup of water (to get that blending going)
– half a tray of ice cubes (for the chilled effect)

Blend. Drink. Feel good.

Step 1 to health, done.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. So this December, (God-willing) she will be 10 years cancer free. While it terrifies me to think back to Christmas 2005, I am filled with immense gratitude that she is still with us, and that she is healthy. So many friends I know have not had the same experience.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. So let’s be aware. As someone in the direct line of breast cancer I know I need to take this stuff seriously.

Here’s some info to jog our memories this October:

Every person should know the symptoms and signs of breast cancer, and any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

Most people who have breast cancer symptoms and signs will initially notice only one or two, and the presence of these symptoms and signs do not automatically mean that you have breast cancer.

By performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast.  Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.

Facts About Breast Cancer:

  • Every year, one in 29 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa.
  • During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, cancer of the cervix was the leading cancer in South African females; however, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer.
  • It is now the most common cancer in women, with the most cases in white and Asian females, then mixed-race and least common in black populations.
    (Source: Discovery Health)

Once a Month:

once a month

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical Center states,

“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any changes. Mammograms are recommended annually for women over the age of 40.

Can I Rely On Breast Self-Exams Alone To Be Sure I Am Breast Cancer Free?

Mammography can detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. But when combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast self-exams can help women know what is normal for them so they can report any changes to their healthcare provider.

If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

A Change In How The Breast Or Nipple Feels

  • Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
  • A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture)
  • A lump in the breast (It’s important to remember that all lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous).
A Change In The Breast Or Nipple Appearance
  • Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling anywhere on the breast
  • Unexplained swelling of the breast (especially if on one side only)
  • Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if on one side only)
  • Recent asymmetry of the breasts. (Although it is common for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, if the onset of asymmetry is recent, it should be checked)
  • Nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted
  • Skin of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange.

breast cancer early detection signs and symptoms appearance

Any Nipple Discharge—Particularly Clear Discharge Or Bloody Discharge.

It is also important to note that a milky discharge that is present when a woman is not breastfeeding should be checked by her doctor, although it is not linked with breast cancer.

breast cancer early detection signs and symptoms discharge

If I have some symptoms, is it likely to be cancer?

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer, but any breast cancer symptom you notice should be investigated as soon as it is discovered. If you have any of these symptoms, you should tell your healthcare provider so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.

If I have no symptoms, should I assume I do not have cancer?

Although there’s no need to worry, regular screenings are always important.  Your doctor can check for breast cancer before you have any noticeable symptoms. During your office visit, your doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history and perform a physical examination. In addition, your doctor may order one or more imaging tests, such as a mammogram.

How Should A Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?

three places to check

1) In the Shower

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

2) In Front of a Mirror

Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.

3) Lying Down

When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Although you cannot prevent cancer, some habits that can help reduce your risk are:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight
  2. Stay physically active
  3. Eat fruits and vegetables
  4. Do not smoke
  5. Limit alcohol consumptionHealthy pic breast cancer

You can find support groups in South African here.

Thank you to The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. and Breast Cancer Awareness South Africa for the info.

The Purest of Beginnings

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It feels like we went overseas, came back, and everything was different. BOS iced tea is like the new ‘it’ drink and is available in every corner cafe and, much to my delight, Pure Beginnings Organic Skincare is available… every-where!

Having been attacked by mozzies upon our return to SA in mid-summer, I sent my hubby out to find a natural mozzie repellent, and voia la – we were officially introduced to the Pure Beginnings brand.

PB Insect repellant

As with all reviews, there is a plethora of overly-shmoozy things I could say about Pure Beginnings. I could say I love them because they’re EcoCert certified (so they cannot include any baddies such as propylene glycol/PPG/PEG, petrolatum, mineral oil, parabens, sulphated surfactants (SLS/SLES), DEA (Diethanolamine) / TEA (trethanolamine), phthalathes, DEP, DBP, DEHP, aluminium, fluoride, synthetic colourants & fragrances) or because they support African Communities and Biodiversity Conservation through fair trade and ethical sourcing (I love ethical). I could also say I love them because they use recyclable packaging and use only ingredients that are biodegradable and are approved by the Vegan Society, Beauty without Cruelty and Phytotrade Africa. It could also be because they have a good understanding of healthy (vs. bad) bacteria and consider optimising the beneficial bacteria in ones ‘body-ecosystem’. It really could be because of any of the above, right? Pssst… I like this last healthy bacteria bit in particular and it’s why I drink kombucha.

PB Eco Cert Certified

Buuuut, let’s pretend I didn’t say any of the above. I met them. In the flesh. So you can take my gushyness of Pure Beginnings to heart. They are RAD, they are trying to find better ways of doing things for you and your family, and they care.

Pure Beginnings genuinely believes in keeping your skin as pure as the day you were born by creating high quality, effective, organic skin care products that care for you and your family’s skin (and that are not harmful to the environment). Again, if you’ve read the post on why we cloth diaper, you’ll know this ‘skin as pure as the day you were born’ stuff was where I had my ah’ha moment, which has since changed everything.

Bum Cream

Pure Beginnings started out in 2007 with their focus being specifically Organic Baby and Organic Kids ranges and has since, expanded into a skin care brand for the whole family. Do I hear a ‘hoorah’? Since then Pure Beginnings has been the leading and most trusted baby and kids organic skin care brand in South Africa. Over these past 8 years, this family owned and run business has worked closely with mothers, midwives and child birth educators (and doulas!!) to develop a skin care range that meets the needs of babies and kids using the purest and safest natural and organic ingredients.

Surely you’ve seen these gorgeous products with the super adorbs child friendly characters…

Ollie the Owl

Max and Minky

…looky here! There’s a new addition to the troop (more info coming soon!)

Ruby the Rhino

The ranges are comprehensive. And there is a product for preeeeetty much everything you need. (I even used the baby bum cream to moisturize my dry, sniffly nose this winter)…

Organic Baby Care Range:

Within the Organic Baby Care range you’ll find: Baby Bum Cream, Berry Toothpaste, Bamboo Baby Wipes, Natural Aqueous Cream, Baby Lotion, Baby Wash & Shampoo, Teething Gel, 100% Natural Insect Repellent and a gorgeous Organic Baby Gift Set.

PB organic Baby care

My faves: No doubt the Berry Toothpaste is on my shopping list about once a month (my little one looooves teeth-brushing time!!). The Baby Wipes are fantastic and are my backup in case I run out of my homemade wipes. The Teething Gel sits on my night stand in case bubs gets fussy in the night. We also love the Bum Cream and the Insect Repellent. (The stick container makes it so easy to apply) .

Organic Kids Range:

Within the Organic Kids Care range you’ll find: Fun Time Bubble Bath, Fun Time Kids Wash, Kids Hygiene Hand Wash, Vanilla Mint Toothpaste and 100% Natural Insect Repellent.

My faves: The Bubble Bath is just the best (ask my kids!), as well as the toothpaste (again, we don’t have to fight over teeth-brushing time).

Organic Care Range:

And in the Organic (Family) Care range you’ll find: Deodorant, Shampoo and Conditioner, Shaving Cream, Body Lotion, Body Wash and Fresh Mint Toothpaste (and of course… the good old trusty insect repellent).

My faves: Fresh Mint Toothpaste! While my hubby is not sold on my homemade kind, this is what he always asks for. My dad also loves the shaving cream!

Pure Beginnings Body Wash

Please. Do yourself and your family a favour and get onto the Pure Beginnings bandwagon. You can find all of their stockists here (there are HEAPS so no excuses), and take a peek at the latest news on their blog, facebook and twitter pages. Prices of products range from R35 – R115, and it’s money well spent.

Whether we think about it all that much, we vote with our money. Just like the food we eat either helps or harms us, how we spend our money directly influences which companies thrive and which suffer. Let’s please choose WISELY as to how we spend our money and support local businesses. Let’s join together and support those who are making it easier for us to care for our families and for our environment.

Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil Everywhere

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When I first embarked on this green life about 3 years ago, coconut oil popped up every-where. It’s like I couldn’t get away from the stuff – and for good reason.

1L oil

If you spend 7 seconds browsing Pinterest you’ll see literally thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of posts about coconut oil, the benefits, the uses, the recipes, the health properties, and on and on it goes. It seems coconut oil really is one of the most versatile and healthy MUST-HAVES in your pantry, bathroom, bedroom, kids room, ANY-room.

You can read up more about their vast number of benefits and uses here and here. Below I’m highlighting three products in particular that I’ve found to fit into my day to day.

I have kids, am faaaaaairly addicted to sugar and love good skin. So, when Jenna from Coconut Connection, a local company, offered some product to try I grabbed the Baby Care, Organic Coconut Sugar and the Coconut Body Scrub.

Now, if you’re new to this, it’s good to know that coconut oil is an OIL. So it’s oily. Got it? I know a few people whose sensory vibes don’t dig the oil factor and so if that’s the case this might not be for you. But, as for the rest of you, let’s get greasy.

Oh wait, another thing. Coconut oil solidifies in cool temperatures, so, in colder climates it might need a slight warm up before use (like dipping the jar in warm water), and in hotter climates, if you don’t want to dip your fingers into runny oil, then keep it in a cool dry place, out of the sunlight.

Ready? Let’s go.

Coconut Connection’s Organic Baby Care:

Smothering my kidlets with coconut oil comes as NO surprise to me. From the very beginning, I ditched all the fancy branded creams (which had plenty of unknown ingredients) and went al-natural with the littlies using a single ingredient – Organic Coconut Oil. In fact when my second was born, his skin looked like it was almost cracking on his feet and hands and I lathered him up goooood and proper with the stuff. Within days, his skin was plump and juicy. And its a huge money saver as a little goes a very looooong way.

Uses: Can be used to treat baby acne, cradle cap, croup, nappy rash, ear infections, massage, bath oil and as a moisturiser.

Liven up your little ones bath time routine by running a warm bath, dim the lights, cuddle up your littlie in a towel, put on some relaxing music, drop some lavender essential oil in the diffuser and enjoy bonding time together involving some baby massage.


 Clayden skin 2

Coconut Connection’s Coconut Sugar:

I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Stevia, yes, Xylitol, yes… But coconut sugar?

Coconut sugar is made from the coconut flower, where the sap is removed and heated and you’re left with a sugary substance which leaves a caramelly aftertaste in your mouth. Whoooooaaaaaa, it is delicious. I can eat this stuff by the teaspoonful. In fact, if I’m honest, I do.

Compared to Xylitol, coconut sugar has a milder taste and flavour. When added to coffee, it knocks that bitter taste off, or adds a slight sweetness to tea. My rooibos addicted toddler loves coconut sugar in his morning tea and I way prefer using this than any other sweetener. Win.

Uses: you can use coconut sugar in many different sweet and savoury recipes. It is safe for diabetics and has a low GI of 35.

sugar

Coconut Connection’s Body Scrub:

I like things with as few ingredients as possible, and this scrub has 2. Coconut Oil and Sugar. So it’s a scrub, aaaand a dessert (almost).

Since my scrub had hardened, I warmed it up (you can pop the bottom of the jar in the bath) and gave it a stir to distribute the oil and sugar evenly (as the sugar had settled at the bottom of the jar). I quite like the oil-on-oil method of cleaning and so for me personally I like oil based scrubs. This scrub has a neutral smell and so if you don’t have a high sensitivity to essential oils, you could add a couple drops to your bath depending on what mood you’re in. Being oily, its quite nice to just give yourself a little neck massage while you’re at it. Well that’s what I do anyway.

Coconut Connection have a whole range of products, including coconut oil for cooking (or DIY-ing), toothpaste (similar to my homemade recipe), lip balm and much more.

What have you made recently that has coconut oil as a main ingredient?

Tam’s Natural Homemade Face Scrub

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Roll up your sleeves, we’re getting our DIY on.

Recently a friend of mine in Durbs sent me this recipe for a homemade face scrub she was making for her boyfriend who had really sensitive skin. Every now and then we send each other a quick message about what essential oils to buy or where to get witch hazel – you know… those kinds of things.

This scrub includes old used coffee grinds (from the bottom of the Bodum) and so in a moment of inspiration as I was washing out the plunger (preparing to make myself another cuppa), I grabbed an empty jar and threw it all together.

Now, I have heard horror stories about scrubs and while I’ve made my own body scrub before, the delicate skin on your face is a different ball game. So I spoke to my Beauty Blogger friend Emmy at Rouge Beauty, and she gave me some really insightful info into the benefits and dangers of exfoliating.

Baaaaasically, (let me summarize), using a scrub is important for the health of your skin (face), but OVER exfoliating can scratch and cause damage to your dermis. So don’t be getting all over-excited, and make the scrub and then go nuts like there’s no tomorrow. Exfoliating gets rid of  old and dead skin, which has often collected pollutants and general nonsense in the air. It is recommended that you gently exfoliate (or use a scrub) about once a week, and less frequently as you get older. Also, she emphasized, to use a sunscreen (always), but especially the day following. Got it? Good!

Here is what you need:

– 2 T old coffee grinds (yes, the stuff at the bottom of your plunger!)

– 2 T of honey (you can use sugar or molasses, but I prefer honey)

– 2 T olive oil

– 1 T almond oil

– 15 drops of an essential oil (Tam recommends tea tree oil). Essential oils are always optional as they can cause sensitivity. Since my skin is not super sensitive, I added in lemon tea tree. Ohhhhh fresh! 

And then in her words: ‘I added two squirts of my dermalogic face wash to make it a bit more “face washy” for him’. Ha ha ha. You could use castille soap, but I left this out.

I have LOVED using this scrub. I keep my jar in the shower and as prescribed, scrub gently once a week. I also love the natural oil-on-oil method of cleaning and have found my skin to feel really soft, clear and healthy after. Yay.

Thanks Tam!

Nu to Green Cleaning – Nu Eco!

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Recently, I got a lovely phone call from a lady called Cara, introducing me to Nu Eco, a new household cleaning brand that has recently hit the market. There seems to be a steady increase in interest around chemical free cleaning and it is quite clearly a growing industry (hoorahhhh!). And for good reason.

Let me not terrify you, but did you know that your home may be the most toxic place you encounter each day? And that, if you think about it, indoor air is often more toxic than outdoor air? … and that the average baby has 200 chemicals in his/her body the day he/she is born. Yeeeowzers. Not cool guys, not cool.

There are a million reasons to start detoxifying your home, and no, I don’t mean you need a fancy pants water/air/ozoning-detoxifying-humidifying-air-filtering thingy-majig for every corner of each room. Don’t be silly. But, there are a few steps that you can take towards making your home (a.k.a sanctuary, safe haven, place you slob around in your jarmies) a safer place for you, your family and your fur-children.

Whether you get down and dirty with the scum around your bath or you have a housekeeper to help, this really is something you should think twice about. How safe are your average household cleaners? Just because we don’t see the dangerous toxins raging our homes, doesn’t mean they’re not there. Eek. Scary thought.

Household cleaners are the #1 source of poisoning in children. Interesting huh? (And FYI, here are the numbers for Poison Control – yes, I’ve used it a couple times…)

Red Cross Children’s Hospital: (021) 689 5227, Vincent Palotti: (021) 931 6129 (CT)

This is what my hero of all things green has to say about it:

‘Many of these chemicals can enter the air of your home, even if they are in tightly sealed containers. On top of that, the Poison Control Center (USA) reported that as much as 85% of warning labels on household products did NOT adequately identify the dangers of the products or list proper first aid instructions.

Some of the most common chemicals like formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene have been found to cause cancer and are often found in indoor air. Other problems like fibromyalgia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and hormone imbalance  are also linked to chemical exposure.

Since children consume more water, breathe more air and eat more food proportionate to their body weight than adults, they are MORE at risk from these chemicals.’

But, can we really do away with all these cleaners and replace them with above-par, effective, natural cleaners? Because I need things clean and tidy.

Here’s what I want: (in no particular order)

– to not spend HEAPS of money on cleaning products, (I’m thrifty)
– to make decisions that take the environment into consideration, (I love the earth)
– to use an effective product, (because I need it to work) and,
– to use something that is safe for my family (safety never takes a holiday, friends).

Enter: Nu-Eco.

NuEco Range

Nu Eco was launched by the founders of an eco-tourism business located in an ecologically sensitive environment who wanted to intentionally minimise their footprint.

They found that housekeeping products commonly used in the hospitality industry contained a cocktail of chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. These include ammonia, carcinogens, things such as Trisodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA) and a whole whack more abreevs I don’t know and to be perfectly honest, am a tiny bit too terrified to learn any more about.

They also found that not all “green” cleaners on the market were equal. Some cleaned better than others, and there were those that “cheated” their eco-friendly credentials by featuring some natural ingredients, but still contained potentially harmful chemicals as well.

NuEco Range Random

‘Nu Eco was developed with the goal and intention to be the greenest and most natural range of housekeeping products possible. Nu Eco guarantees 100% natural formulations that are fully bio-degradable. Efficacy has however not been sacrificed (good!), for example, the neutral-pH Nu Eco Surface Cleaner, won’t dull or scratch fine surfaces as many conventional cleaners may do over time.

The Nu Eco team researched the cutting edge of natural science and carefully formulated all Nu Eco products to deliver exceptional results while helping care for your family’s health, as well as the long-term health of the world we live in.’

So we put it to the test. Within minutes the Nu Eco citrus hygienic handwash replaced the (blurred out) handwash sitting on my bathroom basin and I haven’t looked back. Hand washing is important, and I shudder to think about what I used to lather my hands with.

Both my mom and hubby have also tried the Nu Eco surface cleaner, and were very happy with the result. (My mom has always been a die-hard Handy Andy supporter, but was well impressed with this cleaner).

I recently purchased the Lavender linen spray to spray my kiddies bedding (sleeeeeeep little children sleeeeep), and love that there really are no-nonsense ingredients in it.

What is preventing you from thinking along new (Nu) lines regarding chemical free cleaners?

Xxx

PS: As they like to say in yoga class, if you’d like to step it up to the advanced level, how about making your own? Lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda are common names thrown around. Have you had much success?

Here are some Natural Cleaning Tips from Wellness Mama to get you going…