Recipe:

Mix a solution of 1 cup distilled white vinegar to 3 cups water.
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

How to Wash Different Produce:

• Hard-Skinned Produce: Mix your solution in a spray bottle. Place produce in a colander in the sink. Spray liberally with the mixture, then let sit for 2-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, using a vegetable scrub brush on thicker skinned produce. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Soft-Skinned Produce: Mix your solution in a large bowl. Add produce and soak for up to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
• Leafy Greens: Mix your solution. Place greens in a bowl or salad spinner and fill with solution. Let greens sit in the solution for 2-5 minutes, then remove. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Dry with paper towels or spin. Use right away or wrap in damp paper towels, stored in a plastic bag.

Wondering when to go organic? Check out our blog “Do I Need to Shop Organic” for more information!

By: Aubrey Redd, MS, RDN, LDN

C: Colorful

Colors represent the spectrum of plant chemicals which each take on a specific role in your body. Some colors indicate foods that can repair DNA damage or act as an antihistamine, reducing inflammation. Others can reduce wrinkles or boost your immune system. For example, red foods tend to contain nutrients that can protect against UV damage, while greens are often detoxifying. Be sure to include a spectrum of colors in your diet to account for as many nutrients and healing benefits as you can!

R: Rich in nutrients

Eating nutrient-dense foods allows you to feel satisfied with smaller amounts. Your body receives the nutrients it needs by having such concentrated nutrient-dense foods. 

A: Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is often a precursor to any beauty concerns you may have such as redness, sensitivity, wrinkles, or blemishes. Foods that are processed or high in sugar can promote inflammation. However, there are healthy choices you can make to reverse this. Herbs and spices such as ginger and turmeric are known to help ease inflammation in the body.

F: Fresh

Food you see at the grocery store is often packaged to withstand months or longer on the shelf. Foods that seem fresh like apples, carrots and other produce may truly hang out in a warehouse for weeks, followed by your fridge. By the time it makes it to your body, there may not be much nutritional value left. There are many benefits to knowing exactly where your food comes from.  If you are able, try shopping at a nearby farm or store that receives food fresh overnight. Or, you can opt to purchase frozen produce. Unlike “fresh” produce at the store, frozen foods are harvested at peak ripeness and flash frozen to lock in nutrients until you are ready to use. 

T: Tailored

Keep in mind that everybody is different – because no body is the same. Tips and tricks can be helpful, but you can pinpoint specific foods that may be upsetting to your unique body by keeping a food diary. By recording what you eat and how it makes you feel, you can identify patterns and therefore build a better nutrition plan for YOU!

S: Seasonal

In each season, the needs of your body will change, just like the cycling seasons of life. As the seasons change, so does your skin’s needs as well as nature’s produce. Nature produces the nutrients our bodies crave depending on the season. In the summer we seek hydration from in season fruit, peppers, and tomatoes. The following autumn provides produce that helps repair the damage our skin may have accumulated from the summer sun, giving us skin smoothing nutrients from squash, sweet potatoes, and other root vegetables. In the winter, our skin’s cell turnover naturally slows down. This is something we may experience as we age, along with redness, sensitivity, or inflammation. Changes in weather and temperature extremes can also contribute to breakouts and cause stress on our skin, resulting in dryness. In order to feel our best in the spring, our bodies require more rest and nutrients in the winter time. Treat this season as a restorative time for your body to balance out the heat and activity that comes with the summer months.

Click here to learn more on our Beauty Advisor, Jolene Hart. 

In October, the results of a large observational study surrounding organic foods and cancer risk were published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Many times studies surrounding health and nutrition are observational studies. As defined by the National Cancer Institute, this is when “individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured. No attempt is made to affect the outcome.” The goal of the researcher is to derive inferences from the behavior of the study population.

In this French study, researchers followed nearly 69,000 study participants and found that higher organic food consumption was associated with a reduction in the risk of overall cancer, specifically postmenopausal breast cancer and all lymphomas.

The Environmental Working Group also released findings of tests performed on several oat-based cereals and oat-based foods, including both conventional and organic types.  They measured for residual glyphosate, an herbicide, classified as “probably carcinogenic” to people by the International Agency for Research. Findings showed glyphosate in all but two of the 45 samples of products made with conventional oats. In addition, one-third of 16 samples of products made with organic oats contained glyphosate.

What does this mean? Well, we think this is all very important news and hopefully the start of much needed research in the realm of organic food! But this is just that – the start.  While this information is helpful when considering overall health and wellness, in the grand scheme it is still preliminary. There are limitations to both pieces of information, which is why we need more data. We are not yet at the point of changing our overall dietary recommendations for cancer prevention.

Instead, we encourage you to simply continue eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and overall whole foods.  We know with certainty that eating more of these foods, while reducing the added sugars and processed foods, lowers our risk of developing many chronic diseases, including cancer.

If you want to start making the switch to buying some organic foods, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start with the foods you eat most often. Keep a food journal to help you identify those foods.
• For help with choosing organic produce, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen/Clean 15. Their annual list shows the produce that has the highest/lowest measured pesticide residue. Again, start with the few that you consume regularly.
• Consider your animal foods, including dairy. To balance out any price difference, reduce the portions of these foods on your plate, which frees up more space for your veggies!
• Buy organic foods in bulk – such as your breakfast oats. This is a great way to save a few dollars!

Overall, we hope this helps you better understand the nutrition information made available to the public and how to best apply it to your life. We want you to feel good about the food choices you make for you and your family, and promise to do our best to continue to educate, support and guide you.

References:

JAMA

EWG

IARC

In the United States, manufacturers are not required to disclose ingredients in cleaning products, which can be harmful to our environment and health.  The work required to vet and research ingredients in cleaning products can feel like a chore in itself; for this reason we’ve compiled a list of our favorite products that are effective and healthy.

Pin or print this infographic for an easy reference on the healthiest cleaning options on the market.  For a complete list of healthy products, including an in-depth grading system, visit the Environmental Working Group.

For centuries many cultures have looked to essential oils to enhance their daily lives, perform religious rites, support wellness, and wear as perfumes. Not only are essential oils extremely versatile but many also contain naturally occurring constituents that are practically made for one particular usage: beautifying the skin.

Unlike skin care products that rely on harsh and synthetic ingredients, essential oils use their natural properties to brighten, smooth, and moisturize the appearance of skin in a way that leaves you feeling perfectly pampered.

1. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is the perfect place to start and a must-have in every home. This popular essential oil soothes and nourishes all skin types and is easy to incorporate into your skin care regimen every day.

♥ Add a drop to your hand, mix with facial moisturizer, and treat your skin to a mini facial massage.

♥ Make a basic homemade body scrub by combining coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil. Start with 3–4 drops and gradually add more as desired.

♥ Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops Lavender and adding to a hot bath.

2. Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil has been sought after since ancient times for its many benefits, including its rejuvenating and beautifying properties. Great for all skin types—but especially beneficial for mature complexions—this luxurious oil helps moisturize and smooth the skin.

♥ Boost your skin’s radiance by massaging a drop of Frankincense into facial skin after cleansing, followed by applying your regular moisturizers.

♥ Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin.

♥ Massage into the skin on hands and feet after a long day to restore skin’s texture.

3. Cedarwood

Great for smoothing and nourishing all skin types, Cedarwood essential oil is a very versatile oil with a rich, woodsy aroma. Because this oil also benefits hair, it’s a great choice for nourishing skin on the scalp.

♥ Smooth skin on the face or body by adding a few drops Cedarwood to your favorite lotions.

♥ Add 3–4 drops to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head and the bowl with a towel and breathe deeply and slowly for several minutes to open pores and enjoy the calming aroma. Follow up with a facial massage that includes 1 drop of Cedarwood oil.

♥ Mix 5–6 drops of Cedarwood with a small amount of coconut or argan oil. Massage into your scalp 30–60 minutes before showering, then wash and rinse hair as normal.

4. Tea Tree

Traditionally used in skin care products for its cleansing properties, Tea Treeessential oil is great for all skin types but is especially suited for use on oily skin.

♥ Use as a spot treatment by placing a drop on the end of a cotton swab and dabbing lightly onto targeted areas of the face.

♥ Add 1–2 drops to your daily application of shampoo to nourish your scalp. Lather shampoo into hair and scalp, let sit a few minutes while enjoying its cool, tingly sensation, and then rinse.

5. Geranium

Geranium essential oil is a popular choice to help smooth and tone skin. This essential oil is great for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for skin that’s either oily or dry.

♥ Add a few drops of this essential oil to a DIY face mask or use it during a stress-reducing facial massage.

♥ Add 4–5 drops to a water bottle with 2 ounces of water. Spritz lightly over skin for a refreshing, revitalizing effect.

6. Ylang Ylang

Known for its sweet floral fragrance, Ylang Ylang essential oil also helps moisturize and revitalize skin. This uplifting essential oil is great for all skin types, but it especially benefits dry or mature complexions.

♥ Add several drops into a carrier oil, such as V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, and incorporate into a relaxing massage at the end of the day.

♥ Add 2–3 drops to your bathwater.

♥ Add a few drops to your face cream or body lotion and rub directly into skin.

Shared with permission from Young Living Blog and independent consultant Aimee Siter.

If you’re in the market for a non-toxic nail polish…water-based nail polishes are where it’s at! At least as far as ingredients go. They’re the safest ones available + are cleaner than the popular 3-free, 4-free, 5-free or 6-free ones. The truth of the matter is though, that there is no nail polish that’s totally natural. It also can’t be totally chemical-free, non-toxic (just less-toxic) or organic.

When it comes to anything that “lasts” a long time on your body, it almost always requires some kind of necessary + often toxic chemicals to work. Unfortunately, this includes some common beauty products, like – nail polish, sunless tanners + hair dye, etc. So what’s the deal? If you want to wear nail polish, you’ll have to choose the lesser of the evils.

3, 4, 5 or 6-Free:
The ‘-free’ versions of polishes you see are just like regular nail polish except they’re missing what’s known as, the Toxic Trio – Toluene, formaldehyde + dibutyl phthalate (DBP), + possibly a few more chemicals. While these are a fab step in the right direction, they still contain chemical solvents, vapors + sometimes even artificial colors – but are a better choice than those that make no attempt. These act + wear like the nail polish you know and love.

Brands to Try~
Zoya
Vapour Organic
Kure Bazaar
Karma Organic
Priti

Water-Based:
If you’re super-serious about avoiding chemicals for the most part, but still want to get your nails did – you’ll want to try a water-based polish. They still aren’t totally chemical-free, but are the safest option we know of so far. These can be a tad intimidating + seem a bit high-maintenance at first though, due to the application technique. If you’re like me, you’re thinking – how will these stay on when I’m always cooking, cleaning, doing dishes, giving the kids baths (not me, yet!), washing my hair, swimming, insert-excuse-here. I mean, they are made of water, right? Trust me Cinderella, they work. Just note that they can be a little temperamental with wear, depending on how hard you are on your mani + sometimes don’t last quite as long. That’s the trade-off. But they hold up way better than I would have thought, so I’ll take it!

Brands to Try~
Keeki Pure + Simple
Acquarella
Honeybee Gardens

By: The Glamorganic Goddess

Copyright ©2013, Danielle Messina. Updated May, 2017. Visit The Glamorganic Goddess for more info.

Did you know…

• The cosmetic industry’s safety panel, CIR, has assessed less than 20% of cosmetics ingredients for safety.

• A high percentage (estimated at 60%) of the cosmetic ingredients that we apply readily penetrate the skin and enter our bodies.

• Most cosmetic marketing claims are unregulated, including the terms ‘natural’ and ‘hypoallergenic’.

• ‘Fragrance’ listed on a cosmetic ingredient label may be a combination of 3,000+ different undisclosed ingredients, including hormone disrupting phthalates.

• The federal law that regulates cosmetic safety in the United States has not been significantly updated in more than 75 years.

• Cosmetics companies are not required to conduct pre-market safety testing of cosmetics products and ingredients.

• A 2016 study found that when subjects switched their conventional personal care products to natural versions, they experienced a 27% to 45% decrease of concerning ingredients in their urine in just three days.

• A recent study done on HER2 positive breast cancer cells found that parabens were able to significantly speed up breast cancer cell growth, even at extremely low concentrations.

What can you do now?

• Learn more about personal care product ingredients from resources like the Environmental Working Group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and Unite for HER.

• Read the labels on your personal care products at home.

• Choose organic or natural versions of the products that you use most often.

By: Jolene Hart, Certified Health Coach, Author, and UFH Beauty Advisor

Sometimes, ain’t nobody got time for that! We’re talking washin’, dryin’ + stylin’ yo hair when…you’ve over-slept, you’re dashing out the door fashionably late, or water isn’t readily available (huh-hum, glamping).

This beauty-wonder has been around for centuries, but recently reappeared on the scene since so many beauty experts began

recommending that we wash our hair less-frequently. Washing our hair daily also washes away beneficial, natural oils that keep our locks + our scalp in tip-top shape. Dry shampoo is perfect for using between washes to pump up the volume + keep it fresh. It works by absorbing excess oil from your scalp + hair, + making it almost appear + feel freshly washed again. Despite the name, it’s not however, meant to take the place of regularly washing your hair with water, but more as a means of lengthening the days between washes, or to use in a pinch. So, if you haven’t tried it yet – what on earth are you waiting for, girl?!

How To Use It:
There are a few ways to apply this baby, so see what works best for you! Focusing only on the roots, always use the less is more approach + say buh-bye to gross, greasy hair!
You can…
• Shake it directly onto you hair, right out of the container.
• Shake some into your hands + sprinkle it on your roots.
• Shake it into your hand + apply it with a clean makeup brush, for the best control, + coverage.

Your best bet is to apply it the night before to let it settle in for as long as possible. If you don’t have time for that, it will still work – just give it as much time as you can the day of. Then, brush it through the length of your hair to evenly distribute. Flip your head upside down, + use a blow dryer to rid your hair of the excess powder.

People with darker hair may find that it can leave a whitish or grayish cast if it’s not already tinted. One little tip is to add some cocoa powder to the mixture.

Acure Organics Dry Shampoo

LuLu Organics Hair Powder

DIY easy-peasy recipe you can make at home for both light + dark hair

Copyright © 2014, Danielle Messina. Visit The Glamorganic Goddess for more info.

I often get questions about what necessities I take with me when I get out of town for a few days. So, I figured I’d give you a little sneak-peek into my beauty bag. I usually save up a lot of my sample sizes from monthly beauty boxes, etc. to take with me,

since I generally can’t buy these things at a local store + my local Whole Foods has a very limited supply of travel-sized toiletries. Keep in mind that I take everything I can think of with me, as I know I can’t really just run into any random store + find something clean enough {for me!} if I forget it. So, here’s what I brought with me on my last getaway!

Check out some of my favorite travel essentials…

Shampoo + Conditioner – Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo + Conditioner
Body Moisturizer – Kahina Giving Beauty FEZ Body Serum 30 ML
Deodorant – Schmidt’s Lavender Sage Natural Deodorant
Body Powder – Ora’s Amazing Herbals Vanilla Baby Powder
Perfume – Lavanila Roller Ball in Vanilla Blackberry
Suntan Oil + Sunscreen – Annmarie Gianni Sun Love Natural Sun Protection + Bodyceuticals Organic Coconut + Aloe Tanning + Aftersun Oil  
Makeup Remover – Acure Organics Cosmetic Wipes
Scrub – Buff Her House of Exfoliation Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie Exfoliating Food Powder
Toner – Maya Water Facial Mist
Facial Moisturizer – Suvanna Beauty Certified Organic Paw Paw + Honey Balm
Acne Spot Treatment – Nelson’s Pure + Clear Acne Treatment Gel
Toothpaste – Weleda Calendula Toothpaste
Hair Spray – Andalou Naturals Perfect Hold Sunflower + Citrus Hair Spray
Hair Gel – Kinky Curly Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel
Dry Shampoo – Lulu Organics Jasmine Hair Powder

Copyright ©2014, Danielle Messina. Find more, carefully curated, clean beauty recommendations on The Glamorganic Goddess.

Laurel Whole Plant Organics Honey Berry Enzyme Facial Mask

One Love Organics Cleansing Sponge

Alima Pure Velvet Lipstick

Bubble + Bee Organic Honey + Rosehip Organic Facial Cleanser

Thesis Beauty Chocolatier’s Gift Raw Cacao Facial Mask

Copyright © 2015, Danielle Messina. Visit The Glamorganic Goddess for more info.

Washing our hands with a soap that doesn’t contain any nasties is a must for avoiding colds. But when we don’t have access to water, these 100% USDA Organic Hand Sanitizers are the next best bet! Here are some safer options, with simpler ingredient lists!

Bronner’s USDA Organic Hand Sanitizing Spray

Intelligent Nutrients USDA Organic Sanitizer

EO Products USDA Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray

Elemental Herbs All Good USDA Organic Hand Sanitizer

Copyright © 2016, Danielle Messina. The Glamorganic Goddess.