Kotex Replied!

I do not have the original message that I sent to them but this is the reply...

Dear Cyrene,

Thank you for contacting us about questions related to concerns about discoloration of one of our KOTEX NATURAL BALANCE* SECURITY® tampons.  We understand your concern and want to assure you that we believe this to be an isolated incident.  In fact, any discoloration or abnormality with our tampons is extremely rare.

Unfortunately our initial response to the consumer who contacted us about a discolored KOTEX® SECURITY tampon contained incorrect information. We have reached out to the consumer and have apologized and are working hard to resolve this issue.

At Kimberly-Clark quality and consumer safety is our top priority.  We are committed to, and are taking all necessary steps to get to the bottom of this; including working with an independent testing facility to conduct a thorough investigation of the product in question.

Nothing is more important to Kimberly-Clark than the safety of our consumers and the quality and performance of our products. We appreciate your feedback and want you to know that we are taking your concerns seriously.

Kristin
Consumer Services, Kimberly-Clark Corp.

*I will just take it for what its worth... Ladies just be careful of all products. Even if they are deemed to be sanitary! 

Mold Found on Kotex Tampons! WHAT????

I stumbled across this article last night and I just have to share it. Apparently, a woman using Kotex tampons found mold in it. She notify Kotex of the findings and they seemed to unnerved about the whole ordeal. Then letting her know that this was not the first time this has occurred. I can not speak for all women, but I can say that there would be no way that I would want to find something that is supposed to be for sensitive areas with any kind of foreign substance. For any woman (including myself) that happens to be allergic to mold this is an especially important topic. For those that are not this is still a concern. I have already contacted Kotex through their website (which I will also attach below) expressing my concerns and ultimate disgust on the whole ordeal. If you too would like to contact them please do. Companies should know that these risks affect us all, our health and the trust that we have with their products. I urge you to take a small amount of time to contact them on this matter.



The Article (Clutch Magazine)
http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/03/beware-woman-finds-moldy-tampon-company-admits-this-has-happened-before/

Kotex Contact Information for comments or concerns

Link:
http://www.kotex.com/na/contact-us

Phone:
1 800-335-6839 (USA, Canada and Puerto Rico only) Call us toll-free Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Central Time 

Mail: 
 Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Dept. INT
P.O. Box 2020
Neenah, WI 54957-2020

*You must be at least 13 years of age to contact Kotex

Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Well, with all the research going around about formaldehyde in nail polish and nail polish removers its hard to know what to use, buy or anything. To know what are in the products we use is very critical. I am on the hunt for anything that is at least safe to use. We all want to look fabulous, smell sweet, feel fresh and overall heath! The link below gives some tips on non toxic nail polish.

Here is a listing!

NARS Nail Polish
No-Miss Nail Polish
Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish
Acquarella Nail Polish
Acquarella Nail Polish Remover
Priti NYC Nail Polish
Priti NYC Nail Polish Remover
Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Nail Polishes
Scotch Naturals Nail Polish

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/safe-nail-polish#fbIndex1

I will post updates as I find them! ;)

Congressional Hearing on Cosmetic Safety

I am so happy to have come across the article that is posted below! Its been 30 years since anyone made any complaints about the harmful chemicals that are used in everyday beauty products. Although I am glad that the awareness is growing, its a problem that has been in existence for far too long. At the same time, while these "beauty companies" are to blame so are we. We need to be more cognoscente of what we are putting on our skin and in our hair. If we as the consumer are willing to buy it, why would they (these corporations) not continue to use these ingredients. Chemicals such as formaldehyde, mercury, and lead have all been found in lotions, face creams, deodorants and hair products. Diet and exercise are important and so is this.

I really hope that you take the time to read the article below. 

 http://www.organicbeautytalk.com/2012/03/news/first-official-congressional-hearing-on-cosmetics-safety-in-more-than-30-years

Baltimore Natural Hair EXPO 2012

I just got back from the expo and actually its still going on. Its an annual expo but this was my first time going. I put all the info for the expo in the event tab if anyone is still interested in attending. I had a great time! There are a lot of vendors and supportive natural women and some men as well. There are new and upcoming businesses of magazines, fashion, photographers, clothing apparel, jewelry, books, sweet treats as well as workshops and classes. The workshops included pole fit classes, how to start open a salon and start a business, and financial planning. I can say that it was worth the hour drive to get there.    

Lawrence Green: Film Director/Photographer

Time Travel Media

 



 

Ladies of Rapunzel Hair Care Products

 

 





Natural Hollywood Magazine hosted a fashion show

   








                                                                                                                                                          

*Naturally Me ~ www.naturallymesalon.com                                  
*4 Naturals ~ http://www.4naturals.com/
*Napural Roots Publishing ~ www.napturalroots.com               
*Haus of Swag Fashion ~ www.hausofswag.com                 
*Tahliah Waajid ~ www.naturalhair.org

*Naturally Beautiful ~ www.naturallybeautifulhaircare.com

*B. Natural Apparel ~ www.bnaturalapparel.com

*Rapunzel ~ www.rapunzelthefutureofhair.com
*Essentials Beauty Spa ~ www.essentialsbeautyspa.com
*Indigofera ~ www.indigofera.com                                          
*Natural Hollywood Magazine~ www.naturalhollywood.com         

(Also look for these businesses on Facebook and Twitter!)




This was a must have!
Haus Of Swag
 http://www.hausofswag.com/



 







Looking forward to next year ;)

Where to Find Natural Products?

There are a number of different places that sells natural oils and products. GNC, grocery stores, whole food stores as well as the internet are great places and sources to get the natural and organic oils. Target, Walmart, Walgreens and Sally's beauty supply store are also great of natural shampoos, conditioners, lotions etc. I have even seen oils at Home Goods. Probably from the growing trend of more people wanting organic products it is easier to find them.

The next time you are in your local grocery store take a walk around the organic aisle and cooking oils section. You just might run into what you have been looking for without having to spend any shipping costs! The other day at the grocery store I found 3 different kinds of essential oils.

Oils I have found at the grocery store!

Olive oil
Grape seed oil
Avocado oil
Almond oil
Lavender oil
Eucalyptus oil
Peppermint oil 

Happy shopping!

Don't Be Discouraged!

Here is something to keep in mind in all aspects of life, but since we are talking about natural products I will stick that that topic (hopefully). What may work for one may not work for the other. We need to first figure out what works for ourselves. We all have different skin types, hair textures, allergens, preferences you name it we are just different and that is perfectly alright!

I love recommendations from friends, family and other naturals. Nothing is better to me than actually liking it, but sometimes I don't. Sometimes I recommend something and they will add or take away from the original recipe or hairstyle. Whatever it is learn your flavor and be true to it and always remember to respect the differences.

Brazillian Keratin

Keratin is used as a straightening treatment in salons and home use. It can last from two to five months, which in most cases if a person chooses to wear their hair straight it could be a convenient option. I have heard some discouraging things about this product. For one, studies show that these straightening kits contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that can lead to cancer.

Side Effects

• Excessive Hair Loss
• Cancer Development
• Deterioration of Hair Texture
• Allergic Reactions

http://homebraziliankeratintreatment.com/keratin-hair-treatment-dangers-and-side-effects.html
http://www.keratin-hair-treatment-side-effects.com/

Coconut Oil

I can say that I don't have anything negative to say about coconut oil. Its great, I love it and use it daily in my oil combination mix for my hair (See recipe tab). Just a tip goes a long way. I have heard of some people being allergic to it. If that is the case as an alternative you can try is avocado oil for hair and skin (I will go into detail about that a little later). In any case below is a link that has some health benefits to coconut oil.

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

Semplice Naturals

Check out this site! It has an array of great natural products for the face and body. From sugar scrubs, body butters to facial bars. Click the link below for full product listing, prices and ordering information.  Also Semplice Naturals has been added as a featured link on this blog as my favorites :)

http://www.semplicenaturals.com/

Decoding Product Ingredients

I am an ingredients reader. I see on a daily basis very nicely packaged products with NATURAL or ORGANIC big and bold for everyone to see. Well that is cute but, I turn the bottle around (lol). As I come across these unknown formulas I will look them up and decode. Here is the first or what I assume will be many!

Potassium Sorbate

What is it?

"Sorbic Acid is a white, free-flowing, crystalline powder. Potassium Sorbate, the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid, occurs as a white crystalline powder, white granules, or pellets. In cosmetics and personal care products, Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate are used primarily in the formulation of facial and eye makeup and skin care and hair products".

"It kills microorganisms, or prevent or retard their growth and reproduction, and thus protect cosmetics and personal care products from spoilage".

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=952

The positives...

• Control pH Balance 
• Prevent Spoilage
•  Hair Re-growth 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/317274-what-are-the-benefits-of-hair-products-with-potassium/

The negatives...

"A skin toxicant, a preservative and fragrant ingredient that could be an allergen or immuntoxicant on a longer expose or to sensitive person". 

http://www.nontoxiclifestyle.org/2011/06/scented-poison-is-secret.html

*In short it extends the life of the product by acting as a preservative. Keep in mind it has the capacity cause an allergic reaction for prolonged usage for sensitive skin.  It is also used for a lot of food as well. While doing  the research many links lead to wine and beverages of that nature.

Relaxer Truths!

I am natural, meaning I don't use chemicals in my hair or any of the extra that comes along with it. I believe I got my first relaxer when I was around 8 or 9. The reason why I ultimately decided to go natural had a lot to do with my health. Although I had been contemplating on the transition for a while I can say that I love it! It has propelled me in researching more natural methods and treatments for not only hair but skin as well. Along the way educating not only myself but others on the whole "natural" topic (hence this blog). The link that is posted below is one of the best that I have come across on explaining the relaxer truths. It is a very interesting read! Enjoy ;)

http://nappturality.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:relaxer-truths&catid=34:careinfo&Itemid=30

Lemon water!

Lemons are wonderful! Add fresh fresh squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water to start your day. It will increase hydration where coffee can dehydrate. Especially with the warm spring air vastly approaching. Sometimes its the little things ;)

Almond oil

I stumbled upon this oil at the most rare of places Home Goods. At the time I wasn't familiar with it, but I took a chance and bought it. While doing my research I found the website below. Almond oil has some great health benefits for hair and skin.

Adding about 1/4 cup of oil to my bath water I can say that I really like the results. From the tips I have read sweet almond oil does not have a sent. Also, refrigerate after opening it can spoil.

http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/3828/almond-oil-for-skin-care-facial-care-acne-eczema-dry-skin-hair-care-herbal-remedies/

*If you allergic to nuts of any kind be sure to consult with a doctor before using.

Natural Hair Dye

With Spring approaching their maybe some thoughts of how to color your hair naturally. This link has some tips and natural products on what to use! 

http://www.natural-homeremedies-for-life.com/natural-hair-dye.html

All about Honey!

I love honey! I use it daily in some form. Whether it is in my honey face mask or in my daily homemade oil treatment for my hair.  It is great for skin, hair and of course its sweet taste. Here are some of the benefits of honey.

Immunity System Builder
Nature's Energy Booster
Acne Treatments
Natural Sweetener
Lowers Cholesterol
Helps Bad Breath

So much more! Follow the link below to learn more :)

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/