Striving4Zen

If you're like most people, you get a new toothbrush every six months, but you really should be changing your toothbrush more often, like every three to four months. When the bristles get worn and lose their rigidity, they don't remove plaque as well. But you should also do some maintenance within that three months, when your toothbrush is just sitting out in the open. After all, think about all the germs and bacteria floating around that would love to attach themselves to your moist toothbrush.

So to prevent colds, flu, and other sicknesses, once or twice a week run your toothbrush through the microwave on high for 10 seconds immediately before brushing your teeth. If someone in your home is sick, you may want to sterilize it in the microwave each time you brush. If you're the one who's sick, after the illness passes, ditch your old toothbrush and replace it with a new one.

Great tip FitSugar!

Thanks!

Labels: germs, microwave, tips, toothbrush

Hair-care products designed to help you straighten, smooth, and prevent frizz are everywhere, but the fact is you don't need a straight-hair, curly hair, or frizz-free hair routine to get great results. Actually, you don't need to focus solely on anti-frizz shampoos and conditioners, because they rarely differ from other shampoos and conditioners designed for other hair types, such as dry or color-treated (and when they do differ you are not going to see a difference in the results you get). It's more of a marketing angle than anything else. In the long run, the most important aspect of your hair care routine is the styling tools you use.

There are no products that can make hair smooth or put curls in place neatly all by themselves. You certainly have never seen a hair stylist put some shampoo, conditioner, and styling products in someone's hair and then send them on their way.

None of this means that there aren't some good shampoos and conditioners available to help make dry, frizzy hair smoother. Dove, Pantene, L'Oreal, and Garnier Fructis have brilliant (I mean really, really excellent) inexpensive options, as does John Frieda (which is a bit pricier but still is more reasonable than salon products). You may need to experiment to find which products work best for you--and they needn't be from the same brand.

A silicone hair serum is a concentrated product that is almost always non-aqueous and composed primarily of a silicone, such as cyclomethicone, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane or phenyl trimethicone. These silicones are crucial for making hair look and feel healthy. In fact, they are so important that almost 85% of all hair care products contain them.

For fine or thin hair silicone serums are best used sparingly and for thick, coarse hair you can be a bit more generous. You can apply these on damp hair before heat styling and/or after styling to add more shine and reinforce a smooth, sleek style. If you are using a flat iron always keep in mind that hair must be completely dry (bone dry) before you use it. You can also use a straightening balm, gel, or lotion after the silicone serum to help hold hair in place. Combining them makes for smoother results and ensures greater heat protection than using either alone. Most women with curly, frizzy hair will find both products are needed to create and maintain a stick-straight hairstyle. You may also want to try applying the straightening balm, gel, or lotion first, and follow with a couple drops of silicone serum prior to heat styling. Experiment to see which order of application works best for you.

Just to reinforce the basics, be careful to use the silicone serum sparingly and not apply directly to roots, as this can make hair limp and create a greasy appearance. You may want to dispense a couple pumps of silicone serum in the palm of your hand, then mix with your straightening balm or lotion. The blend can be distributed through hair, beginning in the middle of hair's length, then working down toward the hair tips, then back up toward the roots (but stopping short of them for the reason mentioned earlier). After styling is finished, you can tame minor flyaway strands or frizzies with a dab more of either your straightening balm, lotion, or a teeny bit more of the silicone serum.

Source

Labels: frizzy hair, hair-care, Paula Begoun, straight hair, tips

To clean everything from wood floors to the stove, add one teaspoon of white vinegar and one teaspoon of lemon juice to one gallon of warm water.

(To strengthen the mix, add one teaspoon of baking soda. But don’t use baking soda on a wood floor or on wood cabinetry.)

Thanks!

Labels: cleaning, living holistically, natural products, tips

Learning skin care techniques is the best thing you can do for your face. Advances of science have proved that the skin can be a port of entry for medicines and nutrients. This is the basic principle of the patch delivery system. The most important requirement for delivering nutrition into the skin is to hydrate the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the top layer of skin that normally acts as a protective barrier.

To achieve hydration you must apply water to the surface of the skin for ten minutes, fifteen if you are very dry. Do this in the shower or bath, or with a facial steamer. Immediately after hydration is achieved pat dry and apply the serum. The windows of the skin will stay open for about ten minutes and gradually return to normal. During the open time your skin will drink in the nutrition. After the skin has returned to normal remove the remaining Vitalizer from the surface with the Restorative Toner. This important step rebalances the surface pH. Apply a day or night cream to finish.

Labels: skincare, tips

Find guidance is at kidsafeseafood.org, a site developed by SeaWeb, an environmental group, with nutritionists, pediatricians and chefs. For those concerned about the environment and mercury content, it recommends wild salmon, tilapia, wild shrimp from American waters and farmed mussels, scallops and crayfish.

Labels: healthy dining, healthy links, seafood, tips

THE KITCHEN
Countertops: Skip the harsh chemicals and clean countertops with an all-purpose cleaner made of baking soda and water. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda into one quart of hot water and put in a spray bottle. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and deodorizer. This cleaner is safe and effective for cleaning cooked-on foods and other unsightly kitchen messes.
Silver: Tarnished silver and silverware buff up to their shiny best with an application of white toothpaste. Rub regular white toothpaste into the silver and wipe with a soft cloth; rinse with water or a damp sponge. Silver is left tarnish-free—and minty-fresh!
Stainless Steel: White vinegar on a sponge cleans any stainless steel surface or appliance. Seriously. The vinegar kills 99% of all bacteria, and is great for cleaning grease and grime and making that steel shine. Don't worry—the vinegar smell evaporates quickly.

LAUNDRY
Whitening: Borax is a natural mineral, and can be purchased at your local grocery store. Add 1/2 cup to the washing machine during the wash cycle. OR Try ready-made eco-friendly non-chlorine bleaches like Ecover.
Fabric Softener: Yes, it's our old friend vinegar again. Add 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle for super-soft clothes and sheets.
Starch: Instead of spending money on store-bought spray starch, make the real thing by adding 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to a spray bottle full of warm water. Spray on shirts while ironing.
Stain-removal: Next time you spill red wine on yourself (or someone else), try to treat the stain immediately. Place cloth under the stained area, and pour club soda on the stain. Add salt and let it sit—the salt will lift the stain. Brush off the salt and launder as usual.

BATHROOM
Toilet bowl: Cleaning the toilet just got a whole lot easier. Simply pour about a cup of borax into the toilet bowl and leave overnight. (Make sure children and pets do not have access to the bathroom.) In the morning, give the toilet a quick brush and then flush.
Clogs: It's not glamorous (unless you have a really special plunger), but your first defense against a clog should be a good old-fashioned plunger, as over-the-counter drain openers can be highly toxic. If that doesn't work, consider using a small plumbing snake (or augur) or eco-friendly products like Earth enzyme drain opener. These drain openers work overnight breaking down the, ahem, organic matter and don't contain caustic chemicals.
Tiles: To clean tile floors, walls, and showers, mix two tablespoons of borax and a little lemon juice into a spray bottle full of hot water. Borax disinfects while fighting mold and mildew; lemon is naturally acidic and great for cutting mineral build-up. An eco-friendly ready-made cleaner like Seventh Generation Bathroom Cleaner is also a good option.

LIVING ROOM
Windows: It must be the easiest cleaning solution ever: simply crumple up a sheet of newspaper and wipe your windows clean. Not only does this polish the glass, it also leaves a film that resists dirt.
Wallpaper: Remove wallpaper smudges by rubbing white chalk on them. Chalk naturally absorbs dirt. Simply brush off the chalk residue with cloth and the smudge will come off with it.
Wood furniture: Polish wood furniture with olive oil on a cloth. A little goes a long way towards gorgeous, shiny surfaces. A good store-bought eco-cleaner is Method's Wood for Good Furniture Polish.
Carpet: Deodorize carpet by sprinkling baking soda on the surface and letting it sit to absorb odors. Then simply vacuum it all up.
SOURCE

Labels: cleaning, DIY, non-toxic, tips

1. Chemical chaos—look at the label
The biggest and most complicated issue regarding the cosmetics we use are the unregulated chemicals that are used to make them. From the consumer’s point of view there are certain common substances to look out for (more on that below in the Get Techie section). The best advice is to learn the main ones to avoid and then check the product ingredient label. Or rather than scouring every label, you can also choose a cosmetics company that has signed the CSC’s compact and uses certified organic and natural ingredients.

2. No sweat—aluminum-free deodorant
Aluminum, which is commonly used in antiperspirants, has been found to not only cause skin irritation, but the inflammation caused may spread beyond the areas where the antiperspirant is being applied, leading to more general inflammation. Antiperspirants also have another downside: by blocking pores, they prevent the body from eliminating toxins through perspiration, which reduces the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Instead of using antiperspirant, try using natural deodorant brands that don’t contain aluminum, or try the crystal stick which uses natural mineral salts. (BBC report)

3. A natural smile?—toothpaste
Unfortunately, while we like a bright smile, many major brands of toothpaste contain chemicals like parabens, titanium dioxide for whitening, and high levels of fluoride. There has been concern for some time about the level of fluoride that we ingest on a daily basis both through drinking water and toothpaste. While we are told that fluoride helps fight tooth decay, high doses can also be poisonous. Since mid-1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated all toothpastes containing fluoride to carry a poison warning. Luckily, as with deodorants, there are natural toothpastes on the market. Many people also find that just using a bit of baking soda will do the trick as well.

3. Taming the mane—hair care
The number of products we women put in our hair must easily outnumber the amount we put on our skin. Shampoo, conditioner, serum, wax, gel, hair spray, color…the list goes on. Hair, like the skin, is extremely absorbent and all those products can contain potentially harmful chemicals. Watch out for: shampoos and conditioners containing petroleum products; hair dyes with carcinogenic coal tar (N.B. coal tar can also be present in strong dandruff and psoriasis shampoos); hairsprays and hair gels containing petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance.

4. Oh so slick—petroleum-free products
Most of us aren’t too keen on the overuse of fossil fuels anymore. There are a surprising number of petroleum derivatives to be found in not only our cosmetics but also in other personal care products such as the plastics used in sanitary pads. Mineral oil, paraffin, and propylene glycol can be found as basic ingredients in the majority of cosmetic products. Once again, is it essential to read the ingredients and look for certified labels. One of the most obvious products using petroleum is lip balm and lip gloss—we’d go for the beeswax instead!

5. How did you get your tan?
There is much debate about the actual efficacy of SPF factors as well as studies into the potentially harmful ingredients used in sunscreens. According to The Ecologist, “Because sun creams encourage a false sense of security, we stay out in the sun far longer than is smart or safe. Few of us apply sun creams as regularly or as thickly as manufacturers recommend. Chemicals that provide sun protection are also potentially irritating to the skin, and irritated skin is more prone to sun damage. Emerging research also suggests that some of these chemicals are oestrogen mimics that persist in the environment and in the body.” We still think it’s important to protect our skin, so look for natural sun creams and/or cover up in the sun and stay out of the midday heat.

6. Cruelty free—no animal testing
We’re sure that even those of us who aren’t vegetarian or vegan would agree that testing cosmetics on animals is unnecessary and unethical. Look for the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label on products to check they are cruelty free. It is the world's only international standard for cosmetic or toiletry products that are not animal tested. The HCS was launched in 1998 by an international coalition of animal protection groups from across the European Union and North America, including the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.

7. Being kind to the earth—organic products
The above information might seem scary and cast all sorts of doubts over the products you are currently using, but in the Getting Techie section below we explain clearly the key ingredients to watch out for. On the positive side there are plenty of products that are not only cruelty free, but certified organic as well. A word of warning though, don’t be taken in by words such as Natural, Organic, or Hypoallergenic on the packaging; you need to make sure that the product has a certified label. You can look for the Eco-Cert label as well as the USDA Organic seal which is used in 80 countries around the world. Using organically produced ingredients ensures that not only are your cosmetics healthy for the environment, but it also means you don’t have to worry about your skin absorbing chemical residues either.

8. Toxic shock?—organic tampons and sanitary pads
It is well known that tampons come emblazoned with warnings about toxic shock syndrome. While rare, it still does occur in women who use super-absorbent and synthetic tampons. However TSS is not the only health danger in using these products. The chlorine bleaching that is used to make tampons and sanitary pads look “clean” produces dioxin, a known carcinogen and pollutant. Dioxin settles in the fat cells of our bodies and stays there for the rest of our lives, building up cumulatively over time. Therefore, increased exposure means increased risk. We recommend looking for 100% cotton tampons and sanitary pads, organic if possible.

9. Avoiding the landfill—menstrual cups
Another way of avoiding the toxins related to tampons and sanitary pads is to use a menstrual cup. This has several benefits. Not only is it reusable, but you will be saving money every month by not buying all those disposable products. Furthermore, if you are not buying them then you won’t be needing to dispose of them, therefore sending less to landfill. A menstrual cup is convenient, cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment too. There are cups made from rubber and silicone, however it is thought that the silicone cups are better for those who might have sensitive skin or are allergy prone.

Labels: going green, organic, personal care, skincare, tips

Healthy Solutions, Green Living

Care2 is a special place. With more than 5 million members, Care2.com is the largest online community for people who want to make a difference.

We're about values. If you care about health, human rights and protecting the environment, and if you believe individuals have the power to change the world, you're going to love Care2.

You can learn from, and meet, amazing people here. You'll discover wonderful organizations working on the front lines. And it's fun, usually really easy, and always rewarding.

Labels: healthy links, natural products, tips

Turn It Off — While this is an incredibly simple thing to do, it can save a huge amount of electricity over the course of a year. Many people have been reluctant to turn off their computer because they believe that it’s bad for the computer or that it will actually use more energy in the long run. Neither one of these myths are true. Computers are designed to handle more on/off cycles than you will possibly use in the life of the machine, and the energy surge required to boot up your computer is equal to about the same amount of energy used to run your computer for 3 minutes. If you simply can’t bear to turn your computer off due to long booting times, put your computer in sleep mode when you’re not using it, or at least turn off the monitor at night. If you’re forgetful, a program called Local Cooling can be set to automatically put your computer in sleep mode, turn it off, or turn off the screen.

Don’t Use Screen Savers — There was a time when screen savers were actually a practical thing, designed to protect the phosphorescent lining of monochrome monitors. Most new monitors are LCD, and if you use a screen saver on an LCD monitor it can actually reduce the lifespan of the monitor. So that slide show of your dog in various costumes may be cute and funny, but it isn’t helping your monitor nor is it helping the environment. Keeping your screen active and moving uses more energy than setting your monitor to go blank or shut down when your computer is not in use. In some cases, screen savers can actually prevent your computer from going into the power saving mode.


Thanks Frugalist!

Labels: computer, save energy, tips

I don't want to paste ALL of them, but here are the ones relative to Goals and Beliefs:

Keep Visual Reminders — Goals, whether saving for a vacation or losing weight, can sometimes seem far off, and you might forget the reason you’re going without to reach that goal. Keep visual reminders around the house to help you remember what it is you’re working towards. When you get the impulse to order those new shoes take a peek at that sunny beach and remember what you’re saving for.
Never Stop Learning — Whether you’re seeking to advance in your career or to simply explore your interests, learning new things can be a wonderful way to keep life interesting. Learning something new doesn’t always that you need to take a formal class. It can be as simple as picking up a newspaper and reading all the stories, not just the ones that interest you. Learning new things can open you up to new possibilities and ideas you hadn’t previously considered, and this practice could expand your outlook on life.
Volunteer — Studies have shown that we live longer and happier lives if we spend time helping others instead of just thinking about ourselves. Take an opportunity to help out in your community. You can volunteer for an after school program or to help clean up a local park. Giving to your community and others around you can help you to make new friends and feel needed and valued.
Stop Worrying — Many people find it difficult to stop worrying, and worrying too much can start to take a toll on activities such as work or time with family and friends - not to mention give you wrinkles. Much of worrying is about problems that aren’t immediately solvable. Take a step back and stop worrying about them for a while - you might find a solution where you least expect it.
Do a Good Deed — Do something nice for someone around you- helping your neighbor carry in groceries or a few simple words of unexpected praise. Doing good for others can help you to feel good about yourself, and makes the people around you happier as well.
Analyze Your Commitments — It’s easy to fall into patterns of doing things simply because they are habit, but that no longer make sense with your present goals and desires. Analyze your weekly schedule and see if there are any things that you simply aren’t getting any joy from anymore or that don’t suit your goals for the future. Cut back or quit doing these activities to leave you more time for things you really want and need to do.
Accept Your Weaknesses — Nobody is perfect. As soon as you learn to accept that there are some things that you just can’t do, you’ll be happier with yourself and better able to focus on all the wonderful things that you can do.
Take the First Step — Making changes in your life can be a scary prospect, even if they are ones you are looking forward to. You’ll never get where you want to be by standing still, so push yourself to take that first step in the direction you want to go.
Be Grateful — So you don’t live in a mansion and drive a fancy sports car. It’s easy to get caught up in lamenting the things that you don’t have. Take a moment to reflect on all the things you do have. You might find that you are richer than you thought. Focus on these things that you can be grateful for each day.
Don’t Take Things Personally — Criticisms aren’t always meant as an attack on you as a person. Learn to take criticism as a learning experience and use it to become better at whatever you are doing. If someone is truly being unkind, just remember that their words probably have more to do with what’s wrong with them, than what is wrong with you.
Always Do Your Best — Putting your best foot forward in everything you do will help you make the most of your time and effort. For example, if you want to lose weight you need to get up off that couch first. Or, if you want to make more money, learn first how to ask for that raise.
Focus on the Good — Bad things happen to everyone at some point in their lives but that doesn’t mean that you have to dwell on them. You will be happier and healthier if you try to concentrate on the things in your life that are positive.
Put Your Money Where Your Goals Are — Sometimes the motivation to start working towards a goal can be as simple as investing money in that goal. Take the initiative to sign up for that language class or join that gym. Once you’ve made the initial investment you won’t want to waste your money and will give yourself the motivation to start working towards your goal.
Find Beauty in the Everyday — Often schedules are so packed and life is so hurried that there is little time to slow down and appreciate the world. Take a moment to reflect on the simple pleasures in your life which you might have otherwise taken for granted.
Mean What You Say — While it may be tempting to say things you don’t mean to placate others or because you are angry try to make everything you say as true as possible. When you are honest and say what you mean, your words will have more value, and others feel that you are worth of their trust.
Don’t Make Assumptions — Our intuitions and first impressions can be a valuable tool but they’re not without flaw. Many people have gotten themselves into pretty embarrassing situations by making assumptions. Take the time to ask questions and delve deeper before you make a judgment.
Find a Cause — Having something that you are truly passionate about can be a great way motivator. Find something that excites or engages you and let it inspire your goals and your life.
Keep Your Perspective — It’s hard to keep perspective when life hits you with an obstacle that seems insurmountable. In reality, few things in life are truly insurmountable. Give yourself time to deal with your problems, but also make sure you look at the bigger picture.
Set Deadlines for Yourself — So you’ve come up with a great plan for your future, but how does it practically fit into your life? Set deadlines for yourself to accomplish certain goals by so that you can keep yourself on track.
Monitor Your Progress — Planning for things far in the future can sometimes be discouraging if you still have a long way to go. So concentrate on how much you’ve accomplished already instead of how much you still have left to go.
Keep Balance in Your Life — Don’t let any one aspect of your life take over. Try to strike a balance between work, home and personal interests.
Keep a Journal — Keep a journal of your accomplishments and even about your troubles. A particularly good ordinary day can be something worth writing about. When you’re feeling bad about life you can look back on these good days as a reminder that things aren’t always horrid.
Take Your Time — Don’t rush into anything that could make your life more difficult down the road. Take your time to make important decisions and don’t let others rush you into situations you’re not comfortable with.

Labels: Holistic Health, life, tips