SXSWeco Speaker Panel Picker VOTE!

I need your HELP! I submitted my Idea to SXSWeco and well Now it's been put to a VOTE! The voting period on entries will begin on April 30 (Today) and end on May 16. Please help me get "Picked" to speak at SXSWeco! You can search by my name Serena Miranda or by the Title of the session "Educate our Youth in the Art of Label Reading" 

I am the underdog, and my experience is my life so far so please Vote and let's see if I get "Picked"! Pass it along to your Friends and Family please. Thanks for your support! http://sxsweco.com/speakers/panelpicker

This is my entry proposal...

Educate our Youth in the Art of Label Reading

I am on a mission to help others educate children how to be proactive about the toxins in their everyday environment. Label reading is the beginning of the path to knowledge for our youth and changing the "fixed mindset' of, it's safe because the kids on the commercials use it or eat it. I would like to guide adults in the simple task of introducing children to reading the label then researching those hard to read words and how they affect ones body and mind. I am a mother of three children 8, 9, 10 yrs old and have been guiding them through this process of empowering them with knowledge.

Additional Supporting Materials

www.facebook.com/atoxinfreelife

Questions Answered

1. Can you make a distinction between toxin free and toxic ingredients and be willing to learn the difference?
2. What would happen if we didn't assess the outcome of continuing to use products with toxins and could we as a community accept the responsibilities of those outcomes?
3. How would you prioritize the products you use with toxins and demonstrate a commitment to eliminating these from your life?
4. What conclusions can you draw from educating our youth in label reading and researching the ingredients of the products we use or eat daily?

Speakers

• Serena O'Gwin-Miranda A Toxin Free Life

Organizer

Serena O'Gwin-Miranda A Toxin Free Life

- See more at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/30145#sthash.2Kgjq3xq.dpuf

PEG's - Ingredients to Avoid #6

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID #6 - PEG’s - (polyethylene glycol) - petroleum byproduct. 

PEG Compounds and their contaminants

"PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane from the manufacturing process. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and the California EPA has classified it as a developmental toxicant based on evidence that it may interfere with human development. 1,4-dioxane is also persistent. In other words, it doesn't easily degrade and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the shower drain. 1,4-dioxane can be removed from cosmetics during the manufacturing process by vacuum stripping, but there is no easy way for consumers to know whether products containing PEGs have undergone this process. In a study of personal care products marketed as "natural" or "organic", U.S. researchers found 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant in 46 of 100 products analyzed." 

A Non Toxic Choice

body butter 4 oz.

Item #: BB01

Luxurious cream offers superb moisturizing. Naturally rich in vitamins. Maintains skin health and elasticity. Helpful with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dry or irritated skin.

Ingredients: water(purified), butyrospermum parkii (organic shea butter), simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) oil, (Helianthus annuus, (organic sunflower) oil, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon essential) oil, citrus aurantifolia (organic lime) oil, citrus reticulate (organic mandarin) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) leaf extract. www.atoxinfreelife.com

Petroleum & Petrolatum - Ingredients to Avoid #5

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID #5 - PETROLEUM & PETROLATUM 

"A petroleum product, petrolatum can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer. On this basis, the EU classifies petrolatum (including Mineral oil and petroleum distillates) a carcinogen ii and restricts its use in cosmetics. PAHs in petrolatum can also cause skin irritation and allergies."
http://davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/chemicals-in-your-cosmetics---petrolatum/

A Non Toxic Choice

Body Bar Soap - set of 3 soaps 4.5 oz. each

Item #: SP01

Gentle enough to use on the little ones, yet strong enough for the adults in the house. avaBODY bar soap will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients: olea europaea (organic olive oil), elaeis guineensis (organic palm kernel oil), cocos nucifera (organic coconut), ricinus communis (organic castor oil), organic goat's milk, allantoin, oat protein. NEW! Shower Gel 16 oz. Item #: SG01 Created from organic oils and butters to leave your skin clean, soft and smooth. The consistency is indulgent, the lather abundant and the citrus aroma is organic. The results will exceed your expectations. Ingredients: aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera leaf) juice, saponified cocos nucifera (organic coconut) oil, coco-glucoside, vegetable glycerin, radish root ferment extract, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower) oil, xanthan gum, citrus aurantifolia (organic lime essential oil), citrus medica limonum (organic lemon essential oil) www.atoxinfreelife.com

Eyeliner Perfection... Just Sayin

Eyeliner is one of those deal breakers for me, sometimes I need it and sometimes I don't feel like messing with it at all.  I haven't worn eyeliner in a while but when Ava Anderson came out with the new liquid eyeliner and I was game to try it out.  I am back in the eyeliner game with this one.  The allergies here in San Antonio can make my eyes itch horribly so I was worried about smudging and flaking but neither has happened with this eyeliner.  The real test will be in the Hot months when the humidity is crazy high and my eyelids sweat!  Yes I am talking about you TEXAS!  

I will definitely give an Update in August.  

But until them I will be using this little beauty to paint on my canvas! 

A Non Toxic Choice eyeliner - black

Item #: EL01

Once applied, liquid black eyeliner is longer lasting than pencil. Create the dramatic look you desire.

Ingredients: water (deionized), aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera), acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer, cetyl esters wax, xantham gum, vegetable glycerin, orange (citrus sinensis) oil, cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oil, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, titanium dioxide (non nanoparticle), mica, iron oxide (cl 77499). www.atoxinfreelife.com

The 3 O's - Ingredients to Avoid #4

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID #4: CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN "ACTIVES"
Octinoxate plus other sunscreen ingredients and are they safe

OCTOCRYLENE - "Octocrylene can penetrate into the skin and act as a photosensitizer, resulting in an increased production of free radicals. Free radicals can induce indirect DNA damage and potentially contribute to the increased incidence of malignant melanoma in sunscreen-users compared to non-users. Another reason to reconsider octocrylene, is that it has been found in fish. According to a Swiss study, it is quick to biodegrade and then bioaccumulate. The few fish we have left on the planet should probably go as chemical free as possible."

OCTINOXATE - “According to the EWG, Octinoxate is a hazard, primarily because it can lead to developmental and reproductive toxicity through enhanced skin absorption. It’s a penetration enhancer and is easily absorbed into the skin. It can produce estrogen-like effects and should not be used by pregnant women and children.” 

OXYBENZONE – “has demonstrated an increase in the production of harmful free radicals and an ability to attack DNA cells; for this reason, it is believed to be a contributing factor in the recent rise of melanoma cases with sunscreen users. Some studies have shown it to behave similarly to the hormone estrogen, suggesting that it may cause breast cancer. It has also been linked to contact eczema.”

A Non Toxic Choice

Sunscreen trio 30+ spf Item #: SS03

Broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage for any age, with organic beneficial essential oils and ingredients. Water resistant. 

Best safe sunscreen on the market.

Active ingredients: zinc oxide (23%, non-nanoparticle). Inactive: beeswax (organic), theobroma cacao seed butter (organic cocoa butter), butyrospermum parkii (organic shea butter), olea europaea oil (organic olive oil), simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba oil).

I also have Sun stick, Lip Balm and Moisturizer

www.atoxinfreelife.com

Ava Gift for You

Triclosan - Ingredients to Avoid #3

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID #3 - TRICLOSAN - 
"If you need more indication that triclosan is probably not the best ingredient to be brushing your teeth with or rubbing onto your underarms, consider that it was first registered with the EPA in 1969 … as a pesticide."

Triclosan: The Soap Ingredient You Should Never Use -- But 75% of Households Do August 29, 2012, By Dr. Mercola

On a personal note, a friend posted on FB about her experience with the Airport security detaining her when her body scan came up with a foreign chemical agent.  She was taken to a room and questioned and all she could come up with was prior to going through security she went to the airport restroom and washed her hand.  They finally released her.  What a scary situation and makes you wonder what is in that soap!?!?

A Non Toxic Choice

www.atoxinfreelife.com

hand soap 8 oz. and 16 oz. refill

Item #: HS01

Our Moisturizing Hand Soap is designed for those of us who wash our hands repeatedly throughout the day. Contains the perfect combination of ingredients to eliminate bacteria while providing the moisture retaining nutrients that skin needs to stay healthy, hydrated & beautifully soft. Refills sold separately.

INGREDIENTS: cocos cucifera (organic coconut) oil, elaeis guineensis (organic palm oil), simmondsias chineses (organic jojoba) oil, water, (filtered), laminaria hyperborea (organic kelp) extract, thymus vulgaris (organic thyme), punica granatum (organic pomegranate) oil, citrus sinensis (organic orange essential oil), citrus limonum (organic lemon essential oil), citrus nobilis (organic mandarin essential oil), amyris balsamifera (organic west Indian sandalwood oil), myroxulon pereirae (organic peru balsam oil), rosemarinus officinalis (organic rosemary oil).

Pampered Pets

Check out my Chihuahua in my new Mail Chimp campaign http://eepurl.com/S4C6j

Share our Facebook Page and WIN!

This is one of the newest Non Toxic products and if you share this post on Facebook and you can WIN it!

www.facebook.com/atoxinfreelife

#GCDC2014 World Recod Challenge

Today marked the 2014 Great Cloth Diaper Change where Moms and Dads from around the world change there babies cloth diaper at the same time on the same day!  Great pictures Alamo Photographic, Inc.!
Thanks for letting me a part of this awesome day!
Serena Miranda
www.AToxinFreeLife.com

Paraben - Ingredients to Avoid #2

Ava's INGREDIENTS TO AVOID LIST:


#2 PARABENS - known endocrine disruptors. Methylparaben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals, and is highly toxic. Studies have linked these endocrine disruptors, which mimic estrogen, with breast cancer. While more conclusive studies need to be done, we recommend avoiding all parabens. A study by physicians (Sept, 2011) linked BPA and methylplaraben with breast cancer, and also showed that the combination rendered tamoxifin ineffective. "Parabens, which prevent bacteria from growing in beauty and personal-care products, are able to mimic or interfere with estrogen in the body, and exposure to estrogen is one of the primary influences on the development of breast cancer."
www.prevention.com

Post on my Facebook Page how you are avoiding "Parabens" 

from your day:)  

I will give away an avaFace Lipstick to the 24th Post

www.facebook.com/atoxinfreelife

A Non Toxic Choice

Luxurious lip stick that moisturizes lips and delivers long-lasting color.

Ingredients: prunis dulcis (organic sweet almond) oil, apis mellifera (organic beeswax), ricinus communis (organic castor) oil, butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, theoboma cacao (organic cocoa) butter, simmondsia chinesis (organic jojoba) oil, euphorbia cerifera (organic candelilla) wax, limnanthes alba (organic meadowfoam) seed oil, chenopodium quinoa extract (quinoa), vaccimium macrocarpon fruit (cranberry) powder, persea americana (organic avocado) butter, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax, rose mosqueta (organic rosehip) oil, aloe barbensis (organic aloe vera) oil, mica, rosmaninis officinalis (organic rosemary), menthe pepirta (organic) spearmint essential oil www.atoxinfreelife.com

Fragrance - Ingredients to Avoid #1

For all our new friends we want to share 

Ava's List of Ingredients to 

Avoid

Let's start with #1 "FRAGRANCE" - chemical concoctions that are not required to be listed on the label, because manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of ingredients in “fragrance” (“parfum”) -

it is called “trade secret” in the industry. More than 75% of the time if you have fragrance, you have legally hidden phthalates (THAL ates) which are a known endocrine disruptors, and are linked with birth defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and now with autism and ADHD in first and third trimesters of pregnancy by Dr. Philip Landrigan, Mt Sinai, Children’s Environmental Health Center.

The World Health Organization and UN released a joint report last spring that Endocrine disruptors. are a GLOBAL THREAT to fertility and the environment.

Post on my Facebook Page how you are avoiding "Fragrance" from your day:)  I will give away an Ava Essential Oil to the 24th Postwww.facebook.com/atoxinfreelife

A Non Toxic Choice

Formulated with 100% pure essential oils from around the world. Unlike perfume and sprays (eau de toilettes) that contain 90% alcohol, our avaSCENT line has no harmful chemicals or alcohol. 

#Detox

I went to my local Farm to Juice with the boys and bought a Detox, Krazy Kale and Butterfly Kisses to tryout.   I was pleasantly surprised with the yummiest juice.  I will definitely be back and will venture to try my own recipe and break in the juicer on my counter.

www.facebook.com/atoxinfreelife

My bb cream

NEW bb cream  is the BEST! Non-toxic to boot!

www.atoxinfreelife.com

Fun at Texas VegFest in Austin!

The Story of Cosmetics (2010)

Ava Anderson New Consultant Webinar

Texas VegFest 2014

I am looking forward to being a vendor at the 2014 Texas VegFest and sharing all the great toxin free choices Ava Anderson Non-Toxic has to offer.  My daughter Sofía will be helping me out and this is going to be an experience for her.  If you have happen to be in the neighborhood stop by and say hello!

A Toxin Free Life is my booth name!  Also check out Texas VegFest website to see all the amazing vendors and sponsors for this event!  www.texasvegfest.com