Vibrant Healthy U

Just Add Water And Relax

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Why is it the sound of water is so relaxing? I don't know if it's because we spent nine months in water before we were born, or some other reason, but if you close your eyes and imagine yourself in a deep forest near the edge of a babbling brook, you will immediately feel better.

Now, what if you could bring that stream to your office or home? The sound of flowing water has been proven to improve employee moral and lead to a less stressed, more relaxed feeling in the workplace. With a Soothing Wall Fountain, it can sound as if your desk is next to the river's edge. (Wouldn't that make you more productive?)

Indoor fountains come in a number of styles to fit in with any decor. Wall Fountains take up little space and are beautiful to behold, you can even have your company, or family name etched in to a custom fountain.

As another bonus, water fountains act as natural humidifiers, remove dust particles from the air, and help keep wood floors from cracking.

Allow the magical properties of water to envelop your home or office with a Soothing Walls water fountain.

Easy Way To Ease Eyestrain

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:43:00 +0000

Too much time sitting in front of the computer causing strain on your eyes? (Believe me, you are not alone!) To reduce the strain, use your thumbs to press the spots on both sides of the bridge of your nose, where it meets your brow bones, and hold for one minute.

Acupressurists attest that stimulating this point, triggers the release of pain -killing endorphins and increases blood flow to the area, which relaxes muscles. It also signals the sinuses to drain, relieving any pressure you may have had.

source: First, August 24, 2009 issue

Eye Creams, Gels, and Serums, Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:22:00 +0000

The older I get, the more I try to protect my face from the sun. No matter how good of shape your body is in, (not that mine is anything to write home about) wrinkles tell your age! I never used to use moisturizer or eye creams either - but that's something else I've had to come to terms with.

I'm always on the lookout for new products that will help plump, fill-in or at least reduce the appearance of my crows feet and squint lines. If it's not overly expensive, I'll try just about anything.

Right now I'm using L'Oreal, but it will be empty soon and so I'm on the hunt for the next best thing. In my quest, I found a site to help me.

Eyecreams.com is an authority on eye creams, eye serums, and eye gels. Read an Eye Cream Review before you shell out the money for it, only to find it doesn't work. Find out what they claim to fix, such as dark circles, eye wrinkles, skin discoloration, puffiness, bags, etc. and then purchase only according to what you need.

You can also submit a review. So, if you have an eye cream that you just love, let us all know about it.

With over 100 eye cream reviews, maybe I'll find the magic one that makes me look 20 again ~ or maybe not!

More Than Likely It Wasn't The Mayo That Made You Sick

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Mayonnaise has the bad reputation for always being the culprit for 'picnic poisoning.' At one time they may have been true, however, that was when people made their own mayo using raw eggs which can carry harmful bacteria. Today's store-bought mayonnaise though, is pasteurized and sterile, and according to a study in the Journal of Food Protection, modern mayo may actually hinder the growth of salmonella and other bacteria on food due to the natural acids in the vinegar and lemon juice used to make it.

Of course that doesn't mean you should leave it out in the heat all day, all perishable items can spoil if they sit out for over two hours. But it does mean that as long as it will be eaten quickly, you don't have to forgo the potato salad while on your picnic in the park!

A Natural Way To End Common Back Pain

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Back pain is a common complaint, but treating it can be quite complex. My friend disappeared from a lecture we attended recently and when I asked her what happened she said it was her back. She just couldn't get comfortable no matter whether she sat or stood, she was still getting this charlie-horse-like pain in her lower back.

I used to have problems with my sciatic nerve too, but I found that Back Exercises helped to improve it tremendously. And, apparently I'm not the only one that has benefited from it because Back2Yourself has designed an innovative online exercise platform for people suffering from back pain.

With daily back exercise programs - designed specifically for you and your type of back pain - self-evaluation tracking, and a team of professionals always available to support you, you could find yourself in less pain in a matter of days!

What value would you place on becoming back pain free? How about less than $1 a day?

Sleep Like A Baby

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Having trouble staying asleep at night? Try this trick.

Grab a dried kidney bean (or other flat type of bean) and, using an old pair of panty hose or a soft scrunchie, affix the bean to your inner wrist, about two inches down from the crease.

Accupressure practitioners say that this point on the arm, called Inner Gate, is known for its ability to promote deep sleep. Why? Because putting constant pressure on this area slows your heart rate increases your sense of relaxation.

source: First, June 9, 2009

A Non-Chemical Solution For Mosquito Bites?

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:09:00 +0000

I love summer! I feel so much better, and happier! Being out, exercising, being with friends, great grilled foods, the list could go on and on. The only thing that bugs me (no pun intended) about summer are the mosquitoes!

As we speak I'm sitting here with a couple itchy red welts on me. And for some reason, when they bite me the bite gets huge - I must be allergic to them! I've often wondered, and even did a little research on Google, as to why I seem to get bit while my dear hubby never, ever does.

The answer was unclear. Researchers think it's a combination of things that attracts the little buggers which may include blood type, the natural processes of our bodies, drinking, etc.

Whatever the case, I worry about getting bit because of the diseases they can carry, but on the other hand I worry about applying bug spray because of the chemicals that are leaching into my system through my skin.

So today, when I stumbled upon the Mosquito Magnet website I thought, "what a great answer to the mosquito problem!"

The Mosquito Magnet runs off propane (or you can get a solar version if you have a lot of sun) and lures mosquitoes by emitting carbon dioxide (a proven mosquito attractant) then they are vacuumed in and die.

It sounds almost too good to be true, but after taking a look at some of the mosquito magnet reviews, I was quite convinced.

If you live in the South, East or Mid-West, like I do, you know just how annoying mosquitoes can be. Mosquito Magnet just might be the solution!

Review Of The E-Cloth - Clean Without Chemicals

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:16:00 +0000

In March I wrote about the benefits received by cutting harmful chemicals out of your lifestyle. As I mentioned in one of those articles, the easiest thing to do is to start using 'green' cleaners. But what if you didn't have to use cleaners at all? In addition to the advantages it would have on your health, think of the money you'd save!

The makers of the E-Cloth have a product that they claim does just that, allows you to clean all hard surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals; and they gave me both their General Purpose Sponge Cloth and their Glass and Polishing Cloth (The Bathroom Pack) to try and see for myself if it works.

I have to admit, I was somewhat skeptical. When I received the package from U.P.S. my son looked at the two cloths and said, "It's material. You could go down to the fabric store and buy the same thing." Of course it's material, but I could not go down to the fabric store and purchase the same thing. Why? Because although other factories make microfiber cloths, they are not created equal.

The difference... is derived from using only the highest grades of raw materials and a state-of-the-art manufacturing process. The superior manufacturing process of Eco-Cloth utilizes technology to “split” and combine fibers which create millions of tiny scrapers which serve to cut through dust, dirt, grime, oils, grease, bacteria without scratching surfaces.

So, the true test began. I went to my bathroom equipped with just the two cloths and the spray bottle filled with water and got down to the nitty gritty - cleaning! The first thing I cleaned was my mirror. Below are the before and after photos of it. OK, yes, I know it was gross - all the better for this test! Look how well it cleaned up - with just water! Not a streak on it! I was immediately in love with the Glass & Polishing Cloth and went to my bedroom to clean the windows. With the help of the Sponge Cloth (used on the sills) I had perfectly clean windows in minutes -- with no chemicals and paper towels! (And believe me, I would have normally used a ton of paper towels!)

BEFORE

AFTER

Now it was on to try out the General Purpose Sponge Cloth. I cleaned the sink off and then the tub. The sink was a breeze and ended up just as shiny as when I use cleaners. The tub came clean as well, but I had to put a little more muscle into it. Look at it this way, I got a workout as well as a clean tub with no chemicals - I should be extremely healthy now! I'm sure it was just because it had soap scum built up on it. The E-Cloth company recommends that for best results you wipe the tub or shower out after each use. In this way the scum never develops so you won't be scrubbing as hard as I was.

All-in-all I was very impressed with the E-Cloth and have been using them not only at my own home, but I took them with me and used them on my paid cleaning jobs.

So, if you're interested in reducing the amount of chemicals in our environment, and/or have chemical sensitivities, allergies, or respiratory ailments, visit www.ecloth.com and find out more about cleaning with just water.

Join BeeWell Miles To Get Healthy And Help Find A Cure For Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Which is more important to you? Getting healthy or helping a great cause? Well, here's a great way to do both!

The BeeWell Miles program let's you track your own health progress, but, in addition, for every mile you log they will donate 15¢ to Breast Cancer Network Of Strength.

At the BeeWell Miles site you'll find a ton of resources to help you get your body and life to that healthy lifestyle you're dreaming of. You can interact with healthy living experts, log your miles, count your calories burned, calculate your route's mileage, see how your activity and nutrition offset each other, and interact with others while sharing ideas and tips on getting healthy. There are also two blogs with helpful tips, one of them is a blog by Coach Jenny where you'll find information on walking or running and the other one, by Willow and Stephanie, contains articles on nutrition.

If you needed anymore reason to join, by logging miles or entering game codes from the back of pink 5oz cans of Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water, you'll also get a chance to win one of over 15,000 prizes - including a $25,000 weeklong spa trip for two!

Doing it for yourself is a great thing, but if you've ever know someone with breast cancer, you know the need to find the cure for this disease. By joining BeeWell Miles you get the chance to help not only yourself but others.

Veggie Burger Recipe That Will Make The Meat Lovers Jealous

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:43:00 +0000

My son calls himself a 'meatatarian' because he feels he can't live without eating meat. It makes sense when you find out his blood type is O. If you've ever read Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight, O's tend to need a lot of protein.

However, yesterday I received a recipe from Self.com for a veggie (bean and 'bella) burger that I think even he could replace his beef hamburger with. And, at 17.9 grams of protein his Type O needs should be met.

If you're a vegetarian try this at the next barbeque you attend and the meat lovers just might be envious!

INGREDIENTS
• 4 tablepsoons canola oil
• 2 medium portobellos, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon honey mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 6 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs
• 4 whole-wheat buns
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 4 tomato slices
•

PREPARATION
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook mushrooms, onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until pepper begins to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add beans, paprika, garlic powder and black pepper. Cook, smashing beans with the back of a spoon, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix in eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs. Form into 4 patties. Wipe out skillet; heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat and cook burgers until brown and firm, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Place on buns; top each with 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice.

Parenting Help - All Moms Can Use It Once In A While

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Calling all moms and moms-to-be who just don't have all the answers. There isn't a harder job than being a parent. It starts at conception (or possibly before) and, I have to tell you, it never ends!

I remember when I was pregnant wondering if I was getting enough calcium because I'm lactose intolerant. Or the time I was pacing the floor in the middle of the night worried my son was getting dehydrated from the bout of diarrhea he had. Or the time he hit his cousin with a plastic baseball bat and I wondered if that meant he had anger issues.

Now, there's a great new site designed to help all you moms that are worriers, like me. It's called Parents Connect and is at www.ParentsConnect.com. Brought to you by the same people who bring you Noggin and Nick Jr, you'll find daily tips, recipes, product recommendations, expert parenting info, and baby names. Whether you are expecting a baby boy or a baby girl, have a toddler or a teen, you can turn to Parents Connect, post your dilemma and find out, not only what an expert has to say, but also what other moms think.

What's Causing Your Stomach Cramps And More Benefits From Chamomile Tea

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Is it irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or endometriosis? Believe it or not, stomach cramps may be misdiagnosed as IBS buy may actually be due to endometriosis. Researchers at England's University of Surrey say the misdiagnosis is common and recommend that women recently diagnosed with IBS talk with their gynecologist if they're experiencing painful periods, discomfort going to the bathroom (particularly while menstruating), or soreness during sexual intercourse.

If you're like me you might love a soothing cup of chamomile tea before bed, but here's some great news for those suffering from diabetes, when researchers fed chamomile tea to rats with diabetes, the animals had significant decreases in blood sugar and lower levels of compounds that can cause diabetes complications. What a boost to your soothing, relaxing nighttime ritual this could be!

Source: Prevention, February 2009

Don't Age Gracefully - Fight It!

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:39:00 +0000

I remember meeting a woman when I was younger and being shocked that she was as old as she was. However, the friend with me wasn't surprised. She said she could tell by her wrinkles that she wasn't as young as I thought.

I still get told, on occasion, that I don't look my age - but it's not as often as I'd like. I talked in a previous post about the wrinkles on my neck, but I've also developed some grooves in my forehead and my dread-of-dreads is that the ones in my dimples will continue to deepen. I once saw an old woman with dimples and they had become caverns -- I don't want that to be me!!

I moisturize daily, but if you're wanting something better, (I am!) the Dermajuv Complete Rejuvenation System has been proven in tests, versus a placebo, to reduce wrinkle depth, roughness, wrinkle volume, and line density.

The three step system contains ingredients such as REAL MATRIXYL, which works at the DNA Level to stimulate the very factors in the skin which we lose as we grow old... Collagen and Fibronectin, RENOVAGE to replenish the functions your skin performs, that it has been lacking in, due to mature age, and SESAFLASH to lift wrinkles, right before your very eyes, within 5 minutes!

Right now, Dermajuv is offering an Economic Bailout For Your Skin! Use the promo code "bailout" for $5 off.

Mind Over Waistline

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Think buying new workout equipment will help you finally get fit? It may help, but a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine notes that it may be your mind that ultimately gets you there.

While greater access to treadmills upped participants' odds of exercising by 24 percent, those who believed in their ability to succeed increased their chances by 139 percent!

How many diets have you been on that you didn't stick to because you gave in due to an emotional breakdown or laziness - a mental weakness? To bolster confidence, commit to the long term, but set specific, short-term, goals and then recognize when you acheive them. Remind yourself of who you are becoming. Encourage yourself to keep going, to keep building this new you!

Watch The Amazing Dolphin Bubble Rings

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:50:00 +0000

I remember visiting the Seaworld in Chicago as a child. I couldn't have been more than five but parts of it are still vividly clear. The dolphins, especially, found a place in my heart. I've since read of their intelligence, how they communicate with one another, how they have saved humans from shark attacks, and how dolphin assisted therapy can help alleviate depression and possibly even help children with disabilities. Today though, I found out a new amazing fact about them.

The dolphins at the Dolphin Cove at Seaworld are making dolphin bubbles!

By blowing bubbles out of their blow holes at a certain angle, they can form a ring with them. The ring, because it's spherical, doesn't rise like a normal bubble would instead it sinks. The dolphins then play with them, and have taught other dolphins how they too can make the rings.

If you have the time and resources, taking your child to Dolphin Cove would be an amazing adventure. In addition to the joyfulness of seeing your child interact with the dolphins, imagine what they will learn from the experience. They will get an education in the habitat of marine life, what their diets consist of, how they play, and more.

Even if you can't visit, take three minutes to enjoy the video below with a kid. You'll both enjoy it!

Winner Of The Ecostore Products

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:42:00 +0000

As selected by Random.org, the winner of the Ecostore Cream Cleanser and Lemongrass Soap is commenter #32, which is Rachel. Rachel said, "I would love to try the COCONUT soap. It's one of my favorite scents (and flavors)." I had choosen the Lemongrass Soap for the giveaway -- but I'll see if we can get it changed to the Coconut, just for you! Congratulation, Rachel. I'll be emailing you to get your mailing address.

Thanks to everyone who entered! And, if you didn't win, you can still try Ecostore products by purchasing them at your local Meijer's.

Try The Newest Workout Craze - Kettlebells!

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:24:00 +0000

One of the hottest trends to hit the workout world in recent years involves the use of kettlebells. I hadn't even heard of the kettlebell until a few years ago and thought they were a recent invention, but come to find out, kettlebells have been around for years. Over 2000 years ago they may have started out as a cast iron kettle that was filled with sand and used as a strength training tool. Later, they were used for training the Russian military.

Today the kettlebell looks like a cannonball with a handle and comes in many sizes. You may have even seen the contestants on the The Biggest Loser use them. But once you purchase them, do you know what to do with them?

KettleWorx is a new program based on kettlebell training. It combines cardio, core, and resistance training, and when used for just 20 minutes, 3 times a week, along with the Fat Free in 42 diet, KettleWorx guarantees you'll be amazed at the results you'll see in just six short weeks.

There are multiple packages to choose from depending on your needs and fitness level, and the prices range from just $39.95 to the $89.95 package, which includes a kettlebell in your choice of 5, 10, or 20 pounds. Each DVD contains multiple 20 minute kettlebell workouts, so you never get bored and can even target specific key areas.

Let Ryan Shanahan, the developer of KettleWorx, become your personal, in-home trainer via DVD. He is the world's leading kettlebell trainer, a foremost expert in kettlebell fitness, and has trained superstars and exclusive private clients and now you can benefit from his knowledge and expertise.

Here you can view Ryan, working out with kettlebells on The Early Show to learn more:

Are Your Household Products Killing You? - Ecostore Review & Contest

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:46:00 +0000

We live in a world saturated by toxins. In two of my recent posts I discussed the dangers of chemicals found in health and beauty and lawn & garden products. You may be a little more familiar with the fact that many of the household cleaners that are used on a regular basis are loaded with chemicals, since this is one area that seems to actually have been brought up by the media on occasion. (Click Here to jump down to the contest rules.)

First of all, you breathe in the chemicals while using them, but then think about all the things your child touches during the day. If your child is like mine was, everything went from the hand to the mouth. When you clean with those nasty chemicals, those little hands are all over those chemicals. And apparently it makes a difference. Between 1975 and 1998 childhood cancers increased by approximately 21 percent and that's just the beginning. In the past decade ADHD has increased by six times, childhood asthma is the leading cause of absenteeism in schools, rates of autism are rising fast, and rheumatoid arthritis has become the third-most-common chronic childhood disorder.

Of course, not all these problems are caused by one single element but environmental factors are known to contribute to them.

But you can take action! The most logical place to do this starts in your home and Ecostore USA wants to help! They have designed eco friendly, plant-based, household cleaning products that are as effective as the leading supermarket brands, and I was given the privilege to try a few of them out last week.I recently received their Citrus Spray Cleaner, Cream Cleanser, and a bar of Lemongrass Soap. I was so excited about these because I know the importance of not using too many chemicals in my home, and so I generally use the Clorox brand of 'green' cleaners. However, I had yet to find a product that was natural and would still clean my tub well.

When the box arrived the Cleanser was the first thing I opened. I had a rust stain on my kitchen sink (from leaving my iron skillet sitting in it overnight) and wondered if the cleanser would be strong enough, since it's void of nasty chemicals, to get it up. Viola! I didn't even have to rub hard! I then ran up to try it out on my tub. This is not something I normally find to be fun, but I was so excited to try this out I actually enjoyed it! It took all the soap scum off, without a lot of elbow grease, and without the fumes I'm used to! I definitely recommend this product.

Next, I tried out the Citrus Spray Cleaner, which is naturally antibacterial - gotta love that! It can be used on virtually any surface so, I used it on my kitchen counters and stove top. It did what it was supposed to, and it has virtually no scent -- a great plus if you are sensitive to smells.

Lastly, I used the Lemongrass Soap when I showered that evening. I love the scent! I wanted to eat it! (And without all those nasty chemicals, I guess it wouldn't have been fatal to do so, just not real tasty!) It lathered wonderfully and didn't leave my skin feeling dried out due to the lemongrass, palm and coconut oils that are in it.

Overall, I was highly impressed with Ecostore USA's chemical free products. I'm sure you will be too! And the great thing is, they have recently launched at Meijer's! If you are in the mid-west, look for the Ecostore line next time you're there - and if you're not, you can purchase them online at www.ecostoreusa.com.

Would you like to try them for free? Ecostore USA has been kind enough to offer one of my lucky readers the chance to do so! One person will win my two favorite products, the Cream Cleanser and the Lemongrass Soap! Here's what you need to do to be in the running:

CONTEST DETAILS

What you can win:

(1) 12.7 oz. Cream Cleanser

and

(1) 2.7 oz. bar Lemongrass Soap

What you need to do to be entered: Visit Ecostore USA and look at the products they offer, then come back here and leave me a comment to let me know which product you would be most likely to purchase.

The contest will end on March 19. On Friday, March 20, I will post the winner and I will contact the winner by email, so make sure I can find your email address. If you do not have it on your blogger profile, or the link you leave, put it in your comment. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, at which time I'll get their mailing address.

Can you get extra entries? YES!

Earn 2 extra entries by also blogging about my contest, and linking back to this post, on your blog. (leave the URL of your post in your comment)
Tweet about my contest for 1 extra entry.
Stumble or Digg this post for 1 extra entry.
Follow my blog for 1 extra entry.
Subscribe to my RSS feed for 1 extra entry.
Technorati Favorite my blog for 1 extra entry.
Follow me on Twitter for 1 extra entry. (http://twitter.com/amh615) (New followers only -sorry!)

Be sure to let me know in a separate comment (for each) if you did anything to get extra entries. And be sure to leave your user/profile name in your comment if you are Stumbling, Digging, Technorati Favoriting, Tweeting, or following me on Twitter - I will be checking! :)

Thanks for entering and I hope you win!

*Sorry, but due to the price of shipping, prize will only be mailed to addresses within the U.S.

Due To My Error - There Are 2 More Days For The Winners To Respond

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:09:00 +0000

I was cleaning out my 246 spam emails and glanced down the list, there seemed to be nothing other than info on where I can get pharmaceuticals without a prescription and how to have better sex. So I clicked 'delete all' and as I watched them all slowly disappear I noticed one with the name of my blog and the words 'Exercise Anywhere' in it. But alas, it was to late, they were gone.

I have a feeling that email was from one of my two winners, either Meredith or Diane, and now I feel horribly guilty and can not give the cards to a new winner without first trying to contact them yet again.

So, Meredith and Diane, if you emailed me with your address, please do so again. I promise to scan my spam box much more diligently before deleting anything this time!

--Let's set the clock again. You have 48 hours.

Safe & Natural Health and Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:40:00 +0000

In a recent post I discussed the dangers of chemical use in our lawn and gardens. This post will focus on the dangers of chemicals in our health and beauty products. It will be followed with a post on the dangers in our household cleaners, along with a contest!

Do this, go get some of your commonly used health and beauty products read the ingredients. I grabbed a couple I had on hand and here are a few things I found in them: Oleth-20, Hyroxypropyl Bisisostearamidopropyldimonium,(gotta love that one with 30 letters!) Methyl Gluceth-20, Thyhexyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol... I could list more, but you get the point. These ingredients came off just two products, one an eye cream, the other a hair product. But does it matter? Can putting chemicals on your skin cause problems?

Some doctors say they can, while others say they don't. There really isn't enough evidence to support taking them off the shelves because cosmetics are virtually unregulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA) and companies are free to use almost any ingredient they choose in personal care products. However, the skin is an organ, as such it is only reasonable to conclude that it will absorb the product and it has to go somewhere. Certain chemicals have been linked (though not proven) to birth defects, skin disfigurement, cancer, and other health problems.

Here again, wouldn't the responsible thing be to stay away from such products, especially when pregnant?

Beaute de Maman is a line of products for pregnant and post partum women designed by Dr. Michele Brown, a board-certified member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a member of the American Medical Association, the Fairfield County Medical Association, Yale Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and the Women's Medical Association of Fairfield County.

Because Dr. Brown was unhappy with the current products offered on the market, she decided to take matters into her own hands and developed a line of products safe for women to use during pregnancy.

Many Hollywood celebrity moms-to-be have been known to use the Beaute de Maman line including Brooke Mueller Sheen, (wife of Charlie Sheen) Jane Allen, (wife of Tim Allen)and The Insider’s celebrity correspondent Victoria Recano.
To learn more, or order now, visit www.beautedemaman.com.

Winners Of The Exercise Anywhere Cards

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The Exercise Anywhere contest has ended, but don't worry if you weren't chosen, I will be posting a new contest in the next 24 hours. I will be contacting these two entrants for their mailing addresses: #26 and #1, as chosen by Random.org.

Commenter #26 was Meredith who blogs at The Merry Death. Her reason for wanting the cards was, "I would love this because I can't afford the gym right now." Well, now you have no excuse, Meredith! lol!

Commenter #1 was Diane - but I have no way of contacting you Diane! Your Blogger profile is private and you didn't leave an email addy. I will give you 48 hours to contact me, (There is a Contact button in the linkbar above, or you can comment on this post.) if I don't hear from you by then, I will have to draw again for a new winner.

Congratulations to both Meredith and Diane, and thanks to everyone who entered. Come back and look for a new contest to be posted soon!

The Chemical Free Lawn & Garden

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:19:00 +0000

In the past century thousands of synthetic chemicals have been put to use in America. Many of these chemicals seem to make our lives easier and better. They may kill our weeds, clean our clothes and carpets, unclog our drains, beautify our lawns or kill the nasty insects that we don't want in our homes. But have you ever asked yourself if those chemicals are toxic and what effect they may be having on yourself and your family?

This post is, in particular, will be talking about going green in your garden, flower bed, and lawn, while a future one will deal with going green with your household cleaners and bath & body products.

What benefits could be derived from using safe, healthy, garden and pest control products? Well, who is eating that food you grow, or walking and playing on that lawn you just fertilized? Children are more easily affected by chemicals than adults, but it's hard to say with a certainty what effects chemicals may have. It depends on the chemical used. Side effects can be as mild as a rash or as serious as cancer. Whatever the effect of the chemical, wouldn't you prefer to not have to worry about it all?

Going organic will decrease your families chances of accelerated disease, it can provide mental and physical benefits, it increases the vitamin and mineral content in your soil, and additionally, it helps improve the environment.

Safer® brand offers a full line of organic gardening and organic pest control products and contrary to what many assume, organic products work as well, if not better, than chemical-based products. Most are formulated for specific problems, instead of a broad spectrum, and can do their job with no poisons at all -- the Safer® way!

So You Wanna Be Hot, Hot, Hot?

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:19:00 +0000

I hate the cold! I noticed there are quite a few products recently that actually heat up when you apply them. If your tootsies (and other body parts) get as cold as mine do, take off the chill with some of these great finds:

This self-heating salt blend with pure eucalyptus oil and root ginger will enhance circulation, detoxify the system, and warm the skin.

A mango and ginger scented sugar scrub that not only exfoliates but also warms your skin.

A gel scrub for your face that, while it warms you, will unclog pores and remove excess oil.

Here's the one I need! A water-activated warming formula gently exfoliates rough skin around cuticles and buffs nails.

And finally, add a little heat in your romance with:

Natural warming extracts raise the temperature of touch, made with an extra emollient for superior slip, Citrus Bergamia Oil calms the senses, while Rosewood Oil adds its unique aphrodisiac benefits.

Change Your Style In No Time Flat With A New Pair Of Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

If you've been watching American Idol you may have noticed that Danny Gokey's look changes a lot. No, it's not his hair, or piercings or even his clothes that cause the transformation, it's his eyeglasses. He seems to have a different color and style for every day of the week.

I love how, in just a few seconds time, glasses can entirely change your style, but with most glasses costing a few hundred dollars, I can't afford to buy as many pairs as I would like... Well, that was until I found out about Zenni Optical.

The New York Times recently mentioned Zenni Optical pointing out that they sell frames at a fraction of what the average frame would run.

Look at the cute pair I've picked out!

At only $8 - including the lenses - not only am I going to get me new glasses but I'm going to order a pair for my husband and son too! We all have poor vision and our insurance will only cover either contacts or glasses, not both. But this year that doesn't matter, we'll get both! Insurance will pay for the contacts and we'll get the glasses through Zenni!

There are so many choices I'm thinking I may even get a few pairs to change when my mood does, at these prices, you'll want to do the same!

Are You Obese Because You Sit Near The Buffet, Or Vise Versa?

noreply@blogger.com (AMH615) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:41:00 +0000

A study published in the journal Obesity found that people's dining behaviors reflect their weight.

Looking at diners at a Chinese buffet, researchers found that heavier people sat an average of 16 feet closer, and were more likely to forgo chopsticks, than thinner patrons.

Additionally, the study found that normal weight people were 22% more likely to sit at a booth than those who were overweight, and 71% of normal weight consumers were found to browse the buffet before eating, whereas only 33% of the overweight did so.

So, does this mean if you are mindful of where you sit and the utensils you use and think before you dive in, you'll automatically be skinny? No, but thinking and acting like a thin person can change your eating behaviors. Something to keep in mind next time you head to the local China Gardens Restaurant.