turning over a new leaf

Thanks to Sarah Wilson's blog I have taken a good look at my cosmetics and other bathroom products.

I thought that I was aware of nasty ingredients in my products but on an examination of the labels many of my products are unsuitable and will be phased out.
Even my wonderful discovery of Moroccan oil has been dampened by finding out that it is loaded with undesirable substances - silicon and dimethicone to name a couple.


I found a better product that is pure argan oil here.

Sarah provided this link to help us decipher why certain ingredients are toxic. Environmental Working Group is a US body that  has ranked 65,000 products for their level of harmful contents.

I would rather select products with fewer nasties in them because I do not want to load my body up with substances that are poisonous and in some cases such as heavy metals accumulate in the body.
Some would say that it is more important to scrutinize things we put on our skins as they are absorbed straight into the system without any digestive processes to break them down.

There is a wealth  of information out there but it is very difficult to work out when a substance is dangerous or not. The cosmetics industry is notoriously unregulated which means it is a case of "buyer beware".  Consumers  assume that if a product is for sale then it is safe to use. So not True!

There needs to be greater accountability on the part of the manufacturers to ensure that the toxic ingredients are not used any more. We can stop buying the worst of these products if we know about them. So have a look at what  Sarah had to say to help you choose your lipsticks, sunscreen and shampoos from an informed background.  She has plenty of links there and in a few related posts if you want to chase it up further.
Sarah Wilson - the safest cosmetics

ma hoody dudes

I can't show the students faces because they are all dentists (lol).

We made custom hoodies and after much trepidation tackling cutting/ sewing/ threaded devices the journey and the outcomes were most rewarding.

no nasties shampoo

To address a few hair issues lately I went searching for some all natural products that would let my scalp settle down and maybe encourage some hair regrowth. I'm happy to say mission accomplished.

 This shampoo and rinse is sulphate and silicone free with yoghurt and berry extract and smells divine

I will use up the rest of a well known brand to wash my cashmere jumpers!

The true hero of this story is Moroccan oil.  I had a very itchy reaction to hair dye and nothing I used worked.  So my lovely hairdresser Nick  recommended I use it.  I put a teaspoon or so between my fingers and rubbed it into my scalp and left it there for two days. Surprisingly my hair was not an oil slick and the itching calmed down.  After a week or so of using the oil more sparingly my scalp is itch free.
It is wonderful for the hair - it soaks straight in and stops the flyaway look. I'm now a devotee - I supposed you noticed.
The soap in the handmade dish is by EST.  It is an olive oil rich soap with essential oils - I love it. Thanks to my friend L who gave it to me for Christmas (it lasts!)

ghostpatrol obsession

I have a little bit of a thing for Melbourne artist - Ghostpatrol.
He has an exhibition on at the moment and I will be making tracks there at the end of this week. Excited...

Here are some sneak peeks taken on opening night from ghostpatrol's website with acknowledgements to Alex.

 Here are some favourite recent works.

My dream is to own one of his works .... soon...soon.

I'm happy about...

A little roundup of this past week...

 My new coat from Metalicus.

A little spot of shopping and a coffee in Chapel street.

A quick visit to the boat to scrub and tuck in.

Soup making again. This time don't forget to take out the cinnamon stick before you puree!
The pumpkin, pear and ginger soup from a recent post is a must make - lively and warming and also very good for lung function.

The spa my niece sets up with her friend. I love their little cash register. My toes were pink and shiny and the relaxing hand massage was superb.  We even had home baked biscuits and herbal tea refreshments. Well done girls.  I'll be back!

leaves

 

 

The autumn leaves this year turned overnight from green to yellow and deep red.  Melbourne University arborist Greg Moore commented in the Age yesterday that the growing conditions this year generated abundant sugars in the leaves and this is what contributes to the deep pigments.  "The colder it is, the more pigments you get"  

All I can say is at least the cold has been good for something.  There is quite the show in my back garden.  I decided to bring a little of the joy inside.

Soup with a Zing

This is one of my favourite soups from Dr Ben Kim - a Canadian Chiropractor /Health adviser.
It is simply divine with the warming zing of ginger and the velvety smooth pumpkin. I'm off to the kitchen to make me a big panful.

Magestic Beasts

Nick Brandt's black and white photos have movement and light and are simply beautiful.
 Feast your eyes on these.

The mother load.

I must have really advertised heavily for treats and giftees this Mother's Day as I certainly collected big time. We had a short expensive "city stay" at the Grand Hyatt.

I received hand made chocolates, a subscription to Marie Claire and an owl candle.

We all had a lovely lunch at the Hyatt and won't need to eat for a week. Hello gym for serious work outs this week.