This week I’ve been trying out a few of Beyond Organic Skincare’s products and not been disappointed at all.

Beyond Organic Skincare is a family-run business based Cornwall and seeing the beautiful view they have from their workshop you can see why they’re so committed to caring for what’s natural. Impressively 90% of the ingredients of their skincare products are sourced from the West Country in the UK which must be no mean feat plus all of their ingredients are certified organic by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA). They take care to ensure they provide a healthy working environment for staff and inform us that they’re committed to various environmental and fair trade issues.

A good start isn’t it? And that’s before we’ve tried their creams.

The Beyond Organic Skincare products I’ve been using are the:

• Moisturising Day Cream
• Rescue Salve
• Rejuvenating Serum
• Regenerating Night Cream

First of all I need to point out that when the pretty little bottle & pots of lotions arrived they were contained in simple packaging of tissue paper and a card box with an information leaflet, all of which could be recycled or composted.

These products have a very similar smell which is subtle, fresh and non-perfumey and the information sheet goes into detail about the qualities of the natural ingredients in each of them.

I’ve used the Moisturising Day Cream more than any of the others which worked well either with our without make-up. It has a lovely consistency a little bit like a mousse and at this time of year where our faces are being battered by cold wind and dry central heating it moisturised my skin well without being heavy.

The Rescue Salve is the serious cream of the bunch designed to help with skin irritations and inflammation and although I don’t have any of those problems I found it acted as a great lip balm and eye cream for that bit of extra protection.

Similarly the Rejuvenating Serum seems to provide that deeper hydration and again feels good to use around your eyes (especially if you have a few laughter - ahem - lines like me!) because it’s like an oil which according to Beyond Organic Skincare’s information is very similar to human sebum in the skin.

At night time the Regenerating Night Cream is soothing and I think that’s the marshmallow ingredient. Again this one especially good for these winter months that are so harsh and drying but I imagine would work just as well after a day in the sun.

I wouldn’t say that the price of Beyond Organic Skincare’s products are that different to their organic counterparts and you only seem to need to use a little at a time so it should go a long way.

You can buy online too so those of us who aren’t lucky enough to live in beautiful Cornwall can still enjoy them. There are several more products available aside from the 4 I’ve tried, including the intriguingly named ‘Boob & Butt Pick Me Up’.

Check out their website at www.beyondskincare.co.uk.

One of their latest posts was about an investigation conducted by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) which found hormone-altering chemicals in air fresheners.  I really do think that this should be highlighted to more people as not only do most of these smell awful, and I think can give you a headache.

I think that the best bet is to open your window or use natural products. For example in the kitchen I mix water with lemon juice and spray it in the air to get a nice refreshing and clean smelling kitchen. In the bedroom I dry lavender which makes my bedroom smell lovely. Having plants around your house is also a great way of creating a healthy, clean and nice smelling home.

Most people would love to go “all organic” with their food choices. Who really wants the pesticides, hormones and preservatives in their food anyway? But going organic can be a pricey proposition. If your family is like most, your budget cannot afford 100% organic, so why not consider buying organic for some foods. Here is some simple advice on prioritizing your organic food purchases:

1. Eat organic at the top of the food chain: Purchasing organic dairy, egg and meat products is a great place to begin organic food purchases. Livestock eat pesticide-laden feed, are often dosed with antibiotics and hormones, and all of this ends up in the package at the super market. Even though produce is often associated with organic food, many of the residues on these foods can be eliminated or greatly reduced by properly cleaning and peeling them. There is no way to remove or reduce the contaminants in the meat, dairy and egg products.

2. Buying organic for produce with the highest levels of pesticides: Pesticides levels vary in produce. Foods that take a long time to grow have higher pesticides levels and foods that are high in sugar content tend to attract bugs and insects, and as result are sprayed more frequently.

The Environmental Workers Union analyzed a large number of foods and found that you can reduce risks of pesticide exposure by as much as 90 percent by avoiding the dirty dozen, or the top 12 produce items with the highest pesticide residues. Here is the list:

• Apples
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes (imported)
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Red Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

On the flip side, these fruits and veggies have the lowest levels of pesticide residues:

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn (sweet)
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Papayas
• Pineapples
• Peas (sweet)

3. Buying organic for children’s favorite foods: Babies and toddlers are notorious for having some strange eating habits. One of them is eating the same foods day in and day out. This is a perfectly normal development step for your child. Buy organic foods for what your little one is eating the most of at meals.

4. Be flexible. Buy what is on sale: Organic foods are like all other foods products, there are always specials on foods that are in season and there are always coupons. Keep your menu-planning flexible to take advantage of supermarket deals and remember the savings from one coupon can often equal the price difference between organic and conventional.

5. Buy private label: If you think your family budget can’t afford the prices at the fancy natural products stores, think again. Wild Oats, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s all offer a private-label brands of juices, soups, sauces and other processed edibles.

6. Explore the bulk aisles: If you thought the bulk bins were only for hard-core hippies, think again. Many common kitchen staples like pastas, cereals, nuts, and spices are offered in the bulk section. The foods are in large containers and are priced at a per pound rate. Bulk foods are more affordable than the pre-packaged foods. If you are intimidated by the bulk food aisle, ask for help. The people who work in the bulk food section are extremely helpful and very willing to support new customers.

About the authors: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers are sisters, the mothers of five children and founders of Fresh Baby. Creators of products that include the So Easy Baby Food Kit and Good Clean Fun Placemats; Fresh Baby offers parents convenient and practical support in raising healthy children. Visit them online at www.FreshBaby.com

My daughters had severe reactions to this chemical from serious headaches, fever and the most debilitating and tenacious rash response I have ever seen.  We have had positive response from herbal, homeopathic and aromatherapy remedies but she has missed most of her summer vacation in bed.

Henna tattoos are brownish red in color and are applied like a coloring over the skin, they are not pricked into the skin and they are NOT black.  If you know anyone traveling to sunny beaches please warn them to be careful of vendors of black tattoos.   After doing some research on the internet I have found stories from all over the world of children and teens like my own, who unknowingly poisoned themselves and many who had lasting scars from the event.

Thanks for sharing this post and spreading the word.

Most proprietary brands of sanitary pads, liners and tampons contain many synthetic materials that many women are unaware of. For instance, in sanitary pads you might expect to find cotton but what you get is polypropylene, polyacrylates, surfactants, plastic and chlorine-bleached wood pulp as well as the occasional fragrance. Tampons are made from chlorine bleached rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton and rayon. In addition, the chlorine bleaching process used produces an unwanted by-product called dioxin - a substance linked to cancer, endometriosis, low sperm counts and immune system suppression. With so many synthetic materials, there is a lot of scope for allergic reactions.

Eight out of ten women have never heard of Allergic Feminine Irritation (AFI) -  79% - yet millions may suffer with it at some time.

Gynaecologists say that up to a third of patients with symptoms of vaginal itching, soreness and/or discharge may be experiencing the symptoms of AFI. One in six gynaecologists say that women notice these symptoms to be at their worst around the time of their monthly period, suggesting that their choice of sanitary protection may be a cause or aggravating factor.

Mr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham City Hospital, says “Allergic Feminine Irritation is a condition that few women are aware of and few doctors even consider it as a cause of irritation in the female genital area. I am keen to raise awareness of the condition so that so many women do not need to pointlessly suffer.”

The effects of AFI 

The effects of AFI can be wide-ranging and varying in degree. Itching, soreness, general irritation and discharge are the common physical symptoms.

In addition, these physical symptoms can also drive more emotional and practical side-effects. Seventy four per cent of women said that Allergic Feminine Irritation affected their life in a non-physical way. A third said that they felt down or depressed (32%) and more than half (53%) said it had a detrimental effect on their sex life.

Finding the solution

As with all allergic reactions, the ideal solution is to avoid the allergen. With hayfever or dust mite allergy, this is difficult, if not impossible to achieve. With AFI, however, it is very simple to avoid the allergen as a first step toward relief.

As women are not aware of AFI, few are taking this sensible first step, however. Eighty four per cent of women have tried other ways to relieve their symptoms, with mixed success. Pills, creams, ointments, pessaries, natural yoghurt and wearing cotton underwear were all common remedies that were tried.

Mr David Nunns, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham City Hospital, said “Allergic Feminine Irritation is a very common problem and women commonly mistake it for thrush. I would advise all women who experience this kind of vaginal irritation to try using natural sanitary protection and wearing cotton underwear, avoiding soap, etc as the first course of action. If the symptoms persist, that’s when to turn to your GP for further help and advice.”

Why women need to know

AFI can be quite easily remedied. Sixty three per cent of women think their symptoms are thrush, so treat accordingly, but this is not necessarily the best course of action. One in ten (11%) thought they had contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), creating unnecessary concern and worry.

Simply wearing cotton underwear, avoiding highly perfumed soaps and toiletries and changing their choice of sanitary protection can make the difference between life-altering discomfort and a symptom-free life.

Almost two thirds of women (61%) say that they would be happier to know that their symptoms were AFI and not thrush or a sexually transmitted disease.

Natracare

Natracare produce sanitary and other personal products. Here is what they say about them on their website:

“Natracare products are chemical and additive free, and biodegradable and contain only organic and natural ingredients sourced from sound ecologically managed producers. We will never compromise on quality and reliability and continue to apply modern thinking to the use of natural materials to find intelligent and worthwhile solutions to keep Natracare the trusted and proven name it has become. We are committed to improving personal and environmental health and believe in a balanced ecologically driven lifestyle.”

Check them out at http://www.natracare.com

All this week I have been surrounded by a virtuous and, I must confess, rather smug glow thanks to a new discovery: Brighton & Hove Council’s journey planner website, Journey On.

Following on neatly from Arcadia’s post below, this excellent innovative website allows you to count the carbon, the calories and the cost of your daily journeys to and from work, to the shops, down to the beach, wherever you want within Brighton & Hove.

I have touched before on my walk to work - in the context of the deodorant debates (I walk a fairly long way very quickly with the inevitable issues on arrival!) - so was delighted to discover thanks to the council’s calculator that each day I walk:

over 4 miles

burning nearly 400 calories (or more as it says the journey takes 40mins and I do it in 30!)

saving 1.4kg in carbon emissions and £1.56 in petrol if I were to drive

or 0.5kg in carbon emissions and £1.70 if I were taking the bus

I think this website is a brilliant idea - not least because it lets me boast to all my friends how fit I am and how I’m saving the planet every day!

Gill Mitchell, the city council’s environment spokeswoman, said:

“Every day in Brighton & Hove 27,000 car journeys of less than three miles are made. We want to get people out of their cars and walking, cycling or taking public transport instead.

“Everyone wants to save money and everyone would like to be healthier. Our transport campaign, plus this new website, will help make people aware of how walking, cycling or taking the bus can help achieve this.”

So if you’re not in Brighton & Hove and you want to know how many calories and how much carbon you’re burning on your way to work, get on to your local council and tell them to build you a Journey On website now!

Happy Easter!

Katie

Update: Since I wrote this post, I’ve discovered London is doing something similar with their website ‘Walk It’ - check it out Londoners!

In Edinburgh, there are a fair few outlets that stock them, at reasonable prices.  One of the best for both quality and price is The Soap Box stall at the farmer’s market.  They are not there every Saturday so you might like to give them a call to find out when they are next up: 01665 720 263.  The lady that makes them is experimenting with concentrations of fragrances at the moment and welcomes all feedback.

L’Occitane en Provence have some candles that are all natural wax and whilst they cost a little bit more than the ones from The Soap Box they have a wonderful lasting fragrance and are great for a treat.

Before Christmas I picked up some scented tealights in Oxfam, I’m not sure if they still have them in stock as I don’t often get to one of their shops (I live near their music and book shops but not their ‘original’ one).  They were good value and had a good scent, either vanilla or a Christmas spice style one.

Other stockists include the Mulberry Bush in Morningside, Studio One in the New Town, Napiers in the Old Town and Stockbridge and the Blackadder Gallery in Stockbridge.  You’ll only find small selections here but they’re worth a look.  Last time I was in the Soap Company on the Royal Mile they had started a small range at reasonable prices.

There’s always mail order as well.  I’ve bought Amphora Aromatics candles at the Isle of Skye Soap Company when I’ve been up there on holiday and they’re great, I keep meaning to order some online rather than wait until my next trip north!  They also do tealights, which is brilliant as I used to get mine at Napiers but they seem to have stopped stocking natural wax ones.

Anyone else got any good natural wax candle tips?

Cultivating relationships that keep your heart young is the key, which explains why I enjoy driving my teenage son’s buddies around town. They make me laugh and ask me all kinds of questions that “rock my world” as they would say. Listening to their conversation and occasionally being invited in has given me the opportunity to witness and share an experience that I might otherwise judge, because hanging around insolent teenagers can make even the most confident adult feel weak in the knees.

Tending our relationships and keeping them vital is the most challenging work that we do. Certainly the statistics of the growing population of people who live alone and are not in committed relationships attests to this challenge. Many times I wonder if my insistence on sustainable love is realistic or even necessary in this life- my voice feels small in the face of all the leaving that I see all around me. Still here it is, a Yale physician supporting my claim that the key to sustaining a happy life is learning to appreciate and deepen the relationships that make life meaningful. So I am gratified tonight. What keeps your relationships strong?

Tomorrow is actually my second dentist appointment in a month. Last time I went I had a full set of x-rays done and it was frightening! At one point I had to bite down on some sort of mouth piece, put myself into an awkward standing position while an x-ray machine did a 360 degree rotation around my body. I kept wondering what would happen if I were accidentally to touch the rotating machine or change my position in any way. Imagine how much more pleasant a dentist appointment that ended with a foot massage (such as at Transcendentist) could be!

In any case, I love the fact that eco-friendly principles are permeating into all types of professions. Looking forward to the time when an eco-friendly dentist office will be in my Toronto neighbourhood too. And while I’m on the topic of the pearly whites, does anyone know a good natural whitening toothpaste or home recipe?