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Top 5 Bamboo Sheets of 2017: Super Soft and Super Earth Friendly

January 8, 2017 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

If you haven’t tried bamboo bed sheets, you are really missing out! They are softer than any Egyptian cotton sheets and are very environmentally friendly.

Although you might have heard or read rumors that bamboo fibers are highly processed and no longer retain very much of their natural compounds, so you should think of them as synthetic fabrics, keep in mind that most of this negative publicity comes from the cotton industry, so consider the source!

Bamboo takes far less water to grow than cotton, as well as far fewer chemicals or water to process the fiber. Many like to call bamboo the new “vegan silk” as the fabric feels just as soft as silk, but no silk worms need to die for your bed sheets.

These super soft round fibers need no fabric softeners and will last longest when line dried, or dried on low in your clothes dryer. This also means fewer products to buy and less energy used to keep them clean.

January is typically the month when bedding goes on sale. If you are thinking of taking advantage of these price cuts, take a look at bamboo bed sheets. Once you try them, you will wonder why you ever thought 1300 cotton thread count sheets were “soft”!

Let’s take a look at the top 5 brands of bamboo sheets of 2017.

Royal Hotel King Gray Bamboo Sheet Set

You might be thinking that 300 thread count is simply not enough, but one feel will tell you otherwise! Super comfortable in all temperatures, these feel almost identical to cashmere. A bit pricey, yes, but well worth it! These awesome, top of the line sheets come in a variety of beautiful colors.

Cariloha Crazy Soft Bamboo Sheet Set

Cariloha is one of the best known names when it comes to sheets, and when they say crazy soft, they aren’t kidding! Bamboo fibers naturally repel allergens and odors. Cariloha is so certain that you will love these items that they have a 100 % quality guarantee. Extra deep fitted sheets fit mattresses up to 18 inches in height!

Clara Clark 1800 Series Embossed Bamboo Sheets

These are an extremely popular brand as they are reasonably priced. This doesn’t mean they are cheaply made! These soft bamboo sheets come in a variety of colors and have a beautiful embossed pattern on them that you will simply adore.

Zen Bamboo Hypoallergenic Sheets

If you want to help someone in your family who suffers from allergies to sleep better, these are the sheets for you! Made from a mix of brushed bamboo and microfibers, these super plush sheets are both stain resistant and hypoallergenic. No itching, no scratchiness, just amazingly soft sheets that can stand up to your washer and dryer.

Linenspa Ultra Soft Bamboo Sheets

These incredibly soft sheets are made from 10 percent bamboo, so you know they are going to be soft and silky. Fitted bottom sheets fit mattresses up to 14 inches in height, with an elastic band that goes around the entire bottom sheet, which means a nice, tight fit. Once you try these, you will never, ever go back to plain cotton sheets, no matter how high the thread count.

Keep in mind that bamboo is an eco-friendly source of fabric, so you can feel good about buying them. With its many therapeutic benefits, such as being anti-allergen, antibacterial, and anti-fungal, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing soft, silky bamboo sheets this year.

Top 10 Best Probiotics and Why You Should Make It a Resolution

December 22, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

By now, you have probably heard that our bodies are filled with billions of bacteria, both good and bad. While most of the time, the good outweigh the bad and keep them under control, it doesn’t take much for the bad guys to take over.

Since about 80 percent of our immune system is located in our gut bacteria, it’s important that we make sure that this good/bad balance stays in check. This is most easily done by taking a probiotic supplement. This means that by taking probiotics, you can help your body to naturally fight off cold and flu viruses.

If you get sick and need to take antibiotics, consuming probiotics can help prevent a yeast infection and restore the delicate balance in your digestive system.

Not all Probiotics are the made the same, however. We are going to let you in on the top 10 probiotic supplements around, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Renew Life Ultimate Flora

This is a super powerful probiotic supplement. Each capsule has 50 billion cultures and 10 different strains of Probiotics! This delay released formula makes sure that you get all the good bacteria that you need each day.

Healthy Origins Natural Probiotic

This supplement is very good and, perhaps best of all, reasonably priced. Healthy Origins has 30 billion cultures and 8 different probiotic strains for improved digestive health. This product is also shelf stable, so you can buy in bulk and not have to worry about it going bad.

NOW Foods Probiotic 10

With each capsule containing 25 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains, this supplement will greatly improve your digestive and immune system health. This supplement is diary, wheat, and gluten free, which makes it perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Now PB8

This effective, yet affordable, supplement offers 14 billion active cultures and 8 different probiotic strains. While it might seem a bit skimpy on the active culture end, this product is so affordable that you can always take two capsules if need be.

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics

Everyone knows this famous internet doctor, so is it any wonder that he’s got his own supplement? Dr. Mercola’s capsules contain 70 billion active cultures and 10 different probiotic strains. A coated capsule ensures no stomach upset and this product has an 18 month shelf life.

Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic

For those who eat plenty of other probiotic filled food, such as yogurt, but want to add a little extra insurance, Culturelle is a sure bet. With 10 billion active cultures, this single, yet effective, probiotic strain can support a healthy digestive system and help to keep the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines.

Sedona Labs iFlora Multi-Probiotic

This supplement has an amazing number of strains; 16 in each capsule and 32 billion active cultures. This will support a healthy immune system, digestive system, and encourage regular bowel movements. This product is vegetarian, but not vegan. This might be a bit more expensive than most, however, with 2 capsules per serving.

Puritan’s Pride Probiotic 10

Puritan’s rapid release supplement has 20 billion live cultures and 10 different strains, making it effective and well balanced. It does have a lower overall live culture count than some others, but is reasonably priced.

Hyperbiotics Pro-15

While this supplement is on the low side of active cultures at 5 billion, it has more strains than any other product at a whopping 15 per gel coated pills. Not capsules, but a unique gel coated pill ensures that the Probiotics make it past the stomach and into the intestines. This product is designed to get more live Probiotics into the lower part of the intestinal tract where they can do the most good.

Nutrition Essential Probiotic

This is one of Amazon’s top selling probiotic supplements and it’s easy to see why. With a basic formula of 15 million live cultures and tons of positive reviews, this is a good, all around probiotic that appears to get results!

By keeping your immune system healthy, you can avoid those annual flu shots! Also, a healthy digestive tract means healthy bowel movements and while no one likes to talk about that in public, it’s still a fact of life.

It’s a good idea to add Probiotics to your daily diet for three months to allow the bacteria time to “set up house” so to speak, and then a weekly dose should keep you in the pink!

Top 10 All Natural Makeup Removers for Beautiful Skin

November 18, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Ladies, we go through a great deal of trouble to look our best, don’t we? Eyelash curlers, hot rollers, hair straighteners, and makeup. If you are like us, you look for cosmetics that have a natural base to them, because who wants to put toxic stuff on your pretty skin, right?

However, when it comes to removing that makeup, what do you use? Almost all makeup removing products either don’t work (soap and water? Right.) Or they are loaded with petroleum based junk.

Even those “all natural” makeup removers leave a lot to be desired. Did you know, however, that there are actually makeup removers, some of them right in your own kitchen, that work like magic in getting off those false eyelashes and metallic eye shadows?

Let’s take a good look at the top 10 best, completely natural makeup removers that actually work.

Yogurt

This sounds strange, but it really does work. Yogurt will not only remove makeup, but it softens your skin at the same time. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for this one, not the fruit at the bottom kind. Put some of the yogurt in a small bowl to avoid containing a larger jar of yogurt, then dip a cotton ball into the bowl. Wipe all over your face and wait just a few seconds, then rinse well with cool water. The only drawback to yogurt is that it can drip and be a bit messy, but that’s a small price to pay for beautiful skin.

Cucumbers

You’ve probably seen tons of cucumber based masks and lotions in stores. This is because cucumber is naturally soothing to the skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory compounds. If you often get breakouts or have red spots from other cleansers, this is the one for you. You can blend one small cucumber, or cut a large one in half, and put it in the blender until you have a nice paste. Rub this paste over your face with your fingers and wait about 1 minute. Rinse with cool water.

Almond Oil and Milk

This is a terrific combination that exfoliates the skin, while keeping it from becoming dried out. Use whole milk for this procedure as it has more lactic acid in the fat, which removes dead skin cells without scrubbing.

Simply mix a tablespoon of almond oil into a small bowl with about half a cup of milk. Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and rub over your entire face. You might want to do this twice. Then you can simply rinse it off with warm water. This is a simple, yet remarkable way to remove makeup and keep that beautiful peaches and cream complexion.

Jojoba Oil

This oil has a funky name, but it is oh so wonderful for the skin and hair because it naturally mimics our own oil secretions. If you tend to have oily skin, this is the one to try. Simply mix two parts water with one part jojoba oil. Mix up in a little bowl, then dab on your face using a cotton ball. Use another cotton ball soaked in this same mixture and wipe away makeup and dirt all in one fell swoop.

Avocados

While you are making some guacamole for the weekend, pick up an extra avocado for your own personal use. This method is super easy! Simply cut the avocado in half, then use a cotton ball and rub some of the inside of the avocado. You don’t need to have huge chunks; just a little hint of green will do the trick. Rub the cotton ball on your face and watch the makeup come off like magic. When you have finished, rinse with cool water. These tasty little green fruits are high in vitamin E, A, and D, so they nourish your skin at the same time they remove makeup.

Witch Hazel

One of the oldest, yet completely natural products, for removing makeup is witch hazel. Unfortunately, witch hazel can be drying to the skin. For a terrific make-it-yourself makeup remover, simply mix 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (you can buy it in any drugstore for about $2) 2 tablespoons of olive oil or jojoba oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk together and apply with a cotton ball. Remove with a warm, wet washcloth.

Olive Oil

You probably have a bottle of this in your kitchen right now. Talk about easy! No trip to the drug store, just put olive oil on a cotton ball and swipe it on your face, then rinse off with warm water. If you tend to have oily skin or suffer from breakouts, add 1 drop of tea tree oil to one tablespoon of olive oil to stop those breakouts.

Grape Seed Oil

You can find this in your supermarket, right next to the olive oil. It might cost a bit more, but it does an outstanding job at removing tough eye makeup, like those waterproof mascaras. Simply put some on a cotton ball and apply where needed, then wipe off with a cotton pad or washcloth. Rinse with warm water and you are good to go!

Castile Soap

Castile soap (sometimes spelled Castille) is a very pure soap that won’t sting your eyes if you should get a little in them. You can buy this liquid soap in just about any pharmacy for about $1. You can make a nice bottle of natural makeup remover for pennies! Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of Castile soap with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or jojoba oil into one cup of water. Just shake before using, and then apply with a cotton ball. This is one of the best, all around makeup removers that works like a charm.

Organic Coconut Oil

Probably the best thing ever for removing even the most stubborn makeup. Many women say that they have the best success, and don’t even need a moisturizer afterwards, by simply rubbing coconut oil into their skin, rinse with warm water, apply honey to the face, rub for a minute, then rinse. If you still see some traces of makeup, you can repeat with another coconut oil wash, but between the coconut oil to dissolve makeup and the honey to moisturize your skin, most women find this to be the perfect skin care routine.

There is no need to spend $25 on a makeup remover when you have so many natural choices that work equally as well, without toxic compounds.

What is your favorite way to remove makeup?

Top 10 Neti Pots – Clear Up Those Sinuses Naturally!

September 17, 2016 by Tammy Robinson 1 Comment

If you suffer from allergies or feel as if you are chronically “stuffed up”, but don’t want to take allergy pills or sinus medication, then you simply must check out neti pots.

Neti pots have been round for centuries. You might have even seen them and wondered what those cute little teapots were doing in the pharmacy area.

The idea behind neti pots is a natural one that makes sense. Neti pots have long noses that you insert into one nostril, tilt your head back, and allow a saline solution to wash out the sinuses. Yes, the junk comes out the other nostril, but it’s not as messy as it sounds and it’s all over with fairly quickly. If you would like to see a video of how this is done, you can find a short one right here.

So you’ve decided to take the plunge, so to speak, and give the neti pot a try? Good for you! Now you need to choose the right one for you, and there are so many choices!

We have narrowed it down to the top 10. One of the following neti pots should work perfectly for you, so give them a try!

The Sattvic Path

These pots are pretty; with a nice no handle design, so you can get a firm grip on the pot itself. Each one is handcrafted in Europe and is 100 percent free from lead. You can warm it in the microwave and wash it on the top rack of your dishwasher. The nostril fitting is a good size and fits almost everyone. For a general, all around, get the job done basic neti pot, you can’t beat this one.

The NoseBuddy

This neti pot is a great choice if you are all thumbs or if you have children. It is made from transparent, environmentally friendly plastic, so if you drop it or bang it against a kitchen counter, it will still be fine. It has a very long, curved spout, so it can reach the most difficult of nostrils. Lightweight enough to be easy to handle, sturdy enough to take a good knock.

The Aromatic Salt Premium

This is one of the few neti pots that has a solid, one piece handle. This design means that there is less of a chance that something disgusting will get stuck inside the hollow handle and grow even more disgusting bacteria. It is top rack dishwasher safe and comes in a pretty green glaze, which makes it feel smooth against the nostril.

The SteloKleen Pot

If you want durability, but don’t want plastic, this might be the most perfect neti pot yet. Made from heavy duty, stainless steel, you couldn’t break this pot if you tried. This pot includes a special tip for even tiny nostrils and it won’t drip down your face. The SteloKleen pot is easy to sterilize and will last for many years when cared for properly.

The Bazaar of India Copper Neti Pot

The great thing about this pot is that it comes in several sizes and is unbreakable. Many people believe that natural materials, such as copper, are better for the body than plastic or ceramic. The body needs copper and although you would only get microscopic doses of it via your neti pot, it still beats micro doses of something you don’t want. It can be on the expensive side and copper, if not properly cared for, will tarnish quickly.

The Himalayan Chandra Ceramic Neti Pot

This is perhaps the first mass produced neti pot, in production since 1972. Made from 100 percent lead free ceramic and glaze, this is the most basic, simple, and inexpensive option you are likely to find. Top rack dishwasher safe, it does have a hollow handle, however, so you will want to take extra care to be certain you keep that part clean and dry in between uses.

Nettie the Elephant

This one is designed to look like an elephant’s head and trunk, it pours about 50 percent faster than other pots, so if you want to get the job done quickly, and this might be a good choice for you. Easy to hold, the cute elephant design makes it look more attractive to children. This ceramic pot also has a hollow handle, so take care to keep it properly clean and dry between uses.

SinuCleanse Nasal Wash System

This pot was developed by a top Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, so you know it must work. The package includes 30 pharmaceutical grade saline packets, so you can rest assured that you are using a clean, safe solution. Made from latex and BPA free plastic, it is unbreakable and recyclable. This is most likely one of the few pots made in the USA. Very inexpensive and lightweight, this neti pot would be great for travel or for new users who want to see if sinus cleansing is right for them.

The OM Neti Pot

This pretty little pot is made from hand-cast porcelain and is very smooth, as well as durable. It is easy to grasp, with no handle to hide bacteria. Dishwasher safe, compact, and pretty at the same time, this tiny pot has everything you could ask for and none of the things you don’t want. It comes with a cute matching salt jar, too! Comes in blue or green to match most household decor.

The Petal

Although it is called The Petal, to us, this simple pot looks more like a swan or duck, with its elongated neck. Made from porcelain, it comes with a natural cork top that can be used as a different sized nozzle. No handle means no hidden bacteria worries. Guaranteed to be 100 percent lead free, and is made in Portugal, unlike many pots which come from China. Pretty and safe, this little petal pot is a beauty.

Clear sinuses make for happier people, so grab the neti pot of your choice and find instant sweet relief.

Camel Milk – Yes, It’s a Thing Now: What You Should Know

August 5, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Have you heard yet about camel milk? Yes, we mean the camel hump day commercial type desert camel.

Apparently it’s the latest health craze and people say that even those allergic to everything can drink camel milk. It’s also reported to cure everything from diabetes, IBS, and autism.

No, we aren’t kidding.

Although it’s hard to understand who, except the starving, would have ever tried to milk a smelly, obnoxious, kicking, grunting, spitting, foul breathed camel, but someone did and now, it’s a thing.

Before you plop down your hard earned money for a pint of hump juice, get all the facts.

Can Camel Milk Help Diabetics?

Well, it’s a big maybe. Although people are claiming that it can, literally, “cure” diabetes, there is no proof. There are a few studies which have found that this type of milk might improve control of blood sugar, but these were just preliminary studies. Another limited study found that camel milk might help those with Type 1 diabetes use less insulin. This study involved only 24 individuals, but it might prove to be a good jumping off point. Further studies are really needed to see how this works and if it can be used to lessen people’s dependence on insulin.

Doesn’t Camel Milk Stop or Prevent Allergies?

There were even fewer studies done regarding any benefit for allergies, however, these studies were poorly done and of little benefit. There should be better, larger studies coming out in the near future, but as of today, all we have a personal stories about how drinking camel milk helped with food allergies or sensitivities.

Can It Help Autistic Children?

Again ,this is another big maybe. In one small study, 60 autistic children received raw camel milk for a two week period, 24 children received pasteurized camel milk, and 11 received cow milk. Blood tests showed that both groups of children who received camel milk had less oxidative stress, as well as showing improvement in both cognitive and behavioral tests for autism.

This was a very small study, however, and more tests need to be done before anyone can list camel milk as a cure for anything.

The Good News

Now there is some good news to report; camel milk is very high in vitamin C. It is also lower in vitamin A than cow’s milk and appears to be tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant. Camel milk is slightly lower in total fat and saturated fat, however, it still has just as much protein and calories.

There are a few interesting facts about camels and camel milk that you might find interesting.

Camel milk, unlike cow’s milk, cannot be made into butter.
While it can be made into cheese, it is a difficult process.
It also doesn’t curdle like cow’s milk does.
The Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club offers camel burgers.
They also serve camel milk based cappuccinos, called camelccinos.
Bubonic plague has been transmitted to humans by eating camel liver.
People in Northern Kenya enjoy drinking camel blood.
Some parts of Australia serve Camel lasagna.
One ancient Roman emperor, Heliogabalus, loved eating the heel of the camel.

Oh, and in case you were interested, camel milk appears to come from the type with one hump, not two, although the reasons for this aren’t clear, at least, not to me.

The FDA recently approved the sale of camel milk in the US, but with a mere 3,000 camels in the US and imports being tightly restricted, the cost of camel milk is astronomical when compared to cow or goat milk, especially when one considers that there really are no proven benefits.