of course, this is what it's all about! Soooooo ...... I didn't get the job. I got some great interview feedback (good performance, someone else with more experience was first choice) but not the job offer. Part of me is mightily relieved I won't be scrambling around for childcare and getting my brain back into gear, but a part of me is also quietly sad that I'm not relaunching into the fully adult, status-laden world of Real Employment.
Soooooo ...... what next? What next indeed! I really really really need to do something. My byline "in, around and in spite of the family in an effort to stay sane" is not totally in jest, and I suspect I'm not the only SAHM going quietly nuts with a mostly unfulfilling world around her. Don't get me wrong - I love being a mum, I'm very grateful I don't have to go out to earn the almighty dollar, it is very convenient being able to stay home and not need to contract out my parenting ...... but ......
"It's hard for a woman to judge when she has done enough as a wife and mother. Most jobs have tangible outcomes: projects that need to be completed by a certain time, piles of paper to move from the in-box to the out-box, customers to be served, letters to be processed, or files to be closed. Seeing those outcomes gives us a sense of accomplishment. We can remember how big that pile on our desk was and feel good about getting through it. However, the achievements associated with the female gender role are fleeting: meals that take an hour to make take ten minutes to eat; clean houses are instantly untidy when children come home from school; clothes are dirty again after being worn once. The work associated with the female gender role is never really finished. As soon as one task is completed, another pops up to take its place......... The never-ending nature of the work may add to a woman's feeling that she can't do enough."
She continues, commenting that the larger outcomes i.e. parenting goals, reaching adulthood, aren't that frequent or visible short term which, in a nutshell, is what's really 'doing my head in' right now. The value I add to family life is in terms of hygiene, nutrition and childcare - all covered by the female gender role I took on when I agreed to be the stay-at-home parent. Although the work is full time (and a half, I might add) and therefore theoretically no different in terms of hours/obligations than my previous salaried life, it is profoundly lacking in any kind of meaningful feedback or sense of achievement. pomo mama design, my fledgling business, does provide some kind of creative outlet and sense of accomplishment, but it is most definitely on a back-burner with family issues coming first. Financially it would be difficult to justify spending any more time on it than I already do since it contributes very little to the household economy.
In other words, for me there has to be a 'something next'. I do need the distraction of a task or project to carry me through what is in fact a very frustrating and unsettling period of my life in which I feel of only basic value to those around me. In the past, pre-emigration, I was full-time employed - something which was a welcome relief from personal issues. Now I don't have that escape and I really do crave some kind of passion to carry me through the day-to-day, something which will make me feel valued, accomplished, intelligent and capable. I need something to take my mind off the daily grind of thinking about how much crap is in my life currently and stop it from coming back into my parenting. I would like to succeed at something rather than continue in mediocrity as a wife and a mother. I really would like to silence the little voice that is with me constantly, constructing scenarios in which I vanquish all my domestic problems. I would like to be noticed and I would like to make a difference.
But, what to do, what to do? It is something that only I can do for myself. And it's something I really need to do for myself.
I feel like I'm poised for lift-off but not quite sure of the map yet.
despite all the kvetching about the hairstyle (bangs or no bangs), off the face is the only real option in this heat
This is Thursday. This is me. Just returned from a trip into the Big City (one pair of Fluevogs ordered, packaging supplies collected) back to suburban hell utopia.
So, what's up this Thursday? Yesterday evening I had a 'date' with my Wee Guy. It was my 'make it up to you' date to him. When mummy's on a downer life's no fun for a child. We went swimming after his sailing camp. I chased him around the pool, helped him do front flips underwater and challenged him to absurd swimming races. He made me smile, really smile.
It's not fair: when I'm miserable he gets the shitty end of the stick. He gets inconsistency, irritability, apathy, silence or tears. It's not fair: when I'm miserable I feel a total failure as a mother, my dreams vanish, I lose my sweet self, I lose any motivation for anything full stop. It's not fair: when I'm miserable it's not the Wee Guy's fault, and he still suffers. It's not fair: when I'm miserable it's not completely my fault, and I still suffer. It's not fair: when I'm miserable I realise all the steps I've taken to set things on the right track don't work because it's not just me.
I am releasing this weeks article ahead of schedule due to the urgent nature of this time sensitive information....and as I stated in last weeks article I would bring you a summary of all things instead of a play by play...But this should definitely shed some light on how fast things go once set in motion. I think you'll be amazed at what has transpired in just this past week alone.
Sounds Horrible Doesn't It?
Opposing the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 sounds like those that are against this controlling bill don't want safe cosmetics, yet nothing could be farther from the truth. This name on this bill is again based on "zero science" with the precautionary principle being emphasized.
This is the FDA Globalization Act of 2009 revamped and is the same broken record being promoted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which is backed by the Environmental Working Group. They have even resorted to using star power, Fran Drescher, to denounce all these toxins that are supposedly in our skincare products. Unfortunately, due to blindly propagating the disinformation fed to her, she clearly does not realize how her own line of skincare will also be targeted if this draft becomes law. For some reason this group along with their mouthpieces seem to think their products are exempt because they use all natural chemicals, when it is the synthetic chemicals which have the longest, proven safety record for decades.
Those that are familiar with the poorly written bill of 2009, along with the Colorado Personal Care Products Safety Act, which was defeated, already know how harmful this type of legislation is to small businesses, and it will do absolutely nothing for making cosmetics safer, but only remove your choices of the products you enjoy.
Simply put, if this law passes, Sterling Minerals Cosmetics and ONATI Skincare will be "NO MORE"!
Again, we have done nothing else but strive to create safe cosmetics with ourselves, our family, our friends and our customers, current and future, in mind. Nothing could be more important to us....all of us, who make incredible cosmetics and skincare products. This type of legislation is about control, power and invasion of privacy...I thought I was living in America!
Urgency Is Needed
Things move quickly sometimes, and this all unfolded in less than a weeks time. It was also no coincidence that a video release (see further below) and the preliminary hearings orchestrated by CFSC, were held last week right before our legislators depart for summer break.
The petition below to stop this draft dead in its tracks. We are asking all of you who love your favorite products produced by small independent manufacturers to speak up and let congress know this bill is an intrusion on the private sector and the jobs they provide, and to also say "ENOUGH" to NGO's, Non Governmental Organizations, on spreading fear and propaganda without validated science to back their theories and claims.
View full petition on left hand side, beneath the photo image. Each point of the Draft is addressed to see our opposition and reasoning behind it.
This shameless video, the Story of Cosmetics, plays on our fears by using skull and crossbones on every product conceived in the beauty industry and uses terms of fear based innuendo and stoops to playing on a woman's fear who may also be a mother as though she is poisoning her baby. They would have you believe that cosmetic manufacturers are deliberately putting toxins in their products which are killing us....this is just silly isn't it?.... because think about this for a minute, if this were true, there would be no one left to buy our products, because we would all be dead!....pretty far reaching don't you think?
This video is so insulting to our intelligence, and again is a propaganda tool for CFSC, which was released coincidentally the day before the introduction of this latest Bill coming before congress. It is also done in such a manner that we are all treated as though we are 5 years old and don't have a lick of common sense or a shred of intelligence....what are they saying?....Americans are mindless lemmings and only government knows what is best for us?
To view these if you are receiving direct email or RSS feeds click here.
This video provides the counterpoints with science and facts to this unscientific "shockumentary" video you just watched. And I am grateful to them for taking the time to bring this to light so again, we, the consumer, can have a clearer understanding of the facts and not a lopsided viewpoint designed to gain sympathy and support for no other reason than to gain control over us and to spread fear!
Kathleen Dezio's Response to The Story of Cosmetics video, Spokeswoman for Personal Care Products Council.
"The content in this harsh and unscientific ‘shockumentary – genre’ video bears no relationship to the ‘real’ story of cosmetics. Our industry employs hundreds of men and women who have devoted their careers to substantiating the safety of cosmetic products. This video is an unfortunate attempt to generate fear about an alleged public health risk from cosmetics that is unwarranted. It is repugnant to suggest that cosmetic companies would manufacture, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) would allow them to market, products that are dangerous or contain toxins that cause cancer or any other disease. It is absurd to suggest that the men and women in our industry would market products that could cause harm to themselves and their families." (FULL ARTICLE)
Environmental Working Group: Money Is The Power
We are accused as an industry, that we are fighting their non science tyranny against us based on vested interest and money being a motivator for this fight. Here is the truth behind their vested interest to keep you scared: A bit of the "pot calling the kettle black". Without it, they would be out of a job, so what better motivator to keep you scared than these generous salaries. These people are lobbyists, and we all know what lobbyists do, they place politicians in a position of being beholding to them based on promises given.
According to their 2008 Tax Filings
In 2008 Ken Cook was paid $219.401.00 plus another $21,295.00 estimated amount of other compensation from organization and related organizations.
Richard Wiles $179,218.00 plus $20,998.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
Jane Houlihan $150,226.00 plus $19,448.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
William Walker made $136,448.00 plus 19,743.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
Susan Comfort $115,752.00 plus $7932.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
Sandra Schubert $127,229.00 plus $4884.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
Alexander Formuzis $120,592.00 plus $10,920.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
Christopher Campbell $136,909.00 plus $11,988.00 estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations.
In case you got sick of reading the pay that is a total of $1,185,775.00 being paid to the top 8 employees of the Environmental Working Group just in 2008. The total estimated amount of other compensation from the organization or related organizations for the top 8 at EWG was $117,248.00. The total reported 2008 salaries for EWG was $3,203,747.00 in 2008. The 2008 total revenue at EWG was $6,242,570.00. Over half of their total revenue went into paying the employees of EWG. (FULL STORY)
The Real Costs Of Pre Market Testing
The tests it would take to get approval if Skin Deep (otherwise known as EWG) and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics force this legislation through:
$440.00 Paraben results in ppm $950.00 Nitrosamine results in ppm $950.00 Phthalate Free results in ppm $700.00 per metal Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium) results in ppm $275.00 Mercury results in ppm $1185.00 Standard 9 Metals $750.00 1,4 Dioxane results in ppm $275.00 Formaldehyde results in ppm $300.00 Ethylene Oxide results in ppm $450.00 Residuals results in ppm $1500.00 Fragrance allergens $350.00 Fragrance Allergens Confirmation test per sample, per per allergen
Total $8125.00 or more pre-market testing per product
So, if you have a number of products, this type of testing will literally shutdown, not only manufacturers, but raw ingredient suppliers whom may offer hundreds of different ingredients to the manufacturer of the end products.
The Decision Is Ours
What do you want from your personal care products? Do you want the freedom to choose? Isn't voting with your dollar the way to send messages to businesses if you don't like what they are selling? Do we really need more government regulation? Or regulation that dictates choice?
You should ask the hard question as to why are we being attacked as an industry when similar natural ingredients can be eaten or drank without the scrutiny of government or non governmental agencies? Remember the Phthalates story I wrote, how a single narrow study prompted congress to pass a law last year banning them in Toys, whereby putting small manufacturers of toys out of business. Lead was another concern, yet small indie manufacturers weren't using this in their toys anyway since the growing concern was based on toys coming out of China. But since they lumped the indies in with China exports, no exemption basically, due to the high cost of testing to prove indie toys were lead free and that they were already providing safer lead free toys, forced them to close up shop anyway. This is the same scenario here!
Trace elements of toxins by which they ascribe the theory, are "killing us", are the same ones found in fruits, vegetables and the water we drink....yet we continue to eat them because we also know of the benefits they provide to us in the form of antioxidants, fighting pathogens we are exposed to everyday. We simply cannot remove trace elements from all natural products since they are watered and planted in soil where much of these elements are taken up. This doesn't even account for the things we enjoy like bathing, swimming or singing in the rain, or planting our vegetable garden then enjoying them in our salad...because to eliminate these from our lives, we would need to live in a bubble.
So I ask, why is something slathered on the skin compared to something we eat as being the perpetrator of our illnesses? This is simply not factual and those that spread this hyperbole are either misinformed, or simply choose to not find or believe the science offered to disprove their theories....since this would defeat their purpose of scaring us....and this is their agenda, to gain control over one of the safest industries to date, and dictate our choices!
And I am relatively positive no one is eating their cosmetics!
You can drink coffee, but you can't put it on your skin...you can use Olive Oil on salads and cooking, but you can't put it on your skin.....you can eat fruits or vegetables, but you can't make a mask out of it...etc. I don't see a ban on cigarettes, but yet these are proven to be carcinogenic, irrefutably so....Looks like choice to me!
Hey EWG and CFSC and Congress, we can choose, and we do so by way of educating ourselves about ingredients, not because someone or some entity thinks we are too dumb for our own good.
And a very important question: Why would Congress choose to mandate such regulations that would place a further burden on the American people by taking away the very livelihoods of small businesses needed to provide an income for their families, and to contribute to the economy by providing jobs as they are allowed to flourish.
Also, since there are choices of more organic and naturally derived products, why is new regulation and FDA laws needed? If you listen to nothing else in the video put out by CFSC pay close attention to her last statement about choice....she is essentially stating your choice will be made for you! Hmmm....makes you wonder what is really the driving force of getting this legislation passed....in other words, what's next? My choice to eat a Twinkie, or consume alcohol or soda pop will be removed because NGO's deem them harmful? Now that's scary!
Also don't be misled that European companies have complied with no problems, since this also does not address smaller companies, as they did not survive the mandates and went out of business, and others can't even get started due to all the regulation based on "precautionary principle". Last year it was toys, now it is cosmetics, what is next years agenda?....what foods and drinks we can consume, since they are already taxing those that are deemed unhealthy choices.
I sincerely hope you'll see the seriousness of their premise and say "ENOUGH" to their controlling our lives by signing the petition and to also contact your state representatives and say "NO to HR 5786".
Thank you for your support!
Here is a link where you can directly oppose this proposed legislation at Janice Schakowsky site, a proponent to the bill. Click Here The downside is they require a sign in procedure that is not as simple as our petition site, and may be one reason for lack of participation, but I invite you to overlook this and make our opinion known. If we sit on the sidelines thinking others will do it for us, that is how people lose!
It's been all quiet on the online bloggy front from me for a week. I've been away on The Family Holiday (we survived: we got eaten by mosquitoes: we cycled around a lot and enjoyed it: we were in a tent and in sleeping bags so there was no nookie ....... but that's a whole other kettle of fish).
More importantly, I was offline for an entire four days!! and I didn't go nuts. I didn't crave or twitch, and didn't ditch the boys to run off to an internet cafe.
Instead I read self-help books and knitted (and slapped bugs - have I mentioned the mosquitoes?). These were not the usual self-help books (which means nothing since I don't think I've blogged about anything other than wardrobe crisis "what do i put my enormous new boobage into?" manuals).
The first book I romped through was "Speaking of Sadness" by Professor of Sociology, David Karp. It's a collection of interviews with people who have depression, curated by the author who has also dealt with it during his own life. What is different about the approach here is that the information comes first hand from those at the front of the condition i.e. the patients. There are some very candid descriptions of living with depression and facing up to treatment. What I found extremely interesting were the personal accounts of medical ie. pharmacological treatment, and the journey leading up to the decision to take drugs. On a more sobering note, almost all those interviewed emphasised that living with depression is living with a chronic disease, one with no remission, just acceptance and recognition. By no means am I as badly affected as those who cannot even get out of bed in the morning, but reading the accounts has made me realise how much it clamps down on all aspects of my life. For example, the references to isolation spoke volumes to me.
My second book on cheerful self-discovery and relationship improvement was "Loving Men More, Needing Men Less" by Judith Sills ....... I wasn't sure what was going on here until about a third of the way into the text. After an awful lot of explaining, Dr. Sills finally managed to reassure me that I wasn't on the road to becoming a surrendered wife (hell, no). Far from it, her feminist roots blazing to the fore, the reader is urged not to put up with crap, abuse or general suckage but to engineer a way of dealing with the 'relationship problems in hand' by rising above them to her own benefit (or at least that's how I'm summarising it all). There's a bit more discussion here as food for thought. And I slapped my own mosquitoes, thank you.
So ... not the usual "exotic romance" novels holiday reading then, eh? Not the usual "let's fix everything and everybody" self help manuals either. Although a little different in focus (!) each book represents a slightly new tangent for my thinking. In the first, yes I am admitting to mild to moderate depressive melancholia, but with the second I'm tackling its cause by looking at what I can change ie. my own outlook on the way I deal with the relationship issues, rather than focusing on what I cannot/have not/will likely never in a month of Sundays change.
yawn Yes, it's me, me, me, me again all the way. But with the focus that it's me that needs to grow, that I'm responsible for my own mental health, and that I can engineer my own happiness/success by concentrating on myself for a change.
forte!
PS: to all interested parties - this isn't a "get out of jail free" card BTW PPS: the knitting? "Greensleeves" from the 3rd Sublime Aran pattern book - halfway up the front now :)
Way too often, when most folk's think of acne and food, their first though is to the foods they think they have to avoid. Tastes like chocolate and French fries; donuts and cookies; and colas and coffee. Well, since I noticed my son's complexion looked a little dull and I went out and spent a fortune at the supermarket on fruit. Today, I thought I'd bang away on my keyboard and talk about the foods that not only taste great and are good for you and your acne, but are also unprocessed and natural. That's right kids, fruit natures acne food. The trifecta of what's good for you – FRUIT. What follows are a list of fruits you should most definitely include in your diet, particularly one that is geared towards getting rid of or preventing acne. The reason I have included them is because these actually are the fruits that I purchase at the market.
Apples - It may sound like a lot but you should try to eat two or three apples every day. Apples are great for a healthy complexion. Wash them well and don't be afraid to eat the skin as this is where most of the pectin resides which relieves constipation and is an excellent natural antioxidant. Apples are high in fiber and ascorbic acid, as well as minerals like; calcium, iron and potassium and vitamins A, B and C.
When I was young I hated apples. As a matter of fact I hated apples and potato chips. Those actually were the only foods that I disliked and it all was due to a pig out day I had when I was about 4 or 5 years old. The binge consisted of you guessed it; potato chips and apples. Well after getting sick and seeing the regurgitated mess on the floor. I never wanted to see, much less taste another apple or potato chip ever again. So I guess I missed out on the acne benefits of apples when I was a teen. But that was probably evened out by the fact that I never ate greasy potato chips. However it's amazing what a couple of decades will do, as I enjoy both foods today and get the acne food benefits of apples.
But I digress.
Apricots – These summer stone fruits are a great source of vitamin B complex and E, minerals, fiber and beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A. They are helpful in the alleviation and reduction of constipation. Additionally the anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit also make its juice a great topical acne treatment. Particularly when applied to cystic lesions.
Bananas –This probiotic fruit has been shown to help your body regulate the balance between good and bad bacteria, especially when it comes to the beneficial bacteria necessary to maintain optimal colonic function. By keeping this balance in check the bad bacteria are inhibited, thereby reducing the toxins which produce acne. Because this fruit contains live bacteria you should be careful not to overdo it and consider one banana a day a sensible limit.
Blackberries – another great source for beta-carotene and natural antioxidants. Additionally it is one of the few fruits that contain vitamin E, which greatly enhance you immune system. These berries are a natural source for salicylate. They also contain the photochemical; ellagic and lycopen which prevent damage to and promote healthy skin cells.
Blueberries – The healthful benefits of blueberries have been used in medical treatments for thousands of years. Is it any wonder? This fruit has probably the highest levels of antioxidant of any known food (the acai berry is giving it a run for the money). Research is also suggesting that one of the active elements of blueberries, Pterostilbene is a natural anti inflammatory. While it is more advantageous to eat fresh blueberries, frozen can be substituted.
Cantaloupes – An excellent source of vitamin A, C, and a lot of other proteins and minerals which places it high on any list of fruits to improve acne or your complexion. As a matter of fact the high level of vitamin A in these melons makes it a no brainer for inclusion on this food for acne list. But it doesn't stop there since it is also loaded with potassium. This allows injury to the skin caused by acne to heal much faster and its high folate content is beneficial in the maintenance and production of new cells.
Cherries – These are my favorites, although they can get a little pricy. Like all the other acne foods we have discussed so far. Cherries are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for proper health and fitness. But what makes cherries special, is they are one of the few sources of food known to have melatonin. Melatonin which is naturally produced in your body's pineal gland is an antioxidant that is necessary for the regulation of your biorhythms and sleep patterns. Which in turn insure proper regenerative rest and reduction of stress and the stress acne associated with it when an imbalance occurs.
Figs – Have been around round since the time of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. This fruit was most likely the first dried and stored by mankind. They are extremely high in fiber; beneficial to digestion and pureed makes an excellent sweetener for cooking as well as a substitute for sugar. While they are low in vitamin C they are a great way to get B6. As a nutrient, B6 is probably necessary for more bodily functions than any other and is not a place where you want to be caught short.
Grapefruits – Like most citrus fruits, grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C. But unlike its citrus cousins, it contains a phytonutrient lycopene. This antioxidant combats free radical damage in its quest to preserve your skins health, combat acne and ward off cellular damage due to aging. This fruit also contains Naringin, this phytochemical assists in the reduction of toxins in the liver, thereby leading to a better complexion. On the down side, Naringin can interfere with the livers ability to break down some drugs; divalproex sodium and aspirin just to name two. It's a good idea to speak with your doctor and or pharmacist about grapefruit if you are taking any medications, either prescription or over the counter.
While this list of foods that fight acne is by no means all inclusive. It is a good start. I would of considered including; grapes, plums, strawberries, mangoes and raspberries. While the supermarket had them, I didn't care for the way they looked, so they have been excluded. Of course, if you want to talk about them or any other of natures acne foods. Feel free to use the comment box.
Okay some of you were willing to take the time to click on our poll within the blog and let me know what you like, and some of you decided to email me instead.
The results thus far are pretty much even, but the poll can still be taken for another 20 or so days at the upper right corner of the actual blog. So if you haven't voted, please do so to let your viewpoint count. Just click on article title to go to the original blog.
Chomping At The Bit
Okay, now upon seeing the trend of votes, I have seen the sentiment for the most part and I am going to listen to you, my readers....
However, just a wrinkle...I am jiggling my foot off the edge of my desk rail and snatching myself bald headed, barely able to contain myself....fighting the urge to let you know the latest since the last blog on government intervention into the beauty biz, and believe me there has been plenty....
But "NO" I am going to resist and do some fun stuff, and steer away from the pulse of the biz...at least for this week. In fact, I have decided to allow some of this to play out and then I'll update you when there is a summary of information instead of play by play as it happens. So here's to keeping it fun and simple this week....
Avocado Facial Mask
These are so wonderful, especially during the summer when our skin is exposed to the heat and sun...it tends to get dried out, chapped, sunburned, peeling and even itchy. This mask will work wonders on dry skin and make it feel soothed, soft and moist.
What You'll Need....
1/2 of very ripe, squishy avocado 1 Tb of natural Honey 1 Tb of natural yogurt (plain) a bit of lemon juice for toning and exfoliating (optional) your favorite essential oil if you like
If you get your avocado really squishy, a fork is all that you'll need. Now mash it until it is smooth and creamy. Remember Avocado oil is wonderful and an extremely deep penetrating oil rich in A, D and E and potassium. It is high in Sterolins, soothing skin irritations and itching associated with it. This infuses intensive moisture to the skin, yet is perfect for every skin type, especially for softening mature skin.
Now stir in your honey until smooth again. Honey is a natural antibacterial ingredient and works wonders on toning the appearance of skin.
Add the yogurt next and stir it all together. Yogurt is perfect as the cleansing agent in your mask and due to the lactic acid it possesses, it works great for soothing and softening skin while it refines the pores and tones.
Once it is all mixed, I pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (about 5-10) just to take the chill off.
Now add a drop or two of your essential oil (optional)....or squeeze a slice of lemon into the mask, approximately a teaspoon.
Prepare your skin with warm water, and do not wash prior to the mask, as this would be a bit of overkill on the skin. The avocado mask will work fine for getting skin clean. But of course, make sure your face doesn't have any mineral makeup on it....so on your day off or in the morning is the best time.
Now gently pat all over the face and neck and relax for a bit, about 15 minutes or more....then rinse and apply a facial toner and your favorite skin cream....or simply let your face go "au naturale" for the day. You'll be amazed at the softness and soothing comfort this mask brings to dry, chapped or sunburned skin.
Tip: Now I have stated before with other food grade masks, you can store them for a day if you like, but note, just like bananas, avocado's will turn black with air. So my advice is again, to eat it as long as it is all food grade.....in fact chop some onion in and have a bit of dip for your taco chip.... Don't eat the Essential Oil please!
Mr. Connoisseur and I are proud to announce the arrival of our baby girl. She decided to make her debut two and a half weeks early and is thriving and doing great. Thank you so much for all of your lovely messages and your support as we enjoy this amazing time in our life.
Wee Guy waves 'surrender' on the annual family camping trip
It's Friday - nominally my 'day off' this week as my Summer Fun teens class ended yesterday (thank you, young ladies, I had a blast of a week in your company). So today I thought I would have some R 'n' R (that's rest and relaxation, not rock n roll or ribonucleotide reductase in clarification, though as a full-blooded mid-life woman a little of the former with the movie star of my choice would make the wish list too).
But it's also the day before the family camping trip ..... and all you stay-at-homes know what that means. Yes, I'll be swinging from my ankles sorting 'gear' into the various Rubbermaid storage totes for our trip and packing stuff for the Wee Guy (toys and all) ..... on my day off. This year is slightly different as we're going to a 'walk-in' site - I'm not sure what kind of walk-in (heck, I don't even know what time we're checking in) or what kind of distance is involved. I could go online and check up but It's Not Me Who Booked The Trip.
yes, i even have to file the cat
Somehow, being the Shut-In Stay-At-Home has brought the additional job title of Family Organiser. I apparently am responsible for a plethora (a great word - say it again with feeling, plethora) of administrative scheduling tasks ranging from out-of-school programming to date nights, encompassing pet vaccinations, house maintenance, sex and holiday packing, and ending up with the more mundane matters of spring cleaning/decluttering, watering the lawn and pet boarding. Oh and I run a great reminder service too (round here it's called Nagging Inc.). It's easy for a family holiday to turn into 'somewhere with a different kitchen, remembering all the things I forgot to pack or organise before we left home'.
Have you read "Equally Shared Parenting" by Marc and Amy Vachon? (link below - do buy it and swell my coffers). I've been dipping in and out as I trundle round the house. It's a fascinating peek into a world where parents do indeed share everything; the parenting, the housework, the outside work. It requires a huge shift in thinking away from traditional gender or parenting roles, and requires both sexes to re-imagine living together as parents. For instance, mums could no longer use motherhood as an excuse to avoid 'going out' to work (yes, I know that sounds harsh - please do read the book to see it in context)) and dads would have to open their minds to making domestic duties/childcare a priority in the old grey matter. The emphasis is on ample communication, as well as trust in the partner to make the sharing equal. In translation for a camping trip, this would not involve one parent making the booking then being nagged asked to check through the camping gear, leaving the other parent to arrange pet sitting, packing, re-packing the "organised" camping gear, contemplating transport of camping gear into a walk-in site, packing for the child, conjuring up a mini menu and selecting store cupboard items to take in a vacuum of information. It would involve discussion (not interrogation) followed by delegation (not automatic assumption) of tasks involved to make it A Family Holiday (goshdarnit).
nope, i don't understand it either!
It would also be a glorious run-through for what I'm contemplating next in my life as a mother ie. 're-entering the workforce' (yes, that phrase is totally dripping with sarcasm*- one bazillion points to whoever spotted it). There is no way I can ever imagine taking up paid employment and still have all the household/relationship/parenting/childcare/concierge duties solely on my plate. I'm not completely stupid/masochistic - adding to my workload has never been part of my career plan.
Neither has being a concierge, though I think I might be quite good at it.
PS: please do remind me to type out info sheets for the pet sitters. k thnx bai happy holidays :)
*not a wildly correct link, but a funny one nonetheless
As I sit her pondering away about today's article, staring at my keyboard, I sometimes am reminded to be careful to avoid burnout by my fellow beauty industry friends.
I truly love writing my articles and getting down to the crux of issues, however, in doing this in most cases, it leaves very little time for myself.
Combined with keeping my business growing and running smoothly, answering the important emails by customers, staying in the forefront of government regulation, and creating something new and interesting each week for my loyal readers, can be a challenge....but I do love a challenge...always have.
As most of you know, many of my articles are quite involved and take a ton of research on my part in order to bring the facts as I find them, to you. And as has been the pattern of late, much of my articles seem to be running together over industry issues, such as EWG, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, FDA and government and lobbyists trying to change the playing field in terms of cosmetic manufacturers.
The problem is trying to keep these issues from controlling the context of my articles. It almost feels like on a daily basis, I am getting notifications within my network of associates, that some new legislation is being drafted and the negative impact it will not only have on small businesses, but our industry as a whole. So of course I wish to make my customers and readers aware of this since it is customers voices which also need to be heard when it comes to their choices in personal care products. It should always be about "choice".
Feels Like Beating A Dead Horse
Of course much of what I write is newsworthy and needs to be disseminated to the public to fight back the rhetoric and scare tactics being used by the unscrupulous and to always provide the science instead of the fiction. However, I also feel as though I am sacrificing my creative side, sense of humor, and simplicity by not writing about the articles which I truly enjoy bringing to all of you. And of course, I never want to contribute to reader apathy!
Sometimes I feel that if I don't bring out the latest things happening which can affect all of us, I am being remiss in my duties of keeping you informed.....it just feels like it is the same battle day in and day out. It can be all consuming and all so "serious", like a dark cloud looming overhead!
So Your Opinion Matters!
Many of you write to me via the RSS feed or email and share your opinions, and though support is overwhelming for what I do bring to the table, I am also concerned about those that may not write to me, but may be feeling the tone of my articles are becoming too political when it comes to beauty.
And, believe me, I feel this way at times, as though the "fun" has left my articles, and it has been smothered by negative jargon....but then again this just may be me, and every one of you are content with what I offer each week.
Then there are the days when I am fired up with passion and renewed vigor with a sense of purpose to take a stand against those that wish to harm our industry, until I step outside onto my patio and listen to singing finches and sip my coffee to sounds of the waterfall within my garden.....aahh, the dark cloud is lifted like the sun rises over a tranquil sandy beach, casting a warmth and reflective glow over the ocean. (My Happy Place)
A small problem I face.... I have in my mind a great, fun, interesting article to write about, only to have it get set aside yet again due to some new threat of legislation, or a perfunctory of more disinformation getting spread like wildfire throughout the internet.
Is It Just Me?
What I decided to do is place a Poll which is completely anonymous within the Skin Care Guide and it is in the upper right hand corner of the side margin, asking what articles you prefer and you can choose more than one. So your "Vote" counts and will help me decide at what level and direction I should take when writing future articles. This would also really help me to determine if I am just experiencing my "dark cloud" moment, or if this is also how my readers feel.
hard at work, New Westminster Farmer's Market ... and it's Tuesday already .... but enough of the self-flagellation.
One of the hardest exercises I found at Mama Renew was thinking about my support network. Firstly, I summarised, mine is 8000km away. There's no handy popping round the corner to visit family when you've emigrated across continents. Secondly, and even more acute at the time, I realised how little of a support network I actually had in place around me. Sure, I had the emergency-type social services help which would step in until 8000km-away lil' sis could book her airfare over here to help out, but where was the 'not life or death' support in my life? Where was coffee-with-a-friend support? Where was the shoulder to cry/rant on? Where was the last minute keep-an-eye-on-the-kid help? Where was the friendly neighbour with an open house for the Wee Guy when family matters intervened? Where was the extremely short notice babysitter?
Where, in fact, was any kind of childminding full stop? I'd recently 'let go' my after school care and the Wee Guy's favourite playdates had re-emigrated or gone into fulltime after school programs.
In summary - we/I had no support network at all. Bummer (my least favourite class).
Or at least that's what I thought. I stepped out and re-connected with a local babysitter. We might have some playdate potential on the go. After-school care doesn't seem such an impossibility now (indeed, after last term all concerned realise it is actually a necessity). Indeed following a hypothetical (but IRL) job interview and discussing the possibilities with mr ebb, after-school care may not be such a 'biggie".
Yes, you're correct - child care is top of my list in developing a support network. I'm willing to admit I'm somewhat obsessed with the matter right now as I consider What To Do With The Rest Of My Life. Just about any option under consideration (any sane option) includes The Childcare Question. So what do other mums do?
Well ..... it is a wee bit of a touchy subject. "It" being childcare which allows mum to fly the nest and be 'employed' or whatever. Not many of the high fliers mention much about the nitty gritty, except to say that they work late into the night after children's bedtimes. At a recent momcafe event, the nanny seemed to figure prominently in the world of "women who get things other than staying at home done". Over on Amber's blog, Sue Sinclair of Raspberry Kids was kind enough to answer my possibly intrusive questioning about childcare arrangements. Other interviews I've seen or heard in the media mention very little about working around the lives of a young family, apart from stressing how much activity goes on after the kids are in bed. I'm starting to feel that women are fed up being judged as poor mothers if they admit to any kind of extra help with the kids or are honest about needing to sleep at night for a full eight hours ... so they say nothing. There is a new kind of supermum on the block!
I'm in complete agreement however, that to be an effective mum it is important to be happy and fulfilled. This is a purely personal objective too. While I cannot understand some parenting/work arrangements, if it works for that family then I'll applaud it and probably take notes for inspiration.
The question for me is, what will work well for me and for my child? I got a very swift and surprising gut reaction to how much after-school care I feel is too much. I also faced up to how many days a week I was willing to contract out parenting to someone else. For the first time in my life I'm having to consider employment in terms of the needs of two people; my son and myself. We are still very interlinked and it has amazed me how automatically his needs have crept into my deliberations recently. Job-hunting as a couple - hmmmm.
PS: I cry on the shoulder of my blog (though it sucks for coffee dates).
One morning in Paris as I ventured to the salle de bain in my pajamas, Madame Chic stopped me. The look on her face was one of concern.
“Jennifer,” she said (in French, bien sûr), “Did I do that in the laundry?”
She was referring to the hole in the knee of my sweat pants- my favorite white sweat pants that I wore religiously.
“Oh no!” I exclaimed, eager to ease her mind. “These have had a hole in the knee for ages!”
The look of concern on Madame Chic’s face grew to one of confusion. “Why would you keep them if they have a hole in the knee?” she asked.
I remember looking at her, in her chic kimono style dressing gown- her hair pulled gently back from her face. “That is a very good question,” I said with embarrassment. “I don’t know.”
And the truth was, I didn’t know. Why did I haul my ratty old holey sweatpants all the way from California to Paris (Paris!) to wear as sleepwear? Yes, they were comfortable, but they weren’t that comfortable. I was instantly horrified/ enlightened.
That afternoon I headed straight to Etam and bought some suitable pajamas. (I’ll never forget them. I bought two pairs- a cream colored structured button down pajama set and a pretty orange lace chemise) The white holey sweatpants were thrown in the bin.
From that moment on, I developed a taste for lovely sleepwear...
My favorite brands are Calvin Klein Intimates (they put out beautiful pieces each season) and Intimissimi (I purchase something from their Kings Road shop whenever I am in London).
I used a recent gift certificate to Bloomingdales on this beautiful set of sleepwear by Calvin Klein (pictured above and below). I really enjoy sets because you can mix and match the options. I purchased a chemise, camisole, pant and dressing gown- all black with a plum lace trim. Perfectly understated and the sort of item that I wouldn’t mind anyone seeing me in…
Well, in the spirit of true lack-of-time it's-the-summer-vacation-ness I am settled in Starbucks with a cup of Zen tea, trusty notebook connected to the (hopefully) trusty wireless hot spot, to roll the latest friday forte of the keyboard and into blogdom.
Yes, I'm doing it last minute.
But my inbox this morning has knocked me sideways. Holy crap! I got shortlisted for a job interview .... next week ...... possibly Monday .....
..... so now all I can think of is childcare logistics for The Day, brushing up my editing skills and what the heck in my SAHM-wardrobe constitutes interview wear for a heatwave?
PS: I should also be thinking about the class I'm teaching next week, summer plans, a camping trip, the garage door, the guins' staycation, the cat's staycation, summer camp, marketing, making stuff and my parents' wedding anniversary.
Yes, all ten weeks of summer vacation without the 'free' childminding that is 'fulltime' schooling in place.
Well, we have plans! I have plans, even the Wee Guy has plans. Even mr ebb had plans but his were a bit more extreme than ours so we won't mention them out loud. We tacked a huge sheet of paper to the wall, roughed out a grid calendar and mapped out the (many) weeks we had ahead of us. The Wee Guy has filled in all his summer camps and I have added a few other activities. Alongside the calendar is an equally huge sheet with all the drop-in programs and excursions available in the area.
We're both reasonably confident we'll make it through .......... somehow.
When enjoying the hot weather, it definitely has a side effect of heavier perspiration causing abrasion of clothing against sweating skin, whereby becoming sticky and causing related heat rashes and blocked pores. Some of us suffer from additional pronounced acne on parts of our body where it just shouldn't be.
Keeping our faces clean, especially after exercise, is key to keeping acne reduced since perspiration can lead to acne outbreaks due to congestion of pores. Mineral makeup of course can help to curb this by wearing it while exercising. It will absorb excess perspiration and leave the skin cooler, and works all day until you wash it off.
But for helping with our body parts, we often need to do more than just shower and use antiperspirants.
The Not So Obvious
Now for the parts of the body that can also suffer during our hottest summer months which are finally upon us.
The area under our bras (sports bra), between our thighs, back of our knees, underarms, under the elastic in our underwear, or simply in the folds of our skin, especially skin that now sags as we get older. Something I am currently enjoying at this stage of my life.
When these areas perspire and no air is allowed to circulate, especially under the bosom where sports bras or under wire bras rest, it can become the next breeding ground for forming fungal and acne issues. Literally, moisture is held in this area for extended periods of time causing problems for the skin and the consequence is painful little pimples to also becoming cystic. Something I also am now dealing with.
Showering is great for getting and keeping these areas clean, but it only takes a single bout of perspiration to begin the process of the endless cycle of acne or a fungal infection.
My Secret Weapon
The best thing I have found during this time of year of enjoying hot weather, working out in my yard or doing some sort of outdoor activity, such as golf, bike riding, or taking my walk, is using a powder that is not only cooling upon application (menthol), but offers slip (dry lubrication), absorbing properties and assists with inflammation (zinc oxide). What you'll find on the label:
Active Ingredients: Menthol (0.15%), Zinc Oxide (1%)
Inactive Ingredients: Talc, Acacia, Eucalyptol, Methyl Salicylate, Salicylic Acid, Thymol, Zinc Stearate (227-073) Gold Bond Medicated Powder has been around for ages yet is generally overlooked due to so many choices on the market, and it does not fall into the beauty category.
It's name is not glamorous....in fact it almost sounds industrial or medical....Gold Bond Medicated Powder.
It's packaging is nothing special as it sits among other medications for feet and fungal problems, yet beckons for one to take a gander at its' less than attractive yellow container.
I have used this to assist my anti fungal creams and to prevent future breakouts, and for keeping my acne breakouts to a minimal on the parts of my body where air flow is nonexistent and perspiration is high. It has been especially useful for wearing under my sports bra when working out, or for all day wear after my shower in the areas of my body that are smothered with clothing. And the acne, which I was getting, is now stopped and the remainder is drying up and going away....plus no more itching under my bra....and the noticeable instant cooling sensation is quite pleasant when it comes in contact with hot or irritated skin.
So basically unless you are afforded the opportunity to run around naked, this is a great alternative for keeping your cool during the summer months.
Uh Oh! But It Contains Talc
Okay, we have probably all seen the scare mongers at work once again in regard to Talc. And I have done thorough research on this ingredient, and as it has been in the past for so many other maligned, natural or otherwise, ingredients, Talc is also an ingredient where there isn't any scientific study to show conclusively that it causes cancer in any form.
Perhaps in many years since past, when tiny fibers related to Asbestos could be found in mined talc, this is no longer the case. Talc in cosmetic products has all the toxic metals and asbestos fibers removed as required by law, and the link to Ovarian Cancer has not actually been proven valid. Plus the particle size utilized in personal care products is 5 microns or larger.
But, if you are a person wishing to err on the side of caution, then do not use it in the genital area. But to avoid it all together and the benefits it offers skin in silken slip versus using silicone derivatives for the same feel, in my opinion, is not warranted. I'll take Gold Bond Powder which utilizes the Talc for its moisture absorption properties and slip, any day of the week.
Although inhalation studies on rats showed a link to lung damage in different forms, this study does not extrapolate to humans. Plus, the study was conducted with rats being forced to inhale the talc for 6 hours a day for 2 years.....hmmm....now let's see, is this the average use of the consumer?....
Let's get serious now! Again another over inflated study forcing high quantities onto the animal to show the (supposed) dangers. Chronic toxicity is more likely the cause based on aspiration overload on the rats. The same thing could happen to any of us including small children if we buried our faces in a pile of powder and sucked it in.....or one could drown also if we inhaled a bunch of water.
And unfortunately, those that spread the hyperbole of hysteria, yet again, are mainly spreading this lopsided information for their own marketing purposes, such as "all natural" products.
But wait a minute, Talc is "all natural" isn't it?.....is "all natural" the best for us or not?
We are also looking at a single narrow study instead of the entire research which was actually performed in human studies as in the articles above, especially the one on Therapeutic uses.
Literally when I Google Talc, I cannot believe the repetitive titles of "Talc is bad", Talc is dangerous", "Talc causes cancer", etc. etc.
But once you filter through the rhetoric and find the deeply buried actual studies (since they are never at the top of the search engines) as I provided here, it is easy to get caught up in the scary side of this issue. Fear is emotion and emotion drives our ideals. So what better way to steer someone away from your competitor than by emoting fear in them?
Bottom Line
It is strictly a personal choice of course, but at least now you have the data and actual case studies to draw from instead of a bunch of hyperbole to rely on. And again, that is what is so great about this whole personal care products industry.....your right to choose among the many products available.
My sincerest hope is that we all choose based on the facts and not out of fear perpetuated by misguided and scientifically challenged bloggers, literally taking everything they see written by others, and regurgitate it into the endless flurry of unsubstantiated science.
Enjoy your weekend and stay cool! Woo hoo, now that is what I call keeping your cool!
This product was purchased and used by me and this is not a paid endorsement, but my own research based on the benefits I personally experienced.
There are some questions I need to ask. Some questions that I never realised I should ask, until now.
Were there days when the frustration of endless housework was worse than the frustration of not knowing how to break out of it? Were there days where despite having been on your feet all day that absolutely no progress had been made? and there was the expectation of doing it all over again tomorrow?
Were there days after breakfast when you didn't speak to a living soul? When your first conversation began, "So how was school today?" or did you find yourself talking to yourself/the cat/the guinea pigs/the floor mop? Did they answer back?
Were there days when you envied those of us for leaving the house and getting out into the Big Wide World? Were there times when you hated us for being able to do so? And, as a total contradiction, did you dread the weekends since it would mean we were all at home together?
Were there days when you waved us off down the path to the school bus, and then went straight back to bed because the alternative of staying awake and conscious was too much? Did you ever look round at your empty house and wonder "What am I going to do all day?" Did you ever look round the empty house and say, "How am I going to do this for the rest of my life?"
Were there days when all you wanted to do was scream at the injustice and unrelenting boredom of it all? When you wanted to kick and scream at being so financially dependent and trapped? or were they tempered with calmness knowing there was a man lovingly looking after and providing for his family? or did this just make you feel guilty about being frustrated anyway?
Did you ever look in the mirror and wonder where all those years went? and more to the point, what was in all those years for you? Apart from successfully raising two daughters to adulthood, did those years mean anything to you? Can you say you were fulfilled?
Were there days when you calmed your thoughts, thinking that it would be different in the future for your daughters if they had families?
Sadly they're not but I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did and gave up to stay at home for us.
Just a quick post today as I've got an "invalid" to look after.
One of the first tasks I took away from my mama renew mondays (geez, i miss you ladies!) was taking a pause during the evening to journal one positive moment of my day. Ugh! My first thoughts; what a wishy washy task ....... but after two weeks of getting it all down on paper (I missed only two evenings - yay me) I did notice a real difference in my thought patterns. One of my reasons for taking part in the workshop was to try turn around my extremely negative thinking and I'm happy to say that, by and large, it has worked.
My notes in my journal sum it up.
- out with the negativity, in with the positivity - retraining the brain - improving the mood - changing attitude - improving my relationship with myself
PS: most of the problems remain the same though but at least they're not eating away at my mental health and wellbeing so much
Sometimes a feeling has been around for so long that it can be hard to let go even if it's for the best, even if it feels like it's a part of who you are, even if you're a little nervous that you'll still be you on the other side.
Habits are hard to kick, and so are emotions.
We know a song about letting go ....... (said in best children's TV presenter style)
Lithium, don't want to lock me up inside Lithium, don't want to forget how it feels without Lithium, I want to stay in love with my sorrow Oh, but God, I want to let it go
Come to bed, don't make me sleep alone Couldn't hide the emptiness you let it show Never wanted it to be so cold Just didn't drink enough to say you love me
I can't hold on to me Wonder what's wrong with me
Lithium, don't want to lock me up inside Lithium, don't want to forget how it feels without Lithium, I want to stay in love with my sorrow
Oh, don't want to let it lay me down this time Drown my will to fly Here in the darkness I know myself Can't break free until I let it go Let me go
Darling, I forgive you after all Anything is better than to be alone And in the end I guess I had to fall Always find my place among the ashes
I can't hold on to me Wonder what's wrong with me
Lithium, don't want to lock me up inside Lithium, don't want to forget how it feels without Lithium, I want to stay in love with you Oh, I'm gonna let it go
writer: Amy Lee for Evanescence (awesome music vid here)
A Happy Canada day to all my readers, in Canada or not!
It's the start of the long weekend for some.
In Port Moody it's the start of the Golden Spike festival (celebrating our links with the railway line across this huge country) and, more importantly, our annual fertility festival firefighters' pancake breakfast morning. Each year the strong and the brave dust off their equipment, toss things deftly on hot griddles with spatulas, and ask innocently, "Would you like sausage with that?". Don't forget to check out the buns either. It runs over two days so you can go back for seconds (be still my beating heart).
smirk!
... and PS: it's not just my fevered imagination. Mums of Port Moody - don't think I haven't noticed all the extra grooming that goes into getting ready for breakfast with firefighters every year .......
Dads of Port Moody - time to embrace a summer exercise routine I think.
It seems like a tireless journey of wading through the continuous changes and updates within the cosmetics and skincare industry, trying to always make sure we remain updated at every level.
New photos, take down of pages, updated or changing information and added features such as our Beauty News, Specials & Events, and our new comments box have been occurring since the first part of this year. But what I want to address most importantly are page take downs and product information. This is getting done as my web team has time and I have the time to get them the latest information. It is a constant state of a "work in progress". Plus as we progress forward, much of the information becomes antiquated as the industry thrives and changes. So in the future, our best updates for all pertinent information will be provided through Beauty News since these will be dated when published and later articles will be representative of the latest information as it becomes available to us. Same with our Skin Care Guide!
Not Blatantly Clear And Most Times Confusing
Since our inception and as an FDA registered company, it has been a confusing undertaking at times to disseminate FDA regulations, since much of what they put out there is simple at best, yet can also be conflicting information. In dealing with the FDA, just when you think you have interpreted their meaning, something sticks out to contradict it. I have spent countless hours in phone conversations with the FDA: Cosmetics and Color division, only to have further confusion instilled when asking for clarifications on product labeling and product description. In most cases you can get a completely different answer on a different day than the last. In the cosmetic community, many of us look to each other for assistance on clarifying the regulations. This then becomes a practice of the "blind leading the blind". Most of my compatriots are equally confused, and what they may be doing is not necessarily accurate either. The length of being in business has little to do with their compliance. So as information becomes available to me, I do my best to comply. And of course watching the huge names in cosmetics.....bad idea always, since they seem to skirt the regulations at every opportunity for marketing purposes.
A History Of Vague Language
The FDA favors utilizing vague language when it comes to product descriptions since they realize the cosmetics industry works with some forms of puffery to a degree to promote its' products as the best, as long as the company doesn't make a medical claim.
Labeling for the most part is straight forward, but in regard to issues like "may contain" USA reference or +/- (symbol) or "color index" and "INCI" names which are utilized by the European Union, are not necessarily endorsed by the FDA. Though there may be some benefit in the future after educating the public on these identifiers, to date the FDA responds with concern about confusion to the consumer especially in terms of INCI since consumers do not recognize the Latin name and CI (color index) does not translate the approved colors by FDA standards. Of course the scientific or synthetic chemical name is always used as it was originally created whether we as a consumer recognize it or not.
The color name and Herbal Extracts and Essential Oils must have the clear and concise English common named assigned on product labels to avoid confusion or problems with possible reactions to the consumer. They have equal concerns of several other issues as well. Letters petitioning the FDA with proposals from CTFA, now known as the Personal Care Products Council, on asking the FDA to comply with EU standards, are below. This is why you will see the Latin along with the English common name in parentheses on a label to be both EU and FDA compliant since many of us ship overseas.
Searching their site at times becomes and exercise in futility, mixed with frustration on my part and ambiguity most often on theirs.
An example of this is made clear in this Lawsuit against the FDA on Vague and Ambiguous Language. Once I discovered this, it gave me great relief that I wasn't simply dim-witted (I was beginning to wonder there for awhile), or trying to deliberately ignore what should be the obvious. Best part, there are others when dealing with the FDA, not getting to the core issues of interpretation of the regulations since they seem to be interpreted differently by many. Also Sheppard Mullin & Company, Attorneys at Law in the Beauty Industry, give an excellent representation of how difficult it is for the FDA to clarify standards when Federal Courts find in favor of the manufacturers in terms of their product descriptions. Plus the courts are careful to not employ censorship in their legal decision!
It is clear, certain claims on cosmetics cannot cross the line of OTC (over the counter) drugs, such as making claims that using a certain skincare or makeup product will heal or cure something without the proper clinical trials. But as to how far a company can go in conveying an intended purpose is the fine line that many cross, perhaps unintentionally. However, there are also those that make ridiculous claims and this invariably becomes a blatant violation of FDA Regulations. Literally, no room for interpretation! And for those that practice this, it gives our industry a "black eye" even though there are many that do not practice this level of questionable marketing tactics.
Example: Using Essential Oils and making the claim that symptoms of multiple sclerosis or parkinson's disease are improved, or are all but gone by simply massaging the oil into the skin.
This isn't to say that some haven't found relief with holistic medicine in the form of ingestion of herbal remedies, but there simply isn't any incontrovertible evidence of the other method working. And as some studies show, placebo effects may have similar result. The mind is a powerful tool! Plus FDA requires the proper trials for FDA approval as an OTC drug when making such a claim.
As a blogger also, it was important to have facts in all cases when necessary.....FDA stated that ingredients can be remarked on as to their reputed properties showing their benefits in the holistic medical community through decades of scientific research. Whereby I created an ingredient glossary depicting their attributes of a specific ingredient, but did not make a medical claim on the actual product. But now, only to learn again from another FDA source that my ingredient glossary cannot contain descriptives which imply healing or curing at the same site as where products are purchased, even though I never made a claim as to the overall product itself. But as it was explained to me, the inference of a benefit from an ingredient and its' inclusion into a product means the same thing to the FDA.
Also, the FDA has been notorious for changing the rules when they deem it necessary, and due to some of the vague language in times past, and only targeting some companies for violations, even when they provide sound science, while allowing others to basically continue with false claims, has been a bone of contention among the naturalists in the vitamin and natural foods community. This article is a prime example of such action. Alliance For Natural Health, Cherries and Walnuts!
The Alliance for Natural Health brought suit against the FDA and won. What they argued was on the premise of censorship of holistic / medical benefits of a certain ingredient for staving off cancer, literally preventing display of the scientific research to back up the claim. This ruling was important since it help set a precedent for the naturalists and to prevent FDA from censoring information which maybe in direct conflict with big Pharma. Alliance for Natural Health Story of this landmark case. The judge in this case, in effect, said that food and dietary supplement producers have a right under the free speech doctrine to talk about the science behind the product so long as they accurately represent that science.
Perhaps one day we can enjoy the same within the cosmetic industry in regard to natural skincare since many consumers through testimonials and clinical trials, have seen improvement using natural products versus using prescription topical creams, whether for reducing signs of aging or for a skin affliction. This is something to certainly look forward to.
Looking In Another Direction For Clarity
However, until such time, instead of dealing with the FDA, I looked to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) for clarification. Their language is not ambiguous....it is straight forward, to the point, and no room for interpretation.....Hallelujah!
Basically, the FTC states that no products offered as a cosmetic can be represented as curing or healing, including providing ingredient lists with the inference of doing same for its' intended purpose. Complete controlled clinical studies must be performed on the combined formulation of ingredients since potency and efficacy may not be retained, or may be altered from the individual ingredients' purported benefit, depending on composition of the completed formula.
Natural Sunscreen Claims
The same goes for SPF claims in mineral makeup or other skincare products without the FDA testing required to prove benefit. This testing is not only expensive, but it is also subjective to how much of a product is applied, rarely achieving the actual SPF Rating due to application technique.
Mineral Powders for instance, rarely will reach the levels claimed due to how little is used, and is a key factor in not pursuing our SPF Rating at all. Yet you see a multitude of mineral makeup companies making this claim....such as on average an SPF of 15-25 can be achieved...it is a great guess and I am sure it is based on their own experiences or on product trials as it was with my minerals when we launched, but apparently even estimates cannot be shared without the clinical studies. I have since removed this verbiage from my site.
Most common sense dictates what titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used for, and the FDA endorses these as broad spectrum sunscreens through scientific research, reflected in the fact they are approved as an OTC drug for UVA and UVB protection, listing these two ingredients as "active" on the label. So the incontrovertible scientific research is there on these ingredients.
However, without the clinical tests performed by each independent company selling products containing these ingredients, they cannot even make a claim to offering natural sun protection, based on what I stated above. I totally understand the SPF claim without testing since sunscreen ratios change from product to product, regardless of SPF determination, they still are natural sunscreens in any context.
Government is clearly not perfect and doesn't always make any sense. Personally, I see it as a way to gain more revenue from the cosmetic companies by imposing these regulations to this degree even though the research of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide has already been done by others showing their natural properties for protecting skin from the suns' harmful rays, and have gone through the FDA approval process.
The article from ANH Lawsuit clearly explains the ulterior motives FDA may have, comparing the same analogy that no one can obtain a patent on these two ingredients, so why go through the expense of duplicating testing only to come up with the same result of being able to state they offer natural sun protection.
Redundancy seems pointless to me! Perhaps someday this too will change as censorship of data is further explored within our industry. The Vitamin and Natural Food industries are certainly taking a stand based on "qualified" claims.
The same thing goes for individual ingredients, as they also cannot be described as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-fungal unless noted in a preservative context. Otherwise it gives the inference that it will do something for problem skin. I have also removed this language from my site.
Are we aware of what organic and natural ingredients offer in overall health benefits?....Most of us are! Do we recognize their Holistic properties as provided by other resourced data?.... Most of us do! Can I claim it on my site and shout it from the rooftops?....NO!
Most of us know there are age defying ingredients being successfully used with proven results in clinical studies and we can see and feel improvement on our skin. I mean, think about it, if the benefits of an ingredient didn't perform in the manner of which it is intended, then we all might as well smear Vaseline or Olive oil on our skin and call it a day. This is certainly a conundrum!
So, in accordance with FTC mandates, this is where I will comply since nothing is open to interpretation and I thank this entity for clarifying the issues for me, not only as a manufacturer, but as a consumer as well. I may not agree with these rules, but I will abide by them.
Let me clearly state this is being done voluntarily and I have not received any "warning" letters from FDA or FTC. I simply wish, as always, to conduct business in a transparent and ethical manner. Truth in Labeling continues to be a part of my business ethic, even if the scientific truth about ingredients cannot be displayed.
Customer Testimonials
I love receiving all of your letters telling your stories of how our products worked for your skin whether it behaves normally and functions to perfection, or you're someone who struggles with a skin affliction. Regardless of how wonderful you think our products are, the FTC states, we can't allow testimonials on our site which contain raves claiming that our products cured, cleared up or healed the affliction. In doing this, it connotes it is an OTC drug!
The FDA doesn't even touch on this anywhere on their site, yet call them, and they find no ruling against placing testimonials on my site.....but wait....in a return phone call within 15 minutes of my initial phone call to them, they stated, I can't put testimonials on my site with a medical claim, (I guess they checked with the powers that be).... but added I can discuss and place them at my blog.....huh?!
And it should be noted in avoidance of censorship, based on journalistic pursuits which is what my Skin Care Guide is for..... I can present reputed benefits and scientific data about individual ingredients when it is available, when constructing one of my many articles on skin health. But yet again, this may allow the FDA to change the game when necessary by not having a distinct outline or clarification of the rules. When asked for a list of what I can and can't say.... they simply wouldn't commit in this regard.
However, keep those testimonials coming and I'll keep searching for the truth and writing about it. And, if someone else writes a blog and tries our products, as in the past, and wants to convey their findings as to how our products performed, then this is out of my control. The FTC or the FDA are not concerned with bloggers who bear no relationship to the companies they enjoy using and writing about their products, unless they are endorsing the company they are reviewing based on receiving some form of payment or Free trial products, then they must disclose this fact to the public.
Be aware though, if you should enclose a testimonial to us which contains language which could be construed as implying our products are OTC drugs, then this part will be edited out and you will see at the bottom of the testimonial, "Edited For Content Due To FDA Regulations."
So this is why pages are now removed, some testimonials are edited, and ingredient listings are altered....in order for my company to be in compliance with the FDA, as ambiguous as they are. I will always continue with updating the site anytime something new is learned within my industry.
So I wish everyone continued enjoyment of our products and the benefits you feel they offer your skin and complexions, and it will just be between us as to, if any, improvement one may reap when using them. Because, "I know what I know, and I know based on historical clinical findings of ingredients used"!
when she talks about how unrewarding women's gender roles in society really are.
