What's in my Medicine Cabinet?

Boiron Homeopathic Products

Their site is super easy to navigate and full of great information. Check out this link to the 'What is Homeopathy' page, which includes a link to a wonderful video explaining the entire process!

We use a wide range of items from French company Boiron, founded in 1932. Including:

Arnicare Gel  to soothe sore muscles and help heal bruises

Calendula Gel to help heal cuts, scraps and burns

Camilia for Juliette, when she's teething. ouch.

Cold Calm to help kick those cold symptoms

Oscillococcinum (which I pronounce 'Oss-a-sill-ium' for some reason, though looking at the word that seems terribly wrong now, woops. ok, must learn the correct pronunciation, click here for the how to!) We use this to help when we are feeling flu like symptoms coming on

Roxalia for sore throats. the worst

Sinusalia when one of us has the dreaded sinus infection

Chestal & Chestal Children's for coughs

Waxelene for well, EVERYTHING

Ok, so petroleum jelly isn't a very sexy product is it? But ohhh it has so many uses. I hate to admit we have a tub in our bathroom. And every time I see the words PETROLEUM I shudder just a bit. Well I think it's time to toss it and never look back. Enter Waxelene. The petroleum jelly alternative! Where has this been all my life!

A USA made product full of natural and harm free ingredients for all your daily skincare needs. This baby can do it all. So happy to have found another product that I can feel good using.


I will use this for a gazillion things, here are some:


*lip balm
*diaper rash prevention for Juliette
*excema treatment
*flyaway hair tamer
*dry hands balm
*dry nose when I have been blowing it often during cold season
*makeup remover
*aftershave on my sensitive skin
*wind burn relief when Juliette's cheeks turn red from long walks in the chilly air
*ohhh so many more...

Here's their ingredient list, straight from the horse's (ok website's mouth)

*Organic Soybean Oil - full of lovely fatty acids, anti-oxidants + soy isoflavones. These ingredients maintain the healthy balance in your skin, keep skin beautiful and prevents wrinkles! Lovely indeed.
*Beeswax - unbleached (who knew it could be bleached! eek!) beeswax keeps moisture in, protecting and softening your skin. Beeswax is also an natural anti-inflammatory with anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. What a wonder ingredient!

*Organic Rosemary Oil - More anti-oxidant properties (score!) and also improves blood circulation to the skin.
*100% Natural Vit. E Oil - Yet some more anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties


All ingredients Non-GMO of course.

This product is going to make its way into every baby gift I give as well, it's a great addition to any nursery kit, for all of baby's needs! My husband, daughter and I love this stuff already. One product is always better than lots of jars and bottles. Plus the packaging is recyclable and made of glass not more plastic (ie petroleum).

While they find their way to a store near you (they are in locations on the west coast only right now) you can find them online here. 



I think I'll go get some now, my lips need a little tender care...ciao! Xx

*cough *sniffle *sneeze

(Image)

Ok, so I don't have a full blown cold yet, yet. I feel that wave of what's to come is near but I am doing ok so far. So in anticipation I am reading up on how to treat myself naturally. I am taking my vitamins, and my homeopathic meds are standing by ready to aid in the fight. I came across a great article on Planet Green and wanted to share some of the DIY home remedies you too can whip up at home for yourself or a loved one.

My colds ALWAYS start with a sore throat, so this is by far something I simply MUST try!

Lemon Throat Spray
Lemon is a traditional sore throat soother, and this handy spray can be put into a spray bottle of any size (look for travel-size spray bottles to take some with you when you're on the go) and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Combine:

• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup lemon juice

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and store it in the fridge. Shake it before each use, using as often as necessary to soothe sore throats.

Sore Throat Gargle with Sage (or Hyssop)
Sage is another traditionally calming herb. We see it often in recipes for mouthwashes because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Here, it infuses a throat gargle. Hyssop leaves have many of the same properties, and would work in this recipe as well.
Boil one cup of distilled water and pour over one tablespoon of fresh sage or hyssop leaves (or one teaspoon of dried leaves). Allow the herbs to steep for 20 minutes. Strain the tea, and add 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Store in the refrigerator for two to three days, gargling whenever you need some relief from your sore throat.

Check out article for a few more great ideas! While it's easy to run to the store and pick up a box of pills, making it this way just seems better doesn't it?

Do it Gorgeously! {Review}

When 'Do It Gorgeously' by Sophie Uliano arrived in my tiny little mailbox I thought, great another DIY book I'll never use that I've gotta review. Boy was I wrong!

A few nights ago I settled into bed after putting little Juliette to sleep, I pulled open the first pages and fell instantly in love with Sophie and her mission.

Her latest book (her first hit Gorgeously Green) tackles the everyday needs of the household, ranging from DIY household cleaning products, facial care, baby care to fun fashion how to's. All the while focusing on creating toxin free, less expensive and better products. With a chic and sassy edge of course. She does an amazing job of making the unimaginable seem easy, listing where to get all the items you'll need to make and create everything in her book.

I've already dogeared a handful of pages and have lots of mini projects to begin thanks to her no nonsense easy instructions, many with accompanying illustrations. Here are some of my favorites:

Natural Deodorizer p.89
"Once a week, pour 1/2 cup borax powder into your diaper pail, leave for half an hour, then shake the borax into your trash can." Our diaper pail has been extra offensive lately and this tip couldn't have come quicker. Borax is on the top of my shopping list!

Homemade Almond Milk p.209
1 cup raw almonds & Filtered Water

1. Put the Almonds in a glass bowl or pitcher with 4 cups of water and place in the fridge overnight
2. Rinse with water, then put in the blender with filtered water
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a pitcher
4. If you want to make it sweeter, you can put it back in the blender and add 3 or 4 dates (they must be soaked in water for a couple of hours), or make a delicious gorgeously green shake by adding half a banana, 1 tsp. of any leafy green, and 1 tsp. of agave syrup

There are dozens upon dozens of amazing ideas in here including recipes for organic teething biscuits, milk paint, leather protector, baby wipes, mint jelly and my favorite the baby pillowcase nightgown! In addition to tons of recipes there's easy to follow instructions for making things such as a sassy apron, compost bin, boiled wool mittens, a medicinal garden, a bookcase and homemade drapes. Phew I'm exhausted just listing these!

Once I've tackled those, I plan on making Juliette a Lavender Cashmere Comfort Bear out of an old cashmere sweater and some dried lavender flowers!

Run don't walk to Pre-order Do it Gorgeously from Amazon or log on after June 1st to get your copy! This isn't the last you'll hear from me on this book, I'll post tips and stories as I create!

Also, check out her site!

Feeling Under The Weather?

There's an increasing amount of research being done linking diet to allergies. Allergy symptoms appear to be worse in those whose diets lack certain nutrients. If you're experiencing allergies this time of year, instead of reaching for the allergy meds alone, maybe it's time to bolster your nutritional intake with these easy additions:

Probiotics: Can be found in yogurt and fermented foods. Probiotics replenish the beneficial bacterial in your intestines. There are lots of brands out there now that boast their "live culture count" so it should be easy to stock up no this one

Quercetin & Bromelain: Can be found in onions, pineapples, apples, green tea, red wine and leafy greens. They are said to support a healthy histamine response. Enough said!

Vitamin C: Can be found in peppers, citrus, watermelon and dark leafy greens. Obviously eating those are better than taking a supplement, so get to the farmer's market and fill your bag! Vitamin C is said to help regulate the release of histamine.

Vitamin E: Can be found in whole grains, nuts & seeds, dark leafy greens, eggs, expeller-pressed vegetable oils and sweet potatoes. Vitamin E has been said to reduce the risk of hay fever.

In addition to that laundry list of nutrients, load up on products that contain olive leaf, black currant seed and grape seed.

(Image:images.teamsugar.com)

Stay Green While Fighting The Winter Blues

We all get sick, coughs, colds, flues...and we reach for our tried and true remedies to sooth our discomfort. But it is no time to ditch your green lifestyle! You can sooth your aching body while staying eco-friendly.
Boil some water, pull our your biggest mug and enjoy some Organic cold remedy tea by Yogi Teas their cold remedy blend includes healing herbs cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and clove. Not to mention peppermint for easier breathing, and soothing/coating licorice. Flavored with natural orange, this tea will soothe you all the way to feeling better, or at least happier.

When you wake yourself up coughing, it's time to reach for Boiron's homeopathic Cough Chestal Honey
It works like magic and isn't full of meds to make you loopy and out of it. Plus if you are taking meds, you don't need to worry, Boiron is homeopathic and doesn't contain anything you need to worry about (for example, many cold/flu remedies contain things you don't need like acetaminophen, or other cold specific meds that may not be doing anything for you) Boiron's cough syrup will help with the following:
Helps loosen thick mucus, relieves dry and painful cough, relieves cough associated with tickling in the throat, hacking cough, we cough and any cough that's bothering you!

You've got no energy to do anything right? Well how often do you get to just be a couch potato? Catch up on Gossip Girl, clear you DVR and wrap yourself in West Elm's Organic Cotton throw and enjoy the pampering!

(Images: www.yogitea.com, www.westelm.com, www.afordablehomepathy.com)

Daily Eco

Have eczema? Switch to chemical free earth friendly detergent- chemicals are irritants to the skin. And don't switch the the big name brand "free and clear" that only means no scent, stick to natural cleansers to wash your clothes and your skin will thank you. Kevin and I like Mrs. Meyer's (pricey, but lovely), Seventh Generation and Ecos. Stick with the natural brands for fabric softener too.

What Would I Take on a Deserted Island? This Product!

We are all looking for that 1 product that has many uses. I think I’ve found it. Calendula. It a flower in the daisy family and has been used since at least the 12th century to heal, and it is still going strong!
Think of calendula as your soothing friend, helping to sooth irritated skin due to eczema, cysts, minor wounds, diaper rash, chapped skin, burns, sore throats… Calendula can be made into ointment, salve, balm, cream, body lotion, soap, liquid form, tea and more I can imagine!
I use calendula ointment as a general-purpose soother for any minor cuts or irritations.
Calendula Usage Tips:
*Steep a calendula tea bag in water and once it’s cooled off, use as a gargle for a sore throat
*Apply to small cuts
*Use to soften calloused hands and feet
*Lip balm for chapped lips
*Sooth itchy eczema skin
*Apply to sooth diaper rash
*Apply to burns to aid in healing

So, grab a tube, bottle or tub and start healing!

(Image: Calendula Flower http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de) (Image: Calendula Boiron http://vitanetonline.com)