Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Pregnant pictures 7 weeks
Monday, July 18, 2011
week by week pregnant photos
5 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks 2 month
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks 3 month
13 weeks
14 weeks
15 weeks
16 weeks 4 month
17 weeks
18 weeks
19 weeks
19 weeks
21 weeks
22 weeks
23 weeks
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
33 weeks pregnant photos
33 weeks pregnant
pregnant pictures
33 weeks pictures
Pregnant belly photos
pregnancy pictures
33 weeks pregnant
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Antibacterial Products
Antibacterial products, such as soaps and hand sanitizers, have become part of a daily practice for many, especially during the winter months when indoor air is recycled and germs are most at large. However, there are a few concerns when it comes to chemical sanitizers that are worth considering, as well as some effective natural alternatives that will keep your family and the ecosystem clean and green.
The skinny on bacteria and antibacterial products
The reality is that there are no more germs today than there were, say, 20 years ago, but it seems we have become more paranoid about them now. With a staggering 700+ antibacterial products on the market, one would suspect that we could sterilize bacteria from existence. While it’s true that there are incalculable amounts of bacteria everywhere, chemical antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers may not always be the answer for confronting them for a few good reasons.
1. Not all bacteria are bad.
A lot of bacteria are benign and some are truly helpful. For instance, the bacteria in out guts are absolutely essential for digesting and absorbing food, and they are an important part of our immune system. Antibacterial soaps kill bacteria indifferently, wiping out the good and the bad with broad strokes.
Bacteria and germs are everywhere in every season, but they typically have a tough time infiltrating our bodies because we have many levels of natural defense. We are designed to fight off mild bacteria and germs. Your body is quietly, heroically doing it right now. However, the immune system gets lazy and weak when all the day-to-day defense work is done for it. This becomes a bigger issue when really nasty stuff comes along. A strong immune system is one that’s in fighting form.
This spells trouble for antibiotics in the big picture. Over time, our most effective antibiotics may be rendered useless. We need antibiotics and antibacterials for the really nasty bacteria and pathogens like Staphylococcus and E. coli, but not for common bacteria and germs that mill around in the bathroom.
Two Effective Words: Soap and Water
The largest study done on hand hygiene shows that nothing works better to get rid of disease-causing bacteria and viruses than good ol’ soap and water, period. The best way to protect yourself from everyday germs is to wash your hands several times a day. It’s as simple as that.
Triclosan: The Antibacterial with Hazardous Side Effects
Triclosan is one of the most common ingredients found in synthetic antibacterial products. It’s a broad-spectrum biocide that kills everything in its path, but its hazards to human health and the environment are not trivial. Triclosan is a type of phenol that, though it has antiseptic properties, is a chemical pollutant that persists in the environment for a very long time and bioaccumulates in humans and animals. It’s acutely toxic to aquatic life and causes serious havoc in water ecosystems. One of the big concerns with triclosan is that it’s highly reactive with compounds like chlorine, both in the environment at large and possibly at home when mixed with chlorine-based cleaners. The interaction creates carcinogenic compounds like chlorinated dioxins and chloroform. This is not a good picture to be in. Choosing nontoxic, biodegradable products that use the naturally antiseptic powers of plants and essential oils instead of products containing triclosan is clearly the clean, green way to go.
Essential oils: Naturally Antiseptic and Good Smells Too
For eons, essential oils derived from plants have been valued for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. Modern science has verified the value of many traditional oils, especially for their antiseptic, antibacterial, antimocrobial, and antiviral qualities. The most notable essential oils in this regard are cinnamon, clove, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and tea tree.
Add a dozen drops of essential oils to your favorite (plant-based, biodegradable) liquid hand soap and shake it up for a fine way to improve the natural antibacterial action of good ol’ soap and water. Mix and match fragrances for a bouquet of aroma with healthy hygiene. Pure essential oils are available at most natural markets and from online sources. They aren’t cheap, but one bottle can easily last a year.
4. Research is linking too stringent hygiene with an increase in allergies, especially in kids, and notable increases in asthma and eczema to boot.
3. Casual, regular use of antibacterial products promotes the growth of resistant strains of bacteria and germs.
2. Overusing antibacterial cleansers may weaken our immune system.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
3 Good Reasons Why Organic Cotton Baby Clothing is More Expensive
Organic cotton baby clothes are expensive because of these three valid reasons: costly to manufacture due to level of demand; better quality; and, higher cost in growing and harvesting organic cotton.
Cotton is an ideal fabric for any clothing product. It is best used for making socks, sleepwear, jackets, and most importantly for baby clothes. Clothes made from cotton are soft and comfortable to wear. With the increasing demand for the production of cotton, it follows that the use of chemicals and fertilizers to protect cotton during its growth, have also increased tremendously imposing a threatening effect on the environment. In this light, raising organic cotton has become a better alternative. The only disadvantage is the cost it entails in producing cotton organically. It follows that any clothing item made from organic cotton like organic cotton baby clothes would come out as expensive. But, it does not discount the fact, that baby clothes made from organic cotton are still much better than the ones made from cotton that have been produced using synthetic fertilizers.
Costly to manufacture due to level of demand
Although the demand for the use of organic cotton baby clothes has gradually increased, yet the demand is still not enough to spread the cost of manufacturing. Having less to average demand would mean that every piece of baby clothing, that is made from organic cotton, would turn out to be costly still.
Better quality
Organic cotton clothing are better in quality in terms of thickness, durability and softness, since the cotton fibers have not been exposed to harsh chemicals during the growing and harvesting process. Aside from that, organic cotton baby clothes are made under strict guidelines ensuring that there is enough space for air to pass through. With that, moisture will evaporate from the clothing, preventing any skin irritation to occur on baby’s very sensitive skin.
Higher cost in growing and harvesting organic cotton
In growing and in harvesting organic cotton, natural fertilizers and other natural methods to get rid of pests are employed. And, they are really expensive too. While conventional cotton growers are using harsh chemicals that can speed up their harvest, organic cotton growers are doing it naturally. No short cuts with the use of chemicals. Instead, organic way would mean hiring more laborers to actually do the harvesting.
For the mom who wants to give the best to her little ones, choosing the best baby clothing is her goal. To her, cool baby clothes are those that are in style, can give comfort to babies and most of all that are safe for babies to use. And, manufacturers and sellers of organic baby cotton clothes have undoubtedly proven to many that these are the kind of stuff your delicate babies need.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Things that should Be Organic for Baby and Toddlers
Things That Should Be Organic Baby
The best way to understand what it means to go organic for babies is to understand the ways in which we can introduce toxins and chemicals into our babies’ lifestyles. I have already covered these areas so from here, we can then establish the small changes we can make to eliminate these pathways for toxins and chemicals to enter our baby’s environment and bodies.
- Food – Making organic and safe choices for the food fed to babies
- Baby Formula and food for the different stages and ages of babies and toddlers is widely available in organic and chemical free products
- Air – The selection of organic products which do not release harmful chemicals into the air
- Cleaning products: release many chemicals into the air throughout your home
- Miscellaneous Sprays
- Air Deodorizers: Fill the air with a scent made of chemicals. Natural organic scents made from nature are non-toxic and harmless, though the high concentration of natural ingredients may still cause allergies
- Paints: paints release toxins and chemicals in the air. Organic paints are available in stunning colours which do not leach such chemicals
- Skin Absorption – products absorbed by the skin are rampantly used in the early years of a children.
- Moisturizers
- Nappy Creams
- Baby Wipes
- Shampoo
- Bath Wash
- Soap
- Touch
- Garden products: chemicals that are used to kill or deter insects and plant diseases leach into the soil or stay on top. These are then ingested by exploring babies and youngsters
- Cleaning products: as well as being breathed in, the chemicals from cleaning products settle on surfaces that babies touch with their hands before placing them in their mouths
- Toys: Babies and toddlers play with toys and then their fingers are placed inside their mouths. Paints, varnishes, treated cotton and plastics for example can contain toxins and chemicals
- Clothing: Chemicals used in the production of clothing is absorbed into the skin and can also be the trigger for allergies
What Makes A Product Organic?
The definition of a product being truly organic can be quite strict in terms of all of the processes that are involved in the production of a being kind to the land, the environment and people. It is however these strict definitions which result in products that we can be confident in being chemical and toxin free, derived from the environment in its most natural form.
It is possible to use products that do not satisfy the definition of being “truly” organic” but still be free of the toxins and chemicals which are harmful to our children.
Choosing Organic
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Organic Cream of Potato Soup
ORGANIC CREAM OF POTATO SOUP RECIPE
Three tablespoons fat, 2 tablespoons organic flour, 1 quart organic milk, 1/2 organic onion cut in slices, 11/2 teaspoons organic sea salt, organic pepper, organic celery salt, organic cayenne pepper, 2 cups organic mashed potato.
Melt fat and add flour, mixing thoroughly.Then add milk and other ingredients. Bring to boiling point and boil two minutes, stirring constantly. Finely chopped organic parsley may be added just before serving.
Three tablespoons fat, 2 tablespoons organic flour, 1 quart organic milk, 1/2 organic onion cut in slices, 11/2 teaspoons organic sea salt, organic pepper, organic celery salt, organic cayenne pepper, 2 cups organic mashed potato.
Melt fat and add flour, mixing thoroughly.Then add milk and other ingredients. Bring to boiling point and boil two minutes, stirring constantly. Finely chopped organic parsley may be added just before serving.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WHY choose Organic clothing.....
Chemicals in Conventional Baby Clothing
Because of its appeal to a variety of insects, conventional cotton gets treated with pesticides more than any other crop except coffee.
The pesticides used, cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin, are all known to cause cancer, and have been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as the most dangerous pesticides.
In order to give baby clothing a "finish" it is often treated with flame and stain retardants, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.
According to Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living author Kim Rider, these chemicals can not only irritate your baby's eyes, nose and throat, but they have been linked to depression, leukemia and cancer.
Formaldehyde is another common fabric finish. It should also be avoided, because it is a neurotoxin and carcinogen.
Beware of synthetic fabrics, such as fleece which are derived from petrochemicals that off-gas throughout the life of the clothing. Benzene, Ammonia, Ethylene glycol are all common in fabric finishes of fleece, polyester and polyester blends.
Healthier Options
So what kind of clothing is best for your baby? One option is 100% organic cotton clothing.
Cotton grown on land free of chemicals for three years is certified as organic.
The Organic Trade Association says organic cotton is also beneficial to the environment because the methods used replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Remember to look for the appropriate certified organic label in your country.
Terms such as natural and unbleached don't mean that pesticides weren't involved in their manufacturing. Clothing labeled as organic but uncertified may still contain dyes with unwanted toxins. If you are expecting, you may also want to get some certified organic maternity apparel.
You can also find natural fiber clothing made of untreated soy, wool, hemp. Also keep in mind that clothing blended with natural fibers is a less toxic option than clothing made of all or predominately synthetic fibers.
Plenty of Fashionable Options
If a layette full of only organic infant clothing sounds limiting in terms of style and color, it isn't anymore. The organic baby clothing industry is growing at a rapid pace to meet the demands of green-minded parents.
You'll find beautiful selections online at both organic baby specialty stores and on the sites of major retailers.
Where you shop for organic baby clothing depends on your budget and your personal style.
The options range from highly customized designer baby clothes to the very simple white tee. Handmade children's clothing may also be an option as organic yarns are becoming popular.
Don't forget about baby shoes. Many conventional shoes are made with synthetic fibers and glues that off-gas toxic fumes. You may not think it's a big deal, but if your baby sucks her toes or her shoes it's something to think about.
Finally, remember soft soles are better for your baby's feet than hard soles. They are what doctors recommend and what makes babies feel most comfortable. If you don't believe me you can ask these celebrity moms.
Because of its appeal to a variety of insects, conventional cotton gets treated with pesticides more than any other crop except coffee.
The pesticides used, cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin, are all known to cause cancer, and have been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as the most dangerous pesticides.
In order to give baby clothing a "finish" it is often treated with flame and stain retardants, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.
According to Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living author Kim Rider, these chemicals can not only irritate your baby's eyes, nose and throat, but they have been linked to depression, leukemia and cancer.
Formaldehyde is another common fabric finish. It should also be avoided, because it is a neurotoxin and carcinogen.
Beware of synthetic fabrics, such as fleece which are derived from petrochemicals that off-gas throughout the life of the clothing. Benzene, Ammonia, Ethylene glycol are all common in fabric finishes of fleece, polyester and polyester blends.
Healthier Options
So what kind of clothing is best for your baby? One option is 100% organic cotton clothing.
Cotton grown on land free of chemicals for three years is certified as organic.
The Organic Trade Association says organic cotton is also beneficial to the environment because the methods used replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Remember to look for the appropriate certified organic label in your country.
Terms such as natural and unbleached don't mean that pesticides weren't involved in their manufacturing. Clothing labeled as organic but uncertified may still contain dyes with unwanted toxins. If you are expecting, you may also want to get some certified organic maternity apparel.
You can also find natural fiber clothing made of untreated soy, wool, hemp. Also keep in mind that clothing blended with natural fibers is a less toxic option than clothing made of all or predominately synthetic fibers.
Plenty of Fashionable Options
If a layette full of only organic infant clothing sounds limiting in terms of style and color, it isn't anymore. The organic baby clothing industry is growing at a rapid pace to meet the demands of green-minded parents.
You'll find beautiful selections online at both organic baby specialty stores and on the sites of major retailers.
Where you shop for organic baby clothing depends on your budget and your personal style.
The options range from highly customized designer baby clothes to the very simple white tee. Handmade children's clothing may also be an option as organic yarns are becoming popular.
Don't forget about baby shoes. Many conventional shoes are made with synthetic fibers and glues that off-gas toxic fumes. You may not think it's a big deal, but if your baby sucks her toes or her shoes it's something to think about.
Finally, remember soft soles are better for your baby's feet than hard soles. They are what doctors recommend and what makes babies feel most comfortable. If you don't believe me you can ask these celebrity moms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)