My Rebirth

My heart is heavy.  A friend sent an email about a woman, Diane*, whom I met last year.  She just passed from breast cancer.  I hardly new her.  Met her a few times at Komen events and she was always smiling.  She had an amazing amount of positive energy radiating from her, the type of person you just wanted to chill with.  The news of her passing, or any person with cancer passing, puts a heavy weight on my heart.  I think about the struggles she had to endure, her kids' heartaches, and the hole her husband must feel.      

Diane and I hugging it out with Baby M before the Race.

I am a 15 month survivor.  At times, it still shocks me that I "got it".  Thankfully, I was a fortunate case; but don't think for one day that I don't question whether I will have a recurrence.  Cancer has wrapped it's deathly arms around me once, who knows if it will come back for seconds.  I know it is pointless to think like that and truthfully, I don't dwell.  I am too busy with my screaming kids, laundry, dirty casa, baby-doll Husband, and trying not to forget what day it is or what is happening in the week (writing things down would be waaaay to easy).  By the way, I am grateful that that is the extent of my worries at present. 

Trust me.

I try to be as healthy and fit as I can but really, I kinda was before cancer.  Hearing about Diane brings me back to why I started this blog to begin with.  I started it  as a rebirth, to try to change my life and my families so that we try to eliminate as many toxins as we can from our lifestyle.  It is something I can actively do and have control of--a way to protect myself.  It is not just trying to be "green" or super healthy, but it also a big F U to the many companies and corporations that feed, strive, and get rich off making us sick.  Who do they think they are? 

What causes cancer and why some people get it and others don't is a ginormous mystery.  I am not pretending to have it figured out but I know what doesn't help breast cancer:     

Parabens- used as preservatives in many, many cosmetic products

BPA- found in plastic and canned goods

Pesticides- sprayed on fruit and veggies

More in this ah-mazing video.  Watch it.

So along with this journey, finding cosmetic/beauty products was a biggie for me.  To people that know me, it is no surprise that I am a product whore.  Whore I say!  I can't get enough and I will spend every cent of my money to buy more products that make me happy.  I am on a continuous prowl for the best eco/green/natural beauty/skin/soul glowing products and I hoard with no shame.

In this quest, I have learned a great deal about organic, natural companies. 

1.  Many greenwash.  They say they are healthy but they trick you and use not so healthy ingredients.  For example, I bought a self-tanner from Sun not too long ago on the internet that said it was paraben free.  When I got it, I look on the back under ingredients and there are three different parabens listed.  Really!?!?  On the front of the bottle it said PARABEN FREE!

2.  Many are fabulous but have a hard time growing because it can be difficult to get the purist ingredients at mass quantities that keep within their shelf life (remember, we don't want nasty preservatives like parabens).  This makes it hard for a little company to supply at many boutiques, Whole Foods, etc.

3.  Many are useless.  Plain and simple.  They don't work.

4.  Many have started because of loved ones with cancer, diseases, or sickness.  Why does it take people or those close to us to get sick for us to examine our environment?  I don't know if I ever would have switched if I hadn't gotten cancer.    

So what it comes down to is who do I trust and how do I get the purist green product that works? 

I first heard about alex+von from another natural cosmetic company.  They sent an email about the benefits of working for this new and upcoming company, alex+von.  I was immediately intrigued.  It is funny because I was currently in discussion with The Husband about wanting to find a company or brand I can get behind and try to help grow and share.  It was kismet, clearly. 

Anyway I can feed my addiction with companies I believe in, I am game.  alex+von is my dealer and supplier (I write laughingly, Husband has complete opposite reaction).  It is a company that represents organic, natural, eco brands.  Consultants have the choice to represent one line or as many as they would like.  Ahhhhh freedom! It is perfect partnership for smaller companies as well and a great way for them to get their product info out.

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting the ladies behind alex+von.  They wanted me to come and test new makeup brands they were thinking of signing.  Oh my gawd was I excited.  Giddy to be exact.  My passion, eco makeup smooshed with meeting brilliant ground breaking ladies was galactic.  Meeting them just made me more ecstatic about this growing company that I am so stoked to be a part of.       

Now, I can't divulge in any secrets.  I am a master secret holder (not in the slightest) but I am professional.  Nuff said. 

What I can tell you is that they just signed with Original Moxie, a fierce, amazing natural company that specializes in hair products.  We will sell shampoo, conditioners, and styling products.  Being the product whore that I am, I ordered every sample I could when I heard about the possible partnership.  I wouldn't be exaggerating when I say that their products are like pixie dust to a fairy.  I am incredibly impressed thus far.  My whole family now uses it and it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside knowing I have some styling products I feel good about putting in my mane and my boys hair. 

More to come with Original Moxie.  alex+von is still trying to work out a few things with them.  I will let you know when they are up and running on my website.

Right now my focus in on 100% Pure and Suki.  These companies couldn't be more different except that they both strive to be as natural and pure as possible. 

Inspired by her garden, product developer Susie Wang created 100% Pure Cosmetics to complement her healthy lifestyle. Made with pigments from fruits and vegetables along with natural food-grade ingredients, 100% Pure marries all-natural ingredients with high-end cosmetic formulas to create beauty products in a class of its own. 100% Pure develops highly concentrated formulas without the use of synthetic or toxic ingredients, water, thickeners, or other fillers. 100% Pure products are never tested on animals and it is the company's mission to help and save animals.

100% Pure cosmetics are the first and only company colored from antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable pigments.  While other color cosmetics are colored with either synthetic dyes or minerals, 100% Pure uses fruit and vegetable pigments.  All the antioxidants and vitamins are in the pigments so you will be applying the healthy nutrients of the fruits directly on your skin.

100% Pure makes products that compliments your everyday routine and helps maintain and enhance your skin.  Pure offers an amazingly huge variety of bath and body products in many tantalizing scents. 

On a side note, the newest reports on lead in major name brand lipsticks is no bueno.  Just another reason to be extra cautious of what we put on.  I love that 100% Pure has only fruit and vegetable pigmented makeup.  The colors are beautiful and the makeup is stunning.

Suki is the other dope line I love to sell.  According to Suki, "there clinically-proven natural solutions® is the first & only synthetic-free cosmetical solution that integrates advanced technology with clinically proven results. Each product is tested to work in unison with your skin, delivering a clear, youthful & healthy complexion. There "evolutionary skin care science™" philosophy grew from Suki's mission to develop a completely new way of formulating skin care - immersing high potency natural cosmeceuticals in synthetic-free bases. There product integrity is backed up by Suki's organic innovation lab™ & held to the highest standards in manufacturing, ingredients, packaging & shipping - all with a positive impact on the environment & quality of life in mind."

Because Suki uses the highest, purist ingredients possible the price point is higher.  All of the products are in beautiful glass containers.  Suki is a fabulous line that is proven to work. 

Everyone falls into two categories.  

Nourishing 

• for dry and/or mature skin
• uses hydrators, vitamins, and antioxidants
• to strengthen and protect skin's integrity

 Balancing

•  for oily and/or problematic skin (acne, rosacea, eczema)
• uses anti-inflammatory, bacteria-fighting and resurfacing
• agents to bring skin back to health

Another reason I love Suki is because of their involvement in Breast Cancer Action.  They are a safe cosmetic company that gives back to such an important cause.  Read more here.

My collection of 100% Pure and Suki have grown so much.  I love to share my passion and these fab products.  If you are interested in hanging out with some great peeps and learning more about 100% Pure and Suki at an open house -or- if you want to host an informal fun get together and reap some of the hosting benefits then email me livinthegreenblogg@aol.com and I can hook you up.  I have parties coming up that need your fabulousness.

As my gift to you, my dear readers, I would love to giveaway two of my favorite products.  The oh-so-famous-bestseller 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream and the Organic Chocolate Body Scrub. Divine! 

Who doesn't love a Coffee Mocha in the am?

Giveaway ends on March 8, 2012 at 12:01 am est.

I have Rafflecopter to help out.  Just log in with Facebook or email and it will guide you from there.

Simple.

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If you are on Facebook, please, please help get the word out and share this giveaway!

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Shop at www.livinthegreenboutique.com 

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Peace.

 *Name was changed in respect for her family.

Step Aside Marijuana...There's a New Drug On the Block

You have had your spotlight.  We get it, you're not the big, dangerous, evil, monster herb that you have been portrayed as.    

Step aside so I can introduce the new bad boy on the block.  Easy to score, light on the benjamins, and totally legal.   No smoking, no snorting, no needles, no popping pills.  No joke.  I'm on it and yes, I do it in front of the kids.  I even do it with the kids.    

The brilliant FDA had declared walnuts a drug.  You read right, a DRUG.  Walnuts.

 

Just another reason to trust the FDA.  They are always looking out for our best interest.  That and Big Pharma.

Get ready for the war on walnuts.  Doesn't really sound as catchy.

The FDA in a warning letter to Diamond Foods, says that "Based on claims made on your firm's website, we have determined that your walnut products are promoted for conditions that cause them to be drugs because these products are intended for use in the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of diseases."

The nut company has been selling its products with packaging which states the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. 

Let me tell you more about this "drug".

Research from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa, compared the amount of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols in nine types of nuts.  They also tested just how effective the antioxidants in the nuts are in regard to heart health using fancy lab tests.  Walnuts were the big winners. 

These polyphenols that walnuts are loaded with, are believed to reduce heart disease risk by lowering levels of blood cholesterol, improving blood flow, and cooling the inflammation that has been linked to heart disease. 

Since they are very high in Omega-3s, they help power your thinker.  One serving provides 91% of your daily value for Omega-3 essential fatty acid.  Omegas are known to protect our heart, promote cognitive development, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.  Plus, Omegas make sick watches.

More benefits of taking this drug:

They power your immune system. 

Lower cholesterol. 

Help you snooze.

Shrinks that gut. 

Just two handful of walnuts a day may keep breast cancer away (especially if you are a mouse).  If you have breast cancer, walnuts may help curb tumor growth based on recent studies. 

Researcher W. Elain Hardman, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry at Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, W. Va., credits the disease fighting Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and in particular, phytosterols in walnuts.

"Phytosterols bind to estrogen receptors, so they would be expected to slow growth of breast cancers."  Since many breast cancers are estrogen fueling this would help. 

Favorite ways to get my fix:

Breakfast- in my oatmeal with banana, in greek yogurt with agave syrup, banana walnut smoothie

Lunch- sprinkled on salad, any salad

Snack- my healing bars, plain, with apples, in trail mix

In a nut shell. This is one drug I'm not giving up. I'm a junkie.

For more healthy living tips and recipes, please subscribe to my blog on the top right hand corner.  

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October Treat: Giveaway!!!

I recently hosted a Stella and Dot jewelry party for my new friend Robyn.  I had a blast hosting, it was great to get to know Robyn better, and it didn't hurt to be surrounded by all the gorgeous jewelry.  I think others had fun too based on the sales that were made that night :)  I love their unique and fierce jewelry and I seem to get the best compliments whenever I wear it.  How can you not love this? 

I got a call from Robyn a few days back.  She so generously wanted to gift me their breast cancer Tribute Bracelet.  I was touched that she thought of me and what I went through.  This just tells you what kind of lady she is.    

You might remember from my previous post, that a lot of companies use this time to make a profit selling products that have ingredients that have been linked to cancer.  It is important to support this cause but to do so cautiously.  Luckily, their jewelry isn't hurting anyone and the proceeds go to a good foundation.  That is why I am 100% behind the Stella and Dot Tribute Bracelet ($36).  It is a beautiful simple piece that can be worn alone or combined with other bracelets or a watch. 

During the month of October (which I know has only one week left) 20% of the Tribute Bracelet sales will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.   

Trust me, this bracelet is a hot item.  It has sold out 3 different times this month!  You can purchase it at www.stelladot.com/robyngroves to wear in support of, in honor of, or in memory of anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.  Just about a week left, so get on it post haste.  Plus, lucky you, we could be twinsies!

Just in case they sell out again or you don't want to sacrifice the dough, Robyn will generously give one lucky reader the Tribute Bracelet for free.  The catch is you must "Like" her Facebook page by clicking here.  It can't hurt to tell her "Hi" or that Livin' The Green sent you! 

Subscribers* to Livin' The Green can enter the giveaway by:

1.  Checking out Stella and Dot

2.  Leaving a comment about how you stay healthy or your favorite piece of jewelry that you saw.

That simple.

*If you need to subscribe, just enter your email in the top right side of the page!

One lucky reader will be selected and the bracelet will ship to you asap.

Deadline is October 31st.

I can't wait to read your comments!

Pink in October

I walked into Michael's yesterday to get some Halloween crafts for my monsters and I was stopped dead in my tracks upon entering.  Placed right in the entrance, there was a large display of pink.  Pink ribbons, pink socks, pink stickers, pink duct tape, pink pins, pink printers.  This list can go on and on but I quickly scooted by.  I knew this was going to happen.  I know Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming up, but I couldn't help feeling like I was being used.

Pinkwashing is a term coined by BCAction in 2002 to describe a company or organization that claims to care about breast cancer by promoting a pink ribbon product, but at the same time produces, manufactures, and/or sells products that are linked to the disease. 

Let me tell you, when I had the dreaded disease, I wasn't lovin' pink.  I was scared for my life.  I couldn't relate to pink or the pink ribbon.  I was my own person, surviving.  Even months after, when I did the Komen race, I felt a little uncomfortable about the ribbon thing.  During the race, the love, support, and community that I was surrounded by was beyond powerful.  If that is what pink does than rock on but clearly that is not all.

Much of the pink  ribbon and products was popularized by the editor of Self magazine and EsteeLauder companies.  They want you to buy and support makeup labeled pink and in return, pennies of their profits would go to the cure.  Meanwhile, those who thought they were doing good and supporting the cause were actually heading home to slather makeup onto their face which was full of toxic chemicals.  The same chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer.  It would be funny if it weren't so so awful.   I am guilty of selling (when I worked for a certain cosmetic company) and buying into it.  This was before I really thought about my actions and if they were harmful.  Shoot, I felt like a hero.  Now I realize, not so much.

According to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, they have repeatedly asked Avon, Revlon, and Estee Lauder companies to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to remove chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other harmful health impacts from their products.  These companies have been unwilling to make this public commitment.

Once again, here is a list from the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, of chemicals to stay clear of that are commonly found in makeup and beauty products.

• ·         Parabens
• ·         Phthalates
• ·         Fragrance
• ·         Nonylphenols
• ·         Sunscreen chemicals
• ·         Isobutane
• ·         Ethoxylated compounds
• ·         Metals
• ·         Petrolatum
• ·         Toluene
• ·         Triclosan

Ugly right.  This is why I switched to a green lifestyle and I am happily selling from a compassionate, clean, non-toxic company 100% Pure.  You get the quality without compromising your health.

Now don't get me wrong.  I think companies that shed light on such a horrible disease and help raise money to go to a cure is ah-mazing, but not when they are using that to make money with their toxic product.  Do us a favor and just write a check donating to the cause rather than trying to profit off of a product. 

How about you do me a favor and think.  First and foremost, think about your health.  Do you feel right?  Has there been anything nagging you?  Get it checked!  No point in waiting.  Early detection is key.  October, Breast Cancer Awareness month should be more focused on health and not necessarily pink products.    

Second, think about the product you are about to purchase in the name of breast cancer.  Does "Buckets for a Cure" from KFC really help support breast cancer?  Does eating a cup of growth hormone rBGH induced yogurt help?  What about pink cosmetics?  Pink lipstick?  Gloss?   How about buying some pink alcohol?  Or better yet, pink energy drinks. 

October is an important month.... because it is my husband's birthday and my favorite holiday, Halloween.  Kidding aside, considering how many women (and now men) are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, we need all the reminders we can get about the seriousness of breast cancer.  Discovering it early is critical.  Listen to your bodies and check yourself ladies! 

On a side note, my friend and fellow blogger asked if I would write my testimonial.  I was happy to share.  If you care reading about how I was diagnosed and what it was like for yours truly at that time, please visit her blog at www.heathnutblogg.wordpress.com.  I think her topics are fascinating.  Talk about a health nut!

Meatless Monday- Limit Cancer Risks

How many of you have tried a high protein diet?  How many have tried to eat more protein than carbs in efforts to look hot in a bikini (or board shorts) ?  I got on the high protein band wagon, and I am not going to lie, I saw results. 

But I can't help wonder if my carnivorous ways contributed to my cancer.

I am most definitely not trying to scare you into not eating animals.  I don't want you to feel that if you eat meat you are going to get cancer.  I just want to summarize some of the fascinating readings I have done on this topic.  

In the 60s researchers made a groundbreaking revelation.  They observed the fact that ladies living in North America and Europe commonly got breast cancer, whereas it was a rarity for women living in Japan.  Additionally, the ladies that did get cancer in Japan were much more likely to survive than their American and European counterparts. 

Since then, things started to morph.  Fast food and meat consumption began to be part of the Asian lifestyle.  McD's headed in for the kill and defused worldwide.  As a result, cancer rates rose in Japan.  By the 70's, Japanese ladies who ate meat every day had eight times the risk of getting breast cancer compared to those who continued traditional rice-based diet, according to Neal D.  Barnard. 

Strange coincidence?  T.  Colin Campbell's book, The China Study, touched on this comparison as well.  People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease ... People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease.

Now I know this may be too hot to handle.  I would rather not read it because I have been known to eat a dog now and then (a hot dog silly), but this article from the Huffington Post is interesting and touches on the link of hot dogs (and other highly processed meats) and cancer.  According to Neal Barnard,

"The more hot dogs people eat, the higher their risk of colorectal cancer.  And it's not just hot dogs.  Any sort of processed meat--bacon, sausage, ham, deli slices--is in this group.  And here are the numbers: Every 50 grams of processed meat you eat on a daily basis (that's about one hot dog) increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent.  And just as there is no safe level of smoking, no amount of hot dogs, bacon, sausage, ham or other processed meats comes out clean in scientific studies." 

According to the Cancer Project,

A number of hypotheses have been advanced to explain the connection between meat consumption and cancer risk.  First, meat is devoid of fiber and other nutrients that have a protective effect.  Meat also contains animal protein, saturated fat, and, in some cases, carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formed during the processing or cooking of meat.  HCAs, formed as meat is cooked at high temperatures,  and PAHs, formed during the burning of organic substances, are believed to increase cancer risk.  In addition,  the high fat content of meat and other animal products increases hormone production, thus increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. 

You can read more about the Cancer Project here. 

I could go on and on about similar findings but I don't want to be a complete bore.  Bottom line is that veggies and fruits help reduce the risk of cancer, while meat, animal products, and other fatty foods are frequently found to increase the risk of cancer.

After my diagnosis, I gave up meat and dairy because of these findings.  I felt great.  However, as I increased my workouts and I needed my endurance, I turned back to some animal protein.  I just don't rely on animals for every meal in the day.       

Why not try cutting back on animal proteins that might harm our health and start focusing on foods that help it.  You will  not only be a hero to the animals, but the planet will love you too. 

Recommended Reading:

Crazy Sexy Diet, by Kris Carr

Life Over Cancer, by Keith I. Block, M.D.

Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer

The China Study, by  T. Colin Campbell

Meatless Monday Recipe- Gazpacho

Gazpacho is perfect for a warm summer day.  Since we have a few left before the leaves start turning why not make it one of your MM meals?  I adore it because, basically my son could make it.  Serve it with a hearty slice of multi grain bread and you got yourself a meal.  Winning.

Recipe Curtisey of Simply Recipes

6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 purple onion, finely chopped

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped

1 sweet red bell pepper seeded, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4  cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup  olive oil

2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons sugar

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

6 or more drops  of Tabasco sauce to taste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

4 cups tomato juice

Directions

Combine all ingredients.  Blend slightly, to desired consistency.  Place in non-metal, non-reactive storage container, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to blend.

I made mine in the morning and it tasted pretty amazing for dinner.  Next time, I think I will blend it less though.

You stay classy Meatless Monday!