Improving Your Life, Positive Emotions Increase Life Satisfaction

Most everyone would prefer to experience positive emotions such as joy, interest, love, serenity, awe, amusement or pride rather than negative states such as fear, depression or anxiety. Simply put, positive emotions feel good. The latest research reports that they can also make you healthier and happier if you take the time to cultivate them.

The 3 to 1 positivity ratio

If you life isn't quite how you'd like it to be, researchers studying human emotions report that you can start improving your life by increasing the ratio at which you experience positive to negative emotions, know as your positivity ratio. Scientists have even determined the "tipping point", or the minimum positivity ratio necessary for your to improve your life. That ratio is at least 3 to 1. For each negative emotional experience you endure, you need to experience at least three positive emotional experiences that lift you up.

The benefits of positive emotions

Broaden and build. Barbara Frederickson, Ph.D., has been studying positive
emotions for over 20 years. According to Frederickson, when we experience a positive
emotion our thinking expands. (Negative emotions, on the other hand, narrow our
thinking.) “We literally see more,” she says, “allowing us to face our problems with clear
eyes, make creative connections and see more possible solutions for problems.”
Frederickson has named this the “broaden effect.” Additionally, says Frederickson, as
we make a habit of seeking out positive emotions we change and grow for the better. We
discover and build new skills, new knowledge and new ways of being that allow us to live healthier and happier (the build effect). “Positivity presents an opportunity to step up to the next level of existence, to broaden your mind and build your best self,” says Frederickson.
Healthier and happier. According to current research, those who practice a steady diet of positive emotions:

❍ Report fewer aches and pains, headaches and other physical symptoms. They also have lower blood pressure, fewer colds and sleep better.

❍ Are better able to rebound from adversity and stress. Positive emotions create a calming effect in your body that can lower blood pressure, dissipate stress energy and lift your mood.

❍ Develop more positive and closer relationships with others. They tend to have more friends and a larger social network to rely on during crises.

❍ Become more optimistic, more resilient, less depressed and more satisfied with life. In a study tracking the outcomes of patients undergoing treatment for depression, the patients whose positivity ratios rose to 4 to 1 showed no signs of depressive symptoms and displayed optimal functioning.

How to increase your positivity ratio

1. Track your positivity ratio. Take the “Positivity Self Test” online at www.PositivityRatio.com. Track your positivity ratio nightly for two weeks to see what your average is. Tracking helps you become more mindful of your sources of positive emotions and the triggers for your negative ones. The self test is also available in the book Positivity, by Frederickson.

2. Increasing your positive emotions. Some practical ways to increase the frequency of positive
emotions in daily life include:

■ Focus more on the present moment. Frederickson says that most moments are positive and that we miss many opportunities for positive emotions by thinking too much about the past or worrying about the future.

■ Find positive meaning more frequently in your daily life.

■ Savor the good things in your life and the good things that happen to you. Keep a daily list of the things you are thankful for.

■ Practice altruistic behaviors and small acts of kindness.

■ Focus on your personal strengths and follow your passions. Give yourself permission to play and find activities that uniquely engage you.

■ Connect with others. Scientists have documented that people gain more positivity by being with others than by being alone.

Spend more time outdoors and/or in nature. According to a recent study, people who spent twenty or more minutes outside when the weather was nice boosted their positive emotions.

■ Learn and practice meditation.
According to Frederickson, meditation opens your mind and an open mind breeds positivity.

3. Decreasing your negativity. At times, negative emotions are appropriate and can serve useful functions. The key is to eliminate negativity that is neither helpful nor healthy. The following suggestions can help:

■ Dispute negative thinking. Ask yourself: What are the facts of my situation? What negative thoughts and beliefs got triggered and how did they make me feel? How do those thoughts and beliefs compare to reality? By examining the facts you can bring a calm and rational manner into the picture. Rather than suppressing negativity or attempting to push negativity out of your mind, you are simply checking it against reality and often will find it is not as bad as you first thought.

■ Stop ruminating. Don’t keep going over and over your negative thoughts and feelings. Doing so only gets you stuck in a rut and continues to fan the flames of your negativity. Learn to recognize when you are ruminating on negative thoughts and then stop it by finding a healthy activity to distract you and break the cycle. Go for a walk or jog, do yoga, read a book, or anything that fully absorbs you and takes your mind off of your negative feelings.

■ Avoid the circumstances that trigger your negativity.
Examine your typical daily routine and ask yourself which circumstances create the most negativity. Then, do whatever you possibly can to eliminate or diffuse the situation. Do certain people bring you down? Avoid them. Look for positive solutions. You can’t diffuse or eliminate everything, but the more you can eliminate, the higher your positivity ratio will rise.

Copyright 2011 Sum-Bo-Shine, Inc.. All rights reserved. This newsletter is not intended to provide medical advice on personal wellness matters, which should be obtained directly from your physician.

Composting at the Sum-Bo-Shine house.

I love to compost, or should I say I love chopping vegetables and gathering up the non usable parts and placing them in the compost bin I keep on the kitchen counter. Taking the compost outside requires a trek down the deck stairs and out into the back yard (this is Sunshine’s job, she’s the Shine of Sum-Bo-Shine) where I have two large compost bins. I alternate between the two bins which allows one bin to cook or compost and the other bin is available for receiving non protein kitchen waste and green clippings.
Composting is something I have done since I was a child. We always gathered the table scraps and placed them in a bucket that was emptied each night either on a compost heap or we fed the contents of the bucket to our farm animals. Nothing went to waste in our house. We were recycling long before we knew what recycling was.
Instead of re inventing the wheel by listing the "how to’s" of composting I’ve attached a link to a very good site that describes everything you need to know about composting.
http://www.composting101.com/how-it-works.html
I find it so amazing that I can make dirt! Each spring I add the rich, earthy smelling compost to my flower and vegetable bins and I rest easy knowing I made the planet a little safer by not using harmful fertilizer.
Carolyn Deal

Press Release

Press Release
I’m HAPPY Here® Recycled, Reusable Bags
Press Release
Contact:
Carolyn Deal
Sum-Bo-Shine, Inc.
678-213-1487
info@sumboshine.com

SUM-BO-SHINE DEBUTS I’M HAPPY HERE® 100% RECYCLED BAGS
Atlanta, May 2010 - Sum-Bo-Shine (www.sumboshine.com) will introduce their line of “I’m Happy Here”® reusable bags. I'm Happy Here ® Bags are made of 100% recycled material, 80% recycled cotton (pre-consumer) and 20% recycled soda pop bottles (post-consumer) and proudly carry the Made in USA label. Our reusable bags are eco friendly and come in a variety of sizes: Yoga Bag, Fashion Shopping Tote, Grocery Bag, Small Carry All Bag, and Boat Bag.
“We, at Sum-Bo-Shine are “happy” to introduce our line of recycled, reusable bags as we continue our efforts to to recycle, reuse and save the planet for our children.

Our tag line, "I'm HAPPY here!" was spoken by my grandson at the tender age of two. While playing quietly by himself, he looked up and simply said, "I'm happy here!" And we hope you are happy here too!

For more information on Sum-Bo-Shine and its line of recycled, reusable bags, visit www.sumboshine.com or call 678-213-1487.

I'm Happy Here Bags

I'm Happy Here Bags are made of 100% recycled material, 80%recycled cotton (pre-consumer) and 20% recycled soda pop bottles (post-consumer) and proudly carry the Made in USA label. Our reusable bags are eco friendly and come in a variety of sizes: Yoga Bag, Fashion Shopping Tote, Grocery Bag, Small Carry All Bag, and Boat Bag.

Why we chose recycled cotton and recycled soda pop bottles for our bags?
Pre-consumer (material that is recycled before it is used by a consumer) recycled cotton is non-useable leftover cotton material that would normally be dumped in landfills; these discarded fibers are more environmentally friendly than conventional or organic cotton. Using recycle cotton reduces the pesticides and herbicides needed to grow conventional cotton, and even though organic cotton is a better choice than conventional cotton, energy, water and land is still needed to produce it. By using "table waste" cotton we are able to take a discarded material and turn it into a useable item resulting in a twofold sustainable action; waste becomes a useful product.

Post consumer soda pop bottles (the plastic bottle you put in the recycled bin) is made into a fabric and when combined with recycled cotton creates a durable fabric that produces a strong and sturdy bag. Recycled bottles mean less waste in landfills.
It has been estimated that less than 5% of shoppers use a reusable shopping bag and that only 1 -2% of plastic bags are recycled, and a 15 year old tree is needed to produce 700 paper grocery bags. So you can see how a lot of waste, time, energy and resources could be avoided by using reusable bags.

I'm Happy Here bags are made in the US, and according to MadeInUSA.com, if every person living in the US shifted just $20.00 per month in spending from foreign made to American made products, more that 5 million new US jobs could be created to meet the demand.
Our mission is to help keep this planet alive and well for future generations.

Our tag line, "I'm HAPPY here!" was spoken by my grandson at the tender age of two. While playing quietly by himself, he looked up and simply said, "I'm happy here!" And we hope you are happy here too!

I'm Happy Here is a register trademark of Sum-Bo-Shine, Inc.and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Sum-Bo-Shine,

Recycle, Reuse, Save the Planet for our Children; after all, I might come back someday!

Tips To Improving Work and Family Balance

Tips To Improving Work and Family Balance

Finding the right balance between work and family is a difficult and ongoing challenge for all working parents. If you're struggling with the demands of work and family, the following ideas and suggestions may help:

The most important thing to know
Work and family don't "balance" automatically. Achieving balance is an on-going process that
takes careful listening and communication, planning, joint-decision making and effort.Understanding this can reduce frustration and help you take the actions necessary to create and maintain the right work-family balance for you.

First things first
First and foremost, clarify your values and use them as your guide for planning and making choices regarding work and family demands.

Ask yourself these questions:
◗What is most important in your life?
◗What gives your life meaning?
◗What do you want to be and to accomplish in your life?
Clarity on these issues is critical because the answers to these questions affect everything else
in your life - especially the decisions you make regarding work and family and the way you spend
your time.

Establish priorities
There is not enough time to spend doing things that aren't important to you or your family. Identify
your various roles and attach a level of priority to each. Make sure you are putting your time and
energy into only those things that are truly most important to you.

Make a plan
Discuss work and family balance with your partner on an on-going basis. Develop a plan that
integrates your individual and mutual goals with the responsibilities and issues of work and family.
Start from a macro perspective that includes your values and goals and work toward a micro view
that describes in detail the roles and responsibilities for each family member.

Discuss expectations
Unspoken expectations and assumptions about how things "should" be done are often the cause
of work, family and relationship conflict and stress. When our partner or others do not meet our
expectations, often we feel hurt or anger. To avoid upset and improve work-life balance, discuss
with your partner what you want and expect of each other. In particular, discuss your expectations
and attitudes about the following: housework, house maintenance, meal preparation and meal
times, child care, elder care, parenting roles and parent involvement, the nature and amount of couple and family time, time devoted to work and career, money or financial issues.
Involve the whole family
Make sure your family knows that their needs take a high priority despite the demands of your job. Talk about the difficulties of meeting work and family responsibilities and let other family members try to help find solutions. Children can also be given tasks that will help the family accomplish what needs to be done. This sharing of tasks not only teaches children responsibility but also gives them a sense of belonging.

Share responsibilities
Divide parenting and household tasks appropriately among family members. Be sure that everyone
in your family understands that household tasks are a responsibility for all family members to tackle.
Organize the division of labor with your partner so that you each cover those tasks that are the easiest
and most enjoyable for you to accomplish. Make a list of "don't-want-to-do" items that are aversive, a waste your time, or sap your energy. Delegate these tasks or consider paying for some services to be done.

Bolster productivity at work
Organize your work life to maximize your productivity and minimize workplace distractions or productive work habits. If you're putting in long hours at work are you making your time count? Working long hours causes stress that often finds relief naturally through workplace distractions or procrastination. Learn to better manage your time at work and avoid procrastination. Not only can you create more time for amily, but you'll find that you're less stressed and performing better at work.

Keep clear boundaries
Whether you are at work or home, do your best to stay fully invested in that place during that time. If you are at home with your family, set aside thoughts of work, turn off your cell phone or Blackberry, and give your full attention to your family. Spend some time each day with your partner and each child. Even if it is only for a few minutes, talk, read or participate in an activity together. Everyone, including you, will feel refreshed and loved in such a positive environment.

Recognize the benefits of balance
Balancing the demands of work and family will have positive pay-offs for your children, your relationships with your spouse/partner and children, and everyone's future happiness. Recognizing this can help you keep in mind the critical need for balance in
your life.
Copyright © 2010 Sum-Bo-Shine, Inc.. All rights
reserved. This newsletter is not intended to provide medical advice on personal wellness matters, which should be obtained directly from your physician.

Sum-Bo-Shine Shampoo & Body Wash Customer Review!

"Thank you so much for your miracle product- shampoo and body wash. My 3 week-old baby had a bad case of baby pimples, not only on his face and scalp but most of his back and upper chest area as well. His pediatrician said its normal and it should go away in a couple of weeks or so however, it seems like it was getting worse and worse every day. One night while searching the internet about baby pimples, I stumbled on your website. My order arrived here in Hawaii sooner than I had expected. As soon as we used your product, the reddish coloration on his skin disappeared, the next day of use; most of the pimples were gone. By the 4th day his back has cleared up completely! Now his face is clear, almost like the day when he was born. I and my wife are so grateful, and thankful to your miracle product.
I will recommend your products to anyone that I know who has babies."

E.S.
Ewa Beach, HI

Sum-Bo-Shine Cyber Monday Sale!

Check out our Cyber Monday Savings! All items 20% off until December 31, 2009!

Sum-Bo-Shine Give Away hosted by Mkokopelli!

When Ella was born I was oblivious to green living. I had no clue certain plastics contained cancer causing chemicals and that big name brand companies would sell me harmful products which could hurt my precious baby in the long run. I came across HealthyToys.org and my knowledge of chemicals took off. Then I started thinking if lead and mercury were in my child's toys then I better start researching foods and other household items. This year I was appalled when I read on Safe Cosmetics that 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde were in my daughter's Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. This is a brand my family has trusted since I was a child!So, I started exploring organic and natural options for personal care items and I have been more than thrilled with my finds. This week Ella got to try Sum-Bo-Shine's Aloe and Lavender Shampoo and Body Wash, Lotion and Diaper Ointment. I seriously could sit here and smell the shampoo for hours. It reminds me of being in a spa! There is no fragrance added to the shampoo. The aroma is all from the natural aloe, lavender, roman, chamomile, jojoba oil and rosehip oil. And even though we are potty training, the Diaper Ointment came in handy when E developed a rash from her bathing suit. I put it on her before bed, and the rash was gone by the morning! Ella has very sensitive skin and I've avoided applying lotions until now. The Aloe and Lavender lotion left no irritation or oily residue. Just a gentle softness that every baby should have. I highly recommend trying these amazing products and they are truly affordable. I've seen baby shampoo cost $15-$20, and you can get it at Sum-Bo-Shine for only $7.29.Carolyn, the mastermind of these creations, has been in the health care industry for more than 20 years. Carolyn wanted to develop a product which was safe for her own grandchildren. Working with a FDA-registered lab to formulate and create the actual products, Carolyn built up a line of nine products including baby lotion, diaper ointment, shampoos, and bodywash all made with natural ingredients. All of her products come in recyclable packaging and you can even request an envelope back to ship back the empty bottles. Be sure to check out Sum-Bo-Shine to see all of her products and even some for adults!The Discount:Sum-Bo-Shine is offering all of my readers 10% off their purchase during the giveaway. Click on this link COUPON for your discount!

Mkokopelli

Sum-Bo-Shine featured in "Start Your Own Green Business" Book

Once again, we are honored to be featured in print. "Start Your Own Green Business," published by Entrepreneur Press and written by Rich Mintzer, 2009. Mr. Mintzer interviewed 22 "green" entrepreneurs for his latest book. Sum-Bo-Shine made the cut along with some pretty big hitters, Newman's Own Organics, Seventh Generation, Pangea Organics and Patagonia just to name a few.

"Everything starts with a passion, a vision, or a desire, which is basically what I had," says Carolyn Deal, who, following 10 years as a nurse and more than 20 years in the health care field, opened her own organic baby care product business. Passionate about sustainability, healthcare, and children, it was the perfect ideal for a grandmother who wanted to launch a business. Working with a FDA-registered lab to formulate and create the actual products, Carolyn built up a line of nine products including baby lotion, diaper ointment, shampoos, and bodywash all made with natural ingredients. Within a year of starting her green business, named for her three children, Summer, Rainbow, and Sunshine (and no, she's not from Southern California) the business had already garnered awards for green products and been written up in Mothering, Wellness and other magazines. Sum-Bo-Shine is not only about healthy, natural products for babies, and new moms, but is also very much aware of packaging. The company not only ships products in recyclable packages, but has a website that allows you to request an envelope in which you can return the empty plastic bottles and they will recycle them for you. Now that's a passion and commitment to the earth all rolled up into one successful new business."Rich Mintzer, "Start Your Own Green Business" Entrepreneur Press, 2009

Sum-Bo-Shine Review and Giveaway!
I've always been into heavily perfumed lotions and bath gels. Red Door by Elizabeth Arden, Japanese Cherry Blossom by Bath and Body Works... mmm. Then something happened. When I became pregnant with Jack and I used my normal products, they turned my stomach. They smelled great in the bottle, but not when they went on my body. Something about hormones or my body chemistry, either way my body just was not having it anymore. I started to seek out natural and organic products that wouldn't leave an alcohol/chemical smell. That is when I found Sum-Bo-Shine.
From SumBoShine.com:
"Sum-Bo-Shine creates products that are free of artificial fragrances, and do not contain parabens, sodium laurel sulfates, mineral oil or any harmful ingredients while using the least environmentally harmful preservative available on the market today."Sum-Bo-Shine is headed by Carolyn Deal, she is a mother of three and grandmother of one.
"We have received a lot of emails and phone calls inquiring about the name Sum-Bo-Shine. When friends and family see the name they smile because they know where the name originated. My children's names are Summer (Sum), Rainbow (Bo) and Sunshine (Shine).” ~ Carolyn Deal
Baby Jack loves the Aloe and Lavender Bath Powder. It really is therapeutic.I love that I can be assured it will be gentle on his dainty little hiney.

Mad Madame Em Check out post for giveaway!

Tummy Tub

The original Tummy Tub!

The New Concept in Bathing Babies! The benefits of the TummyTub are acknowledged in maternity hospitals and homes throughout Europe. Endorsed by doctors, midwives and health visitors. TummyTub was designed in the Netherlands by caregivers to ease the transition from the comfort of the mother's womb. Babies naturally adopt the fetal position and it is amazing to see how quickly they calm and relax.

Why use the TummyTub?
For nine months your baby feels safe, comfortable and secure in the womb. After birth everything changes for your baby, who suddenly experiences bright lights, new sights and sounds, hunger, gravity and an ever-changing world. The TummyTub has been developed in cooperation with physicians, midwives and nursery nurses, to ease the transition from the secure environment of the womb to the new world. The unique womb shape helps your baby to relax, and become calm in the familiar fetal position.

How much water should I use?You decide on how much water you need to bath your baby. The water level markings on the tub are intended only as a guide, as not every baby is the same size. However, in the first few weeks after birth it is important that there is sufficient water to cover your baby's shoulders. This will ensure your baby does not get cold.

How do I hold my baby?In the "sitting" position the rounded shape of the TummyTub helps to support your baby. You only need to support your baby's head under the chin. The advantage is that you always have one free hand to wash and comfort your baby. In the "floating" position you have one hand under your baby's chin, the other at the back of the head or you can place both your hands under your baby's armpits.

Is it safe?Yes! The tummy tub is perfectly safe. It has the TUV German & the UK British Standards safety certifications. It has been designed in such a way that the water creates the stability. It is important to remember that you should never leave your baby unattended while in the TummyTub. You must always be there to give support and reassurance. ASTM (USA), TUV (Germany) and BSI (England) tested and approved. The TummyTub is permitted to carry the seal GS (Proven Safety).

Free bottle of Sum-Bo-Shine Shampoo & Body Wash with purchase!

Price:$44.95

Parent Map Review

Sweet and simple!

Another outstanding line of simple and pure care products for sensitive baby’s skin; Sum-Bo-Shine(!) shuns artificial fragrances, parabens and preservatives, and many of its products are also certified vegan. The company is named for the founder’s kids: Summer, Rainbow and Sunshine. From about $6.99; www.sumboshine.com.

Mom Most Traveled Review!

I’m an eco-conscious Mama, and I also have a little one with painful eczema.I’m always on the lookout for organic products that might give little baby Deeds some relief from his red, dry, senior-citizen skin. I was excited to learn about Sum-Bo-Shine, a mom-founded company that makes naturally pure bath and body products for babies! Deeds and I tried the baby lotion and Naturally Pure Diaper Ointment. The lotion really does feel “Naturally Pure”; the scent is subtle, and the lotion absorbs quickly and easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Sum-Bo-Shine Aloe Lavender Organic Baby Lotion is cruelty free, certified vegan, and contains no artificial fragrances or dyes! You can feel at peace when using this fabulous lotion on your little treasure! I put lotion on Deeds after his bath, and I will guiltily admit that I use this lotion a lot, too! In fact, just as I sat down to write this review I felt compelled to give my thirsty skin a drink of Sum-Bo-Shine goodness! Don’t tell Deeds that Mama stole his lotion.
The Naturally Pure Diaper Ointment has a pleasant scent and a light texture. I like that it contains the healing properties of vitamin E, lavender and chamomile, and it doesn’t cause staining like some other diaper ointments. While it is called “diaper ointment“, this salve could really be used on anyplace that needs a little TLC! I’m thinking it would be ideal for wind-chapped faces or rough hands.
I am really pleased with Sum-Bo-Shine and can tell that these products are lovingly made.
The packaging and the high-quality products remind me of special bath products that I splurge on at local craft fairs! Fabulous quality, made by someone who knows and cares about what they are doing! What rare and special attributes!
Sum-Bo-Shine donated a variety of their products to an adoptive family for our Celebration of Adoption. Thank you, Sum-Bo-Shine, for your generosity!Sum-Bo-Shine would also like to give one Mom Most Traveled reader some of their terrific products!

And Twins Make 5! Review

I was sent Sum-Bo-Shine Baby Creme and Naturally Pure Diaper Ointment to review with the help of the twins. I should mention I am a tad leary about trying too many cosmetic products on them because Twin B has very sensitive skin. In fact, you may notice an occasional eczema flare up on his left cheek in my various review photos if you look closely. However, Sum-bo-shine's creme and ointment both seemed simple and light, so I gave them a try.
Sum-Bo-Shine's Baby Creme is made with organic aloe, organic coconut oil, and they even included soothing Roman Chamomile essential oil for the sensitive skin of babies. I found it was mild enough for both of my babies including the more sensitive skinned twin.Sum-Bo-Shine's Naturally Pure all natural diaper ointment is also designed to be perfect for sensitive baby skin. I was very impressed with how natural it smelled and felt. Just look at the full list of ingredients: Grape seed Oil, Beeswax, Lavender Essential Oil, Vitamin , Rosehip Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, German Chamomile Essential Oil, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, Calendula Extract in Organic Olive Oil.
We only faced a few minor diaper rash flare ups to test this ointment on. However, I'm happy to report it worked well to relieve those flare ups. Additionally, I couldn't help but feel good knowing I was putting something natural on the twins. There is just something comforting about using a product you know does not contain chemicals you can't even pronounce.

Cool Babykids

Check out Cool Babykids Sponsor Shoutout on Sum-Bo-Shine!

Sum-Bo-Shine Coco-Shea Belly & Body Butter

Sum-Bo-Shine Coco-Shea Belly & Body Butter featured in Family Magazine's current issue!

Cocoa butter is the fat extracted from cocoa beans and is used in a variety of products due to its healing properties and is often referred to as the ultimate moisturizer. Cocoa butter has been used by pregnant women for years in the treatment and prevention of stretch marks.
Shea Butter is also a natural fat and is extracted from fruit of the Shea tree and is used as a moisturizer and an emollient in high-end cosmetics. Shea Butter contains vitamins A, E and F. These vitamins balance and normalize the skin. Shea Butter is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
At Sum-Bo-Shine we have married these two wonderful butters into one amazing body creme to create a moisturizer for the whole family. Organic Aloe, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil are just a few of the natural botanical ingredients you will find in our Coco-Shea Belly Butter. Created to help maintain skin elasticity and moisture, our Belly & Body Butter is rich and ultra-moisturizing.
Massage on belly, breast, and buttocks or where needed to maintain skin elasticity and moisture and aid in prevention of stretch marks.
77% organic content!

Cleaning and Greening My Home!

Years ago when I decided to remove the dangerous chemicals from my home, the first to go were the cleaning products. I opened the cabinet beneath the sink and removed every product with a warning label. I stood amazed at the words on the products' labels: Danger, Do Not Mix with Other Products, avoid contact with skin, do not breathe fumes. These were common household cleaners we have all used for years! As I removed the products, I came across a cleaner for my glass top stove and decided to clean it one last time before getting rid of the product. Within minutes, my nose was dripping; I was sneezing and had watery eyes. This confirmed my decision to rid my home of the chemicals once and for all.
After I collected the containers (some were half full--or half empty, depending on how you see the glass), I was at a loss of how to dispose of my collection. I called my local sanitation department and was informed that I should put them in the trash for collection day. Not too thrilled with that answer, I called the neighboring county's sanitation department and was given the same response. Hmmmm. So, my next call was to the waste management service. Same answer, "Just dump the stuff in the trash can!" When all else fails, go to Google. I searched how to dispose of half empty (or full J) household cleaners. One result stated that I should give them to a "friend." Perhaps that was a typo and they meant "enemy" instead? Another result said to use them up. Another sneezing fit? No, thank you! The next suggested I pour them down the drain. Doesn't that defeat the purpose in the first place? Yet one more result offered this bit of advice, "Cleaning products do not typically contain ingredients that would harm the environment in the quantities that are disposed of by households. The vast majority of cleaning products are water soluble and biodegradable and are formulated for safe disposal in either municipal or home wastewater treatment systems." Nope. That still didn't seem quite right. My eco-green conscience needed a better answer. After all, I had more than two garbage bags full of products, which, by the way, included shampoos, lotions, aerosol hair spray, and other products containing sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens and phatalates (just to name a few). Next up, I went to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for answers. From there, I was directed to Earth911.com where you can enter the product you want to recycle and your zip code to find a nearby collection center. To my dismay, there was no such place in my area. The EPA instructed me to double-bag the containers and place them in the trash.
Throughout my research, I came across some interested tidbits. According to the EPA, the air inside our homes is, on average, two to five times more polluted than the air outside--largely due to the household cleaners! The Clean Water Fund states that the average American uses 40 pounds of dangerous chemicals in cleaning products by throwing away 12 percent of their leftovers in landfills and pouring a total of 32 million pounds down the drain. In 1989, the EPA found the toxic chemicals in household cleaners to be three times more likely to cause cancer than other air pollutants. Since World War II, 80,000 chemicals have been developed to optimize our pesticides, cleaners, plastics, personal care products and industrial products. Many common cleaners contain neurotoxins, depress the nervous system and threaten the healthy function of the liver and kidneys. When hazardous cleaning products are disposed of in landfills, the chemicals they contain can seep into the groundwater. Cleaning chemicals that find their way down our drains can also end up in our water system, while others drift from the air of our homes into the air outside. Chemical toxins are highly present in antibacterial cleaners, air fresheners, dishwasher detergents, oven cleaners, carpet and upholstery shampoo, and toilet, tub and tile cleaners. Whew! This is distressing! Thank goodness I have been "green" for a good part of my 56 years!
I talked to a friend who is an environmentally friendly chemical engineer (an oxymoron?). He has worked with a few municipal waste treatment and disposal companies and made the following comments and suggestions: Most hazardous (toxic or dangerous) chemicals these days are incinerated by special types of incinerators, but that method is not practical for the small quantities of cleaners I was (so desperately) trying to dispose. He commented that if these chemicals were placed in a landfill, they could possibly seep into the groundwater system since most landfills "close" at the end of each day with fresh dirt by using a bulldozer that can crush any cans, bottles or plastic containers holding the cleaners. This can result in the chemicals leaking past the double-bagged container. Therefore, the only viable option is to empty the cleaners into the drain and home sewer system. This method will contain the chemicals in a system designed to handle wastes (the sewer system and municipal waste treatment plant). Most waste treatment plants are designed to handle a fair amount of chemicals by using special bacteria that consume the chemicals--making sludge and methane gas (a process called anaerobic digestion). The sludge is then processed further, making it safe to landfill and/or for land applications (plant nutrient source). The methane gas is either collected or used as a heating source or "flared," converting it to CO2 and water vapor.
So, what did I do with my double-bagged chemically laden household cleaners? Well, I poured them down the drain, deposited the empty containers in the recycle bin and gave them to the sanitation man--bless his heart. (As a southerner, we always end a sentence with "bless his/her heart," especially if we've done something not so nice.) I guess my only saving grace is knowing that I have not purchased those chemical cleaners in a long time and certainly haven't used them in what seems like forever!
Carolyn Deal

Benefits of Sum-Bo-Shine’s Coco-Shea Belly & Body Butter

First, let me say that Sum-Bo-Shine’s Coco-Shea Belly & Body Butter can be used on a variety of body parts, not just the ever expanding belly of pregnant women. In the Sum-Bo-Shine house we use Coco-Shea as a body moisturizer, for dry feet and as a hand crème. The Butter melts into the skin leaving the skin soft, supple and never tacky. The delicate hint of chocolate dissipates in a matter of seconds and since we never use artificial fragrances our product does not contain phthalates.

Cocoa butter is the fat extracted from cocoa beans and is used in a variety of products due to its healing properties and is often referred to as the ultimate moisturizer. Cocoa butter has been used by pregnant women for years in the treatment and prevention of stretch marks.

Shea Butter is also a natural fat and is extracted from fruit of the Shea tree and is used as a moisturizer and an emollient in high-end cosmetics. Shea Butter contains vitamins A, E and F. These vitamins balance and normalize the skin. Shea Butter is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

At Sum-Bo-Shine (http://www.sumboshine.com/) we have married these two wonderful butters into one amazing body crème to create a moisturizer for the whole family. Organic Aloe, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil are just a few of the natural botanical ingredients you will find in our Coco-Shea Belly Butter. Created to help maintain skin elasticity and moisture, our Belly & Body Butter is rich and ultra-moisturizing.

January Special!

Let Sum-Bo-Shine bring joy to your bundle of joy with this trio of Aloe & Lavender Baby Lotion, Aloe and Lavender Shampoo and Body Wash and Naturally Pure Baby Oil. Makes a great gift for a baby shower!

Made with organic aloe, organic lavender and organic roman chamomile. Sum-Bo-Shine Aloe and Lavender Organic Baby Lotion uses organic aloe and organic lavender to make a simple and clean lotion that does not contain sulfates or parabens. This organic baby lotion is safe and gentle and will soothe and hydrates to moisturize and protect baby's delicate skin. No artificial fragrances or dyes. Cruelty free. Certified Vegan.

Sum-Bo-Shine Aloe and Lavender Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is a gentle foaming gel that is sulfate free and paraben free. It is an amber gel that has an inherent light scent. Our Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash uses a gentle formula uses the calming distillates and essential oils of lavender and chamomile. Glycerin, vitamin B & E, oat extract, wheat protein, jojoba oil and rosehip oil enhance the soothing qualities of this 2-1 Baby Gel. No artificial fragrances or dyes. Cruelty free. Certified Vegan!

Sum-Bo-Shine Naturally Pure Baby Oil contains organic comfrey, organic chamomile, and organic rosemary to moisturize and guard baby's skin from diaper rash and cradle cap. Great for giving baby a massage. No artificial fragrances or dyes. Cruelty free. Certified Vegan.
Price: $29.99
http://www.sumboshine.com/item_20/Baby-Natural-Shampoo--Organic-Gift-Set.htm

Black Friday Super Sale

Save 15% on all Sum-Bo-Shine products through December 3, 2008!