Redmond Earthpaste: Review & Giveaway!

When our family changed the way we eat, one of the natural next steps was to take a critical look at personal care products.  How did the items in our bathroom cabinets add up?  Were the brands we'd always bought beneficial to our health?  Worse, were they detrimental?

One of the changes we would eventually make was to change our toothpaste.  We tried more natural brands, the kind you buy at the grocery store.  And they were alright - but even so, I wasn't thrilled with some of the ingredients on the label.

So I was very  interested when I heard about Earthpaste, made by Redmond.  I was already familiar with Redmond because I use their Real Salt exclusively in my kitchen.

What's unique about Earthpaste?  Here's the main thing: it's made with clay.  Bentonite clay, to be precise.  You can read all about it HERE.  Using clay internally may sound a little odd at first, but the more I learn about it the more I love it.



Redmond kindly sent me some Earthpaste to review here on the blog.  The flavors I received were Lemon Twist (marketed especially for kids) and Wintergreen.  I have also tasted their Cinnamon and Peppermint varieties.

The Pros
One thing I appreciate about Earthpaste is that is contains no fluoride or artificial coloring, as well as no foaming agents or glycerin. It is completely safe to eat, so I feel good about offering it to my whole family.

Wintergreen ingredients: Purified Water, Food Grade Redmond Clay, Xylitol, Wintergreen Essential Oil, Menthol, Redmond Real Salt, Tea Tree Oil.

Lemon Twist ingredients:  Purified Water, Food Grade Redmond Clay, Xylitol, Redmond Sea Salt, Lemon Essential Oil, Lemon Verbana Essential Oil, Tangerine Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil.

I have never been a wintergreen fan, ever.  Truly, this experience if the first I've had in my life where I actually enjoyed the flavor of wintergreen!  I suspect it's because it's actually an essential oil flavoring the toothpaste, instead of whatever artificial flavoring those other products used.  But even my sensitive "pregnancy palate" is satisfied. This is significant, trust me.

The Lemon Twist tasted refreshing and slightly sweet.  I liked it, as did my 7-year-old and 3-year-old taste testers.  (My 10-year-old claims to dislike anything lemon, and my younger sons have no interest in messing with toothpaste.)

My favorite flavors are actually their Cinnamon and Peppermint, which were not included in this review package.  But it speaks volumes that I enjoyed the other two flavors as well.  I have always been very, very choosy about toothpaste flavors.

I consider these to be great ingredient lists.  Compared to the mainstream toothpaste I used for years and years, these ingredients are pure bliss - and much more pronounceable.   I love the fact that Earthpaste uses Redmond Clay!  Bentonite clay is a traditional remedy which can greatly help with digestive issues as well as other problems.

The Cons
To be frank, the one item I am less than thrilled about is Xylitol.  I believe the jury is still out on Xylitol, but I would be happier with stevia instead.  Still, compared to the artificial sweeteners (and sometimes outright sugar) found in mainstream toothpaste, Earthpaste wins the day.

As with most natural products, Earthpaste is more expensive than its typical grocery store counterparts.  On Amazon a single tube is between $7-$8 at the time of this writing (there are economy deals available as well).  Other sources offer Earthpaste  as well, all online as far as I have found.   But if you, like me, are willing to pay a little bit more for a higher quality product, Earthpaste is a great way to go. And it really only takes a pea-sized dab on your toothbrush.  Overall I find it to be worth the extra money.

The Conclusion
I enjoy Earthpaste.  I feel great about offering it to my loved ones, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a more natural, healthful way to clean their teeth and mouth.


Giveaway
The nice folks at Redmond Trading Company have graciously agreed to give a 4-pack of Earthpaste (one of each flavor!) to one of my blog readers.  To enter, go to the Earthpaste website and then come back leave a comment telling me which flavor you expect to like best.

I plan to post the giveaway winner two weeks from today, June 20th.  Good luck!

my fascinating new love

I think I'm falling in love.  In fact I'm pretty certain of it.  I've been interested for a long time, flirting with the idea, playing with the possibilities.   They are endless, those possibilities.  And although there's always a chance that I'm caught up in the newness of it all, I'm pretty sure that this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Essential oils.

I know I've mentioned them a few times here, but I didn't really know much about them.  As it is I'm still kind of getting my feet wet.   Reading, researching, learning...and using. Because yes, I am using them!

I've always assumed the purpose of essential oils was to make things smell pretty.  Largely the same as a candle but without the fire hazard.   Was I ever wrong!    In the just over a month we've been using them in our home, we've used them to soothe a teething toddler, fight off a sickness, quiet a cough, ease (*cough*) breastfeeding issues, clean, and much more.  I've even been using them in my water bottle and as a flavoring for food and my  Teeccino.  

I've stirred a drop of peppermint oil into my brownie batter (that's all you need, they're so potent), and sipped on glasses of lemon water.  I love using lemon oil in my water!  It is delicious and refreshing.

(Note:  Not all essential oils are safe for internal use.  The brand I'm using, doTERRA, is Certified Pure Theraputic Grade (R) and many of their oils are safe for consumption.)

Last week my daughter developed a fever and said that her ear was hurting her a great deal.  I've heard that basil oil is fantastic for ear infections, so I put a few drops on a piece of cotton ball and tucked it inside her ear.  I also used massaged a few drops of basil and frankincense around her ear and jaw, after which she went to bed...and we didn't hear from her again until morning.  It was amazing!  I have also used (diluted) peppermint oil to help bring a fever down, and the Breathe oil blend from doTERRA to ease congestion, among other things.

One of my most recent experiments was cleaning with essential oils.  I made batch of all-purpose cleaner with soap nuts liquid (see THIS LINK) and...oh my word.  I have cleaned with essential oils before, the grocery store variety.  But when I put a drop of my new lemongrass essential oil  into my cleaning bottle, I was in bliss.  I have never enjoyed cleaning so much in my life!

My bathroom sink has never been more pleased to see me.

Water and a few drop of lemon oil also work great to clean; I'm not sure I'll mix them with soap nuts liquid  much in the future - it just doesn't seem necessary.

I also love, love, love diffusing these oils in my home.  We've used them to combat illness as well as to freshen up the house and lighten our moods.   My family as only had a diffuser for a few weeks, but we're already planning to buy another one for upstairs.  Love it!

So that's my newest adventure.  I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with essential oils, and what's more, I have seen headaches chased away and aching tummies soothed.

I can't speak for everyone, or every brand, what I truly love what I'm trying.  And no, I'm not a consultant or affiliate for doTERRA.   I'm simply very pleased with my experience - and I wanted to share.

Happy Monday!

a little perspective

Just to offer a little perspective for you: in order, my babies have been born 11, 5, 15, and 9 days past their due dates. Today is 5 days past Little Bean's EDD. So really, if I'd had the baby before this point, that's what would've have been surprising.

Yes, the baby is "late." No, I do not enjoy that fact. But we're just now getting into where my span of "days I've birthed" begins.

I suppose it's nice for Kyle that he still holds the record of being my earliest baby... (*wink*)

*Yes, I know, I know, I know I've got birth and babies on the brain. I can't help it. Feel free to skip these posts if they're growing tiresome; I understand.

"...but I'm always late."

People. I tell you, if I had a quarter for every time I've uttered this phrase in the past month, I would be a very rich woman.

Alright, maybe not a rich woman. But at the very least, I'd have enough to go out and buy myself a new scarf.

I am unspeakably weary of this phrase. Instead of answering questions about the baby's estimated due date literally, I just need to say something like, "We're expecting the baby in mid-December." Because somehow, each and every time I say the words "Well, the due date is December 2nd, but..." (and this latter part is getting more difficult to say as time goes on) "...I'm always late," it somehow makes the waiting all the harder.

Here's the deal (again). I choose to let my babies come in their own time. This is a choice I make because I believe that, generally speaking, it benefits both the mother and the baby. (Yes, I know that there are definite exceptions, and I fully believe that it is a choice each expectant mother has to make for herself. So please, please don't be offended if you're the "let's get this ball rolling" type. I just choose to wait.)

This isn't easy for me. I don't really enjoy being "late" each and every time. With every single labor, it's an exercise in patience. And I'm not the kind that enjoys exercise all that much.

My problem is, I'm too prepared. I nest like a crazy woman in the month or two leading up to the EDD, and then tend to sit and twiddle my thumbs. Granted, there are still a lot of tasks around my house to keep me occupied: spills, laundry, and my ongoing war against crumbs. And then there's dusting. I did that the other day, and found that it forced me to come to terms with just how infrequently I do dust. So yes, I'm sure I can find things with which to occupy myself.

Still, once I'm ready, waiting, eager to meet my new little one, it can be hard to wait.

But that's the way it goes. And so, I suppose that I shall keep having to utter the Dreaded Phrase. I will do my best to enjoy the flexibility I have now with my time. I'll cuddle with my husband in the evenings after the kids are in bed. I'll clean my home. I'll read to my children. I will plan my life as best as I can.

I'll make peanut brittle.

And I'll dream of that moment when the day arrives: when I'm holding my snuggly, sweet-smelling newborn and settling into our babymoon.

But for now, it's still time to wait.

Elise's Birth Story

The Birth of Elise Corrine
February 6, 2010

Early in the morning of Saturday, February 6^th, I woke to strong, somewhat painful contractions. Lying in bed, I quietly timed them for an hour. They were 7 to 10 minutes apart. I decided to get up and walk, but after another hour, I went back to bed. The contractions were still coming, but they were gaining neither strength nor frequency. I knew that rest would benefit me more than pacing and wondering.

When morning officially arrived, I wasn't having any regular contractions to speak of, but by mid-morning they had picked up again. After noting them for a few hours, I decided to call my midwife, Sonya. We had a home visit scheduled for that afternoon, but I wanted to give her a heads up that I thought I could possibly be in early labor. I was very cautious about even speaking that, because I didn't want it to be simply wishful thinking, and I was so hoping that this might be It. At 9 days past my estimated due date, I was very eager and ready to meet my little one.

Sonya arrived at 3:00 PM. After we finished my prenatal check-up, we talked about what the next step ought to be. Did I want Sonya to stay? Should she leave and I'd call her when I needed her to come back? Considering that it was a 40-minute drive and my contractions were twice the strength they'd been in the morning, I went with my instincts and said I'd prefer her to stay. I was still a little nervous about that, not fully believing that I was truly far enough along in labor. But she was happy to stay, and told me later that she was leaning that direction, too. Jeff called his parents, who live across the city, and were planning to come for the birth and watch our three boys.

Considering that I'd been awake for several hours during the night, Sonya suggested that I go lie down and try to rest. I am a terrible napper, but I agreed that resting my body would be a good thing, even if I didn't drift off to sleep. Once I got upstairs and into bed, things seemed to grow more intense relatively quickly. I was moving into active labor. Sonya came and sat with me, checking baby's heart rate with the Doppler every 20 minutes or so. We chatted easily between contractions, and during them I breathed deeply and tried to relax my entire body. I also began to moan, using low sounds to keep things loose and open.

Jeff's parents arrived to watch the boys, and just in time. I craved my husband's presence.

Eventually I asked Sonya to check my cervix, around 5:30 or 5:45 PM. She did, and said that she could feel the baby's head low, my bag of waters bulging, and a very soft cervix which was dilated to 5 or 6 cm. I felt so relieved by this news! This definitely wasn't just wishful thinking.

This was really happening.

At this point, my husband Jeff began to fill the bathtub. We were planning what would be our third homebirth, and fourth waterbirth. We had only been living in our new home for a month, but I'd been cherishing the sight of the master bathtub for weeks: the place where my little one would come into the world. My only concern was that always before Jeff had been in the tub with me, whereas this tub, while larger than average, probably wouldn't accommodate both of us. We decided I would try it anyway, though.

When the tub was ready, I got out of my bed. I could tell that the contractions were becoming much more intense now, and more frequent. The handful of contractions between getting out of bed and getting into the tub were agonizing. I was in that vulnerable place in labor where I didn't want to be left alone. If I sat on the toilet, I wanted my husband there. If I was going to be in the tub, I wanted my husband there. His presence lent me strength. I gave my face a quick scrub, braving a few more contractions. Jeff rubbed my back, and I leaned on him.

At last I sank into the warm water, around 6:30 PM. The air was scented with lavender, thanks to the candles I'd placed there soon after we'd moved in. I leaned back onto a bath pillow, a towel behind my head. When a contraction arrived, I focused on letting my arms float in the water, and on “floating” through the contraction. I also continued the low vocal tones, favoring “Ahhhhh” and “Ohhhhh” as my sounds of choice. I did miss being able to lean on my husband's body, but I was finding my own way in the tub this time.

Things got more intense. I could feel the power in the contractions, and it began to feel scary to me. But I reminded myself that this is how I always feel around the time of transition, and so, I kept on.

The boys were in and out of the bathroom. I've heard so many times that kids usually do fine attending a birth, so long as it's their choice to be there. Jeff and I were open to the boys being present, but my last two births had ended in the very early morning hours, and I was loathe to wake them up, considering that there was no way of knowing how long I'd be pushing. I had a feeling that this time the pushing stage would be fairly short, though. And we knew that they really wanted a chance to be there when the baby arrived.

Just as I began to feel pushy, my bag of waters broke. I waited through a few more contractions, because I wanted to be absolutely sure of the urge to push. Still, my body began pushing on its own, and the next time, I pushed too.

Now, I hate pushing. I mean, I really hate it. It is scary and painful for me. But I knew I wanted to meet this person who had been growing inside of me for 9 months. So what was there to do, but push? I had planned to move to my knees, leaning against the side of the tub – my preferred position during the last two births. But this time I decided to try it in my reclined position, instead. I knew that the water helps against the weight of gravity, and besides, I was comfortable. Or, as comfortable as I can be while in the middle of pushing!

I could feel the baby getting closer, so I gasped for the boys, who had gone into the other room. I'm glad they were able to be there, although I was a little self-conscious with them as an audience. Still, I knew they were well-prepared for the sounds and sights of labor and childbirth. I knew they wouldn't be afraid, no matter how much noise I made.

After about four or five pushes (and a lot of noise, including the often-repeated phrase “I hate pushing!”), I at last had my reward.

Elise Corrine was born at home, in the water, at 7:41 PM. She was pink and beautiful from the start, and although she didn't cry much, she did enough to reassure everyone that she was healthy. As Jeff and I sang her a lullaby, she was clear-eyed and alert as she surveyed her new world. We spent a long time in the tub, she and I. She nursed, while I stared at her in wonderment.

My baby. Here in my arms. It's always such miracle, the journey from womb to arms. My baby. A girl! Her skin feels like rose petals. She is so precious. A gift from God.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

- Psalm 139:14

late, for a very important date

My babies are always late. Really late.

Although to tell you the truth, I bristle at that term.

See, I'm in the camp that believes that the baby will come when he or she is good and ready. And while there are legitimate medical reasons to induce labor, I believe that in most cases, the benefits to waiting outweigh any drawbacks. Happily, my midwife shares these beliefs. So we're cool.

So while I'm technically past my estimated/LMP estimated due date (EDD), I'm still three days from the date we settled on: February 1st.

Better to focus on February, anyway. Really.

The world seems to be fixated on due dates, and I tend to be no exception. There's something about the countdown, being able to put numbers to it. 10 weeks left. Then 4 weeks. Well, here we are at 3 days, and I find myself trying to ignore those numbers altogether. When it comes to childbirth, due dates have never been kind to me.

See, my first baby was born 11 days after his EDD. First time? Not too surprising.

Then my second son arrived at 5 days after his EDD. Great!

Naturally, I assumed that my third child would continue the earlier-each-time trend.

Silly me.

My darling Owen, the apple of my eye (until he hit the harrowing age of 1 1/2), was the latest of all. After a long and inexplicably emotional wait, he arrived a whopping 15 days after his EDD.

This time around, I'm trying to bide my time. There's a tricky balance to be found, though, because I want to be prepared. I'm that girl who likes to have all of her ducks in a row. I want to be caught up on things, have a nice supply of easy meals in the freezer. Have my hair recently trimmed, a store of extra toiletries. And I tend to be a person who thinks in terms of "last times."

This is my last haircut before Baby arrives.

This is the last time I'll trim Owen's fingernails before he's a big brother.

This is the last time I'll clean the bathroom before the birth. I'm certain they won't have time to muck it up too badly before I go into labor...

But that kind of thinking can drive a person a little batty. Trust me.

So, I'm attempting to be as ready as I can...but to go with the flow. To enjoy sleeping through the night while I can. To get a few more decorations up on the walls, a few more boxes of books unpacked. To relish quiet evenings spent alone with my husband. To plan a few more family activities that will be tricky to accomplish once Little Bit arrives.

All the same, I'm so very eager to meet my new little one. I'm dreaming of gazing at that tiny face, feeling baby's sweet breath on my cheek, getting to know one another on a whole new level.

So, while I firmly believe in patience...bring on the Babymoon!

homebirth supplies

Maybe I'm antsy because I know we'll be moving a few weeks (a month?) before Little Bit arrives. Maybe I know I'll be busy, and stressed, and I'm eager to take the burden from Mindy-in-January's shoulders. Maybe that's it: entirely possible.

But in truth, I've always been this way. Wanting to get things set up, ready....prepared. I've been known to spend the better part of my nesting time squirreling away things like shampoo, hand soap, contact solution, mascara, garbage bags, and food packed into the freezer. I really, really like to have any and all of my ducks in a row.

And so, I'm ready to get on the birth kit. I've got a few things assembled already, and I hope to get the rest of it organized within the next few weeks. (Hey, don't laugh...I will be 31 weeks on Monday. That's not too soon...right?) And...I thought I'd share my list(s) with you, dear readers! Aren't you thrilled?

Here is the basic list I received from my midwife~

• posted name of, address to, phone number for, & directions to hospital closest to my home
• foods for the birth team and laboring mama (i.e., whole grain bread, real peanut butter/almond butter, raw veggies, cheese & crackers, fruit, orange juice)
• large maxi pads
• bowl for the placenta
• large freezer Ziploc bag for the placenta
• small kitchen strainer
• bendy straws to drink from
• Recharge sports drink
• lots of bath towels and washcloths
• baby blankets and hats
• electric heating pad
• antibacterial hand soap and clean hand towel
• bleach
• hydrogen peroxide (1 large bottle)
• large trash bags
• laundry basket lined with trash bag, in birth room

And here are a couple more which I've added on my own~

• lavender-scented candle(s)
• the CD of "labor songs" I made
• filled water bottle
• birth ball
• bath pillow
  
• container handy in case I need to vomit during transition
• breath mints in case I need to vomit during transition
• newborn baby clothes
• video camera (with plenty of tape and charged battery)
• digital camera
• disposable cameras for the bigger boys

Wish me success!

preparing for childbirth

The blessed event we're awaiting in February will be my fourth experience with childbirth. Well, aside from the time when I was born, of course. But I suppose you were already under the assumption that that particular birth had happened.

So, this will be the fourth baby I've ushered into the light. If all goes as planned, the fourth waterbirth, and the third homebirth. All the same, I have certain ways to prepare myself for the big day.

At this point, I don't feel a huge need to study up a lot on technique. I remember the stages, the sensations, the progressions. I remember that I tend to think "I can't do this anymore!" right around transition. I remember the new tricks which I've learned over the years: using low tones with vocalization (high pitches tighten, low pitches loosen), pushing while leaning against the tub and on my knees, and smooching with my husband (yes, it really helps!...it loosens things up.)

I also remember what I don't like: bright lights, noise, vomiting during transition, and having contractions while on a quick trek to the toilet. I remember that I detest pushing.

Still, I do have my rituals: my ways of getting my head and heart in the game. There are several books I like to read while preparing for baby's arrival:


Babycatcher by Peggy Vincent
This book is a poignant memoir written by a midwife. I was especially drawn to it upon my first reading because, contrary to the stereotype of midwives, Peggy seems to be very "white bread." She grew up on the midwest, started out as an obstetrical nurse, and found her way to midwifery several decades ago. I'm always struck by how well-written this book is. A wonderful, touching, thought-provoking read.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Ina May Gaskin is another midwife. She is famous for being a pioneer in modern American midwifery, an unwavering advocate for women and their right to a gentle birth experience. She offers wonderful advise and wisdom, most notably saying "Your body is not a lemon." Birth works!

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
If I'm feeling the least bit rusty or unsure about the birth process, I turn to this book. It was here that I first learned about natural childbirth...how it works, why it works so well.

Hello Baby by Jenni Overend
This one's for the siblings! I recently became aware of this sweet picture book, which depicts a (fourth!) baby entering the world at home, surrounded by his parents, siblings, and a midwife. It is such a precious story. And the illustrations are beautiful!


I also read birth stories. A lot of birth stories. I can't seem to get enough of them. I watch homebirth videos on YouTube (I just tracked down my absolute favorite one from a few years ago! It completely made my afternoon.). I watch the videos of my own children's births. I view the waterbirth video we were given from the birthing center where my first son was born. It's definitely a part of my ritual to gird myself with tales of positive, encouraging birth experiences.

I'll share which supplies I'm gathering in a later post. There's plenty of time for that, anyway. For now, I'm preparing my heart and mind for this sweet little one's arrival. My anticipation is growing, yet I know I've got a ways to go. For now, I'm living vicariously through the experiences of others....and I'm dreaming...

the health kick (in the pants)

So, I've always had this longing to be a little bit crunchy.

At least, I have had such a longing for the past five years or so. By "crunchy" I mean... into things which are natural, organic, pure, instinctive, and so on. For some people, "crunchy" translates into Attachment Parenting (co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering, and so on). And while I do breastfeed, use a sling, diaper my baby with cloth, and chose to birth my last two children in water at home, I don't consider that we "do" Attachment Parenting at my house. So I've never exactly been sure how I would fit into the crunchy demographic, although I've always been really attracted to the idea.

But now? It seems that I am finding my niche. Our food odyssey has led me to crunchy eating. And no, I'm not talking about potato chips. We are trying to eat foods that have been largely unprocessed, in a form that is natural for the body to digest. Also a goal: staying away from additives and other artificial ingredients. It's been an interesting journey, and it isn't over yet.

So here I am, shopping for organic food. I'm reading labels, seeking out grass-fed, hormone-free beef, free-range chickens and eggs... cutting down (or out) white flour and sugar, shuddering at the thought of all the crud I've been feeding my children for the past few years. I am not saying that to sit in judgment for the way other people eat, but I just feel that with all I've learned these past few months, I can't go back to the way things were before. So we're trying to find a better way here, which is proving to be a challenge where the children are concerned.

I'll spare you the details of that, though, aside from one thing: Kyle definitely has a fondness for processed food. In addition, he "[doesn't] wike" chicken, burgers, steak, fish, potatoes, eggs, vegetables, and a fair number of fruits. So you can see how this could be a problem.

Still, I think my boys will survive somehow. After a while, this will be a new normal for them. And I have to say, I'm already so happy with the changes we've seen.