The Pits

   I love supporting small business. Even more, I love supporting family businesses. WAHM businesses. Knowing MY hard-earned dollars are directly helping a person or family support themselves is amazing. I'll spend a bit extra for that. It's worth every penny and then some. That's why you'll see me posting links to my sources, suppliers, and favorite shops for things at every chance I get. I am always trying to spread the love for handmade, local goods.

https://www.facebook.com/LearningPetals

   I also love sharing information. I'm a bit of a crunchy, natural-is-best, "just try it" kind of girl, and when I see a good piece of info I love putting it out there for others to read and possibly better their own lives for it. Recently it's been this informative piece circulating. It's FANTASTIC information that all women(even men!) need to be aware of:
   "This is a vital information - literally of life and death - Be sure to read it and send it to those who will appreciate it.

WATER AND SOAP IN ARMPIT BEFORE BEDTIME
We spend the night with armpit deodorant in order for our armpit to smell good and fresh.
Some time ago, I went to a seminar on Breast Cancer, led by Terry Birk with support from Dan Sullivan.

During the discussion, I asked a good question: why is the most common place to develop breast cancer tumors near the armpit?.
My question could not be answered at that time. This information was sent to me recently- I'm glad it has been answered.
Now I want to share the information with you.!  One of the main causes of Breast Cancer is the use of antiperspirant.
Most products on the market are a combination of antiperspirant/deodorants. Look at the labels! Deodorant is fine, however ANTIPERSPIRANT can be very harmful because of the concentration of toxins that causes cell mutation: CANCER.
Here's why:

The human body has few areas where it can eliminate toxins: behind the knees, behind the ears, the English areas and armpits. Toxins are eliminated through perspiration. The antiperspirant, as the name says, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body to eliminate toxins through the armpits-these toxins do not magically disappear. My question to you all-where does the toxin go?

Most breast cancers occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area (see pic). More common in women however men are not free from this sickness too. Breast Cancer can develop due to the use of antiperspirant instead of soap and water. The difference lies in the fact that when men use antiperspirant, not applied directly to the skin, they do so in large part on the hair of the armpits. Women who apply antiperspirant or aftershave- shaving the underarms, increase the risk due to tiny injuries and skin irritations which allows harmful chemical components to penetrate more quickly into the body." 

   That is why I quit manufactured deodorant two years ago. I just could not stand KNOWING I was putting aluminum and other carcinogens directly into my body at least once a day. At first I listened to the people in my crunchy circle saying anything was unnecessary, that it takes a couple of weeks for your body to purge its underarm pores of the build-up of toxins, then you would be fine. Their definitions of "fine" and "need" must be different from mine... MY POOR HUSBAND! 

   So I started looking for a natural product to use. My first purchase was at Sheri's Soap Opera on Etsy. Her all natural vanilla-lavender deodorant was very nice during the winter and spring, but as summer weather with its 90+% humidity and temps of the same number rolled in I found I needed something more. Maybe I'm just smelly. So I did research on what natural deodorizers and deodorant recipes(though I was not willing to make my own- can you believe it?! ) were out there and began searching for a product with exactly those components. 

   That's what led me to Relax Naturals at Daribums. Her cream deodorant had everything I wanted. The initial, "Wait, I apply it with my HANDS?!" factor was intimidating, but I figured wash my hands after putting on deodorant vs. substantial risk of breast cancer. Hmm. I could probably handle washing my hands. So I gave it a try. I will never go back. Seriously. Best stuff ever. Smells incredible(scent is customizable with essential and natural fragrance oils), goes on so easy, and lasts ALL day- even for a mama like me who exercises, gardens, does lawn work, carries fat-fat babies around, and quite frankly does not have the luxury of a shower every day, or even every other day most times. The ick factor: gone. A swipe of my finger in the little tub, then rub it over my armpit with two fingers like I'm swiping on lotion, then five to ten seconds to rinse anything lingering really is nearly as quick as stick form. Plus it works better. And did I mention no cancer risk?! You really truly cannot beat that.

*Yep, I know something's wrong with the background on this post. No idea what nor have any of my attempts fixed it.... *