Put a Little Green “umph” In Your VDay Plans: Natural Aphrodisiacs

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Photo credit: Flickr creative commons

(Put a little “umph” or hump… whichever applies!)

Valentine’s day is on Sunday and you know what that means… lot’s of lovin’ will be going around.

Is it possible to green that area of your life, you ask? Why, yes it is!

Valentines day is all about LOVE so why not put a little eco in it…

If you find yourself one of those who just can’t resist all the candy hearts and red, pink and white decor …

perhaps, consider a few eco-friendly options for your loved one!

The Checklist

Flowers: Organic Bouquet or VeriFlora

Gifts: Check out Guffly or Etsy for some pretty eco rockin’ gifts!

OR make your own special something … felted mittens, jewelry; turn something old into something new, etc.

Treats/Food: Organic & Fair Trade if at all possible!

Green Condoms: Skip the latex and go for Natural Lamb

Lube: 3 words… Good Clean Love!

OR, you could just use straight up coconut oil /EVOO (I use it for a number of things!)

Skip the card: Say it all with your actions.

Now, how about a few natural aphrodisiacs to help set the mood or rather get in the mood!

An aphrodisiac is a substance such as food, drink, drug, scent or device that can arouse or induce feelings of sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. Aphrodisiacs can be powerful as they trigger the release of chemicals in the brains which then stimulate certain organs.

I heart Better Nutrition magazine…

February’s issue has an interview with author Chris Kilham on how to boost libido and improve sexual health- naturally, or in non toxic fashion, if you will.

His new book,

Hot Plants; Nature’s Proven Sex Booster for Men and Woman

sounds very interesting…  I’ve already requested it at my local library. LOL! 

I’m all about doing things the natural way; even in the bedroom.

Natural Aphrodisiacs

- Chocolate: It’s the LOVE drug! Contains compounds that mimic the brains natural chemistry when we fall in love.

- Oysters: High in zinc which is considered the “sexy” mineral; important for healthy sexual function.

- Maca: Considered the King Kong of herbs in the aphrodisiac catagory!! A natural sex booster.

-  More Sexually Stimulating Foods: Mushrooms, Asparagus, Onions, Garlic, and Chili Peppers/ Banana, Fig, Pomegranate, Avocado

- Panax Ginseng: For men, nuff’ said!!

- Scents: Vanilla, Patchouli and Musk

- Touch: Skin is the largest organ and made up of many nerves… give your special someone a massage with coconut oil then to soak up the oil sprinkle on some cornstarch (for silky effect). It’s very relaxing and tingling at the same time. ooooh la, la!

So; skip the trip to Europe for the Spanish fly because these items for your sweetie could very well be in your own home.

Make this year’s Valentine’s day sustainable and eco sweet.

Peace & Love!

UPDATE:

Here are a few links that relate to this post!

Super Natural Mom discusses green romance;

Evergreen at the Happy Raw Kitchen has a wonderful breaky treat you can put together in minutes for your loved one on VDay;

Send an e card through the David Suzuki Foundation and a “generous donor” will match your donation;

What are you planning to do for your loved one?

Exit for Non Toxic Highway, On Back!

Photo credit: Jeff Keen via flickr

Yesterday, I didn’t have the time to elaborate in yesterday’s post… but the message in A Wake Up Story really hits home, doesn’t it? Just last week, I was feeling discouraged about all the toxic chemicals us moms have to worry about. A friend and I were talking about toxic chemicals (more of a rant) and I was giving her a toxic 411 lesson on all the yucky chemicals. Both she and I have tried to eliminate product containing harmful chemicals but every time we turn around; we learn about another pesky and toxic chemical to lookout for. I’m so sick of having to flipping items around to look for harmful ingredients. These companies are poisoning us AND as long as we continue to support them with our hard earned cash they won’t stop!

It’s not an easy task (nor easy being green, for that matter!) but avoiding products that don’t contain nasty chemicals is important for the sake of our lives and the planet.

The simplest item such as toothpaste can contain numerous chemicals that are known to cause cancer (found this out the other night when trying to make a decision on which one to buy; basically, it was which one is least harmful). Does this mean I need to start making my own toothpaste too? In my opinion, hell yes it does! Plus, Tom’s of Maine isn’t cheap and it STILL has propylene glycol in it! ARGH! An organic version (Jason Organics) is $8 bucks and I’m not going to spend a pretty penny on toothpaste, thank you very much (or any other overpriced “natural” product). Not right now, anyway.

Everything and it seems like everything sold in stores is bad for you. It’s impossible to avoid all of it the chemicals whether in our homes, outside, or at the movies!  What we can do as consumers and as FRIENDS is make a difference.

Tell all your friends as the Healthy Child Healthy World video implies and help spread the word! Secondly, stop buying the product and try to find an alternative. Finally, start writing to the companies and DEMAND change. This could seriously devote ones time since there are so many companies out there who are polluting the planet and our bodies (toxins + plastic). As a consumer we need to start standing up for what’s right- not wrong!  The FDA (Food and Drug Adminstration) does not require premarket health or safety studies or testing on products that hit store shelves which means were the guinea pigs who suffer!

What To Look For

(derived from better nutrition magazine)

Phthalates: found in synthetic fragrances, are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and organ system toxicity. If it contains the word FRAGRANCE- stay away!

Propylene glycol: found in tortillas, lotions & potions, deodorant, many snack foods, etc., is linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, and skin and eye irritation.  Also listed as 1,2-dihydroxypropane; 2-hydroxypropanol; methylethyl glycol; 1,2-propanediol; or propane- ,2-diol.

Parabens: used as preservatives in a wide variety of body care products. Also linked to cancer and developmental and reproductive damage. AKA 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, p-salicyclic acid or zoic acid.

Mineral Oil: Petroleum based, linked to cancer and can be listed as paraffin.

Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate: used as a foaming or sudsing agent – found in bubble baths and body washes, shampoos and hand washes. It can cause organ toxicity and irritation of the skin, eyes and hair. May be listed as PEG 1-4 or lauryl ether sulfate, sodium slat, polyethylene glycol (1-4)

Oxybenzone: widely used in sunscreens and other skin care products with SPF protection, is linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive damage and cell damage. AKA benzophenone-3, 2-benzoyl-5-methoxyphenol, phenylmethanone and other names.

Familiarizing yourself with these chemicals is your exit sign for the non toxic highway!

Resources

Healthy Child Healthy World

Enviroblog

MomsRising

I’m always checking out these helpful sites for the latest information! I know I’ve mentioned it before but if you’re curious to know what’s in your products be sure to check out the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database. Be sure to also check out their chemical index!

Beware!

Just because a product advertises “all natural” or “organic” doesn’t always mean that it’s non toxic! Reading labels is a huge preventive measure when it comes to buying products that may contain harmful ingredients.

Have you recently switched out a product because it contained unsafe chemicals?

Please, share your thoughts!

La Mama Naturale’s, 10 Ways to Staying Sane!

Hello there dear reader!

How are ya?

Ever feel overwhelmed, overworked, tired, not enough energy? I often feel the same way.

In order for me to go about my day I have a ritual a tend to follow to keep my spirits lifted, to bring my mind back into focus and generally to feel great! A ritual you say? Well, maybe not a ritual exactly but more like a regime.

Each day, I try to maintain a good healthy mind and attitude but sometimes everyday life side swipes me and I forget my focus and loose track. To help myself stay on path, feel good and have energy there are a few things I must do throughout my day and on a weekly or monthly basis.

You know, pampering yourself in your own home. Spending time nourishing your body and reconnecting your positive energy is important for your health and overall mama wellness!

Okay, so what’s this natural mama to do one a day to day/week to week basis?

I’ll tell ya…

but quickly because both boys are sleeping! Shh!

1. Rescue Remedy: Both for children and adults; when you feel like you want to pull your hair out- your heart is racing- you want to scream… well, drop 4 of these on your tongue and you are on your way to being rescued from stress!
2. Cacao Nibs: My very own chocolate crack! If you haven’t discovered these … please do!
3. Tangerine essential oil: Yes, you’ll often find me sniffing it from a hankerchief  every moment I start feeling negative energy. I carry it with me in my purse, diaper bag, suitcase… etc. Tangerine essential oil is “cheering!”
4. Gratitude rock: it’s amethyst; I carry it with me in my pocket each and every day and at times pull it out to remember what I’m grateful for.
5. Herbal Infusions: I try to make herbal infusions every night! I have Stinging Nettles and Red Clover pictured.
6. Earth Mama Angel Baby, Happy Foot Soak: every mama needs a foot soak on the daily or weekly -nuf’ said. P.S. recently found out about Happy Mama Spray!
7. Soaptopia, Relief Fund: I don’t take a bath every night but when I do I like to enjoy them. I add in the Relief Fund and it’s all about Soaptopia takin’ me away!
8. Placenta pills: packed with tons of nourishment… I’m almost out and when they’re out they’re out! But, they do provide me with an extra boost and I save them for rainy days!
9. Silica #12: I take these homeopathic tablets for stretch mark relief! Vanity, vanity…
10. Jack LaLanne Juicer: Anytime I juice (fruits and veggies), I get a serious dose of energy! Sooo good!

Obviously, there’s more to mama wellness then these 10 things but this is what keeps me going, sane and well.

For my mind, body & spirit.

okay, well, that’s all I have time for.

What  do you to stay sane? How do you make time for yourself throughout the day?

{Make it from scratch} Pickles!

This is what our jar looked like a day before all our pickles were inhaled eaten!

We love pickles really LOVE  pickles… pickles, pickles and more pickles!

Who doesn’t love pickles? I can remember the days when I would eat an entire jar of baby dills with my best friend.

Then I discovered pickles and peanut butter one day. Yes! before pregnancy. I was young, maybe 12. I guess, I had to know what the guests on Ricki Lake were talking about. I was babysitting and they had pickle “chips” (the kind you put on a burger) and they also had PB- Peter Pan, even! I took a chip added some PB and it became my new favorite snack….that along with some apples and I’m set! Pink lady apples’ if you have em’. Mmmm!!!!

But this post isn’t about pink lady apples even though their scrumptious. BUT not like pickles are…

scrumptious, crisp, and did I say scrumptious? 

Pickles are a staple food around here. The hub and I love em’- the eco tot can’t get enough of them (probably my fault! While he was in the womb I ate buckets of pickles!). I’m sure Baby C will learn to love them also.

Pickles aren’t all that cheap. Some pickle varieties even contain HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP… and for us, that’s a big no, no. HFCS is in everything, I swear! In order to stay away from HFCS we have to resort to reading labels all the time and buying organic. Let’s be honest here, as as mom I don’t really have time to read each and every label & buying organic isn’t always an option. Saving time and money is ideal + staying away from artificial crud is key!

THE RECIPE!

I searched high & low and finally found one I thought suited our pickles needs.

We have an old recipe book where it explains an old fashioned brine way of doing things.  We plan to do it sometime; for now this recipe hit the spot!! AND it’s easy peasy!

The only thing done differently in our version was adding in some peppercorns and mustard seed + some raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. We also used dry dill but will use fresh next time!

Can’t wait for our next batch… YUM!

a recycled post, gearing up for 2010, & homemade recipes!

Hiya RYD readers!! How are ya? Hope you had a wonderful holiday.

Here’s a post I wrote about last year… if you need any ideas for what to do with your X-Mas cards!

Donate Your Christmas Cards

I’ve been looking at last year’s Green Vision’s and thinking about what some will be in 2010…

My vision board is a work in progress as I find pictures and words to summarize my goals and future!

Lately, I’ve been doing my best to meditate and visual what it is I truly want and what makes me happy. I also focus some time on my boys’ and our future together as unschooler’s. It’s going to be a great journey. I can only hope  we make it the greatest experience.

{Anywho}

I mentioned in an earlier post; I was going to make homemade gifts/goods for Christmas and that’s exactly what I did. ( I didn’t get any pictures of the green cleaning supplies; but I promise I made them.) I bought 2 new squirt bottles and reused and old one. I filled them up with…

1/2 cup of vinegar

1/4 cup of baking soda

10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil

put contents into a glass pitcher and add 1/2 gallon (2 liters) H20!

That’s it! You’re ready to go clean as it is an all purpose solution!

I put the squirt bottles in a reused gift bag along with a sample of Dr. Bronner’s Almond scented soap,  a glass mason jar filled with baking soda and a coconut scrub brush. The Dr. Bronner’s and baking soda make a good soft scrub in case you didn’t know. Something I’ve been doing for years.  I HEART Dr. Bronner’s soap. I highly recommend buying some- you can even find it at Target. A little goes a long way… it’s an all purpose soap. It’s amazing. 2 squirts to 2 gallons… is the recipe on their bottle.

Since my bro didn’t get any Dr. Bronner’s soap; I reused a baking soda can added in more baking soda, put in about 10-20 drops of Tangerine essential oil and sealed it with it’s lid. Poked holes in the top- voila’ it’s an instant carpet deodorizer! He’s always complaining about smells in his house… he’s a bachelor with roommates… so you know what I mean. LOL!

I also made a salt scrub for a close friend of the family. She loved the one I made for her on Mother’s Day so I decided to whip up a winter batch she would like!

Here’s what I did…

Bath Salt Scrub

1 cup of sea salt – fine works best… if you have course you can blend it down into fine using your blender or food processor.

1 cup of epsom salts

1/2 -3/4’s of oat powder (oats put into the blender and pulverized)

20 drops of essential oil of your choice … I chose peppermint for the holidays!

1/3 cup of organic EVOO

Stir all ingredients in a stainless steel or glass bowl for 2min’s or more then put into a glass mason jar! Or whatever dish suits your fancy.

For mother’s day I added in a lot more EVOO… you can do more or less depending on how slick you like to feel when you get out of the shower.

Enjoy!

P.S.

I will attempt to post a Meatless Monday recipe today! We’ll see…

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