Friday, April 7, 2017

The Blog Revival

After a nine month hiatus, I hope to "revive" the mymamaheart blog.  Times are busy, times are changing, but time well spent sharing with others is going to become a priority again.

My friend Melissa bought me my first Beautycounter product - the baby wash - as part of a gift for Paisley when she arrived.  I have since tried their baby balm, lip shine, lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, nourishing cream face wash, exfoliating face wash, and the balancing charcoal infused + collection to name a few.  The mission of the company is simple = #betterbeauty.  They have a list of "never ingredients" that are never used in their products so it takes all the guesswork out of reading ingredient labels.

The "neverI ingredients include:
Benzalkonium chloride: a disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.

BHA and BHT: synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients: a byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): a chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.

Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

Formaldehyde: used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), and several other preservatives are listed. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Hydroquinone: a skin-lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin and is linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation. Found in: skin-lightening creams.

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone: chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers, and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.

Oxybenzone: sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.

Parabens  (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others): a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.

Phthalates  (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.

Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A): a nutrient that may damage DNA and speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. Found in: moisturizer, anti-aging skincare.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation, which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Synthetic flavor or fragrance: an engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.

Toluene: a volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.

Beautycounter will never test our finished products on animals, nor do we ask others to.

Sources: National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, CosIng, Health Canada, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database

TOP
When I signed up, I got a starter package that included the nourishing face cream, exfoliating face cream, eye cream, day cream, night cream, rosewater mist spray, and the Beautycounter+ balancing collection. I had already tried nearly everything except the new balancing collection as Melissa had lent me hers to try in the past....so I knew I was going to love how it made my face feel!  The Beautycounter+ collection did not disappoint.  I made it a point to use the face mask during a bath last Friday night and my pores shrank.  Literally.  The mist was refreshing but not a must, and I have used the oil nightly since receiving it.  My face struggles between being oily and dry so this set was perfect for me.


I have been using the baby wash for the kid's baths daily as well as the baby balm on Paisley's diaper area off/on since last summer.  I have also sampled the baby oil - which is great not just for moisturizing the baby but also for mama for a make up remover.  I am soon going to restock as I am nearly out of the baby wash and baby balm.




The last products I want to mention are the cosmetics.  I have the lip sheer in Rose , the lip shine (clear), and the lip gloss in Dahlia.  I keep the lip shine in my lab coat for when I feel like I need a swipe of chapstick but want to look a little more put together (because let's face it - I am so not put together these days!), the lip gloss on the weekends (and a rare make up at work day), and the lip sheer when I am taking photos or going somewhere special on a weekend.

Overall, I am pretty excited to share these clean, safe ingredient products that take the guesswork out of choosing what's best.  I especially enjoy these products because in the past, a more natural product typically meant it wasn't "high performing" or as good as the alternatives.  Beautycounter has finally stepped up to the plate and will surpass your expectations  if you are searching for cleaner alternatives in your make up bag, your bathtub, and your daily skin routine.




Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Direct sales thoughts




Last year I spent a few months as a direct sales consultant for a company called Ava Anderson Non Toxic (AANT).  I was and still am a big fan of their products as well as choosing safer choices for our family.  The AANT company dissolves after the young woman that started it received some bad press that was unfounded and has been absorbed into a new company, called Pure Haven Essentials.  I didn't jump on board immediately to become a consultant as I was expecting baby #2 and wasn't sure about my time and the commitment.  That being said, I have been searching for a possible new opportunity for direct sales, I mean I'm on facebook anyways off and on throughout the day!  Any thoughts...????

Monday, June 27, 2016

Paisley | 1 month




Well, I haven't blogged since I became pregnant with Paisley.  I figure now is as good as time as any.  I have a little more free time on my hands, aka maternity leave so I figured I owe it to her to document monthly happenings like I did for Hunter.

I started to document my pregnancy, and started a 4 week post, then never finished it.  Oops.  I was pretty rough the first trimester and just trying to survive with an 18 ish month only around that time.  I may go back and read it... someday!

Anyways, I hope to try to remember her birth story well enough to write about it, maybe.  She decided she was ready to be part of this world about 6 weeks early on June 1st and spent 8 days in the NICU due to prematurity and some early lung issues that thankfully resolved.  For so many days, or maybe only 5, we had no idea how long she would need to be hospitalized except that I would go home and she wouldn't.  Heartbreaking.  Anyways, by day 5, she had improved steadily so we had hope she would leave in the coming days.  Phew.  What an emotional roller coaster.  We were so thankful for her improvement and she went home on Day 8.  Albeit 4 pounds with multiple follow up appointments to document weight gain, at least we were all home together as a new family of 4!


Moving on....


Height & Weight: Birth 18 inches.  4.71 pounds
Current: 18 inches, 5.14 pounds at check up last week.


Eating: Nursing every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours during the night, and I nearly always have to wake her up for the feedings.  Necessary to keep weight gain at a steady pace. 
  
Sleeping (naps):  She sleeps soundly during the day until I wake her to change a diaper and nurse her.
  
Sleeping (at night):  She does not sleep soundly and is pretty restless.  She especially hates to sleep flat or be laid down after I nurse her.
  
Clothing:  Preemie clothes fit best.  A few newborn outfits are beginning to fit, but are still fairly loose.  Preemie diapers fit best, but newborn work ok just make clothes fit funny.  The ONLY place to find preemie diapers in Morgantown is Target, FYI.
  
New this month: Being born early!  Due date of July 8 still hasn't passed us by yet.  I would be 38 weeks and 3 days today (June 27.)
  
Nicknames: Peanut.
  
Paisley likes: Being held.  Always.
  

Paisley dislikes: Nighttime in general, ha.  Changing clothes. Laying flat after nursing.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Now & Then.



Now, October 2015


A lot can change in a year! Pounds lighter, a new mindset, new goals, and a new blog to share #mymamaheart with you.

Then, October 2014


Now

Then

 I plan to set my intention for the rest of November to enjoy my days and moments with Forrest & Hunter that we have together :)



Nexxus #hairthatmoves

Influenster recently sent me a package that included Nexxus EmergencĂ©e shampoo, conditioner, and reconstructing hair treatment.  The shampoo and conditioner is meant to be used as often as you wash you hair, and the treatments are formulated to be used once a week.



I used the shampoo for about two weeks.  I have been a fan and used Nexxus products in the past.  Sadly, this shampoo was way too heavy for my hair, and made it oily by the next morning.  Because of #momlife, I shower every night, sleep on wet hair, and hope for the best the next morning.  These products do not do well hours of sleeping then making yourself presentable for work.  I used the reconstructing treatment once, and my hair remained tangled and unbrushable after the shower.  Typically, I expect silky smooth hair after such a treatment... but wasn't the case.  

Above is after freshly washed hair, barely dried with a hairdryer at the last minute, and it would be acceptable for this scenario.  This scenario, is me, never, or once every few months at best.



Surprisingly, even my husband felt it was too heavy for his hair and made it also oil.  

I think this would be a great shampoo for anyone with dry, damaged hair that does not have a tendency to become oily with a heavy and repairing shampoo and conditioner.

The ingredients list is pretty awesome - I would definitely be willing to try other products in the Nexxus line, this combo just wasn't for me.

  • CAVIAR COMPLEX

    A highly nutritious marine complex infused with Caviar renowned for its luxuriousness, this blend is rich in protein. 

    Therappe & Humectress Regimen

    CAVIAR COMPLEX

  • MARINE COLLAGEN
  • BABASSU & MARULA OILS

    Used for generations in the Amazon, Babassu oil is full of lauric acid, a lipid also found in hair. Marula oil, extracted from trees indigenous to Southern Africa, is a source of oleic acid, known for its powerful antioxidant properties. 

    Oil Infinite Regimen

    BABASSU & MARULA OILS

  • LIQUID PEARL

    LIQUID PEARL

    Infused with marine pearls known for their iconic visual luster and mineral rich formation. 

    Youth Renewal Regimen
  • GREEN TEA EXTRACT

    A substance rich in powerful antioxidants.

    Diametress Regimen

    GREEN TEA EXTRACT

  • FLAX SEED OIL

    FLAX SEED OIL

    With high levels of alpha-linoleic, this is an abundant source of omega-3. 

    Promend Regimen
  • DEEP SEA MINERALS

    Extracted from exotic salt, this ingredient is known for its use in Balinese purification rituals.

    DEEP SEA MINERALS

  • WHITE ORCHID EXTRACT

    WHITE ORCHID EXTRACT

    Infused with an extract of Phalaenopsis Amabilis, a flower renowned for its beauty. 

    Color Assure Regimen

Dear Hunter | 18 months

Dear Hunter,

This month ended with a not so fun viral illness that has kept you out of daycare almost a week and feeling pretty crummy.  You have a great attitude about it until midnight - 4 am when you are awake a lot, sometimes happy, sometimes crying, and sometimes just need extra cuddles.  This month you became very attached to a miniture baby panda stuffed animal you have loving nicknamed "Baby".  You walk around hugging him, holding him, kissing him, and feeding him puffs.  It's pretty much the cutest toddler thing ever.

Until this past week, we were having a wonderful Fall!  I was able to leave work for a few hours at the beginning of the month and we went with your daycare friends to a local pumpkin patch.  You didn't really enjoy the hayride (screamed the whole time) but you loved jumping up and down in a bouncey house with some fellow toddlers. 

Daddy was home lots of weekends working hard on installing a coal stove and preparing for another Preston County winter.  We had fall pictures taken mid October in Deep Creek MD.  It was blistery cold and windy but you didn't mind at all - you giggled as mommy sang to you and laughed uncontrollably when daddy played hide and go seek behind the photographer.  The pictures turned out amazing and I hope when you read this at least one is having up on our walls.

This month marks when I really need to start calling you one and a half year's old and then later almost two instead of saying the amount of months.  Someday.  Some days you look so much like a little boy and are so independent, others you still want to be right next to mama and cry at day care drop off. 

Mama and daddy had a wonderful October with you and are looking forward to this upcoming holiday season :)



Hunter's Second Halloween | October 2015 | 17 months


Our Halloween this year was spent with me and work and Hunter with a viral illness (notice the spots around his mouth!) so we didn't have any trick or treating excitement.  I still put his costume on and grabbed a few photos as his costume was too cute.  I found it at a local consignment store for $10 and I had some credit, so I scored it for $5!.  I found out later it is "Sully" from Monsters Inc, a children's cartoon movie.  When I finished work Halloween night, we watched the movie. :)