Do you remember that campaign "Plastic Makes it Possible" from the late 90’s? Well there was certainly a time and a place for plastic, but from my perspective, for much of our daily use that ship has sailed for many reasons and there is extensive research indicating that we should all make the switch to safer materials. Environmentally speaking, the challenge is that plastics are artificial polymers that change in chemical composition when heated. This makes the process of turning them into another product (recycling) more challenging. Unlike metal and paper, which can be used again and again, plastic may get one additional life with proper recycling. The “Plastics Make It Possible” campaign has falsely given the public the perception that we can use plastic and not leave a toxic legacy for our children. The environment aside, research suggests that all plastics leak chemicals when scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of … [Read more...]
Making the Clean Switch: Part 1 – Personal Care
Making the transition to a cleaner, greener and toxic free life can seem overwhelming. Is it expensive? What products should I focus on? How do I choose? Well, it is a process. But one that I feel very passionate about, as many products can directly impact your health. Over the next few weeks, I will do several blog posts for specific categories of your life in which we are heavy consumers and how you can transform those to cleaner living. The categories I will cover are food, personal care, cleaning products, and general home products. Today's post will address personal care. Think about the last time you went shopping for lotion, mascara, or a tampon. What attracted you to the product? The packaging? The product claim? The scent? Maybe you had seen it in a magazine or heard about it on social media? It can be hard to resist the pretty packages and enticing promises found on beauty and personal care products in stores today. Who doesn’t want ageless skin, ultra-shiny hair, and … [Read more...]
Working out with cancer.
Let me start this post off by stating the obvious: I am NOT a doctor, nor am I (currently) fitness-certified. Everything I have to say is my opinion based on my experience. Before starting any new exercise program, or if you have any questions or concerns, always speak to your doctor. If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably know I am a huge fitness enthusiast. My passion for fitness and exercise stems from my many years of dancing in my youth...although the real passion of mine is running, which really started my senior year of high school during honors gym. Honors gym...yes, that is a real thing! Anyway, the final for the class was to run for one hour straight...and the rest is history. I've used running to attempt to treat many ailments. Hangovers, the "Freshman 15...err 20'ish", breaks ups, pregnancy side effects, postpartum anxiety...and so, when I received my cancer diagnosis, I was intent on continuing my exercise routine during the process. I knew it would help me in … [Read more...]
Gift Guide: Favorite Beautycounter Buys
I am not a mall girl. At all. I mean do people even shop at malls anymore? A little sad, but why leave the comfy, cozy couch and go to a mall when everything is at our fingertips? So avoid those malls and grab a few of your holiday gifts this week...only 3.5 weeks until Christmas, YIKES! No better time to get a few things for you and cross a few people off your holiday list. Below, I've put together a little gift guide for those special people in our lives, including ourselves...because what fun is shopping if you can't buy a little something for yourself?! To shop visit: www.beautycounter.com/anneslayton - I've also included a direct link to each product below by clicking on the item. Shimmer & Shine Body Set Got a girlfriend that is super glam and loves to hit the town for a crazy night out? Bestow the lasting bliss of all-over luminous skin with this ultra-giftable set featuring three travel-size glow-getters. Gentle exfoliation, nourishing moisture and a hint of … [Read more...]