Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Use this NOT that!

First- sorry about the lines- they bug me too but I am not sure what to do about it- they randomly show up!

OK I could talk about this forever but what it comes down to is that there is ALOT of junk in your shampoos, conditioner, lotions, makeup soap etc.. That you don't know is in there- well it says on the label but you need to be a rocket scientist to know what it means- SO take some time look up all those long words you can't even say- you are in for a surprise- and a big enough one that might help you change. We all know about Sodium laurel sulfate- that is minor compared to what else is in there and the damage that can be done. So here is what my family is currently using- Yes it takes sometime to get used to the feel- they don't lather the same and honestly I didn't feel like I was cleaning my hair very good because I was so used to the lather but I was so wrong!!! My hair is cleaner, softer, shinier than ever- because all those other shampoos ( yes, even most the high end salon ones- check them) leave crap in your hair...


Burt's Bees Super Shiny Shampoo and Conditioner with Grapefruit and Sugar Beet
Essential citrus oils and sugar beet extract combine with penetrating coconut and other natural oils to replenish, soften and improve manageability without weighing down hair.

Avalon Organics revitalizing Peppermint Conditioner

Enriched with Babassu Oil Plus Vitamin E, Panthenol & Arginine. Revitalizes and moisturizes as Peppermint invigorates scalp circulation and Babassu Oil restores elasticity and strength.

Check out these ingredients.......

Ingredients: Certified organic mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf, gingko biloba and rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extracts (aqeous), certified organic helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, soyamidopropalkonium chloride, cetrimonium chloride, cyclopentasiloxane, emulsifying wax, certified organic orbignya oleifera (babassu) seed oil, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), bisabolol (chamomile), arginine (amino acid), babassuamadopropalkonium chloride, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium chloride, tocopherol (vitamin E), and certified organic mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf oil.

Here is but a smidgen of info I have found. I was pretty ticked actually- I USED to use Pantene all the time- but look what they have to say...

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found a correlation between an ingredient found in shampoos and nervous system damage. The experiments were conducted with the brain cells of rats and they show that contact with this ingredient called methylisothiazoline, or MIT, causes neurological damage.

Scientists at The University of Pittsburgh have indicated that some unborn babies could be at risk from shampoos and hand lotions containing Methylisothiazoline if their mothers use them during pregnancy. Which products contain this chemical compound MIT? Head and Shoulders, Suave, Clairol and Pantene Hair Conditioner contain this ingredient along with many other brand, body washes and lotions, Researchers are concerned that exposure to this chemical by pregnant women could put their fetus at risk for abnormal braindevelopment. In other people, exposure could also be a factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease and other nervous system disorders.

The chemical causes these effects by preventing communication between neurons. Essentially, it slows the networking of neurons, and since the nervous system and brain function on a system of neural networks, the slowing of this network will suppress and impair the normal function of the brain and nervous system.

These finding were presented December 5th at the American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting.

AHH_ WHAT!!! I switched immediately- being great with child and all :)- I was so mad- why did I have to do my own research to find this out!!!! And when I did I found SEVERAL other studies done saying the same thing- not crazy biased studies ( you do have to be careful of those) but legit medical Journal studies...

So take the time- you can plug any chemical into msds.com and it will tell you what is in it and the exposure risk.they have to be spelled EXACTLY correct so if you are having a problem pulling it up Google it and enter the specific chemical name along with "MSDS" in the search field will return MSDS results for the specific chemicals searched for. Another resource for researching specific ingredients is www.hazard.com/msds.
There are hundreds of other chemicals in beauty products that are really bad for you so take the time.. It would take me days to list :)

Here is a little more to fuel the fire in case you need a little nudge to check it out-

A study done by Bionsen found that the average woman applies 515 chemicals to her face a day. Makeup, perfumes, lotions, mascara, and other beauty products all contribute to the toxic brew that is causing health problems for many women.

The study revealed that the typical woman uses about 13 different beauty products a day. Most of these products contain at least 20 ingredients and additives, many of which can have a detrimental effect on the body and skin.

You need to know not only what you put in your body but what you put on it! Anything you put on your body gets into your bloodstream...




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Kids class...

The Healthy Kids Class is this month and I am so excited!
So many fun tips and tricks to share!
The class will be Tuesday, March 30th 6-7:30 pm and the cost is 25$. We will go over Nutrition a bit and additives, dyes, sweeteners etc - not as much talking in this one- more munching, tasting and making... Then I will make you a bunch of Yummy food and show you how to get your kids to WANT to eat it! That is the key- they need to want to because lets face it you really can't MAKE them eat anything. :) Besides it is much funner and makes for delightful meal times when they WANT to :).
There will be something for everyone... If you are ready to make big changes then I have a lot of great tips to help with transitioning or if you just want to take it slow I have great ideas for you too! And as always a recipe book and Lots of handouts!!! If you want to come let me know- you can leave a comment ( leave your email) or email me camwatson@comcast.net I need to know by the 27th so I can get groceries and handouts copied.
We will be sitting around the dinner table so the limit is 12 people-
and Come Hungry!!!!!

* By the way this delicious little treat- a little spin on mac n cheese
is on the menu- it Good and it's healthy!- you will not even believe how you make the cheese! :) oh yeah- if you have a fav recipe you want me to make healthier- let me know- I will do my best and maybe we can have a few on the menu!











Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Make Your OWN Broth....

Making Your own broth is super easy- it needs to simmer for awhile so do it on one of these rainy or heaven forbid snowy days we have coming up and it will make you feel like cuddling up with a good book and favorite blanket! The aroma adds a little bit of delight all through out
your whole house!
EVERY SOUP or chicken stock or veggie stock I have EVER used- yes even ORGANIC ones claiming no MSG- HAVE MSG!!!! The organic ones usually because it was made during processing but I really don't care how it got there it is still there! The others usually have at least a double usually triple dose of msg- some come out and say MSG but then it also has autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein oh and the ever so famous 'NATURAL FLAVORS'- yep that is MSG- lovely huh!! I have found an organic chicken or veggie stock from better than boullion- it ONLY has natural flavors and it is third to last- that is the best I have been able to find after LOTS of searching!
SO MAKE YOUR OWN!

You need a big ole' pot-Grandma G.G gave me this one a few years ago and I
absolutely Treasure it! Fill It with water and throw in your veggies ( cut up a little- sloppy is good no need to dice/ chop etc..) add some sea salt, herbs and simmer...
Easy PEASY!!



A couple suggestions for veggies-
Celery root- different from celery- has a ton of mineral and vits and natural salt
Potatoes, carrots, celery, onion - givens :)
Rutabegga- Parsnips and any other root veggies
kale, swiss chard, garlic
I even throw in broccoli and cauliflower sometimes.
Sea salt, parsley, rosemary, thyme, - herbs add so much flavor!!
Let it simmer until all veggies are soft- strain all the veggies ( keep all of the juice that is your broth filled wit hall the vits and minerals from your veggies!) and you are left with fabulous broth! Let it cool- put it in your glass mason jars and freeze- don't fill too the top- I have had a few explosions! I made that huge pot and I got probably 10 quarts.
When I use this I just throw a couple jars in the fridge the night before usually by dinner they are thawed, add it to the pot and add my veggies and a couple scoops of better than boullion- throw in some veggies, home made buckwheat or wheat noodles- or if you are short on time I have used grandmas brand homemade noodles before- they are really good- not so good for you but they are only flour eggs water and salt- at least I can pronounce everything in them :). I usually don't put chicken in it but you could! And if you want more of a chicken broth you could add chicken legs/ bones when you simmer your broth.
Enjoy!

Yum!!!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

LavEnDer LimEaDe??

Today was the Oil/ Herb Class and it was so fun! Thanks to everyone that came! I taught all about oils and herbs and how to make many rad things! :) We made lavender salve, bath truffles with Eucalyptus-( mmm.... Yum can't wait to take a bath!) I also made some peppermint lip gloss and laundry detergent for everyone to take home plus some fun samples of oils, lotions etc.. But my FAV was the LAVENDER LIMEADE!!!! It was pretty tasty!! We also had Quinoa salad with Wasa and crackers- talk about a fantastic afternoon!!!
Quinoa, wasa and crackers- Yummmmm.............

So if you are curious and would like to WOW your friends with a fun new drink
I present LAVENDER LIMEADE.....

LAVENDER LIMEADE
6 cups water
1 3/4 cups sugar or

1 cup agave

1/4 cup dried lavender or 1/3 cup fresh lavender flowers
1 tsp. grated lime zest
1 cup (=8 sm limes) fresh-squeezed lime juice
lime slices (optional)

In a saucepan, blend 2 cups water, sugar, lavender and lime zest.
Bring to boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Remove saucepan from heat and let syrup stand for 10 min.
Strain and discard lavender
In large pitcher, stir syrup, lime juice and the remaining 4 cups water.
Serve over ice, with lime slices if you like!


Not sure why these lines are here but can't get rid of them!! anyways there is the recipe have fun with it!!! I added more lime juice because I like a little kick!

I am ordering oils monday afternoon so if you want anything from Primavera, Shirly Price or FlorItaly or makeup from Madara let me know!!!!

* I really dislike these lines- any suggestions????

Have a Great day!!


Friday, February 26, 2010

He's our BIG guy!


I would like to fondly make your acquaintances with Maximus Cornelius Watson-ok not really cornelius but maybe it will now become his middle name because it sounds good! Especially when he is running across the field as fast as he possibly can towards the dairy farm and I am out of breath behind him faintly yelling Maximus Cornelious Watson!! I like it- That could work! :) Maybe he would listen! Max is how he is known around our place- actually Super Max- he is our family guardian St Bernard/ Super Dog extraordinaire! He is the best most cuddly sweet loveable dog ever! So of course just like my kids- because he is one of them I want the best for him!
Here are some recipes from eco dog that are great and healthy for your best bud!

Lemon Flea Tonic:
thinly slice a whole lemon including the peel
add the lemon to 1 pint boiling water and let is steep over night
the next day add the solution to a spray bottle and apply as needed!

Herbal Flea powder:
combine these powdered herbs- eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender,fennel, yellow dock and pennyroyal. mix equal parts in shaker top jar. Brush your pets coat backward with your hand or a comb while sprinkling the powder onto the base of the hairs. pay special attnetion to the neck back and belly- put your pet outside so the little critters escape in your yard and not into your couch!

NO- my boy does not have fleas :) but so many flea powders are so toxic- use this instead!

Dogs often get ear mites you could put a drop or two of garlic or lavender oil on a cotton ball adn rub it around his ear and inside.

Problems with eyes- dab lavender on a cotton ball and swipe it across the eyes, or use a lavender hydrosol and spray it.

Quick Dog treats
1 cup wheat germ
2 small jars organic baby food\
2 tbs flax ground up
pre heat the oven to 350. grease a baking sheet. combine the ingredients and roll the mixture into balls. place them on the sheet, flatten with a fork and bake for 25 min- remove and cool.

I LOVE this pict of him- if only there were NO EYE GOOBERS!!! oh well- he is still so fantastic!!

The oil/herb class is tomorrow and I am so excited!!! It will be so fun- LOTS of great INFO, TONS of cool stuff to MAKE and take home and Even EAT!! I will post picts after :)
Have a great day! Go take your dog on a walk!!!!





Wednesday, February 17, 2010


Only 5 spots left in the oil/herb class! If you want to come let me know soon, I am getting supplies thursday and need to know a count of everyone coming- for more info check out the
post below...

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Oil & Herb Class

Thanks to everyone that came to the Food classes in January!!! They were so much fun- nothing is better than good food and good friends! The oil/ herb class is this month. I am letting it be a bit bigger since we all don't need to fit around the dinner table- probably 25-30 But I am only doing one so first come first serve!!! I will give you tons of recipes with herbs ( YES the Professors recipe- you can start with the next new moon) , oils how to use them and general info about them and how they work! Also I will show you how to use them as cleaners, make your own laundry soap( take some home too!), soap, shampoo etc.. You also get to make your own Salve ( for lack of a better name) and take it home- it is awesome I use it on everything- cracked skin, cuticles, lips, healing scars, even frizzies or those bothersome cracks on your feet that won't go away (and actually they will never really go away until you take care of yourself better :) they are there for a reason...) it will be a lot of fun and as always lot of info, handouts and laughs! :)

Guaranteed Good time!!

Oil & Herb Class
Saturday Feb 27th
11:00- 1:30
35$

I get a lot of supplies for this class because there are quite a few things you get to make and take so I need a really accurate count of who is coming so payment is needed in advance. Let me know if you are interested and I will put you on the list!! You can mail your payment to

Kalani Watson
1665 farr West drive, Farr west Utah 84404
And as always you get 25% off oils you order at the class- and hey now you will know how to use them!!If you email me next week -you wont get a reply until the 12th or 13 ish- I will be sunning in the beautiful Baja listening and aweing as Whales breach in the Ocean, delighting in some tasty authentic mexican food, road tripping all over the penninsula, snorkeling, exploring and of course relaxing- Can't wait!!! :)

Here are a few picts so you can imagine yourself there too- :)




If you can even believe it this is where we get to stay- By ourselves!!! that is actually a HOUSE!!! I am so excited!


















Lands End, LOvErS Beach,
Whale season and Snorkeling!

Viva la Mexico!!! :)