Pure Eco - Natural Product Reviews

Homemade Mayonaise - Just like the REAL thing!

2009-11-08T17:33:00.003+13:00

Just bumping from last summer.... the 'new products in the supermarket' all claim to taste just like homemade...when really it's so easy to make the real thing at home.

Check out the world's easiest HOMEMADE MAYO recipe
We wouldn't be without our homemade mayonaise as a fridge staple for:
Coleslaw
A dip with wedges
On homemade hamburgers
On sandwiches instead of butter
etc etc etc etc

Albeit made with oil, use good oil to lessen the IMPACT! Good Oil is GOOD.

Enjoy x

Pure Eco Washing Powder

2009-11-08T13:30:00.002+13:00

Every week the laundry powder addition to the supermarket trolley increases the total $ bill significantly.

I am a little perturbed by the sheer volume of shelf space that laundry powder and detergents take of the 'valuable' supermarket space... this indicates to me that they are making too much money out of something that we all need and buy regularly.

Recently in New Zealand the major brands made their containers smaller, by concentrating the product inside, but old habits die hard and many users (like me) were probably using just as much as they used to, hence doubling their expenditure.

well well well...

I set out to see how I could make my own laundry powder that wasn't going to give my children rashes, wasn't highly perfumed and was inexpensive to make.

RECIPE!

2 parts Sunlight Soap (or a plain soap or laundry soap) - A box is 500gm
1 part Washing Soda (buy in bulk from BinnInn or Trademe) - i.e. 250 gm
...a dash of an essential oil if you like it scented!

Cut up the Soap into cubes, and place in a food processor. It is a bit tough on the food processor so the smaller the better - or grate if you don't use a food processor. Add the washing soda, and blend until it is a fine powder.

A tablespoon full is enough for a dirty load, whites may still need soaking depending on how you treat these. Every now and then I use a warm wash also just to boost cleaning especially of oil stained clothes (this is what I did with commercial powders).
Although I haven't tried it with a front loader as yet, it is non foaming so I expect will be fine.

The above recipe cost me $5, and it lasts between 3-4 weeks, with washing everyday, including washing my cloth nappies.

The perfect way to wash your Modern Cloth Nappies.

Go on, you'll be amazed.

One less thing to buy each week, less packaging to dispose of & enjoy....what are you going to do with your 'extra $8 a week'???

Enjoy x
Trina

HELP Slugs & Snails are driving me crazy

2009-10-21T06:57:00.004+13:00

Please post your natural slug & snail deterrents (and killers) here.

They are driving me crazy...we use Quash but want something else that doesn't cost $9a box.
It's so hard growing seeds as one day they are there and the next they are not.

I'm sure we've got more than the average amount in our garden!

HELP!!

Enjoy x
Trina

Herbs and Vegetables - grow the non-Hybrid way

2009-10-20T12:42:00.006+13:00

I have recently learnt about the true importance of growing non-hybrid, heritage varieties of seeds and plants. Ginny from Ginny's Herbs has a fabulous selection of beautiful plants for you to make your garden a useful and enjoyable place to be. By growing heritage varieties we are ensuring that these plants will live on for generations, unlike many of the hybrid varieties that are designed only to last one season (you're not going to be able to take the seeds from these year after year).

Ginny's Herbs supplies seedlings of herbs, old, tried & true non-hybrid vegetables and flowers by mail order throughout New Zealand. Her herbs are GE free, many are much more disease resistant than the new hybrid types, and the flavour of any heritage crop is always going to be something to treasure. Ginny has developed `Old, Tried and True' non-hybrid vegetable and flower seed & seedlings under controlled conditions on her 6 acre property to ensure her seeds do not cross pollinate. Her emphasis is on encouraging others to save their own seed and help keep the best of the older varieties for future generations.

Companion planting also plays an important part of her philosophy, with these types of plants also available.

Ginny also offers advice and recipes for using herbs in remedies for many uses around the home.

I'm an absolute convert to buying non-hybrid seedlings and seeds now. Lets see how many more of us can discover the true benefits of growing heritage plants. Now is the perfect time to get your summer seedlings - one beautiful tomato I am trying from Ginny's range this year is the Silvery Fir Tree. This particular tomato is reputed to be particularly blight resistant, which I am very interested in as the hybrids we planted last year were a complete failure due to blight.

Ginny's Herbs

Enjoy K x

Fancy a cuppa?

2009-10-01T10:42:00.009+13:00

I love a good cup of tea, in fact we drink a lot of tea in our house so I was pretty excited to have a selection of Kerikeri Organic Teas to try.

From the beautifully named "Bay of Islands Breakfast Tea", the comforting "All Day Cuppa", the "Champagne of Green Teas" - Green Darjeeling, the very fragrant (and my husbands favourite) the Honey and Ginger herbal tea - I was in absolute Tea heaven.

I also sampled the following delicious flavours: Chamomile and Cinnamon, Black Darjeeling, Manuka Mint, Royal Earl Grey, Rooibos and Manuka, Lemon Ginger Kawa, and the warming Vanilla Chai.

I love this quote that I have borrowed from their website "If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. ~ Gladstone, 1865"

Kerikeri Teas use Organic tea leaves, and blend these teas with spices and herbs, sourced from Fair Trade producers where possible.

They have a range of black, green, white , herbal teas, caffeine free teas, and Rooibos Tea. These can be purchased directly from their website, or they will direct you to retailers in your area who stock their range.

Great gift ideas for Xmas.

Enjoy - Kylie

Where is it REALLY made??

2009-09-25T16:57:00.005+12:00

Given I run Lola & Ben which stocks the most beautiful New Zealand Made Style for Little Ones, I am passionate about New Zealand Made.

I do try to buy New Zealand made in general if I can... but with FOOD I am very selective regarding the origins of the food that fuels & nourishes our family.

I do not buy food grown or manufactured in CHINA. My other job involves food policy, and so this decision has sound judgement behind it.

Lately I have noticed our local Pak'n Save has gradually been introducing 'new' ranges which are mostly from China...

Tell tale signs are:

Significantly cheaper than the alternatives
Packaging is likely to state manufactured for...BUT not where
Terrible graphic designs
Chinese writing..although not always the case

& not only these new brands.. but existing brands that one day are made here and the next in China.

Of the 'new' brands. I have noticed an unknown toothpaste sneaking in, baby wipes, washing powder, confectionery...and it's only the start.

With the track record of products out of China it is likely to be fine most the time.. but then drastically terrible other times. There has been chemicals found in Chinese toothpaste before now...
NZ doesn't have the comprehensive checks in place to ensure ongoing safety of these products.

Steer Clear... your health is not worth the risk! What have you noticed??

Enjoy x
Trina

Just Soap - a little luxury everyday

2009-09-23T12:00:00.009+12:00

Lovely Linda at Just Soap gave me a few of her beautiful handmade soaps to try. Just Soap soaps are handmade with no wasteful packaging, and the finest quality ingredients. These soaps are large bars (140 - 150 grams) , and look fabulous on display in the bathroom, and they last too, unlike some soaps that I have used before that melt away after one use.

I've been trying the Hemp and Patchouli bar (looks devine, and smells even better), the Pineapple Mango (beautiful summertime smells) and the Oatmeal, Milk and Honey bar (which has been great for my kids too) - my skin really does feel so much more moisturised. I have very sensitive skin too, but without all the harsh chemicals that I normally react to in commercial soaps, I have enjoyed using these with no problems at all. Finally I can use something that smells nice too :)

"Why Use Handmade Soaps?
Most of the soap available in shops today is not really soap at all but detergent. Detergents are petroleum based like petrol & kerosene. . Other proven harmful ingredients in commercial soaps include SLS, DEA, Isopropyl alcohol, BHT & Triclosan which can cause severe skin irritation. The biggest difference in handmade & commercial soap is that they strip out the natural glycerine to sell as a by product. Natural soap is loaded with natural glycerine & it keeps your skin soft & healthy as it absorbs water from the air. With the ever increasing man made chemicals in the world its good to use a natural product. Treat yourself!"

Linda also will do a batch of soaps free from Palm Oil by request (minimum ten soaps) if you would prefer. Her ingredients include olive oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, palm oil & Shea butter. Sunflower oil, castor oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, hemp oil, cocoa butter & lots of Shea butter are also used .

There is also a range of natural shampoos, conditioners, body wash, Shea Butter skin treatments, Sensitive Skin soaps, gardeners soaps, even Dead Sea Mud soap.

http://www.justsoap.co.nz/

Enjoy K x

Summer is on the way

2009-09-14T19:08:00.002+12:00

Such a beautiful day today. I can see summer coming - finally.

My younger daughter and I spent the morning outside, she played with the chooks, and I picked herbs - Rosemary and Lavender for the fresh fragrance, Borage for its medicinal properties, Mint for my drinks, and Italian Parsley for tonights salad. Spring days like this are a delight. Make the most of them.

Enjoy K x

Gluten Free Turkey Schnitzel

2009-09-08T12:30:00.004+12:00

The Team at Canter Valley - Quality Gourmet Poultry Products have thought outside the square and produced a Turkey Schnitzel that is Gluten Free & Convenient & delicious.

Being on a strict gluten free diet, the relentlessness of it is daunting, but having a new, convenient and healthy gluten free option for a quick and easy meal option is exciting.

Heather @ N'Tolerance gave me a sample to try. I baked mine and it was delicious, the children also enjoyed them.

If you are local to Pukekohe they are available at N'Tolerance in store, or online at Canter Valley.

Well done CanterValley.
$16.20 for 4 Large Schnitzels.

Serve them with vegetables, or as a hamburger, or gourmet sandwich filing.

You can't go wrong with Turkey as it's one of healthiest meats available. They are whole fillets, not reconstituted gooo. For a full list of ingredients please see CanterValley. You'll be impressed I was.

Enjoy x

WIN - BABY STARTER KIT by GAIA

2009-08-31T20:44:00.008+12:00

The lovely team at GAIA Natural Baby have given Pure Eco this awesome prize to give away to our lovely readers.

Baby Starter Kit Consisting of:

Bath & Body Wash
Baby Shampoo
Baby Moisturiser
Skin Soothing Lotion
Baby Massage Oil

Pure * Natual * Organic Skincare

TO ENTER:
(Entries welcome from New Zealand only on this one)

Follow this blog
Join our FaceBook Group
Blog about Pure Eco
Twitter about Pure Eco
Use the 'ShareThis' Button below to spread the word

Comment below to tell us what you've done, and the winner will be chosen at random, more participation the more chance to win.

Good Luck x

Help us spread the Pure Eco Philosophy.

Winner chosen at random, Drawn 8 September 2009...winner notified on here.

Enjoy x

n'Tolerance Birthday Specials

2009-08-30T18:51:00.003+12:00

BIRTHDAY SPECIALS...this week at N'Tolerance.

Visit website to view specials. Stock is limited, sorry, no rain checks.

Daily samples in store For once 'us' Coeliacs can nibble on in store promos....

Monday - home made pizza using MARX, VENERDI & SPOILT FOR CHOICE pizza bases
Tuesday - MARX & BAKEWORKS bread & Birthday Cake
Wednesday - Pies
Thursday - Sweet Treats
Friday - Pizzas
Saturday morning - Sausage Sizzle

There will be other products for tasting through out the week including some NEW products to the store.

Please feel free to come in & help to celebrate with us.

Cheers

Heather @ Ntolerance
7 Seddon Lane
Pukekohe

Ph 09 238 2323
Fax 09 238 2322
www.ntolerance.co.nz
Enjoy x

Hello from me

2009-08-30T12:01:00.004+12:00

Hello

Just a wee introduction from me. I'm Kylie and will be joining the pureeco team. All things natural are important to me with two young daughters, and we enjoy a country lifestyle in Whangarei.

I thought I'd share with you my wee gem of a find - this product has really helped me immensely.

Naturelene The Invisible Glove.

It's a natural barrier cream that you apply morning and night (or as often as you like) , which stops all the nasty daily irritants getting into your skin (dish wash liquid, soaps, household sprays). I suffer from chronic dermatitis on my hands, and even the most gentle of products were irritating my skin, making it crack, itch and bleed.

Within a week of using this product I had noticed a huge difference, no longer are they cracked, I don't wake at night with the intense itchiness that I used to have. I still have to be careful with what products I do use on my hands but this has made an incredible difference.

The product can also be used on cracked heels, babies bottoms, chaffing and any dry skin area.

Its made from 100% Natural plant extracts with no colours, petroleum or animal products. And are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Available from some pharmacies in NZ, or online direct from Australian manufacturers www.ellenjay.com.au

Enjoy x

I've joined the ranks of the looney

2009-08-25T10:56:00.003+12:00

They say to be careful of your thoughts because those thoughts become actions...

Well I've always thought the growing Giant Pumpkins was a little bit crazy and the people that did it even crazier....

We'll NOW that's us. We have Giant Pumpkin Seeds germinating in the Laundry.

Let the competition begin. Ben has already chosen the strongest plant, a few more weeks and we'll plant them out....bring on summer.

Will keep you posted.

For your giant pumpkin fix, we got our seeds from Kings Seeds

Enjoy x

Organic Layette Skincare Essentials

2009-08-25T10:20:00.005+12:00

Enjoy x

is it easier...??

2009-08-09T16:52:00.003+12:00

In late summer, each year I've been dedicating two of the six vegetable beds to my way of composting...

I see the value in composting, but not so keen on the manual labour involved (although doubt my way is any easier)... so each year I compost all the vege scraps, the cuttings, weeds and other garden rubbish by heaping it on the vege beds... it breaks down over winter and come spring I dig it in.

This worked amazingly last year for us, the plants in the beds that I regenerated went crazy...it really is worth it.

Hubby sharpened my spade..and off I went. I roughly dug the two beds...put grass clippings on them and will re dig and plant in October.

Yay Spring is here!

Enjoy x

Starting off life naturally

2009-08-07T10:07:00.013+12:00

You'd be forgiven in thinking that the only brands out there are the ones ladened with perfume, chemicals, fragrance, preservatives as these are the brands in just about every baby publication, the dominant positions in the supermarket and the major baby resources online promoting these brands....

Even though they advertise the fact that they have natural ingredients..most of it should be in a test tube...not on babies skin. Lets face it, would you moisturise baby from a test tube...just because it's in a nice package doesn't make it better.

Now take a moment to read the labels before buying... take it upon yourself to care from your precious newborn, after all that is what you do every day in every aspect of their lives.

The products used with baby... are often over looked... it's not hard, if you can't read the ingredients chances are they belong in a laboratory not in your bathroom cupboard!

Pure Eco's position on this is clear...

Gaia Skin Care is fantastic. Skin care that is free of these nasties. Skincare you can trust with your little ones.

Watch this space for the Gaia series... and giveaways.
Enjoy x

Beer..without the gluten!

2009-08-07T09:53:00.005+12:00

As you know gluten is everywhere, including alcohol.

People needing to follow a gluten free diet now have a beer to choose from...

O'Briens Gluten Free Beer
Available widely across New Zealand check out their website for stockists
Made in Australia

Ale*Pale Ale*Lager

Released in December 2005, O'BRIEN PREMIUM LAGER is a full-bodied, naturally craft-brewed, gluten-free lager, with a distinct fruity aroma and flavour.

The long patient fermentation and maturation periods deliver a smooth, clean and rich beer.

O'BRIEN PREMIUM LAGER was one of only five international beers to win an award at the Gluten Free Beer Festival held as a part of the Chesterfield Beer Festival (UK) in February 2006.

And the Judges' verdict: "For the lager drinker, this offers a real choice, and the no-coeliac may not even notice it is a gluten-free beer."

A classic Australian lager .. anyone can enjoy this!"

Enjoy x

Even though Pure Eco isn't a beer drinker, it was great to have a choice, roll on summer shandys.

the world's easy carrot cake...Gluten Free Optional

2009-08-02T09:48:00.002+12:00

Easy Carrot Cake...and ultra impressive

Combine:
A big ½ cup of Canola or RiceBran oil
1 ½ cup of Raw Sugar

Beat 3 eggs lightly with ¾ tsp vanilla essence and add to the Sugar and Oil mixture

In a large bowl combine 1 ½ cup Gluten Free Baking Mix, 1 tsp cinnamon & ¾ tsp of salt & 3 cups of grated carrot.

Add raisins, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds if desired

Mix all together and lastly sift in 1 ½ tsp of baking soda

Grease cake tin - bake 65-70 mins at 160 degrees celcius, ready when skewer comes out clean

Cream Cheese Icing
350gm Cream Cheese
2Tblspn Lemon Juice
50g Icing Sugar

Beat together until smooth ice cake when cold. Normal lemon icing is just as nice for a dairy free option.

NB: Check the cinnamon, sometimes spices can contain wheat, and also check your baking soda, if baking for someone else, make sure the cookware is ultra clean and free of previous wheat baking residue, preferably new.

Enjoy x

Little paper packages!

2009-07-30T16:13:00.005+12:00

This is how I prefer to buy my seedlings.

1. I usually manage to kill most seeds (with the ones I sow directly to the soil...the slugs often get them!).. and I forget to water them!
2.I prefer to buy plants wrapped in paper or biodegradable containers. It's incredible how quickly those other pots add up. Just unnecessary wastage!
3. Awapuni Nurseries are stocked in the local supermarket..in the $12 I spent on plants earlier in the week (silverbeet, spring onions, celery, and Italian parsley) will save us $100's in a few months.
4. Awapuni Nurseries do have a online shop, and I have bought plants this way also, great for bulk buys.
5. Great value $3ish for heaps of plants...often more than stated on their packet.

and...with the packaging I just dig it in also...extra worm fodder.

Roll on spring (although winter is quite nice, as there are no weeds growing)

Enjoy

Mothers Little Secret

2009-07-29T07:12:00.003+12:00

In general no-one gets as much Omega 3 as they need for optimal health...while we each fish 2-3 times a week this may not be enough.

Omega 3 is vital to growing brains, healthy skin, good brain function, healthy eyes...the list goes on.

We give our children Omega 3 (fish oil) supplements (and probably not as regularly as I should) I also supplement our diets with Flax Seed Oil.

I sneak it in the Tomato Sauce (being kiwi kids they love a dash of this on the side of some meals), I mix about half a cup of FlaxSeed Oil in a refillable container of Tomato Sauce...who would know??

I also include it in my homemade mayo (recipe further down) but we don't have as many salads during winter..

Just another little way to PURE ECO your life..

Enjoy x

Gaia - Skin Naturals Australia

2009-07-24T09:55:00.005+12:00

We have been busy reviewing (and man is it tough..!!) the beautiful organic skincare for babies & men from Gaia Skin Naturals Australia.

It's gorgeous.

More important it fits perfectly with Pure Eco ...making Eco mainstream ..as it is easily found at the major baby stores and supermarkets worldwide..

Watch this space for FANTASTIC GIVEAWAYs

www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

Once per week..I

2009-07-10T09:09:00.005+12:00

Or maybe twice a week I serve up a vegetarian meal (or at least meatless)

..while we enjoy meat (and being gluten intolerant my diet is already too restrictive!) I do cook one or two dinners a week that are meat free.

Hubby isn't always that impressed...but he doesn't really have a choice.

Post your favourite VEGE meals here... it will be great to share.

Last night it was Sweetcorn Fritters, Coleslaw & Wedges... all homemade from scratch.

Recipes to follow...including a beaut little vegetable curry which is gorgeous and worthy of the best dinner party also.

Trina x

Australia...you need EcoTankas

2009-07-09T08:40:00.008+12:00

Australian Town Bans Bottles....

A small Australian town has become the first in the world to ban bottled water.

Bundanoon, a pretty rural town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales agreed the move at a public meeting today.

Businesses in the town of 2,500 people will stop selling bottled water and visitors will be discouraged from drinking it. Instead, they will be provided with bottles labelled with the slogan "Bundy on tap" that can be re-filled with tap water.

Retailers in the town — until now best known for hosting an Australian version of the Scottish Highland Games, entitled Brigadoon — say they are behind the move despite facing a substantial loss of income from water sales....

Making news across the world....Check it out at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6665855.ece

Now if everyone had an Eco Tanka Stainless Steel Drink bottle this would solve this problem and so so much more...

Trina

The best Carrot Cake ever

2009-07-02T19:41:00.003+12:00

I'm a published CHEF!!

Well... A colleague of mine runs Kids with Allergies and has profiled my 'infamous' gluten free carrot cake recipe. All those you know me will know this well.

I'll post it here soon... but in the meantime check it out and enjoy

http://www.kiwikidswithallergies.co.nz/kids-allergies-newsletter/welcome-to-our-first-e-newsletter.html#Recipie-of-the-Month-Easy-Gluten-Free-Carrot-Cake

Enjoy

Specials on HoneySticks

2009-07-02T07:34:00.003+12:00

Lola & Ben loves these gorgeous Honey Sticks...Natural, Beeswax Crayons

Eco - Friendly (uses a byproduct from honey production)
Non- Toxic
Easy for children to hold and create masterpieces with
Smell delicious
Made in New Zealand

Special for July now $11 NZD (usually $14)

Posted everywhere

Enjoy
www.lolaben.co.nz