My Nail Polish is Toxic? No Way!

My Nail Polish is Toxic?

My Nail Polish is Toxic?

MY NAIL POLISH IS
TOXIC? NO WAY!

Article by Heather Jadus
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #17

Nail polish is probably one of the first beauty products that every little girl is introduced to. However a lot of the beauty products we use on our skin, are packed with ingredients that are horrible for us and nail polish is no exception. How often do you paint your nails and how long do you keep our polish on for? Your nails are porous like your skin, so you can safely assume whatever you put on to them will eventually make it’s way into your system. It’s a pretty scary thought isn’t it?

That is why there have been a slew of “3-Free, 5-Free and vegan” nail lacquer products that have entered the beauty market in full force. What does this mean exactly? 

Vegan, meaning cruelty free and not tested on animals and the polish itself has no animal by product. 
 
Here’s a break down of the toxins in most nail polish:

1| Toluene

This is used to help nail polish go on smoothly, it’s a polish thinner. Unfortunately, it’s a very abrasive chemical derived from petroleum.

2| Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

DBP helps nail polish from chipping and it’s basically a harsh plastic. Not exactly “breathable”.

3| Formaldehyde

This is gross…Formaldehyde is commonly used to preserve and embalm dead animals (and humans). Eeew!

4| Formaldehyde Resin

It’s a derivative of Formaldehyde that isn’t as toxic but can be an allergen so not having this in the polish is an added bonus especially if you have sensitive skin.

5| Camphor

It’s a plasticizer and rust repellent and it is very poisonous. Poison is bad.  End of story.

*“3-Free” polishes are free of 1 thru 3 above and “5-Free” polishes are free of all 5.*

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

The Handwritten Note is Making a Comeback

STOP & SAY THANK YOU:
THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE IS
MAKING A COMEBACK

The Handwritten Thank You Note Is Still Huge

The Handwritten Thank You Note Is Still Huge

Article by Cinthia Singleton
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #39

911, We are losing the art of giving thanks! Sure, we constantly post on Facebook our gratitude for everything from a sunset to a pretty cafe lunch, and yes, we thank our friends, fans and followers there too for the birthday wishes, condolences, prayers, etc. But what is happening to the simple handwritten thank YOU note? 911! It’s going to go the way of the buggy whip if we don’t fight for it!! It used to be that if someone did something nice for us or made/gave us something, even if we didn’t love it (or even like it sometimes), we sat down and wrote one. It’s what the well-heeled wolves taught their cubs from a young age: it’s good manners to acknowledge the exchange of energy with appreciation in the form of a handwritten note.

Example: Birthday party. Gifts given. Fun was had by all. That next day the thank you cards were to be written and dispatched. Seemed like a chore, but really it was a simple formula:

Dear Party Guest,
Thank you for coming to my birthday party. I had fun with you. Thank you also for the nice dolly, t-shirt, book, etc. you gave me. It will be fun to play with, wear, read, etc.
Your friend,
Birthday Boy/Girl

The dolly, t shirt, book, etc. was incidental really. Giftee didn’t need to review or critique that dolly, t shirt, book, etc., just take a moment to say thank YOU. In doing so, Gifter was shown how appreciated the gift of their time and thoughtfulness. After all, this person stepped outside themselves to show that they cared.

Somewhere along the way though, we started moving too fast and getting too technologically advanced. It became acceptable to text a 'Thanks you', or send a funny meme. The thank you note is starting to seem like an old-fashioned, inefficient hassle in the one-click world. Write a single note to that Gifter or post ‘gratitude’ to one’s 500+ friends on Facebook for receiving a gift? Many will choose the latter over the former, but that olde tyme style still melts hearts.

As the recipient of a thank you note, we:
hold that note
feel the paper
read the words
see the handwriting and feel the energy behind it
connect with someone who appreciates us

How to start:

1| Keep blank notecards or stationary around just for this purpose. There's such a vast and beautiful selection out there now.
2| Within the week you are given a gift, get the stationary out and write a simple note.
3| Unsure how to compose a thank you note? There are some great examples to be found on the interwebs but simple is best: 'Thank you so much for feeding my goldfish Sparky while I was out of town. I so appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to make sure he was happy and cared for. You’re the best!'
4| Handwrite this this note. No typing. No computer. No email. No text. Go slow if handwriting ain’t your bag, or print, but let the human touch come forward. 

When the thank you note goes, a special societal tenderness is not far behind it. We’re seeing it already, every Friday night when Jimmy Fallon writes his thank you notes. Yes, it’s a skit meant to be funny, but the ‘notes’ he writes snark and are critical. They point a finger at something and put it under the examination lamp. Hardly a “thank you”, more like a “thank me for being so clever and funny.” 911. Stop. Step back. A thank you is a thank YOU.

As John F. Kennedy said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” So right! The moment we give of ourselves when we get is intimate. It’s quiet. It’s not time to bestow an award, nor give out report card. The hand-written thank you note is a personal document of what we treasure and hold dear; you. And when these hand-written thank you notes are gone, so is a bit of our society’s sweet soul. That is what connects us with others, not the emojis. Without it, we lose intimacy and our heart’s eye contact.


"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Fragrance: It's a Dirty Word

FRAGRANCE: IT'S A DIRTY WORD

Fragrance: It's A Dirty Word

Fragrance: It's A Dirty Word

Article by Heather Jadus
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Featuring: Siobhan Barrett
Magazine: Issue #39

Scent is one of the strongest senses we have as humans (and animals too). Can you remember the smell of a new box of crayons? A new book? Grandmas sauce simmering on the stove?

A certain smell can stimulate a memory, make you feel comfortable or uncomfortable, and even make your stomach rumble.

When I cook bacon my stomach speaks up! Ha Ha Ha!
And then there’s “STINK”. None of us want to stink so we use products to help us smell good.  Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, etc. Hygiene is important, of course, but what we are cleaning ourselves with is most likely a mix of toxic synthetic chemicals. Eeeeeew!

Before I continue let’s take one quick step back. Most of these products are applied to our skin. Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs what we are putting on it. Here’s the kicker, clean eaters! When you eat or drink something toxic, it goes through a detoxification through the liver. When applied to the skin, however, there is no liver detoxification; the chemicals go straight to your blood stream. Some absorb quicker than others, but there they are...  

Do me a favor, go grab your five favorite cleansing, beauty, or makeup products and look at their ingredient list... Ready?
Is the word Fragrance or Parfum on the ingredient list of any of your products? If so, THROW THEM OUT!  
Here’s why:
The word FRAGRANCE or PARFUM is considered “trade secret” so it can contain as many ingredients as needed to create that SCENT and they don’t have to tell you what they are. Those ingredients can be parabens, phthalates and any of the other ingredients you are trying to avoid. They are hidden within that word. And it’s legally ok to do that. Crazy, right?
This does not mean that you have to go unscented. It just means that you have to choose products that actually list the ingredients that make up that scent. Simple, simple shit my friends.

Simple.  

Every choice counts. Make a change today!
Be Informed. Be Safe. Be Healthy.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Camera Ready: Futuristic Galaxy Look for Video Appearances

CAMERA READY: FUTURISTIC
GALAXY LOOK FOR VIDEO APPEARANCES

Check out the latest from Erica Abdo of Green Beauty Bliss with this HOT look: Futuristic Meets Galaxy makeup tutorial. DIY Makeup tutorial with safe costmetics.

Green Beauty Bliss with Erica Abdo

Green Beauty Bliss is a show by Erica Abdo that focuses her talents and personal ethics on educating people on choosing the best green beauty products to keep them feeling beautiful inside and out. Erica will be featuring makeup tutorials, nail trends, skin concerns, hair advice, her favorite tools, current obsessions and inspirations, as well as quick tips and tricks.

Host: Erica Abdo

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Vegan Rainbow Pad Thai

Vegan Rainbow Pad Thai

Vegan Rainbow Pad Thai

VEGAN RAINBOW PAD THAI

Feature by Ella Suihko
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #38

Love Pad Thai but have no clue have to make it yourself? This recipe is so easy (and yummy!) you’ll be making it night after night!

Basically you can use any veggies available, spiralize, chop or grate them - whatever makes your soul shine. Noodles are the easy part, you can use any noodles of preference; rice, brown rice or even the ones made from beans. The sauce ingredients really go with everything. No strange things included makes no weird once used leftover bottles lying in the fridge. Eating more veggies has never been this easy or tasty. 

I ensure this Vegan Rainbow Pad Thai will become your next summer staple!

Vegan Rainbow Pad Thai
(makes 3-4 servings)

1 yellow onion, diced
1 zucchini, spiralized or grated
3 carrots, spiralized or grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
corn kernels of one cob
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
about 140g rice vermicelli noodles (dry weight)
2 tbsp coconut sugar
2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2-3 tbsp sriracha sauce

In a frying pan heat olive oil over medium heat until just hot. Place the diced onion, spiralized/grated zucchini and carrot, sliced red bell pepper and corn kernels into the pan and sauté for about 10-15 minutes. Add the coconut sugar, tamari soy sauce and sriracha, stir well to combine. Remove from the heat.

Bring about a liter of water to boil. Place the rice noodles into a large bowl and pour the water over to ‘cook’ the noodles and stir couple of times. Using a strainer, pour off the water. 

In case you’re using ‘thicker’ noodles or brown rice noodles, cook them in a pot as they take more time to soften.

Transfer the cooked noodles and veggies in a large bowl, stir well to combine. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

FEATURED RECIPE AUTHOR:

Ella is a plant-based foodie and recipe maker. Studying medical biochemistry and clinical nutrition in the university of Eastern Finland, health and whole-body wellness is close to her heart. Hoping to inspire people to make healthier food choices, she’s sharing vegan-friendly and gluten free recipes on her website. When not cooking or studying, you can find Ella from a yoga class, running in the nature, exploring the home forests or travelling the world in search of inspiration. Learn more about Ella at EllasExperimentalKitchen.wordpress.com

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Fighting Keeps You from Enjoying your Life

FIGHTING KEEPS YOU FROM ENJOYING YOUR LIFE

Article by Antiqua Lisha
Photo Credit: Tamar Swartz
Magazine: Issue #27

When you were a kid, did you have to have to get angry/upset or hurt before you get what you wanted? 

This is common habit and belief for kids. To GET what we WANT, we have to get angry. This is one BIG limiting belief. That keeps us separated from our joy, happiness, money and fulfillment. Today I will help you get this belief/habit out of hiding and out of your way.  

I am going to be a bit vulnerable here and share a deep piece of my heart. If you don’t know me, I work with survivors of abuse to reclaim their power, own their stories and move from surviving to thriving by creating profitable and world-changing programs, events, and books. For the past 20 years. 

I have a BIG desire to see people claim their worth and share their gifts. I had this limiting belief that I had to get angry to get what I wanted. So, the more joyful, calm, happy and aware I have become the less angry I have been and the more this childhood belief has kept me from my BIG dreams. I had a deep seeded belief that was so deeply sealed in my subconscious mind I did not even know it was running my life. 

Here is what it sounds like

  • You have to fight for what you want. 
  • You have to get angry before you can have what you want. 
  • You only get what you want (after a fight)

Here is how this played out as a child for me. I got lots of negative attention, spankings, etc… and this was love. SO guess what happened before I got this negative attention, a fight.  

I was also taught, as have many of my private clients, that you have to dig deep and fight for what you want; nothing comes easy. One blessing of my family growing up was our horses and workout schedule, we ran as a family and raised horses as a family. What I learned is that you always get back on the horse, no matter what and win the fight. I also learned that when running you DON’T give up when it get’s hard you dig deep and fight your way through the “pain.” = Don’t be a sissy. 

I also saw my parents fight and then reconnect. I also experienced this pattern fight and then connect. I did this in my previous marriage as well, fight and then make up and get what you want. 

Uggg WHAT A CRAP WAY TO LIVE. WHY, are so many of us FIGHTING for our dreams? 

Because we have a belief with ourselves that LOVE, ABUNDANCE, JOY, HAPPINESS, CONNECTION only comes with a fight. THIS IS not how life is. Your destiny, your truth your abundance comes with ease and peace, in alignment with what you believe. 

To allow your BIG dreams to come to you with more ease, start by ending the fight within yourself, and reprogram your beliefs by recognizing all the ways you receive love, money, support and pleasure easily. This new perspective WILL help you both get what you desire and NOT have to put up a fight for it.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Stop The Madness: Why We Repeatedly Give Up And Start Over Again

STOP THE MADNESS:
WHY WE REPEATEDLY GIVE UP AND START OVER AGAIN

give-up-and-start-over-again

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #28

You’ve heard the phrase “be careful what you wish for because it just may come true.”  Regardless of what you wish for, the powers that be has a way of clearing the obstacles to your path to fulfill your desire and get you ready mentally, physically and spiritually for the greatness that’s to come regardless of how gentle or how painful that path clearing can be.

Immediate gratification

There’s so much great information out there on how to manifest our desires.  However, our culture thrives on the need for immediate gratification to forever end our pains and reach higher bliss and wealth.  Books such as the Secret, have created the misconception that all you have to do is think positive thoughts, do some affirmations and visualizations and then everything that you wish for will easily and effortlessly come your way.

It doesn’t work that way!

The real secret

The universe does not provide for you until you are mentally, spiritually & physically ready to receive it.  In other words, you have to EARN IT BABY!
Think of having a home full of clutter that you’re currently attached to and you desire new furniture and hardwood floors in your home.  You can’t just add the furniture and new floors into your home until you detach and clear out the old crap that’s in there. 

The pain of letting go

One thing that keeps us in a vicious cycle of repetitive madness, is that our brains hate change, in fact, it is pure mental pain to change, so that’s why its very common to give in and give up on something too soon, because its just so dang painful.  At the same time, our souls are craving the change, there is something deep inside of us that says “oh no, get off your lazy butt and do the work”, so we start again, hit the wall of pain, resist letting go of old stuff and then keep praying for change and fruition of new desires, while questioning why we still can’t reach our desired goals.

The storms of change

Ok, so you’re still praying, you’re still trying, giving up, trying, giving up and trying again and you’re still hoping, affirming or whatever it is that you’re doing to create the change and desire that you want.   So now the Universe says, “you’re asking for change?”  “You want to reach this goal?”  “You’re not making it easy for us to help you, so now we need to shake things up a bit, so you’ll have to let go of the old and get yourself ready for what’s to come.”   And now the earthquake and storms appear in your life in the form of.

•    Hardships
•    Financial Loss
•    Repetitive obstacles
•    Job loss
•    Property loss
•    Loss of friends
•    Put downs and negativity from those close to you
•    Health issues
•    Loneliness

Paying attention to your obstacles and storms

When these obstacles and storms hit, it is very, very, important to stop, breath and pay attention to 

•    The time line of when this is happening:  Have you been wishing, wanting and desiring something over and over again that you know should be in your possession?

•    Is there something that you have been working on clearing in your life or a change of belief that you keep giving up on and falling back into old habits and beliefs, but you’re still wishing for change?

•    Have you been resistant or lazy about doing the work to change something about yourself that you know should be worked on?

•    Have you been even more persistent lately to make your burning desire happen and been asking to be shown the way to quickly achieve your desire?

Once you recognize the timeline that is associated with your desire for change or to reach a goal, then calmly take a look at what each of these obstacles and storms are trying to do.  They are either trying to

•    Clear the emotional clutter from your path
•    Clear physical clutter from your path
•    Force you into taking some kind of serious action
•    Mirror some negative habits, thoughts and actions that you are doing that are keeping you stuck that you have not noticed within yourself.

Remember, that you asked for all of this to happen and because most of us are not evolved nor aware enough to quickly recognize and clear out our old clutter on our own and keep lazar focused on our desired goals, the powers that be will step in some how, some way and it’s not always pretty, however once you have an understanding of what is happening around you, you can begin to make this work for you, rather than against you.   Here’s a suggestion, to make things a little easier on you.  

Join a support group, have a mastermind friend, coach or mentor to talk to during these times so that you they can be your reminder of what is happening and then help you in clearing your path to bigger and better things!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Super Chic and Simple Studded Nail Art Tutorial

SUPER CHIC AND SIMPLE STUDDED NAIL ART TUTORIAL

Join Make-Up Artist Erica Abdo for her awesome studded nail art tutorial. Using Pretty NYC Vegan Nail polish Erica Abdo will show you how to create ultra chic nails in minutes.

Green Beauty Bliss with Erica Abdo

Green Beauty Bliss is a show by Erica Abdo that focuses her talents and personal ethics on educating people on choosing the best green beauty products to keep them feeling beautiful inside and out. Erica will be featuring makeup tutorials, nail trends, skin concerns, hair advice, her favorite tools, current obsessions and inspirations, as well as quick tips and tricks.

Host: Erica Abdo

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.