Great site! I actually signed up and indeed got a free packet of sunflower seeds! I am definitely planning on planting them when the spring comes. Definitely worth checking it out folks!
"The Great Sunflower Project, a study on bee pollination in Canada and the U.S., is looking for thousands of citizen scientists for its second year of data collection.
Scientists are seeking help to study sunflowers and bees.
Last year, 1,200 volunteers across the United States and Canada planted sunflowers and recorded the bee species and frequency of visits. This year, project organizers hope to involve 100,000 volunteers. Resulting data, which will be stored at San Francisco State University, will be used to analyze the health of bee populations in North America.
It is the first coast-to-coast study on bee populations. Data collection in 2008 involved public school classes, gardening clubs, civic groups, nature museums and gardeners from cities, rural areas and suburbs who planted a total of 25,000 sunflowers. Of 4,000 total bee sightings reported, 60 percent were honeybees and 30 percent bumblebees.
"We want to find out which populations are thriving and which are not,” said Dr. Gretchen LeBuhn, an associate professor of biology at San Francisco State and the Sunflower Project’s Queen Bee. "It would be helpful to know what environmental factors may affect native bee populations.”
The project welcomes two new partners. Discover Life, an online shared data site, will enable participants to submit photos of the bees and their sunflowers to create online digital vouchers and contribute to an online collection of images as well as the project’s database. A partnership with the National Phenology Network will help the researchers determine whether climate and environmental changes lead to disruptions of plant pollination.
Everyone who signs up for the project will receive a free kit containing data forms, a guide to gardening for pollinators, educational materials and a packet of sunflower seeds. The kits can be obtained from the Great Sunflower Project Web site, www.greatsunflower.org, or by calling (415) 405-2409."
http://newsok.com/bee-study-creating-a-buzz/article/3364252
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Mountain Rose Herbs
Today I recieved my package of goodies from Mountain Rose Herbs.
It is such a treat when I am able to get anything from them. The following information is all taken from their website.
Shea Butter
I had run out of my raw/unrefined Shea Butter I always there. One 4 oz. container can last me almost a year and that's with me using it daily! A little goes a long way with their butters. It also has a distinct nut like scent which I love.
Benefits:
Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:
* Dry skin
* Stretch marks
* Itchy skin, skin rashes, Eczema, and Dermatitis
* Sunburn
* Small skin wounds
* Damaged skin
* Rough skin (such as on feet)
* Insect bites
* Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
* Wrinkles and signs of ageing
* Chapped skin from cold weather
* Dry or over processed hair
* Diaper rash
* Skin allergies
* Frost bite
In addition, Shea Butter offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF-6), and may be incorporated into natural sunscreen recipes. Because of its soothing nature, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects, it is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your bodycare recipes and skin care regime. It is also wonderful to use in the summer as a moisturizer before and after sun exposure to reduce possibility of the skin peeling or becoming dried out.
Cocoa Butter
I also got raw/unrefined Cocoa Butter. All I can say is WOW! I never got 100% cocoa butter before and it smelled so delicious. It is actually food grade quality and you can not only use it for the body but also incorparate it into food recipes.
Benefits
Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants that give it a long shelf life of over 3 years. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Cocoa Butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. For centuries pregnant women have used to Cocoa Butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations. Lotions and oils containing Cocoa Butter are often used in aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and the feeling well-being. Research indicates that massaging the skin with Cocoa Butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because Cocoa Butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP and there is some evidence that the CMP in Cocoa Butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms. Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams. It is also a folk remedy for burns, cough, dry lips, fever, malaria, rheumatism, snakebite and wounds. It is reported to be antiseptic and diuretic.
* Cocoa Butter is has a melting point at human body temperature, is edible and nutritious which presents many industrial uses.
* Cocoa Butter is a superb moisturizer which slows down moisture loss.
* Cocoa Butter is known for its hydrating effects,
* Cocoa Butter is also gentle on the skin and has a pleasing aroma.
* Cocoa Butter is excellent when used on dry skin or on wrinkles.
* Cocoa Butter's Emollient properties great in soap making and lotions.
* Cocoa Butter is hard at room temperature.
* Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams.
* Cocoa Butter is easily absorbs into the skin and imparts sheen.
Mango Butter
I also decided to get Mango Butter. It seemed so different and exotic to lather myself with that!
Benefits:
Mango Butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango Butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Reasons to use Mango Butter
* - Effectively treats dry skin
* - Heals skin rash
* - Heals skin peeling, after tanning
* - Clears blemishes and wrinkles
* - Relieves itching skin
* - Heals sunburn
* - Shaving cream for a smooth shave
* - Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
* - Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
* - Fights frost bite
* - Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
* - Relieves insect bites
* - Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
* - Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
* - Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
* - Treats eczema and dermatitis
* - Fights off fine lines and wrinkles
Other things I purchased was Sweet Almond Oil, Neem Oil (to make homemade bug repellent), Kukui Nut Oil (for extra dry skin and fine lines/wrinkles/sunburn), and Clary Sage, Lavender and Patchouli essential oil. To top it off, I also got Myrrh and Frankincense gum resin.
What I love about this company is they supply the finest quality herbs, oils etc. Everything is organic if possible. The company feels very strongly about Fair Trade and incorporate it even further by implementing something they call Good Trade which they "feel more fully protects the growers and harvesters financial interests."
They also donate each year for charitable giving, sponsorships, community functions, conservation work, and plant related projects.
"Mountain Rose Herbs became the first U.S. supplier of Fair Trade Certified medicinal herbs and we will continue to pursue our commitment to transparent and fair exchanges between growers and ourselves through the Transfair program. In addition to this we offer an enormous selection of Fair Trade teas thus securing a portion of the sale to agricultural communities that have been traditionally exploited for generations"
And the list goes on with recycling, zero waste, a chemical free facility to even a carpooling and bicycle program for its employees.
If you haven't been to their site, it is definitely worth checking out. They also have great prices!
They are one of my favorite places to shop online by far!
www.mountainroseherbs.com
It is such a treat when I am able to get anything from them. The following information is all taken from their website.
Shea Butter
I had run out of my raw/unrefined Shea Butter I always there. One 4 oz. container can last me almost a year and that's with me using it daily! A little goes a long way with their butters. It also has a distinct nut like scent which I love.
Benefits:
Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:
* Dry skin
* Stretch marks
* Itchy skin, skin rashes, Eczema, and Dermatitis
* Sunburn
* Small skin wounds
* Damaged skin
* Rough skin (such as on feet)
* Insect bites
* Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
* Wrinkles and signs of ageing
* Chapped skin from cold weather
* Dry or over processed hair
* Diaper rash
* Skin allergies
* Frost bite
In addition, Shea Butter offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF-6), and may be incorporated into natural sunscreen recipes. Because of its soothing nature, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects, it is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your bodycare recipes and skin care regime. It is also wonderful to use in the summer as a moisturizer before and after sun exposure to reduce possibility of the skin peeling or becoming dried out.
Cocoa Butter
I also got raw/unrefined Cocoa Butter. All I can say is WOW! I never got 100% cocoa butter before and it smelled so delicious. It is actually food grade quality and you can not only use it for the body but also incorparate it into food recipes.
Benefits
Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants that give it a long shelf life of over 3 years. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Cocoa Butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. For centuries pregnant women have used to Cocoa Butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations. Lotions and oils containing Cocoa Butter are often used in aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and the feeling well-being. Research indicates that massaging the skin with Cocoa Butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because Cocoa Butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP and there is some evidence that the CMP in Cocoa Butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms. Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams. It is also a folk remedy for burns, cough, dry lips, fever, malaria, rheumatism, snakebite and wounds. It is reported to be antiseptic and diuretic.
* Cocoa Butter is has a melting point at human body temperature, is edible and nutritious which presents many industrial uses.
* Cocoa Butter is a superb moisturizer which slows down moisture loss.
* Cocoa Butter is known for its hydrating effects,
* Cocoa Butter is also gentle on the skin and has a pleasing aroma.
* Cocoa Butter is excellent when used on dry skin or on wrinkles.
* Cocoa Butter's Emollient properties great in soap making and lotions.
* Cocoa Butter is hard at room temperature.
* Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams.
* Cocoa Butter is easily absorbs into the skin and imparts sheen.
Mango Butter
I also decided to get Mango Butter. It seemed so different and exotic to lather myself with that!
Benefits:
Mango Butter has natural emollient properties, high oxidative ability, wound healing, and regenerative activity due to its high unsaponiable. Mango Butter has been traditionally used in the rainforests and tropics for its skin softening, soothing, moisturizing and protective properties and to restore flexibility and reduce degeneration of skin cells. It has a protective effect against UV radiation. Mango Butter will provide improvements and benefits in all the conditions listed below. As you use this butter you are likely to discover additional uses. Dermatologists often recommend Mango Butter for treatment of wrinkles, as most people who use it will notice decreased signs of aging and the disappearance of lines and wrinkles within 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Reasons to use Mango Butter
* - Effectively treats dry skin
* - Heals skin rash
* - Heals skin peeling, after tanning
* - Clears blemishes and wrinkles
* - Relieves itching skin
* - Heals sunburn
* - Shaving cream for a smooth shave
* - Treats small skin wounds and skin cracks
* - Moisturizes and smoothes tough or rough skin
* - Fights frost bite
* - Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy
* - Relieves insect bites
* - Promotes healthy rejuvenated skin
* - Heals muscle fatigue, aches and tension
* - Relieves skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
* - Treats eczema and dermatitis
* - Fights off fine lines and wrinkles
Other things I purchased was Sweet Almond Oil, Neem Oil (to make homemade bug repellent), Kukui Nut Oil (for extra dry skin and fine lines/wrinkles/sunburn), and Clary Sage, Lavender and Patchouli essential oil. To top it off, I also got Myrrh and Frankincense gum resin.
What I love about this company is they supply the finest quality herbs, oils etc. Everything is organic if possible. The company feels very strongly about Fair Trade and incorporate it even further by implementing something they call Good Trade which they "feel more fully protects the growers and harvesters financial interests."
They also donate each year for charitable giving, sponsorships, community functions, conservation work, and plant related projects.
"Mountain Rose Herbs became the first U.S. supplier of Fair Trade Certified medicinal herbs and we will continue to pursue our commitment to transparent and fair exchanges between growers and ourselves through the Transfair program. In addition to this we offer an enormous selection of Fair Trade teas thus securing a portion of the sale to agricultural communities that have been traditionally exploited for generations"
And the list goes on with recycling, zero waste, a chemical free facility to even a carpooling and bicycle program for its employees.
If you haven't been to their site, it is definitely worth checking out. They also have great prices!
They are one of my favorite places to shop online by far!
www.mountainroseherbs.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Dragonfruit
So the other day I was at the store and bought a Dragonfruit. I had seen them before but never purchased them. Something just compelled me this time and I am so glad I did.
I let it sit a few days and when it seemed perfectly ripe, I decided today was the day I would try it. So I went online to find some information on the proper way to cut and eat it since it was so new and exotic to me.
"Dragon fruit is a beautiful fruit grown in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Israel. It is actually the fruit of a type of cactus, and the fruit comes in 3 colors: 2 have pink skin, but with different colored flesh (one white, the other red), while another type is yellow with white flesh. Dragon fruit is low in calories and offers numerous nutrients, including Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, plus fiber and antioxidants.
Dragon fruit tastes wonderful! - sweet and crunchy, with a flavor that's like a cross between kiwi and pear."
Wow! I was so excited to try it! So I followed the directions and was able to easily cut it in half. Scooping it out was so easy and it reminded me of scooping an avocado where it perfectly comes out of the skin.
I sliced and cubed then served. It was delicious! It definitely is similar in taste to a kiwi especially with the edible black seeds. It also had slight undertones of melon. A perfect refreshing fruit for a hot summer day!
My son loves kiwi, but unfortunately refused to try this. I hope I can convince him because he is sure missing out!
It was a fun treat and a new experience to eat this bespeckled seeded fruit! If you haven't tried it yet, it's something I definitely recommend!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Dangers in Hair Coloring and Safer Alternatives
Many consumers are growing in their watchfulness as to what goes in their bodies, but health can be as greatly impacted by what goes on their bodies. We already realize that chemicals in cosmetics such as skin creams can break through the skin barrier, but what about the chemicals in hair coloring? In response to recent bad press about hair dyes, many have turned to semi-permanent solutions. However, there is reason to question the safety in the substances used in these products as well. If you are among the 50% of women who color their hair, or a man who covers his gray, you might want to do more investigation into your favorite hair coloring.
Europe seems to be well ahead of the U.S. in its members' responses to potentially dangerous chemicals in cosmetics and body care products. Last year on December 1st, a ban on 22 hair dye substances issued by the European Commission, a body that drafts legislation for the European Union, took effect. These substances had been linked to bladder cancer in a 2001 University of Southern California study. Commented European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, who is responsible for enterprise and industry policy, "Substances for which there is no proof that they are safe will disappear from the market. Our high safety standards do not only protect EU consumers, they also give legal certainty to the European cosmetics industry." The United States, however, has not required manufacturers to file data on ingredients or report cosmetic-related injuries.
This ban was the first concrete step taken by the EU as the result of a 2003 agreement to establish a positive list of hair dye substances which are considered safe for human health. The agreement called for the Commission to ban all permanent and non-permanent hair dyes for which industry has not submitted any safety files and those for which the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) has given a negative opinion.
In a public consultation the Commission had asked cosmetics producers to provide safety files for their substances, based on scientific expertise, which proved that a substance did not pose a health risk for consumers. Though the industry submitted 115 files on hair dye substances for evaluation by the scientific committee, such safety files for the 22 banned hair dye ingredients were not submitted. The committee also recommended an overall safety assessment strategy for hair dyes, in addition to testing the ingredients for their potential genotoxicity or mutagenicity. The banned substances include:
* 6-Methoxy-2,3-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt
* 2,3-Naphthalenediol
* 2,4-Diaminodiphenylamine
* 2,6-Bis(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-Pyridinediamine
* 2-Methoxymethyl-p-Aminophenol
* 4,5-Diamino-1-Methylpyrazole and its HCl salt
* 4,5-Diamino-1-((4-Chlorophenyl)Methyl)-1H-Pyrazole Sulfate
* 4-Chloro-2-Aminophenol
* 4-Hydroxyindole
* 4-Methoxytoluene-2,5-Diamine and its HCl salt
* 5-Amino-4-Fluoro-2-Methylphenol Sulfate
* N,N-Diethyl-m-Aminophenol
* N,N-Dimethyl-2,6-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt
* N-Cyclopentyl-m-Aminophenol
* N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine and its HCl salt
* 2,4-Diamino-5-methylphenetol and its HCl salt
* 1,7-Naphthalenediol
* 3,4-Diaminobenzoic acid
* 2-Aminomethyl-p-aminophenol and its HCl salt
* Solvent Red 1 (CI 12150)
* Acid Orange 24 (CI 20170)
* Acid Red 73 (CI 27290)
The 2001 USC study was not a clinical cancer trial but it did identify the highest risk groups for susceptibility for bladder cancer due to hair dyes. These include women who have used permanent dyes once a month or more for a year or longer and those who have worked as hair dressers or barbers for ten years or more. If the dyes were used for 15 years or more, the risk was tripled. The darkness of the dye also increased the risk.
There have been conflicting results from such studies, but bladder cancer involves some complicated issues. Women flush out carcinogenic ingredients from their bodies at differing rates, and those with slower rates have a higher risk of contracting bladder cancer. About half of the Caucasians in the U.S. have slow-flushing genes. Also, bladder cancer takes more time to show up following exposure to a carcinogen, usually about 30 years as opposed to 15 to 20 years for most cancers.
When the FDA learned that rats fed the coal tars used in dark hair dyes contracted cancer, they asked for warning labels to be placed on dye packages. Instead, the industry decided to substitute other chemicals for the coal tars. Researchers doubt that the petroleum-derived chemicals are any safer, however. What's more, the National Cancer Institute has discovered a connection between hair dyes, especially dark ones, and the group of cancers that impact blood and lymph nodes, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. More studies are looking at these connections, since a connection does not in any way prove causality.
The most problematic hair dye ingredient is a family of chemicals called Arylamines. Arylamines are a known risk factor for bladder cancer and have been found to cause cancer in experimental animals. One of these is p-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is listed on the box of even non-permanent "natural" products. It is an important ingredient in hair coloring because it lasts through many washings and perming is possible with it. PPD hair dyes usually come packaged as 2 bottles, one containing the PPD dye preparation and the other containing the developer or oxidizer. PPD is a colorless substance that requires oxygen for it to become colored. It is this intermediate, partially oxidized state that may cause allergy in sensitive individuals. Fully oxidized PPD is not a sensitizer, so individuals with PPD allergy can wear wigs or fur coats dyed with PPD safely.
Another factor involves the mixing of hydrogen peroxide with ammonia. Research has found that this combination may create potentially carcinogenic chemicals that don't normally exist in the two liquids prior to mixing them together.
A third factor is that the darker dyes are more challenging as they contain greater levels of chemicals. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) stated that skin contact with PPD should be prevented in order to avoid the allergic reactions, and indeed, the FDA has NOT approved its use for direct skin application. This is an oxymoron, though, as it is next to impossible to avoid contact with the skin when applying hair color.
While carcinogenic evidence might be unconvincing at this time, one must not overlook the dangers in allergic reactions. We tend to dismiss allergies as something we can deal with, but they can be deadly in many ways. The most common allergic reactions to hair dye chemicals are dermatitis of the eyes, ears, scalp and face, which may include a rash, extreme swelling and a severe burning sensation on the scalp. More severe reactions include cross-sensitization and in rare cases, death. Cross-sensitization means that it not only makes you sensitive to PPD but you become responsive to all of its chemical cousins. This includes most textile dyes, pen ink, gasoline, oil, food dyes, medication dyes, preservatives like Parabens, and some drugs (all caine drugs such as Benzocaine and Novacaine), Sulfonamides, sulfones, sulfa drugs, and Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
One last cross-reactor is fragrance, since so many of these contain related chemicals. Just because a person does not seem to have a reaction after using a product several times does not guarantee cross-sensitization will not occur after the next usage. In fact, it might not occur until the 25th time the product is used. The only way to use such products without worrying about an allergic reaction is to do the patch test every time one colors their hair, at least 72 hours in advance. Not many people actually do this, and it would be very difficult for a salon to do so.
Basically, about 400 out of the 456 hair colors ranked in the Skin Deep cosmetics database of the Environmental Working Group are considered high hazard, which means they contain toxic ingredients linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, organ toxicity, in addition to the allergic problems already discussed.
The safe alternatives for hair coloring can be categorized as safer and safest. The industry has taken out some of the chemicals by producing semi-permanent coloring. Still, as previously mentioned, these products usually contain p-phenylenediamine, hydrogen peroxide and resorcinol. Although the amount of chemicals is of a lesser degree and may be less hazardous, there is still no evidence to back this up. Since the darker the hair coloring, the more problematic, it is also safer to go blonde or use highlighting only. Whatever is used, it has been recommended to drink a liter of water afterward to help flush out the toxins.
There is a safer alternative that so far produces no health concerns. One can use vegetable-based rinses which act by coating the hair shaft with botanical extracts such as blackberry, boysenberry, licorice root, chaparral, nettle, red sorrel, black walnut and other color pigments. These substances do not penetrate the hair shaft, plus they give the hair more shine and make it feel thicker and fuller. The coating action may also aid in protecting the hair from environmental elements such as sun, salt, chlorine and assorted pollutants. Safety tests have found that these rinses contain the least amount of synthetic chemicals of any hair dyes. The down side is that the effect is short-lived, lasting only a few weeks.
Safer alternatives to ammonia and peroxide are being developed. One company's organic and mineral research laboratory has found a way of making peroxide from avocado oil and it is far less irritating to the skin. They have also discovered an alternative to ammonia. Derived from coconut oil, it isn't irritating and has no nasty smell. Look for products that are ammonia and peroxide-free and use vegetable-based dyes. A search on the web for "natural hair colorings" should turn up a few good leads. Two examples are Planet Organic and Aveda. Some of these companies state that their formulas provide longer lasting color than the older vegetable rinses.
Many people have tried henna as a solution. Henna's effect lasts longer than a vegetable rinse and adds a wonderful shine, highlights and bounce to the hair. Henna products, which are gluten-free and animal-cruelty-free, are not always a red color, but all henna contains and imparts a little red. Today this natural dye comes in a wide array of shades, not just red, but will not lighten hair. Henna enhances your natural color rather than totally covering it, which allows some of your natural highlights to come through. The coating and sealing advantages mentioned above are inherent with henna.
On a related issue, the consumer still needs to be careful when selecting henna products, at least in regard to henna tattoos. Recently, PPD received bad press when it was used to darken henna tattoos and caused numerous disfiguring scars. The FDA states that this "black henna" may contain the "coal tar" color p-phenylenediamine.
As an alternative to henna, one can create a non-toxic infusion by boiling certain herbs in water and then cooling and straining prior to using the rinse. Other rinses can be derived from many ingredients easily found in most kitchen pantries (http://www.ewg.org/node/22586) .
For Brunette shades, rinse hair with one of these suggestions:
* The cooled water left after boiling unpeeled potatoes
* Teas made from rosemary, sage, raspberry leaves, parsley, or catnip
* Black coffee or black tea
* An infusion of tea, walnuts and coffee
* An infusion of apple cider vinegar, rosemary and coffee
For Blonde shades, rinse hair with:
* Infusions or teas made from Saffron, Turmeric, Calendula (marigold), Mullein
* An infusion of Avena Sativa (oat straw), Licorice Root and Saffron
* Chamomile tea
* Water from boiling chopped rhubarb in water, cooling, and straining
For red shades, rinse hair with:
* Cool, strong black coffee
* Teas made from rosehips, red hibiscus, calendula or saffron
For gray shades, rinse hair with:
* A Hollyhock infusion or Betony rinse to remove the yellow from gray hair.
When it comes to cosmetics and safety, the consumer must keep in mind that there is no U.S. governmental agency regulating products in this category. The FDA can only make recommendations about unsafe chemicals; it is up to the cosmetic companies themselves to do the research into an ingredient's safety or potential dangers. Consumers can draw their own conclusions, but when one looks at Europe and other countries to see what is regulated and compares this list to the list of ingredients on the packages on our drug store shelves, it is cause for concern. The discrepancy makes it hard to trust the industry.
As always, it is up to you, the consumer, to do the research and to become responsible for your own health, in regard to what goes on your body in addition to what goes in it.
Related resources:
NIOSH, (www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0495.html)
(www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acd/ppd.html)
FDA, (www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tatt.html)
(www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/ppdmed.html)
(www.ewg.org) and (www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/)
Recipes for hair infusions and rinses - Geocities/Heartland/Prairie, (www.longlocks.com) and Vegfamily
About the author:
Cathy Sherman is a freelance writer with a major interest in natural health and in encouraging others to take responsibility for their health. She can be reached through www.devardoc.com.
Europe seems to be well ahead of the U.S. in its members' responses to potentially dangerous chemicals in cosmetics and body care products. Last year on December 1st, a ban on 22 hair dye substances issued by the European Commission, a body that drafts legislation for the European Union, took effect. These substances had been linked to bladder cancer in a 2001 University of Southern California study. Commented European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen, who is responsible for enterprise and industry policy, "Substances for which there is no proof that they are safe will disappear from the market. Our high safety standards do not only protect EU consumers, they also give legal certainty to the European cosmetics industry." The United States, however, has not required manufacturers to file data on ingredients or report cosmetic-related injuries.
This ban was the first concrete step taken by the EU as the result of a 2003 agreement to establish a positive list of hair dye substances which are considered safe for human health. The agreement called for the Commission to ban all permanent and non-permanent hair dyes for which industry has not submitted any safety files and those for which the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) has given a negative opinion.
In a public consultation the Commission had asked cosmetics producers to provide safety files for their substances, based on scientific expertise, which proved that a substance did not pose a health risk for consumers. Though the industry submitted 115 files on hair dye substances for evaluation by the scientific committee, such safety files for the 22 banned hair dye ingredients were not submitted. The committee also recommended an overall safety assessment strategy for hair dyes, in addition to testing the ingredients for their potential genotoxicity or mutagenicity. The banned substances include:
* 6-Methoxy-2,3-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt
* 2,3-Naphthalenediol
* 2,4-Diaminodiphenylamine
* 2,6-Bis(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-Pyridinediamine
* 2-Methoxymethyl-p-Aminophenol
* 4,5-Diamino-1-Methylpyrazole and its HCl salt
* 4,5-Diamino-1-((4-Chlorophenyl)Methyl)-1H-Pyrazole Sulfate
* 4-Chloro-2-Aminophenol
* 4-Hydroxyindole
* 4-Methoxytoluene-2,5-Diamine and its HCl salt
* 5-Amino-4-Fluoro-2-Methylphenol Sulfate
* N,N-Diethyl-m-Aminophenol
* N,N-Dimethyl-2,6-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt
* N-Cyclopentyl-m-Aminophenol
* N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine and its HCl salt
* 2,4-Diamino-5-methylphenetol and its HCl salt
* 1,7-Naphthalenediol
* 3,4-Diaminobenzoic acid
* 2-Aminomethyl-p-aminophenol and its HCl salt
* Solvent Red 1 (CI 12150)
* Acid Orange 24 (CI 20170)
* Acid Red 73 (CI 27290)
The 2001 USC study was not a clinical cancer trial but it did identify the highest risk groups for susceptibility for bladder cancer due to hair dyes. These include women who have used permanent dyes once a month or more for a year or longer and those who have worked as hair dressers or barbers for ten years or more. If the dyes were used for 15 years or more, the risk was tripled. The darkness of the dye also increased the risk.
There have been conflicting results from such studies, but bladder cancer involves some complicated issues. Women flush out carcinogenic ingredients from their bodies at differing rates, and those with slower rates have a higher risk of contracting bladder cancer. About half of the Caucasians in the U.S. have slow-flushing genes. Also, bladder cancer takes more time to show up following exposure to a carcinogen, usually about 30 years as opposed to 15 to 20 years for most cancers.
When the FDA learned that rats fed the coal tars used in dark hair dyes contracted cancer, they asked for warning labels to be placed on dye packages. Instead, the industry decided to substitute other chemicals for the coal tars. Researchers doubt that the petroleum-derived chemicals are any safer, however. What's more, the National Cancer Institute has discovered a connection between hair dyes, especially dark ones, and the group of cancers that impact blood and lymph nodes, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. More studies are looking at these connections, since a connection does not in any way prove causality.
The most problematic hair dye ingredient is a family of chemicals called Arylamines. Arylamines are a known risk factor for bladder cancer and have been found to cause cancer in experimental animals. One of these is p-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is listed on the box of even non-permanent "natural" products. It is an important ingredient in hair coloring because it lasts through many washings and perming is possible with it. PPD hair dyes usually come packaged as 2 bottles, one containing the PPD dye preparation and the other containing the developer or oxidizer. PPD is a colorless substance that requires oxygen for it to become colored. It is this intermediate, partially oxidized state that may cause allergy in sensitive individuals. Fully oxidized PPD is not a sensitizer, so individuals with PPD allergy can wear wigs or fur coats dyed with PPD safely.
Another factor involves the mixing of hydrogen peroxide with ammonia. Research has found that this combination may create potentially carcinogenic chemicals that don't normally exist in the two liquids prior to mixing them together.
A third factor is that the darker dyes are more challenging as they contain greater levels of chemicals. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) stated that skin contact with PPD should be prevented in order to avoid the allergic reactions, and indeed, the FDA has NOT approved its use for direct skin application. This is an oxymoron, though, as it is next to impossible to avoid contact with the skin when applying hair color.
While carcinogenic evidence might be unconvincing at this time, one must not overlook the dangers in allergic reactions. We tend to dismiss allergies as something we can deal with, but they can be deadly in many ways. The most common allergic reactions to hair dye chemicals are dermatitis of the eyes, ears, scalp and face, which may include a rash, extreme swelling and a severe burning sensation on the scalp. More severe reactions include cross-sensitization and in rare cases, death. Cross-sensitization means that it not only makes you sensitive to PPD but you become responsive to all of its chemical cousins. This includes most textile dyes, pen ink, gasoline, oil, food dyes, medication dyes, preservatives like Parabens, and some drugs (all caine drugs such as Benzocaine and Novacaine), Sulfonamides, sulfones, sulfa drugs, and Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
One last cross-reactor is fragrance, since so many of these contain related chemicals. Just because a person does not seem to have a reaction after using a product several times does not guarantee cross-sensitization will not occur after the next usage. In fact, it might not occur until the 25th time the product is used. The only way to use such products without worrying about an allergic reaction is to do the patch test every time one colors their hair, at least 72 hours in advance. Not many people actually do this, and it would be very difficult for a salon to do so.
Basically, about 400 out of the 456 hair colors ranked in the Skin Deep cosmetics database of the Environmental Working Group are considered high hazard, which means they contain toxic ingredients linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, organ toxicity, in addition to the allergic problems already discussed.
The safe alternatives for hair coloring can be categorized as safer and safest. The industry has taken out some of the chemicals by producing semi-permanent coloring. Still, as previously mentioned, these products usually contain p-phenylenediamine, hydrogen peroxide and resorcinol. Although the amount of chemicals is of a lesser degree and may be less hazardous, there is still no evidence to back this up. Since the darker the hair coloring, the more problematic, it is also safer to go blonde or use highlighting only. Whatever is used, it has been recommended to drink a liter of water afterward to help flush out the toxins.
There is a safer alternative that so far produces no health concerns. One can use vegetable-based rinses which act by coating the hair shaft with botanical extracts such as blackberry, boysenberry, licorice root, chaparral, nettle, red sorrel, black walnut and other color pigments. These substances do not penetrate the hair shaft, plus they give the hair more shine and make it feel thicker and fuller. The coating action may also aid in protecting the hair from environmental elements such as sun, salt, chlorine and assorted pollutants. Safety tests have found that these rinses contain the least amount of synthetic chemicals of any hair dyes. The down side is that the effect is short-lived, lasting only a few weeks.
Safer alternatives to ammonia and peroxide are being developed. One company's organic and mineral research laboratory has found a way of making peroxide from avocado oil and it is far less irritating to the skin. They have also discovered an alternative to ammonia. Derived from coconut oil, it isn't irritating and has no nasty smell. Look for products that are ammonia and peroxide-free and use vegetable-based dyes. A search on the web for "natural hair colorings" should turn up a few good leads. Two examples are Planet Organic and Aveda. Some of these companies state that their formulas provide longer lasting color than the older vegetable rinses.
Many people have tried henna as a solution. Henna's effect lasts longer than a vegetable rinse and adds a wonderful shine, highlights and bounce to the hair. Henna products, which are gluten-free and animal-cruelty-free, are not always a red color, but all henna contains and imparts a little red. Today this natural dye comes in a wide array of shades, not just red, but will not lighten hair. Henna enhances your natural color rather than totally covering it, which allows some of your natural highlights to come through. The coating and sealing advantages mentioned above are inherent with henna.
On a related issue, the consumer still needs to be careful when selecting henna products, at least in regard to henna tattoos. Recently, PPD received bad press when it was used to darken henna tattoos and caused numerous disfiguring scars. The FDA states that this "black henna" may contain the "coal tar" color p-phenylenediamine.
As an alternative to henna, one can create a non-toxic infusion by boiling certain herbs in water and then cooling and straining prior to using the rinse. Other rinses can be derived from many ingredients easily found in most kitchen pantries (http://www.ewg.org/node/22586) .
For Brunette shades, rinse hair with one of these suggestions:
* The cooled water left after boiling unpeeled potatoes
* Teas made from rosemary, sage, raspberry leaves, parsley, or catnip
* Black coffee or black tea
* An infusion of tea, walnuts and coffee
* An infusion of apple cider vinegar, rosemary and coffee
For Blonde shades, rinse hair with:
* Infusions or teas made from Saffron, Turmeric, Calendula (marigold), Mullein
* An infusion of Avena Sativa (oat straw), Licorice Root and Saffron
* Chamomile tea
* Water from boiling chopped rhubarb in water, cooling, and straining
For red shades, rinse hair with:
* Cool, strong black coffee
* Teas made from rosehips, red hibiscus, calendula or saffron
For gray shades, rinse hair with:
* A Hollyhock infusion or Betony rinse to remove the yellow from gray hair.
When it comes to cosmetics and safety, the consumer must keep in mind that there is no U.S. governmental agency regulating products in this category. The FDA can only make recommendations about unsafe chemicals; it is up to the cosmetic companies themselves to do the research into an ingredient's safety or potential dangers. Consumers can draw their own conclusions, but when one looks at Europe and other countries to see what is regulated and compares this list to the list of ingredients on the packages on our drug store shelves, it is cause for concern. The discrepancy makes it hard to trust the industry.
As always, it is up to you, the consumer, to do the research and to become responsible for your own health, in regard to what goes on your body in addition to what goes in it.
Related resources:
NIOSH, (www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0495.html)
(www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acd/ppd.html)
FDA, (www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tatt.html)
(www.hennapage.com/henna/ppd/ppdmed.html)
(www.ewg.org) and (www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/)
Recipes for hair infusions and rinses - Geocities/Heartland/Prairie, (www.longlocks.com) and Vegfamily
About the author:
Cathy Sherman is a freelance writer with a major interest in natural health and in encouraging others to take responsibility for their health. She can be reached through www.devardoc.com.
Henna for Hair
So right now I am dyeing my hair with all natural Henna. I used to always dye my hair years ago with whatever color I liked at the time and whatever was the cheapest box without thinking twice about the ingredients.
It turns out ALL the hair dye I used is FULL of harmful synthetic chemicals. So, I haven't dyed my hair in a long time with any of them. Check my post above for an interesting article about the dangers of all those popular hair dyes.
Below is information from the very informative website,
Henna for Hair(www.hennaforhair.com)
The site is full of information ranging from the history of Henna to it's uses and even a free PDF giving directions and tips for applying it. I have learned so much and recommend that everyone tries it! I am excited to see my results!
What is Neutral Henna?
Neutral henna, a green powder that smells like freshly cut grass, is neither henna nor neutral. It is Cassia obovata. Cassia obovata contains anthraquinones, particuarly Chrysophanic acid, a remarkable anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. Cassia obovata has a golden dye molecule that will stain dull blonde and gray hair yellow. It will help damaged hair, make hair full, glossy, healthy.
Learn more about Cassia Obovata at:
http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/cassiaobovata.html
What is Red Henna?
Red henna, a green powder that smells like hay, is Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna. The leaves of the henna plant have a red-orange dye molecule, Lawsone, a napthaquinone. Henna will stain your hair red-orange; but this stain is translucent and will combine with your natural color. Body art quality henna has a much higher dye content than the henna usually sold for hair. Henna is the best hair conditioner of all. It will make your hair heavy, thick and silky.
Learn more about henna at http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/
What is Black Henna?
Black henna, a green powder that smells like frozen peas, is neither black nor henna. It is indigo, Indigofera tinctoria.
Learn more about Indigo at http://www.indigopage.com
What kinds of henna are there?
Just Lawsonia inermis. This is the only plant that is actually “real henna” So how did this get so confusing?
Learn about the history of henna for hair: http://www.hennaforhair.com/history/
Then what is Lawsonia alba? ...Lawsonia spinoza/spinosa?
Lawsonia alba and Lawsonia spinoza are misleading older names for Lawsonia Inermis. When henna is a small and immature plant, it has low dye content and is spineless; when mature, it develops spines and higher dye content. Henna plants undergo this change when they are 3 years old. When western botanists saw juvenile and mature henna plants, they thought they were seeing two species, and gave them different botanical names. Lawsonia also has different colors of flowers. The plants with white flowers are sometimes called var. alba, but they are used for dye as are the plants with yellow, pink and red flowers. Learn more about henna flowers HERE: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/flower.html . You can see henna spines HERE: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/ .
Can you get different colors from different parts of the henna plant?
Only henna leaves have dye, and the highest content is in the leaf petiole. There is no dye in the bark, twigs, or rootstock of Lawsonia inermis, and certainly not different colors such as black. The roots of henna are never harvested for dye, as henna is a small tree that is kept in production for many years. Though henna is grown in many different countries, the henna dye molecule is always the same red orange. The leaf’s dye content differs according to climate and soil conditions, so the dye saturation may differ, but henna is not black in one country and red in another country.
Learn more about how henna is grown and processed:
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/geography/
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/geography/indiahenna.html
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/Pakistan/
Then what are Brown, Blonde, and all of those other colors of Henna?
Some Blonde, Brown, Auburn, Mahogany, and other “shades” of henna are mixes of amla, indigo, walnut, rhubarb, and Lawsonia, with other plant or synthetic dyes added, and may have metallic salts added. Many of these products have no henna whatsoever and are chemical dyes. Some commercial brands that claim to be 100% natural may include a bottle of “developer”; beware! This is a completely bogus addition, as far as henna itself is concerned and is the biggest indicator that your product is NOT even close to being 100% pure henna! The labeling on these products is often misleading, inaccurate, false, or entirely missing. The quality is often very poor.
Learn more about what's in henna packaged for hair: http://www.hennaforhair.com/science/whatsinit.html
Learn more about the wide range of hair colors with you can achieve by mixing your own natural dyes: http://www.hennaforhair.com/mixes/
Will using “blonde” henna change my brown hair to blonde?
Absolutely not. A “boxed” hair color will lighten your hair about 2 shades depending on the brand and strength. Those of you brunettes out there that have tried to go blonde with a boxed drugstore hair color are probably familiar with the brassy orange it will give you when the developer does not have the strength to lighten properly! In order to lighten hair’s natural color more than 2 shades or so, it must first be bleached, which cannot be done with pure plant products. You must use bleach and peroxide developer mix. If you have a chemical color that is extremely dark and want to remove it your hairdresser may recommend a color “stripper”. These are effective but very hard on the hair. There are several on the market (one such product is “effesol”) These must be used with extreme care on over processed hair and aren’t recommended at all on permed or chemically straightened hair. This is a strong product and should really be used by a professional to be done properly and with the least damage.
Is henna permanent? Does henna fade out?
Even the most “Permanent” hair products are not truly permanent. Once the henna’s dye has oxidized and reached its final shades, the color is permanently impregnated into the strand. Shampooing, chlorine, blow-drying, will all cause some type of degradation. Because there is a single-compound natural dye in henna, it is far less likely to go brassy or bronze like multiple-compound synthetic dyes, which will degrade and change color after a shorter period of time, and do not bond to the hair in the same way.
As with some chemical dyes, repeated applications of true henna or henna mixes develop a richer, deeper color with each succeeding application. Think of a teaspoonful of coffee in a white cup. It will look very light brown. Add 10 more teaspoonfuls and it looks like dark brown, fill the cup to the top and it looks like “black” coffee. Each application coats the last, changing the depth and bounce of the light wavelengths off your hair and giving the appearance of progressively deeper richer color each time. If you only henna your hair once, it may lighten a few shades from its peak color, but the henna’s essential color will remain until it grows out and is cut off unless it is stripped out with a chemical process.
What is Amla?
Amla is the fruit of the emblica officinalis tree, which is dried and processed for hair and skin products. Amla paste is used as an exfoliating astringent facial scrub, and in conjunction with indigo for adding gloss and curl to black hair.
For more information on Amla, see: http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/amla/
My hairdresser tells me that henna isn’t safe / bad for my hair / needs to be done by an expert.
No such thing. This may be for several factual or speculative reasons, such as:
1) Some brands of henna contain metallic compounds that react with the ammonia activator in synthetic hair dyes. These reactions yield disasters like frog butt green hair, fried and brittle hair, and in some rare cases, the combination of metals and a freshly done chemical job might melt the hair off your head. Many henna hair dye producers do NOT provide accurate and complete labeling on their products. Other producers lie about what’s in their product, or do not know what they’re selling. If you have dyed your hair, use only body art quality from a reputable source to be sure you won’t get frog butt green fried hair!
2) Henna is not bad for your hair; it is a natural colorant and strengthener, and has all sorts of other benefits such as the reduction of dandruff, elimination of ringworm and head lice.
3) Many people feel that hairdressers are anti-henna, or that they won’t use henna due to a higher cost of materials. Chemical colors aren't really cheaper than doing henna, or always more time effective. Granted, some people can slap a 1-color process on and be out in 45 min. But many people are at the salon for as long or longer than a henna application would take. The products needed to do a chemical color are actually in most cases more expensive than what you need to do henna.
It's not that hairdressers are necessarily "anti-henna". They are mostly just uneducated in the use of it. Please keep in mind that if you frequent this site and have hennaed your hair you probably know much more about this subject than you hairdresser does! A lot of factors go into that. First off, most aren't trained in how it works, and many only know what they are taught about "beauty supply henna" which is indeed a chemical and CANNOT be mixed with real henna due to reactions from metallic salts used in the "fake" henna. When you think metallic salts, think of a range of products including Grecian Formula, we call them progressive colors. They learn to be scared of it based on info like that, and they well should be, as in the world of beauty supply products that is the type of henna product that they still see most often, and the type that will cause the most adverse reactions.
Beauticians are trained in color in a way that you assess people’s individual coloring and try to steer them the right way color wise. Every person is not meant to be a redhead; it's actually the hardest color to wear successfully. Your client may want henna; she may love the red hair. But it isn't the best color choice for her. And we are trained to suggest the best color option for the clients based on their own natural personal coloring. And we have to try and guarantee a result, or at least a fairly accurate result range. Henna, even if you know how to do it properly has such a wide result range that that in itself makes it a hard choice in a professional setting. And as a hairdresser it is very hard to believe people when they tell you what has been done to their hair. Most just know that they have color, but don't know what kind, can't remember when etc., and that makes it risky to offer henna due to possible chemical reactions.
4) Anybody can henna their hair, its not difficult! As long as you pay attention, there is no need to call in an expert. It is time consuming, yes, but not difficult in any technical aspect.
The goal of Henna for Hair is to explore, research, and understand natural hair dyes so people can achieve a wide color range with predicable results. People in North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia have been doing this for centuries, but the mixes were unknown in the west, and often family secrets. Henna, indigo, and cassia are ecologically sound crops for small land holders in marginal farming areas, and if the market for these products increases, it will benefit family farms and soils, as well as preserving our own health.
Will henna make my hair fall out?
Absolutely not. If you previously had light blonde hair, and then hennaed it to a richer, darker color, you will definitely notice shedding hairs, but only because of the darker color and not because of any change stemming from the henna. Everyone sheds approx. 150 hairs per day. And you may loosen many more hairs while completing the process. These are just hairs that would have loosened into your hairbrush or shower drain. But henna cannot cause additional healthy hair to fall out.
On the other hand, you may actually shed somewhat less after hennaeing your hair several times. Lawsonia inermis contains tannin known as hennotannic acid. Tannins are slightly astringent and their use will tighten the surface of the scalp and hair follicles, strengthening the follicles’ grasp on each hair. Henna also penetrates the hair shaft, strengthens it, smooths the cuticle, thickens the hair, making your hair more resistant to breakage.
I heard that the FDA has regulations that make the importation of henna illegal. Is this true?
No, this is not true. The Food & Drug Administration has rules about products imported into the United States if these products would be used on hair, skin, or in foods and drugs. Henna is a plant material; as a natural product, it falls into a specific area regarding importation regulations.
True henna is considered to be so safe when used on hair, that it is certified as being exempt from FDA regulations, provided that it is intended for use solely as a hair coloring agent, follows proper labeling procedures, and conforms to requirements regarding adulterants and other incidental components (see Title 21: Food and Drugs
PART 73—LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION
Subpart C—Cosmetics § 73.2190 Henna. ).
It turns out ALL the hair dye I used is FULL of harmful synthetic chemicals. So, I haven't dyed my hair in a long time with any of them. Check my post above for an interesting article about the dangers of all those popular hair dyes.
Below is information from the very informative website,
Henna for Hair(www.hennaforhair.com)
The site is full of information ranging from the history of Henna to it's uses and even a free PDF giving directions and tips for applying it. I have learned so much and recommend that everyone tries it! I am excited to see my results!
What is Neutral Henna?
Neutral henna, a green powder that smells like freshly cut grass, is neither henna nor neutral. It is Cassia obovata. Cassia obovata contains anthraquinones, particuarly Chrysophanic acid, a remarkable anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. Cassia obovata has a golden dye molecule that will stain dull blonde and gray hair yellow. It will help damaged hair, make hair full, glossy, healthy.
Learn more about Cassia Obovata at:
http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/cassiaobovata.html
What is Red Henna?
Red henna, a green powder that smells like hay, is Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as henna. The leaves of the henna plant have a red-orange dye molecule, Lawsone, a napthaquinone. Henna will stain your hair red-orange; but this stain is translucent and will combine with your natural color. Body art quality henna has a much higher dye content than the henna usually sold for hair. Henna is the best hair conditioner of all. It will make your hair heavy, thick and silky.
Learn more about henna at http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/
What is Black Henna?
Black henna, a green powder that smells like frozen peas, is neither black nor henna. It is indigo, Indigofera tinctoria.
Learn more about Indigo at http://www.indigopage.com
What kinds of henna are there?
Just Lawsonia inermis. This is the only plant that is actually “real henna” So how did this get so confusing?
Learn about the history of henna for hair: http://www.hennaforhair.com/history/
Then what is Lawsonia alba? ...Lawsonia spinoza/spinosa?
Lawsonia alba and Lawsonia spinoza are misleading older names for Lawsonia Inermis. When henna is a small and immature plant, it has low dye content and is spineless; when mature, it develops spines and higher dye content. Henna plants undergo this change when they are 3 years old. When western botanists saw juvenile and mature henna plants, they thought they were seeing two species, and gave them different botanical names. Lawsonia also has different colors of flowers. The plants with white flowers are sometimes called var. alba, but they are used for dye as are the plants with yellow, pink and red flowers. Learn more about henna flowers HERE: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/flower.html . You can see henna spines HERE: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/ .
Can you get different colors from different parts of the henna plant?
Only henna leaves have dye, and the highest content is in the leaf petiole. There is no dye in the bark, twigs, or rootstock of Lawsonia inermis, and certainly not different colors such as black. The roots of henna are never harvested for dye, as henna is a small tree that is kept in production for many years. Though henna is grown in many different countries, the henna dye molecule is always the same red orange. The leaf’s dye content differs according to climate and soil conditions, so the dye saturation may differ, but henna is not black in one country and red in another country.
Learn more about how henna is grown and processed:
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/geography/
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/geography/indiahenna.html
http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/growing/Pakistan/
Then what are Brown, Blonde, and all of those other colors of Henna?
Some Blonde, Brown, Auburn, Mahogany, and other “shades” of henna are mixes of amla, indigo, walnut, rhubarb, and Lawsonia, with other plant or synthetic dyes added, and may have metallic salts added. Many of these products have no henna whatsoever and are chemical dyes. Some commercial brands that claim to be 100% natural may include a bottle of “developer”; beware! This is a completely bogus addition, as far as henna itself is concerned and is the biggest indicator that your product is NOT even close to being 100% pure henna! The labeling on these products is often misleading, inaccurate, false, or entirely missing. The quality is often very poor.
Learn more about what's in henna packaged for hair: http://www.hennaforhair.com/science/whatsinit.html
Learn more about the wide range of hair colors with you can achieve by mixing your own natural dyes: http://www.hennaforhair.com/mixes/
Will using “blonde” henna change my brown hair to blonde?
Absolutely not. A “boxed” hair color will lighten your hair about 2 shades depending on the brand and strength. Those of you brunettes out there that have tried to go blonde with a boxed drugstore hair color are probably familiar with the brassy orange it will give you when the developer does not have the strength to lighten properly! In order to lighten hair’s natural color more than 2 shades or so, it must first be bleached, which cannot be done with pure plant products. You must use bleach and peroxide developer mix. If you have a chemical color that is extremely dark and want to remove it your hairdresser may recommend a color “stripper”. These are effective but very hard on the hair. There are several on the market (one such product is “effesol”) These must be used with extreme care on over processed hair and aren’t recommended at all on permed or chemically straightened hair. This is a strong product and should really be used by a professional to be done properly and with the least damage.
Is henna permanent? Does henna fade out?
Even the most “Permanent” hair products are not truly permanent. Once the henna’s dye has oxidized and reached its final shades, the color is permanently impregnated into the strand. Shampooing, chlorine, blow-drying, will all cause some type of degradation. Because there is a single-compound natural dye in henna, it is far less likely to go brassy or bronze like multiple-compound synthetic dyes, which will degrade and change color after a shorter period of time, and do not bond to the hair in the same way.
As with some chemical dyes, repeated applications of true henna or henna mixes develop a richer, deeper color with each succeeding application. Think of a teaspoonful of coffee in a white cup. It will look very light brown. Add 10 more teaspoonfuls and it looks like dark brown, fill the cup to the top and it looks like “black” coffee. Each application coats the last, changing the depth and bounce of the light wavelengths off your hair and giving the appearance of progressively deeper richer color each time. If you only henna your hair once, it may lighten a few shades from its peak color, but the henna’s essential color will remain until it grows out and is cut off unless it is stripped out with a chemical process.
What is Amla?
Amla is the fruit of the emblica officinalis tree, which is dried and processed for hair and skin products. Amla paste is used as an exfoliating astringent facial scrub, and in conjunction with indigo for adding gloss and curl to black hair.
For more information on Amla, see: http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/amla/
My hairdresser tells me that henna isn’t safe / bad for my hair / needs to be done by an expert.
No such thing. This may be for several factual or speculative reasons, such as:
1) Some brands of henna contain metallic compounds that react with the ammonia activator in synthetic hair dyes. These reactions yield disasters like frog butt green hair, fried and brittle hair, and in some rare cases, the combination of metals and a freshly done chemical job might melt the hair off your head. Many henna hair dye producers do NOT provide accurate and complete labeling on their products. Other producers lie about what’s in their product, or do not know what they’re selling. If you have dyed your hair, use only body art quality from a reputable source to be sure you won’t get frog butt green fried hair!
2) Henna is not bad for your hair; it is a natural colorant and strengthener, and has all sorts of other benefits such as the reduction of dandruff, elimination of ringworm and head lice.
3) Many people feel that hairdressers are anti-henna, or that they won’t use henna due to a higher cost of materials. Chemical colors aren't really cheaper than doing henna, or always more time effective. Granted, some people can slap a 1-color process on and be out in 45 min. But many people are at the salon for as long or longer than a henna application would take. The products needed to do a chemical color are actually in most cases more expensive than what you need to do henna.
It's not that hairdressers are necessarily "anti-henna". They are mostly just uneducated in the use of it. Please keep in mind that if you frequent this site and have hennaed your hair you probably know much more about this subject than you hairdresser does! A lot of factors go into that. First off, most aren't trained in how it works, and many only know what they are taught about "beauty supply henna" which is indeed a chemical and CANNOT be mixed with real henna due to reactions from metallic salts used in the "fake" henna. When you think metallic salts, think of a range of products including Grecian Formula, we call them progressive colors. They learn to be scared of it based on info like that, and they well should be, as in the world of beauty supply products that is the type of henna product that they still see most often, and the type that will cause the most adverse reactions.
Beauticians are trained in color in a way that you assess people’s individual coloring and try to steer them the right way color wise. Every person is not meant to be a redhead; it's actually the hardest color to wear successfully. Your client may want henna; she may love the red hair. But it isn't the best color choice for her. And we are trained to suggest the best color option for the clients based on their own natural personal coloring. And we have to try and guarantee a result, or at least a fairly accurate result range. Henna, even if you know how to do it properly has such a wide result range that that in itself makes it a hard choice in a professional setting. And as a hairdresser it is very hard to believe people when they tell you what has been done to their hair. Most just know that they have color, but don't know what kind, can't remember when etc., and that makes it risky to offer henna due to possible chemical reactions.
4) Anybody can henna their hair, its not difficult! As long as you pay attention, there is no need to call in an expert. It is time consuming, yes, but not difficult in any technical aspect.
The goal of Henna for Hair is to explore, research, and understand natural hair dyes so people can achieve a wide color range with predicable results. People in North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia have been doing this for centuries, but the mixes were unknown in the west, and often family secrets. Henna, indigo, and cassia are ecologically sound crops for small land holders in marginal farming areas, and if the market for these products increases, it will benefit family farms and soils, as well as preserving our own health.
Will henna make my hair fall out?
Absolutely not. If you previously had light blonde hair, and then hennaed it to a richer, darker color, you will definitely notice shedding hairs, but only because of the darker color and not because of any change stemming from the henna. Everyone sheds approx. 150 hairs per day. And you may loosen many more hairs while completing the process. These are just hairs that would have loosened into your hairbrush or shower drain. But henna cannot cause additional healthy hair to fall out.
On the other hand, you may actually shed somewhat less after hennaeing your hair several times. Lawsonia inermis contains tannin known as hennotannic acid. Tannins are slightly astringent and their use will tighten the surface of the scalp and hair follicles, strengthening the follicles’ grasp on each hair. Henna also penetrates the hair shaft, strengthens it, smooths the cuticle, thickens the hair, making your hair more resistant to breakage.
I heard that the FDA has regulations that make the importation of henna illegal. Is this true?
No, this is not true. The Food & Drug Administration has rules about products imported into the United States if these products would be used on hair, skin, or in foods and drugs. Henna is a plant material; as a natural product, it falls into a specific area regarding importation regulations.
True henna is considered to be so safe when used on hair, that it is certified as being exempt from FDA regulations, provided that it is intended for use solely as a hair coloring agent, follows proper labeling procedures, and conforms to requirements regarding adulterants and other incidental components (see Title 21: Food and Drugs
PART 73—LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT FROM CERTIFICATION
Subpart C—Cosmetics § 73.2190 Henna. ).
Friday, August 7, 2009
Full Moons in 2009
Full Moons in 2009
January 10th Full Wolf Moon 10:27 pm
February 9th Full Snow Moon 9:49 am
March 10th Full Worm Moon 10:38 pm
April 9th Full Pink Moon 10:56 am
May 9th Full Flower Moon 12:01 am
June 7th Full Strawberry Moon 2:12
pm
July 7th Full Buck Moon 5:21 am
August 5th Full Sturgeon Moon 8:55
pm
September 4th Full Corn Moon 12:03 pm
October 4th Full Harvest Moon 2:10 am
November 2nd Full Hunter's Moon 2:14 pm
December 2nd Full Cold Moon 2:30 am
December 31st Full Blue Moon 2:13 pm
January 10th Full Wolf Moon 10:27 pm
February 9th Full Snow Moon 9:49 am
March 10th Full Worm Moon 10:38 pm
April 9th Full Pink Moon 10:56 am
May 9th Full Flower Moon 12:01 am
June 7th Full Strawberry Moon 2:12
pm
July 7th Full Buck Moon 5:21 am
August 5th Full Sturgeon Moon 8:55
pm
September 4th Full Corn Moon 12:03 pm
October 4th Full Harvest Moon 2:10 am
November 2nd Full Hunter's Moon 2:14 pm
December 2nd Full Cold Moon 2:30 am
December 31st Full Blue Moon 2:13 pm
What is a Blue Moon?
For more than half a century, whenever two full Moons appeared in a single month (which happens on average every 2 1/2 to 3 years), the second has been christened a "Blue Moon." In our lexicon, we describe an unusual event as happening "Once in a Blue Moon." This expression was first noted back in 1821 and refers to occurrences that are uncommon, though not truly rare.
On past occasions, usually after vast forest fires or major volcanic eruptions, the Moon has reportedly taken on a bluish or lavender hue. Soot and ash particles, propelled high into the Earth's atmosphere, can sometimes make the Moon appear bluish.
Why "Blue" Moon? For the longest time nobody knew exactly why the second full Moon of a calendar month was designated as a Blue Moon. One explanation connects it with the word "belewe" from the Old English, meaning, "to betray." Perhaps, then, the Moon was "belewe" because it betrayed the usual perception of one full Moon per month. However, in the March 1999 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine, author Phillip Hiscock revealed one somewhat confusing origin of this term. It seems that the modern custom of naming the second full Moon of a month "blue," came from an article published in the March 1946 Sky & Telescope magazine. The article was "Once in a Blue Moon," written by James Hugh Pruett. In this article, Pruett interpreted what he read in a publication known as the Maine Farmers' Almanac (no relation to this Farmers' Almanac, published in Lewiston, Maine), and declared that a second full Moon in a calendar month is a "Blue Moon."
However, after reviewing the Maine Farmer's Almanac, Hiscock found that during the editorship of Henry Porter Trefethen (1932 to 1957), the Maine Farmers' Almanac made occasional reference to a Blue Moon, but derived it from a completely different (and rather convoluted) seasonal rule. As simply as can be described, according to Trefethen's almanac, there are normally three full Moons for each season of the year. But when a particular season ends up containing four full Moons, then the third of that season is called a Blue Moon! To make matters more confusing, the beginning of the seasons listed in Trefethen's almanac were fixed. A fictitious or dynamical mean Sun produced four seasons of equal length with dates which differed slightly from more conventional calculations. So, basically the current use of "Blue Moon" to mean the second full Moon in a month can be traced to a 55-year-old mistake in Sky & Telescope magazine.
On past occasions, usually after vast forest fires or major volcanic eruptions, the Moon has reportedly taken on a bluish or lavender hue. Soot and ash particles, propelled high into the Earth's atmosphere, can sometimes make the Moon appear bluish.
Why "Blue" Moon? For the longest time nobody knew exactly why the second full Moon of a calendar month was designated as a Blue Moon. One explanation connects it with the word "belewe" from the Old English, meaning, "to betray." Perhaps, then, the Moon was "belewe" because it betrayed the usual perception of one full Moon per month. However, in the March 1999 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine, author Phillip Hiscock revealed one somewhat confusing origin of this term. It seems that the modern custom of naming the second full Moon of a month "blue," came from an article published in the March 1946 Sky & Telescope magazine. The article was "Once in a Blue Moon," written by James Hugh Pruett. In this article, Pruett interpreted what he read in a publication known as the Maine Farmers' Almanac (no relation to this Farmers' Almanac, published in Lewiston, Maine), and declared that a second full Moon in a calendar month is a "Blue Moon."
However, after reviewing the Maine Farmer's Almanac, Hiscock found that during the editorship of Henry Porter Trefethen (1932 to 1957), the Maine Farmers' Almanac made occasional reference to a Blue Moon, but derived it from a completely different (and rather convoluted) seasonal rule. As simply as can be described, according to Trefethen's almanac, there are normally three full Moons for each season of the year. But when a particular season ends up containing four full Moons, then the third of that season is called a Blue Moon! To make matters more confusing, the beginning of the seasons listed in Trefethen's almanac were fixed. A fictitious or dynamical mean Sun produced four seasons of equal length with dates which differed slightly from more conventional calculations. So, basically the current use of "Blue Moon" to mean the second full Moon in a month can be traced to a 55-year-old mistake in Sky & Telescope magazine.
Full Moon Names and their Meanings
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. Here is the Farmers Almanac's list of the full Moon names.
• Full Wolf Moon - January
Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.
• Full Snow Moon - February
Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.
• Full Worm Moon - March
As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.
• Full Pink Moon - April
This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month's celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.
• Full Flower Moon - May
In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.
• Full Strawberry Moon - June
This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!
• The Full Buck Moon - July
July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.
• Full Sturgeon Moon - August
The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.
• Full Corn Moon - September
This full moon's name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon.
• Full Harvest Moon - October
This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.
• Full Beaver Moon - November
This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.
• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon - December
During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.
• Full Wolf Moon - January
Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.
• Full Snow Moon - February
Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.
• Full Worm Moon - March
As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.
• Full Pink Moon - April
This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month's celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.
• Full Flower Moon - May
In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.
• Full Strawberry Moon - June
This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!
• The Full Buck Moon - July
July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month's Moon was the Full Hay Moon.
• Full Sturgeon Moon - August
The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.
• Full Corn Moon - September
This full moon's name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon.
• Full Harvest Moon - October
This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.
• Full Beaver Moon - November
This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.
• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon - December
During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.
I love my babies!
Who knew that having 2 children under age 2 could be so time consuming? It is so hard to find time to do things nowadays. But I can honestly say each moment spent with them and watching them grow is totally worth it!
My son adores his new little sister! He always wants to hold her and kiss her. He will say, "Hold her" and then I will say, "Lie down. Arm up.", and he will quickly lay and put his arm up and I will place her in the crook of his arm. He looks to her with such love and the biggest grin. I love it!
Now that my daughter is 2 months old, she is becoming more and more aware. She is starting to smile all the time now and whenever I put her near her big brother and her face lights up. Every moment is precious with my little loves.
Co-sleeping with both has been bit of a challenge, but I can definitely tell it is helping us all bond.
I give props to all those stay at home moms out there with multiple kids! It is so much harder than many realize. But I know we can all relate to all the joys of motherhood!
My son adores his new little sister! He always wants to hold her and kiss her. He will say, "Hold her" and then I will say, "Lie down. Arm up.", and he will quickly lay and put his arm up and I will place her in the crook of his arm. He looks to her with such love and the biggest grin. I love it!
Now that my daughter is 2 months old, she is becoming more and more aware. She is starting to smile all the time now and whenever I put her near her big brother and her face lights up. Every moment is precious with my little loves.
Co-sleeping with both has been bit of a challenge, but I can definitely tell it is helping us all bond.
I give props to all those stay at home moms out there with multiple kids! It is so much harder than many realize. But I know we can all relate to all the joys of motherhood!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Great Garbage Patch
As a tribute to World Ocean Month this June, I urge everyone to learn more about the Pacific Garbage Patch, which is a huge vortex of plastic garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean twice the size of Texas! It is very disturbing and many people still don't know it exists!
Please reduce your consumption of plastics!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
My Miracle Baby
On June 10th I went to the doctor for my normal 38 week checkup. It turns out I had VERY high blood pressure which I didn't have at all throughout the pregnancy. I also had a lot of protein in my urine. All indicators of a problem. My Dr. decided I must go into the hospital that night to be induced. She said my blood pressure was so high I could have a stroke!
So later that night I checked in around 10 pm. After everything, they started to induce me at 2 am. By 5 am I starting getting strong contractions and by 6 it was so bad I decided to get an epidural. They also suggested it because by then my blood pressure was even more high.
By 7 am I got the epidural and it was kicking in and thankfully my blood pressure was lowering. At 710 I was 6 cm dilated. Within 15 minutes I was fully dilated and she was ready to come!
Literally after 4 pushes she was delivered!
But then something was wrong. Everyone was in a rush with the baby. It turns out the umbilical cord was tightly wrapped 4 times around her neck, 1 time around her shoulder and had 2 knots in it!
She was blue and not moving when born. They quickly cut the cord and was able to revive her. Then I heard her first cry and knew she was fine.
The doctors told me they never saw anything like it before. Never that many knots and wraps around the neck without the baby surviving!
So you can imagine it was all very emotional.
The doctors kept saying "That's one lucky baby!"
Alenka means lucky in polish! Her middle name is Milena which means miracle.
It truly is the perfect name because she is one lucky miracle baby!
She was 5 lbs and 18 inches long and born at 735 am on June 11th. A perfect baby girl!
She is doing excellent and I am relieved it all went well otherwise.
Also, my son adores her which is such a relief as well because I didn't know how he would take to her. :)
So later that night I checked in around 10 pm. After everything, they started to induce me at 2 am. By 5 am I starting getting strong contractions and by 6 it was so bad I decided to get an epidural. They also suggested it because by then my blood pressure was even more high.
By 7 am I got the epidural and it was kicking in and thankfully my blood pressure was lowering. At 710 I was 6 cm dilated. Within 15 minutes I was fully dilated and she was ready to come!
Literally after 4 pushes she was delivered!
But then something was wrong. Everyone was in a rush with the baby. It turns out the umbilical cord was tightly wrapped 4 times around her neck, 1 time around her shoulder and had 2 knots in it!
She was blue and not moving when born. They quickly cut the cord and was able to revive her. Then I heard her first cry and knew she was fine.
The doctors told me they never saw anything like it before. Never that many knots and wraps around the neck without the baby surviving!
So you can imagine it was all very emotional.
The doctors kept saying "That's one lucky baby!"
Alenka means lucky in polish! Her middle name is Milena which means miracle.
It truly is the perfect name because she is one lucky miracle baby!
She was 5 lbs and 18 inches long and born at 735 am on June 11th. A perfect baby girl!
She is doing excellent and I am relieved it all went well otherwise.
Also, my son adores her which is such a relief as well because I didn't know how he would take to her. :)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Co-Sleeping
From the day he was born till this day, I have been co-sleeping with my son! (Gasp!) And guess what? I LOVE it! I have never had a problem with him falling off the bed or me rolling over on him. I was a bit scared in the beginning with this little newborn thinking he might get caught in the blankets or I would lay on him. Never once. It turns out he was so aware, and even in his sleep if the blanket would come up too far, he would instantly kick out and put his arms up to get them off of him. It just becomes this mutual telepathic communication between mother and child. I always wake just before he does. When I was still breastfeeding, he would be hungry and I would just roll over and feed him. He slept through the night and I can say I slept excellent even in those beginning weeks and months.
I plan on having my new little one sleep with us also. This time around I am a little worried if my son will get jealous. How will he take sharing HIS bed with HIS mamma? :)
But I can honestly say there is nothing as rewarding as waking up to seeing your little one snuggled against your breast or in the crook of you arm sleeping peacefully and feeling the most protected. They know they are safe. Mamma is right there!
I plan on having my new little one sleep with us also. This time around I am a little worried if my son will get jealous. How will he take sharing HIS bed with HIS mamma? :)
But I can honestly say there is nothing as rewarding as waking up to seeing your little one snuggled against your breast or in the crook of you arm sleeping peacefully and feeling the most protected. They know they are safe. Mamma is right there!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Coca-Cola and Del Monte plotting to deceive you about the dangers of BPA
Oakland, Ca -- Last Thursday, chemical and food industry lobbyists called an emergency brainstorming session to devise an attack plan to stop a California legislative proposal for a virtual ban on the toxic plastics chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in food and beverage containers for children 3 and under.
According to internal emails obtained by the Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Environmental Working Group, Washington representatives of Coca-Cola, Alcoa, Del Monte, Crown, the American Chemistry Council, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. and Grocery Manufacturers Association convened behind closed doors at Washington’s exclusive Cosmos Club and committed $500,000 to an effort to “prolong the life of BPA,” an integral plastics component estimated to generate more than $6 billion in global sales annually.
The chemical, used to harden polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used as, among other things, food can linings, is a synthetic estrogen shown in more than 100 laboratory tests to disrupt the endocrine system, disrupt brain and reproductive system development and function and cause other serious conditions such as cancer, behavior and learning problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
According to the emails, the group, calling themselves the BPA Joint Trade Association, discussed, among other things, tactics to defeat California State Senator Fran Pavley (D-23) measure that would largely eliminate BPA’s use in baby bottles, sippy cups, formula cans and baby food jars. The emails said industry lobbyists were deployed in Sacramento, “befriending people that are able to manipulate the legislative process.”
The emails show that the group also discussed California’s Proposition 65, which requires the governor’s office to publish an annual list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive system damage. They agreed, the emails said, to “build up their contact base in Sacramento” to influence this process to embrace the industry’s view of “the benefits of using BPA,” rather than scientists’ and environmentalists assertions that BPA is dangerous to human health at current exposure levels and should be restricted from contact with food and beverages.
The rationale, according to the emails: the chemical and food processing industries did not “want to win at the legislative level and then not have anyone buy the product.”
On a national level, the emails say, the lobbyists “suggested using fear tactics (e.g. “Do you want to have access to baby food anymore?”).”
As well, the emails show, they considered “focusing on the impact of BPA bans on minorities (Hispanic and African American) and poor “ by insinuating that without BPA, food prices would rise.
Ironically, the emails show, lobbyists meeting in a club that admitted women only in 1988 agreed that” legislative and grassroots outreach (to young mothers ages 21-35 and students) is imperative to the stability of their industry.” “Their ‘holy grail’ spokesperson would be a ‘pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA’,” the email said.
“High paid D.C. lobbyists and P.R. professionals are plotting a cynical strategy to reach into the State House in Sacramento and kill legislation that would protect millions of California’s youngest from further exposure to this toxic, hormone-disrupting chemical,” said Renee Sharp Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s California director.
“These emails show that chemical manufacturers and food process know they can’t use science to make their case, so they’ve decided to play on people’s fears,” Sharp said. “Worst of all, they propose to target Hispanics and African Americans, who, they apparently assume, are poor and more vulnerable. There’s nothing about truth in these emails. They’re all about money -- the billions of dollars the food and chemicals industries have invested in the production and use of BPA.”
“We hope that lawmakers in Sacramento will stand with Senator Pavley and pass her important public health legislation,” Sharp said.
*The text of the meeting minutes can be found at the top right-hand side of the page to download in PDF format on original site (WORTH CHECKING OUT!!)*
According to internal emails obtained by the Washington Post, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Environmental Working Group, Washington representatives of Coca-Cola, Alcoa, Del Monte, Crown, the American Chemistry Council, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc. and Grocery Manufacturers Association convened behind closed doors at Washington’s exclusive Cosmos Club and committed $500,000 to an effort to “prolong the life of BPA,” an integral plastics component estimated to generate more than $6 billion in global sales annually.
The chemical, used to harden polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins used as, among other things, food can linings, is a synthetic estrogen shown in more than 100 laboratory tests to disrupt the endocrine system, disrupt brain and reproductive system development and function and cause other serious conditions such as cancer, behavior and learning problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
According to the emails, the group, calling themselves the BPA Joint Trade Association, discussed, among other things, tactics to defeat California State Senator Fran Pavley (D-23) measure that would largely eliminate BPA’s use in baby bottles, sippy cups, formula cans and baby food jars. The emails said industry lobbyists were deployed in Sacramento, “befriending people that are able to manipulate the legislative process.”
The emails show that the group also discussed California’s Proposition 65, which requires the governor’s office to publish an annual list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive system damage. They agreed, the emails said, to “build up their contact base in Sacramento” to influence this process to embrace the industry’s view of “the benefits of using BPA,” rather than scientists’ and environmentalists assertions that BPA is dangerous to human health at current exposure levels and should be restricted from contact with food and beverages.
The rationale, according to the emails: the chemical and food processing industries did not “want to win at the legislative level and then not have anyone buy the product.”
On a national level, the emails say, the lobbyists “suggested using fear tactics (e.g. “Do you want to have access to baby food anymore?”).”
As well, the emails show, they considered “focusing on the impact of BPA bans on minorities (Hispanic and African American) and poor “ by insinuating that without BPA, food prices would rise.
Ironically, the emails show, lobbyists meeting in a club that admitted women only in 1988 agreed that” legislative and grassroots outreach (to young mothers ages 21-35 and students) is imperative to the stability of their industry.” “Their ‘holy grail’ spokesperson would be a ‘pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA’,” the email said.
“High paid D.C. lobbyists and P.R. professionals are plotting a cynical strategy to reach into the State House in Sacramento and kill legislation that would protect millions of California’s youngest from further exposure to this toxic, hormone-disrupting chemical,” said Renee Sharp Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s California director.
“These emails show that chemical manufacturers and food process know they can’t use science to make their case, so they’ve decided to play on people’s fears,” Sharp said. “Worst of all, they propose to target Hispanics and African Americans, who, they apparently assume, are poor and more vulnerable. There’s nothing about truth in these emails. They’re all about money -- the billions of dollars the food and chemicals industries have invested in the production and use of BPA.”
“We hope that lawmakers in Sacramento will stand with Senator Pavley and pass her important public health legislation,” Sharp said.
*The text of the meeting minutes can be found at the top right-hand side of the page to download in PDF format on original site (WORTH CHECKING OUT!!)*
Friday, June 5, 2009
Non-Toxic Living
ARE YOU AND
YOUR CHILDREN SAFE?
DANGER: TOXIC TOXIC WASTE DUMP BEWARE: TOXIC FUMES!!
IS YOUR WORKPLACE, SCHOOL, OR HOME
A TOXIC CHEMICAL WASTE DUMP?
The Average American Uses about 25 Gallons
of "TOXIC" , "HAZARDOUS" Chemical Products
per year in their Home...
A Major Portion Of These Can Be Found
In Household Cleaning Products.
(Source: Prosperity Without Pollution,
by Joel S. Hirschorn and Kirsten V. Oldenburg, 1991).
Nationwide, more than 32 million pounds of household cleaning products are poured down the drain each day. Many of these products contain toxic substances that are NOT processed adequately by sewage treatment plants or septic systems. Careless or improper use and disposal of these products may threaten individual health or lead to accidental poisoning. Long term or cumulative environmental consequences may also occur like contamination of surface and ground water. ( Spring 2002 Edition of CCA Newsletter Partners :"CLEANING WITHOUT TOXIC CHEMICALS"--http://www.dhr.state.md.us/cca/pdfs/spr02b.pdf )
According to the MAY 2002 issue of the cleaning trade magazine--
"CM Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine"--
( National Trade Publications, Latham, New York, 12110 ),
an article entitled,
"GREEN Cleaning Gets A Federal Push",
clearly states on page 51 :
"...Cleaning Chemicals Are The Most Frequent Type Of Chemicals
Involved In Poisonings
Reported To 'Poison Control Centers'
In The United States.".
"In 1999, 92% Of All Poisonings Occurred In The Home.
Cleaning Products Are Involved In 11% Of Poisoning Exposure
In Children Under 6 Years Of Age."
( Source: City of Boulder-Office of Environmental Affairs )
DID YOU KNOW ?
# THAT OF THE 17,OOO CHEMICALS THAT APPEAR IN COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS,
ONLY 30% HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TESTED FOR THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTH .
# THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ( E.P.A. ) HAS FOUND THAT
AIRBORNE CHEMICAL LEVELS IN HOMES WERE AS MUCH AS
SEVENTY ( 70 ) TIMES HIGHER INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE .
# THE FEDERAL FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION ( F.D.A. ) CANNOT REQUIRE COMPANIES TO DO
SAFETY TESTING ON THEIR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC .
# MEDICAL DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS HAVE STUDIED, ANALYZED, EVALUATED, AND CONCLUDED
THAT THERE IS A DEFINITIVE CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR HEALTH AND
THE USE OF EVERYDAY COMMON HOUSEHOLD CLEANING CHEMICALS .
Source : "Neighborhood Network's" 2002 Environmental Resource Directory for Home and Business
...AND THERE'S MORE !
( About The Hazards Of Household Cleaning Products )
# INDOOR AIR IS OFTEN TWO TO FIVE TIMES MORE CONTAMINATED THAN OUTDOOR AIR .
# CHILDHOOD ASTHMA HAS NEARLY DOUBLED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS (American Lung Assoc.)...
And Some Cleaners May Be Triggers To Asthma Attacks.
# 70,000 SYNTHENTIC CHEMICALS ARE IN PRODUCTION TODAY.
MANY ARE SUSPECTED TO CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS,...
BUT ONLY 600 HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TESTED.
( SOURCE : City of Boulder-Office of Environmental Affairs
http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/environmentalaffairs/healthyhome )
# ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOMFORTS AND ILLNESSES are increasing at alarming rates
# 15-25% OF OUR POPULATION HAS SOME TYPE OF BREATHING PROBLEMS such as hay fever or asthma, and are adversely affected by strong odors included in perfume, aftershave, hair spray and body lotions
# 9 OUT OF 10 BREATHS are likely drawn indoors
# THERE WAS A 38% INCREASE IN PRESCRIPTIONS FOR AIRWAY MEDICATIONS from 1985 to 1990
# THERE ARE APPROX. 4,000 INDIVIDUAL FRAGRANCE COMPOUNDS – several hundred may be used in creating a single scent
# 17-22% OF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM FRAGRANCE-RELATED MIGRAINE HEADACHES
# ADVERSE REACTIONS FROM SCENTED PRODUCTS result in sick time, lost productivity, increased insurance costs and hostility from employers and employees who do not understand the health threats of fragrances. Chemically sensitive individuals cannot simply avoid fragrances...they share air in which they have no control other.
( SOURCE : www.gloriagilbere.com/Non-ToxicLiving.htm - Gloria Gilbere, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.)
Much more at their website!
http://www.cleaningpro.com/toxic.cfm
YOUR CHILDREN SAFE?
DANGER: TOXIC TOXIC WASTE DUMP BEWARE: TOXIC FUMES!!
IS YOUR WORKPLACE, SCHOOL, OR HOME
A TOXIC CHEMICAL WASTE DUMP?
The Average American Uses about 25 Gallons
of "TOXIC" , "HAZARDOUS" Chemical Products
per year in their Home...
A Major Portion Of These Can Be Found
In Household Cleaning Products.
(Source: Prosperity Without Pollution,
by Joel S. Hirschorn and Kirsten V. Oldenburg, 1991).
Nationwide, more than 32 million pounds of household cleaning products are poured down the drain each day. Many of these products contain toxic substances that are NOT processed adequately by sewage treatment plants or septic systems. Careless or improper use and disposal of these products may threaten individual health or lead to accidental poisoning. Long term or cumulative environmental consequences may also occur like contamination of surface and ground water. ( Spring 2002 Edition of CCA Newsletter Partners :"CLEANING WITHOUT TOXIC CHEMICALS"--http://www.dhr.state.md.us/cca/pdfs/spr02b.pdf )
According to the MAY 2002 issue of the cleaning trade magazine--
"CM Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine"--
( National Trade Publications, Latham, New York, 12110 ),
an article entitled,
"GREEN Cleaning Gets A Federal Push",
clearly states on page 51 :
"...Cleaning Chemicals Are The Most Frequent Type Of Chemicals
Involved In Poisonings
Reported To 'Poison Control Centers'
In The United States.".
"In 1999, 92% Of All Poisonings Occurred In The Home.
Cleaning Products Are Involved In 11% Of Poisoning Exposure
In Children Under 6 Years Of Age."
( Source: City of Boulder-Office of Environmental Affairs )
DID YOU KNOW ?
# THAT OF THE 17,OOO CHEMICALS THAT APPEAR IN COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS,
ONLY 30% HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TESTED FOR THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTH .
# THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ( E.P.A. ) HAS FOUND THAT
AIRBORNE CHEMICAL LEVELS IN HOMES WERE AS MUCH AS
SEVENTY ( 70 ) TIMES HIGHER INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE .
# THE FEDERAL FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION ( F.D.A. ) CANNOT REQUIRE COMPANIES TO DO
SAFETY TESTING ON THEIR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC .
# MEDICAL DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS HAVE STUDIED, ANALYZED, EVALUATED, AND CONCLUDED
THAT THERE IS A DEFINITIVE CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR HEALTH AND
THE USE OF EVERYDAY COMMON HOUSEHOLD CLEANING CHEMICALS .
Source : "Neighborhood Network's" 2002 Environmental Resource Directory for Home and Business
...AND THERE'S MORE !
( About The Hazards Of Household Cleaning Products )
# INDOOR AIR IS OFTEN TWO TO FIVE TIMES MORE CONTAMINATED THAN OUTDOOR AIR .
# CHILDHOOD ASTHMA HAS NEARLY DOUBLED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS (American Lung Assoc.)...
And Some Cleaners May Be Triggers To Asthma Attacks.
# 70,000 SYNTHENTIC CHEMICALS ARE IN PRODUCTION TODAY.
MANY ARE SUSPECTED TO CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS,...
BUT ONLY 600 HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TESTED.
( SOURCE : City of Boulder-Office of Environmental Affairs
http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/environmentalaffairs/healthyhome )
# ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOMFORTS AND ILLNESSES are increasing at alarming rates
# 15-25% OF OUR POPULATION HAS SOME TYPE OF BREATHING PROBLEMS such as hay fever or asthma, and are adversely affected by strong odors included in perfume, aftershave, hair spray and body lotions
# 9 OUT OF 10 BREATHS are likely drawn indoors
# THERE WAS A 38% INCREASE IN PRESCRIPTIONS FOR AIRWAY MEDICATIONS from 1985 to 1990
# THERE ARE APPROX. 4,000 INDIVIDUAL FRAGRANCE COMPOUNDS – several hundred may be used in creating a single scent
# 17-22% OF PEOPLE SUFFER FROM FRAGRANCE-RELATED MIGRAINE HEADACHES
# ADVERSE REACTIONS FROM SCENTED PRODUCTS result in sick time, lost productivity, increased insurance costs and hostility from employers and employees who do not understand the health threats of fragrances. Chemically sensitive individuals cannot simply avoid fragrances...they share air in which they have no control other.
( SOURCE : www.gloriagilbere.com/Non-ToxicLiving.htm - Gloria Gilbere, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.)
Much more at their website!
http://www.cleaningpro.com/toxic.cfm
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Nightly Wakings
So for the past week or two I have been waking up in the middle of the night and CANNOT fall back asleep! Sometimes I sleep 2 hours and then wake. Tonight it was 4 hours. It is so hard to get comfortable and my mind is racing with all the things that still need to get done. I have been stressing a lot with this pregnancy and am trying to take it easy, but sometimes it is hard.
The hardest part about my recent sleep loss is when my son wakes up on the morning. He is fully energized from a full nights sleep and wants to PLAY PLAY PLAY! He is so cute that I can't get annoyed at him. Luckily he still needs at least one nap a day and I HAVE to nap with him or be like a living zombie!
So it is almost 6 am and I am finally feeling tired again, so hopefully I can get in a few hours before the little one wakes up! Good night, or should I say good morning? :)
The hardest part about my recent sleep loss is when my son wakes up on the morning. He is fully energized from a full nights sleep and wants to PLAY PLAY PLAY! He is so cute that I can't get annoyed at him. Luckily he still needs at least one nap a day and I HAVE to nap with him or be like a living zombie!
So it is almost 6 am and I am finally feeling tired again, so hopefully I can get in a few hours before the little one wakes up! Good night, or should I say good morning? :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Favorite Native American Quotes
Cherokee Prayer Blessing
May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Mocassins
Make happy tracks
in many snows,
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
Native American Prayer
Oh, Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have
made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things
you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have
hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my Spirit may come to you without shame.
(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)
published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church.
Honor the sacred.
Honor the Earth, our Mother.
Honor the Elders.
Honor all with whom we
share the Earth:-
Four-leggeds, two-leggeds,
winged ones,
Swimmers, crawlers,
plant and rock people.
Walk in balance and beauty.
Native American Elder
Lakota Instructions for Living
Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.
And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.
When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.
If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.
passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman
Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
Chief Seattle, 1854
What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset.
Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890
May the Warm Winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Mocassins
Make happy tracks
in many snows,
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
Native American Prayer
Oh, Great Spirit
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have
made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things
you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have
hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my Spirit may come to you without shame.
(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)
published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church.
Honor the sacred.
Honor the Earth, our Mother.
Honor the Elders.
Honor all with whom we
share the Earth:-
Four-leggeds, two-leggeds,
winged ones,
Swimmers, crawlers,
plant and rock people.
Walk in balance and beauty.
Native American Elder
Lakota Instructions for Living
Friend do it this way - that is,
whatever you do in life,
do the very best you can
with both your heart and mind.
And if you do it that way,
the Power Of The Universe
will come to your assistance,
if your heart and mind are in Unity.
When one sits in the Hoop Of The People,
one must be responsible because
All of Creation is related.
And the hurt of one is the hurt of all.
And the honor of one is the honor of all.
And whatever we do effects everything in the universe.
If you do it that way - that is,
if you truly join your heart and mind
as One - whatever you ask for,
that's the Way It's Going To Be.
passed down from White Buffalo Calf Woman
Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
Chief Seattle, 1854
What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset.
Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My son LOVES reading!
I am so happy my son loves me reading to him as I am a book-worm myself. Since I am a stay at home mom, I have all the time to read to him whenever he wants. And trust me, when he wants to read a book, he will let it be known! It is so cute how he will go to his pile of books and pick out the ones he want to hear. He is very specific too! If I pick a book he doesn't want to read at that time, he will say "NO! DONE!" until I get the "right" book! Below is a couple of his favorite ones right now! He has many more he loves, but these are his "top picks" right now.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Ultra-Nesting
So I was in major cleaning mode yesterday. I cleaned every inch of the bathroom with vinegar and feel great! You would think being this pregnant the smell would make me sick, but it didn't bother me at all!
I will admit, I used a tiny bit of bleach and hot water to clean the floor and the smell from that small amount was horrible! So I know our pregnant bodies really do warn us about smells and dangers!
Later today my husband will paint and then I'll find another chore for him. Lol. While I have this energy I may as well utilize it! The bedroom needs a full cleaning too.
I do need to take it easy though because with my last pregnancy I was moving furniture around and I think it made me go into labor early! My son was born at 37 weeks. I will be 37 weeks this monday, so I will do what I can, but no heavy lifting!
I will admit, I used a tiny bit of bleach and hot water to clean the floor and the smell from that small amount was horrible! So I know our pregnant bodies really do warn us about smells and dangers!
Later today my husband will paint and then I'll find another chore for him. Lol. While I have this energy I may as well utilize it! The bedroom needs a full cleaning too.
I do need to take it easy though because with my last pregnancy I was moving furniture around and I think it made me go into labor early! My son was born at 37 weeks. I will be 37 weeks this monday, so I will do what I can, but no heavy lifting!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
PBS Show "Blueprint America"
BLUEPRINT AMERICA
Road to the Future
Over the next 40 years, America’s population will grow by more than an estimated 130 million people - most will settle in or near the country’s major population centers. At the same time, an unprecedented multi-billion dollar public works investment has just been made by the federal government to rebuild both the weakened economy and stressed national infrastructure. And, Congress is about to consider a transportation bill that will determine the course of the nation’s highways and transit for years to come.
On May 20th, Blueprint America: Road to the Future, an original documentary part of a PBS multi-platform series on the country’s aging and changing infrastructure, examines the choices we can make as the country invests in its infrastructure, and how they can affect the way we live.
Host and veteran correspondent Miles O’Brien goes to three very different American cities - Denver, New York and Portland, and their surrounding suburbs - to look at each as a microcosm of the challenges and possibilities the country faces as citizens, local and federal officials, and planners struggle to manage a growing America with innovative transportation and sustainable land use policies.
With roads clogged and congested, gas prices uncertain, smog and pollution creating health problems like asthma, cities that once built infrastructure to serve only automobiles and trucks are now looking to innovative new forms of transportation systems - like trolleys, light rail, pedestrian walkways and bike paths.
Whether it is talking to residents pushing sustainable development in the Bronx, smart growth in Denver, or a journalist in Portland whose beat is bicycling, Blueprint America finds a common theme: America’s love affair with the car may be a thing of the past.
Watch May 20th, at 8pm EDT on PBS
www.pbs.org
My Review:
Very good documentary showing the early starts of mass transit and the production of the highway infrastructure in this country. Basically this country is ruled by the car, and our lives revolve around our roadway system which is completely congested now. This documentary shows 3 different areas; Denver, Portland and NYC and their transit systems.
It also shows the problem of urban sprawl and how large metropolitan areas are literally absorbing small towns and becoming one large roadway system.
It was refreshing to see cities like Portland having more transportation systems than most other cities in the US. They have many bike paths integrated on streets, public transportation like the Streetcar which is on a comeback and even a tram.
Places like Denver are just one big transit mess. I can relate to that because it is like that in Central Florida. Roads are completely clogged and public transportation is laughable. Most places (depending where you are) still don't even have sidewalks.
It was a real eye-opener to the transportation system in this country. Hopefully more people will accept that in instances like this, change is good. We need to totally revamp our system and become less dependant on our cars and have more earth friendly travel means available.
Road to the Future
Over the next 40 years, America’s population will grow by more than an estimated 130 million people - most will settle in or near the country’s major population centers. At the same time, an unprecedented multi-billion dollar public works investment has just been made by the federal government to rebuild both the weakened economy and stressed national infrastructure. And, Congress is about to consider a transportation bill that will determine the course of the nation’s highways and transit for years to come.
On May 20th, Blueprint America: Road to the Future, an original documentary part of a PBS multi-platform series on the country’s aging and changing infrastructure, examines the choices we can make as the country invests in its infrastructure, and how they can affect the way we live.
Host and veteran correspondent Miles O’Brien goes to three very different American cities - Denver, New York and Portland, and their surrounding suburbs - to look at each as a microcosm of the challenges and possibilities the country faces as citizens, local and federal officials, and planners struggle to manage a growing America with innovative transportation and sustainable land use policies.
With roads clogged and congested, gas prices uncertain, smog and pollution creating health problems like asthma, cities that once built infrastructure to serve only automobiles and trucks are now looking to innovative new forms of transportation systems - like trolleys, light rail, pedestrian walkways and bike paths.
Whether it is talking to residents pushing sustainable development in the Bronx, smart growth in Denver, or a journalist in Portland whose beat is bicycling, Blueprint America finds a common theme: America’s love affair with the car may be a thing of the past.
Watch May 20th, at 8pm EDT on PBS
www.pbs.org
My Review:
Very good documentary showing the early starts of mass transit and the production of the highway infrastructure in this country. Basically this country is ruled by the car, and our lives revolve around our roadway system which is completely congested now. This documentary shows 3 different areas; Denver, Portland and NYC and their transit systems.
It also shows the problem of urban sprawl and how large metropolitan areas are literally absorbing small towns and becoming one large roadway system.
It was refreshing to see cities like Portland having more transportation systems than most other cities in the US. They have many bike paths integrated on streets, public transportation like the Streetcar which is on a comeback and even a tram.
Places like Denver are just one big transit mess. I can relate to that because it is like that in Central Florida. Roads are completely clogged and public transportation is laughable. Most places (depending where you are) still don't even have sidewalks.
It was a real eye-opener to the transportation system in this country. Hopefully more people will accept that in instances like this, change is good. We need to totally revamp our system and become less dependant on our cars and have more earth friendly travel means available.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Mexican Rice Soup
I originally got this recipe from Vegetarian Times, but I actually changed a few things around to add my own bit of flavor to it. It is so delicious and healthy and I could eat it everyday!
What you need:
For Soup Base
A few tablespoons of Olive Oil (Extra Virgin is the best)
Half red onion chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic
Fresh mint, cilantro, oregano and basil (use as much as you want)
1/4 cup chives chopped
For Soup
1 cup of brown rice
1 3/4 cup of corn
1-2 tomatoes chopped
1 box of vegetable broth (organic is best!)
3 cups of water
For Garnish on top of Soup
1 avocado chopped into cubes
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup diced onions
A few sprigs of cilantro chopped
2 limes or lemons
2-3 soft wheat tortillas
Directions:
1. Heat up olive oil
2. Saute onions and garlic
3. Add fresh herbs and chives
4. Add vegetable broth and water
5. Let simmer for 10 minutes
6. Add all of cooked brown rice
7. Add corn and tomatoes
8. Let simmer for 10 minutes
9. Heat up oven to 350 and put tortillas (slice into vertical pieces) on pan (spray pan with non-stick spray)
10. Leave tortillas in for 6 minutes
11. Cut up avocado, lime or lemon into wedges, chop cilantro and onions, get cheese and put them into little serving dishes
Put soup in bowl and add toppings of avocado, cheese, squeezed lime, cilantro and onions. Mix into soup. Use salt and pepper to taste. Take tortilla strips and use them to dip into soup.
Enjoy!
YUM!
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!
What you need:
For Soup Base
A few tablespoons of Olive Oil (Extra Virgin is the best)
Half red onion chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic
Fresh mint, cilantro, oregano and basil (use as much as you want)
1/4 cup chives chopped
For Soup
1 cup of brown rice
1 3/4 cup of corn
1-2 tomatoes chopped
1 box of vegetable broth (organic is best!)
3 cups of water
For Garnish on top of Soup
1 avocado chopped into cubes
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup diced onions
A few sprigs of cilantro chopped
2 limes or lemons
2-3 soft wheat tortillas
Directions:
1. Heat up olive oil
2. Saute onions and garlic
3. Add fresh herbs and chives
4. Add vegetable broth and water
5. Let simmer for 10 minutes
6. Add all of cooked brown rice
7. Add corn and tomatoes
8. Let simmer for 10 minutes
9. Heat up oven to 350 and put tortillas (slice into vertical pieces) on pan (spray pan with non-stick spray)
10. Leave tortillas in for 6 minutes
11. Cut up avocado, lime or lemon into wedges, chop cilantro and onions, get cheese and put them into little serving dishes
Put soup in bowl and add toppings of avocado, cheese, squeezed lime, cilantro and onions. Mix into soup. Use salt and pepper to taste. Take tortilla strips and use them to dip into soup.
Enjoy!
YUM!
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!
Gear Up For Summer Block Party Giveaway! Day 1: Skitter Toys!
Gear Up For Summer Block Party Giveaway! Day 1: Skitter Toys!
Aloha and welcome to the ‘Gear Up For Summer’ Block Party! It’s a week filled with fantastic prizes for Summer time, offered by some fantastic blogs!! Each day during this week (May 18th-22nd) two of the blogs will be announcing their prize. I’ll be positing about each one every day this week, so be sure to check back and then head on over to check out some great companies and win!
WIN A Skitter Toy on The Ohana Mama!
http://theohanamama.com/
One lucky Ohana Mama reader will win a Skitter Toy in the color of their choice for their child (ages 2+)
A little bit about Skitter Toys…
* Skitter™ runs on pure kid power. Swivel the steering wheel back and forth and it skates along like magic on any smooth level surface. It can go forward or backward and make tight corner turns too.
* Skitter has received the “Best Smart Toy and Product of Excellence” by renowned toy and play expert, Dr. ToyAn
* Comes assembled
* Offers hours of fun for the kids while using all their energy.
http://www.skittertoys.com/
http://theohanamama.com/
Aloha and welcome to the ‘Gear Up For Summer’ Block Party! It’s a week filled with fantastic prizes for Summer time, offered by some fantastic blogs!! Each day during this week (May 18th-22nd) two of the blogs will be announcing their prize. I’ll be positing about each one every day this week, so be sure to check back and then head on over to check out some great companies and win!
WIN A Skitter Toy on The Ohana Mama!
http://theohanamama.com/
One lucky Ohana Mama reader will win a Skitter Toy in the color of their choice for their child (ages 2+)
A little bit about Skitter Toys…
* Skitter™ runs on pure kid power. Swivel the steering wheel back and forth and it skates along like magic on any smooth level surface. It can go forward or backward and make tight corner turns too.
* Skitter has received the “Best Smart Toy and Product of Excellence” by renowned toy and play expert, Dr. ToyAn
* Comes assembled
* Offers hours of fun for the kids while using all their energy.
http://www.skittertoys.com/
http://theohanamama.com/
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Free Clothes Dryer
I love hanging my clothes outside to dry. It saves so much energy and the clothes are always fresh smelling. If you put them out to dry early enough, they will dry in no time in the hot Florida sun!
Also, if you have clothes that are stained, the sun will actually bleach them.
My son loves to help me hang the clothes. He stands by the basket and hands me each piece of clothing.
Sometimes ants do crawl on the clothesline and the clothes, but I have noticed lately that dragon flies will now sit perched on the clothes pins themselves and eat any insects on my clothes!
Thank you dragon flies and thank you Sun for helping me out!
Also, if you have clothes that are stained, the sun will actually bleach them.
My son loves to help me hang the clothes. He stands by the basket and hands me each piece of clothing.
Sometimes ants do crawl on the clothesline and the clothes, but I have noticed lately that dragon flies will now sit perched on the clothes pins themselves and eat any insects on my clothes!
Thank you dragon flies and thank you Sun for helping me out!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Green Mommy
So with the birth of my daughter on the way, I have continued to be as earth friendly as possible. I have been using all natural personal body care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, lotion etc.
I also use these products on my son. I cannot picture using anything else!
I finally made the transition of living a "Green" lifestyle a few years ago and will never go back!
I have also been trying to eat as good as my budget will allow me to! Organic and natural foods as much as possible. We have started a little herb garden and every time I cook, I now use our homegrown Basil, Oregano, Cilantro and Mint. It adds such flavor and depth to foods! There is also some Tomatoes and Green Pepper growing too.
I cannot wait to harvest them. I also have some Orange and Avocado seeds which I am planning to germinate and even though I have never grown any trees before, I am really exited about the fruits those will bear!
I also use these products on my son. I cannot picture using anything else!
I finally made the transition of living a "Green" lifestyle a few years ago and will never go back!
I have also been trying to eat as good as my budget will allow me to! Organic and natural foods as much as possible. We have started a little herb garden and every time I cook, I now use our homegrown Basil, Oregano, Cilantro and Mint. It adds such flavor and depth to foods! There is also some Tomatoes and Green Pepper growing too.
I cannot wait to harvest them. I also have some Orange and Avocado seeds which I am planning to germinate and even though I have never grown any trees before, I am really exited about the fruits those will bear!
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