Thursday, February 26, 2009

Signs Of Spring Part 2

Are you wanting to push the little daisies and make them come up & tiptoe through the tulips? I am sooooo ready for spring warmth I have been outside crawling around the yard searching for the slightest sign that it truly is on it's way.

1. Cardinal in a Quince Bush looking for a lady friend.
2. Micro sized wildflowers blooming into a delicate ground cover.
3. Crickets!!!! This poor guy is missing a leg though, since my kitty Toots found him first.
4. Longer days with the sun moving to a new place in the sky.
xoxo

The Keywords That Brought You Here

The majority of people find The Oko Box blog & store through search engines like Google, using a wide variety of keywords (thousands) that lead them here like a herd of search engines zombies. This is the second time I have shown you the inner working of the the human mind as seen through the eyes of google analytic keywords... but this time instead of making commentary about each one, I will leave that up to you! Choose your favorites and try to explain what the person was up to.


*Keywords that make you go Hmmmmmm...*

hemp tree
ass naturals
barium after poop
how to poop after drinking barium
why did i vomit after drinking barium
beeswax condom
boring clothes rope
how to wear leggings
without dress women and men with kiss
under deep freezer
pictures of art deco women
box of smut
butt falling photo
canaries porn fk
nasty things to do to your boyfriend
nasty things fish do in water
make a vodo doll of a coworker with a photo
i love chems
hopeless lingerie
hippy menses
fox tv 6 şubat kinks box
got my laundry back smells toxic
smut minded
put poop in your ass
women's box for glory
panties making out
where can i donate porn
nuns organic clothing
organic love

PS- my observational summary is this: 1.Barium causes alot of people digestive issues 2.The internet is mostly used for porn 3.People are really confused on just about every subject known to man 4. Do beeswax condoms really exist? 5. Is this proof of the chaos theory?

xoxo

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Yes or No: Would you F The President?

There is alot of Obama love going around and this morning I got an e-mail from a friend... let's call her 'Sandy'... Sandy sends me this note below, I am assuming after watching our new prez speak last night:

Leslie,
"i googled "i want to fuck the president" and only found two things...what's up with that."

- Sandy

LOL. I have decided to put this here so that we could start a post where people can leave their feelings on the subject. I think because Prez Obama talks openly about subjects such as using solar power & green collared jobs there is a 'crush on the president' phenomena catching like a fever! What are your feelings?

xoxo

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Style That's Handmade, Vintage, Used and Organic

Make your own stuff to wear with triple the eco power! Get a vintage or used book on how to crochet, knit or sew your own clothing & accessories, then make your crafts using organic yarns, fabrics and vintage embellishments, and the final eco-power is in the fact that it's all handmade by you. That is as fair trade, organic, and low impact as you can possibly get! Check out this funky fun 80's mag at Sought Vintage on etsy ( pictured here above and below)...

"Marshall Cavendish's Stitch by Stitch weekly magazine from 1979/1981. Two issues!!!Issues 22 and 42 of this 80's popular series containing excellent retro crochet, knitting and sewing patterns.These have BIG crochet sweater, Legwarmers, rain ponchos, "French" knitting, Awesome sundresses, Lacy pillows, Sailor shirt, Checked sweater, so much more... "

xoxo

Coming This Spring

The economy may have slumped over further then a drunk man on Bourbon Street and a few eco designers may have closed their doors due to the financial strain, but many organic designers are still creating their spring and fall 09 collections! Designers such as Andrea from Gaia Conceptions makes each item to your order, specifically to your personal measurements - something which cuts out the manufacturing process that has forced many clothing companies to close shop. Gaia Conceptions will be bringing a fabulous range of organic cotton & hemp dresses, skirts, & tops in new colorful low impact dyes plus she will soon showcase her natural dyes she's been working on in her secret lab. :) There will also be a sensual new spring collection from Meadow that includes some of the best eco bikinis I have ever seen plus other organic breezy garments that capture the essence of warm summer days (see pic above!)
Coming to The Oko Box March-April 09!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

I Want This Dress

It's like the naughty secretary in organic cotton & bamboo. I want to put it on with a hot belt, some spiky thrifted heals and feathers in my hair.
Custom Made by Posh Pua on Etsy!

Embroidered & Applique Organic Wedding Gowns

These wedding gowns are the perfect mix of my two favorite things - earth friendly fabrics and handmade embroidery & applique artistry which creates a dress that can only be compared to something of fairy tales & unicorn dreams. The handy work plus the eco fabrics come with a slightly higher price tag then the organic bridal dresses without all the pizazz, costing between $1,200- 3,200 to have one of these elaborate gems custom made for your wedding.

The following three eco wedding dresses are made by Earth Bitch:
Fantastic embroidery, custom made & tailored for your body - all done with the flare of a fairy princess, a free spirit, a gardening queen, and a bride from story books. Earth Bitch makes her ethical wedding gowns in hemp/silk blends and uses vintage materials for embellishments. (PS- this eco designer made a formal gown in the Miss USA Pageant this year, for Miss Vermont!)

Threadhead Creations makes the following two applique eco wedding dresses:
These Threadhead dresses are hand-crafted out of hemp grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers blended with wild peace silk. The applique work is beyond anything words can really describe, this is certainly a moment when pictures speak much much louder! These phenomenal designs are not printed on the wedding dress, but rather made from pieces of fabric sewn onto it like a beautifully woven painting.
If you know of any other elaborately embellished organic & eco wedding dresses for the offbeat bride, tell us about it in the comments section please!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Signs Of Spring

Spring makes me feel like I am going to bust at the seams! Here's some pics of spring's awakening...

1. Buds and leaves are slowly bubbling out of branches and breaking free.

2. Lillies and Daffodils are poking out the ground and ready to dance in the wind.

3. Little wildflowers are blooming close to the ground.

4. I am wearing my favorite red pumps to tromp around the yard in.
There's so much tiny beauty to see everyday!
xoxo

Friday, February 20, 2009

What's Your Condom Lubed In?

I have no idea... do you? When shopping for lubricated condoms I have never seen an ingredient list about what the prophylactic's lube is made of, much like the other ambiguous products such as perfumes & detergents who are not made to disclose their "secret" formulas. For some reason it seems to only matter what the actual condom is made of, since there are known latex allergies and various types of protection come with various risks. Sheep skin protects against pregnancy but not STD's, Latex can cause allergies and rots when any type of oil touches it causing microscopic holes or breaks, and the polyurethane is the alternative to latex but hasn't had as much testing as the former two choices. Then you have these mysterious chemical based lubes on all of them that have who knows what in them?
Correct me if I am wrong (and I want to be corrected) but there doesn't seem to be any unlubricated sheep skin condoms out there for the latex & poly-freak show wary... and I have yet to find any claiming to use organic & allergen free lubes on their packaged goods either. So what are the alternatives?
Use your own lube with an unlubed condom? With much searching through the pages of google I found only one lube company that claims the crown of silky smooth organic lube, that is free of all the common allergens (gluten, dairy etc) & chemical junk that you now have to wonder if is on the mystery slipperies you've been using. YES! That's the name of the company, YES makes organic lubes that are water and oil based -( but don't forget that oil doesn't belong on latex unless you think a bun belongs in the oven or an STD on your ______.)

Things that make you say YES!:
(I am including all the YES product info here, because I think one of the best ways to learn what's in your mystery products is by reading the alternative's claims to what they didn't use.)
***
1. Certified and guaranteed purity and quality – organically produced wherever possible, as this ensures product integrity and no hidden chemicals carried over from the production processes, such as the recent FDA alert for Diethylene glycol (anti-freeze) in glycerin .

2. A solid pedigree of safety and performance – for example, flax has been cultivated by man for over 6000 years and the ancient Greeks and Romans used it to heal, moisturise and nourish skin.

3. No known skin irritants:
(a)No Menthol / Peppermint oil – skin irritants and can damage mucous membranes
(b)No Grapefruit seed extract
(c)No Glycerin – can be a skin irritant in some people and in concentrated solutions can damage the mucous membranes

4. No natural or synthetic products that have health issues or concerns:
(a)No Parabens – (Parabens, i.e. Methylparaben, are a range of synthetic preservatives that mimic estrogen and are potentially linked to breast cancer)
(b) No Glycerin – A sugar that can feed Candida albicans and so cause a bout of Thrush in women
(c) No Propylene glycol – a penetration enhancer used in cosmetics, as well as lubricants, to “pull” other chemicals into the skin
(d) No L-Arginine – an amino acid that can initiate a Herpes outbreak in people with genital Herpes
(e) No Petroleum by-products such as Mineral Oil (Liquidum Paraffinum), Petrolatum (petroleum jelly), Paraffin oil (lamp oil or premium Kerosine) or Paraffin wax. Two concerns, firstly they coat the skin preventing its normal functions and secondly they are potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems. The EU has restricted the use of Petrolatum in cosmetic manufacture
(f) No Silicone oils such as Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone or Dimethicone Copolyol. Much like Petroleum by-products they coat the skin, not allowing it to breathe. There is so much breast implant (these were / are Silicone oils) side effect information and controversy that we recommend you search for “silicone toxicity” in Google and take a view yourself.

5. Never tested on animals. No animal ingredients. Yes® oil-based contains Bees Wax which is approved by the Vegetarian Society.

6. Only plant based ingredients unless there is no effective or safe natural option

7. Preservation and product cleanliness are critical. We tested all commercially available natural and “natural” preservation systems and found that none were secure, reliable and safe enough to meet our criteria. For instance Grapefruit seed extract is a known eye irritant at low concentrations . If you know of one that works, please let us know. We finally chose a combination of natural and synthetic preservatives for Yes® water-based to deliver the performance required.

8. Grapefruit Seed Extract (also called Citrus seed extract and Citrus grandis). Independent research has shown that Grapefruit Seed Extract’s antimicrobial properties are exclusively due to adulterants: undeclared synthetic chemicals; commercially available preservatives and disinfectants such as Methylparaben. Some of which are classified as poisons (14). Yes® products will never contain Grapefruit Seed Extract.


Yes® water-based ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera, a renowned skin food; organic Flax extract which is particularly beneficial for the mucous membranes and three synergistic plant based gums – Guar, Locust Bean and Xanthan, all of which contribute to the deep velvety texture. Food quality preservatives are included and citric acid to buffer the pH.

Yes® oil-based ingredients: Two rich organic butters – Cocoa butter and Shea butter – more skin food, which impart smoothness and body; two fine emollient oils - sweet almond oil and sunflower oil, both organic, which confer a silky texture and skin moisturising benefits; a little white organic bees wax, and lastly some Vitamin E which as well as benefiting the skin, acts as a preservative."
***

Reading this list makes me say NO to mystery lube and YES YES YES to something safer for my health! Let's hope Yes organic lube is really living up to the credo they claim. :)
Do you know of any safe, fair trade, chemical free, vegan, gluten free or other heavenly contraceptive and lube?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Used Boots: Cheaper and Eco

Some people might find it repulsive, nasty or creepy to wear a strangers shoes instead of buying brand new slave made footwear - but ya'll need to get over it! Buying used shoes from your local thrift store, Ebay, or Etsy has pros that far exceed the cons. They've already finished out gassing their "new" smell (which translates into no toxic VOC stink), they are cheaper, someone broke them in for you and your feet won't hurt, you are not supporting the manufacturing of more junk to crowd landfills with, little children won't be forced to make them in dark unhealthy factories again, and best of all it's usually WAY cheaper!

I am a huge fans of eco made shoes (like Terra Plana) that are on the market right now but I can safely say they are light years out of my price range - therefore the best planetary support I can give while maintaining my obsession for a sweet pair of boots is buying second hand.


Here's a sample platter of what the used boot world has to serve up:

VINTAGE REPEATS: "These vintage ankle boots were made by "Two Lips". I believe they are a size 7. They have red leather uppers with a lacy cutout pattern. Silver trim accents the elaborate cutouts. The boots have 4" zippers in the backs and 3 1/2" stiletto heels...

MY FAVORITE VINTAGE: "Chocolate Brown Granny Boots Made in Italy, size 7 1/2."



DEWBERRY VINTAGE: "Grey Slouchy Boots, Soft gray suede and leather boots with spiked heel. Leather at toe and detail leather band across calf. Wonderful condition with little to no wear on soles. Size: 8 Narrow"
FIRE GYPSY VINTAGE: "Vintage 1960s 0r 1970s Super Retro Boots are Cowgirl Western styled with Boho flare. They have Feather Accents -Size 6, Length of shaft: 12, Length of sole: 9.5 inches, Calf diameter: 14.5."



PUNK VOUGE: "These are an amazing, unique pair of Doc Marten Boots. They are black, with the British flag on the toe. They have 8 holes. They are a size 10 in womens 9 in men. Boots have minor scuffs. "

XOXO

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

House Plants Filter Indoor Air

I am a huge fan of growing house plants! I used to have a black thumb that killed anything I came in contact with but somehow I turned that poor thing green and now grow over 25 plants inside my house. It is amazing how fast plants can clean indoor air, ridding the house or office of old smells like smoke or chemicals in as quick as 48 hours - making a safer environment to breath in. If you keep your plants healthy by giving them good soil, don't over water, and get plants from local growers who didn't blast them with chem fertilizers and pesticides then you should have almost no probs growing some greenies in your space. (Even if your thumb isn't so green!)

Here's the official Wikipedia list of house plants that filter your indoor air:

"The first list of air filtering plants was compiled by NASA as part of the NASA Clean Air Study, which researched ways to clean air in space stations. As well as absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as all plants do, these plants also eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and/or trichloroethylene.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Golden pothos or Devil's ivy (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium, syn. Philodendron cordatum)
Selloum philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron selloum)
Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans 'Massangeana')
Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')
Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Pot Mum or Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Top performers for removing formaldehyde.
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata "Bostoniensis")
Florist's mum(Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis "Janet Craig")
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
Top performers for removing xylene and toluene.
Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
Moth orchid (Phalenopsis sp.)
Dumb cane (Camilla) (Dieffenbachia camilla)
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Dendrobium orchid (Dendrobium sp.)
Dumb cane (Exotica) (Dieffenbachia "Exotica Compacta')
King of hearts (Homalomena wallisii)
Kimberly queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Warneckei (Dracaena deremensis "Warneckei")
The recommendation of NASA is to use 15 to 18 good-sized houseplants in six- to eight-inch (203 mm) diameter containers in a 1,800-square-foot (170 m2) house."

Happy Growing and Happy Breathing!
xoxo

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Places I'd Like To Live If I Were A Bug



xoxo

Namaste Gluten Free Vanilla Cake

This is the first time I have baked and eaten a piece of cake since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2001! I made it with Namaste gluten free vanilla cake mix , just an egg, olive oil and water ... but I had topped it with organic strawberries, lots of organic strawberries that had totally disappeared into the black hole abyss of cake baking. See that pull, that strawberry swallowing vortex in the middle of the cake in the pic above... terrible but true, it reminds me of Freddy Kruger pulling his victim into the center of their bed and them disappearing into his Nightmare On Elm Street, (I know I watched too much gross TV growing up!) After some digging though, I found the yummy berries AND this cake tasted like freaking VANILLA ICE CREAM chew cookie heaven fluff. Happy Valentines to me!

PS- The reason it took me like 8 years to finally eat some gluten free cake is because many of the mixes had corn, dairy, or some other allergen in it that I also couldn't have (and just way too many ingredients in general) - so I gave up on finding any baked goods. Never give up hope!!! Whether it's for a baked good, some money, a cure, or just a hug today. :)
xoxo

Friday, February 13, 2009

10 Last Minute & Cheap Valentines Ideas

1. Write your lover a poem.

2
. Plan a sexy dance (might I suggest to this Peaches Song).

3. Bake something together at home, like organic brownies or strawberry pie.

4. Learn origami today and make them pretty paper swans.

5. Go to the used book store and pick up something in the sexuality section that ya'll can read & laugh about together.

6. Fill the tub with hot water and light a candle for when they arrive.

7. Pick up a small bottle of almond oil at the store and give the gift of a massage.

8. Write a sweet letter and drop it in their mailbox on Valentines morning ... sealed with a kiss of course.

9. Run on over to your local plant nursery or organic farmer and pick up a potted plant.

10. Combine any two of these and make a personalized, romantic, memorable and economically viable night of fun!

xoxo

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Don't Let My Butt Fall Down

This post is at the request of my good friend Noel, who wanted to know about how I keep my butt from falling down as we age. I decided I am willing to embarrass myself by sharing my 2 butt-ersizes I do 5 times a week and help ya'll save your ass too! ;) I have to state though that the following pics are so nearly humiliating that I feel they should get me a free membership to the Itty Bitty Titty Committee and I can only hope that I bring a little variety to the usually big (fake) boobied internet. I feel I can no longer be blackmailed by anyone with anything after willingly posting this.

The Following 2 Butt-ersizes are really easy and will not even take 5 minutes to do.
#1. The Tight Ass
ONE: Stand perfectly straight to begin with, using your hands on your hips for balance.
TWO: Push your pelvis forward as far as you can and tighten your butt as much as you can and hold for a second. See the pic below for the back view of the tight ass... ;) THREE: Release quickly and pull back a little. Repeat these motions as quickly or slowly as you like to do them. It only takes 30 pumps forward a day to keep your butt in shape.

#2. The Thrusty Lady
ONE: Lay flat on your back with your hands resting at your sides, and your knees up.
TWO: Lift your pelvis as far into the air as you can go and tighten up your butt (as you do in exercise #1 The Tight Ass above). Repeat this two step motion as many times as you desire. I only do about 10 thrusts 5 times a week to keep my butt closer to my back then the backs of my knees.

XOXO
ps - Sadly i don't know any way to keep our boobies from falling down, but am open to suggestions!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Using The Wonder Wash

Ya'll, I love my Wonder Wash! It uses no electricity, you can take it anywhere you travel, it does up to a 5 lb load, it builds good arm muscle and really does get clothes just as clean as the modern energy sucking machines. I could go on and on about how great it is but instead I thought I'd just show you how it works... The design is quite simple and relies on pressure to clean the clothes. You just shove your dirty laundry into the hole at the top and fill it up with water. On the directions it says to fill it with water first but I never follow directions ;) BTW- if you use soap to clean your clothes now's the time to add it in.There is a pressure lid that is screwed on tightly - it keeps the water in and creates the air tight cleaning power. Once you have the lid on you spin the crank for the clean cycle - it is suggested to spin it between 1-2 minutes but I usually go for a little longer just to make sure (I am a dirty girl who is hard on my clothes!).The easiest way to dump the water is to then attach the tube that drains the dirty water directly out the bottom. You can also tip the washer over and pour it quicker out the top while holding onto the clothes by hand.Fill the Wonder Wash one more time with water for the final rinse which is suggested to be spun for 30 seconds, but I always work it for another 2-3 minutes. If you are lucky enough to own a hand wringer, then you don't have to do it by hand like I do (pictured below). The clothes will be very wet because there is no water wicking cycle like in an electric washing machine.
Hang dry out in the fresh air and have the earth friendliest, cleanest, best smelling clothes ever!

PS- If you have a big family and alot of dirty laundry and the size of the Wonder Wash makes you feel like there is no freaking way you are going to wash by hand, check out the 17 gallon capacity James Washer! It's the washer of a earthy girl's dreams!!!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Heavy Metal I Can't Rock Out To

Two weeks ago I took a comprehensive hair analysis test to check for minerals which includes 9 heavy metals which are toxic - so I am all hyped up to talk about the results. This is the third hair analysis I have given my lovely locks to, each time I waited about one or two years in between - cause otherwise I would have to shave my head or look like a scraggly victim of the hair bandit! The Mineral Check Hair Analysis is really easy to do if you have someone to help you cut the hair close to your scalp but it takes a "heaping tablespoon" of hair to tip the little scale, meaning your hair may be a wee bit thinned when it's all over.

The pic above are my recent results... in all three tests I have had done since 2005 my "good" minerals always were in check (yay!), but the heavy metals played musical chairs on me. Ones associated with fire retardants on bedding etc. all got alot lower for me over the years because I switched to organic everything in my home & fridge. But by the second test I suddenly had out of range high levels of arsenic. I traced this back to the use of Ume Plums Seeds that I was recommended to crack from the pit & eat by a Chinese medicine doctor: DO NOT EAT THE SEEDS of fruits, they contain poisons because nature wants to reproduce rather then be eaten.
(NOTE TO CHINESE MED DOCTOR): *WTF???*
The third hair test (most recent) I had even worse levels of arsenic and now mercury in out of range levels too!

I would like to say that before having these heavy metals in my system I did not have the severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivities that I do now, nor did I have the convulsive seizures and level of fatigue. I investigated possible places I could have continued to get arsenic poisoning from and found out that the bottled water (Fiji) I used to brush my teeth, drink and cook with contained measurable levels of arsenic.
(NOTE TO FIJI): *Not cool Fiji, I understand ya'll want to keep the true minerals in your volcanic bottled water & you rock for not UV filtering your goods, but come on Fiji, put a filter on there for the poison please! We might enjoy head banging to Metallica but drinking it in your water makes me want to bang my head on the wall!*

So what's girl to do when she's got heavy metals she can't rock out to? How do we avoid toxins in our air, water and food - and why don't doctors in the US get with the program and take notice that these pollution problems are causing people adverse health problems. I can not imagine all the people that have heavy metals, plastics, aldehydes and other chemicals in their bodies that are causing the migrating pains, cancer, allergies, diabetes, seizures, migraines and gawd knows what else.
I am most certain that my mercury levels spiked from eating fish these last 2 years and I find it highly disappointing that humans have caused so much pollution in our oceans that to eat a natural and healthy diet comes with hazards that can ruin your quality of health. Wake up government! Wake up big pharma! Wake up medical system! And wake up chem industries!!! Do you like to lay sleeping so that you can make money off the ailments we now have due to your blind eye?

How do we come in contact with these metals?

Arsenic: "Arsenic is a very toxic substance that is found in food, water and household items. Tobacco smoke, laundry detergent, bone meal, sea food, beer and even drinking water are a few of the items arsenic can be consumed from. If you work in a job that produces any kind of pesticide, agricultural insecticide or spraying of any of these, you are at risk of arsenic poisoning. Other jobs that are at risk are copper smelting, mining, sheep dipping and metallurgical industries. Continued exposure to arsenic builds up in the system and there is an accumulated effect."

Mercury: Fish, dental fillings, batteries, light bulbs, thermometers, vaccines, landfills.

Bismuth: "Bismuth poisoning occurs primarily from the ingestion of bismuth chelate, particularly by the increasing numbers of colostomy patients."

Antimony: "Batteries, antifriction alloys, small arms, buckshot, and tracer, ammunition, cable sheathing, matches, medicines, antiprotozoan drugs, plumbing soldering, - some "lead-free" solders contain 5% Sb, main and big-end bearings, in internal combustion engines (as alloy), used in the past to treat Schistosomiasis; today Praziquantel is universally used used in type metal, e.g. for linotype printing machines, used in pewter." It is used in fire proof clothing, toys and other household products.

Aluminum: "Over the counter medications, buffered aspirin- people with arthritis could possibly take up to 700 mg of this metal each day, digestive aides such as diarrhea and hemorrhoid medicine, hygiene aids such as antiperspirants and douches, food that has been cooked or stored in aluminum pots and aluminum foil is another source, stainless steel cookware has been used for a short period of time aluminum traces begin to enter the food, there are six aluminum salts that have been approved as food additives in the United States- the salts most commonly used are sodium aluminum phosphates. They are added to cake mixes, frozen dough, pancake mixes, self-rising flours, processed cheese and cheese foods and beer (in aluminum cans), an average sized pickle contains 5 to 10 mg if it has been treated in an alum solution which is commonly done."

These are just a few examples of how these metals creep into our lives, bodies and our health. The companies that add these metals to our products will argue the point that little amounts are not harmful, and this is absolutely true. But they don't take into account that we are being bombarded everyday with products, food and water that all contain a variety of little amounts of toxic heavy metals - while at the same time not educating the public about the danger of using these products all together. Your body is equipped to filter out some metals but many are accumulative and are very difficult to safely remove through the body, making it a precarious health hazard once they are already in. Some metals do not belong in our body on any level, such as Antimony & Lead which I have in a tiny amount in my system - yet in nature I would never have come in contact with these poisons. Other metals such as nickel and arsenic are expected to be found in small amounts since they always have occurred in the natural environment, including many food and water sources.

So here is the dilemma - once I have this information in my hand that I have heavy metal levels that are out of range, what choices do I have to get them out of my body in order to resume a life free of seizures and with alot less of many other symptoms which make the quality of my life suck.
1. I cut out the fiji.
2. I am taking some homeopathic detoxifier stuff.
3. I am starting amino acid pills to chelate the metals out.
4. Fill in the blank here- cause I don't really know what to do......

xoxo

Friday, February 6, 2009

Eco Kinks For The Eccentric Valentine

Have the same old Valentines gifts of chocolates, fruits, flowers and wine got you yawning into bored tears? Not everyone is into the traditional romance style, with a crispy Leave It To Beaver crust encapsulating their lives... some people like it more chewy & full of flavor! There's no need to trade in your planet love for your kinky play this Valentines, cause there are some saucy eco props that will keep your blood pumping and your earth clean.

Lavish Lauru Bondage Set - Recycled Black Satin
$48
"This set adds a feathery, sensual way to increasing our connections. The eyes are ceased and in turn this heightens the other senses for many different actualization's."


$34
"Who doesn't need a good crack on the ass every once in a while? This strap is eco-friendly, made from a recycled full grain leather belt. The band is a rich moddled chocolate brown color with dark (almost black) edges. The belt is looped, overlapped on the top and held together with three black rivets."
$100
"Beautifully handcrafted leather wrist restraints with 3 seamless steel rings. This pair was designed for a custom order with hand dyed satin finish cherry red leather, soft black suede lining, and steel accents. The red leather has a letter/symbol pattern fire-branded, and any custom words/letters/numbers can be heat kissed onto your custom pair by specifying it in the comment box. Cuffs are adjustable and guaranteed. Made from 100% recycled scrap leather."
Black Organic Bamboo Jersey Mag Leotard with White Frill
$65
"The Mag Leotard is inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character 'Holly Golightly' in the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. It is a very simple and comfortable design, with a cute ruffle detail at the back.It is made out of organic bamboo jersey which is silky soft and similar in touch to cashmere. Bamboo jersey is 60% more water absorbent than cotton, and has a cooling effect."
Corset Cuffs - Cream Double Wide Leather with Pierced Hearts
$35
" These corset cuffs would go with your most fabulous pair of heels and/or your most comfortable pair of sandals. You can wear these laced cuffs on your ankles, upper-arms, or wrists. And, keeping with my eco-friendly theme, they're made from a recycled leather belt!"Sustainable Stockings or Stocking Set with Panties
$24- $75
G= 9.8 Stockings: "These ultra delicate and smooth thigh highs are a great addition to your sexy lingerie or worn under a dress or skirt. Be eco-friendly while looking super sexy in these comfortable and easy to care for thigh highs. FillerFabric: 80% Recycled Pine Fiber 18% Polyamide 2% Spandex- in black only."
Urban Fox Set: "1940's style with a seam up the back and a lace inset on the butt. Available in blue, yellow with hand-printed stars, cream, and pink."
Standard Recycled Rubber Whip
$40.00
"Be naughty to each other, but nice to the environment! This flogger is professionally hand made in the Northwest. It is cleaned, cut, glued, punched and riveted together. It is flexible and feel great against your (and your partners) skin."

Flaunt your wild side and keep your planet clean! xoxo

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Milk Paint Recipes & Suppliers

Why did we ever stop using it? Milk paint was the most long lasting and highly regarded form of paint for thousands of years until the industrial revolution brought about the mass manufacturing of goods. The paint can was invented, milk paint would have spoiled in the can, more chems & metals were added to paint each decade, and the rest is a history that now leads most people like zombies to the unhealthy paint aisle in Home Depot. Over 50 years of advertising from these companies & suppliers has people believing that toxic paint mixed with mildewcides, ammonia, metals (at one time lead), and formaldehyde is somehow superior to the long lasting qualities of how paint was originally made - safe and 100% natural. In reality chemical based VOC paints are of far less quality because of the serious health hazards involved with out gassing - these companies are ripping us off by trying to can their poison and save face by telling us these additives are making a better product for our homes, when it's only better for their bank accounts. Read more about how toxic VOC containing products in our homes effects our health & indoor air quality on the EPA's website HERE.
Luckily you can still buy completely non toxic milk paints or even make your own! This is probably the healthiest most organic choice of paint out there... if you know of something better (pretty) please share info about it in the comments section. :)

Here is list of DIY Milk Paint Recipes:
Milk Paint Recipe on Appropedia - One of the best tutorials!
Fabric Milk Paint Instructions at Helium
Powdered Tempera Milk Paint Recipe at eHow.com
Milk Paint Supplies at NaturalPigments.com
Milk Paint Recipes and Pigments at EarthPigments.com

Here are Milk Paint Suppliers Who've Made It For You:
Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. (see photo above)
The Real Milk Paint Company
Happy Painting!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Etsy's Top 5 Eco Panties For Valentines!

This Valentines is leaps and bounds ahead of last year if you are searching for retro, chic, sassy and also eco minded undies to impress that special someone. For years the UK's Enamore lingerie has reigned queen of the eco skivvies, and although though she is not dethroned from her pioneering beauty, there is certainly alot of sexy & adorable competition in the USA now! These cuties below are all from Etsy and are handmade with love by independent artists - making their work fair and affordable.Designer HOPELESS: "The Sally Shorts are inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character 'Holly Golightly' in the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. They are a very simple and comfortable design, with a cute white bow at the front.They are made out of organic bamboo jersey which is silky soft and similar in touch to cashmere. " $35

Designer BOBELLY: "Yup, they feel as good as they look. these are made from a bamboo and organic cotton blend, with a tiny bit of spandex. that makes for very, very stretchy, soft fabric. I haven't used elastic in any of my panties; you can barely tell there's something on, yet they stay put all day (I don't even remember the last time I had a wedgie). Just a bit sheer...who says comfy can't be sexy?" $15

Designer DEVIL MAY WEAR: "Who loves bloomers? Or rather who doesn't! Burning man? Burlesque? Lounging around the house [my favorite]? How about under that adorable mini! These are in our most popular bikini cut undies in a soy/organic cotton /spandex blend." $25

Designer BROOK THERE: "Made of a charcoal gray organic cotton, and trimmed with pink lace and ivory elastic, this bra and panties set is both sweet and sustainable." $40

Designer UNDER THE ROOT: "'Like the Petals of a Lily' -The Bloomers have a galore of gatherings, holding your waistline and thighlines with Black Satin Elastics. The bustle left around your tush is just enough for desirable sweetness. Hugging your hipline in softy! Made of organic cotton jersey knit & black satin elastic." $35

If you are looking for more organic lingerie from designers like Enamore, Clare Bare, On The Inside, Ecoland and more go HERE!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Upcycled Steam Punk Jewelry

The steam punk movement meets Vincent Price meets roadkill meets planet friendly = Vulture Designs . Feast your eyes on the intricate and wonderlust jewelry picture below. Based in Asheville NC, Vulture Designs is a one woman creative explosion using a variety of upcycled and found objects to put together limited edition jewelry that is intimate, fascinating, and can't be found anywhere else.


"All pieces are made from found and upcycled parts. *bones: life long collection of casualties from mans invasion of their territory and other unfortunate accidents. i believe if an animal is to die than making use of its parts for art is a good thing. *lockets: vintage, found at yard sales flea markets, dead stock etc. *watch parts: taken apart for use of their parts after they no longer work *chain: flea markets yard sales and old dead stock."

Vulture Designs jewelry is coming to The Oko Box today! (It's also sold in select local Asheville boutiques.)