WOULD YOU USE A PRODUCT LIKE THIS??

Would you pick up a product off the shelf and purchase it that listed this as the ingredients?? The first thing that comes to everyone's mind is....."Of course not!" Well my friends, unless you have chosen to live toxin free you are doing this everyday. There are groups out there working on trying to get this problem taken care of. One in particular is the EWG. Go to their site www.ewg.org and look up to see what is in your body care products, and check to see the toxicity of what you are using. This industry is highly unregulated and we have to take our healthcare into our own hands to protect ourselves and the ones we love.

I will list the top 10 ingredients to look for on your bottles and products and briefly explain why they are so dangerous. (Huffington Post)

Parabens. Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products. Sounds good, right? Not so fast, they do more than that. Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers. You can also find them in food and pharmaceutical products. 

Synthetic colors. If you take a look at your product label and notice FD&C or D&C, they represent artificial colors. F — representing food and D&C representing drug and cosmetics. These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C blue 1). These synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The European Classification and Labeling considers it a human carcinogen and the European Union has banned it.

Fragrance. This particular category is pretty scary, because what does “fragrance” mean anyway? This term was created to protect a company’s “secret formula.” But as the consumer you could be putting on a concoction that contains tons of chemicals that are hazardous to your health. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. It can be found in many products such as perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, body wash and moisturizers.

Phthalates. A group of chemicals used in hundreds of products to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Unfortunately, it is not disclosed on every product as it’s added to fragrances (remember the “secret formula” not listed), a major loophole in the law. They can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturizers.

Triclosan. Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical that’s a known endocrine disruptor — especially thyroid and reproductive hormones, and a skin irritant. Studiesraise concerns that triclosan contributes to making bacteria antibiotic-resistant. There also wasn’t enough supporting evidence that washing with antibacterial soaps containing triclosan provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (think foaming products). SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. These combinations can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage. They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRP’s) preservatives are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to occupational related cancers: nasal and nasopharyngeal. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may also be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.

Toluene. A petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. You may see it on labels listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene. Toluene is a potent solvent able to dissolve paint and paint thinner. It can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin. Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to toluene vapors as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus. Toluene has also been linked to immune system toxicity. It can be found in nail polish, nail treatments and hair color/bleaching products.

Propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It’s classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. It has been associated with causing dermatitis as well as hives in humans — these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 percent. It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays.

Sunscreen chemicals. These chemicals function as a sunscreen agent, to absorb ultraviolet light. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and are believed to be easily absorbed into the body. They may also cause cellular damage and cancer in the body. Common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate. They can be found in sunscreen products. (HUFFINGTON POST)

Obviously, you can't make all these changes at once. The way I did it was a little at a time. You can start replacing the things you run out of with a better non-toxic brand.  Replace candles and synthetic fragrances with essential oils. Replace all of your cleaning products with non-toxic brands, or better yet make your own! Things you might not even think of are...toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants, makeup, laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets (these are bad!), perfumes, and the list goes on! I can say that everything I used in the past was toxic....seriously, how scary is that? I am sad that it took me so long to become informed on all of this. These dangerous chemicals can effect babies in the womb. It can affect them at the most delicate times of their development. 

I can honestly say since I have made these changes in my life, I have never felt better. My house is toxin free, the air in my house is toxin free, and I do not have chemicals being absorbed daily through my skin and lungs like I used to. I know there are circumstances beyond our control where we are exposed, but in the long run being proactive in your own environment will have so many positive effects on how you feel. 

Pharmaceuticals is another big issue today. I am by no means anti-doctor or medicine. I am very thankful for both. BUT...we all know and have heard about the side effects that we may have to experience when we have to take a certain medication. With many...they have no choice.  Sometimes it's life or death with their medication. My advice to all is to be...PROACTIVE. Be proactive in your healthcare now so that you don't have to make that decision to take a medication that is dangerous or has so many side effects that you can't count.

Thank you for reading my blog! If you would like to know how I started the process of living toxin free, please contact me at anytime. I would love to chat! My email is hjharvey01@gmail.com or just message me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hjharvey1967

Why All Bars Are Not Created The Same

WHY ALL BARS ARE NOT CREATED THE SAME

Sudsy bars are one of the most moisturizing, pure bars of soap you will ever use. There is no comparison to the commercial bars you will find on the shelves. After you have used Sudsy Bars, and then by chance have to use a commercial bar of soap, you will know exactly what I mean. Commercial bars leave your skin feeling tight and stripped of all its natural oils. There is a reason for this! When soap is made, it creates glycerin. This is what moisturizes you skin. Commercially made soaps actually remove the glycerin from their bars and sell it to other companies to put in their moisturizers and lotions........what???? So, they remove the glycerin from the bars so you will have to buy products with the glycerin they removed to put moisture back in your skin. 

This is the reason Sudsy Bars are so moisturizing. There is another reason also that they are like this that I want to tell you about. We obviously do not remove the glycerin, and we also do another thing to make our bars super moisturizing for your skin. We superfat all of our bars. What does this mean??? It means that it is the amount of extra oil leftover that floats throughout the bar to make it extra luxurious.  We superfat our bars by 5%, which is a big amount. I feel that when I get out of the shower that my skin has been moisturized, and I can get by without applying lotion to my skin most days. 

SUDSY BARS ARE CREATED WITH ONLY THE FINEST INGREDIENTS

The oils and butters used in my bars are all cruelty free and pure. You might be wondering what I mean by cruelty free.....there are some oils that are used in many, many home made bars that are causing animals to lose their homes and are on the brink of extinction.  This oil is one I am sure you have all heard of because it is used in so many products.  It's called PALM OIL.

PLEASE SAY NO TO PALM OIL!!

 Palm oil is driving orangutans to extinction.

Scientists predict that the fragile orangutan population could become extinct within our lifetime if we continue to destroy their home and natural habitats for palm oil plantations.

In the past 10 years, the orangutan population of Sumatra and Borneo has decreased by over 20,000. This sharp decline coincides with a growing demand for palm oil in the U.S. Between 1990 and 2010, the average quantity of palm oil consumed in the United States increased by 2000 million pounds. Yikes. Over 98 percent of all palm oil used in the United States comes from Southeast Asia.

The Orangutan Conservancy estimates that orangutans have lost over 80 percent of their natural habitat in the last 20 years. Check out the Orangutan Conservancy website to find out how you can help.  www.onegreenplanet.org

Pretty disturbing right?? I can always tell when a bar has Palm oil in it by just looking at it.  It has a transparency look to it, not the creaminess that Sudsy Bars have or others that do not use Palm oil. It actually looks like a cheaper bar because it is. People use Palm oil in their soaps because it is a lot cheaper than Olive Oil. The ingredients used in my bars are Olive Olive, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Essential Oils and Castor Oil. You might be wondering what Castor Oil is for in the bars.  It is what makes them Sudsy!! Without it, the bars would not suds up. All other ingredients I use are all natural. I use clays, oatmeal, Tussah Silk (cruelty free), cocoa powder, chlorella, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil. You can't get more pure than that!

I am a perfectionist and take pride in my Sudsy Bars. I ensure that every bar is safe, and every ingredient is the best. I hope you know that when you are using Sudsy Bars that you are actually improving your health...and saving it from the harsh chemicals and scents that are in other commercial brands. WHAT GOES ON YOUR SKIN, GOES IN!! You may not think much about this, but it is so important. Your skin is your biggest organ....you do not want chemicals entering your bloodstream through your skin....and it does! This was the first change I made when I began living as all natural as I possibly could because I believe it is one of the most important steps to take in getting your body healthy and toxic free.

Thank you for reading my blog. If you have any questions or comments, post below. You can also email me at sudsyandcompany@gmail.com or hjharvey01@gmail.com  You can also purchase my Sudsy Bars at  www.sudsyandcompany.com

I THINK IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!

I seriously was at my wits end with this crazy weather and lack of sunshine!! I do believe we are finally getting to be where we all want to be......warm weather, grilling out, long days in the sun, evenings by the fire pit, and windows open! Along with this beautiful season comes a few bothersome things like allergies, bugs, sunburn, and a few more ouchies on our little ones. Below I am going to post some of the all natural recipes I use for these things. Get a pen and paper and write them down! They all work amazing and are so worth using them to avoid all the chemicals you are replacing!!

ALLERGIES...UGHH!

I think most of us have some allergies in the spring and early summer months. One of the best, most effective all natural remedies that we use at our home is a blend of doTERRA essential oils in a veggie capsule. It works quickly and is very effective! doTERRA also has a pre-made capsule already made up called TriEase. It is the same ingredients I am listing below, but just already made up for you in a gelcap.

SEASONAL THREAT RELIEF

2 drops doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil

2 drops doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil

2 drops doTERRA Peppermint Essential Oil

Combine in a veggie gelcap (you can get these on Amazon)

Take with food and a glass of water

ALL NATURAL BUG SPRAY

How many times have you grabbed the can of commercial bug spray and cringed as you put it on yourself or your little one because you are aware of all the chemicals that are going onto your skin and into your blood stream??? I have done this way too often in the past. Below is a recipe that works really well and smells great too!

1/2 C. Water

1/4 Witch Hazel

1 Pump of Fractionated Coconut Oil (You can get this on amazon or health food store)

20 drops of doTERRA Arborvitae

5 drops of doTERRA Clove

10 drops of doTERRA Geranium

10 drops of doTERRA Spearmint

10 drops of doTERRA Rosemary

15 drops of doTERRA Peppermint

Combine this all is a 4 oz spray bottle. Shake well before every spray.

SUNBURN RELIEF!

Yep, at some time this summer we will all be here! Below is a great recipe for some healthy, quick relief!  I do not make my own sunscreen. I am actually getting ready to purchase a tube of it from an all natural company called Beauty Counter. If you want information on it and where to get it from, contact me.

1 C. Aloe Vera Juice

1/4 C. Fractionated Coconut Oil (You can get this on Amazon or Health Food Store)

1 tsp. Vitamin E

8 drops doTERRA Lavender

8 drops doTERRA Melaleuca

8 drops Roman Chamomile

Combine in a glass spray bottle and shake well before each use.

OUCHIES!!!

Again, we will all have this problem at one time or another this summer and, and so will our little ones. Here is a simple recipe to put in a roller ball to keep in your purse and have handy for whenever that time arises! It is also great to roll on bug bites.

20 drops doTERRA Lavender

20 drops doTERRA Melaleuca

Put in a 10 ml roller bottle and top off with Fractionated Coconut Oil. Roll on skin where issue is.

COOL DOWN SPRAY

After you are out mowing, exercising or doing anything that makes you work up a sweat, this Cool Down Spray will help cool you down quicker and feel refreshed. It's also great for us women when the dreaded "hot flashes" creep up.

8 oz water

2 tsp witch hazel

10 drops of doTERRA Peppermint

Combine in a glass spray bottle.  Shake well and spray neck, arms, chest. Avoid face and eye contact.

Thanks for visiting my blog! I hope you got some great ideas to help you get through this beautiful summer without having to add harmful chemicals into your systems. If you have any questions, contact me or comment below!

ALL THINGS NATURAL WITH HEIDI

Welcome to my blog. I have decided to begin this blog to share with others how amazing it can be to do things naturally. About five years ago I took the first step into beginning my journey of natural living. The very first thing I did for myself and family was to start using all natural, handmade soaps. I knew our skin was our biggest organ, and the chemicals and additives that are being added to our commercial soaps and body products were not good for us! I always use the saying...."WHAT GOES ON, GOES IN." I had done a lot of research of how toxic chemicals and additives can actually disrupt our hormones. Ha.....like we women need any more disruption in that area, right?! So I then became addicted to handmade soaps! After about a year, I decided to start making my own, and that is when Sudsy & Company began. I have been making 100% all natural soap for four years now, and I cannot imagine ever stopping. I love getting these bars into everyone's hands that I possibly can because whether they know it or not....they are actually improving their health by not using commercial bars. Most of us bath twice a day. When you are using products with artificial colorants and chemicals you are exposing yourself to harmful ingredients every time you bathe using commercial soaps and body washes. Yes, they may smell great...but at what cost? Day after day, year after year you are exposing your biggest organ, your skin, to toxins. It may seem harmless, but I am here to tell you it is not, it is quite the opposite. Most people begin toxic free living by making small changes. You can't do it all at once. First, you might start off with all natural soaps....next maybe move on to your cleaners....then maybe start examining what you are eating....and before you know it you will be living a toxin free life! I have never felt better in my life. 

The last change I have made has been adding doTERRA Essential Oils into our lives. I am not anti-doctor or pharmaceuticals at all. There is most definitely a time and place for it. My goal is to be proactive with preventative natural healthcare. Whether we like it or not, there are many side effects to medications that are harmful, and some even have devastating side effects. Adding essential oils into my life has literally given me my life back. My world went from black and white to color! Many of you are probably skeptical, I was too. I thank God everyday that I found these amazing essential oils. doTERRA means "Gift of the Earth." It is truly that. We are using oils that come straight from plants...basically they act as the bloodline to the plants. These oils also support our bodies as well when we use them for different issues and ailments. The results are crazy! They are actually beginning to be incorporated into modern medicine. Some of the biggest research hospitals and facilities such as Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and many more are beginning to use them in their facilities. You will begin to hear more and more about them, they are not going anywhere. The results I have gotten from them is outstanding, and I will never stray away from them because of what they have done for me.

Thanks for taking the time out to read my blog! It will be comprised of different articles on natural healthcare and living. I will share recipes, articles that focus on natural living, and any information that I feel is important to keeping our minds and bodies healthy through eliminating toxic chemicals in our lives.

Comment below if you have any questions or if you would like to request any certain information on Toxic Free Living.