Parabens...steer clear!

Parabens are chemicals widely used as a preservative by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies in everyday products used by most individuals in the United States. Mostly found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, makeup and perfumes, their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with the low cost are two reasons they are so commonly found in these products. 

Some of the many common products containing parabens

However, this unfortunate chemical group is not banned from products. They are toxic and low concentrations have been found in breast cancer tumors. Another major concern is the fact that parabens mimic estrogen, which may be a factor in the increasing prevalence of early puberty in girls.

DIY Deodorant

Today I tried my hand at making my first all natural deodorant! I've been using natural deodorant's for over a year now and wanted to finally try my hand at it. I got a recipe from a friend who uses it so I tweaked it a little and tried it for myself.

Here's what you'll need:

Let me put a disclaimer saying I take great pride in a clear picture but somehow seemed to have missed this one and it came out terrible. Sorry.

• 2T - Baking Soda
• 2T - Arrowroot Powder
• 1T - Witchhazel 
• 1T - Coconut Oil
• 1T - Shea Butter (or Cocoa Butter)
• 2T - Beeswax (I used local beeswax which is best...good luck cutting it up)
• Essential Oil (I used several drops of Tea Tree Oil and a few of Eucalyptus - Tea Tree is great because it's antibacterial)
• Empty Deodorant container (save one from a previous use)

Use a double boiler to melt the oils (Coconut oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Essential Oils), then add Witchhazel, Arrowroot, and Baking Soda slowly to the oils off the heat. It's preferable to use a real silver spoon (I found a great one at an antique shop for under $10). The reason is it doesn't pick up any bacteria and is a clean metal perfect for mixing.

Once you've mixed everything, drop it into the deodorant mold (container). Then refrigerate for a bit and it's ready to use =)

Remember, it won't be as pretty as the one's you buy in the store, but you know and see all the ingredients that go in it and it's beneficial for your skin and body.

Enjoy! =) Feel free to share in comments other ingredients you've used or other recipes. I'd love to try it!

Is your cleaner clean?

Let me begin by saying I've been removing any toxic cleaners, detergents, facial and cosmetic products (which is why I sell Ava Anderson Non-Toxic) from my home. Working part-time at a health food store, I found a new product we started carrying that caught my attention. It stated it was "non-toxic", "all-natural" and safe for everyone in the family.

But something bothered me.

It didn't list ingredients...it simply said "Coconut derived ingredients and natural oils". You know what that means to me? NOTHING!!! Coconut is how they derive some of the most toxic and cancerous ingredients. Just because it comes from a natural source DOES NOT mean it's still natural after they distill, heat and overprocess in order to make it what they want. They usually, then, mix it with overly toxic ingredients and say it's "natural" after they've altered the molecules of the "natural" source. Yes, it upsets me.

Even though it bothered me, I still purchased it because I figured it's can't be that bad.

Well, after the first time I used it, I had to open all the windows. It was a stronger smell than ammonia! In fact it smelled stronger than Windex but similar. I thought I would give it another try (it didn't even clean well and cost me $12.99). The next time I used it, my husband came into the bathroom where I had just finished using it and he couldn't believe the smell.

Then, he did a little research to see what the "REAL" ingredients were (I was embarrassed I didn't do this myself). What he found was more than a little disturbing. This is an excerpt:

Their active ingredient that they called butylcelosolv is Czech for 2-Butoxyethanol acetate, also known as Butyl Cellosolve. According to the Skin Deep Database, which rates it a 6 (moderate hazard), butoxyethanol has ties to cancer, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and more. (source) It’s used in hundreds of cleaning products, even as an oil spill dispersant, and “provides cleaning power and the characteristic odor of Windex and other glass cleaners. It is the main ingredient of many home, commercial and industrial cleaning solutions.” (source) It may not be a major environmental contaminant, but it certainly doesn’t sound safe!

Here’s a must-read from the Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project:

2-Butoxy Ethanol is one of the most toxic of the glycol ethers.

You should use products containing butoxyethanol with extreme care. It is a poison that can easily absorb through your skin to harm you. When working with it, always wear gloves and goggles and be sure the you have enough ventilation.

The product I'm talking about is Charlie's Soap. They claim so much on their bottle and fail in every respect. I was beyond disappointed, I was upset!

I didn't use gloves because it said it was safe for the hands...etc.

Lies! Don't believe everything you read...read ingredients! In detergents or cleaners, they don't always have them. While Seventh Generation isn't always the cleanest, they ALWAYS label the ingredients. Clearly they feel they have nothing to hide.

For more info on Charlie's Soap, check out this blog: click here.

Sour Cream Raisin Squares

The name is definitely not what first attracted me to this recipe. What did was the fact that I already had all the ingredients in my kitchen to make it, minus one: the sour cream. Aside from that one ingredient, it really sounded delicious. But with a name like that, how could I not include sour cream?

So I went for it and it turned out to be one of the most delicious desserts I've EVER made (and I've made my share of desserts).

Here it is for you to try and share your thoughts with me =)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup organic cane sugar
2 cups 100% whole wheat flour (or almond flour)
2 cups regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. sea salt or Himalayan salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Filling:
4 egg yolks
2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup organic cane sugar

Here we go...

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; gradually add to the butter and sugar mixture (mixture will becrumbly).

Set aside 2 cups; pat the remaining crumbs into a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
Cool (but don't turn off the oven).

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the filling ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for about 5-8 minutes.

Pour and spread over the cooled crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumbs. Bake for 15 minutes longer.

Then enjoy this delicious, addictive dessert. WARNING: Do not eat the whole thing by yourself! =)

New Products, New Hostess rewards, New Specials...for a NEW YEAR!!!

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic just came out with new products to start off the new year! Check out these great new products!

Ava BODYsoap bar

Ava BODYbutter

Ava BODY Lemon Body Sugar Scrub

 In the month of January, hostesses qualify for DOUBLE HOSTESS REWARDS! That means extra free products and discounts! For more information click here!

Same ol' New Years Resolution

Happy New Years Readers!!!

When the majority of American's create their New Year's Resolutions, 99% (my own made up stat...lol) have some sort of weight loss goal. In addition, this stat is true: 80% of resolutions are renounced by February.

Here's a way to really try to hit those weight loss goals and KEEP it off! First, make a healthy diet change, for life. Don't go ON A DIET. It never works, because when you lose the weight and "get off the diet" you gain it all back plus some extra lovin'.

Here's a list of 8 ways to make the change for a healthier you:

1. Eat more greens! I don't care if you buy Green Vibrance (which is amazing) and take a scoop of it a day in a shake or if you eat raw greens...just do =)

2. Take time to eat breakfast. I hear the complaint all the time about not having time or not wanting to because all they need is coffee. Uhhh...wrong! The word comes from breaking the fast from your previous meal usually about 15 hours before. You need to get your metabolism jumpstarted or it will lag the rest of the day leaving you without energy and fuel.

3. Get more fiber. Women need 25-30 grams per day and Men need 30-35 grams per day of fiber. Most Americans get about 10 grams. It's no wonder most of Americans are constipated and unable to detoxify properly. Flax seed, rice bran, fruits, vegetables and beans are a great way to boost up your fiber intake. Start reading those labels people! =)

4. Go wild with berries: blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries...they provide a powerhouse of antioxidents. I usually buy frozen berries and add a scoop of my green's powder for an awesome smoothie jam packed with nutrition.

5. Cut out hydrogenated trans fats. Read labels and make sure none of it has anything "hydrogenated oil" or "partially hydrogenated oil". This oil is what raises the bad cholesterol, clogs arteries and gives you the lovely fat around your body.

6. Avoid artificial flavors. From vitamins all the way to candy, these sneaky colors make it onto 80% of children's food and about 75% of our grocery store. This is what gives coloring to the food. As if it matters what color it is. There are natural ways to color things (aside from leaving it the color it was intended to be) through beet juice, carrots...etc. Stay away from "Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5...etc)

7. Stay away from White Sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup. Or any corn syrup for that matter. To really shed those pounds, stay away from refined and highly processed sugars. These raise insulin levels, and can lead to a myriad of diseases starting with obesity.

8. Drink more green tea. It's full of antioxidents and can help with weight loss and cancer prevention. It has so many benefits, it's no wonder its been an ancient tradition in Asia.

Hope this gets you off to a good start! Happy New Year!

"B" Vitamin Breakdown

Garden of Life B Complex

Many people know about taking a "B Complex" but don't really know what B vitamins are good for. Here's a quick rundown of some of the overall benefits of the B vitamins:

• B1 (Thiamine) - Used for neural function (brain), liver protection, nerve health, vascular health and kidney health in diabetics. 
• B2 (Riboflavin) - Boosts folic acid's (B9) colorectal cancer protective effect (hence why B complex is necessary...they all work together synergistically), increases iron absorption and regulates red blood cell growth, memory, depression, healthy hair, nails, skin and vision. It also has some antioxidant capacity and is sometimes used as a natural yellow colorant in foods and cosmetics. 
• B3 (Niacin) - Increases HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, and is critically important for cardiovascular health. It aids in brain repair after a stroke. Niacinamide is known for treating fungal infections, fetal alcohol syndrome and may have a role in easing discomfort for multiple sclerosis by preventing NAD depletion. 
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Known to be involved as a coenzyme A precursor, it is also vital for metabolism and energy production in the body. Derivatives panthenol and pantethine are important for skin and hair health as well as helping to optimize a person's lipid profile (sound familiar? Pantene Pro-V tries to mimic this vitamin for their shampoos and conditioner). 
• B6 (Pyridoxine) - In combination with folic acid and B12, it helps reduce homocysteine in the blood, which as implications for heart and brain health. Can also protect against colorectal and lung cancer, especially for smokers. B6 helps optimize nervous system health and can treat neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• B7 (Biotin) - This vitamin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. not only assists in various metabolic reactions but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin may also be helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. This is the most popular vitamin for strengthening hair and nails and helping with skin. (I take this =p)
• B9 (Folic Acid or Folate) - This is critical in reducing homocysteine in the blood (in combo with B6 and B12), a major risk in heart disease and stroke. It prevents neural tube birth defects in developing infants in utero, which is why it's recommended all women whether pregnant or in their child-bearing years take this important B vitamin. Usually 800mcg is the recommended dosage (also found in prenatals). It has been shown to improve vascular function and blood pressure in young women. 
• B12 (Cynocobalamin or Methylcobalamin) - Useful in homocysteine reduction through its ability to convert folic acid to it's more active form (methylcobalamin) known to treat anemia in the elderly. It helps metabolize fats and carbs and is especially important in optimizing nerve health. Vegetarians have special needs to supplement B12 because their diets are naturally deficient in this critical nutrient. Most importantly, B12 is known best as the energy vitamin. It helps energize the cells and gives individuals that boost they need during the day. On a side note: methylcobalamin is the form I recommend because it is the active form and more readily available and ready to absorb.

I'm really biased with which vitamins I use because I only want the best. The two companies that truly do organic fruits, vegetables and herbs in all of their formulas are Garden of Life and New Chapter (the two images shown above). Each vitamin comes from the mentioned sources. They do not isolate the vitamins and they are definitely not synthetic (which is what you find in most vitamins). The other company worth mentioning cannot be found in stores, it is JuicePlus+ (shown below). They have all fruits and vegetables in their products.