I just thought I would touch base and let everyone know that things are going well, and getting better.  I am over most of the HORRID sickness of the first and second tri-mesters, and am caotiously rolling through my fifth month – tic tacs in tow. (yes, I MUST have one in my mouth ALMOST all the time..  :>)   Hubby and kids are being SO very helpful, I am grateful for them!  I am slowly getting back to cooking (the smells made me puke), cleaning (the smells made me puke), and general home-making (the smells made me puke!) LOL!

the BIG NEWS is that we finally know the gender of baby#3..  We did an awesome gender cake reveal. It was so much fun!  Dear daughter celebrated her 8th birthday, and hubby had the baker make the filling of her birthday cake either blue or pink, so everyone found out when we did – as we cut the cake!!  In THIS case, the filling was BLUE, and we’ll be adding a little BOY to the family!  :)  Exciting for daughter, because this means she’ll be getting her own room!

On the business front, tiny update says that Carlton Farms in Rockmart, and Designer Antiques at the Avenue at West Cobb, Marietta have both recently been stocked with a new batch of Grandpas Woodshop.  Slowly but surely, small batches of soap are being made, right now, mostly to keep small retail availability possible for you, my dear customers.  As always, being a small family business,  “family first”.. so for now, I’ll continue avoiding essential oils throughout pregnancy, and doing my best to facilitate family life around here. The shop will re-open in a few months, but for now.. baby making is first priority, and we cant WAIT to return to the good ole land of soapmaking!  :)

A new study was released today, that found 232 chemical contaminants in umbilical cord blood samples from 10 newborn American babies. Among the findings: two synthetic musks (a component of fragrance) were found in 7 of the 10 cord blood samples. This means newborn babies are arriving pre-polluted (read the full article here)!

From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website:

Artificial musks commonly added to fragrances and personal care products can be absorbed through skin or inhaled, and concentrate and persist in our bodies – so our many small exposures can add up fast. Synthetic musks have also been found in human breast milk and fatty tissues, and are ubiquitous in wastewater and rivers.

The cosmetics industry and other industries that use “fragrance” in their products use a whopping 9,000 tonsof synthetic musk annually, despite the fact that little is known about the safety of these chemicals. Unfortunately, preliminary research raises concerns: musks may disrupt hormones and are toxic to aquatic life.

Because of a loophole in labeling law, the ingredients in “fragrance” are considered trade secrets, so companies don’t have to tell us what’s in scents – often dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds like synthetic musks and other ingredients linked to harm.

What can you do?

You can take action:

• If you are concerned, Click HERE and let the cosmetic companies know of your concern.
• Begin using synthetic free, and all-natural products whenever possible.
• Avoid anything that say’s “Fragrance” as one of the ingredients.
• Know that you do not have sacrifice scent, just because you are sacrificing synthetic “fragrances”. Look for products lightly scented with all natural Essential Oils, like our Baby Me! bar, scented with a touch of Bitter Almond Essential Oil .
• For newborn baby baths, just use a little bit of REAL soap. Gentle and mild, a 100% olive oil Castille bar is best. Just please remember to keep soaps away from baby’s eyes. (Real soap does not contain the chemical used to “cover up” the burning of the eyes.)
• If you choose to use something else, PLEASE look at the ingredients, if you don’t know what it is, do NOT use it on your baby’s skin.

For a brief intro. to other harmful chemicals that may be a part of your skincare regimen, check out my previous post on Skincare chemicals.

Too cute! Custom knit baby booties!

I am so excited about my latest tiny, itsy bitsy project!  Literally they are itty bitty things..

Baby booties handknit in a soft natural organic cotton. Tiny tortoise shell buttons finish them off perfectly, and they are just precious for baby girls or boys!  I created these are part of a new baby set that will be available in the Fullearth’s, etc. shop on grand opening day. The set includes a baby sweater, with 3 interchangeable front panels, a matching hat, and these adorable booties.  

The entire hand-knit set is shown here: The sweater with 3 extra panels, hat and buttoned booties. She loved her baby's new custom made gift!

This set is just the thing for  new babes, who often make a drooly (or spit-up-y) mockery of that brand new outfit you clothed them in before you got into the car.  Now, when you’ve reached your destination,  a wet front panel is no need for panick (or for un-coordinating bibs ;-) )  Just remove the damp front panel and replace it with a new one for a fresh, clean (and most importantly – dry!) sweater.

It’s easier then changing a diaper!   The expecting mommy I made this set for was so excited, and I can’t wait to see the little guy in his custom made gift!