Thursday, August 29, 2013

Toss Those Harmful Dryer Sheets





Did you realize that while you’re trying to make your family’s clothes snuggly-soft and static-free you may be doing more harm than good?

We have all smelled the chemical fragrances wafting from people's dryer vents when we go out on a walk,  but never really thought of the chemical cocktail that goes into making fabric softeners we use for our children's sheets, towels and clothing.  Many commercial dryer sheets are loaded with chemicals and fragrances that can be absorbed into the skin and have nasty side effects. Some of the chemicals are even listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste list! And those chemicals are being absorbed into your skin and into your bloodstream.
You won’t find a list of ‘ingredients’ on the package of most dryer sheets; but, according to SixWise.com, here are some chemicals that have been found in dryer sheets and mainstream fabric softeners that can cause nervous system disorders and respiratory problems:
  •  Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
  •  Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant 
  • Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders 
  • Limonene: Known carcinogen 
  • A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage 
  • Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA Hazardous Waste list 
  • Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders 
  • Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic 
  • Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders 
  • Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled 
The safer alternative I have used for the last 15 years for my family is
They are completely safe and non-toxic. They out perform many traditional laundry products and are better for the environment because they are recyclable and veggie-based. They’re biodegradable and can be split in two for fair and just distribution of soft, static-free goodness to every, last humble pillowcase. If you love your fragrance, Shaklee also provides a chemical-free natural fragrance liquid Fabric Softener!
getcleanbasketforhosts.jpg
I absolutely LOVE the NON-TOXIC Dryer Sheets, Liquid Fabric Softener & Chemical-Free Whitener.
 I feel good about what I'm doing for my family!

Clean CredentialsNontoxicNatural,No fragranceBiodegradable sheetsRecyclable sheets
Softens clothes and helps prevent wrinkles.
Effectively reduces static cling.
Uses vegetable-derived softening agents.
Safe with all washable fabrics.
Get your nontoxic laundry products here: http://healthysteps.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00306

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Organic Basic H Uses


I absolutely LOVE my Basic H!  This one little bottle of organic cleaning concentrate works for so many things! Check out the list below so you can stop buying the stuff that costs more to do the same job! This is where the real savings comes in!                        


              Organic
Basic-H2                                                                                                                                                                                                            
          
PHOSPHATE-FREE           NON-POLLUTING      100%  BIODEGRADABLE                                                                                                                                              

Non-Toxic      Non-Irritating      Non-Volatile   Non-Magnetic   Not a Soap   Not a Detergent 
 
General Cleaning:  Use ½ teaspoon to quart of warm water. It cleans kitchen doors, woodwork, walls, ceilings, etc.

Appliances and Bathroom Fixtures: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. It leaves refrigerators odor-free and sanitary. Great for bathroom tile!

Windows, Mirrors, All Glass: Use 1 – 2 drops in 16 oz spray bottle. Wipe dry with paper towel.

Dishes: Use ½ teaspoon in the dishpan. Fill dirty pans with water, add ½ teaspoon Basic-H2 and let stand to loosen stuck particles.

Automatic Dishwashers: Use Shaklee Dishwasher Concentrate.

Floors: Use 1 tablespoon to a gallon of cold water, wring mop and wipe up dirt. Leaves floor shining. To remove wax use a stronger solution of Basic H2 (1-1/2 tsp. to 16 oz. water.)

Dusting: Squeeze sponge out of solution of ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. With almost dry sponge, wipe off dust, fingerprints, candy spots, etc. Or use spray bottle and clean cloth. Everything disappears from furniture, leaving wax finish beautifully bright and non-magnetic, making it unnecessary to dust as often.

Fruits and Vegetables: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Wash and rinse. It removes residues of poisonous sprays and grime of handling in transportation. Also removes grit from leafy vegetables.

Woolens, Silks, Nylons, All Fin Fabrics: Use ½ teaspoon to basin of water. For spots, apply a drop or two directly on the spot and press in with thumb. Immerse garment in cold water solution of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, let stand a few minutes, then rinse by squeezing water through and laying out to dry.

Spot Remover: Apply Basic-H2 directly on spotted area. Use a toothbrush or finger to rub Basic-H2 into area. Wipe off with damp cloth or rinse in basin of water (Coffee, lipstick, ink, grass, etc).

Frying Vats: Use ½ cup to 3 gallons of water. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. It dissipates stubborn crusts without damage to vats.


Concrete and Mortar Mix: Use ½ oz. to a gallon of water. Makes cement and mortar spread easier and smoother, set harder.

Knives: Use a few drops on cutting stone for sharpening knives. Keep moist and add as needed. Doesn’t clog stone, which is very important in sharpening tools. Stone rinses free of residue.

Phonograph Records: Use same solution as for glass. Clean with soft, dry cloth. It leaves no residual magnetism.

Wallpaper: Excellent in removing wallpaper.

Aquariums: Use 1 teaspoon per quart of water. Clean coral, rocks, entire aquarium with Basic-H2 solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Diapers: Use ¼ teaspoon of Basic-H2 and 1 teaspoon of Basic-G to pail of water. It eliminates odors in the washroom when diapers must stand.

Fish Odors: Use ½ tablespoon per quart of water. Basic-H2 cleaning solutions work wonders around boats, docks and other “fishy” places.

Boat Algae: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water.

Spray Snow or Poster Paint on Windows: Remove it with ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water.

PERSONAL

Protecting Hands: Apply at full strength to hands for lasting protection as an industrial skin guard. It is great as invisible gloves before painting.

Cleaning Hands: Put a few drops in palm. Rub thoroughly over both hands and add a little water. Continue with usual washing action. Add a touch more water as needed and rinse. Removes tobacco stains, onion and garlic odors. Variation – mix ¼ Basic-H2 and ½ water in a 4 oz squeeze bottle.

Gum: Use full strength to remove gum from skin or carpeting.

Painting and Dyeing: Apply full strength to hands before painting or dyeing. Paint or dye will wash off easily. Be careful not to get Basic-H2 in eyes.

Shoe Cleaner: Use 1 drops on a wet cloth. It will not remove wax. Shine with dry cloth.


AUTOMOTIVE

Washing: Use ½ tablespoon to gallon of water. Wash small area at a time, and hose off. Wiping dry is not necessary. Wipe windshield, windows and chrome with paper towels after rinsing. Bugs and road grime float away.

Engines: Use ½ oz to one gallon water to clean engine. It will not affect paint, gaskets or insulating material. Best results can be achieved when the engine is hot for fastest drying of the ignition system.

Battery Terminals: Use ¼ teaspoon to pint of water. Spray on battery terminals, let soak for 2 minutes and clean with wire brush. Use full strength Basic-h on battery terminals to avoid corrosion or galvanic action.

Automobile Radiator: Use ½ tablespoon to radiator full of water or anti-freeze. This prevents rust.

MISCELLANEOUS

Air Filters: Use ¼ teaspoon to quart of warm water. Air filters are cleaned with excellent results, leaving them free of dirt, oil, or chemical residue.

Rose Bushes: Use ½ teaspoon to gallon of water. Spraying rose bushes will protect them from red spider and other diseases, and also fertilize them.

House Plants: Use a few drops in water. Water plants and they will flourish. Use to wipe down leaves also.

Green Lawns: Use 1 tablespoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on lawn like liquid fertilizer.

Outside Windows: Use ½ teaspoon to “ortho-type” bottle applicator full of water. This should let 2 gallons of water through applicator to spray on windows and screens.

Humidifiers: Use 1 or 2 drops in water to help prevent rust and scum.

Water Soluble Gum Tape: Use 2 to 3 drops in a 16 oz spray bottle, or tape dispenser with water tank.

ACCESSORIES

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Fill toilet tank dispenser with Basic-H2. Place in toilet tank. It will automatically release a measured amount of Basic-H2 when you flush, to keep toilet bowl clean for months.

Basic-G: Can also be used in toilet tank dispenser full strength or diluted. Basic-G cleans with biodegradable agents while it disinfects and is even veridical when used as directed. Basic-G will deodorize bathroom areas, garbage cans and other areas where bacterial growth can cause unpleasant odors. Basic-G is concentrated for economy.


IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!!

Basic-H2 is the most economical cleaner you can buy. One quart makes 192 gallons of cleaning solution by following directions.


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

More Before & After Pictures with Nontoxic Scour-Off

I LOVE my Scour Off! It replaces all kinds of chemical cleaners such as powdered cleansers, tub & tile cleaner, grout cleaner, oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and so much more! It even takes rust off barbecues & bikes!
www.healthysteps.myshaklee.com or give me a call :714-536-6555







We didn't care for a cheap bottle of wine we were trying . I didn't realize how badly wine stains porcelain until I saw my sink after pouring the wine out!  


I love that it comes in a super-concentrated paste. My son was working on a school project with sharpies at our wood kitchen table and accidentally went off the poster board with black sharpie. I tried getting it off immediately with dish soap but the black streak remained...A little Scour Off  on my forefinger and a damp cloth to the rescue, totally gone!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Chemical Overhaul to Lower Cancer and Asthma Risks

What does it look like under your sink?

How many cleaning products do you have under your sink? 

There are products for just about every task and every surface in most households! 

Do you want to save time cleaning, save thousands of dollars and save space in your cabinets??

This is a photo from a recent, 
"Get Clean" 
Get Rid of Chemicals Overhaul!! 


BEFORE THE TOXIC CHEMICAL OVERHAUL


DURING A CHEMICAL OVERHAUL PRODUCTS WERE REPLACED WITH GET CLEAN! 

CLEAN THE NON-TOXIC WAY!  

Most of the products above were replaced with these four products (plus spray bottle set) 
(dish wash liquid and dishwasher powder non-toxic laundry products are also available). 

3. Basic G Germicide Disinfectant
(which doubles for use with the laundry, but is fabulous on 
porcelain sinks, grout, & toilet bowls!)


That's the power of Get Clean and the power of using one product for many jobs and multiple surfaces. And you won't have to sacrifice powerful cleaners because Shaklee's Get Clean products are AMAZING! They outperform or match 20 National brands that you are probably already using! I can't think of one objective of not Getting Clean in your own home... and don't say it's money because you can't tell me of a product that is less than a penny for window and mirror cleaner and less than 3 cents for all-purpose cleaner. I promise, Go Green and Get Clean and you will NEVER go back! I promise you will love them, completely fall in love with them!! or your money back!!

Can Household and Personal Care Products Really Affect Your Health?

Asthma, Digestive and Respiratory Issues, Eye and Skin Burns, Reproductive Issues, Headaches, Liver and Kidney Damage...

These are just a few harmful health effects that household and personal care products have on your health. Sorry, this is a long post, but so important. :) I was amazed and disgusted after seeing a list of the chemicals and health risks in products most people use everyday and sometimes several times a day. I was angry to see that some of these chemicals are even in baby detergent like Dreft, diaper rash cream, baby wash and lotion like Aveeno and Johnson's. I think it is sad that as mothers, we cannot trust the most popular brands or the "gentlest" of products or even "Pediatrician Recommended" brands. I am happy to see that parents are becoming more aware of the effects of these chemcials, especially on babies, and sharing with others. Please read product labels with caution. Make sure to read the ingredients and do your own research, companies can print words like these without strict regulations. These chemicals may have alternative names so I have listed the synonyms for the chemicals also. I'm not saying that if you use a product with these chemicals, it guaranteed that you will immediately have health problems, but why would you want to breathe or put these chemicals on your body at all?


Did you know ONE bottle of Shaklee Basic H Concentrate equals over 5,800 bottles of window & mirror cleaner?


MONOETHANOLAMINE (MEA) 
Synonyms: 2-Aminoethanol, 2-Hydroxyethanamine, Ethanol, 2-amino-, Ethanolamine, MEA
Toxicity Information:

Inhalation has been reported to cause asthma, immediate allergic response, acute liver damage and chronic hepatitis, severe eye and skin burns. May be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Irritating to skin, eyes, respiratory system. Large doses produce sedation, coma, and death following depression of blood pressure and cardiac collapse.  

Chemical found in:

  • Tide Liquid Laundry and Tide Free Liquid Laundry
  • Dreft Liquid Laundry
  • Cheer Liquid Laundry
  • Ivory Snow Liquid Laundry
  • Gain Liquid Laundry
  • Dawn Power Dissolve
  • 409 Spray Degreaser
  • Easy Off Oven Cleaner
  • Damp Rid Mold & Mildew Control
  • Windex
  • Pledge
  • Spray n' Wash Stain Remover


SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Synonyms: Ascarite, Caustic Soda, Soda Lye
Toxicity Information:

Causes 75% of all caustic injury to the esophagus of kids under 5 years old. Can cause burns in tissues, chronic skin irriation, irriation to the respiratory tract, can cause liver and kidney damage. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Instructions for first aid if inhaled is to move the person to fresh air, if they are not breathing administer artificial respiration. 

Chemical Found in:

Household Products:
  • Cascade Rinse Formula
  • 409 Degreaser
  • Clorox Clean Up Spray and some Cleaners
  • Soft Scrub Liquid Gel
  • Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner and some Cleaners
  • Comet Cleanser with Bleach
  • Soft Scrub
  • Easy Off Oven Cleaner
  • Palmolive Antibacterial Hand Soap
  • Woolite Liquid Wash
  • Tide Ultra Liquid
  • Shout Laundry Stain Remover
  • Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush
  • Arm & Hammer Detergent
  • Tilex
Personal Care Products:
  • Johnson's Baby Wash
  • Aveeno Naturals
  • Aveeno Baby Cream and some bath products
  • Old Spice Deodorant
  • Some Olay Total Effects, Regenerist, and Pro-x creams
  • Oil of Olay Body Washes
  • Jergins Skin Firming Moisturizing
  • Softsoap Hand Soap
  • Neutrogena Moisture for Sensitive Skin
  • Dove Ultra Moisturizing BodyWash
  • Method Foaming Hand Wash
  • Gilette Shave Gel
  • Pantene Shampoo

Now think of how many times the toxic chemicals from the dishwasher or laundry detergent are lingering through your home every time you do a load of dishes or laundry. How about when you use your Oil of Olay body wash in the shower, then you use your anti-wrinkle face cream, brush your teeth with Crest and then throughout the day you are putting on your Aveeno moisturizer. Oh, and don't forget that i'm sure you will do a little wiping down of the counters and maybe wash your hands a few times with Softsoap or Method hand wash. This is a lot of exposure to one chemical that your body experiences in one day and all of the things you put on your body are absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Stay tuned, these are only a few chemicals but I will be posting more.

Please note: These are only some of the products that may contain these chemicals. For more information on the products and toxicity, please visit the Toxicology Data Network or the Hazardous Substance Database at http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/list?tbl=TblChemicals&alpha=A

Clean Your Oven Without Harming Your Lungs

So many moms are asking,

 "How do I get things clean, I mean REALLY CLEAN without using  traditional oven cleaners that are linked to cancer?" 

The answer is Scour Off!

It is completely non-toxic (made from natural cherry pits) so when you have your head stuck in an oven during cleaning, you are not inhaling any caustic chemicals!

Call me to get yours!

714-536-6555 
Use a little Scour-Off Paste and a really wet sponge for dramatic results like the pictures above! 


Just a teaspoon of Nature Bright Whitener in the sink before I went to bed made my stained sink bright!


Thursday, August 1, 2013

5 Ways to Lower Triglycerides

High triglyceride levels often mean increased risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Lower your triglycerides with these 5 simple diet and lifestyle changes.

Get More Omega–3s 
Not all fat is bad fat. While you're working on reducing triglycerides, you should also focus on increasing healthy omega–3 fats. Omega-3's are actually good for your heart and especially effective at lowering triglyceride levels. I recommend eating at least two servings of omega–3–rich fish, such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel (though not king), sardines, rainbow trout, or even Pacific oysters, each week.If you are not going to be diligent about eating these fish twice a week EVERY week, speak with your doctor about incorporating fish oil supplements into your routine.I use Shaklee OmegaGuard because it  is guaranteed to be tested and free of heavy metals that have recently been appearing in some other brands.

Maintain a Healthy Weight 
If you're overweight, you are at a greater risk for high triglycerides, but simple lifestyle changes like following a balanced diet, incorporating healthy meal replacement shakes and exercising can help you lose weight and lower your triglyceride levels. Cut down on high–calorie foods and beverages and make it a priority to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet. They're low in calories to help you achieve your weight loss goals, and packed with nutrients to improve overall heart health.

Reduce Unhealthy Fats
Our bodies store and circulate fat in the form of triglycerides. Eating a diet heavy in saturated and trans fats will raise the levels of your blood triglycerides. Fortunately, you can markedly improve your triglyceride levels by cutting down on consumption of these unhealthy fats and increase coconut oil in it's place. If you have high triglycerides, it's especially important to cut the saturated fat, including marbled red meat, poultry skin, butter, whole milk, and other full–fat dairy products. Since trans fats are even more harmful than saturated fats, you'll want to carefully check nutrition labels on margarines, snack foods, baked goods, and other packaged items to ensure they don't contain any trans fats.

Limit Refined Carbs
Low quality carbs (foods high in sugar or refined grains like white flour) can cause a sudden rise in your body's insulin, which can lead to a spike in triglycerides. To lower your triglyceride numbers, you'll need to dramatically limit your intake of sugary and refined carbs including sugar, honey, and other sweeteners,
 white rice, white bread, regular white pasta, and other foods that have been made with white flour (also called enriched wheat flour or all-purpose flour), including many cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, crackers, and snack foods, candy, baked goods, and anything made with white (refined or enriched) flour. You'll also want to limit dried fruit and fruit juice since they're dense in simple sugar. Instead aim for high–quality carbs — vegetables, fruits, and whole grain foods like oatmeal, healthy cereals, brown

Drink Less Alcohol
If you have high triglycerides, alcohol should be considered a rare treat — if you indulge at all, since even small amounts of alcohol can dramatically increase triglyceride levels. In sensitive individuals, just one drink can send triglycerides soaring. When you're out at social occasions, consider ordering a flavorful spritzer made with seltzer water and a splash of fruit juice. It'll be healthier for you — and no one has to know that there isn't any alcohol in it.



  • Understand the dangers of high triglycerides.
    If you have high triglyceride levels, your blood is more likely to clot. Additionally, studies have shown that high triglyceride levels are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke in both men and women. The good news is that in most cases triglycerides can be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes. Start by avoiding alcohol, sugary foods (including dried fruit and fruit juice), saturated fats, and trans fats. Do your best to maintain a healthy diet and weight.


  • Make omega-3 fats a part of your diet.
    Since omega–3s positively affect nearly every heart–disease risk factor, it's a good idea to make them a regular part of your diet. Fatty fish is the best source of omega–3 fatty acids. I recommend getting at least three servings of wild salmon, herring, mackerel (though not king), sardines, rainbow trout, or even Pacific oysters each week. However, if you can't get that much fish into your weekly meals, fish–oil capsules are also rich sources of omega–3s. Good plant sources include ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, butternuts, seaweed, soybeans, and canola oil.


  • Stick to fat-free or reduced–fat dairy products.
    Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are some of the top sources of calcium, but you'll want to choose fat–free or reduced–fat varieties to keep your heart healthy. Whole–milk dairy is high in saturated fat, which contributes to high triglycerides. The saturated fat in whole milk can also contribute to high cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis, the build–up of plaque on artery walls.


  • Exercise to improve triglycerides.
    Engaging in moderate exercise can help lower your triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Doing aerobic exercise may also stop the sharp rise of triglycerides after you eat. If you haven't exercised regularly (or at all) for years, I recommend starting slowly by walking at an easy pace for 15 minutes a day, five days a week. As you begin to feel comfortable, you can increase your walking time by five minutes each day. Strive to work up to 30 minutes most days of the week. I know it sounds like a lot, but your life may depend on it! (Always get clearance from your doctor before beginning an exercise program.)