Top 3 Made in Canada Bodycare Products

At Lavish & Lime we love it when we find a product that ticks all our boxes. When an eco find is not only eco-friendly and natural/non-toxic but also made in Canada, we beam. In honour of Canada Day this weekend, we scanned our eco collection and came up with our top three made in Canada natural bodycare products to make every body proud – especially us!

1. Rocky Mountain All Natural Body Deodorant Unscented - made in Canmore, Alberta, this is one 100% natural deodorant that really works - honestly! Aloe is the primary ingredient, soothing and moisturizing the delicate skin under the arm while the beneficial properties of potassium alum provide effective odour control to keep you smelling fresh. It may take a few weeks for your body to adjust so the deodorant works effectively but trust us, it will.
2. Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Shampoo - made in Vancouver, BC, this ultra fresh (think Granny Smith apples) smelling shampoo contains only natural-based ingredients, all of which are 100% biodegradable. Free of potentially harmful sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) and parabens as well as petro-chemicals, artificial colouring and harsh preservatives.
3. Taslie Natural Turtle 3-in-1 Shampoo Bubble Bath Body Wash - also made in Vancouver, BC our favourite turtle is filled to the brim with a gentle, no tears chemical-free bath product that is softly scented with mandarin and vanilla essential oils. Makes for a fun foamtastic bubbles experience for kids!

8 Natural Manicure Tips for Healthy Summer Nails

Guest post from Ginny Cardenas, Hopscotch Kids & Scotch Naturals
  

When things heat up during the summer, everyone loves to show off their perfectly manicured fingers and toes. Here are eight rules for natural manicures that will leave your nails feeling healthy, fun and flirty all summer long. Learn more during our Healthy Nails Healthy You Facebook Q&A with Ginny Cardenas this Thursday, June 21st, 10am to 8pm PST. You'll be able to ask any questions you like and receive answers from an expert! Plus there will be some fantastic nail care products to be won!

1. Hydrate. Keep your nails hydrated by buffing in a bit of oil. We prefer jojoba oil as it is the closest oil to what your body naturally produces. Though we must admit, we are not afraid to slap some olive oil on our nails while making dinner. A mom has to fit in her beauty routine when she can! 
2. Buff! We love to buff our nails. This technique will help smooth out any uneven surfaces and give your nails a natural shine. It also stimulates blood circulation for healthy nail growth. You don’t need to do it too often, but you will notice a big difference if you add this step to your nail care routine about once a month. 
3. Sunscreen. Protect your hands with sunscreen. My mom always told me that a woman’s hands can reveal her age. Women are good about protecting their faces with sunscreen on a daily basis but we forget to protect our hands! So slap some sunscreen on in the morning and reapply throughout the day. 
4. Avoid acetone! There are several products that contain acetone (most removers and several polishes) that should be avoided. Acetone is toxic and can affect the nervous system causing headache, nausea, dizziness and irritability. If that is not bad enough it also damages your nails causing them to be dry and brittle. 
5. Remove stains. If you have yellow nails from using traditional nail polish you can use a slice of lemon to help remove the stains. Just rub the lemon across the nails and let it soak. Lemon juice is a natural lightener and bleach so it will help restore your nails to their natural color. Are your nails badly stained? Let them sit in a bowl of lemon juice for about five to ten minutes. 
6. Trim safely. When trimming your nails, be sure to do so after they have soaked in water. This will ensure that you do not crack or break your nails when clipping. 
7. File in one direction.  When filing your nails, make sure you are filing in one direction to avoid jagged, uneven results. 
8. Be bold. Don’t be afraid to wear bold colors! Scotch Naturals has loads of intoxicating colors to choose from that will help you show off those perfectly manicured nails. Don’t be afraid to swap out your colour often! Our soy based remover and water-based nail polishes allow you to change your polish as often as you change your mood, without harming your nails. 

Why Use Non-Toxic, Water-Based Nail Polish?

Guest post from Ginny Cardenas, Hopscotch Kids & Scotch Naturals

Any mother raising girls knows that at a certain age, glitz and glam become all of the rage. From lip gloss to eye shadow, every inch of the house is covered in smudges of color. Girls come home from birthday parties decked out in trendy fashion styles that scream, “I am here to make a statement!” My home is not immune to this type of display as she has three girls who are constantly trying to express themselves through vibrant colors and glitter. Like most moms who try to make the best decisions for their children, I started to question the beauty trends of not only young girls but adult women as well. I know what we put on our bodies also goes in our bodies. I began to research the chemicals that we use in our beauty routines. What I found was that what we use to make ourselves beautiful is actually a toxic concoction of ugly chemicals.  

Through research it became clear that nail polish was the worst offender. Chemicals such as nitrocellulose, toluene, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and formaldehyde are present in many of the nail polishes that we use on a daily basis. One whiff of the noxious fumes that seep out of nail polish bottles would tell you that there is something toxic about traditional nail polish. Your gut reaction would not be wrong. The chemicals in traditional nail polish are known carcinogens, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and environmental toxins. Once my research was complete I decided that something had to be done, and I would be the one to do it. Enter HopscotchKids and Scotch Naturals; non-toxic, water-based polishes that are designed for good, clean fun.  

My team and I believe that you should not have to sacrifice safety for beauty. Our products allow women and children to look and feel their best while making choices that are not only better for them, but the world around them. And with salon-quality durability and tons of trendy colors to choose from, switching to a water-based nail polish means you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety either.

Find out more during our Healthy Nails Healthy You Facebook Q&A with Ginny Cardenas this Thursday, June 21st, 10am to 8pm PST. You'll be able to ask any questions you like and receive answers from an expert! Plus there will be some fantastic nail care products to be won!

5 Natural Musts for any Travel First Aid Kit

Guest Post: Dr. Cameron McIntyre ND, Naturopathic Doctor

The car is packed and the kids are bouncing off the walls to get away.  Before you leave home, have a look at your travel first aid kit to make sure it has all the essentials.  In addition to bandaids, natural mineral sunscreen and deet-free bug repellent, here are a few natural additions that you really shouldn't leave home without. Safe travels everyone!

1. Traumeel Cream - a homeopathic for bumps and bruises, sore muscles and inflammation. Apply liberally to skin, as long as the surface has not been scratched or cut. A must-have for toddlers to avoid those “goose egg” bruises!
2. Tea Tree Oil - a natural anti-bacterial for cuts, scrapes, insect bites and athlete’s foot.  Just put a little on a cotton swab and apply to affected area.  Also makes a great natural disinfectant for cleaning when diluted with a little water.
3. Oil of Oregano - a great natural immune booster; also helpful for upset tummies and food poisoning.  Try to find pure oil of oregano with no other additives for best result. Take orally (1 to 2 drops) as needed.
4. Aloe gel - for sunburn relief and healing.  Again, look for the purest form you can find.  This is lovely and soothing on a burn; keep it cool in the fridge or cooler if you can.
5. Probiotic - a wonderful immune booster; also helpful for upset tummies and food poisoning.  I like to mix some into yogurt or applesauce for kids - they will never know it’s there!  Look for 6 billion active strain minimum - best kept in your cooler/fridge or purchase the travel form which does not require refrigeration.

Hydrate Dad: Bottles Make Great Father's Day Gifts

There's all kinds of Dads and there's all kinds of eco-friendly, reusable water bottles to keep them  hydrated this summer. We're not just talking about water bottles of different shapes and sizes, but different materials, capabilities, design and function. The right bottle for the right Dad makes a great green Father's Day gift. For the outdoors Dad, a great option is the Vapur Element Collapsible Bottle with its integrated flip top cap. Ideal for hiking or walking, this funky water bottle is not only lightweight but when empty can be folded and popped in a pocket for easy transport. Choose from Vapur Earth, Water or Wind. For cycling Dad, the double walled S'well bottle is perfect. The slim, ergonomic design fits into any bike holder and keeps water cool for 24 hours. The new navy, olive green and black matte colours make a great Father's Day gift. For the wine-loving Dad, try the S'well wine bottle which again, keeps contents chilly cold for hours and hours but this one holds 750ml, perfect for decanting that bottle of Pinot in the park. For executive Dad, the non-leaching Lifefactory glass water bottle is ideal for keeping on his desk. The protective silicone cover makes for an interesting talking point and the wide mouth allows for ice cubes. Choose from two types of lids: classic screw top or flip cap top. A rainbow of manly colours too! For more, check out our complete collection of reusable water bottles.

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Sunscreen

Guest post from Tyler Porteous, Coola Suncare

No matter what your favorite sunscreen product is, there are steps you can take to get the most benefit from it and help ensure you stay safe in the sun. Here are five things to keep in mind when applying sunscreen. 1. Correct Application. You have to make sure to apply it correctly to get all the benefits. We recommend applying 1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of SPF15 or higher sunscreen to exposed areas before stepping out into the sun. 2. Frequency. If you're in direct sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours; more often if you're swimming or perspiring heavily. 3. Reflective Requirement. Also take caution around water, sand, and snow, as their reflective surfaces can make the sun's rays even more intense. 4. Lip Protection. Don't forget your lips - defend them the sun as well with a balm of at least SPF15. 5. Clothing. As an additional precaution, you can protect your skin by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and long clothing along with your sunscreen. For more, visit our natural sunscreen and repellents resources page.

Image courtesy of Coola Suncare

3 Ways to Keep your Family Healthy for Summer Travel

Guest Post: Dr. Cameron McIntyre ND, Naturopathic Doctor

Believe it or not, the end of the school year is a really common time for kids to get sick. Everyone is tired after all the year-end activities, and ready for the lazy days of summer.  This is exactly when immune systems can be run down and easy targets for a virus. Most families have made plans to get away somewhere this summer - be it camping locally, a trip to your family cabin, or hopping on a plane to a bigger adventure. To help make sure everyone in your family enjoys your summer plans, here are a few tips to boost your immune systems and stay healthy. Find out more during our Boost your Summer Immunity Facebook Q&A with Dr. McIntyre this Thursday, June 14th, 10am to 8pm PST. You'll be able to ask any questions you like and receive answers from an expert!

1. Stay Hydrated: Forget the pop, juice and energy drinks - make sure to take water in the car.  Pack your own, ice-filled fresh water bottles - even pop in a lemon wedge or cucumber slices to help you stay cool and refreshed.  By the time we are thirsty we’re already dehydrated, and even if it means taking a few extra bathroom breaks along the way, this is much better than grumpy travellers with headaches.
2. Pack Healthy Snacks: Take a few minutes to put throw together some portable, healthy snacks. Take advantage of the amazing local summer fruits coming our way - like nectarines, blueberries, raspberries & cherries. These sweet treats provide all kinds of vitamins and anti-oxidants. There are so many innovative portable snack containers that make it easy to keep fruit intact without going squishy, there's no reason now not to take them along.
3. Don’t Forget your Vitamins: Did you know that we can still be Vitamin D “deficient” in summer if the weather is poor or if we are constantly slathered with sunscreen? When sunscreen is on the skin, you do not get as much vitamin D conversion, so it’s a good idea to still stay on this supplement over the summer. While it’s true that we typically need fewer supplements when we are exposed to more sunlight and eating a rainbow of colours (ie seasonal fruits & veggies), it’s still worth reviewing the list below to see what supplements you should consider.

Supplement Suggestions for Kids:
• Vitamin C - 500 - 1000mg. Children's Emergen-C is a great option that tastes good. Packages are easy to travel with and mix well with water.
• Vitamin D - 400-1000 IU per day depending on age. This is an immune booster extraordinare for kids.
• Probiotics - Take before breakfast and bed with a children’s formula probiotic or approx. 6 billion strain. Tummy health and immune health go hand in hand, especially for kids.
• Fish oils - Healthy brain and skin but also a natural anti-inflammatory for respiratory infections and allergies. It now comes in flavored chewables to make it more appetizing! 1 teaspoon a day should do the trick.

Supplement Suggestions for Adults:
• B complex - 100 mg in morning after food. For energy, stress, brain health and detox. When stress is high, immune function is low. This will help keep you going.
• Vitamin C - a classic - 1000 mg 2-3x/day. Immune and adrenal (stress) support.
• Vitamin D - 1000-3000 IU per day depending on sun exposure. If poor weather or using a lot of sunscreen, keep the dose higher. Great for immune systems all year.
• Probiotics - 1 capsule before breakfast and bed (6 billion active strain minimum). Should be kept in a fridge or cooler but can last 7-14 days outside of fridge if needed.

3 Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day in Vancouver

Happy World Oceans Day! Did you know this internationally celebrated sister day to Earth Day came from Canada? The Government of Canada proposed the concept of World Ocean Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and the day has been celebrated internationally ever since. As of 2009, June 8 has been officially declared by the United Nations as "World Oceans Day." It's a day to remember the life-giving role of our oceans. Did you know 80% of the oxygen we breathe comes from oceans? From consuming sustainable seafood and cleaning up garbage on the beach to wearing biodegradable sunscreen and choosing reusable water bottles, shopping bags and food containers to keep plastic out of our seas, there's plenty of ways we can all help conserve this vital resource. This is the time to celebrate our sea and here are three ways to do it in Vancouver this weekend.

World Oceans Day Aquarium Celebration - Friday, June 8th, 11am-4pm, Vancouver Aquarium, Presentations & hands-on activities plus cake at 2:15pm!

World Oceans Day Dinner - Friday, June 8th, Yew Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver, Menu inspired by the oceans of the world, cocktail reception starts at 6:30pm.

World Oceans Day 2012 Vancouver Event - Sunday, June 10th 11am-3pm, Whytecliffe Park, West Vancouver. Celebration, Connection, Conservation.

Chemical Sunscreen vs. Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Guest post from Tyler Porteous, Coola Suncare

As with so many things, consumers have more choice for sun care than ever before. Now in addition to the traditional chemical sunscreens we all grew up with like Coppertone and Banana Boat, there's natural mineral sunscreen options. But what's the difference? Both classic chemical and natural mineral sunscreens provide protection from the sun, but they differ in their ingredients. "Chemical" ingredients, protect by absorbing and weakening UVA/UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, contain"physical" ingredients; namely mineral active ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide that reflect and disperse UVA/UVB rays without absorption into the skin. This difference in ingredients means you have to be mindful of when you apply your SPF. For optimum effectiveness, chemical sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Mineral, however, can be applied immediately before stepping out in the sun. Whichever you choose, just be sure to look for broad-spectrum on the label to ensure protection against both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, the leading cause of premature aging of the skin. For more, visit our natural sunscreen and repellents resources page.

Image courtesy of Coola Sun Care

What Does Sunscreen SPF Really Mean?

Guest post from Tyler Porteous, Coola Suncare

What are sunscreen SPF values? SPF stands for sun protection factor. The number value of SPF classifies a sunscreen's ability to deflect UVB rays (the kind of rays that cause sunburns). A sunscreen's SPF value is measured based on the extra amount of time sunscreen-protected skin is able to withstand sun exposure before burning. For example, without sun protection, a person may burn after 10 minutes in the sun. If the same person were to apply a sunscreen with SPF 20 protection, he or she would be to stay in the sun for 20 times longer, or 200 minutes, before experiencing a burn. However, it's important to know that as you use increasing levels of SPF, the amount of UV protection you receive does not increase at the same rate: raising SPF from 20 to 45 will only provide you with 2.8% more UV protection. Be sure to do an SPF check when choosing your sunscreen, it should have a minimum of SPF 15 to provide effective protection in the sun. For more, visit our natural sunscreen and repellents resources page.

Image courtesy Coola Suncare