Toxins to Avoid in Cleaning Products

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

According to EWG’s scientific findings 53% of cleaning products contains ingredients known to harm the lungs and about 22% contains chemical that caused asthma to develop in healthy individuals.

Check your list of your cleaning product ingredients. If you spot any of the following chemicals in your cleaning products, please be aware of the products that are danger to humans.

What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?

1. Phthalates: Known as endocrine disruptors, and exposures in humans linked to changes in sex hormone levels, low sperm count and quality and altered development of genitals. Companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, and you won’t find phthalates on the label. Once you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a chance that phthalates are present in there.

Found in: laundry detergents, fabric softeners, deodorizers, glass cleanser, floor polishes, air fresheners

2. Perchloroethylene: Also known as PERC, inhalation to tetrachloroethylene vapors can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, and kidney dysfunction. Neurological effects, such as behavioral changes, headache, impairment of coordination, dizziness, sleepiness, and unconciousness.

Found in: spot removers, dry-cleaning solutions and upholstery cleaners.

3. Triclosan: A synthetic antibacterial that is toxic and interfere the function of hormones and usually used as an antimicrobial in cleaning products. Exposures by absorption through the skin or through the lining of the mouth can result in contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children.

Found in: dish soaps, disinfectants, hand washes, wipes, dental care, toys, etc.

Tip: Avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for homes use instead use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient. For hand sanitizer, you can choose the one that is alcohol-based and without triclosan.

4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”: Usually labeled “antibacterial” which designed to kill germs and used as disinfectants and surfactants in home and medical settings but the side effect could cause you asthma.

Found in: bathroom cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, and degreasers.

Tip: You can mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a germ killing all-purpose cleaner. Also, you can add drops of lavender essential oil for the scent.

5. 2-Butoxyethanol: It is a solvent used to remove dirt. Exposure to high doses of 2-BE could cause reproductive problems. There are some reports on irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste, or vomiting

Found in: glass cleaners, laundry stain removers, carpet cleaners, automobile cleaners, windshield wiper fluid, degreasers, oven cleaners, and rust removers.

Tip: You can clean mirrors and windows with used newspaper and diluted vinegar as an alternative. While for other kitchen tasks, use the simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder that is made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.

6. Ammonia: A cleaning solution used for household and industrial cleaning products. This is a powerful irritant and it’s going to affect you right away. With high concentrations in air causes burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract that can result in blindness, lung damage or death. It can also create a poisonous gas if mixed with bleach.

Found in: window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, stainless-steel cleaners, car polish, and all-purpose cleaners.

Tip: Vodka is a good alternative and will produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface. You can also use toothpaste as silver polish.

7. Chlorine: A chemical element that present in many bleach compounds. Chlorine is the chemical used to clean pool water. Prolonged exposure can disrupt thyroid function, cause chronic dryness and can irritate skin.

Found in: Toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, scouring powders, laundry whiteners, household tap water.

Tip: Toilet bowls can be cleaned with vinegar. Borax powder and vinegar both work well for to whiten clothes. For scrubbing: Use baking soda. You can also install filters on kitchen sink and shower to reduce the exposure of chlorine through tap water.

8. Sodium Hydroxide: It is known as lye which is extremely corrosive: It can cause severe burns if it touches your skin or gets in your eyes. Also, inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.

Found in: oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, drain openers, and toilet bowl cleaners

Sources:

8 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking In Your Cleaning Products

AlphaZelle: Harmful Ingredients in Household Cleaning Products

Avomeen: What Chemicals Should Be Avoided in Cleaning Products?

EWG: Household Cleaner Ratings and Ingredients

Healthista: Chemicals In Cleaning Products

Hookah: The Hidden Risks

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Recently I have started reacting very poorly when around Hookah smoke so this got me to a little research and I was shocked at just how toxic and dangerous smoking in this way is.

Hookah, also called Shisha, is water pipe smoking. This is a unique method of smoking tobacco that allows a person to smoke tobacco, and combining it with flavors like apple, coconut, chocolate, cappuccino, and watermelon. These flavorings sweetened the taste and aroma of the tobacco and making it appealing to young people.

It has several universal components, including a water bowl, metal body, a head with holes in the bottom, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece.

Listed below are some of the potential health effects of hookah smoke:

-          Herpes

-          Tuberculosis

-          Hepatitis C

-          Heart Disease

-          Lung Cancer – 90% of lung cancer cases are due to smoking.

-          Cancer of the lips, mouth, and throat.

-          Asthma

-          Wrinkles and premature aging

-          Infertility

-          Gum disease

-          Stroke

Toxins in Hookah

Hookah smoke contains many harmful chemicals like to the traditional cigarette smoke, including:

·       Carbon monoxide

·       Tar

·       Arsenic

·       Chromium

·       Cobalt

·       Cadmium

·       Nickel

·       Formaldehyde

·       Acetaldehyde

·       Acrolein

·       Lead

·       Polonium 210, a radioactive isotope

What you didn’t know about hookah smoking:

-          Hookah smoke contains 36 times more tar, 15 times carbon monoxide and 70% more nicotine than cigarette.

-          Water does not purify hookah smoke and doesn’t filter out cancer causing carcinogens.

-          60 minutes of hookah is equal to smoking 40-400 cigarettes.

-          Sharing of hookah pipes results transmission of serious infections including tuberculosis and hepatitis C virus and herpes!

I feel that most people wouldn’t smoke hookah if they knew just how toxic and dangerous it is so I am trying to spread the word. Please share with others and listen to your body, if you feel sick from something, even if it is presented as safe, its important to listen to your body.

Sources:

American Thoracic Society: Hookah Pipes

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hookahs

Hookah Smoking and It’s Risks

Medical News Today: What are the health risks of hookah smoking?

Upcoming Eclipses and What They Mean For You

 Spiritual Meaning of An Eclipse

 By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

In many ways, a solar eclipse is like an extra powerful new moon and a lunar eclipse is like a super powerful full moon except that is more disruptive energy in each case. Important truths are revealed and its common for things to come up seemingly out of left field that bring about major changes. 

You will be guided to step more fully into your power and authority and leave behind anything that is out of alignment. Total solar eclipses are an incredible visual spectacle and like doors or gateways that support us in entering into a higher dimension of being.⠀

In astrology, eclipses are like a portal for exponential growth. Specifically, a time of rapid change either from internal or external circumstances. 

July 2: Total Solar Eclipse

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is when the moon blocks the entire view of the sun (100%) and visible to those viewing from Earth.

This July 2, 2019, the moon will block the sun and most of this eclipse will be happening over the Pacific Ocean where the partial eclipse starts at 12:55 PM EDT. The other parts of South America will be able to see the partial eclipse so people in Chile and Argentina will be able to witness the total solar eclipse before the sunset.

The solar eclipse will have a longer duration compare to last year's total solar eclipse. It will last up to 4-5 minutes. However, the maximum duration may be visible only to observers on a few boats and airplanes, since it will be happening over the Pacific Ocean.

According to NASA, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century was recorded in July 2009 that last about 6 minutes and 39 seconds. This was mostly visible on Southeast Asia.

Set your intentions for powerful manifesting and realignment!

Tips on how to view the sun safely

Looking directly at the sun can lead to blindness and other forms of eye damage if you aren’t wearing any eye protection. You need a special eclipse glasses or special protective eyewear to safely observe the sun. The basic sunglasses, even with those UV protections are not sufficient to protect your eyes.

By using a pinhole camera, you can observe an eclipse in a safest way that you can make easily at home.

July 16: Partial Lunar Eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon. The moon falls partially into Earth’s shadow leaving only a portion of it visible.

On July 16, a partial lunar eclipse will happen and people in much of Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North and South America can witness the partial lunar eclipse.  July’s partial lunar eclipse will be the last until November 2021.

This day is extremely powerful for clearing and releasing anything that is not in complete alignment for who you want to be and where you want to go. You can think of it as a powerful time to clean house emotionally and spiritually. Do not be surprised if you feel really triggered on this day.

The next total solar eclipse in the USA on April 8, 2024.

The next total solar eclipse comes in the Americas on April 8, 2024. First touches Mexico, enters the US at Texas, cuts a diagonal to Maine, and visits the provinces of Canada.

Although, it’s been a long 38 years since the last total solar eclipse in the U.S. before 2017 perhaps we should call this the Great North American Eclipse.

If you would like help and support with guidance to make the most of the eclipses, feel free to reach out to Laura for a session or guidance. More information on working with Laura is on the services page.

Sources:

Solar Eclipse Guide 2019: When, Where & How to See Them

When Are All Of The Solar And Lunar Eclipses in 2019?

Total Solar Eclipse in South America – July 2019

Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024

What Does The Solar Eclipse Mean Spiritually?

Favorite Skin Care Products

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Egyptian Magic

I recently discovered this cream and love the natural ingredients, and that you can use it all over your skins, body, and hair. It left my skin soft, and moisturized and had a pleasant, natural scent. I love bringing it with me in the plane to help with dry plane air. I also love the story of the product, the creator is said to have gotten the recipe from am Egyptian tomb and created it using that recipe today

Buy here!

Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream is a multipurpose cream that hydrates and repairs skin from head to toe due to its mixture of all natural ingredients from living plants and organisms. You can use it as a moisturizer for acne treatment, eye cream, lip balm and also works on eczema and skin irritations.

 This product has been on the market since August 1991 with a good track record and twice the healing power for half the price of conventional skin creams.

Thayers

This is a great product for toning the skin and it’s a wonderful natural and gentle eye makeup remover as well. I use it to take off eyeliner, mascara, and even eyelash glue effectively and then I use it to tone my skin after washing. It smells great too.

Buy here!

A natural botanical skin toner that cleanses, tones and moisturize with soft rose fragrance that will make your skin bloom. It is made with rose-petal water and Witch Hazel extract.

he rose petals are full of natural oils and sugars that help restore dehydrated skin and bring out a natural, dewy, glowing complexion. The natural astringent tightens pores, controlling oil production,  and keeping free radicals out. 

Evolve Daily Renew Facial Cream

This is a great daily use skin cream. It’s moisturizing but not oily. It’s a go to product for me. I like that it has clean ingredients, soaks in fast, and makes my skin hydrated without being greasy.

Buy here!

A luxurious moisturizer that restores normal to dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. It contains Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce wrinkles, making the skin look younger and has more effective hydrating properties. It also increases the production of collagen.

Khroma Banja Balm

I love this balm for help with minor skin irritations and muscle pain. It’s great for soothing mosquito or other insect bites as well! The ingredients and pure and I love the principles of the company as a whole. They organize service trips using some of the proceeds from their company.

Buy here

BANJA BALM is 100% vegan and organic with no artificial ingredients. It’s highly concentrated and extremely potent with advanced formula that absorbs well into your skin and does not stain or leave a residue. It penetrates into your body to help to heal damaged tissues as well as providing pain relief and helping to repair sore joints and muscles

Eir NYC Tough Love

I generally don’t like cuticle creams but that is primarily how I use this. After trying this one of my Petit Vour subscription boxes, I fell in love. PS I love these boxes! You can get yours at (please add this code “powers” on checkout to enjoy the 50% off).  This is cuticle cream has a subtle but pleasant scent, soaks in quickly and does make a different Ruth my cuticles. I have found it can also work as a lip balm and keep it in my purse at times.

Buy here!

The Neem oil used in the Tough Love softening salve is known to have antifungal and antiseptic properties. It improves elasticity for rough skin, feet, elbows, and cuticles that need some extra love.

Eir NYC is a unisex skin care line crafted in Brooklyn for active types. Use this multitasking balm on dry spots like elbows, cuticles and feet.

Pro tip: Try it under ski or snowboarding gloves in the winter for a moisture-locking effect.

Sea Foam Complete Face Wash

This is a no frills daily face wash that smells nice and is not irritating. In a pinch when traveling I will sometimes use it as a body wash as well.

Buy here!

Clean skin is one of the best defenses against aging. This is for all skin types with advanced marine phytonutrients that gently remove makeup, oil and impurities with this foaming, sulfate-free cleanser for balanced, refreshed and absolutely luminous skin at any age. It infused with coconut water and sea vegetables. 

100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Marley Marie Naturals Aromatherapy Nail Polish Remover

I love my natural products but I am also a glamour girl so was so happy to discover that there are some great organic nail polish removers out there. This is one of them and it helps me to feel girly and glamorous without toxins typically associated with nail polish and nail polish remover.

Buy here!

Non-toxic, Natural, Aromatherapy Nail Polish Remover - Eucalyptus Spearmint (Stress Relief) 4 oz. bottle. This nail polish remover is natural, non-toxic, acetone/alcohol free which makes the product kid and pet friendly and headache free! It is infused with essential oils which have aromatherapy benefits that you can choose from our 5 scents. It strengthen and moisturize the nail, it also strengthens and moisturizes the skin and cuticle eliminating the need for cuticle oil. Biodegradable, gluten free, and 100% recyclable.

Ella+Mila Drippin' Gold

This is a go to polish when I need a little bling in my life.

Buy here!

This Nail Polish Collection from ella+mila has rich color and a smooth finish that gives your fingernails a beautiful look. It’s vegan and animal cruelty-free.

Let your fingers do the talking!

Mighty Patch Original

Hydrocolloid patches are my new best friend. They pull out dirt and oil and help your skin heal. These things are tiny miracle workers!

Buy here!

The Hydrocolloid acne stickers protect blemishes for faster healing overnight. It helps to absorb fluids from your pimples and leaves your skin clear and protected from picking and touching. This works on all skin types, vegan and cruelty free that speeds up the healing.

Marula Oil by Acure Organics

This is a great oil for use on face, hands, cuticles, and any rough spots. It’s moisturizing without being oily and soaks in to the skin quickly. I use it after moisturizing before bed time or before putting on foundation for smoother application.

Buy here!

It helps soften, moisturize and repair your skin. This will also improve skin elasticity, may help reduence the appearances of fine lines, scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and sun damage. This is suitable for all skin types, fast-absorbing, light and non-greasy.

Talcum Powder May Not Be Safe – The Alternatives

Some recent, big lawsuits have been making news lately because they are over an ordinary hygiene product that many of us use: baby powder. The cases are over whether or not companies like Johnson & Johnson knew that their talcum powder products could cause cancer with regular use. Much of the evidence indicates that these products can contribute to cancer, especially after decades of using it.

Regular Talcum Powder Use Increases Risk for Ovarian Cancer

Thousands of people, mostly women, have started lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over cancer. Most often the cases involve ovarian cancer. Some women who used baby powder regularly, often for decades, on their genital area, developed this kind of cancer.

Companies, like Johnson & Johnson, that make talcum powder products have insisted that they are safe and there is no connection to cancer, but the evidence says otherwise. One study, for example, looked at thousands of women and found that those who used baby powder regularly had a 30 percent increased chance of developing ovarian cancer. Other studies have actually found particles of talc in the ovarian tumors of women who died from this cancer.

In one lawsuit, in which the jury awarded the plaintiff $72 million, her lawyers presented evidence to back up concerns about ovarian cancer. The evidence came from internal memos that showed Johnson & Johnson executives knew that their talcum powder was contaminated with asbestos.

Your Baby Powder May Contain Asbestos

Talcum powder is made from the mineral talc, which is usually mined. It then gets ground down into a fine powder that is useful for preventing friction and absorbing moisture. The talc itself is largely harmless, although inhaling the small particles may cause some respiratory irritation.

What is in talcum powder that may be the culprit in contributing to cancer is asbestos. Also a mineral, asbestos can be found in natural talc deposits. In the 1970s the Personal Care Products Council stated that all hygiene products made with talc should be asbestos-free.

Unfortunately there aren’t actually any laws or regulations that force companies that make these products to assure they are free of asbestos. Studies have found that randomly-tested talcum powder products do often contain at least trace amounts of this harmful mineral.

Asbestos is a mineral that is known to cause cancer in some people exposed to it. It is most often associated with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that most often develops in people who worked around asbestos for years. However, the presence of asbestos in baby powder may explain why some people get diagnosed with any type of cancer, including ovarian cancer, after years of use.

Safer Alternatives to Talcum Powder

Women who have used talcum powder for years could be at risk for cancer, but another concern is for babies. Baby powder is a common way to prevent rashes and keep babies comfortable. But, the risks may be too high for some parents to accept. Some less risky alternatives for anyone, babies and adults, include corn starch, tapioca starch, baking soda, oat flour, arrowroot starch, kaolin clay, and rice starch. You can also find commercial baby powders that do not use talc.

The risk of developing cancer from using talcum powder is alarming. There is real, solid evidence that talc can contain asbestos and that it contributes to the development of ovarian cancer. This is reason enough to try something different. Safer alternatives absorb moisture and reduce friction, just like talcum powder.

Toxins in Fragrance

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Even if you are not using perfumes and fragrances, chances are you exposed to dozens of them every day! Fragrances are added to all kinds of personal products, candles, air freshener, and even products you might not expect like lip gloss and eye makeup. This is an issue because fragrance manufacturers can list fragrance and then not have to specify the components in the fragrance in the ingredients and a lot of these ingredients are quite toxic!

Types of hazardous chemicals detected:

• Respiratory toxicants and chemicals linked to asthma.

• Chemicals linked to breast cancer including benzene and 1,4-dioxane, which have been linked to mammary tumors.

• Hormone-disrupting compounds are linked to breast cancer: oxybenzone, propylparaben, and two phthalates (DEHP and DEP).

• Other chemicals linked to skin irritation and neurotoxicity.

Studies show that there are about 38 chemicals that are not listed on the labels in 17 branded fragrances like Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Bath & Body Works, Old Spice, Calvin Klein, and more) The average fragrance product contains 14 chemicals that were not disclosed on the label. Most commonly, fragrances contain phthalates, parabens and synthetic musks that may cause reproductive problems, hormone disruption, and possibly cancer. The exact ingredients in synthetic fragrances are protected as “trade secrets” and therefore, are not disclosed on the label.

Here are a few reasons why added fragrances are damaging to your health:

Mystery Ingredients

When it comes to scented products, consumers have no idea what's inside in the bottle. Fragrance manufacturers are allowed to hide behind ‘trade secret' to protect their concoctions, and leave consumers in the dark about the allergens, irritants, and toxins. The products may contain known allergens, and you will use them without it.

Toxic Ingredients

What fragrance can do for you? Most chemicals exposed can trigger allergies, migraines, kidney and liver problems, to name a few. There’s also evidence that some of the toxins found in fragrances may also contribute to neurological degeneration.

You Might as Well Be Smoking

A recent study showed that using air fresheners in the house is the equivalent health-wise to smoking 20 cigarettes a day! There are also lots of healthier options like essential oil diffusers or natural air fresheners (I like these by Attitude).

Additional Reasons to avoid toxic fragrances.

1. Fragrance can mean a cocktail of up to 3,000 different ingredients and most have NOT been tested for safety.

2. Many of these unlisted ingredients are irritants and can trigger allergies (runny nose, watery eyes, itching skin), migraines, and asthma symptoms.

3. Perfumes can trigger an asthma attack.

4. Based on lab experiments, individual fragrance ingredients have been associated with cancer and neurotoxicity.

5. They are linked to early puberty in girls.

6. They are linked to reduced sperm count in men and reproductive defects in the developing male fetus.

7. They are associated with obesity and insulin resistance in men.

8. Exposure to phthalates may cause liver and kidney failure in young children when products containing phthalates are chewed for extended periods.

Sources:

3 Reasons Perfume Stinks for Your Health

Air Fresheners Cause Lung Cancer

Does your perfume Include Toxic Chemicals?

Natural Beauty Tip: 11 reasons to avoid toxic perfume & cologne

Right to know: Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care, and cleaning products

What I Learned About Parenting From Interviewing Hundreds Of Children (Yes, Hundreds)

By Emma Farr Rawling, Ph.D.

As parents, most of us are in a constant state of fear and anxiety when it comes to our children: Will the world be cruel to them? Will they find their meaning or purpose on this massive earth? How can we protect them from the evils that are out there?

Over the years I've committed a great deal of time to interviewing hundreds of children—spanning all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and nationalities—for my book, The Divine Child. And what was most shocking about the hundreds of interviews I conducted was unearthing the universal truths that were born with all the children I interviewed. What I discovered is that children know a great deal more than we give them credit for.

In hindsight, hearing what these children had to say made me a better parent to my son. I knew that he had a vision and direction for the person he wanted to become, and during those moments of growth I stepped back and gave him the freedom to forge his own path. Instead of being quick to write off a statement or belief of his as naive, I listened to him and sought value in everything he had to share. As a former psychotherapist, I can't even count the number of times I heard, "My parents won't listen to me" when speaking to kids. So often we forget that our children have a voice.

Was I a perfect parent? Far from it. But having this experience gave me an enlightened model for my journey through parenthood. I hope the truths I uncovered will help you do the same with your children.

1. Children are born with an innate wisdom.

I'm sure you've witnessed this in your own children: their ability to hit the nail right on the head when it comes to some of the deepest and most monumental subject matters. As mini humans, they have an innate knowledge of when their world is off-kilter (for example, Mom and Dad are angry with each other; Uncle Tom is sad; Grandma is not feeling well). My advice to you as a parent? Acknowledge this wisdom. Ask them how they're feeling about the situation, or see if they'd like to talk things through. Just because they're young doesn't mean they're unaware of the shifts in life taking place around them.

2. They're born with a spirituality that may or may not dissipate when they grow into adults.

Some of my favorite conversations with the children I interviewed were about their thoughts and ideas about where they were before life and where they would go after life. What was even more fascinating was the similarities I found in their responses. The question, "Where were you before you were in Mommy's tummy," was met with some variation of "I was in the air." When asked what would happen when they left earth, many children answered with some form of a reincarnation story, without being fully aware of the term or what it is.

Some of these children were as young as 5 years old, too young to grasp a full understanding of the concepts of conception and death, yet they were able to answer these complex questions freely. How can we encourage and accept this spirituality our children are born with? Try to allow your children to think freely, particularly when it comes to these spiritual thoughts and realizations. Who knows? They may instill some greater beliefs in you.

3. Children have a sense of purpose.

While the responses varied, a shared truth ran through, and that was each child's sense of purpose. Whether it was a desire to be a nurse, firefighter, policeman, or doctor, the majority of children I spoke with had a clear vision of what they would be as an adult. And if it wasn't what they would be, then it was a clarity on what they would do, which leads me to my next point.

4. Children have a desire to do good.

"If you had a magic wand and could do anything you wanted to change the world, what would you do?" No, it wasn't a wish to have more chocolate ice cream or toys in the world—although even as an adult I think I'd like that too! The answers I received were much deeper and more thoughtful than that. The children I spoke with wanted to end all wars and violence and treat our earth better in an effort to create a healthier, cleaner planet. Some held a desire to protect animals and keep them safe. I was amazed at the sheer goodness I encountered with these children. They want to do good, and they have smart ideas about how to do so. Ask them about it, and you'll see!

5. The younger the child, the more knowledge they shared about their experience in the womb.

This shouldn't be that much of a surprise to you, as the research has been around for decades. By weeks 25/26, a baby is able to respondto noise and voices while in the womb. The younger children I interviewed (ages 5 and 6) gave me precise descriptors when I asked what it was like in their mother's stomach. "Warm," "dark," and "lonely" were a few of the replies I received. Some children told me they kicked and kicked to get out. Others told me they felt warm and safe and wanted to stay forever. For any soon-to-be moms, this is an exciting thing to experience. Talk to your baby; play nice music—while they won't remember the specifics, a subconscious part of them may remember the overall experience!

Of course, this article won't solve all your parenting woes or prevent you from encountering challenges as your kids grow. What I hope is that it will inspire you to listen to your children and respect what they're saying. Don't overlook their thoughts and ideas as the "musings of a child." My mind was blown countless times over the years I spent interviewing children, and if you give in and allow for it, perhaps yours will be too.

Sources

Why We Should Listen To Our Children More?

January Eclipse Lowdown

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

What Eclipses Mean for Us

In short, eclipses are like uber new moons and uber full moons. They always fall in conjunction with new moons and full moons and comes in pairs or groups. We will have one set early in the year and another set in the summer or early fall every year. Eclipses bring in changes and help us shift and make big life changes, often in unexpected ways. Eclipses can act like a wild card and illuminate aspects of our life that need attention. Eclipses will often bring about rapid and unexpected though ultimately beneficial changes in our lives. All eclipses bring significant endings and significant beginnings into our lives, often in unexpected ways.

In simple terms, a solar eclipse is when the moon stands between the earth and the sun, and a lunar eclipse is when the earth blocks the light from the sun to the moon. Since the moon creates no light or her own, she will appear dark when this happens. Lunar eclipses, in particular, help us quickly release situations that are no longer aligned or serving us and solar eclipses help us launch and grow new areas and help us grow.

The grouping of eclipses is significant as well. They come in pairs or groups in signs that are across from each other on the astrological wheel and therefore will help us work on and resolve issues relating to those signs. This particular set of eclipses will impact us until the next set that starts in July. So, while a new moon or a full moon’s impacts are felt for approximately a month, eclipses impact us until the next set of eclipses in six months.

January 5-6 Partial Solar Eclipse

This is generally a positive astrological alignment in Capricorn. The energy of this new moon asks us to look at how we structure our life, our work, and how we can create a supportive structure for ourselves. How what are your dreams and what can you build to support them? Since Capricorn deals with long-term commitments, whatever we create in our lives on the new moon is far very likely to have long-term impacts. Due to a positive aspect with Neptune, it is a great time for starting new artistic endeavors and creative projects. There is also a conjunct with the star Vega which bodes well for business. Good outcomes can occur business-wise if you approach things from an ethical place.

This eclipse was visible in the east in Asia and the Pacific, and its impacts will be stronger there.

January 20, Total Lunar Eclipse

Will be visible from North and South America and part of Europe. This eclipse is in Leo and affected by the planet Uranus which means that you may feel rash and moody. You will not respond well to ultimatums or external pressures. You will likely feel unsettled, and there will be a lot of purging and releasing happening on this eclipse!  It will start at 9:42 and end at 10: 12 pm Denver (mountain time). I recommend for people to be doing something mellow and not making major decisions during the eclipse since it will be bringing up a lot of stuff. Don’t be surprised if you are very emotional or experience emotional outbursts from others. Not being reactive is advised during this time. It’s also not a good time to make major decisions around the time of the eclipse. It is a good thing to let the dust from the eclipse settle before making big decisions, moves or changes. If you experience blockages or problems (breakdowns, delays, etc.) remember it will pass.

I recommend marking your calendars for the next set of eclipses that start July 2. 2019.  Knowing they are coming in advance can help you plan activities and plans that are aligned with the activities of each eclipse.

You can subscribe to the newsletter with astro updates so you have a heads up by emailing bookings@laurapowers.net with the subject lines “subscribe.”

Sources

Astrology King: Solar Eclipse January 2019

Astrology Zone: All About Eclipses

Explore Deeply: Spiritual Significance of the Lunar Eclipse

Space.com: Solar Eclipse January 2019

The Moon Woman: Astro Forecast

Time and Date: January 6

The Winter Solstice

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

The winter solstice is the marks the shortest day of the year which is December 22nd in the northern hemisphere. It will occur at 3:23 pm Mountain Time. Those in the northern hemisphere will get anywhere from 3 hours to 10 and a half hours of light on this day.

Historically, this was a day in which people spent time with loved ones, celebrated, and exchanged gifts. The term yule refers to the solstice, and there are plenty of references to it in holiday songs! It was thought of as the end of the yearly cycle as it is the beginning of winter.

While this time can feel dark, it is an excellent opportunity to create your own light and explore and release our shadow side. It is not a coincidence that are traditions with the holidays during this time often involve lights, candles, and brightening the darkest of days. You may find that you are extra emotional or even sad during this time. It’s a great time for self-care and nurturing as well as setting intentions for what you would like to bring in and create as you go into the new year.

Lighting a candle and meditating on what is coming up for releasing can be helpful, as can journaling or creating a list of intentions. It’s a great time for reflection, to recognize what you have accomplished and experiences, and then decide where you’d like the next year to take you.

If you find yourself in a funk, remember that it is the darkest day of the year and you will most likely feel lighter and brighter soon. This year the full moon follows the winter solstice by one day, so the effects of the solstice are magnified. It may feel like a double whammy of clearing and intense releasing of the dark side.

Remember to breathe, that it will pass, and be gentle to yourself and others.

Sources

CNN – Winter Solstice

Refinery 29 – Winter Solstice Celebration Shadows

Refinery 29 – Winter Solstice Meaning December 2018

Vox – Winter Solstice 2018

A Channeled Message From Freddie Mercury

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

“Hi. I am here to talk about sexual freedom. There are so many of you who are trapped living identities that are not really yours. This is unnecessary. All that matters is love. It doesn’t matter who you love, or how often, or what you wear. So often people change who they feel they should be based on how they think people will react. Most often, the fear of what people will say or do is much worse than the reality. Fear is the devil, literally.

Face the fear and be straightforward. If people cannot accept you for who you are then they are not loving people and you don’t need that kind of energy in your life. This problem gets compounded when most people are living their life based on how they think others will react. This means that there is a whole generation that is doing something other than what they want even when their peers want the same thing they do but are also pretending. There are too many people pretending to be something they are not. This is ugly and dark.

Be bold, be beautiful. Show the world who you are and love truly and deeply. When more people do this, the fear in the world about sex will dissolve. Because really the fear about this has nothing to do with sex but about societal norms and control. Break free and help others, do the same. Live, love, and spread light and truth. Oh, and sing your heart out.”

Photo Source

A Channeled Message From Amy Winehouse

This post is excerpted from a book featuring celebrity channeled messages that will be released sometime in 2019. So stay tuned for updates on the release!

You can watch Laura’s video channeled message of Amy Winehouse here!

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Hello, I am here, still alive and kicking on the other side in my own way. I am writing a lot of music here (yes we do that over here too). I am looking for music partners right now (this could mean you!) as I need people who are incarnated with to create music in the world.

I had a hard time at the end of my life, I am still processing a lot of the grief and lessons that I was learning. Many of you are holding a lot of foreign energy in your body, especially in your hearts, I know I did. When you breathe deeply, it helps to release that old energy. Simply making sure you are breathing deeply can help you so much.

Music heals the world and many teacher and healer souls are working through music to help others and change the world. Music raises people up. That is one of the things I most wanted to do was to help people rise up. One of my biggest regrets is that because of the pain that I was in and the lessons I was learning, that I exposed people to that. I only wanted to ever bring people up.

Another of my regrets is that I leaned on drugs and alcohol when things got painful. Many of the painful feelings were leading me to important lessons and instead of learning the lessons, I numbed out and then the lessons got bigger and harder. That is what happens when you drink or do drugs to numb and forget, the problems get bigger and then you have another problem too. If you can look at whatever you are upset about and what is bringing you to drink, then that is way more powerful than numbing yourself. It is a human thing to do to numb the pain, but it's so much smarter to ask why the pain is there and then work on healing or fixing it. By facing your problems, you may feel short-term pain more intensely but then long term, you will feel better. It would be like having an infection and just taking painkiller without healing the infection. That is how many people are living their lives.

There are many of you right now who are so powerful and are afraid of your own light, power,  and voice. Because of this fear, you are numbing out and shutting down. When you are doing this you are also avoiding your soul’s calling. This leads to a soul-level depression. You might think of it like being unemployed on a soul level because you are not working on what you came here to work on as a soul. This can lead to a feeling of malaise or depression. Have you checked all the boxes and are living a “good life” and feel like you should be happy but you aren’t? A lot of times this is because you are not doing what you came here to do. Your soul came here for a purpose and when you don’t do it you are blocking your progress and the world’s. If you feel like you should be happier than you are, it is probably because you are focused in the wrong area. Maybe you are achieving not in the area that your soul would like to achieve in.

It is also so important to have fun and joy. What is life for in not to enjoy? Allow yourself play time. When we play, a lot of times, not only are we enjoying but we may have realizations that will make our lives easier and better as well.

I love you. I know that seems strange to hear that from me. I felt so much love in my life and it was really hard for me to accept it. I didn’t understand it because I didn’t feel loveable or worthy. I am sending all that love back to you. It meant so much to me to receive the love I felt from all of you. One of my biggest challenges is that I didn’t feel like I was worthy of love. As I got more famous and successful, I just couldn’t handle the amount of love that was coming to me. I am still learning and trying to understand that I am worthy and loveable. You are loveable and amazing!  If you are around people who don’t love you, who withhold from you, or tell you that you are not good enough, let those people go. Even if you don’t have new people in your life, asking your angels and spirit guides to help bring into your life who do love and appreciate you.

I am sending you love right now. You are amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do and create.

PS I am here for you. You can call on me, I am not kidding. If you are struggling with addiction, if you are trying to do music, or be creative, I can help. I am looking for partners to work with me from the other side.

Step into your power, find your voice, and know that you are amazing!

Venus Retrograde

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Venus goes into retrograde on October 5 for six weeks. When a planet goes retrograde, it means that it appears to move backwards in the night sky from the earth’s perspective. All planets go retrograde periodically and most people are more familiar with Mercury retrogrades as they are frequent and are thought to have a large impact on us through technology, communication, and travel. Venus is the planet that rules love, the material world, money, and passion and when this planet goes retrograde it is every 18 months for 6 weeks. During Venus retrograde, old unhealthy ideas or patterns related to love will come up for clearing and it may feel like a challenging time in love.

It’s not uncommon for past lovers to suddenly surface during a Venus retrograde or for tension to rise up with a current, even long-time lover. Even if you are not in a relationship and think you may not be affected, you may notice people acting in a less-loving way. You may find you have less tolerance for people’s behavior or that people are getting on your nerves more easily. On the positive side, Venus retrograde can be a great time for creative and artistic work. For this six weeks, your passions will likely increase so there is a fun side to this as well. If you can channel that passion in a positive direction, you can come out on top of this Venus retrograde.

It’s a good time to take stock of your love affairs, and note old patterns or situations that have served their purpose, and in some cases, certain relationships may be highlighted for releasing. The first part of this retrograde will be in Scorpio, from October 5-31, which will bring up power dynamics and sex. The second part of this Venus retrograde will be from the 31st of October to the 6th of November and will be in Libra which will deal more with issues related to committed relationships and marriage. During Venus retrograde, it’s not a time to make big, rash decisions about breakups or commitments as you may feel differently once the retrograde ends. But it is a good time to notice patterns and behaviors and work on shifting them. And if you are feeling the need to end a relationship or make a big commitment, just make sure you are not acting rashly.

Think of this as a time to clean house – romantically speaking. It’s not always fun to do but it is important and you will likely feel much better after the Venus retrograde ends.

Since Venus is also connected with money and aesthetics, it’s also not a good time for big splashy purchases or to do a big renovation or makeover. This is because what we value during a retrograde may not be what we value during non-retrograde times so we may end up regretting those choices later.

So during this Venus retrograde, enjoy the extra passion in your life, take some time to clear out old unhealthy patterns or situations that have served their course but balance your action with thought and patience. Enjoy what life has to offer and take advantage of the extra burst of passion and inspiration you may feel. Not all of the traits of retrogrades are difficult, there is plenty of room for fun, particularly with the planet Venus.

The next Venus retrograde is not until May 12 so once this one passes, you have a year and a half before this all comes up again!

In the meantime, have fun, don’t take everything too seriously and enjoy the ride and extra passion!

Sources

Astrology.com

Astro Style

Bustle

A Channeled Message From Aretha Franklin

Hello, I am here and doing great!

I want all of you to know, I am at peace. It was rough at the end for me but it’s all over now and I feel peace, ease, and love and I am singing God’s praise over here. I know that sounds funny but there is so much singing going on over here, I feel right at home.

I know there are so many worried about what it’s like over here, and it is so wonderful, it’s hard to describe how wonderful it is.

I wish I had known before I passed how great it is, I think I would have let go sooner. It didn’t need to be so hard. I want to save other people pain and suffering. Do not fear death – don’t get me wrong, no need to come before it’s your time but there is nothing here to fear or worry about.

Some other things I wish knew before I came over here. Suffering or worrying about people does you no good and it certainly doesn’t help them either. In most cases, minding your own business about people’s problems is the way to go. I took on other people’s pain and stress and it literally made me sick. Since I was known by people, I even managed to take on the stress of people I didn’t know. Lordy, what a mess! If people are going through something tough, most of the times it’s because they are learning something. Then we go and think of it as bad but learning is messy sometimes, it’s just the way that it goes. You can’t even make a beautiful painting without making a mess first but the truth is, it actually takes making 1,000 not so good paintings before a masterpiece is made. But you don’t try to stop new painters from painting just because the painting is not perfect. But that is what we do with life if someone is learning at life and we think it needs to be perfect or we try to fix it for them. But we can’t and the truth is you have to mess up to learn how to do it right, that is just how it is.

I am saying this to all of you who try to help and fix everyone but also so you can forgive yourself for not being perfect all the time. What if I were to tell you that whatever you are doing and wherever you are right now is just right? Yes, I know we all have aspiration and do dream, and go after your dreams but doing that doesn’t make who you are now and what you are doing now any less right. You are an amazing child of God and don’t you let anyone tell you otherwise.

Alright, I think that’s all for now. But I did want to let all of you know I am doing alright, no better than alright and not to worry about me, or anyone for that matter. Live life to the fullest, love one another, and live without regrets.

With Love,

Aretha

Photo Source

The Longest Lunar Eclipse of the Century!

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

This week’s full moon and lunar eclipse are the longest one in the past 100 years! But what does that mean for you? The total lunar eclipse is on July 27th around 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm Pacific time and coincides with the full moon that is also a blood moon which means it will have a reddish hue. This phenomenon was featured in the movie practical magic.

This particular eclipse will not be visible from North America but it will likely impact everyone just the same.

You are likely to be highly emotional during this eclipse time and also feel extra passionate. You may also re-evaluate how you feel about people you are close to – there are some who you may remain in contact with and others you may choose to let go.

Because we are in Mars retrograde (ending August 27) and because this eclipse is in Aquarius, conjunct by Mars, you may feel especially influenced by the planet of war and feel more frustrated or triggered than normal. And since this is longest lunar eclipse for 100 years, it's like an uber full moon on its own. We are also in Mercury in Retrograde until August 18th which impacts communication, technology, and transportation so there are a lot of interesting astrological alignments happening at the same time, to say the least!

During the full moon and for the day before and after, staying calm whenever possible and finding a healthy outlet for frustration such as a kickboxing class, going for a run, or sports where you can use the extra energy, having a good cry, or journaling may help you release in a non-destructive way.

I think of full lunar eclipses as an opportunity to spiritually clean house – the blocking of the moon allows us to release and clear out old emotions, programming, blocks or beliefs from the last six months. Its kind of like taking out the trash emotionally and spiritually – not fun but way less fun when it piles up and isn’t cleaned out.

If the emotions that are brought up are intense and difficult, remember that they will pass and that things will feel lighter and freer soon. Deep breathing, relaxing activities and doing something light-hearted can help.

Eclipses are also known for bringing up big and unexpected changes so don’t be surprised if you have a major life-change come out of left-field. If this happens then remember that it's coming up for a reason and may be a blessing in disguise.  

So while it might be a bumpy ride, emotionally speaking, lunar eclipses actually help us move forward with more freedom and less emotional baggage the rest of the time so remember that this releasing is all for the good and that you will soon feel lighter, freer and clearer. It’s a great time to set intentions to release anything that is no longer serving you, clear out and declutter. If it feels intense, remember, this too shall pass.

Sources

Astrology.com

Astrology Horoscope Readings

Astrology King

Bustle.com

Women’s Health Magazine

A Channeled Message by Janis Joplin for Women Who Roar

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Originally posted on For Women Who Roar

I am a psychic medium. Ever since I was a girl I have had spirit visitors. Sometimes  they were spirits I knew and other times, they weren’t. It wasn’t long before I had the spirits of celebrities showing up to say hi and give me messages. As I grew into adulthood, I learned to welcome their visits and the wisdom that came from the messages they shared with me. I decided to write a book to share these powerful messages with others. This channeled message from Janis Joplin will be in a forthcoming book of celebrity channeled messages from the other side. I hope you enjoy this message from Janis Joplin, if there ever was a woman who roared, I think it was her. 

Message from Laura: Janis Joplin was another incredible, powerful woman whose life was cut short. I often wonder what she would have done if she had lived longer. Even with such a brief, bright life, she is unforgettable. I was on a tour in Los Angeles once and was taken to the site where she died. I could feel her sadness there still even though she died decades ago. Thankfully she is not continuing to experience that pain and sadness now but she does want to help others avoid what she went through. 

Channeled message: Hello everyone. These are tough times right now. So many of you are in pain and struggling. These tough times will pass. It is time to treat each other lovingly. When people are hurt, that is when they may lash out which just spreads the pain. Be kind to one another. Even the perpetrators of great evil simply often do not know what they are doing. Do not stand for injustice but also do not create more hatred. Hatred breeds hatred. Stand in peace and support each other. Spread love. Stand up for what you believe and those who are suffering at the hands of others but do not turn to hatred. Also, many of you who are empathic and psychically sensitive drown out your sorrows or try to shut out your feelings through drugs and alcohol. This literally just gives you one more problem. If you are sensitive, work and releasing the energy and pain you have absorbed from others. You can do this through meditation, through taking a walk or going out in nature. You might feel the emotions as they come back up for releasing and this is ok. They are purging out of your system and purging usually doesn’t feel good. Know that whatever you are feeling will pass. Ask for my help, ask for help from the angels and channel your emotion into creativity which is healing and helpful for both you and others. Above all, don’t give up hope. You are not alone.  

Laura is a Celebrity Psychic who has been featured by Buzzfeed, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, the CW, Motherboard by Vice Magazine, The Jet Set television show, and many others. She is currently in production for a television show about her work and has two other development deals in place. She is also the author of six books on the psychic realm and hosts and produces a popular podcast, Healing Powers Podcast, on health and spirituality. Laura Powers is a clairvoyant, psychic medium, writer, actress, producer, writer, and speaker who helps other receive guidance and communicate with loved ones.  

The Summer Solstice

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

The Summer Solstice

The summer solstice happens in June in the northern hemisphere and marks the longest day of the year. It also marks the first day of summer. In some places, the summer solstice is thought of as mid-summer. It marks a time to celebrate the fullness of life and ignite your passion.

Traditional Celebrations

This is a day which celebrates new beginnings and the feminine principle. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that weddings are often celebrated on or around the solstice. Many other celebrations also celebrate the sun during the summer solstice.

Traditional celebrations include bonfires, feasting, singing, and dancing either freely or around a maypole.

How to Celebrate Today

There are many who celebrate in the traditional ways around the world but if you cannot find something locally, you can create your own celebration. Here are some ideas to honor and enjoy this significant day:

·       Gather with friends and family for a meal

·       Light a fire or bonfire

·       Set intentions for the season or year

·       Enjoy the sun’s rays and count your blessings

·       Do a releasing ceremony to release anything you no longer want in your life

·       Dance on your own or with others

·       Enjoy nature during the day or evening.

There is no wrong way to celebrate since this day celebrates the feminine, your intuition, often associated with the feminine aspect will be stronger. It is a great time to tune in using your intuition as well.

Whatever you do, this is a day associated with magic and celebrations. So take a  moment or a day to really appreciate all that life has to offer!

Sources

Mystic Mama

Rhythms of Play

Time and Date

Weather.com

A Channeled Message from Anthony Bourdain

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Hello everyone,

I know a lot of you are in shock. Honestly, I am too. I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check sometimes and it got the better of me. But I want you to know that I am doing great, better than great actually. I will miss all of you and the adventures and misadventures I had but things are really great over here on the other side, better than I imagined they ever could be actually. So don’t get sad on my behalf because I am great. But I do want to continue to share the message I was sharing when I was alive. Seize the day, live life, don’t settle and experience all that life has to offer. Also don’t get caught up in the illusion that there are those with power and those without, you are so powerful too. I created an incredible life and so can you. For me, there were high-highs and low-lows but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If things aren’t turning out how you want them to, remember you can always start again and recreate yourself. In a way, life is all about trying things until we get it right so to speak. So if you feel down, do something fun, surround yourself with passionate people and do something that frightens you even a little bit.

So many of you are waiting for someone else to give you permission or opportunity. Make it happen. The person who gives you permission is you, in many ways, no one else matters. Once you decide to do to something, the universe will find a way if you have enough faith and drive. Life is short so live the life you want, not the life you are taught you can have. You can live a big life or a small life. There is no right or wrong way to do it but many of you want a big life and are settling a small one because you think you can’t have a big one. Let that shit go and dream and live the biggest life you can imagine for yourself.

I also want to thank all of you, I felt the love from each and every one of you. I was a flawed person and you accepted me for who I was and I thank you for that.

When you think of me, think of my love and my passion. I am still going to be working on things from the other side so don’t forget about me but don’t write me off yet. I am not finished with my work. That is one thing I have learned, even when it appears to be the end of this life, it's not really, we just start a new chapter.

Alveterzane for now.

Image source

A Channeled Message From Marilyn Monroe

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Hello everyone, I know a lot of people in this book have been sharing positive messages and I do want to be positive but also share that it’s alright to be sad. We have labeled emotions like sadness as bad when really its just our soul processing something. I had a lot of sadness in my life. I experienced a lot of disappointment. There was a lot of joy too but I realized during my life how unacceptable people found it to be sad or dissatisfied, especially if you are a woman. People just wanted you to smile, look pretty, and make them feel good. I became very good at that but inside I felt hollow. What is the point in making other people feel good if you don’t feel good yourself? I want everyone reading this to make sure they are taking care of themselves first. It is good to take care of others, but not if it’s at the expense of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you don’t have true love to give others anyway. I gave, and gave, and gave until I was starving myself. I guess I always thought that if I gave to others, they would give back to me but it didn’t always turn out that way. If you are giving to people, make sure they are giving back. I had a lot of takers in my life but I was taught when I was young that I wasn’t worth much so I didn’t think to ask for more. Ask for more. You can have it. I am not talking about money, power, and material things, but about love, and positive energy. You can have all of it really but if you don’t have love, what does it matter anyway? True love starts with yourself. If you are loving to yourself, everything else will come to you anyway.

If you are struggling, it probably means that you aren’t loving yourself enough in some way. I know this can be hard to do when society tells you, you aren’t worth it but you are. I am sending you love and I want you to know you are valuable and worthwhile. Anyone who doesn’t show you that they care about you, doesn’t deserve you. By the way, words are pretty meaningless in this area. It is so easy to say I love you but it’s showing you that they love you that is the most important thing. If someone says they love you but they don’t act like they do, believe their actions. Too often, I got caught up in hollow words and was left empty-handed in the love department. But that’s okay, I learned a lot. When you are sad, it usually means you are learning something but it’s not for nothing. It also means that you will do better next time. And there is always a next time. Sending love to you and just another reminder to take care of yourself. You deserve it. Hugs

Non-Toxic Makeup Lines

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast.

Recently, I started to develop a stronger awareness of my sensitivity to chemicals in makeup. This led me to investigate the ingredients in makeup and learn more about ingredients and which lines were truly non-toxic. I have learned that there are a lot of makeup lines which claim to be non-toxic but really aren’t that great when you analyze the ingredients. You might find my blog post on 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics helpful.

I also learned that there is a large variation in ingredients even within a particular skin care line – one product can be fairly non-toxic while another in the same brand will rate far higher on the toxicity scale which means we as consumers really need to do our research and not make any assumptions about the toxicity level of ingredients in products. Luckily there are some great tools to help you do that so it’s not overwhelming!

Resources to Determine Toxicity

Here are a few resources to help you determine the safety and toxicity level of body and skin care products including cosmetics. Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, Think Dirty App, and my favorite, the Cosmetic DNA website.

The EWG’s Skin Deep Database is very helpful in this regard. Products are given a rating with 10 being most toxic and 0 being non-toxic. It also analyzes the ingredients which can be very beneficial to learn which ingredients are safe and which are not (and why not). The downside of this website is that not all products are listed or rated. If they are not rated, you can look up each individual ingredient but since most ingredient lists are long, this can be quite tedious. For products that are rated however, this website is extremely helpful.

Think Dirty is an app that operates similarly to the Skin Deep site. It provides a rating and analysis of the ingredients and gives a rating. One nice feature of this app is the ability to scan product barcodes. If they are in the database, the barcode will rate them and pull up the product listing. As with the Skin Deep Database, not all products are listed. I find that most products are in one or the other if they are a national brand.

The Cosmetic DNA website is great for products that are not listed on the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep Database. The Cosmetic DNA website allows you to cut and paste an ingredients list, and the website will analyze the ingredients and rate them in terms of toxicity, acne causation, and whether they are a skin irritant.

This infographic on Pinterest also shares some helpful explanation of different terms that relate to makeup ingredients and what they mean.

Now that you have some tools to do research on products and ingredients, here are some brands that I have found with low toxicity cosmetics. I want to stress again that each product has different ingredients and therefore different toxicity ratings so even though these brands have a low toxicity compared to mainstream cosmetic brands, I do recommend researching different products within the brand to determine that product’s ingredients and overall toxicity.

Lower Toxicity Makeup Line

100% Pure
Known for| Using Natural Versus Synthetic Ingredients, Organic Ingredients
Notes | Uses Natural Fragrances and No Fillers
Website| www.100percentpure.com
EWG score 1 to 6

Afterglow Cosmetics
Known for| Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, Vegan, Certified Gluten Free, and Certified Organic Ingredients
Notes | The help offset their CO2 emissions through a partnership with the Conservation Fund’s Business Partnerships Program.  
Website| afterglowcosmetics.com
EWG score 1

Alima Pure
Known for| No Synthetic Dyes, Refillable Compacts, and 100 % Carbon Neutral
Notes | Certified B Corporation for corporate responsibility
Website| www.alimapure.com   
EWG score unavailable

Gabriel
Known for| Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, and Vegan
Notes | This brand has large-scale, national distribution so easy to find at many natural grocery stores.
Website| https://gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/
EWG score 1-5

Jane Iredale
Known for Vegan and Cruelty-Free Makeup
Notes | This makeup is very high quality but on the higher side price-wise
Website: www.janeiredale.com   
EWG score 1-2

Juice Beauty
Known for| Organic and Clinical Validation
Notes | This makeup is very high quality but on the higher side price-wise but worth it in my opinion
Website| www.juicebeauty.com
EWG score 1 – 2

Mineral Fusion
Known for| Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, and Vegan
Notes | This brand has large-scale, national distribution so easy to find at many natural grocery stores.
Website| www.mineralfusion.com
EWG score 1- 6

Pacifica
Known for | Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Notes | Offer a package recycling program via mail
Website| www.pacificabeauty.com
EWG score 1 to 4

Real Purity
Known for| Cruelty-Free, Paraben Free
Notes | Most Products are Vegan and Gluten Free, Family Owned and Operated
Website| www.realpurity.com
No EWG score available

RMS Beauty
Known for| Raw, Food Grade, and Organic Ingredients  
Notes | Uses only non-GMO ingredients
Website| www.rmsbeauty.com
No EWG score available

Vapour Organic Beauty
Known for| Organic Ingredients, Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free
Notes | Products are not Water-Based to Reduce Bacteria Growth
Website| vapourbeauty.com
No EWG Score Available

Sources

100% Pure
Alima Pure
Cosmetic DNA
Environmental Working Group
Gabriel Cosmetics
Jane Iredale
Juice Beauty
Mineral Fusion
Pacifica
Pinterest: Natural and Organic Beauty Products, Your Guide to Reading the Label
Real Purity
RMS Beauty
The Good Trade: 10 Natural Makeup Brands
Think Dirty

Vapour Beauty

Magnesium Benefits

By Esteban Tovar: Energy Healer and creator of the Evolved Healing website

Magnesium has helped me in ways that I did not expect it too. I only started taking magnesium after I read that it could help me in releasing muscle tension. I had muscle tension on the upper side of my back and it started to get more and more painful after about 3 years. I figured it would help in getting rid of the pain and it did (along with yoga). But I did not expect magnesium to get rid of the mild anxiety that I had. I didn't even know that I had mild anxiety! I just assumed that I was more sensitive to my surroundings. Getting rid of that veil of anxiety allowed me to be more confident around others, more social and more at peace, which feels great! So I wanted to write a post about it and see why that is and why a lot of people are deficient in magnesium in the first place.

Our bodies store a lot of magnesium

 Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in the human body (potassium being the first). Our bodies hold up approximately 21-28 grams of magnesium. 99% of magnesium is located in our bones, muscle, and soft tissues, while the remaining 1% is found in other places like red blood cells. In the human body, magnesium is necessary for the function of over 300 enzymes. This includes reactions that generate ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), a type of molecule that is used to power the human body. ATP is also used for muscle contraction and muscle relaxation (magnesium also directly affects muscle relaxation). Magnesium also contributes to the vascular tone of blood vessels, cardiac rhythm, and bone formation.

 Magnesium deficiency is recorded in the hospital settings

Hospitalized patients often have a magnesium deficiency and can vary from 9% to 65% of the patients. It is also particularly higher in intensive care units. Even more interesting, is that It's considered a critical medication in emergency situations. Magnesium deficiency in the clinical setting has shown that it can result in neuromuscular problems like muscle weakness and muscle cramps. It can also result in problems like depression. Magnesium has also been linked to heart attacks, tumors, high blood pressure and psychiatric disorders. Even more interesting, magnesium deficiency is linked to anxiety. It's often known as the relaxation mineral. Dr. Mark Hyman mentions that anything that is tight, irritable or stiff is a sign of magnesium deficiency. This makes sense for me. In my experience, it wasn't until I consciously started getting magnesium into my body that I realized how tight and stressed I actually was. 

         magnesium deficiency is linked to anxiety

How to Increase Magnesium

As the consumption of processed food increases so does the magnesium deficiency in our western society. It seems that about 50 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient which greatly affects their health. Some researchers suggest that we should consume about 200-450 mg of magnesium but I think that we should be shooting for no less than 500mg of magnesium per day. This can be increased if you are under stress or if you exercise a lot since both use up magnesium.

There are a few ways to get magnesium into your body. Eating foods like spinach, avocados, almonds, and bananas are probably the best way to get magnesium into your body since you are also getting other nutrients. Another method that I like to use is magnesium oil (it's actually water-based but just feels oily) and just put it on my skin. It's pretty interesting sometimes because if you have muscle tension or a cramp you can put it on it and actually feel the muscle relax. It's not very expensive and can last 3-4 months. The magnesium oil that I like to use is Ultra Pure from Mag Essentials. 

The pill form of magnesium is a bit tougher to research in my experience. I would say that most companies don't make high-quality magnesium that is easily absorbable, which is a waste of money and time since you won't get any magnesium and may have other unwanted chemicals in them. I would suggest doing your research and buying from companies that specify that they don't have other harmful chemicals, fillers, metals and that their product is absorbable by the body. Either way, choose what is best for you!

 Sources

http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/magnesium-the-most-powerful-relaxation-mineral-available/

Jahnen-Dechent, W., & Ketteler, M. (2012). Magnesium basics. Clinical kidney journal, 5(Suppl_1), i3-i14.

Noronha, L. J., & Matuschak, G. M. (2002). Magnesium in critical illness: metabolism, assessment, and treatment. Intensive care medicine, 28(6), 667-679.