Art | Resources
Vivapura
Raw organic superfoods from around the world. “Here at Vivapura, there are no secrets about how we operate. As a company, we’ve made a huge effort to make our processes transparent. This is very important, because our competitors do not tell you how they source and make their products.”..Vivapure superfoods are ALWAYS RAW. Unadulterated. Nutrient Dense. Vibrant Life Force ORGANIC or WILD-CRAFTED. In Harmony with Earth. Healing for People * ETHICAL. Vegan. Sustainable. Fairly Traded.”
Simply Scrub
Four unique blends of organic ingredients create body scrubs that exfoliate and nourish your skin. Their chocolate body scrub, for example, is made with cocoa nibs, brown sugar, and healing honey. [Read about their organic ingredients here.
Terralite
Candles made from organic coconut oil and rice bran wax, scented with “organic, wildcrafted, pure essential oils and extracts from plants that were grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers…Our hemp wicks contain absolutely no lead, are not chemically treated, and are braided with pure unbleached cotton.” All candles are white and come in many of the standard sizes. Choose from the scented “aromatherapy” collection or unscented “rice bran” collection.
Nontoxic Hangers
Question from Kate
Hi Debra,
Do you have any recommendations for nontoxic hangers?
Have you found any wood ones with a nontoxic finish? Can’t seem to find anything!
The finishes are all polyurethane finishes and they are generally nickel or chrome plated hooks. Not sure how you feel about the nickel hooks and if they are an issue as well.
Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
Nickel hooks are only a problem if you are sensitive to nickel.
I use only wooden hangers, which I have collected over the years from various places.
Recently I wanted to buy more but couldn’t find them at all in all the stores where I used to buy them.
When choosing hangers I recommend those that say “natural wood” or that are the natural color, which may have a bit of finish. I stay away from dark stained or finished wood which often have odors in the store.
I looked online and found these online:
Basics Wood Suit Hangers | Home-it (24 Pack) Natural wood hangers | Whitmor GRADE A Natural Wood Dress or Shirt Hangers | Zober Solid Wood Suit Hangers |
More wood hangers online.
Wood hangers are also available online at Bed Bath & Beyond and other retailers.
Nontoxic Baptism?
Question from Colleen
Hi Debra,
I would like advice on how a person with MCS can get baptized (totally submerged) at a church. I’m allergic to chlorine and would probably be allergic to the other water sanatizers/cleaners (algistat and baquacil which are both chemicals). I also don’t want to risk being a a bacteria laden baptuary due to my weakened immune system. Does anyone have experience with this or advice on how to go about doing this? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
The first thing that comes to mind for me is to find an outdoor location you like with a suitable water source and ask to be baptized there. After all, the first baptisms were done outdoors, I believe, in a river.
I just searched on “outdoor baptism” and there were a lot of results about people being baptized in all kinds of places, even their own backyard with water in a punch bowl.
Readers, any experiences with this or ideas?
Healthy Cricket
[formerly Dakota Free] Gluten-free, allergen specific and hypoallergenic skin care, bath, baby, spa and hair care products. “We have been helping families stay healthy and serving those with celiac disease, allergies, autism, cancer, chemical sensitivities, asthma, eczema and other skin issues since 2000. Every item has been handcrafted in a dedicated gluten-free facility with careful attention to identifying and tracking the allergen status of each product.” This looks to be one of the most ingredient conscious companies I’ve seen. They have a long list of undesirable ingredients that they track and have much information on their website about the ways ingredients you don’t want can get into products. There is an attribute checklist on each product page to help you choose the right item for your specific need.
Titilayo Naturals Adzuki Bean Scrub
Sweet Grass Dairy
Fine handcrafted cheese made from the milk of “barn free” grassfed cows. Currently their products are not certified organic, but they are about halfway through the multi-year process of having their dairy farms certified organic. Check out their website to see their “cow cam” and learn how they farm.
No Mouse in the House
“The longest-lasting, highly effective, all natural mouse repellent.” It is a sturdy plastic ball filled with peppermint oil, an all-natural mouse deterrent. Just set it and forget it. All of the oil stays contained in the ball and releases slowly through their exclusive reservoir and wick design. Lasts six months.
Hempy’s
Premium, made in the USA, hemp clothing and accessories for men and women: t-shirts, jeans, board shorts, men’s vests, belts, hats of all kinds and beanies. “Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and what we choose to put against it all day long matters. We believe that the natural fibers are far better than petroleum based synthetic fibers for us to live and play in all day.