Coconut Oil and Your Skin

I'm about to write another review of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, and while my review is of the oil as a cooking ingredient, I also want to share my experience with it as a skin treatment. 

I love virgin coconut oil for the skin. It's completely non-toxic, of course... compare that to most of the moisturizers you see on the shelf and it's a sure winner (see the Skin Deep cosmetic safety database for more info on your current moisturizer!). It's really nice rubbed into the skin for moisture, and beyond moisturizing, it is also anti-bacterial. My daughter is constantly kissing or otherwise putting her mouth on me, so using a skin care product that is perfectly safe for her to consume is important to me).

Let's have a little disclosure here: I'm no doctor, dermatologist or expert of any kind, and Tropical Traditions makes no health claims nor endorses use of this product as a medical treatment.

However, I have found that it has been helpful in treating a minor case of Tinea Versicolor that I got after pregnancy (where the skin becomes discoloured in patches). A little rubbed on the area every day has very noticeably reduced the problem in just a week of use. 

I can't use any medical treatments for it as I am nursing, so my dermatologist recommended trying out natural or home remedies and this has worked well, so far, for me. I have also seen reports of people using it to treat minor skin blemishes, eczema, and even scrapes. You can even use it as a hair oil. Your mileage may vary (but isn't it worth a try?!).

Here's the one I've been using, from Tropical Traditions. 

Stash review update

I've updated my cloth diaper stash review with mini-reviews of Rumparooz, Happy Heinys and a note on the WuddaH diaper.

Read all my mini reviews of cloth diapers here! I've got a lot of variety in my stash, and am still on the hunt for the perfect diaper. I wonder if she'll potty-train before I find it?

Fairhaven Health Nursing Time Tea - Review and Giveaway!

I know, another giveaway?! Oh, my. I'm finding it a little hard to keep up with a toddler and a blog (how do those mums of many do it all??), and it seems the rambling posts have given way (for now) to the review posts. Hopefully my lovely readers can stand yet another review and giveaway :) 

I have had the pleasure of working with Fairhaven Health several times already and have never been disappointed by any of their products. I actually reviewed the Nursing Time Tea previously, back when Mia was just about 3 weeks old (read that post here, if you like).  Early on, I was so engorged all the time it was painful, and leaked ounces at every feeding (for about seven months. So glad that doesn't happen - often - anymore). Supply was not really an issue for me!

Now she's 15 months old, and it's a whole different game.  These days, I find that my milk supply changes with the time of the month, and there are days when she lets me know that I'm not meeting her quota!

I'm still nursing Mia frequently - I guess it's not that usual, as people seem surprised when they ask how much she nurses, and I reply, "Well, it's about six times before noon, and beyond that I lose track - as often as she wants!" I am proud to still be breastfeeding, especially after the ridiculous challenges we faced in the early days (raging thrush, mastitis, overactive letdown... it was excruciatingly painful for me and difficult for her). We are stubborn creatures, my daughter and I! (She does eat solid food, of course; she just loves her milk!)

And that's where the Nursing Time Tea comes in at this stage. I find that it helps during those times of the month when my supply is low. It's a relaxing blend of herbs that are lactagogues (promote milk production), help with gas for baby, and contain nutrients for mum and child. The ingredients are organic, and it is caffeine-free. A bag is about a 1-month supply!

I find the flavour to be herbal rather than "lemony" (as it is described) - with a predominant flavour of anise, which I love. Add a little honey or maple syrup in there and it's truly fabulous. I tend to brew a big pot, then keep it in the fridge. Hot, it's relaxing and soothing. Cold, it's refreshing.

Do you know what? I think the loose tea would be lovely in a not-too-sweet shortbread as well. A new kind of lactation cookies? Hmm! I may just try that.

Anyway, I am thrilled that Fairhaven Health has generously decided to offer one of my readers a bag of the loose leaf Nursing Time Tea to try out for themselves!


Click "read more" if you don't see the Rafflecopter form to enter!

Also, feel free to visit some of my past reviews for Fairhaven Health products: FertilAid for Women, FertileCM, FertilAid for Men and Digital Basal Thermometer, Natural Pregnancy Deodorant, DreamBelly Stretch Mark Cream, Nipple Nurture Balm, Nursing Blend Breastfeeding Supplement and Nursing Time Tea, Nursing Postnatal Breastfeeding Multivitamin and DreamBelly Stretch Mark Butter. Loved. Them. All.