Sunscreen

I've been trying to sift through all the info on sunscreen to come up with the best solution for my family.  I am the type of person that wants to find one product and stick to it, it is all about streamlining the process.  I have been avoiding the ordinary sunscreens due to the concern over estrogenic active ingredients.  Although it is my understanding that with testing on adults although found in their urine and blood, it didn't appear to affect their overall testosterone or estrogen levels.  But when i think about putting that on my babies... it is scary!  They have three times the relative surface area of an adult.  In addition, I have been concerned about nanoparticles and their ability to permeate the skin and body tissues, making their way into the blood stream.  There just doesn't seem to be enough information on them yet.  I just read this Scientific American article through the EWG's website,  http://www.ewg.org/node/27745.  I found it very interesting.   Also EWG's cosmeticdatabase.com  has some great recommendations... actually for all skincare.  But, these can all get pretty pricey, especially when i consider how much we go through.  We just recently found Jason's Sunbrellas Mineral Sunscreen on sale at Whole Foods and really like it.  But it would be expensive otherwise.  So I would be curious for some feedback on this issue and to know what others use.  Thanks!

Hives

My daughter has been breaking out in hives at different times for the last 6 days.  Not sure why... I am going to take her to the doctor this week, but i was wondering if anyone knew of any natural solutions for soothing hives.  I hate that i have had to give her so much benadryl!  

sharing, caring, designing

i stole the title for this post from our friends dave & patty's blog: . dave's sister jessica just won a student design award at the International Home and Housewares Show this year for her "community" bread maker. it's such a cool concept integrating ideas of community and sustainable living. read about it here.

Allergies...

Does anyone know of any natural remedies for fighting outdoor allergies?

Recycling old clothing...

do you know of anywhere I can recycle old clothes (mostly t-shirts and such that are too worn for donating)? I have to think there is some sort of textiles recycling somewhere, but I haven't found anything yet. 

Monica

Thanks Jenny...

So we built our first compost bin/pile.  Thanks Jenny for the great article.  If you haven't read it Jenny wrote a very informative article for "beginner composters",  http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1323.  

We split some grasses from my mother and planted them around so as they grow they may hide a little so as to not "offend" my neighbors.  It is right by their back patio!  Having fun!

Cleaning Recipies

All you need is baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, mineral oil, and liquid dish washing soap ..
See http://www.thrifty-mom.com/houseclean/cleaningrecipes1.htm

Easy way to remove ticks...

This method is great because it works in those places where it's sometimes difficult to get to the tweezers between toes, in the middle of the head full of hair, etc. Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15- 20). The tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time this person used it and it's much less traumatic for the person (or pet).

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is something I discovered when we thought we brought home 'bed bugs' about a year, ago from a trip. This amazing product is put into our food to rid our flour, etc, from parasites. It is also called 'fossil shell flour' and is safe to put in food (make sure you get food grade). This is put into animals food all the time to keep flies away and parasites away. We ALL have parasites in us from food, etc. This is also a great plant insecticide! It can be bought with a pump that sifts it unto the plant.    It can also be taken with water as a parasite cleanse! 

google it and read all about it! It is amazing!

Cheers! Rosie