Personal Care Product Preservatives, And The Truth (Part I)

What Are Some Of These Ingredients? I would love to find preservatives for my products that are non-toxic, and do the job effectively. So far, that has been a challenge, and given that I myself find my skin reacts to most of the so called “natural preservatives,” I don't dare suggest for someone else to wear them. I'm involved in many lotion crafter and soap making online groups, and I generally stay away from topics of preservatives, and whether or not they are harmful. I have found that it only devolves into arguments over who is “right”. Continue reading

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin. Wow is really the only word that came to mind when I finished the book. Indeed a truly extraordinary story of survival. Alvarenga, who survived at sea alone for 438 days, inspired me to never have another bad day again. If I'm tired and feel overworked, I just remind myself what this man experienced out at sea, all alone, for over a year. Continue reading

Putting Things into Perspective

So I have several articles/blogs ready for publishing, but have been procrastinating a bit on publishing them. Why? Well, because I know that I’m going to get attacked by believers of myths they have heard on television, read on the Internet, or were even taught by their parents. This isn’t to say that what your parents teach you, what you hear on television, or even read on the Internet is not true, but neither does it mean it is true. I had the most amazing teacher for one of my first biology courses. She is one of those teachers that I will never forget, because Continue reading

Reckless Traveler by Walter Rhein

Reckless Traveler by Walter Rhein. I decided to read this book because I’ve been doing a lot of research for my future trip to Central and South America. I order many of my raw ingredients from all over the world, and many are claimed as fair trade and organic, and well… I just want to verify for myself. Plus I want to see the beautiful trees that some of these oils come from, and unfortunately many just do not grow here in the US. Continue reading

Tips and Tricks on Keeping Your New Years Resolution of Eating Healthier

(and saving money at the same time) With another year behind us, and the years do seem to go by faster and faster, many of us have made new years resolutions to eat better and exercise. It is a very common new years resolution, but unfortunately, not very well kept. I hope if you chose to resolve to eat healthier and better, that you not only keep your resolution, but also make it a lifestyle. So here are some tips and tricks to help you with that. Continue reading

My First Book Review! A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson. This book was definitely not on my list of reading for reviews, my goal was to review books that are related to health and beauty, not entertainment. But a co-worker of mine recommended the book insisting that I will be laughing out loud with every page. I had lent my co-worker a different book, and felt obligated to read this one even though I wasn’t really interested. After all, I work full time while trying to manage a start up business. My choice of books are usually Continue reading