Eczema Solutions

So, recently I was noticing that a patch of skin on my hand has been particularly dry, and cracking, for a while. It tends to get worse with cold weather, but never perfectly heal up. I tried to think of how long it had been that way, and my mind was blown when I realized that I have a memory of thinking "Darn, that dry skin on my hand really hasn't gone away" around the time I was applying for the job I currently work. That means it's been a problem since at least Spring 2013. Almost two years ago! That's when I began researching what could cause this and I believe I have a (pretty mild) case of eczema.

I didn't take a picture of it at its worst, but here's something I found online that looks quite similar:

Naturally, I got to work on what extra steps I can take to be rid of it. I've already tried applying natural hand creams, and making sure it stays out of the harsh cold weather. 

Then I realized: I have two incredible solutions at my finger tips.

Solution 1: The Honest Company Organic Healing Balm

I have this within reach of Dakota's changing table so that I can apply a little on her if her skin looks irritated. It always clears up right away. I also have a travel size in my purse, accidentally because I thought I'd thrown my sample size hand cream in, but then noticed how nice it is on my chapped lips and kept it. I began applying the balm when I think of it, so every time I'm near Dakota's change table or riffling through my purse, and I've noticed immediate improvement.

I believe it's helping because of its ingredients: a blend of sunflower, olive and coconut oil (pretty average for a natural cream or balm) with beeswax, shea butter and non-GMO vitamin E (also very commonplace) but with added tamanu oil, calendula extract and chamomile oil! The last three ingredients are key. I'm a huge fan of tamanu oil: it's one of those miracle products that I just want to suggest for every ailment (much like Oliver's broccoFusion ointment). I've used it on my face, hands, body and hair. 

The balm is also certified organic, and the company uses no animal testing. I love that.

Solution 2: Breast milk

I've been applying a little and I think it's an awesome way to go too. I have used it for eye infections, ear infections and mastitis (much to my children's complaining). It's just an easy way to treat things, for free! I will be sad the day this isn't an option any more.

Speaking of the Honest Company, here are two other great winter products that I'm hoping to try really soon:

Sea Salt and Sugar Body Scrub

There's no better feeling than getting out of the shower and being so moisturized.

Organic Body Oil

This I'd love to use right after stepping out of the shower and wanting something to quickly coat over my skin so it doesn't get dry. It also has chamomile and calendula (like the healing balm) so if there's any issue with irritation from shaving or other bath products, it would help to calm and soothe that problem. I think I could use this on Ollie or Dakota's skin after a bath too.

Non Toxic Bubble Bath

Oliver's cashing in on the Christmas love early.

Check out this awesome non toxic bubble bath he was just gifted.

He is a bubble bath addict, so he was pretty ecstatic to pull this from its wrapping. Like, even more so than his daily Lindor advent chocolate.
I'm happy because it's 100% natural, vegan, gluten-free, and totally kid-friendly so he can splash it in his eyes without a meltdown. 
It is a bubble bath but it actually cleanses so if the soap doesn't quite make it all over his precious (and highly active) skin, at least I feel like he's clean.
And. It. Smells. Like. Ice cream.
Not that Ollie cares this young but the ink is soy, the packaging is recycled (and recyclable) and the bubble bath itself is biodegradable and never tested on animals. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the ingredients list - no SLS (for a bubble bath? wow!) and most things were organic.
100% Pure is awesome - they use no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances or colours, harsh detergents, or other unhealthy toxins. They even offer make-up that's dyed using fruit. I love that. And their baby line is coming out soon. (Pretty please by January?!)

Until December 8th you can use the coupon code 100PURE1204 for 10% off your order. 

I am not affiliated with this company. This is my honest review.

Natural Deoderant: GUEST POST from Jenn Daniel

Hello to all of Amy’s lovely readers! One of my favorite subjects to talk about while working at LUSH and a subject not many want to talk about is our armpits. Ok, maybe not armpits but rather what we slap on them. There has been an interesting misconception about us that deodorant brands and commercials would like us to believe: that we shouldn’t sweat. So they give us antiperspirant that will apparently give us the armpits of runners and nervous speakers that are dryer than the sands of a desert. I hate to break it to you all but we are meant to sweat!! Our bodies have an amazing ability to keep what we need to survive and get rid of all the bad we don’t need. One of these amazing ways is by sweating out through our pores, which include the pores in our armpits. One of the worst parts about antiperspirants is that when we stop our sweat the pores start to clog and when the pores are clogged our bodies think something is wrong. The reaction is our bodies begin to overproduce and then the very common body odor begins to also overproduce.

Bit of a side trail here but it is another misconception about us that I would love to see stop…call me a hippy but our natural body odor is not some sort of terrible stench that will cause everyone to run from us! Body odor (the untainted-by-perfumes body odor) has been linked to knowing each other, recognizing mothers and fathers as babies, and attracting the opposite sex! In our culture we get so obsessed with changing and covering our smell that we end up doing the very opposite. Granted diet and exercise has a lot to do with our body odor but starting with deodorant (or adding it on to a life style change) will add to making us more naturally healthy.

Switching from antiperspirant to a more natural alternative may seem tricky but it really is not hard at all. What I always suggest is first find the deodorant that best fits you and your lifestyle. Then give yourself around a week to allow your body to make the switch. I don’t mean take a week off work, lock yourself in a room where no one can smell you, and eventually you can merge as a good smelling person…I mean your body can take around a week to detoxify and get all those antiperspirants out of your armpits. The way I helped this smelly time was by keeping my deodorant with me and, half way through the day, threw some more on my armpits! Some of the days I went to the bathroom and straight up washed my armpits after washing my hands. (I also had the opportunity to tell people what I was doing. Interesting conversations can start by washing your armpits!) It took about 5 days when I noticed I didn’t smell but every person and situation is different so it can take more or less time. Oh! And yes you did read that last part correctly…I didn’t smell! Once again every person is different but you will notice a huge change in your armpits! Wearing deodorant once or twice a week is amazing so I really urge you to try this out!

Now that we have that part done the smelly part begins! The good smelling part! Picking your natural deodorant is also not hard (Sorry I’m about to name drop) and LUSH it a great option for figuring out which one is best. (I want to add a little disclaimer at this point. I have been using LUSH deodorant for a very long time, long before I worked there so no, this is not me selling hahahaha) Many people see LUSH as the soap shop, which we have, but among so much else there is an amazing selection of more natural deodorants. LUSH deodorants have no antiperspirants, no aluminum (which is linked to Alzheimer’s and brain disorders), a few are packaging free, all are either vegetarian or vegan, and all animal testing free!

There are five different types of deodorants:

“Aromaco” came from the idea of a roll on deodorant, which you can definitely feel with how soft and gentle it is! With witch hazel to naturally cleanse of bacteria and chamomile oil for soothing you won’t miss your old deodorant. They also threw in patchouli oil for a great smell and even more soothing properties!



“T’eo” is a strong working deodorant for any and all strong jobs. Full of antibacterial oil’s like tea tree and juniper berry and with a kick of lemongrass for a natural deodorizer you can see why it kicks butt!


“Coconut” gives away its greatness with the name alone. Coconut is in four different forms in here and lots of cornstarch to absorb sweaty moments. You wont be afraid to lift your arms and show off your music video armpits!


“The Greeench” (yes it does have three E’s in it) has every smell-busting herb in it! The use of thyme and rosemary to power through any bad smell and tea tree that will kill any bad bacteria lingering in your pits. Using baking soda to suck anything up this deodorant makes you smell like a forest Nymph in from the garden…. yes please!


“The Guv’ner” to combat any smelly guys worst, well, smell! LUSH filled it up with sweat absorbing charcoal, sage to clear out bad odor, and the earthiest scent to make freshness top priority! The idea behind The Guv’ner was for the gents but ladies if you love earthy scents (like myself) make sure you give this one a try!

Go out, ask questions, and find the deodorant that is awesome for you! Any LUSH shop employee will be happy to help you in your search and answer questions you have. Don’t be afraid to branch out from chain stores and see what can work for you. If you are anything like myself and other converts, you will be the better for it! Swing by the LUSH shop in London’s White Oaks Mall and tell me how your deodorant journey is going!   


Jenn Daniel is a sweet smelling natural beauty, guitar genius, and photographer extraordinaire.

All-Natural Twig Toothbrush

I have blogged in the past about an eco-friendly toothbrush.

But this next development is on a whole new level.

I got to thinking about how we brush our teeth. Clearly, thousands of years ago they didn't have little plastic sticks with fancy bristles that cleaned their teeth, so how did they do it? 

If you read my blog much you'll know I am obsessed with doing things the way they used to be done in times long ago.

Well, what people did was use teeth-cleaning twigs. This simple device is the root of any number of plans (potentially tea tree, neem, cinnamon or sassafras, but the most common is from the Araak tree in the Middle East), with the end chewed up a bit to make a bristle-like effect. 

It is an incredible money-saver and planet-saver and guess what - it works better than a toothbrush - all you have to do is gently chew on it.

The studies show: it is more effective than conventional brushing at reducing plaque and gingivitis provided it is used with proper instructions. (Oral Health and Preventative Dentistry, 2003.) It is now considered the best tool to promote good oral hygiene. It prevents the formation of cavities and plaque and makes teeth whiter and enamel stronger. If used regularly it can even remove stains from smoking, tea, coffee and red wine.

It also:

• doesn't require toothpaste
• fights bacteria naturally
• freshens breath naturally
• costs almost nothing
• is environmentally-friendly (no packaging, no plastic, biodegradable)
• requires almost no upkeep (moisten if dry, replace every few weeks)
• is part of a self-sufficient lifestyle

Well, recently I got my own all-natural twig toothbrush from http://www.naturaltoothbrush.com/ and here is a list of why you should buy one, taken straight from their website:

1.) Only $1.95 per brush and only $0.95 shipping. Get FREE Shipping if you order 7+ brushes!
2.) Scientific study proves that its better than a conventional toothbrush.
3.) A natural, easy way to help smokers quit smoking.
4.) Great for travel, outdoors, and camping - no toothpaste required.
5.) Contains nutrients and minerals that are essential to good oral hygiene.
 -- These are: fluorine, silicon, vitamin C, sulphur, salvadorine, trimethylamine, potassium, sodium, chloride, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide.
6.) A natural way to whiten stains, remove stains, prevent plaque, and cavities.
7.) 100% natural, eco-friendly, vegan-friendly, and biodegradable.

In Middle Eastern culture the twig toothbrush is called Miswak and has thousands of years of proven effectiveness.  Check out these awesome testimonials from major magazines and professionals:
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You will love using the twig toothbrush. The little "brushes" massage your teeth and gums and to use more just peel back another layer and start again. 

Here's mine:

I seriously suggest you order one today! If you do, let them know My Idea of Happiness sent you. If I get enough interest I'll consider doing a bulk order for you guys!

Chil Frozen Yogurt

Self-serve frozen yogurt bars are majorly on trend right now. Just look at the hoards of hungry students shivering in, wearing mitts and scarves, ready to fork out top dollar in the dead of winter for an icy bowl of chilly yogurt. The combination of perceived healthfulness, relaxed atmosphere, and utter customizability is pretty enticing.

What if most bowls of trendy frozen yogurt are not as healthy as you think?

With added sugar, chemical preservatives and a bevy of sweet confections at your finger tips, some of these fro-yo joints are a glorified candy aisle at the grocery store. So paying $8 for a snack-size bowl doesn't seem right.

Don't worry - help is on the way. Someone out there is doing it right.

Chil Frozen Yogurt Bar has spun the mainstream version of this treat on its head and is making self-topped frozen yogurt bowls truly healthy. Located at Richmond and Hyman in London, the joint boasts ample indoor space with a hip, but not trying too hard, feel as well as a seasonal patio that I imagine will be packed. They opened in September of this year. After sampling their array, I am all too excited to share with you how Chil is doing fro-yo differently.

• Organic Greek yogurt. Not the watered down stuff that other places serve, barely fulfilling the minimum requirements to be considered yogurt. Chil's greek yogurt has the water drained out, leaving a creamy, thick, high-protein product that is so pure and real it takes an hour to melt. (For a change.)
• No harsh additives. Forget artificial flavours and colours - with a background in natural health, one of Chil's co-owners explained to me that only the best and most natural will do. The maple frozen yogurt is made with real maple syrup. The soy vegan yogurt is certified organic soy which is of utmost importance when talking about soy. The other co-owner, Kevin says "We don’t believe in adding any artificial flavors, artificial colours, artificial sweeteners, water, fillers, chemicals, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids or corn sweeteners of any kind to our yogurt." Refreshing.
• Excellent healthy selection. At time of counting there were 117 toppings to choose from. Yogurt selection doesn't drop below 8, and vegan's can enjoy at least 3 of them. I only noticed one frozen yogurt that contained gluten (the Bailey's flavour) so Celiac's can rest easy too.
• Better toppings. I chose to enjoy a serving of pomegranate, a handful of carob chips, a sprinkling of raw walnuts, some unsweetened coconut shavings and a shake of black sesame seeds. Also on the menu: dark chocolate peanut butter cups, organic museli, quinoa seeds, rock salt, Sriracha hot sauce, and flaxmeal. Go nuts!
• Local sourcing. The owners do their best to find everything possible through London-and-area farmers. 
• Independent ownership. Unlike the big name shops you think of when you hear 'frozen yogurt bar', Chil's company is run entirely by the folks you see hanging out by the hazelnut sauce.

As both a holistic nutritionist and a discerning foodie I recommend this place to anyone within driving distance. They are open seven days a week from 12 noon until midnight @ 620 Richmond & Hyman, downtown London and can be liked on Facebook here.

Update: they open at 11am now! (May 2014)

The Green Moms' Medicine Cabinet

The Natural Mama does not have the conventional fever reducers, Polysporin, and antibiotics to go to when problems arise. I've compiled this list of things that I keep on hand to show you that there are tons of all-natural alternatives to keep your family healthy!


The first thing I always keep with me is Alcohol-free Sanitizer by Cleanwell. This is perfect to spray or wipe on cuts and scraps so that they don't get infected. Also a great way to prevent illness is the first place is to use these products before eating when you're out of the house. It's a quick alternative to hand washing and we all know that's a great method to ward off colds and flues. I have a pump at home by Oliver's change table, a spray bottle in my purse, and individually-wrapped wipes in various places around the house and car. They use oil of oregano & thyme to kill germs naturally with no toxic chemicals, no alcohol, no chlorine, and is gentle on skin. They don't test on animals - love it. (If you're looking for an excellent alternative to traditional alcohol sanitizer in your child's school, in a hospital setting, a day care, a church, whatever, CleanWell offers Business systems too.)

My next Medicine Cabinet secret is Tea Tree Oil (by Now). It's main function is antimicrobial, specifically against fungus. Many foot related issues are easily treated by tea tree oil. It's also great as a lice treatment. I keep a 4oz bottle inside my bandaid container and I dab a drop onto every bandaid that I use to prevent whatever wound I'm bandaging from getting infected.

The St. Francis Herb Farm is an incredible family-run operation in Ontario that has gotten very popular. They make a product called Ear Oil that treats ear infections and I keep a bottle around just in case. I would recommend anything they produce - everything is freshly-used, organically-grown and wild-crafted. They also make a killer coconut oil-butter ghee combo AND an amazing goat milk mineral powder.

I also keep pretty much most of the Homeocan 0-9 Kids homepathic line. At all times their Fever/Pain Reducer, their Cold/Cough formula, their Flu remedy, and the Teething one.

Lastly, I have one of those funny snot suckers on hand (which got more use when Oliver was an infant) and a kid-friendly Netti Pot which he probably doesn't love. We use a room-humidifier if needed as well.

What do you use?

It's Burger Season... Veggie Burger Season?

Just around the time this unseasonably nice weather hit Ontario the "burger" section of the grocery store seemed to be strangely bare. My first thought was that everyone was firing up their BBQs at the same time and the purchaser didn't plan for that much demand, but no - Ontario was the victim of yet another beef recall. 

I can't say I'm a firm vegetarian. For me if meat is humanely-raised and -slaughtered and is fed proper foods, I am okay to eat it in moderation. That's why I have an order for a certified organic, grass-fed 1/2 cow coming in next week (hurray!) But for those backyard parties that you're not too sure about or if invites tell you to BYOM (bring your own meat), I'd recommend keeping a box of veggie burgers in the freezer.

Recently I tried Sol Cuisine's original vegetarian burger. The stats are jaw-dropping: gluten/wheat free, vegan, low fat, 12 grams of protein, only 100 calories, lots of fiber/calcium/iron, kosher, halal... the list goes in. In fact look at these ingredients:

Filtered Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sunflower Oil, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, Onion, Modified Cellulose, Tomato Powder, Sea Salt, Garlic, Spices, Caramel Colour.

Everything is verified to be non-GMO. Very impressive.

For the group of us that dug into the tasting (my semi-vegetarian sister, my strict-paleo/whole-foods sister, my meat-loving former-chef husband, and myself) we found with a little creative condiment-adding, the burger was pretty good. Perhaps not as juicy and "meaty" as real beef, but an honest substitute and easily the type of thing you can add ketchup or mayo to for your liking (or homemade tomato jam! or vegenaise!) I look forward to trying more of Sol Cuisine's products in the future.

As it continues to get hotter, I definitely recommend branching out and giving vegetarian burgers a try. Because - hey - you can't get mad cow disease from vegetables. ... can you?