Monday, October 22, 2007

Funk Butter: Natural Deodorant

Have you been searching for a natural, aluminum-free deodorant that actually works and isn't wet, sticky, and gets all over your clothes? Well, I have your answer: Funk Butter.

Funk Butter is an all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant (it is not an anti-perspirant) made by Oyin Handmade, an online company that provides exceptional service and amazing one-of-a-kind handmade products made especially for you each time you order.

For the first time, I've found a deodorant that actually keeps me smelling ... like absolutely nothing! I've tried the over-the-counter deodorants/anti-persperants, which I know are not healthy for me because of the aluminum contents. I've tried natrual deodorants including Crystal, Avalon, Kiss My Face, and a multitude of online natural deodorants claiming to be IT.

But so far, only one has ever worked! Funk Butter. Check it out. I highly recommend you get only their unscented products as the scents they use are very strong. So if you have allergies or are sensitive to smells, the scents may be too strong for you. And, while they do use some natural essential oils, the ingredients list also mentions essential frangrances, which are not always "natural." So, stick with the unscented. It won't make any difference as far as body odor goes. I use their unscented Funk Butter and never even miss a scent to mask any smell . . . why? Because there is none. Thanks to Oyin!

Since each product you order is handmade, once your order is processed, it can take up to 2 weeks for your order to be shipped to you, which means you may not receive your order for 3 weeks once you place it online. But the wait is well worth it. Shipping is a flat rate of around $6 no matter what you order or how much of it. Funk Butter is made from all natural ingredients and comes in a 4 oz. tin sold for $4.50. You apply it sparingly with your fingertips. I have found on really warm days that I need to apply it twice--once in the morning and once in the afternoon. But on mild to cool days, one dose lasts all day. (Do not apply right after shaving.)

Oyin also provides a number of other wonderful products, one of my favorites being their Whipped Shea Butter. This is pure shea butter that's been whipped until it's light and fluffy. A treat for dry skin. (Again, stick with the unscented flavor.)

I hope this post will help those of you who've been looking for a natural, chemical-free deodorant that actually works. With Funk Butter, you've found it!

P.S. If you decide to order some, let me know by posting a comment (or emailing me -- those of you who know me). I'm interested in splitting an order with someone to save on shipping.

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Toxic Chemicals in the Body

It's another one, friends. Check out this article. Find out how this mom discovered her child had 7 times the toxicity level as his parents -- all from the harmful chemicals found in the everyday items we use!

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Sami's Bakery - What a find!

While Jordan Rubin in his book The Maker's Diet recommends that we limit our intake of unsprouted/unsoaked grains, he does suggest that it is alright to have small quantities of grains/flours that are unsoaked/unsprouted.

Sami's Bakery is a wonderful option for these types of items.

They carry gluten-free millet and brown rice breads, flat breads, rolls, muffins, hamberger/hot dog buns, and even cookies (only the honey-sweetened ones).

Sami's pita chips are particularly good, as well as their lavash and burger buns.

Sami's Bakery products are available locally in Hampton Roads through the Organic Food Depot.

Here is a reminder of Rubin's list of approved grains/flours for easy digestion:

Grains and starchy carbohydrates (whole-grain, organic, soaked is best)
Sprouted Ezekiel-type bread
Sprouted Essene bread
Fermented whole-grain sourdough bread
Quinoa
Amaranth
Buckwheat
Millet
Kamut (in small quantities)
Sprouted cereal
Oats (in small quantities)
Brown rice (in small quantities)
Spelt (in small quantities)
Barley (in small quantities)
Whole-grain kamut or spelt pasta (in small quantities)

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Friday, October 19, 2007

Baby Cold Medicine Possibly Deadly

Remember this article the next time your baby has a cold. It's amazing what over-the-counter drugs are avaiable at the local pharmecy these days, especially ones, it seems, that have not been sufficiently tested prior to distribution.

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Alzheimer's a Form of Diabetes?

Here is an interesting article linking Alzheimer's with diabetes.

A friend of mind said this about the article:

"The research in this study and concurrent ones reveals a lot of factual information to educate us about how foods and chemicals are directly affecting our brains and how they control other organs and functions in our bodies. Eating has to be about being a good steward of yourself and all the daily functions of your body that you can LOSE if you eat chemicals, processed foods (loose interpretation), and satisfy your cravings rather than feed your body fue l(proper food) to run optimally and maintain YOU."

Aptly put.

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Thursday, October 4, 2007

Honey-Sweetened Whole Grain Banana Muffins

After much experimenting (and many batches of underdone or burnt banana bread/muffins), I have finally discovered how to successfully make banana muffins using no sugar—only honey as the sweetener. I began by using my great-grandmother’s banana bread recipe and substituting, replacing, removing and adding ingredients. Enjoy!


Honey-Sweetened Whole Grain Banana Muffins
By D. Nelson

Set oven to 325 degrees. Prepare muffin pans with paper muffin cups, or grease muffin pan with extra-virgin coconut oil.

Combine and set aside:
- 2 cups whole grain flour (I use spelt)
- 1½ tsp. baking soda
- dash of salt
- ½-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

In separate bowl combine:
- 3 very ripe bananas (best if they are overripe and their skins are turning black)
- ½ cup softened butter (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt (add to yogurt: a couple drops water and a couple drops vinegar to sour; try make the total about ¼ cup)

Add dry ingredients to wet ones. Stir.

Fill muffin cups ½-¾ of the way.

Bake for 40-45 minutes. Perfection!

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Hidden Danger in Air Fresheners

Whether you know it or not, a dangerous group of chemicals is hiding in most of the fragranced products being sold on store shelves in America today. These are called phthalates. One especially dangerous one is known as DBP.

You may have heard of phthalates before. I’ve mentioned them in other posts on this site.

Read this important news article on the specific air fresheners that do and don’t contain these harmful chemicals.

Phthalates are also commonly found in nail polish, cologne, perfume, cosmetics of every kind, body care products (shampoos, lotions, oils), etc. Basically anything on the commercial market that is scented contains phthalates. Even candles. (See my blog called “Finding Safety: Body Care, Hair Care, Skin Care, and Cosmetics” for alternatives to these phthalate-filled products.)

You can find out more about these harmful effects at www.safecosmetics.org (click “Scientific Reports” on the left).

Use www.cosmeticsdatabase.com as another resource for safe alternatives to phthalate-filled products.

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