Kind Homes and Kind Cleaning - Let's Get a Little Dirty First

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Ok, so you’ve made a promise to yourself and the earth that you’re going to invest in more kind and natural products for your beautiful home. Great! Well done. You’re feeling fabulous. You throw on an eco chic cardie, grab a big eco tote babe, order a grande cappuccino to go and hit the shops. You walk past the confectionary aisle like a mother flippin’ boss and you shoot those chip packets a look that says ‘uh uh hunny, I’m eco friendly shoppin’ today’. You strut past the magazines and hold your head high as you approach the cleaning aisle – ready to fill your tote with safe suds and kind cleaners. You pick up your first candidate – a bottle of detergent in a green and brown bottle (those bland tones mean natural right?), smiling at your choice as the word ‘natural’ is written is kickass font on its label and you flip over the bottle without a care in the world just wanting to confirm the ingredients are ones that you’re familiar with. You stop dead in your tracks.

“CAUTION” 

“Avoid contact with skin and eyes”

“Seek medical advice if consumed” 

and what the fudge is ‘diaphhhkhnbvtd5iwnsganacetoxide’?

You put down the bottle, defeated, and walk over to your old faithful (but insanely scary chemically composed) bottle of regular cleaner. Choosing kind products is too hard - you think. I hear ya. I hear ya loud and clear. Thanks to poor regulations and monitoring of various marketing campaigns we are being ‘greenwashed’ on a daily basis and being encouraged to purchase falsely described eco friendly products.

What do we actually need to look for?

Firstly – be wary of health disclaimers such as ‘caution’ ‘danger’ ‘warning’ etc. These labels are indicative of the products’ toxicity. Always look for (and abide by) care instructions such as ‘wear masks and gloves’. How often do we nuddy up to clean the shower – when really we should be donning a Breaking Bad style outfit with half the products that are out there! Next thing to keep your eco eyes peeled for is products that are ‘plant based’ versus ‘petroleum based’. The more products we use that are petroleum based – the faster the depletion of this non renewable resource and the greater our nations’ demand on its importation from other countries. Lastly opt for environmentally friendly packaging. Look for recycled plastic//paper or better yet check out Method’s range of packaged goods using Ocean Plastic!

BTM's Little Black Book of Dirty Bitches (not the kinky kind).

+ Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) – sudsing agents that react to nitrates and form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are carcinogens that penetrate the skin.

+ Butyl Cellosolve (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) – a nerve damaging chemical that’s easily absorbed by the skin.

+ Ammonia fumes – Can cause respiratory irritation.

+ Sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – There are uber caustic (cause living tissue to burn) and if these are mixed with any products that contain ammonia or acids – their reaction will create a toxic and lingering fume.

+ Sulphates – These little buggers can trigger respiratory distress in mah fellow asthmatic homies (breathing problems represent!).

+ Phosphoric Acid – This can irritate the lungs as well as burn the eyes, skin and internal organs if ingested. Not fun.

+ Mixing toilet cleaners that contain acids with those containing chlorine (and c’mon people – we have all been there) will form a lung damaging chlorine gas. Eep!

+ Lye and sodium hydroxide – Corrosive agents that can burn skin and eyes.

+ Aerosol sprays – These are easily inhaled into lung tissue.

+ Silica powder – Can be dangerous if inhaled.

+ Chlorine bleach – This can irritate the skin and airways.

+ Petroleum dissolates – Flammable and dangerous if swallowed.

+ Dyes – These can be contaminated by heavy metals (such as arsenic and lead) which can then penetrate the skin and leave residue on all surfaces.

+ Phosphates – These pesky little devils overnutrify rivers and streams. This leads to excessive algae growth, which deprives fish of oxygen.

+ Chlorine (found in dishwasher tablets) – When the chlorinated chemicals mix with the steam of the dishwasher it creates a very dangerous vapour when steam is released by opening the door at the end of a cycle.

+ Alkylephenal Ethoxylates (APEs) – These disrupt our body’s natural hormone regulation.

+ Perchloroethylene – Exposure leads to liver and kidney damage.

So this is what I have been researching, reading and discovering this week. There is just SO much to learn and new research findings being released everyday. The shortlist above is simply a reflection of where I am at in my decision making when choosing products that are safe for me and safe for my darling mother earth.

Our favourite product to use in our house is quite simply boiled water and lemon and some good ole fashioned elbow grease. Add a little vinegar and bicarb soda for those trickier spots and stains. Homemade products are a great economical and environmental alternative to hitting up the shops.

What are some of your favourite Earth friendly home and cleaning tips?

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Blessings and lemon stained hands x

HAPPY 200.

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I could barely believe it when I looked at my BlogFeed - 199 posts to date. Just one shy of the big two hungie. To me, that's near unfathomable. I have rambled and explored and discussed and photographed and shared almost 200 posts with you darling readers (and I am still blown away by the fact that I have 'readers' that aren't in my blood line!). 

Since I started this blog at the beginning of 2013, I have gone through ebbs and flows of inspiration, boredom, excitement, resentment and all the fun spectrum of emotions in between. I have had times when I simply didn't feel like blogging - where it felt like a chore or obligation. I promised myself, at the start of this whole shizbang, that I wanted the writing process to always be one fuelled by love, authenticity and passion. I never wanted anything to feel forced or insincere. So, as you have seen, from time to time I have gotten a little sidetracked and have adandoned the blog to follow other pursuits and commit my time to other areas - like my clinic or my studies or just my life in general. But I have always come back. I have always been passionate about sharing my passion and my love for this big ole blue planet. 

My first post went live on January 7th 2013. Entitled 'Hello There' - it was an introduction to me, my back story, my hopes and aspirations and my vision for this little corner of the web. I still think it's pretty special that every single thing I spoke about in that initial post rings true today. The themes and content within the blog have changed over time, as my personal interests start to follow a number of different paths, but the overall sentiment has not changed one iota. 

"I feel like I’m staring ahead at a very exciting and winding little road but with no idea how to navigate it. That’s where you beautiful little souls come in. There’s an old proverb that tells us that everyone in the universe is a puzzle piece and it’s up to us to find one another and work together to ‘make the picture’.  I’m hoping that Bless This Mess connects me to all you puzzle pieces out there – whether you’re scrumptiously similar or deliciously different to myself"

I am so grateful for everyone I have encountered on this journey. From my teachers who have truly inspired me; the lessons I have learnt along the way; the friends and family who have supported my every interest and pursuit wholeheartedly (and as a complete and utter multipassionate - trust me, there have been a lot of interests over the years) ... I am just beyond blessed to have such Earth Angels in my life.

I think that such a monumental post calls for a little bit of reflection - given that I love me some nostalgia and reflection baby. The woman pounding away at the keys right now is quite different from the woman who sat before you on January 7th. Sure her hair is the same colour (and probably the same length given that I'm absolutely terrible at being a girl and give no time to my hair - sorry my dear mop o' hair) and her fingers strum in the same way across the keys as they always did. But a few things, little and big, have shifted within her.

this journey has changed me ...

+ I still have bad days and times when my insecurities get the better of me but overall I have learnt more about unconditional love. I am forever loving and supporting my friends and family - believing (sincerely) that they can do and be anything they want to be; that they're beautiful; that they're the shiniest and most incredible gift in this universe - yet shift to my inner dialogue and it was a different story. I have learnt that it's so integral that we first have a good relationship with ourselves. We need to back ourselves, love ourselves and accept ourselves unconditionally. I am not perfect in this regard, whatsoever, but I am learning and growing. 
+ I am an optimist. I have realised that, by counting my blessings and expressing gratitude wherever possible, it makes it kind of impossible to get stuck in the negative mindset for too long. There is too much good in the world. It allows us to focus on the incredible blessings that we have been gifted and forget about the daily comeuppance' that may piss us off temporarily. Good things are all around us. Always.
+ I am strong. I am someone who can make a stand for themselves, for others and who is confident enough to share their views without fear of judgement. I am stronger because of the incredible network around me who are my backbone when mine is a little skewed.
+ I love to write. I missed this. I missed my days as a kid when I would literally be the happiest kid in Leeming when I got a new notepad and could write. I remember wanting to join after school English groups and wanting to write poems and short stories and even lists (I know - creative badass right here) in my free time. I loved it and then I kind of lost it. I'm so grateful that in my journey I've come across the creativeness of my writing once again. I am really excited to pursue this more over the coming year and really exploring my gifts of the gab and gifts of the written word. (It still feels weird writing gift - because it feels self righteous - but as per point one, I'm determined to be nicer to myself and celebrate my uniqueness g.dammit).
+ I ADORE connecting with others. Oh holy tolitoes. Every time I get an email from a reader, a new facebook fan or insta follower - I near pee my pants. I seriously get so excited that there are people out there who WANT to learn about what I'm splashin' out. I love to learn from others and to hear their aspirations and to see what they're doing and to learn about their passions. Being on this little journey has also enhanced my relationships as the love and appreciation I feel for everyone in my life has just overflowed. I am SO dang lucky.
+ I am a little more 'spiritual' than I once thought. I have beliefs, I have faith, I have respect for other religions. But I have found my 'God' and I am humbled and safe and happy that I have a better interpretation of exactly what that means for me. 
+ I want to keep going. I want to keep this train chuggin' and see where it takes us. I want to grow this vision of mine and watch it change the world.

Happy 200 and thank you for your unwaivering support, love, comments, emails, questions and enthusiasm. I am so grateful for YOU.

Blessings and 200 posts infused with 'Au De Emilia' x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAY - The Revolutionary Edition

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For the past few days, all I seem to be able to think about is the concept of 'kind living' and 'sustainability'.

I've been through such a transformative journey over the past 12 months and what started off as a venture into 'what is the best option for me?' has gradually started to become more a question of 'what is the best option for the greater good?'. It came bleedingly apparent to me, quite suddenly, that every single thing that I blab on about has been actually setting me up for something greater. 

I initially chose to eat 'healthy', 'clean' foods because I wanted to lose weight, which developed into me wanting to be the healthiest and most vibrant person I could be, which developed into me wanting to be a bright, shiny person so that I could go about my work and interactions with zealous and enthusiasm which developed into choosing to eat 'healthy' 'clean' foods because that is what is best for the planet. 
I initially chose to use organic and chemical free skincare and beauty products because I didn't want pimples, which developed into me choosing better skincare and beauty products because I didn't want my skin ingesting any toxins, which developed into not wanting my choices to impact on anyone else (animals included), which developed into not wanting my choice of beauty product to impact on the environment. 
I initially pursued health because I wanted to be skinny, which developed into wanting to be the healthiest 'me' that I could possibly be, which developed into wanting to lead by example and inspire other people around me to prioritise their health (so they'd stick around for many more years to come), which developed into preventing illness to not put strain on our health system, which developed into avoiding strain on the health system so that finances and funding could be redistributed to areas of greater need (and not focussed on areas where admissions are due mostly to preventable causes).

Do you see this cycle? Everything we choose that is good, simple and kind to ourselves ultimately comes to serve others, animals and the planet. THIS is why I'm a self confessed 'health nut', THIS is what is important to me and is all consuming in my life at the moment. There's such an energy building up around this issue and the overall concept of a 'world in turmoil'. The ramifications and severity of our actions over the past few centuries are being noted now, more than ever. 

It could be the time for fear ... or it could be the time for action and empowerment.

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I feel that humanity is at a big ole crossroads. We are pretty much being told (by mother nature, the scientific community, wise leaders and one another) that we have two options: start to become more aware of the unsustainable ways of living that we have created and develop greater love, respect and unity with our planet OR not have a planet. It may not be in our time, but then again who knows, but it is guaranteed to affect those around us - our own children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren), descendants of our friends and families, the ground that we stand upon today, the ocean that we swim in, the animals big and small that will outlive us by decades and near centuries...

I will be launching something in the near future that will encapsulate a lot of what I'm yabbering on about today. I have been working tirelessly on developing it and I am hoping to have a little 'launch party' in a few months. That being said - it's pretty ding, dong, darn huge so this busy little beaver may not be able to do it justice (and I so am not settling for anything less) in a shorter timeframe. So hang tight.

Think of this post as a callout to action - I am building a tribe. One that sees injustice, hurt, pain, damage and human error and wants, oh so badly, to rectify this. To live in a world that is safe, harmonious, unified, balanced and just. Start NOW. Read, watch, listen, seek inspiration, chat with a friend, look at local initiatives, eat well, consume consciously, donate, volunteer...

Blessings, a shit-tonne of enthusiasm and hope, smiles, laughs and a BIG hug x

BACK TO SCHOOL - The Nutrition Edition

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For those of you who are still in school, great! For those of you, like mahself, who are so far past the days of lockers and classes, get your notebooks at the ready. We are going back to chemistry class. As soon as you start to develop your understanding of cellular nutrition and the scientific reasoning as to what separates healthy foods from the ‘junk’ at a molecular level, you will start to appreciate food and its potential in a completely different and deeper manner.

pH 101

I’m sure you’ve seen this little symbol pop up in textbooks, on talk back shows, in nutrition books and so on, but do any of you actually know what this baby means? pH actually stands for potentiated hydrogren and refers to the amount of oxygen present in any given substance. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 0 to 7 reflecting a more acidic composition and 7 to 14 reflecting the substances alkaline nature. Our bodies strive to maintain a blood pH of about 7.56 in its homeostatic state (are the human biol recall bells ringin’ now?). But it should be noted that our bodies are more easily ‘acidified’ (and yes, that’s a made up word) than they are alkalised. Every day exposures to stress, smoke, pollutants, chemicals and other industrial nasties send our acidity levels right off. A number of studies have looked into the affects of an ‘acidic’ blood environment to a person’s overall health and guess what they found? Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, skin problems, weight troubles and even mood disorders thrive in an acidic environment. And it isn’t just external stresses and pollutants that can acidify our bodies; alcohol, white flour, sugar and artificial sweeteners are amongst the most acidic substances that we can consume. So how do we combat this and steer our blood back to its optimal level? Dose up on your alkaline foods! Get them in you at every opportunity. Natural beauty expert Kimberly Snyder talks about the benefit of commencing your meal with an alkaline food, which is a huge benefit when it comes to eating out or enjoying ‘treat meals’ that you have less power over their choice of ingredients. Start every meal with an alkaline food and this will boost digestion, aid satiety and lead to a happy and healthy tummy. Choose foods that boast a high pH and alkaline rating such as lemons, pineapple, sweet potato and kale, and add them into your daily bounty of colours and textures!

If in doubt ... Eat the Rainbow.

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Let me know what you thought of this introduction to food science post! Did you learn something new? Spark up an interest in pursuing your learning further? Holla at me and leave a comment below or via the BTM facebook page!

Blessings, periodic tables and crazy coloured dishes of deliciousness x