New Year's Giveaway!!!!!!!!!

New Year's is right around the corner and it's time to think about ways what you want to change in the up coming year.  How about your body care products and going toxin free?

How about going head to toe toxin free for free!

Giveaway!!!

The Body Pack

• Body Satin Lotion
• Body Satin Body Wash
• Breath Away Mouth Rinse
•  Moisturizing Liquid Soap
• Affinia Shampoo (12 fl. oz.) (this is what I use it's sulfate free)
• Affinia Conditioner (12 fl. oz.)
• Bath Bar
• Tooth Polish
• New Limited Time Glacial Ice 2.4 fl oz Clear Defense
• New Limited Time Citrus Sunrise 2.4 fl oz Clear Defense

A Value of $51.00 in products

(scents and flavors will vary)

Giveaway runs from now 12/26/11 to 8pm CST January 15th.  Must be 18 years old to enter.  You have different ways to enter, they are.

• Comment here on this post please leave your email or a means of contacting you (1 entry)
• Start following us on blogger (1 entry)
• Start following us on network blogs (1 entry)
• Like us on Facebook (1entry)
• Join us on Google+ (1 entry)
• Follow us on Twitter (1 entry)
• Share our blog link in a post or in a status on Facebook (post the url of the post/status) (1 entry/per day)
• Share our blog post on your blog with a link back (1 entry)
• Tweet back to use up to three time a day for bonus entries(1 entry per tweet per day limited to 3 a day)
• Refer friends to our Facebook page (have them post that you sent them) and they will receive an entry and you will receive a bonus entry for each person entered. (1 entry per person referred and one entry for the referred person)
  

  As you can see you have many ways you can enter.  Please post one comment per way you enter.  If you are already a fan you are automatically entered please just state already a fan.  Remember you can tweet about this up to three times per day from the start of this giveaway to the end of it.

  I will notify the winner on the 15th at 9pm cst if I don't receive a reply by Jan 25th I will draw a new winner.  I will ship out as soon as I have an address for the winner.  Good luck.

Living Well with Charise 2012 Healthy Home, Family and Business Challenge.

In 2012 lets improve the health of your home, family (self), and/or business!

Ahh Christmas is over and I for one am happy about that.  This year was rough for my family and myself.  But moving on wards and up wards.  It's not that time of the year when people reflect and think about what they want to change in the upcoming year.   New Year's resolutions are something almost everyone does and they also fail 75% of the time.  Most people are great the first couple of months but six months out most have dropped what the resolutions where and moved on with life.

What I wanted to was a host a yearlong challenge focusing on the top ten resolutions that people make. Which  were listed here.  But I wanted to help more than with these areas, I wanted to help people make it that this is the year they get healthy in every part of their lives.  I want to help people get healthy homes, families and businesses. 

I also want to partner up with other home based businesses and have them share tips and advice that helps with the goals of this challenge.  We will also provide support.  And everyone who joins this challenge is welcomed and encouraged to join the Facebook group for the challenge.  Which can be found here.  

Healthy Homes Challenge:

In this section we will be focusing on the home.  We will focus on ridding our homes on needless toxins and making it a healthier place to live.  We will learn to read the labels of the products we need every day from cleaners to health and beauty aids and how to pick the right ones for our homes.  We will also focus on going green (one of the top ten new year's resolutions) and ways in which you can do this a little or a lot at a time.  We are also going to learning different organizing tips and even about products out their that will make our lives easier too.  And feel free to add to this list things that are important to you and if you want comment here or message me on Facebook to add yours.

Healthy Family (Self) Challenge:

In this part of the challenge we will focus on getting ourselves healthy and the lives of our family.  We will learn how to fit in that 30 minutes a day of working out into our busy scheduled and why it's important to do this at least 5 days a week, to drink more water at least 8 glasses a day.  We will also learn to read the labels of the food we buy and how to make small changes to improve our lives.  To read the labels of the products we use on our skin which is our largest organ and why it's important.

We are also going to focus on trying to find time for ourselves as well, time to help others in big and small ways, learn something new, spend time with friends and family, and a big one to enjoy life more.

Healthy Business Challenge:

In this area of the business we are going to share business tips for those in business and talk about ways in which to keep our businesses healthy and thriving.  We will talk about the products we use and how to keep them healthy from the cleaners we use to everything. How to keep our business green as much as possible as well.  We all also feature different business opportunities for those with out a business and looking to start one.   

How do I join:

It's easy just post here and/or join our Facebook group.  You don't have to do everything in this challenge just the parts that are important to you!  On here and in the group we will support each other.  Help you through the time you don't think you can do it.  And here on the blog will have posts from myself and others on the different parts of the challenge.  

Do I have to do everything?

Nope just that parts you to do.

I don't have a business do I need one or have to sign up for one?

No you do not need or have to sign up with a business to join this challenge I just happen to know many home base business women and thought it would be great to include that section.

Do I have to pay anything?

Nope you are joining for free you don't have to buy any products that we may feature or talk about. You are welcomed to buy should you want but there is no pressure or sales pitch.

I have a business that I think will help how do I contact you?

You can message me on Facebook, post in the comments below or email me.  And put 2012 challenge in the subject.

It's March can I still join?

Yes you can join anytime through out the year.

This is your year and your challenge make it what you want and or need.  if you see something you want tips or support in please message me.  

This Challenge will Start on January 2, 2012  On that date I will post a sample workout calendar for those that need it.  I will try and have a new one every month or something like it.  I will also try and share one healthy recipe a month and post helpful tips and have guests bloggers post as well.  So please comment below and join our group make this the best year of your life and make it the healthiest!

Good luck!

New Years is around the corner what are your resolutions?

I know it's early and Christmas hasn't come and gone yet.  But honestly I look at the New Year as a chance to change things I didn't like from the year before.  And this year I am going BIG, big I tell you.  Heck I have started some already.  So many fit into the top ten resolutions too, which are.

1. Spend more time with family and friends
2. Fit in fitness (getting that work out done every day in our busy lives)
3. Lose weight/get healthier
4. Quite smoking and drinking
5. Enjoy life more/find time for self
6. Get out of debt/Get a better job/Start your own business/Manage debt
7. Learn something knew
8. Help others
9. Get organized
10. Go Green

So many of my resolutions are on this list, and so many of them are also ones I want to help people with as well.  So that's why on Dec 26th. I will be launching my 2012 Healthy homes, healthy families, healthy businesses challenge.  This is a free to join challenge and one in which you do as much or as little as you like.  What we are doing is supporting each other as we move in and through 2012 this is a year long challenge to make big changes in our lives, our homes and if we choose our businesses.

I don't want to spoil the fun but please check back money Dec 26th for all of the details how to sign up and everything.  So go enjoy those holidays and get ready to make changes in 2012. 

The Health Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure

When it comes to the health effects of formaldehyde exposure it seems hard to nail it down.  I have been researching this for a month and really feel like some of the information out there is circular.  Some says it doesn't cause cancer and other says it does.  Some sites out there will try and tell you it's something you shouldn't be worried about and others make it seem to be feared.

My take on everything after all the articles and all the information that I have read is that yes formaldehyde is a chemical our body naturally produces in small doses and so does just about everything in nature but we should still try and limit our exposure to it.  In the end just because something is natural doesn't make it safe.  I saw one website that tried to push this thought as well.

Let's start off with not everyone is going to react to formaldehyde at the same levels as some people are allergic and others are just simply sensitive to this chemical. Up to 20% of the population are more responsive and may react at very low concentrations.  If you think you are allergic to formaldehyde then please talk with your doctor to find out.

Some of the short term effects can be the same as cold and flu symptoms, the best way to know if it's not a cold or the flu is if you feel better out of the home or office, if the symptoms return they may be caused by indoor pollutants. 

The short term effects are watery eyes, burning sensations of the eyes (like cutting an onion or getting soap in your eyes), burning sensations of the nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation, and dizziness. These can happen at levels higher than 0.10 ppm (parts per million).  At levels as high as 10ppms you can experience severe irritations of the upper respiratory tract, burning sensation of the nose and throat, coughing, choking, and vomiting.  At levels 50ppm or higher there is inflammation of the lung (pneumonitis), and to a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the lungs.  Symptoms can be delayed up to 24 or 48 hours after exposure.

Now most people will never experience the higher levels of exposure unless they work with the chemical itself.  And it can be hard to pin point the source of these symptoms as so many other issues can be at play but if you think it's formaldehyde then see your doctor.

Even though this is a chemical that has been used for decades and everything there isn't a lot known about the long term effects on the human body.  Research on the matter seems to be circular at best.  One thing affecting it that there are not enough cases to study or other chemicals are in play.  But in rats there have been cases of cancer and many groups do believe it to be a known carcinogen. 

Some other random facts about formaldehyde and its effects on the human body, a recent study has found a high level of formaldehyde bonded to the white blood cells of smokers compared to non smokers.  Which makes sense since smoking giving off formaldehyde as one of the many chemicals and reasons not to smoke.

What should I can I do to reduce the formaldehyde in my home?

There are a few simple things that you can do to reduce the formaldehyde in your home.  The first is to watch the products that come into your home and what they have within them.  Many of the products out there have formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers in them.  One such product that was in the news last month was Johnson and Johnson's baby shampoo, they still have formaldehyde releasers in them but then you have Melaleuca's Koala pals doesn't.  And it smells just as great if not better and leaves my children's hair so very soft.  And it's tear free as well.  So research the products that you bring in your home make sure that they are safe.

Another way is to make sure your home is well ventilated be it you open your windows more on those great days, or your doors.   Keeping your home at a moderate temperature as products off gas the formaldehyde at higher humid temps.  Reduce your humidity levels as well.

The EPA recommends using "exterior grade" pressed wood products to limit your exposure. These are made with a different chemical and not a formaldehyde resin.  Before buying any pressed wood products ask about the formaldehyde and the levels from the manufacture or store.  This includes building materials, cabinetry and furniture.  Remember these products off gas the most in the first year, so if you can and don't mind buy the floor models that have been opened and aloud to off gas.  Not only will you save yourself the formaldehyde you may save some money too.   If ordering your products see if the warehouse can open the boxes and allow the products to off gas a bit before they are delivered to your home. And the last thing you can do to limit exposure is to not allow smoking in your home or car. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this you can find part one here.

Part three will focus on where you can find formaldehyde and what it is used in so that you may avoid those items. 

Should you want more info about the Koala pals kid's body wash and shampoo please let me know.

What to do with all that left over wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon?

It's the afternoon of Christmas and it looks like your tree threw up everywhere.  You have piles and piles of wrapping paper, bows and ribbon everywhere.  But what to do with it.  You know it's wasteful to toss it but what do to with it.  Well I have some ideas, here they are.

• You can make paper bows with them for next year and save yourself some money in the process.  Win Win. 
• You can use them to make some paper ornaments for your tree next year, or for gifts for next year and have a real big head start.  Also it would make a great reminder of the years that past like a yearly ornament.
• I posted on my other blog about keeping your children writing this winter break and making thank you cards.  Think how cute it would be for your friends and family to get thank you cards made with some of the wrapping paper that their gift came it.  And knowing your child made it.  
• You can use it to make garlands, you know those paper chains.  For next year for the tree or decorations.  You can make them during the break with your children and put them up in a box or flatten and save the paper for next year and start making the chains after Thanksgiving.
• You can reuse the left over bows and ribbons on other gifts in the upcoming year as well.
• You can use the smaller pieces of paper to make gift tags for next year or when ever. 
• You can shred it or just wad it up and use it for packing materials.
• Use it to make Christmas cards for next year.
• Use it in your scrapbooking with your holiday pictures.
• Use it for stuffing for your purses, hats, shoes and boots and anything like that.  It will help them hold their shape while in storage.
• You can use them to make Origami a great craft to do with kids.  
• Use the back side as scrap paper by the phones and on the desks.
• Use it to line drawers and shelves for the year.
• You can use the wrapping paper with decoupage, from boxes (think shoe boxes) to anything wood like ornaments.
• You can use them to mat your holiday photos.
• Use time to line the envelopes for your Christmas cards for that extra special touch. 
• Use it to make clothes for a paper doll. Dolland clothes templates 
• Frame a nice piece and you have decoration for next here.  Find some great subway art to add to it.  Makes a great gift as well.
• You can use it to make book marks for your favorite holiday books.     
• Cover your holiday storage boxes with it.
• You can use it as book covers use the white side and it can be used year round and kids can draw on it
• You can use it as a liner in the kitty box or any other critter cage
• You can make place mats with it.  Attach it to cardboard and then laminate it. This would be a great craft to do with the kids.
• You can make coasters, you can use the same process as for the place mats or you can decoupage it to coaster size wood titles and seal it.  Same with normal tiles from the hard ware store.  This idea but with wrapping paper.    
• Use it to decorate picture frames, a great way to make the ones from the dollar store look nice
• Use it as filler in gift boxes and gift bags
• You can make magnets with it,  attach the wrapping paper to cardstock or a light weight card board and laminate it, then attach a magnet to the back.
• Make a festive bulletin board, take wrapping paper and cover cork board.
• Make paper jewelry.
• Use it to make Sculptures.
• Make paper with it.  For a how to video click here         

This list is a great starting off point, please be inspired and have fun.  And if you come up with an idea share it please.  I would love to see anything that you make with your left over wrapping paper.  It will be nice not to toss such pretty paper.

Merry Christmas! Merry Yule! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Holidays!

Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Tips

This holiday season I want everyone safe and sound so they can enjoy there Holiday.  I have a few tips that I have picked up on over the years and around the web.

• Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector and make sure they are working.
• Make sure any holiday guest know what to do in case of a fire and where to meet up.
• Make sure your holiday guests know where the fire extinguisher is and make sure you have one or two just in case you need them.
• If you have a fresh Christmas/Holiday tree make sure you water it daily the needles shouldn't fall off when it's touched.  A well water tree doesn't burn as well as a dry tree.
• Keep you tree and other flammables 3 feet away from heating vent, fire places, and space heaters.
• Use Candles with care, Never leave them unattended, in the reach of pets or animals.  Always blow them out when you go to sleep and leave the house.  A great alternative is Scentsy use this link to find someone local to you.
• Keep Candles 12 inches away from any flammable and place them on/in holders that are sturdy and large enough to hold all the melted wax.
• Maintain your Chimney to prevent fires, if you haven't done so already for the winter now would be a great time to do so.
• DO NOT drink and drive, DO NOT get in the car and let someone drive that has been drinking.  You can always pick up your car later.
• DO NOT text and drive, it can wait.  If it can't pull over into a parking let and send the text
• DO NOT talk on the cell phone and drive unless you have a hands free device.  It can wait if it can't and you don't have a hands free device pull over and make the call.  
• Have kit in your car in case of an accident or bad weather and your stuck in your car.  Have bottle water, flashlights, blankets in the car, food and a first aid kit to include flares or other reflective items.  Make sure you have enough for a couple of days and everyone in your car.
• Leave early and don't speed I know this is common sense but it's ok to be late if you get there in one piece.
• Don't leave your car running in the garage because you want to prevent CO (carbon monoxide poisoning) 
• Dress in layers if it's cold out.
• Never Ever put your child in a car seat with the jacket on.  Take it off and buckle them in them put the coat on them backwards or a car seat poncho or blanket on them
• Always clean all the snow off your car
• Before a long car trip check the fit of your car seats.  Check out carseats.org should you need help.
• Food safety, always was your produce.  Cook your meat to proper temps as well.
• Keep cold foods out for only 2 hours at room temp and then put them back.
• Watch the products you use in your home make them as toxin free as you can.  If not please don't mix them.
• Watch for little pieces from gifts and decorations with little ones around remember not all homes you will visit are child proof.
• Check all your decorations for safety.  Frayed and cracked lights need to be replaces an don't plug more than three strands together at a time.
• Watch over loading circuits.
• Use out lights only outside.
 

Well I know I missed tons of tips but this is what I have for now.  Please post below any tips you have.  Please have a fun and a safe holiday!

Ways to reduce the toxins in your life this holiday season.

Even since starting my business of helping people get the toxins out of their lives.  I have been shocked at just how much is out there.  And at the holidays there is a lot so I thought I would make a little list of a few ways you can reduce the toxins in your lives.  If you ever need help finding a product or have a question please ask me.

• Shop safe, be mindful of what you buy, from chemical used to produce the item to the chemicals that will become part of your home when you bring it home.  Try and shop local, fair trade, and green when every possible.  

• Be mindful of what you eat.  Try and eat has whole and fresh and you can.  Keep as local as you can afford.  And keep it minimally processed.  Stay clear of the dirty dozen when you can and buy organic.  Here is a link to a printable card to take to the store with you. 

• Clean green.  Make sure that what you are using to clean your home isn't harming your health or the health of your family.  Be it home made cleaner or ones bought from a trusted company.  Take the healthy home tour.

• Whenever possible avoid canned food, for vegetables buy frozen they are fresher and better for you.  Cans that food is stored in can be lined with BPA which research has linked to cancer.  When possible buy your items in bpa free containers. 

• I know at the holidays bright colors are everywhere and in our food.  Try and avoid conventional food coloring, here is a great company to get natural food coloring from.   Some parents have seen great improvements inchildren behavior by removing all food coloring.

• Plan ahead for road tips and pack your food to avoid the high fat, high sodium, over processed fake food of fast food restaurants. Traveling over night or need a quick dinner, but didn't pack a meal no problem.  Just stop at the nearest grocery store or walmart and pick up a roasted chicken and some produce and you have a meal get a fresh bake loaf a bread. 

• Be mindful of what you give as gifts, think of how it got there what it's made with and if it will be used.

• While most people watch what goes in their body they don't watch what goes on it.  Our skin absorbs a lot.  Be careful with your hair care products , lotions, soaps, and the like.  Many of these products contain toxic items in them that have been linked to cancer.  

Thanks for reading I hope you have a happy and safe and toxin free holiday!

Formaldehyde it's everywhere part 1

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong pungent, even pickle like smelling chemical.  That is a flammable when in it's gas form at room temperature.  It is also produced naturally in our bodies as part of our own natural, everyday metabolism, this kind causes no harm.

Formaldehyde is also known as

• methanal
• formalin
• formol
• methyl aldehyde
• methylene oxide
• morbicid  acid
• oxymethylene
• CH2O 

Formaldehyde is classified as a Volatile Organic Compound aka VOC.

So we have what it is, What are some of the different names it can be found under.  I think it's time to talk about it's uses and where it can be found.  I plan to go into detail with some of the uses and how it harms or helps us later.

Some of the uses for Formaldehyde:

• Production of fertilzer
• Production of paper
• Production of plywood
• Production of urea-formaldehyde resins 
• Production of well-drilling fluids
• Production of latex
• Tanning of leather
• Used in wood preservation
• Used in photographic film production
• Used as a preservative in some foods (ie: dried foods, fish) 
• Used in the production of cosmetics
• Used in the production of sugar
• Used as a preservative for grains and seed dressings
• Embalming Fluid 
• Used in hospitals and labs to preserve tissues and specimens

I know it seems a lot and truth be told I haven't finished researching everything. Like I want to know how it used in the production of sugar and why. And I have plans to keep this going later this week I would like to get part two up.  Which will be about the health affects of formaldehyde, and then I will do one with a more of a break down of where you will run into formaldehyde in you every day life and why should should avoid it when given the chance.

Part two Health effect of formaldehyde can be found here