Let the truth out - tooth care for babies & toddlers

Did you know that tooth gels considered "safe to swallow" are actually ridden with chemicals known to cause major health concerns?

Some of the most popular (and even smaller/natural brands) contain big name offenders like Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Carrageenan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & artificial colorings. These chemicals are known to cause liver dysfunction, cancer, immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity & asthma, skin irritation, breast cancer, male infertility & allergies. If we are loading our children up with toxins such as these, is it any wonder our child cancer rates are skyrocketing? Their little bodies are trying to build immunity, but are being constantly bombarded by chemicals. So, the result is lowered immunity to cancer and disease, and high toxicity rates, leading to other health concerns as they age. There's only one tooth gel I consider safe to swallow. I get a monthly shipment of supplies from vitacost and always have this in my shipment: here's the link!

Be well, friends!

Happy birthday baby girl

Dear Kaia,
I miss you! I love you! I want to make those things clear. Papa and I just laid in bed at 9:16 and remembered the moment when you entered our lives. We were so scared, but had no idea the real fear was to come when your heart started to stop. Now it's two years later, and look how much you've grown us! Papa, brother Finny and I are going to the beach today to celebrate you, as a family. You've given us, us. We're a close-knit family of 4 with so much love because of you. I hope to see you there at the beach. I got you cupcakes and pink candles. Are you able to have one? I'll save you the pink cupcake. I cried picking out the candles. How many people have to buy candles for their child's birthday, when their child isn't on earth with them? It breaks my heart that I cannot hug you. It hurts bad. I know you are okay and you are free and happy and that your work here was done. But I will never stop being selfish about wanting you here. I will always miss you. As your mother, you, my baby, will always come first. You are the head of this family, and your little brother is your right hand man. He's kind of taken over the house right now. He kissed your picture this morning when we said happy birthday to you. He's such a sweet soul, and I know you know that. I see him looking at you and laughing. You're a good big sister. Today is your day. Nobody can steal that from you. Do what you please. And if what you please is to visit mommy and family today, then we would love to see you. All my love and adoration and thanks....from the depths of my ever growing heart.

Love, mommy

Agave is the new HFCS? Oh no....

So, there's some new studies out now about the dangers of Agavé nectar. Agavé has been very popular over the last several years because of its low glycemic index. It was believed to be a slowly metabolized "sugar" that didn't spike your blood sugar levels and was thought to be the best and safest sweetener around for our bodies. It was even considered safe for diabetics. This all-natural sweetener has been a sugar substitute in countless all-natural snacks and has been sold on shelves as a fad-liciously delicious sugar substitute. It is very popular in vegan bars and snacks (because they can't use honey for vegan food), and has extended into almost all raw food bars and snacks, as well.

So, what's the problem? Well, new studies have shown that, while it may have a low glycemic index, it has the highest fructose levels of any type of sweetener on the market. In fact, we all know the dangers of high fructose corn syrup, right? Well this sweetener has a fructose level that is 15-45% higher than HFCS. If these studies are correct, this means that Agavé is by far the worst kind of sweetener you could put in your body (although, I still think artificial sweeteners are way worse for reasons medical science hasn't even begun to study yet.)

You can read one of the articles about these latest findings here. (click)

It's back to 100% pure grade A maple syrup as my sweetener of choice for now...until the baby comes and I can have my raw honey again. Yummy!