Ok, so those of you that know me realize I am a makeup and beauty product hound! I love, love...
L-O-V-E my beauty and bath products. That is why I literally cried tears the day I realized the gluten products I put on my body could (and did) cause me just as much agony as the glutened food I consume.
I've known for years that what you put on your skin goes into your blood stream and effects your entire well being. I have always been very careful to use organic products- especially since my little girls allergies have been so severe. You know I am dedicated to putting things into and onto my children and family that are safe in general, regardless of allergies.
As I began researching the effect of gluten on the [Gluten Intolerant/Celiac] body I often wondered about whether I would need to change my products.There were several articles I read which claimed only a certain amount of gluten was needed in cosmetics/bath and beauty products, in order to cause a reaction. After finally getting my food under control, I decided to take the plunge.
I cleared my cabinet of everything that was possibly contaminated and had high hopes of finding several companies that produced only gluten free products -- after all everyone was catching on in the food industry, so they must be in the cosmetics/beauty industry too, right?
WRONG!
It was quite the Internet search to find product lines that were either mostly, or all gluten free. It was a myriad of reading labels & calling companies, combined with several costly and sickly mistakes that allowed me to run across one company that I swear by! It is one that I am 100% in love with.
They are called 100% Pure
While 100% Pure is not a fully gluten free line, the amount of products I can get that are Gluten Free is astonishing! That list includes cosmetics like lip gloss (YES!! LIP GLOSS THAT IS GLUTEN FREE!!!), blush, and foundation; as well as bath & body products like body wash, body butter, body cream and of course bubble bath - plus so much more!
They are certified organic, and cruelty free. They offer vegan products. Best of all, their products are the most gentle, effective and best smelling products I have ever used! I would know, after all I am the cosmetic and bath supply junkie, remember!
What I really love about shopping with 100% Pure is when you log onto their website and click the product you are interested in, they have a full list of ingredients with a tag at the top of the product picture displaying if it is "Vegan" or "Gluten Free"- that way you don't have to wonder, the work is done for you!
The best way to sum up what you get from 100% Pure is a line from their facebook page:
"Made with pigments from fruits and vegetables along with nature's best resources, 100% Pure marries all-natural ingredients with high-end cosmetic formulas to create beauty in a class of its own".
Their products are effective! I have acne prone skin that tends to be very "touchy". In short it can't decide if it is dry and acne prone or clear and large pore prone. I use their Skin Brightening Scrub and Mask (suitable for any skin type) and within the first week had compliments and comments about how incredible my skin looked.
In short, this is another great company offering a great opportunity to take care of your body, while understanding the needs of allergy concerned individuals. Try some of their smaller product sizes if you are traveling, or afraid to "commit" to a larger size -- but don't say I didn't warn you -- You're goinna' love it, and be HOOKED!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Blog What?! : Introducing the "Blog Hop"
I really enjoy reading other blogs, but I often don't have time to spend hours parusing the internet. I recently ran across a few blogs that I frequent for good deals and found them doing a "Blog Hop". I had to look it up to see what all the fuss was about. Now, I am hooked. If you blog go to my Blog Hop Page and join! We can't wait to hop around with you!
For a more "formal definition" read the info below to understand how a Blog Hop works!
For a more "formal definition" read the info below to understand how a Blog Hop works!
What is a blog hop?A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS.
When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the
exact same list appears on each blog.
Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list.
The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.
Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog
to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!
When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the
exact same list appears on each blog.
Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list.
The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.
Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog
to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Organic and Natural Coupons -- Gluten Free Companies Included!!
Have you heard of Mambo Sprouts?
It is an incredible place to find and print organic/natural coupons. It can be difficult to find coupons that are for organic/natural products. I've found that Mambo Sprouts has a great selection of coupons. The values vary, and they reset the coupons from time to time.Therefore, when you see a good coupon print it quickly, and go back to the website often!
Check out the items you can find today and remember that several of these companies offer Gluten Free (and some allergy free alternatives) -- Arrowhead Mills, Marys, Udi's and Newmans Own are a few on todays coupon list.
Happy Shopping!!
It is an incredible place to find and print organic/natural coupons. It can be difficult to find coupons that are for organic/natural products. I've found that Mambo Sprouts has a great selection of coupons. The values vary, and they reset the coupons from time to time.Therefore, when you see a good coupon print it quickly, and go back to the website often!
Check out the items you can find today and remember that several of these companies offer Gluten Free (and some allergy free alternatives) -- Arrowhead Mills, Marys, Udi's and Newmans Own are a few on todays coupon list.
Happy Shopping!!
Where Do I Go Now? : Adjusting to Life After a Positive Allergy Diagnosis (Part 1)
After you have been to the Dr. and received a diagnosis that you do indeed have an intolerance, or allergies, life changes. Environmental allergies and food allergies alike, have the ability to drastically change your daily life. For us that change was drastic and the popular phrase "It rocked my world" is the best way to describe it.
Over the next few posts I hope to give insight into areas our lives changed and help in making that transition smoother.
I explained in earlier posts how my daughters diagnosis changed the way I grocery shop. Truth be told, there are no areas of our lives that are untouched by my daughters allergies. I realize this is in part due to the severity, combined with the amount of allergies she has. The other reason that we have a totally different world, after allergies, than before is because of how many people in my family struggle with allergies. I understand that for some people the things that I do to maintain our allergies and to keep them under control is drastic. I would imagine there are some that would say I am incredibly lenient in the way I handle our allergy concerns.
I am not using this post as a means to tell you what you should do. It's here simply to suggest some ideas (in bold below) and show some results that we saw when we made those changes. I hope it is helpful to you!
My little girls food allergies are severe. We carry Epi-Pens everywhere, I also carry Benedryl, and a topical steroid cream - all to be used in the event of an emergency. An emergency that can take place anytime. We have had our oldest go into anaphylactic shock multiple times, so we know that there is no "easy way" to handle her allergies.
When I came home from our first Dr. appointment, I knew we had to majorly overhaul the way we practiced our food handling. I was certain that there would be massive changes in our home. I was willing to do anything, as long as it meant that I could keep her safe, while she was home.
I came home that day, emptied the cabinets of ALL the food she tested positive for, and began a new grocery list. As I began setting things in a box to be sent to the local food bank and friends I realized we were getting rid of EVERYTHING. At least, it felt that way.
Once I cleared the house of food that would harm my daughter I realized that was just the beginning of the changes. The way I cooked, cleaned, and separated food would have to be drastically changed. I took time to do some research, but from by conversation with my Allergist I knew that "cross-contamination" was a high risk if I didn't plan to have a home that was completely free of all the foods my daughter was allergic to.
When I began the process, I initially thought we could clear all allergy foods out of our home - however that became an issue with the more children we had and the more allergies we picked up.
Over the next few posts I hope to give insight into areas our lives changed and help in making that transition smoother.
I explained in earlier posts how my daughters diagnosis changed the way I grocery shop. Truth be told, there are no areas of our lives that are untouched by my daughters allergies. I realize this is in part due to the severity, combined with the amount of allergies she has. The other reason that we have a totally different world, after allergies, than before is because of how many people in my family struggle with allergies. I understand that for some people the things that I do to maintain our allergies and to keep them under control is drastic. I would imagine there are some that would say I am incredibly lenient in the way I handle our allergy concerns.
I am not using this post as a means to tell you what you should do. It's here simply to suggest some ideas (in bold below) and show some results that we saw when we made those changes. I hope it is helpful to you!
My little girls food allergies are severe. We carry Epi-Pens everywhere, I also carry Benedryl, and a topical steroid cream - all to be used in the event of an emergency. An emergency that can take place anytime. We have had our oldest go into anaphylactic shock multiple times, so we know that there is no "easy way" to handle her allergies.
When I came home from our first Dr. appointment, I knew we had to majorly overhaul the way we practiced our food handling. I was certain that there would be massive changes in our home. I was willing to do anything, as long as it meant that I could keep her safe, while she was home.
I came home that day, emptied the cabinets of ALL the food she tested positive for, and began a new grocery list. As I began setting things in a box to be sent to the local food bank and friends I realized we were getting rid of EVERYTHING. At least, it felt that way.
Once I cleared the house of food that would harm my daughter I realized that was just the beginning of the changes. The way I cooked, cleaned, and separated food would have to be drastically changed. I took time to do some research, but from by conversation with my Allergist I knew that "cross-contamination" was a high risk if I didn't plan to have a home that was completely free of all the foods my daughter was allergic to.
When I began the process, I initially thought we could clear all allergy foods out of our home - however that became an issue with the more children we had and the more allergies we picked up.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Not alone in the land: Encouragement for Food Allergy Shopping
Earlier this month I was given the opportunity to shop for new clothing, my size and shape has changed drastically (more on that later) and I was in desperate need of new clothing. My husband did me the favor of taking me to my favorite mall and turning me loose. The new clothes I got were great, but I received something even better.
I found a gluten free cupcake!
It was wonderful to be in a place that allowed me the opportunity to purchase a baked good that was not made by me! It was the first gluten free baked good I've seen that was in a bakery and not in my kitchen... ever.
The excitement I had made me remember how important it is that we all support each other in the allergy free journey we are on. I stood in awe looking at over 12 cupcakes and it hit me...
I'm not the only gluten free individual in all the land...
That realization did something so amazing. It validated all the hard work, all the effort the struggle and the tears-- it allowed me to see that there are other people who care, it allowed me to know that there are others who also have this lifestyle and finally it assured me that things are going in a direction that makes "Allergy Free" a little more commonly understood.
I encourage you to find others that are new to allergy struggles and help them. Help them understand they are not alone and that it is ok to be more excited about a cupcake that they can eat, than they got about their first car. Help them understand that it is normal to stand in the food and bath aisles at the supermarket and feel overwhelmed. Then, encourage them that if cupcakes are showing up in bakery cases... we are going in the right direction-- and we are doing it together!
I found a gluten free cupcake!
It was wonderful to be in a place that allowed me the opportunity to purchase a baked good that was not made by me! It was the first gluten free baked good I've seen that was in a bakery and not in my kitchen... ever.
The excitement I had made me remember how important it is that we all support each other in the allergy free journey we are on. I stood in awe looking at over 12 cupcakes and it hit me...
I'm not the only gluten free individual in all the land...
That realization did something so amazing. It validated all the hard work, all the effort the struggle and the tears-- it allowed me to see that there are other people who care, it allowed me to know that there are others who also have this lifestyle and finally it assured me that things are going in a direction that makes "Allergy Free" a little more commonly understood.
I encourage you to find others that are new to allergy struggles and help them. Help them understand they are not alone and that it is ok to be more excited about a cupcake that they can eat, than they got about their first car. Help them understand that it is normal to stand in the food and bath aisles at the supermarket and feel overwhelmed. Then, encourage them that if cupcakes are showing up in bakery cases... we are going in the right direction-- and we are doing it together!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Newness and Change
Happy New Year!!
There is something that I cannot explain about New Years -- I have a fondness for the change and the new beginnings they bring..
Every year I become excited right after the beginning of November. I clean my closets, whittle down on the "clutter" and review calenders with a whole different fervor. If you know me, you realize I love calenders unlike most people. I have an affinity for the organization and clean lines of a new month when you pull away the old month. It is multiplied substantially when I peel away a whole new year.. and start a new one!
That being said I hope you have begun your new year well. I hope it becomes a phenomenal year in every way! I encourage you to set goals and keep them. Goal setting isn't something you beat yourself up over, it is a plan to make yourself better than you are and closer to the person you are fully capable of. Little or small, everyone should have goals.
For me, I want to see my blog grow, my family love life and become strengthened, and I want to grow into a better mother, wife and friend.
Goals can be simple and basic it's setting and keeping them that is difficult, but when you do there is a sense of accomplishment that can't be described!
What are your hopes, goals or ideas for 2011?
May 2011 be a wonderful year for you all!!
There is something that I cannot explain about New Years -- I have a fondness for the change and the new beginnings they bring..
Every year I become excited right after the beginning of November. I clean my closets, whittle down on the "clutter" and review calenders with a whole different fervor. If you know me, you realize I love calenders unlike most people. I have an affinity for the organization and clean lines of a new month when you pull away the old month. It is multiplied substantially when I peel away a whole new year.. and start a new one!
That being said I hope you have begun your new year well. I hope it becomes a phenomenal year in every way! I encourage you to set goals and keep them. Goal setting isn't something you beat yourself up over, it is a plan to make yourself better than you are and closer to the person you are fully capable of. Little or small, everyone should have goals.
For me, I want to see my blog grow, my family love life and become strengthened, and I want to grow into a better mother, wife and friend.
Goals can be simple and basic it's setting and keeping them that is difficult, but when you do there is a sense of accomplishment that can't be described!
What are your hopes, goals or ideas for 2011?
May 2011 be a wonderful year for you all!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)