Michelle's blog

Organic Food Labeling

Look for the USDA seal

Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious ?

Learn the difference between organic foods and their traditionally grown counterparts. Decide which is best for you, considering nutrition, quality, taste, cost and other factors.

Conventional vs. organic farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional farmers	Organic farmers
Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.	Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.
Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.	Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.
Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.	Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.	Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.

Organic or not? Check the label

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program that requires all organic foods to meet strict government standards. These standards regulate how such foods are grown, handled and processed. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells a product as organic must be USDA certified as meeting these standards. Only producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are exempt from this certification.

If a food bears a USDA Organic label, it means it's produced and processed according to the USDA standards and that at least 95 percent of the food's ingredients are organically produced. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it.

Products that are completely organic — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods — are labeled 100 percent organic and can carry a small USDA seal. Foods that have more than one ingredient, such as breakfast cereal, can use the USDA organic seal or the following wording on their package labels, depending on the number of organic ingredients:

• 100 percent organic. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
• Organic. Products that are at least 95 percent organic.
• Made with organic ingredients. These are products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The organic seal can't be used on these packages.

Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients can't use the organic seal or the word "organic" on their product label. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list, however.

You may see other terms on food labels, such as "all-natural," "free-range" or "hormone-free." These descriptions may be important to you, but don't confuse them with the term "organic." Only those foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labeled organic.

To learn more about certification and personal care products, visit this post.

Importance of Probiotics

MiVitality-In-Liven

What are probiotics?

 

Unlike the bad bacteria that promote imbalances of the intestinal microflora, germs and illnesses, probiotics are the beneficial, friendly bacteria that live in the intestines and known to promote good digestive health -- guarding against illness and disease. We are exposed to numerous pollutants in our everyday lives: lead, mercury, cadmium (plus over 4500 toxic heavy metal by-products), drugs, vaccines and a host of other dangers are wreaking havoc in our bodies. As our toxin levels rise, our immune system and other critical processes in our body become dangerously compromised and begin to fail. 

Activia By Danone

These friendly bacteria are now readily available in the form of dairy (yogurts), supplements, skin care and homecare products.  These revolutionary developments are not only 100% effective but are also free of harmful toxins.

Yoptimal-2

 

Yogurts in particular are bursting with these friendly bacteria - BB-12® Bifidobacterium lactis, LA-5 ® and Lactobacillus acidophilus.  These live cultures work together to boost immunity. And research shows that a daily intake can benefit  eczema sufferers too.  Such yogurts can be used in your favorite recipes --  fruit smoothies, salad dressings and as an alternative to cream in desserts. Always opt for Organic Yogurts otherwise here are a few that’s easily available at your grocery store -- Yoptimal and Danone. Yoptimal contains two strains of Probiotics plus Antioxidants.  

 

Generally, probiotics should dominate 80-85% to 15-20% however,  this can be the reverse in many situations and this is why it's so important to start supplementing your diet today. This imbalance causes many potential problems such as poor intestinal health and skin problems and the list goes on -- see below.

 

Common warning signs of a bacterial imbalance:

 

•      Allergies and food sensitivities
•      Difficulty losing weight, sugar/carbohydrate craving
•      Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
•      Frequent constipation or diarrhoea
•      Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders
•      Sleeping poorly, night sweats
•      Painful joint inflammation, stiffness
•      Bad breath, gum disease and dental problems
•      Frequent colds, flu or infection
•      Chronic yeast infections
•      Acne, eczema skin and foot fungus
•      Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms

 

If you answer 'yes' to any of the above outlined warning signs, then you should consider adding a probiotic supplement to your diet. Let’s face the fact, with today’s busy schedule we are more than likely to neglect consuming the required 5 fruits a day and unintentionally forces us to  overlook the importance of nourishing ourselves at bacterial and cellular level.

 

What are the benefits of adding a probiotic supplement to our diet?

 

•      Improves digestion of proteins, carborhydrates and fats
•      Promote regular bowel movements
•      Enhance immune function
•      Contribute to the absorption of minerals
•      Produce antioxidants
•      Participate in the manufacture of some B vitamins
•      Help inhibit food poisoning
•      Normalize skin conditions
•      Help reduce cholesterol
•      Maintain bone health
•      Help manage blood sugar levels
•      Improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance
•      Help combat fungal and yeast infections
•      Limit the action of disease-causing bacteria

 

These friendly bacteria produce antioxidants and improve your overall digestion and absorption of minerals and amino acids.  They also synthesize B vitamins, which are necessary for a healthy nervous system. Probiotics regulate elimination, correcting both diarrhea and constipation and are widely recommended

for fungal and yeast infections or thrush caused by candida albicans because they help crown out harfmul microbes that are trying to take up residence.They also produce organic compounds that increase intestinal acidity, inhibiting the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotics produce substances that act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable bacteria.

Some of the things that kill the good bacteria in our bodies:

 

•      Preservatives, Additives
•      Pesticides
•      Fertilizers
•      Carbonated drinks
•      Poor eating habits -- especially sugar and refined foods
•      Birth control pills
•      Steroidal and hormonal drugs
•      Fluoride
•      Coffee/Tea
•      Synthetic vitamins
•      Radiation
•      Chlorinated drinking water
•      Stress, aging and disease
•      Born by caesarean section
•      Alcohol consumption
•      Bacterial infections
•      Traveller's bugs
•      Antibiotics in food production or prescription medications

                         

MiVitality-GlutenFree

The good news? After much research, MiVitality's In-Liven has met my expectations and I am thrilled to introduce you to this phenomenal product that will also help you to regain your digestive health. This superfood formula is the result of over 20 years research and development. It provides the body with a saturation of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes and phyto-nutrients from 26 certified organic living wholefoods. Also available in a Gluten Free version.

 

In-Liven uses 13 strains of living lactobacillus bacteria in its fermentation process that have the ability to balance and re-colonize the intestinal tract and create an environment in which the many sub-strains can survive and flourish which are necessary to maintain a healthy intestinal flora. And since 80% of disease begins in the colon it becomes apparent that a healthy intestinal tract should be our primary focus.

 

Ingredients: All Certified Organic and Fermented

Spirulina, Rolled Oats, Brown Rice, Wheat Grain, Pearl Barley, Linseed, Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Adzuki Beans, Red Lentils, Chick Peas, Wheat Grass, Barley Grass, Alfalfa Grass, Beetroot, Sweet Potato, String Beans, Zucchini, Cabbage, Silverbeet, Spinach, Chinese Cabbage, Asparagus, Broccoli, Malt Liquid, Molasses.

 

Fermented with the following lactobacillus bacteria and symbiotic yeasts:

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactobacillus; Acidophillus, Delbruekii, Caseii, Bulgaricus, Causasicus, Fermenti, Plantarum, Brevis, Helveticus, Leichmanni, Lactis, Bifidus, Sporogenes.

 

No Artificial Colouring, Flavouring or Preservatives. No genetically modified ingredients. Made in Australia and grown on Certified Organic Farming.

 

How to use InLiven?

 

In-Liven Probiotic Supplement.

A simple video above demonstrates how to use this Superfood.

Hungry for more probiotics?

Then there's no doubt you'll be excited to learn about MiEviron's BioPure Probiotic Household Cleaner - Concentrate.

MiEnviron's BioPure Probiotic Concentrate

BioPure is a highly concentrated, all natural household and industrial cleaner containing powerful probiotic bacteria, antioxidants and enzymes that break down grease, grime and dirt and neutralise odours. BioPure means cleaning without chemicals and its living benefits continue to work even after the initial application.

Ingredients: Certified Organic Vanilla Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus, Certified Organic Rice Bran Extract, Sea Salt, Certified Organic Sugar Cane Molasses, Organic Mineral Powder and Water.

Can be safely used for the following purposes:

• Kitchen Surfaces
• Toilets
• Mold and Mildew
• Bathroom
  

This product is your winning ticket to replace/avoid products containing triclosan and just perfect for keeping harmful viruses out of our homes.  It's also safe for use in septic systems and biodegradable. BioPure certainly deserves a blog post of it's own for being such a phenomenal product.

Probiotic Skin Brightener

Probiotic for clearer brighter skin:

And here's my absolute favorite Skincare (anti-aging) product -- Miessence Probiotic Skin Brightener.

This wonderful product if formulated to promote younger looking skin. You know that flawless, clear skin you've always dreamed of? That's what this formula will do for your skin -- formulated with lactic acid, certified organic wheat grain, barley grain, adzuki beans, soya beans and certified organic vanilla co2 extract.

An excerpt from my website:"Probiotic bacteria ferment organic whole grains and legumes to release nutrients and create a naturally occuring, extremely mild, lactic liquid which is known to restore and protect the skin's acid mantle, lighten and brighten the complexion, improve photodamaged skin, exfoliate dead skin cells for a smoother, less-wrinkled appearance, help break down impurities, whilst bringing moisture, clarity and vitality to the skin."

Since you use only a few pumps per application, this product will last you for quite a long time making it an awesome skincare investment.  I highly recommend this to all my friends and relatives.

I'm truly ecstatic at the fact of being presented with this chance at regaining my digestive health. And here’s

your chance today too.  Please  share this post with your friends and family.

 

"Death begins in the colon"-- Ilya Mechnikov - Nobel Laureate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miessence Organic Skin Profiles.

Miessence Skin Essentials Pack

Hey Organic lovers,

Miessence products are designed around four different skin profiles.  You may find you'll want to mix-and-match different products from the different profiles to perfectly suit your skin, which is fine!

 

The following profiles will assist you in choosing the appropriate formulas for your skin.  Please do not hesitate to consult with me before making your purchase. As always, I'm always willing to make suggestions.

BALANCING (Normal/Combination Skin Profile)

• even skin tone
  
• fine to average pore size
• some enlarged pores
• some T-zone oiliness
• occasional breakouts
• some blackheads

Some herbs used:

• Organic Calendula - soothes, heals, restores
• Organic Chamomile - antimicrobial, calms, soothes
• Organic Marshmallow - softens, revitalizes, emollient, hydrates
• Organic Olive Leaf - repairs, tones, firms, antioxidant
• Organic St Johns Wort - moisturizes, astringent, refreshes, tones
• Organic Lavender - soothes, relaxes, regenerates
• Organic Rosehip Seed - regenerates, moisturizes, heals

 

REJUVENATING (Dry/Mature Skin profile)

• needs extra nourishment, loss of elasticity
  
• varying pore size
• may have some dry patches
• no sheen/dull complexion
• can feel tight and dry
• may have surface capillaries

Some herbs used:

• Organic Gotu Kola - anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, heals
• Organic Hops - stimulates, tones, dark circle treatment
• Organic Horsetail - stimulates, tones, firms, anti-free radical
• Organic Nettle – circulation enhancer, anti-inflammatory, astringent
• Organic Geranium - tones, softens, soothes, balances
• Moroccan Rose – anti-wrinkle, regenerates
• Organic Avocado - moisturizes, nourishes, softens
• Organic Rosehip Seed - regenerates, moisturizes, heals

 

PURIFYING (Oily/Problem Skin Profile

• oily sheen
• breakouts/blemishes
• congestion/clogging
• open pores
• blackheads
• redness

Some herbs used:

• Organic Burdock - astringent, softens, soothes, purifies
  
• Organic Echinacea - purifies, stimulates, calms
• Organic Nettle - anti-inflammatory, astringent, strengthening
• Organic Plantain - astringent, soothing, healing
• Organic Witch Hazel - draining, astringent, anti-free radical, protective
• Organic Tea Tree - astringent, regulates, repairs
• Organic Lemon Myrtle - astringent, antibacterial, repairs
• Organic Jojoba - nourishes, moisturizes, anti-free radical

 

SOOTHING (Sensitive Skin Profile)

• may have surface capillaries
• can feel irritated, itchy and hot
• can appear blotchy
• may have flaky patches
• allergic reactions common
• flushed and red easily

Some herbs used:

• Organic Chamomile - antimicrobial, calms, soothes
• Organic Horsechestnut – de-congests, drains broken capillaries, strengthens
• Organic St Johns Wort - moisturizes, astringent, refreshes, tones
• Organic Witch Hazel - drains, astringent, anti-free radical, protects
  
• Organic Carrot seed - regenerates, tones, heals
• Organic German Chamomile - anti-bacterial, wound-healing and pain-relieving
• Organic Rosehip Seed - regenerates, moisturizes, heals

~Be Beautiful Without Toxins.~

DIY Mosquito Repellent

Hey there Organic readers,

I stumbled upon this super easy DIY (Do It Yourself) recipe for Mosquito Repellent and am posting for you to keep those pests away.  

Herbal Insect Repellent Recipe as follows:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons total of any combination of the following essential oils: basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium and/or rosemary 

• 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available in liquor stores)

Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to small bottles for storage. To use, rub a small amount on any exposed skin (test first to be sure your skin will not be adversely affected by the repellent) or dab it on clothing.

 

Experiment a little to find which essential oils work best with your body chemistry. If you’re lucky, you also will like the way they smell; otherwise, add a few drops of peppermint oil to fine-tune the fragrance.

 

Credit goes to Mother Earth News for sharing this recipe. And do post a comment sharing how this has worked for you, should you decide to give this a try.

Stay Well!

My organic babies.

As always, it's never a frantic wait for my orders from Miessence simply because they do extremely well at shipping out orders promptly -- placed my order on Sept. 11th. and it arrived on the 14th. I will say it's a good thing I was at home when the courier  driver came knocking on my door.  Why do I say that? Well to say the least, my boys kept repeatedly asking if I had gotten their favorite toothpaste.  So on that note, they would have been upset if we had missed this delivery. It makes me so happy that my boys, ages 5 and 3 years old are already loving the feel and good results from using Organic products.  They haven't grasped the real reason behind us boycotting conventional products, but sure enough they will at some point.  They are so hooked on the Miessence Skin Care products -- toothpaste being their absolute favorite. Even at this tender age, they have a solid routine of their own -- in no particular order slathers on the Miessence Tropicana Body Milk or Intensive Body Cream and Tahitian Breeze Deodorant. I wouldn't go into details with their haircare regimen -- maybe another post but it's quite similar to skin and body care.  It's just fun to watch 'em in action. I'm sure if mom isn't around to oversee this daily routine they might resort to emptying an entire bottle of lotion over their little bodies........LOL

Anyway, a few days ago upon receiving my package, I was super excited to hold these babies in my hand.  Look how cute these are and just perfect for traveling -- even on short trips.  This way guaranteed, your Organic Beauty regime goes wherever you go.  It  also makes an ideal gift and a great addition to any guest room/bathrooms. And ideally it's a great way to introduce a friend or relative to Certified Organic products.  This photo will have to suffice until you see for yourself how uber cute these are. 

Skin Essentials Trial Size

It always makes me this excited whenever receiving one of these packages. It's like a kid in a candy shop besides I know for a fact, not only am I avoiding the unhealthy toxins but this is also my contribution to the preservation of this beautiful planet of ours. And as a reminder, if you'd like to receive the above free, then follow this link  and place an order for the full size version -- current promotional offer.

Until next time, stay healthy and wisely say NO to toxins in your beauty products!

Instructions for placing orders with One Group.

To join and shop as a Preferred Customer, follow the steps outlined below:

• From my site, click on the shop  link on the home page then on your far right  click on New User and select Preferred Customer from the drop down menu.

 
Note: If you're interested in joining as an Independent Representative, obviously you'll select that option and proceed to the next step.

Next, the following Discount information will be displayed for you.
Discount Rates
Initial order any value     No Discount
Subsequent orders any value     Retail less 10%
Loyalty Program - accumulate 150 PV & your NEXT order receives a 20% discount    

* All Preferred Customer orders over $100 (£50) receive free shipping.

• Add the items you want in your cart and check out.

• During the check out process, you will be prompted to enter your contact details, which will include your last name and your email address. Once you've provided this  info  and your order is complete, you will be logged in to the system as a Preferred Customer.

• The next time you access the site to order,  log in using your last name and email address and take advantage of those discounts.

Finally, you're on your way to saving and preserving our planet by investing in non-toxic products.

Stay safe by staying away from these unhealthy toxins!

Price Adjustment Notice + Great Offers!

Hello Organic readers.  I thought it wise to make this quick post to update you on a few happenings at One Group.
First and foremost, there will be a slight price increase on select products effective October 1st, 2009.  This is due to a rise in cost of ingredients -- increase does not affect essential oils, nutritional products and mother and baby products. On a positive note, there will be a price reduction on the famous Nourishing Hand Cream -- excellent news huh? I'm super excited and will be adding this to my cart for next month's order. Will update you on the latter in the near future.

Lastly, allow me to share this awesome news with ya -- that's if you haven't already discovered it from visiting my site.  One Group is currently running the following promotional offer.

Current Offers

 

Buy any full size Skin Essentials Pack and receive the same in a travel size Skin Essentials Pack FREE!!!!!

So, if you've been contemplating to try the Skin Essentials range, now is your chance to do so especially with the slight price increase that will take effect next month. It's definitely a great time to take the plunge!! How I wished I had seen this earlier, unfortunately September's order is on it's way to me -- should be here early next week.

Feel free to share this post with your friends and family. And do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

 
Have a Safe and Happy Weekend.

Save 10% off the Botanical Perfume Collection

So you've already switched to Organic Skin, Hair, Body, Cosmetics, Oral, Nutritional and Home products. Now is your chance to experience the latest jewel in the Miessence Botanical Collection.

Sample Collection Offer

Introducing six beautifully pure, hauntingly different organic botanical fragrances that will give you a signature essence as unique as you are.

Experience all six of the miessence botanical perfumes by choosing our exquisitely petite sample-size six pack and you’ll save 10%!

Each 1 ml. vial provides you about a dozen uses and is available for individual purchase if you prefer. Let each fragrance mingle with your own personal body chemistry to create that unique signature essence you’ve been searching for.

It's even an awesome idea to take advantage of this savings and share with family and friends. Allow them a chance at experiencing true Organic products.

For more detailed product description please refer to my Botanicals Post or go directly to my website. And as usual, should you have any questions I'm happy to answer them.

Stay well!

Words of Wisdom by Eleanor Roosevelt!

Happy Friday to you all -- hope you enjoy today's Words of Wisdom.

[Human rights begin] in small places, close to home--so close and so small that they cannot be seen on
any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the
school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every
man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination.
Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen
action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.

Toxic chemicals in your cosmetics!

Hmm, what's up with that right? Here's a video by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that touches on this subject.  As you watch the video you will notice that many are startled or rather surprised that some companies are adding a chemical concoction to products which are used on a daily basis.  This was exactly my reaction before I discovered the World's First Certified Organic product range.

What's going on with toxic chemicals in cosmetics?

Once again, this video serves as a reminder to us all to stay away from such toxic products and seek after more safer products.  Best of luck in your quest to finding more safer products.  Be wise and let's continue to read those labels.

Wishing you all the best of health!