Category Archives: Green Buisnesses

Tips Tuesday – How Reiki, Crystals and Essential Oils can help ease SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter.

Yesterday all I heard about was ‘Blue Monday’ and how it is considered the saddest day of the year.  In response I wanted to offer some Holistic approaches that are easily accessible and affordable.  Keeping in mind simply hearing about it all day can have a negative affect on us as words have the ability to affect our health and mood as well, google Dr Emoto’s experiments!

I have experienced depression and SAD FIRST HAND!  Before owning HHDS I had a few consecutive years where I knew I HATED winter and found myself spiraling into despair more as each year went by but usually peaking in the winter.  I had never heard of SAD, but a coworker suggested it might be the affects of this lack of exposure to the sun and suggested a tanning bed.  Against my better judgement I was desperate and despite my having close family members with Skin cancer and having sensitive skin, I did it, and it seemed to work.  The following year I took over the salon I worked in, made it Green and took my first Energy Healing lesson, Reiki Level 1, and I have not suffered the affects of SAD since.  Over the past 7 years I have delved into the Holistic Health and Wellness pool, devouring all the knowledge I could.  Ultimately attaining Master Level for Reiki, up to 3rd level in Shamballa, Celtic Reiki, Crystal Therapy and Becoming a Holistic Life Coach and Certification Instructor.  While my curiosity grew as I became  more and more aware of the profound positive affects this training has provided me with and subsequently my clients and staff, I have come to realize that empowering others with this knowledge is part of my purpose.

Many people think that SAD is just seasonal, and for the most part it can be noticed more during the months we have less exposure to Vitamin ‘D’.  Although anyone with Mental Health sensitivities can experience SAD more frequently then those who don’t , anyone can actually suffer from it.

It can become a vicious circle with low moods (lowering our over all frequency of the body) We crave or attract like a magnet equally low vibrating activities and foods

Of course this inevitably causes a negative chain reaction through our whole lives.

Main Stream Medicine has offered a solution with the SAD Lamp, offering much needed light from it’s radiance that mimics the light we would normally receive from the sun, and still others misdiagnose as a more permanent form of depression and will prescribed Depression medication.  I have tried depression medication, I prefer an empowerment approach where I have more control, being that I am a control freak, this would explain my own approach.  This in no way implies anyone on medication is wrong, but I do challenge you to try these following options before making a definitive choice!  I LOVE Skeptics, but to make a true Skeptic, a healthy one is one that is educated and open minded!  I myself am a skeptic  currently and will always be.  It is smart to question and test theories, then judge for yourself!

The same light exposure from the Sun, and that I found helped me during my Tanning Bed experience is present in greater quantities through a Reiki treatment.  Only with Reiki there are NO negative side affects.  ZERO.  So there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from trying it.  A Reiki treatment is performed by an attuned Reiki Practitioner, on a treatment table/bed fully clothed for anywhere from 15 mins to an hour.  For more severe cases a full hour is recommended.  The process is very relaxing and you notice positive impacts immediately.  As time goes by through subsequent visits you begin to recognize when you need a treatment.  You will become so aware of how you feel day to day that you will start to feel when you need another treatment.  Some people may feel deterred by the repetitive nature and expense of this treatment, however it is no more so then refilling a prescription or purchasing a lamp and replacing bulbs.  Keeping in mind Reiki can be enjoyed with no conflicting reactions during a prescription or using a SAD lamp. for even greater and long lasting affects.  However if you are enjoying Reiki and you want access to that healing energy any time, get attuned yourself!  Having the atonement allows you to self treat not just for SAD but for any headache, upset stomach, sprained muscle, for you and now you can offer it to your family and friends!

Want to learn more about Reiki?  Contact Kerstin Kramer, owner of Natural Health Touch offering Reiki Attunement at Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, our next Level 1 Class is this coming Saturday Jan 21st 2017 from 9-4.  To sign up call us at 519-886-8624 or contact Kerstin @ info@naturalhealthtouch.com.

Crystals are incredible tools to combat SAD as well,  one of the best being the ‘SunStone’.  What makes crystals so effective is their molecular frequency.  Everything is made up of molecules, including us.  When pain dis-ease or imbalances occurs it is due to the interruption of frequency in the corresponding area.  Like tuning a piano, choosing a matching Crystal will, ‘re-tune’ or rebalance the affected area when worn close to or directly on the body.  Sensitive scientific frequency measuring tools are used to test these theories and have proved effectiveness.  Crystal classes are also available to learn more, including soon to be posted at HHDS for the basic understanding and use of these natural healing tools.  These too can be used in correlation with traditional medicines and approaches with no conflicting side affects, and they will expedite healing.

Essential Oils can play a role in your self care as well.  Citrus based oils and blends like ‘Joy’ from Doterra can boost your mood during the day and can travel easily in your purse for access whenever you need it.  Using essential oils should be careful and educated, some oils can only be used on the skin and infused into the air, others can be ingested, so having a class before use is recommended, or consulting with an Essential oil educator.  If your skin is sensitive using a traveler oil like coconut or olive oil is recommended.  This too can be enjoyed by the whole family and provides you with yet another option to support your traditional medical approach if you wish.  However make sure you share with your practitioner what oils you use as reactions to current prescriptions or new ones can happen.

Without decreasing the magnitude of health affects from physical activity, getting outside to expose yourself to as much vitamin D as you can this time of year, I wanted to expand your prospects with self empowering and self implemented tools that might not have been in your tool kits of Self Care options.  Now you can add more to your repertoire for you and your family!

Want to try Reiki or crystals in a service?  We offer both for just $1 a minute, book your Energy work service in between you hair and skin services or on it’s own, you won’t be disappointed!

519-886-8624

Holiday Hours 2016

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December 

Tues 20 & 27  10-6

Weds 21 & 28 10-8

Thurs 22 & 29  10-6

Fri 23 & 30 10-8

Sat 24 & 31 8:30-2:30

January

Tues 3 Closed

Weds 4 1-8

Thurs 5 Closed

Fri 6 10-8

Sat 7 8:30-2:30

eco-neuma

‘Eco and his Selection for gift ideas this Christmas, Neuma Organic and Vegan Hair Care Line!’

Happy Holidays from all of our Green Family to yours! 

HHDS SPARKLES In St Jacobs, Come Join us!

Just finished baking for our Sparkles event in St Jacobs! All the local vendors are open late, and offering refreshments, and amazing deals and events, including horse drawn wagon rides! On Thursday We are launching our new beautiful Neuma organic hair care line, which is biodegradable, organic and is over 90% post consumer recycled plastic bottles!
On Friday we are excited to have beautiful live music with Ryan Dugal, and Claryssa Webb of #ANewGround beginning at 6pm to 9pm!
On Saturday we are open 8:30 till 6! Offering a great opportunity to get your family photo for holiday cards, or a new head shot with an amazing $40 package for hair wash style, make up and photo shoot!
Thurs – Sat enjoy draws, prizes and free gift bags for the first 50 clients! Call now to enjoy #EcoFriendly Christmas gift ideas, and relaxing services that provide you with the self care you need to get through the hectic Holiday season! 519-886-8624 to book your #SparkleExperience. #livemusic#photoshoot #headshots #familyphotos #StJacobs #Sparkle #Prizes #Draws#SelfCare #EcoChristmas #SaferProducts

 

Tips Tuesday – A New Beginning

Yes we have all been there.  Either by choice or by happenstance, a New Beginning can instigate feelings of excitement, apprehension, joy, fear, doubt and euphoria.  It’s learning how to go with the flow of events while still maintaining your sanity that can be seemingly impossible.  Like trying to tread water in rapids.  It isn’t easy, pretty nor does it feel natural, but low and behold, Nature IS Change.  Things in life are constantly evolving shifting changing.  Either violently and instantly like a volcano during which you simply must attempt to maintain all of your limbs, OR gentle and almost undetectable like the eroding of rocks by a river, like when you realize your kid is going to college and you forgot he wasn’t 5?  We have all experienced both I’m sure.  But we know the days will come again where we will be faced with the inevitable welcomed or unwelcomed presence of change.  I have found some years offer multitudes of change, like the one we are in, for us, while other years seem status quo.  We have moved Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, and the Institute For Harmonious Living to St Jacobs, and we will soon be moving our family home to Mount Forest.  These decisions were blended in motivation between choice and necessity.  This complicates things a bit.  On one hand it’s exciting and filled with anticipation and joy.  On the other side it is met with fear that we could be causing ourselves more stress or challenge to our already busy lives, while simultaneously grieving the ending of an era.  One thing I love about the universe is that it will take these reflective opportunities to force you to face head on and truly commit to what you really want.  I have found that when sharing our news of change that some people have joined in our celebration with support and mutual appreciation for striving towards goals and attaining them.  While others will meet this announcement of courageous transformation with fear and intrepidation, reflecting back to you your insecurities and seconding guessing.  What to do with this?  As your stomach knots and twists.  Embrace it as an opportunity to recognize that there is something in you that needs to be released, or forgiven or accepted.  No courageous act of change is without a little a bit of pain as the old self is shed and the new vulnerable self emerges.  In response to such ‘Neh’ sayers you are gifted with the opportunity to remind yourself why you chose this new path, re-inspiring yourself to the new opportunities awaiting you.  Or you could allow the negative fear eat away at the precious gift that lays before you in the unknown.  The Choice is yours.

Where change hits you like a tsunami, with gail forced winds and destructive results, change is at it’s most violent and relentless.  Noone outside of you can soothe the impact and hurt that you could feel.  However, these moments can also prove necessary to shake you up in a way that you had never entertained otherwise.  Either way the decision of how this is integrated in to your life is yours.  Years following this event staying in resistance and denial could prove exhausting and futile.  Leaving you regretful and depressed.  Self care will ease this reaction before it takes hold.  Patience, acceptance, allowance and forgiveness for yourself most importantly is vital.  Everyone’s approach is natural for them and fair for their own life, noone has the right to tell you your way of integrating is wrong.  HOWEVER, staying open minded to those best intended supporters, those you trust most, is extremely important as these golden nuggets could be patchwork quilted together to form your own custom redesigned foundation for your future.  Take what resonates to you from their well meaning advice and leave the rest in gratitude.

Within change lies so many emotions and relationships young and old have been casualties of many forms of change.  Although the release of others can instill fear of abandonment, being alone and grief of the relationship, it is necessary to release others whose path you are longer meant to share.  However to best honor what was between you  is most comforting, where trying to hold tighter in a most unnatural resistant way can cause more pain and heartache.

So like treading water in the rapids, reserve your energy and go with the flow, don’t struggle against it.  Use the current of change to slowly, or quickly, sweep you to the edges where safety and stronger footing can surely provide you with a more sound perspective of your circumstances.  Use the reserved energy to heal and regather your wits before proceeding.

To anyone who feels battered and bruised from change, healing WILL come, just make sure you are open to it and give yourself permission to accept the peace after the storm.  Many self sabotage and cause self inflicted pain to punish themselves for what they believe they may have been responsible, having made a mistake, causing what they may see as an act they could and should have avoided, and there by preventing painful change.  What they don’t see is the seemingly random, yet actually, calculated acts of the universe offering you and others opportunities to grow and move forward to a better place.  By self sabotaging they limit their vision and therefore do not see this opportunity, instead choose to stay trapped in a cycle of backwards obsessive thinking, regret, grief and self punishment.  If after nonjudgmental, unconditionally loving, coaching/counseling concludes that asking forgiveness of self or others is appropriate, do so without expectation of outcome.  Whether or not the other forgives is irrelevant after an offered apology.  It is the self forgiveness that will give you the healing you search for.   Surprisingly after forgiving is internal, external circumstances will follow suit.

Never forget that we are all feathers tossed around in the wind of fate, you are not alone.  When and if you search for counsel, self care or simply a safe place to just ‘Be’, I invite you to visit us at Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, and the Institute For Harmonious Living and enjoy our nurturing ways, through services geared to sooth your mind body and spirit.

Tips Tuesday – How to become Plastic Free!

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If you are like me and you are wanting to become Plastic Free, then this list is for you!  Some of it is pretty straight forward other items I hadn’t thought of yet! Clearly as a family and for HHDS we have been promoting this for a while, especially with our refillable mason jars for shampoo and conditioner.  I love this list and will post 25 more new tips each week for the next month!   Check it out!

Top Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste

    1. Carry reusable shopping bags.

    2. Give up bottled water.

      Grocery Shopping
    1. Shop your local farmers market.

    2. Say “no” to plastic produce bags.

    3. Buy from bulk bins as often as possible.

    4. Cut out sodas, juices, and all other plastic-bottled beverages.

    5. Buy fresh bread that comes in either paper bags or no bags.

    6. Return containers for berries, cherry tomatoes, etc. to the farmer’s market to be reused.

    7. Bring your own container for meat and prepared foods

    8. Choose milk in returnable glass bottles.

    9. Buy large wheels of unwrapped cheese.

    10. Try to choose only wine bottled in glass with natural cork stoppers.

    11. Let go of frozen convenience foods.

    12. Give up chewing gum.

       

Eating and Drinking on the Go

    1. Carry your own containers for take out food and leftovers.

    2. Carry a stainless steel travel mug or water bottle at all times for coffee and other drinks while out in the world.

    3. Carry reusable utensils and glass drinking straws.

    4. When ordering pizza, say no to the little plastic “table” in the middle of the pizza box.

    5. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone.

       Lunch Time at School or Work
    1. Keep your own reusable foodware at the office.

    2. Carry lunches in reusable stainless containers or cloth bags.

    3. Choose reusable cloth sandwich/snack bags.

       Kitchenware & Food Storage
    1. Choose glass/stainless steel food storage containers, and reuse what you have.

       

    2. Learn to preserve foods without plastic.

    3. Avoid non-stick cookware.

      Now I understand this can be an overwhelming task!  Some of us have lots of plastic in our homes still and like me maybe don’t want to fill a landfill with our old plastic containers or portable drinking cups.  I hear ya!  I plan on utilizing mine until they are no longer effectively useful, however that doesn’t mean I can’t be more conscientious  with future purchases.  And so goes my plan!  How will you reduce your families plastic consumption?  Will you go cold turkey or gradually transfer?  If you get rid of all your plastic from the start, what will you do with it to be more conscious of what happens to it next?

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Tips Tuesday -Know When to Reach Out

Men

I have noticed many people feeling stressed, overwhelmed and suffering high anxiety lately.  Some of you might say, that’s nothing new, but statistics are showing increases in every area, suicides in every age group, increase in mental health leave in work places. more violent aggression towards others in our communities, we have reached a breaking point.  Reaching out for help from places like ours is a sign of strength not weakness, you empower yourself and in turn those around you!

hybrid logo shrunk

Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa is all about providing our guests with a ‘Safe Place’ to give themselves permission to enjoy self care, and increase the knowledge base in many alternative medicine treatments, as well as eco friendly full hair and skin services.  We expect people in overwhelm, we welcome them eagerly.  We accel at assisting others with decreasing their stress, anxiety and overwhelm.  But we know other people too, many amazing certified alternative medicine practitioners and we can connect you with their skills!  We encourage our guests to ask questions, and give themselves permission to explore alternatives in passive and active treatment for mind, body and spirit self healing approaches.

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Peace starts within you, each one of us has the responsibility to do what we need to, to chill out and find our zen on a regular basis.  For some that might be yoga and meditation, others massage and a hair cut, others, hiking and facials, I don’t care what it is, but what you MUST understand is that if you choose not to  you WILL pay a heft price.  Your health will decrease more rapidly, you will age faster, you will have a shorter life span, you will not be as effective or efficient at work or at home, you will be short tempered and low on energy, you will have more bouts of fear, anxiety and or depression, and you WILL affect negatively, EVERYONE around you.  Here is the kicker, you see chaos around you and you want to fight it!  You want to make it stop, you can’t by putting more effort outside yourself.

powerful

The only way you can influence others to become more peaceful and calm, more loving and kind is to be that first yourself.  Sounds easy but it isn’t, without self care and filling your own cup first , learning skills and tools to heal yourself first you couldn’t possibles take on the task of positively influencing others.  But start acting as a leader and teaching by example how peaceful practices produces a peaceful environment and watch how everyone around you benefits!

MEpic for IHL

Want to learn how to start?  Book in a Free 1 hour first session with me for Holistic Life Coaching and we will get you started in empowering yourself with skills and tools to support you for the rest of your life! Call now for your first FREE SESSION! 519-404-6627

Looking Forward to Meeting up with you!

Tips Tuesday – What are you investing in?

breaking-news-blog

 

Many things floated through my mind about what to write about in this weeks Blogg, and I realized all the themes were linked, as everything is.  It all flows back to, ‘What Are You Investing In?’.

I know longer have cable.  I have not watched the news in a very long time.  I always find out what is going on.  Always.  I won’t bore you with why I do not watch it other then to say, I do not feel it’s accurate and it leans too often to the negative.  What happens when any of us lean too far, too often, to the negative?  We perpetuate more negativity.  I personally do NOT want to invest that way.  I do not want ‘interest’ on my negative thoughts or feelings.

I have seen and heard of many sad events happening lately close to me and not so close.  Watching a young woman be verbally, emotionally and physically abused for falling in love with a boy not of her culture and religion, by her own family.  This isn’t the first time, I’ve seen it and heard of this before.  In varying degrees of extremity and aggression.  Hearing how a rapist is protected and supported by the courts, a woman left to spend her life recovering.  Watching a man of authority inflict fear, pain and manipulation to sexually and physically assault women and walk away with very little if any repercussion.  Watching human beings cut down during a seemingly typical fun Saturday night, for no other reason but for their sexual connotation.  But this isn’t new, this is old news, this has become common place like a disease, we like to think it’s just in a neighboring country but it’s here, as I mentioned with the earlier example, it’s in our town, our schools, our homes, our heads.

Typically many will start pointing fingers at an extremist group, a religion, a culture, a race.  But it is far more sinister yet far more basic then that.  It can be summed up in just a few words.  Intolerance, ignorance, hate, fear.  It was found in Cristopher Columbus when he raped and pillaged the peaceful native people he found when he discover the new land, it has been in every war in the name of religion or for power, ever domestic dispute, every random act of violence from stealing a purse to rape to murder.  It simply has different faces.  But it’s all the same underneath so why hate the face?  Stop looking at the surface, it’s underneath you too, in the swearing at the diver who cut you off to the gossip you tell behind a coworkers back to the bullying on the play ground, to the mental abuse you put yourself through every time you tell yourself yours stupid, incapable, fat, ugly, worthless and on and on and on….

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What Are You Investing In?  Do you choose to add to your own negativity with layers of invested energy focusing on self inflicted crippling thoughts and emotional scars?  Do you watch negative shows and news only to spread the news, and feed the fearful sensationalism propaganda?  Are you someone who turns a blind eye to a neighbor, child, spouse, parent doing something you know is wrong and allow it to build until one or many are hurt?  How do you begin to reign in the violence? Start with your own actions thoughts and behaviors, move on to acting out of peace, love and acceptance of others, ALL OTHERS.  If you see someone of YOUR race, YOUR culture, YOUR religion, YOUR beliefs striking out against others in a hateful way, DO WHAT IS RIGHT to protect others from violent acts, help your friend, loved one, neighbor by protecting them from themselves, report it, don’t turn a blind eye, or your hands too will be bloodied with the investment you made by a decision of inaction.

What are you investing in?  How do you choose to spend your money, your time, your life?  Every choice you make controls an outcome, even the choice not to choose.  You vote with your dollars, your habits, your decision to or not to vote.  You vote by raising your children in the environment you provide for them.  What do you see as your future balance?  Have you invested enough time in your health to live a strong healthy life with your grand or great grand children?  Have you invested in your relationship with your kids for them to want to come visit you when you are in a home?  Have you invested enough in ethical practises to lead your life as an example to tohers on how to honour and respect all life on this planet?  Have you invested enough in your fellow man/woman so that your deposite of love and accpetance onto others invests into an epidemic of colossal proportions that it takes on a healing lif of its own?  Have you invested in the understanding that with voting you DO have a say in the environment your country offers to be safe in and out of your ow home, local entertainment spots and schools?

With the closing remark, that in a peaceful world no weapon is lethal.  I am completely opposed to guns, yet, as sadly our next generation has displayed in record numbers of suicides, words can kill, and you don’t need a licence to speak.  What are YOU investing in?  I choose to invest in the future, future generation, future evolution, future peace.  Will you join me?

pic for IHL

Normally I would write a gratitude peace to our fathers for fathers day, and they should not be over shadowed by the grievous acts of radical behavior.  To my Father who voted just days before passing, I do hope our neighbors to the south will vote for a peaceful future this fall.  To our fore fathers I offer forgiveness for what they may have done in ignorance and fear, I also show gratitude for those who fell for us to enjoy peace.  To the Fathers Today may you raise tolerant, loving peaceful and respectful children of both sexes, this will not be a simple task, but I know you are up for the challenge!

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Show your your love and gratitude with our amazing spring promos to encourage him to fill up his self care cup!

Tips Tuesday – Eco Sun Protection!

Many people are recovering from a little to much sun over the weekend!  But it was a good long weekend wasn’t it?  So I collected a few Eco Sun Tips for you and your family to observe in this intense sunlight we have and will continue to enjoy for the rest of the season!

MY FAVORITE Lets start here I’m not good at waiting!

BIG HATS!  They are sexy, flirty and timeless!

Processed with VSCO with s2 preset Processed with VSCO with s2 preset

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Protective Eco Skin Care! Diego  Dalla Palma, SPF 15 and 24 hour options!

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Protect your skin even more with Mineral Make up!  FitGlow, Canadian Made!

VITA-ACTIVE FOUNDATION is more than just a way to perfect skin tone but a healthy way to nourish skin with clinically proven super foods and essential vitamins. The plant based skin loving blend of Vitamin C, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid,Seaweed Brighteners and Beta-Caroteneincreases collagen production and dramatically boosts skins ability to diminish spots, freckles, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage plus improve elasticity. Daily use leaves skin clear, smooth and radiant. VITAMIN C Provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging free radicals, boosting collagen production and reducing brown spots. It’s prevented my usual sun spots and freckles from appearing this past.

98% ORGANIC | 95 % WHOLE FOOD BASED | VITAMIN C | BOTANICAL HYALURONIC | VEGAN

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fitglow1fitglow3fitglow2

 

Great for kids and Canadian made!

http://www.abbysprouts.com/Surf-Print-Kepi-Hat-UPF-50-Protection-Sun-Hat-Ma-p/6527.htm

kids hat

 

Don’t forget Mom and Dad!

http://www.stitchylizard.com/_golf-shirts-toronto/golf-eco.html

golf

Safer Eco Sunscreen Options

sunscreen

  1. Nature’s Gate Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 20
  2. Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
  3. Badger Sunscreen Cream, Unscented, SPF 30
  4. The Honest Company Honest Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
  5. California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
  6. Seventh Generation Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
  7. Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
  8. Earth’s Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
  9. TruKid Daily Sunscreen Face & Body Stick, SPF 30
  10. COOLA Suncare Body Plant UV Sunscreen Moisturizer, Unscented, SPF 30

To see all the safest sunscreens, check out either Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens or Best Moisturizers with SPF.

 

  • High-SPF (SPF values of greater than 50+) products are misleading to the public and may result in people not applying sunscreen often enough.
  • Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, may speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions, plus because vitamin A is found in so many products, toxicity due to excessive exposure may result. Vitamin A safety is a huge debate and not everyone agrees that vitamin A is a hazard.
  • Sunscreen is just one way to protect yourself from the sun.

Protect your eyes!

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To best protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV and HEV rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors.

Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and that also absorb most HEV rays. Youroptician can help you choose the best sunglass lenses for your needs.

To protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible, try at least one pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style.

And of course who could forget the timeless option , the parasol!

umbrella

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BDDDCE An attractive young African woman holding a multi coloured umbrella sitting on a sandy beach with a blue sea in the background.. Image shot 07/2009. Exact date unknown.

Check out this lovely sophisticated version on Ebay! http://www.ebay.com/itm/stripe-Women-Princess-Folding-Anti-UV-Parasol-Umbrella-for-Sun-Protection-/291765363871

 

No matter how you enjoy the sun, do it safely!  Apply sunscreen regularly or if you have aversions to SPF wear long light sleeves and utilize the sexy big brims and pretty parasols!  Either way you can have fun in the sun and be safe too!

 

 

 

Tips Tuesday – Patience

cartoon

Ever just want to jump ahead to the good part of a book, or movie?  Or just want to get past the work of setting up the party and just get down to getting down!  Sometimes we want to just find someone else to do the tough stuff so we can enjoy the fun.  BUT we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the satisfaction of the job well done.  Nor would we be the wiser for the all the lessons we might have learned in the challenges we might face while doing the work.  This applies to EVERY area of our lives. We can’t skip ahead no matter how bad we want to.  When I was a kid I wanted to grow up so fast, not sure why, maybe it was the freedom I thought adults had, or the money LOL.  But either way I wanted it now, and to go faster.  Now I seem to have trouble slowing things down!  I wish I had a pause button or rewind to appreciate the times I rushed through with little or no appreciation that now seems the happiest moments of my life.  I have since rectified this habit-o-mine

live in the moment 2

We can learn from this now, right now in the now.  Slow down.  What, if anything, do you want, need, aspire to in this moment.  Not the next.  this will allow you to impregnate (sorry for the squrimish image) each moment with purpose and actually slow things down to enjoy it more.  Showing gratitude for the now actually makes each moment better, less like work, so that we are not always seeking happiness and satisfaction in the next moment.  It also dissolves anxiety as it is induced by an inexhaustible dissatisfaction with our current situations.  It gives you time to review what you really want to change, how to improve and what you need to do to accomplish it.  Jumping ahead may get you to the next thing faster, but it’s not as full, not as precious and only gets you to the finish line faster, and when we recognize the finish line is our physical end, is that what you really want?  Remember, it’s in the journey not the destination!  Learn to embrace that and you will embrace the secret to happiness!

live in the moment

Tips Tuesday – The Engine Light!

BROKECAR

So my car was hesitating in higher rev at second gear.  I wasn’t sure what was going on not being terribly ‘Car Saavy’, so I asked my husband to check it out.  After filling the tank with premium gas and some fuel conditioner it seemed to be running more smoothly. (Hoping to purchase a Hybrid VERY SOON!).  This didn’t last long, after a longer road trip the problem had become worst.  This time the hubby got serious about the investigation!  Under the hood uncovered the real problem!  A gaping hole in an air vent was the culprit to our car’s hiccup predicament.  after repairing the hole, cleaning the interior and exterior the car is running as smooth as ever!

Now most of you used to these bloggs are probably trying to connect the dots to this theme, and the theme my typical bloggs take.  So many people run their bodies like a machine, no oils changes, no filling the gas tanks, no car washes or repairs.  Just running till ‘something’, usually illness, forces them to look at their health and what efforts their self care has had on their health if they have shown any self care towards themselves at all.  When we pay more attention you our bodies, the whispers can be enough to remind us we need to do more to preserve our health and not wait till the shout to attempt to put out fires.  Any high performance vehicle needs maintenance, to stay in peak performance and avoid break downs.  What makes us think we can go at top speed and not break down, not crash and burn?  Want to reach peak performance?  Want to run on most efficient gas mileage?  You need to get your tires rotated, get an oil change now and again, maybe take the scenic route once and a while.  Ok so this might be an article to share with your hubby to motivate him to introduce more self care too, but I have yet another connection to make.

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Everything is connected.  If one thing is dysfunctional in the engine of life whether it be mentally physically or emotionally, you WILL feel it in other areas.  It is essential to recognize that you can not overly any issue you are experiencing, it is the ‘Engine Light’ that your life uses to draw attention to something only you can fix.  On a grander scale all this week HHDS is participating in Earth Week celebrations.  We are doing this because whether it’s convenient or not, easy or not, comfortable or not, our planet is flashing the engine light, and it has been for a while.  When will you take note, and do what YOU can to heal the problem.  Feel free to join us in cleaning up our communities this week, everyday we are going out collecting garbage, making an effort to prevent the items tossed around on garbage day over the winter from entering our water systems and killing our wild life, in an effort to ease the glow of the Engine light.  As we are all connected, the responsibility lies in each of our hands to do our part, nothing else matters no other issues as large or prominent if we don’t have fresh air to breath clean water to drink and majestic creatures to share our planet with.

Enjoy this link with your family to be an example to create Eco Minded Kids! http://www.grameen-info.org/how-to-teach-environmental-awareness-to-young-children/

Hope to see you in to celebrate, and share your Earth week pics with us!  A HUGE Thank you to Goodness Me Waterloo for donating some amazingly yummy Holistic Treats this week! https://goodnessme.ca/

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