Fridays are for Personal Care -- Final day of the blogiversary celebration

Phew! It's been a busy week on GG! Have you enjoyed reading about the various products and companies? I hope my posts piqued your interest to try one or two items if you don't win them. 

Today, I have 5 more prize/prize packages to give away and they're all related to personal care, starting with a Relax Package from Wildwood SoapWorks. I reviewed some products from Wildwood SoapWorks back in June. What I really loved about the soap was the way it retained its scent throughout the weeks. Actually, it still had a strong invigorating fragrance until there was nothing left to it a few weeks ago. I love this soap!

The Relax Package includes

• lavender soap
• lavender twist-up solid lotion
• Golden Slumbers sleep balm
• lavender lime lip balm

You will love this package... I guarantee it!

Today's second prize package (don't you love that there are packages today?) is a 2pk of Multi Healing Balm with a snack pack cooler. I cannot begin to tell you how awesome this stuff is. I guess you'll have to read the review I did in November 2011 -- For boo boos, infections, ouchies, bruises and itchies! What is it?  
  
Here's part of the review:

[Multi Healing Balm] claims to be the answer for boo boos, infections, ouchies, bruises and itchies. The list of conditions it helps to heal includes:

• muscle pain
• swelling
• arthritis
• minor eczema
• diaper rash
• chicken pox
• acne
• dermatitis
• stings
• thrush
• cold sores
• inflammation
• cracked heels
• small cuts and grazes
• dry hands
• bruises
• minor burns
• psoriasis
• rashes
• mosquito bites
• cradle cap
• minor infection

This is my go-to ointment for so many things. I was attacked by mosquitoes at the beach last week. As a result, I have nearly 50 bites (that I can see). Every time they start itching, I grab the MHB and apply a little bit. It takes the itch away immediately. I also used it at the beach to combat razor burn in sensitive areas. My granddaughter had a rash -- we reached for MHB. Then she had a boo boo. MHB. Quite simply, it's the best. And I love the names of the ingredients -- manuka and kanuka -- so much, that I'm planning on naming my next two kitties after them!

 

The Faragallis of Leaf & Bud Naturals have been long-time supporters of Green Grandma. They have sent me products to review and have always responded with a 'yes' when I've asked them to donate something for a giveaway. This time, they were gracious enough to offer a $30 gift certificate to one lucky winner. Here's what I said about them during my first blogiversary giveaway: 

Leaf & Bud Naturals has a really cool website where you can learn a lot about why you should choose natural skin care products and avoid the toxins found in most commercial products. I love how they boldly state that you don't need to read the label... they've already done it for you!

 

 

Do you want to learn more about natural products? Just spend some time perusing their website. You'll be glad you did! 

Going natural is not always easy when it comes to personal care products. It seems there are toxins in nearly everything! That's why it's important to shop with retailers that you trust. Earthly Remedies by Erin is one such retailer. Erin will send some natural, safe deodorant to someone in the GG community. Here's what the website says about the Deodorant for Men and Women:

 

Works wonderfully, after hours of playing soccer and running around all day I was stink free. 

Apply in the morning when you wake up. Comes in a stick form.  This product is for both men and women. This deodorant is non-toxic can be used on kids.

Made with organic coconut oil, cornstarch, baking soda, vitamin E oil, beeawax, and a blend of essential oils.

This product is one of my best sellers!!!  You won't be disappointed.

It is really hard to find a deodorant that is safe to use, so if you win this one, you win big!

Finally, I can't begin to tell you how supportive the mamas at Earth Mama Angel Baby have been to me. They believe in Green Grandma's mission and support it in so many ways. They came alongside this newbie blogger back in 2009 and helped me on my path. Back in March of 2011, they even sent me a care package of teas when they learned I had the mumps. Yes, I really did. You can read about it here. 

I love the mamas at EMAB! They simply are the best. When I asked them to help me celebrate, they responded with, "Whatever you want." So I decided to go with something with the broadest appeal -- Mama's Herbal First Aid Bundle. The individual value of the items in this package (yes, I know... another package!) is $64.96 and here's what it contains:

• Organic Milkmaid Tea for gas, bloating and heartburn, indigestion
• Natural Nipple Butter to cover and protect scrapes and abrasions, chapped lips, cuticles, chapped cheeks and minor rashes
• Angel Baby Bottom Balm for fungal rashes, itchy rashes, cuts, scrapes, new tattoos, piercing, chafing
• New Mama Bottom Spray for sunburn, shaving rash and minor scrapes, facial toner
• Happy Mama Spray for upset tummies, travel tummy, or pregnancy nausea
• Mama-To-Be Tea Sampler with:
  • Organic Peaceful Mama Tea for teething, overtired and cranky toddlers (and adults!)
  • Organic Morning Wellness Tea for nausea from flu, medications, and travel tummy
  • Organic Third Trimester Tea for seasonal allergies, leg cramps, and diarrhea
  • Organic Heartburn Tea for heartburn of course, but also sore throat and scratchy cough

Let me tell you -- this is one package I wish I could win! This is ridiculously awesome, don't you think? And it all comes cuddled up in an organic cotton tote (what else would we expect from Mama?). 

That's it, folks. Twenty awesome prizes/prize packages for 23 lucky winners (Neale Godfrey is giving away 3 books, remember?). You can share on FB/tweet about these giveaways every day through August 31st, so come back often to increase your chances of winning.

All prizes will be sent directly from the sponsors. Initially, I indicated a 48-hour deadline for getting back to me if you win, but since the drawings will be held on a holiday weekend, I am extending the time through midnight Tuesday, September 4th. If I do not hear from a winner by then, I will have a new winner chosen by Rafflecopter. 

Now get busy entering the following 5 giveaways, and if you haven't done so yet, check out the previous days' contests. 

Good luck! And thank you for helping me celebrate 3 enlightening years!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway and is in no way affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest. The opinions stated in the reviews are just that... opinions. Individuals may have different responses and results when using these products. Since Rafflecopter is a fair and nondiscriminatory winner-selection widget, friends and family members are eligible to win prizes. Entrants may also win more than one prize. Entries will be verified.

Review it Wednesday -- Sayeth the Raven

An original design by Petite Paintbrush

Back in August, Raven Fyre won a pretty amazing prize package in the Green Grandma 2nd Anniversary celebration.

This past week, I received an email from her with a review of many of the products she received. I thought today would be a good day to pass on someone else's opinion of products from companies I love. 

Green Grandma Product Reviews

First, I have to say I was overwhelmed to win the anniversary prize package last year. Over the past few months my family and I have had a chance to use most of the products, so I wanted to share with you, the Green Grandma Community, my thoughts and opinions.

The Diva Cup

I obviously didn’t share this one! LOL. I have to say I was on the fence about buying one, as they are quite pricey here [in Canada]. That said, if that’s all that’s holding you back, go buy one immediately! I’d say, for me, after day 3 on my period, I got the hang of it and I love it. This is an amazing green product. I can’t rave about it enough! For a full review check what fellow Canadian, Wanda, had to say about it awhile back on this blog.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Gift Set

Ok, first I’m not a huge fan of strong scents, but I loved how the foaming body wash smelled on both my kids and myself. It has this warm orange, vanilla smell -- just amazing -- especially since I’m not a huge fan of smells or vanilla. The foaming wash also made the HUGE luxurious bubbles that both my kids loved. My kids really enjoyed playing with the bubbles. I carry the lotion in my diaper bag mostly for myself, but I feel confident using it knowing it’s safe for my kids as well. This really has healed my hands up quite a bit. I love the bag -- it’s handy and a great size for a quick trip out. I’m looking forward to having a bath by myself and using the bath blossoms. The bottom balm works amazingly well and again I’m happy that its safe. 

Eco Nuts liquid laundry soap

This, I have to say, convinced me to switch from an eco-friendly laundry soap from a box store to soap nuts. Not only was the Eco Nuts laundry soap convenient, but super concentrated. This tiny bottle did about a month's worth of clothes for four people. It only took a cap full (which was a tiny cap by the way). Like I said -- super concentrated! The cleaning power, even with two adults (one who works some days literally in dirt) and two kids, managed to get all of our laundry clean every time without any artificial scent.

Leaf and Bud Naturals

Available through Leaf and Bud Naturals

Ok, I’m a huge fan of this company and the owners, Catriona and Al Faragalli. Not only will they work with you if you have allergies and find a great product for you, but you can rest easy knowing it's safe ... really safe. Sadly, I was allergic to a few of the ingredients in the eye cream, so I picked up some of my very favourite soap instead -- the Druide Pur and Pure soap. Not only is this soap mild and gentle for even the most sensitive skin, it’s also a great cleanser. I love this product.

Petite Paintbrush

I used the gift certificate from Petite Paintbrush to order an original art collage for my kids.  A meadow lark and a moonflower on a night sky with a moon -- it's quite breath taking and I urge you to go check out the Etsy listing for the prints.  Sadly, I’m not giving up the original. LOL!

ARTchaeology

Lisa Marie Bruno, the artisan behind ARTchaeology, is truly a unique artist.  I love my ring and wear it often.  Pairing history with jewelry -- it’s amazing.  Anytime I wear my ring, I get lots of compliments.  If you are looking for something unique I recommend Lisa Marie’s ARTchaeology! 

Earthly Remedies by Erin

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on this product as I haven’t had a chance to use it at all.  As soon as my significant other saw this was deodorant he decided it was his to use. That said, from what he’s told me, he loves it.  

Eat Cleaner Wipes

Eat Cleaner

I adore these, especially for apples.  Who knew apples, of all things, were so filthy?!  It really does scare me to think that I used to just bite into an apple without cleaning it. YUCK!  These wipes are both handy and great at getting your fruit really clean.

Motherlove

The Green Salve is so handy, I keep one bottle in my diaper backpack and the other at home.  It’s both versatile and amazing for bumps, bruises, scrapes, and scratches.     

I want to thank everyone who congratulated me, and all the wonderful people who provided me with gifts that not only made my life easier, but greener as well.  I know its cheesy to say so, but a few of these products changed not only my life, but gave my family a better understanding of how going green can be really easy and money saving too.

Thank you again,

Raven Fyre

You often hear me extolling the virtues of these products. Well, now you have the opinion of a regular consumer ... a consumer who is now going to be living a greener and healthier life, thanks to the generous gifts of the above Green Grandma supporters.

Letting someone else review it for you,

Hana 

Review it Wednesday -- an eye opener!

Coffee -- a morning necessity for millions. An eye-opener. A waker-upper. Of course, I'm referring to the stuff you drink, but recently, I discovered another attribute of the caffeine-laden, aromatic substance: eye cream. While I don't necessarily need my morning cup in order to wake up my eyes, I am growing dependent on a wondrously scented eye cream made from, you guessed it, organic coffee.

The fact is, I have a terrible, awful, really bad problem with dark circles and under eye puffiness. Excessive puffiness. I hate it!

My daughter, Bethany, bought me a gift certificate for Leaf and Bud Naturals, a Canadian company specializing in all things safe for the human body! I perused the site and picked out a couple of things. Included in my order was a tube of lead-free lipstick, which I reviewed last month. Buried in the box, and not discovered until later, was a trial-size tube of 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream.

Quite honestly, I started using the cream with understandable skepticism. After all, I've spent a small fortune through the years, gambling on promises of younger-looking eyes. Nothing, and I mean, nothing, has worked. Of course, when I didn't know what I know now about the dangerous ingredients in most cosmetics and face creams, I was trying anything and everything. But, hey, this was free, and I knew the Faragallis (who own Leaf and Bud Naturals) weren't going to send me anything they didn't believe in themselves. So, what the heck? I decided to give it a try.

Well, I am happy to report that I am pleased with the results. After using the product over the past 4 - 5 weeks, I have seen a difference! The circles, while still there, are considerably lighter. The puffiness, while still there, is considerably reduced. And the wrinkles, while still there, are barely visible.

Honestly, I didn't expect a miracle. But I also didn't expect the results I'm seeing. Less is something, right? And maybe, with continued use, less will morph into nearly nothing. No circles. No puffiness. No wrinkles. Nothing. Now wouldn't that be nice?

And I'm not alone:

Results of an Independent, Clinical Four Week Study (according to the 100% Pure website)

- 97% saw reduction of puffiness
- 87% saw reduction of dark circles
- 93% say it reduced the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
- 100% say it improved skin hydration & moisturization
- 93% say it improved skin firmness/elasticity

Looks like I'm in good company!

So, what's this stuff all about? First of all, the company's name is 100% Pure. While that claim can be misleading, it's not in this case. They take their commitment to purity seriously.

In the case of the Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, that means the ingredients are 100% natural and 100% vegan. The cream is composed of natural goodies like organic aloe juice, organic green coffee, vitamin E, vitamin C, organic rosehip oil, and extracts of coffee cherry, rosemary, oregano, thyme, goldenseal, vanilla absolute, and candelilla wax.

I love several things about this amazing eye cream:

• the smell -- it really is a delightful coffee-based scent
• the texture -- it is non-greasy and goes on smoothly without any tugging
• the ingredients -- it is wonderful to know that I'm not putting one single carcinogen or hormone disruptor on my face when I use this product
• the results!!

This is one of my favorite products I've ever received for free! Even Dr. Oz featured this eye cream on his show a while back. Although it was sandwiched between 2 other wrinkle-fighting creams that are packed full of chemicals! At least he gave 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream a nod.

If you're battling with some or all of the issues I've described here, I highly recommend giving this dandy little eye cream a try. It's safe. It's natural. And it's relatively inexpensive at $22.50 for 1 fl. oz.  This little .5 fl. oz. tube I'm using is lasting a pretty long time, considering the fact that I use it twice a day.

Make sure you check out the other amazing products on the Leaf and Bud Naturals site. It's a family-owned Canadian business that deserves your support.

Reviewing it for you,

Hana

Lead in lipsticks? Not in this one!

Have you been following the news about lead in lipsticks? Scary stuff ... especially if you have little one who likes to play dress up and sneaks some of Mommy's lipstick from time to time!

Well, I have good news! Canadian company Leaf and Bud Naturals has a wonderful new lipstick from Suncoat that is free of lead ... and a lot of other unsafe ingredients!

I placed an order from Leaf and Bud Naturals a few weeks ago (thanks to a generous gift certificate from my daughter, Bethany). When I received the package, there were a couple free bonuses in the box; one of which was a full-size tube of Suncoat Natural Lip Stick in Almond Frost. I was pleased and eager to try it!

My first reaction, after I'd opened the attractive green box, was one of surprise. The tube was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Instead of the usual plastic, this lipstick was encased in bamboo! How wonderful is that? Bamboo is highly renewable, as the fastest growing grass around! And check out how gorgeous this is (in an earthy, eco-friendly way).

I immediately applied it to my lips, and admit, I was a bit disappointed. It didn't apply as smoothly as I expected. But then, I had to ask myself, "Is it because I'm just used to all the unsafe crap in my usual lipsticks?" Oops. That's probably it. And, the bottom line is, I rarely wear lipstick. I'm partial to lip gloss or chapstick. So, naturally, the application would be a bit 'rougher' than I'm accustomed to.

This is a 'moisturizing' lipstick, however, so my expectation was to feel immediate moisture on my lips. That didn't happen. However, 'moisturizing' doesn't always occur instantaneously, right? It's more of a conditioner that takes repeated application.

So, after dealing with how it felt, I determined I wasn't happy with how it looked. On me, at least. And that is simply because of my age. My lips are getting old, and frosted lipstick just exaggerates that. At my age, believe me, you don't want anything that exaggerates it!

I decided to give the lipstick to my daughter, Bethany, who is naturally beautiful. The lipstick just enhances her beauty. She had the same reaction that I had to the bamboo tube! We love it and wish more companies were going this route.

Bethany likes the look of the Almond Frost, which works much better on her younger, fuller lips. She, too, is used to gloss and chapstick, so the drier consistency of the lipstick required some acclimation. She's wearing it everyday, however, appreciating the 'safety' factor, especially in light of all the 'lead in lipstick' news of late.

For me, a non-frosted formula would be better. It's just one of the endless changes women my age have to adapt to. There's a trade-off for me, though. I get to be a grandma. I'll deal with the other changes! Lincoln and Laura make it worth it!

If you're unfamiliar with Leaf and Bud Naturals, you don't know what you're missing. I can't say enough good about them! This is what they say on their About Us page:

"We truly care about the well-being of you and your family, so we bring you trusted natural, organic, vegan, vegetarian gluten free and cruelty free products and brands at fair prices."

And they do truly care ... at least that's been my experience since discovering them a couple of years ago. Plus, they have a Certified Aesthetician available to answer any questions customers may have. Allin and Catriona Faragalli are not just about selling products! They're about making lives better.

Here's some of the information they provide about the Suncoat Natural Lip Stick:

• All natural, safe and non toxic
• No paraben preservatives, no petrochemicals, no artificial colors or chemicals
• Natural renewable bamboo cartridge
• Made in Canada

And, of course, that means, there is NO LEAD. Period. None.

Check it out for yourself. And while you're there, peruse the site for more wonderful Leaf and Bud Naturals products.

Reviewing it for you,

Hana

The final 3

What a fun week! Don't you agree?

If you haven't had the chance to check out all of the great prizes and the details of the giveaway yet, just click here.

So far, I've let you know about 9 of the great prizes being offered. Today, I'm going to tell you about the final 3. Remember, the winner of the giveaway wins all of the prizes from the 12 sponsors. If there is something in the package that you don't particularly want or need, I'll have a second chance drawing for that or those items.

I love using all natural, safe, toxin-free products. And that's one of the reasons why I love Leaf & Bud Naturals. The other reason is Allin and Cat, the wonderful couple who are Leaf & Bud.

Al and Cat were excited about taking part in the giveaway and offered a product that made me wish I could enter the contest: 100% Pure Acai Berry Eye Cream. This is something I actually need!

Acai berries are packed with antioxidant and this moisturizing eye cream is concentrated with 15% Vitamin C and 15% Vitamin E. Then there's the cooling cucumber, rose, calendula and nourishing white tea. What skin damage? That's what you just might be saying after a few weeks using this eye cream.

Product Features

• no artificial fragrances or parabens
• no synthetic chemicals, petro-chemicals or any other toxins
• Enriched with vitamins C & E
• 100% Natural
• 100% Vegetarian
• Gluten Free

Want 5 extra chances to win this amazing eye cream, as well as all the other great prizes? Simply 'like' Leaf & Bud Naturals on FB and post a comment letting me know you did.

Another product I'm thrilled to be offering in the prize package is Green Salve by Motherlove Herbal Company. As a matter of fact, Julie offered 2 jars of Green Salve -- one for each year! This is one my husband would like to win! He loves Green Salve as you can read about in the review I posted back in November.

Here's how the Motherlove website describes it:

This all natural versatile salve quickly and effectively takes the itch out of insect bites, bee stings and poison ivy. It soothes and eases the discomforts of rashes, chapped and irritated skin. A must for every home! Motherlove’s green salve has a zero rating (zero toxins) on EWG’s skin deep database and is made with 100% certified organic ingredients.


Since Bill's discovery of the wonders of Green Salve, I've discovered my own. This is a product this mother loves!
Okay, you know the drill: 'Like' Motherlove Herbal Company on FB, let me know and 5 extra entries are yours!

The final prize in the package is a $15 gift certificate from Petite Paintbrush, an Etsy company conceived by the talented Jill Stango, an artist, high school art teacher and mother of 2-year-old, Stella, and 7-month-old, Jude. Many of you will remember Jude -- he was the preemie we prayed for long and hard after his birth in January, a full 12-weeks early. He was born weighing only 2 lbs. 8 oz. and I'm happy to report he is thriving and doing well.

This is the second year Jill has donated to the GG anniversary giveaway. Last year, Nicole Olcese, was the winner of the prize package, which included one of my favorite prints of Jill's:

Her adorable kid-friendly paintings and prints add whimsy to any decor. With a $15 gift certificate, the winner of the GG prize package can choose a product that best suits their fancy.

And, of course, I'd fancy it if you'd show Jill some love by 'liking' the Petite Paintbrush FB page. Do so and let me know and you'll paint for yourself 5 pretty extra entries.

Well, that's it for prizes. Pretty awesome, huh? Don't forget to tell your friends, post links, email the giveaway details, etc. And make sure you let the 12 fantastic companies/individuals know how much you appreciate their sponsorship of the contest.

Entries will be accepted through midnight (EST) on Tuesday, August 30th. Then make sure you check back on the blog on Wednesday, August 31st to find out if you won!

Wishing you a restful and fun weekend,

Hana

Review It Wednesday -- with a warning about fluoride

Sometimes, while doing research, I get so bogged down with scary information that I just want to climb into bed and pull the covers up over my head. Let's face it...there's a lot of frightening things going on in this world of ours. Today, we are just going to focus on one of those scary things -- fluoride. Fluoride?! you ask. Yes, fluoride.

Fluoride is quite simply bad for us. But if you are tempted to stop reading, please don't go until you read this warning! According to Dr. William Campbell Douglass of The Douglass Report, The American Dental Association has advised parents not to give fluorinated water to their infants. Why? Oh, simply because it can cause brain damage! I was able to find 24 studies confirming this association between fluoride and brain damage and lowered IQs. The journal Environmental Health Perspectives cites a study that reveals fluoride as a dangerous, brain-destroying toxin. Wonderful. There's more. But first I just want to issue this very serious warning to all of you parents of formula-fed infants, and this is from the Center for Disease Control: Do not, under any circumstances, mix your powdered formula with fluorinated tap water! Use bottled or filtered water only. **Brita filters do not remove fluoride from the water.

Reading Dr. Douglass's discussions on fluoride makes me even happier that my husband bought me a water cooler for my office for Christmas! We have a filter for our water in the refrigerator, but when I am upstairs in my office, I often drink water directly from the bathroom sink. Not anymore!

"Without any solid proof that ingesting fluoride was beneficial for your teeth -- and with no safety tests conducted to determine its potential effects on the rest of your body -- the government moved forward with the mass medication of the country's water supply." -- Dr. William Campbell Douglass

Did you know that not so many years ago, fluoride was actually known as a toxic waste in the United States? It was only approved to be used as an insecticide and as rat poison. And then things changed and the government started adding it to our drinking water. Lovely.

Here are the health issues that have been linked to toxic poisoning from fluoride (according to Dr. Douglass and ActionPA.org):

• ADD/ADHD
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Birth Defects
• Bone Cancer (and other rare forms of cancer)
• Brain Damage
• Dental Fluorosis
• Early Onset of Puberty
• Genetic Damage
• Immune System Alteration
• Kidney Damage
• Liver Damage
• Musculoskeletal Problems
• Skeletal Fluorosis
• Thyroid Disfunction

Alrighty then.... So, what are the chances any of these things will happen to your family? Hopefully slim. I do not have actual statistics. What I have is a list of possibilities that I simply do not want to chance. And I have a stack of papers on my desk citing countless studies, including one done by researchers at Harvard School of Dental Medicine that linked fluoridation with an increased risk of fatal bone cancer in young men. In 2006, the National Academy of Sciences agreed with these findings.

Environmental Groups and Environmental Protection Agency professionals unions have voiced a united opposition to fluoridation and have called for a national moratorium on drinking water fluoridation programs.

Perhaps the most common side-effect children experience from too much fluoride is dental fluorosis, a condition where the teeth become pitted and the tooth enamel is mottled with white, yellow or brown marks. The results can be unsightly and require expensive cosmetic dental work.

But will your kids have less cavities? Perhaps. But perhaps not. The jury's still out on that. While many dentists are blaming an increase in cavities on kids drinking bottled water, there are just as many dental professionals who say there is no proof that fluoride does anything for the teeth...especially ingesting it!

So what does all this have to do with Review It Wednesday? Well, it has to do with toothpaste and whether or not you should skip the fluoride. I, personally, have chosen to go with natual toothpastes that are free of any chemically engineered synthetic flavors or dyes. And they are free of fluoride! Not only are they better for me, for you and for our families, but they're better for the environment as well.

The kind folks at Leaf & Bud Naturals in Canada kindly sent me a couple of tubes of Green Beaver toothpaste to try. I started off using the Cilantro Mint Paste. After a couple of weeks, I contacted Al at Leaf & Bud and mentioned to him that I liked it, but wasn't happy with the bad breath I was experiencing in the middle of the night. Quite honestly, he was surprised by this, since cilantro is a natural breath freshener. He suggested I switch to the Green Apple Paste, which I did. And guess what? It worked.

Both toothpastes left my teeth feeling incredibly clean -- there really is a difference when you're not coating your teeth with chemicals -- and I liked the flavors, although I must admit, the thought of green apple toothpaste did not appeal to me. But I am officially a convert. I was using one of the natural toothpastes from Tom's of Maine and did not like the color or taste. In the past, when I was done brushing my teeth with Colgate or Crest or whatever name brand I had in the house at the time, I had to rinse out my mouth really well, which was introducing even more fluoride into my mouth! With the two Green Beaver pastes I've tried, I have found I don't need to rinse my mouth at all.

And here's a silly little reason why I really like them, too. Have you ever brushed your teeth in the morning and then downed a glass of orange juice for breakfast? Yuck! The combination of chemically-flavored mint with the tangy taste of citrus just isn't pleasant. However, if you brush your teeth with Green Beaver Green Apple Toothpaste, the orange juice tastes like...well...orange juice. Ahhh.

So I have given you plenty of reasons to forego the fluoride. Now I have provided a viable alternative. The Green Beaver toothpastes run $5.95 for a 75ml tube and you won't find better customer service than you'll get from Leaf & Bud Naturals. They also sell natural mouthwashes and dental floss, although I've not tried them.

That's it for this Wednesday. Think I'll go pour a glass of some nice cold, filtered water!

Keeping it green,

Hana

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, pharmacist, chemist, nutritionist, or any other kind of health care practitioner. I am just a blogger who cares about the health of my friends and family, as well as the environment. I do my best to present accurate facts, but it is always best to do some research on your own and, when in doubt, to talk with your doctor...especially when the well-being of your children is involved.

Review It Wednesday

Disclaimer: Leaf & Bud Naturals
provided this product
for my review at no cost

Welcome to a new feature on the blog -- Review It Wednesdays.

Today I want to give two thumbs up to a product that was sent to me last month by Leaf & Bud Naturals. Without knowing how I feel about massage oils, Allin and Trina sent me a massage bar that offered the remedy I have been waiting for. You see, I love massages. What I don't love is the messiness of massage oils. I mean...yuck!

The perfect solution? An all natural massage bar that is free of any chemical preservatives. Leaf & Bud Naturals carries a whole line of natural and organic therapy and treatment products, including the Relief Massage Bar designed to offer penetrating relief for sore, achy muscles. And guess what? It works.

About a week before Christmas, I started having pain in my lower back that was indicative of sciatica. I suffered through the pain for a few days and then one night, I decided to give the massage bar a try. I warmed the bar in my hands until it started to melt and then rubbed the healing lotion up and down along the sciatic nerve. Within minutes, literally, the pain started to subside. I repeated this a couple times a day for a few days until the pain disappeared completely. Was it a coincidence? I really don't know. All I know is that the pain was gone and I didn't have to take pain killers or use anything toxic to give me relief.

Relief. That's the name of the massage bar I used -- Kali Spice Relief Massage Bar. A product of Canada, it comes from a company called Mountain Sky and is made from all natural ingredients:

• Theobroma Cocoa Butter
• Butyspermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
• Beeswax
• Camphor
• Cinnamomum Zelanicum Oil
• Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil
• Mentha Pepperita (Peppermint) Oil
• Eucalyptus Globulus Oil
• Steric Acid

The essential oils are released as they are heated by your body's own temperature. The smell is delicious and there is absolutely no greasy, oily mess. I love this product! Really. I do.

My cats even purr out their approval. If you have a cat, you know how they react to perfumey scents -- they run away as quickly as they can. However, mine seem to like the scent of the Relief Massage Bar. They even let me rub the foil wrapper, which is infused with the smell from the butter and essential oils, all over their fur. So, how much more of an endorsement do you need?

And the massage bar is not just for the relief of aches and pains! It is perfect for moisturizing dry and chapped skin. It is also ideal for adding a touch of romance to your marriage. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, this is a mighty fine gift idea for the love of your life. Of course, you will have to throw in a massage along with it!

You can buy the bar separately on the website for $5.50 (plus S&H) or as part of a gift set, coupled with a bar of Kali Spice Soap for $11.50. Or, if you are going to go with my Valentine's Day gift suggestion, you might want to check out the other massage bars on Leaf & Bud Naturals' site: Lavander Bliss (relaxing and refreshing) or Desire, Wild Rose (stimulating, soothing, romantic).

So that's it for this first Review It Wednesday. Two thumbs up for the Kali Spice Relief Massage Bar. You can't do any better than that! And you can't shop for it on a better site than Leaf & Bud Naturals. Tell them Green Grandma sent you!

Keeping it green,

Hana

The government will keep you safe from toxins...NOT!

What does Europe have that American's don't? A union that is working for the health of its people and the environment. The European Union enforces recycling and safety regulations that are unheard of here in the U.S. Well, maybe not unheard of, but certainly widely ignored.

Did you know that the toxic products we use here in the States have health-friendly and eco-friendly alternatives, that we make here in the U.S. but are exported to countries that apparently care more about their citizens. These safer versions are being sold to Europeans, Japanese and -- are you ready for this -- Mexicans!

From personal care products (that you've heard me rant about before) to toys, automobiles, food and even computers, American companies are producing duplicate versions of each -- one loaded with toxins and environmentally-unfriendly gunk, and the other free of those things. Why? Because those other countries would stop buying our products otherwise. But here in the good ol' U.S. of A., our government continues to allow companies to poison the men, women, children and environment here.

This makes me angry. Unless you've already rid your home of the culprits, most of you will find dozens of things in your cupboards and cabinets that are known carcinogens. Doesn't that make you sick? It does me. But don't take my word for it. Take a virtual stroll over to the website for the Environmental Working Group and type in some of the ten-plus syllable ingredients in some of your personal care items...or disposable diapers, for that matter. We are unwittingly exposing our children to things that cause cancer everyday!!

According to Mark Schapiro, author of EXPOSED, other countries don't even want our stuff anymore...at least not the stuff we consumers are buying in the U.S. The reason? Because they refuse to expose their citizens to the toxins in our Made in America products. Ouch. Recycling and safety regulations are so stringent in other countries, compared to our lacksadasical ones. An example Schapiro cites in the book regards the components in electronic equipment. Travel outside of the U.S. and you'll find these items are lead- and mercury-free and are made of reusable materials.

While Europeans tend to try to avoid injury by eliminating toxins, American policy makers spend their time analyzing the cost/benefit -- i.e. How much will it cost to change over to non-toxic substances vs. What is the potential cost to human health.  Doesn't that just give you the warm fuzzies? So glad our government agencies care so much about us.

The fact is most of the toxins in our personal care products in the United States are banned in other countries. Yes, you read that correctly -- banned!! This news is beyond disturbing.

Proctor & Gamble was mentioned in the book after Schapiro met with one of their executives. He asked why phthalates were still in their nail polishes, despite the known fact that they are endocrine disruptors? Well, because, according to this unnamed executive, that's the way the consumers wanted it. Eventually, the phthalates were eliminated...but it was a hush-hush deal. P&G was afraid of lawsuits if the public knew they dragged their feet on this, despite what they knew for years. Well, we know now...anyone want to start a class action suit? Only kidding...kinda.

If we are honest and realistic, we know why toxic substances continue to pollute our products. It is all about the bottom line. It is always about the bottom line.

So read, read, read your labels. If you don't know what something is, look it up. If you are in the U.S., the government is not going to protect you. Face that fact now, and do all you can to protect yourself and your family. After all, what good is it if you only feed your children organic food, but you lather up their hair with baby shampoos packed full of carcinogens and other toxins?

If you are concerned about the products you use, buy from companies like Leaf & Bud Naturals, Earth Mama Angel Baby or As I Am Naturals. Of course, there are many other natural and safe products out there. Just make sure you do your research before exposing your family to one more unnecessary carcinogen or toxic substance. Their health depends on it!

Keeping it healthy,

Hana

Last chance to enter!

Picture from the Leaf & Bud Naturals website

Well, this evening the winner of our first blogiversary giveaway will be chosen! Will it be you? Not if you haven't entered yet. Entering is fun and easy...just check out Monday's blog to find out how to enter.

I just love the prizes that have been donated! And the companies and individuals who chose to participate are at the top of favorites list!

For instance, Leaf & Bud Naturals, a Canadian company, is donating a luscious 100% natural lip gloss. Leaf & Bud Naturals has a really cool website where you can learn a lot about why you should choose natural skin care products and avoid the toxins found in most commercial products. I love how they boldly state that you don't need to read the label...they've already done it for you!

The celebration continues...

It is a beautiful morning in Pittsburgh. I'm sitting out on my porch watching and listening to the birds as they take turns at the bird feeder. Today I've seen chickadees (my mom's favorites), nuthatches, sparrows (a reminder that God's watching over me), and cardinals. The squirrels are chasing each other up and down one of the oak trees and a doe has positioned herself about fifty feet away from me with her two fawn. What a perfect way to start the work week....

Another perfect way is to remind you of the giveaway that is happening right now on Green Grandma!! I will use Random.org to choose one lucky winner on Thursday evening. You have until 5 p.m. EST to enter the contest.

Qualify to win this amazing prize package by visiting each of the participating companies' websites and letting me know (via comments on the blog or on Facebook) what your favorite products are on each. Think about it as virtual window shopping...and then pass the list on to your loved ones for future gift buying. Oh, and if you're not already a follower of the blog and a "liker" on FB, sign up so you can qualify. If you don't have a Facebook page, but you're a follower here, just let me know when you post your comment and you'll be entered as well. Twitter followers earn extra entries by retweeting the giveaway posts as well.