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Chiki Buttah Organic

Starting Fresh

The new year is the perfect time to refresh and reinvigorate your health and wellness plan and set the tone for the coming months. Let’s take this new beginning and clear canvas as an opportunity for growth, self-reflection and improvement. 

At the start of a new year, people are more likely to stay on track with new goals and stay motivated. Did you know that having new goals actually stimulates a dopamine response, that feel-good chemical that our body produces naturally? 

So now is the best time to take advantage of this natural boost and lay down some new tracks of what you would like to accomplish for yourself in the coming months and years. 

Your journey starts now toward a healthier, happier life. Here are some suggestions to get you started:  

Start small

Start with one small thing and feel victorious. Define specific, achievable, and measurable goals. Whether it’s drinking more water or exercising a certain number of times a week, make sure your goal/goals are clear and attainable. 

Achieving a healthier lifestyle can begin with one simple change. Once you establish that one thing it will perpetuate you to do the next thing and so on. 

What one thing would bring you the most dynamic change at this time? What one thing is attainable for you right now? The key is being consistent. Don’t forget to praise yourself for your efforts! Tell yourself how awesome you are and give yourself a high five!

Start your day with some form of movement

We all know the importance of exercise and when it’s freezing cold outside, it can be challenging to stick with your routine. Winter is when you need  movement  the most to support immunity, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mood. 

Even just a 10-minute walk outside in the sunshine will do the trick and you’ll be getting your vitamin D too! 

Winterize your workouts and be kind to yourself. Opt for slower, more focused workouts and yoga this season. Slow and steady wins the marathon. 

Cultivate stress management tools and stillness

Keep it simple and just do it! It’s a necessary part of creating balance in this fast-paced world we live in. Start with 10 minutes a day and build from there as you become more comfortable. 

This year, make it a point to create this incredibly healthy habit. Did you know that If you do something consistently for 40 days you can establish a new habit that will last? 

If you need some support to get you started I would be happy to help. Simply email me at kim@chikibuttah.com I can answer any questions you may have and offer suggestions. I am a certified meditation teacher. 

There is a wonderful program on the Gaia channel called Rewired with Dr. Joe Dispenza that will help you integrate the importance of stress management. I encourage you to watch and absorb the information because it will help you understand what happens to your body and mind under stress and offers healthy ways to trigger the relaxation response. It also explains the physiology of the positive changes that occur during meditation. After watching this program you’ll feel inspired to continue your meditation practice or start one.

I hope your new year is off to a good start at a medium pace. Let’s take this time to appreciate the stillness in the season of winter while we start implementing baby steps toward our goals of health and wellness. 

Everyday is a new opportunity to do it better than yesterday! Cheers to you! 

Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love, 💙

Kim Keeshin

Every individual possesses a unique set of talents and abilities that make them truly unique. These special qualities are what I like to refer to as superpowers. Whether it’s an innate gift for empathy, creativity, problem-solving, or anything else, your superpower is what sets you apart and can give you a sense of purpose.

In this blog, we want to inspire and empower you to discover and embrace your personal superpower/s so you can live a fulfilling life with a sense of purpose and perhaps even make a positive impact in the world.

Unveiling Your Superpower:

Your superpower is not something that can be taught or learned, it’s something that comes naturally to you, a part of your authentic self, and usually shines through in everything you do.

Take a moment to reflect on what makes you come alive and feel inspired. What do you excel at effortlessly, and what brings you joy and fulfillment? 

It could be your ability to connect with others on a deep level, your knack for problem-solving, your creative flair, or your unwavering optimism. Embrace these unique qualities as your superpower and celebrate them. 

Oftentimes we tend to judge ourselves and see our gifts as a fault or negative trait. All it takes is a shift in one’s perspective to see through a different lens, rather, one of appreciation for these unique traits.  

The Power of Self-Appreciation

Appreciating and embracing your superpower is an essential step towards self-love and feeling worthy. Recognize that your superpower is not only valuable to yourself but also to others. 

It is a gift that allows you to navigate through life with purpose and perhaps even make a meaningful contribution. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for your superpower, for it is a reflection of your authentic self.

Discovering Your Path

Your superpower can guide you toward your true calling and the path that aligns with your natural gifts. Take the time to explore different career opportunities, hobbies, or volunteer work that allow you to fully utilize your superpower.

When you find activities that resonate with your innate abilities, you’ll experience a deep sense of fulfillment and flow.

Follow your passion and pursue opportunities that allow you to express your superpower authentically.

Discovering your superpower involves self-reflection and exploration to find your unique qualities. Here are some steps you can take to uncover your Superpower:

1. Reflect on your passions

Take time to identify the activities, hobbies, or subjects that truly excite and energize you. What are the things you enjoy doing the most? Your superpower often aligns with your passions.

2. Identify your strengths

Consider your natural abilities and talents. What are you good at without much effort? What skills or qualities have others acknowledged in you? Your superpower often lies in these innate strengths.

3. Seek feedback

Reach out to friends, family, or mentors and ask them what they perceive as your strengths and unique qualities. Sometimes, others can offer valuable insights about your superpower that you may not recognize in yourself.

4. Embrace authenticity

Embrace who you truly are without trying to conform to societal expectations or norms. Your superpower comes from your authentic self. Be true to your values, interests, and beliefs.

5. Pay attention to moments of flow 

Notice the activities or tasks where you lose track of time and feel completely absorbed. These moments often indicate that you are utilizing your superpower.

Nurturing Self-Love

As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and embracing your superpower,

remember to practice self-love and self-care. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion, patience, and non-judgment.

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and acknowledge the unique qualities that make you who you are. Surround yourself with positivity, inspiring individuals, and nurturing environments that support your growth and encourage you to utilize your superpower.

Conclusion

Embracing your superpower is not about seeking external validation or comparing yourself to others. It’s about recognizing your own inherent value and appreciating the gifts that make you extraordinary.

Everyone has a superpower waiting to be unleashed. So, take a moment to reflect on your innate gifts, discover your path, and embark on a journey of self-love and purpose!

At Chiki Buttah, we’re passionate about protecting the environment and supporting sustainable initiatives.

Happy Earth Day!

As we celebrate our planet and all its natural wonders, we also reflect on ways that we can do our part to protect and preserve it. As a brand that believes in the importance of all-natural, sustainable products, we know that taking care of the environment is crucial to the health and well-being of our planet.

That’s why we’re excited to shine a light on solar power, a clean and renewable source of energy that is helping to transform the way we power our lives. The truth is that solar power can be easily implemented into our everyday lives and it is a great complement (not total replacement) to oil and gas. This way we do not need to be so reliant on fossil fuels.

Oil and gas are not going away anytime soon but, let’s face it, they are not renewable resources. In other words, there is a finite amount. Keep in mind, as the supply diminishes the prices will continue to increase. So, it is a good idea to use solar energy as a backup.

 Solar renewable energy is becoming mainstream now more than ever. Did you know that solar power has been around since 1884? There are already ways that solar power is being used today that many of us are not even aware of. Just a few examples are; traffic lights, outdoor lighting for landscape and flashlights, powering water heaters and pumps, solar ovens, and other appliances, of course, solar calculators have been around since the 1960s! Even the oil and gas industries have adopted solar farms for help in drilling, processing, and refining. 

To some people, the idea of our ever-changing world can be uncomfortable and trigger fear and resistance. The truth is that solar power is a renewable energy source that can be easily implemented into our everyday lives. Our infrastructure is in the process of changing. Our government is propelling this project forward because they know that this is a necessary step to move in the direction of adopting a renewable energy source….solar energy. This is why there are government incentives, right now, to support this change. Now, is a great time for people to take advantage of these opportunities. 

Owning your own power will give you peace of mind. Our power grids are not as stable as they once were due to the number of people and our overall consumption of energy. We are well aware of power outages that are happening more and more frequently. The electric companies have been raising prices more often every year for various reasons and there is no way to have any sense of control. We seem to just accept this and pay the new prices without thinking twice about it as we simply succumb to this as the “new normal”. The truth is that we have the “power” to take back control by adopting solar energy as a complement to our daily lives.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Reducing our carbon footprint is essential for protecting the health of our planet and preserving its natural beauty. By choosing eco-friendly and sustainable products, we can all make a difference in reducing our carbon footprint.

Additionally, we can reduce our energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics. Every small action we take adds up to make a significant impact on the health of our planet. And one of the actions that I’d like to bring up is the adoption of solar power.

The environmental benefits of solar power are numerous and significant. This means that using solar power can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the negative impact of climate change.

By harnessing the power of the sun, we can create a more sustainable and resilient energy system that supports the health of our planet and everybody’s health in general.

A Good Investment For Your Wallet And The Environment

Solar power is not only good for the environment, but it can also be a smart financial investment. By installing solar panels in your home or business, you can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills. Over time, these savings can add up and provide a significant return on investment. 

So not only are you doing your part to help the environment, but you’re also making a wise financial decision by investing in solar power. By celebrating Earth Day and promoting solar power, we hope to inspire others to join us in our mission to respect and protect our planet. 

Celebrate Earth Day, Celebrate Our Planet

In conclusion, as we celebrate Earth Day and reflect on our impact on the planet, it’s important to consider the ways in which we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Here at Chikibuttah, we remain committed to using all-natural ingredients and recyclable packaging to reduce our carbon footprint. Let’s all work together to make a positive impact on the environment and create a brighter future for us all. 

Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering your home, it can also be a way to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.

As the weather begins to warm up and the flowers and trees start to bloom, many of us feel the urge to refresh and renew our living spaces. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home but can also be for your mind, body and spirit.

With some simple tips you can get the ball rolling and be ready for the fresh new season. Spring cleaning is an excellent way to declutter your house and your mind. Here are some tips to help you get started.

For the house:

1.Start With A Plan

Before you begin clearing and cleaning, take some time to create a plan. This will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed! Make a list of the areas you want to tackle and prioritize them.

Determine what tasks need to be done and what supplies you will need. Having a plan will help you stay focused and less stressed.

2. Declutter

One of the essential steps in spring cleaning is decluttering. Start by going through each room and getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.

I like to make 3 piles: Yes (the keep pile), No (the throw or give away pile) and Maybe (they still need to keep a little longer pile). Donate items that are still in good condition, and throw away anything that is broken or worn out. This will not only clear up space in your home but will also free your mind of unnecessary clutter. The maybe pile may need to be stored for longer until you are ready to let it go, or not. 

Sometimes we have an emotional attachment to something and we are not ready to let those things go yet. This is natural and it’s ok to store things that you’re not sure about at that moment. 

3. Deep clean

Once you have decluttered, it’s time to deep clean. Unless you are great at cleaning, I would suggest hiring a cleaning person for this job. They have a lot of experience, proper supplies and they can usually get the job done faster, with more efficiency. Scrub floors, walls, and surfaces, and wash any linens and curtains. Dust and vacuum all areas of your home, including hard-to-reach spots such as ceiling fans and behind furniture.

This will not only make your home look and smell fresher but will also help to get rid of any allergens or bacteria that have built up over time. 

4. Simplify your space

In addition to decluttering, simplifying your space can also help to clear your mind. Consider reducing the number of decorative items in your home, opting for a minimalist look instead. Simplify your daily routines by creating a designated spot for everything, such as keys, mail, and shoes.

This will help to reduce stress and make your life more organized. It’s also a good idea to play with rearranging, furniture, art and decor. You will notice how the energy can shift and feel lighter just from a few changes!

Spring cleaning your mind…

There are some fundamental rules for caring for the body, mind and spirit.

When the body is clogged up from lack of exercise, poor diet and an overload of toxic chemicals from processed foods, household and personal care products the mind will feel cloudy which usually causes negative thoughts and emotions. I like to use the analogy of a stagnant river where there is fungi, bacteria and mold growing due to a lack of flow. It is the same for our blood flow. When there is stagnation there is a buildup of toxic waste that the body cannot purge. So try these tips:

1. Move

Move your body everyday to oxygenate and move the lymph and blood in your body to get the river flowing. This will enliven your energy, mood and spirit.

2. Positive Mindset

Practice a positive mindset. Replace negative thinking with more positive thoughts. Having positive thoughts is a choice and a daily practice. Remember your thoughts create your blood chemistry and your chemistry creates your mood and emotions. Take notice in the way that your thoughts make you feel. One by one begin to analyze why you are thinking this way and how can you transform that thought into seeing it from the positive side? You have the power to choose your thoughts. Begin clearing each negative thought and replacing them with a positive version until you have a fresh new perspective. 

3.Meditation

Meditate to help clear the mind. Meditation will make it easier to simplify and reduce negative thought streams. By taking a time out daily to reset your mind you will come back to your day with a fresh new perspective. This is the best tool to help you practice having a positive mindset. This is the best remedy for decluttering the mind!

4. Breathing Technique

Cleansing breathing techniques. Practice a simple right and left nostril breathing technique that will help quiet and still the mind. There are so many wonderful benefits to doing right and left nostril breathing, such as: Relaxes the body and mind, reduces anxiety and promotes an overall well-being just to name a few.

 Here is how to do it:

Sit in a comfortable position either in a chair or on the floor with legs crossed. Focus on keeping your breath slow, smooth, and continuous.

You can practice this breathing technique any time, anywhere and as often as needed.

This breathing technique is great to do before meditation as it will create a more meditative state and deepen your meditation experience.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning your house and mind can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. By decluttering, cleaning, organizing, reflecting, letting go and practicing self-care, you can create a clean and positive environment both inside and outside your home. This in turn will magnetize more opportunities, friendlier encounters and overall more positivity in your world. Happy cleaning, happy Spring!

Wishing you all the best this spring in health, peace and love…

“If you want to know what you are here to do, how you can be more loving, or how to get through a difficult situation, my answer is always to meditate. The difference between prayer and meditation is that when we pray, we are asking for something, and when we meditate, we are listening to the answer.” – James Van Praagh

Joy to your world!

Well, we made it to 2023!  What do we do with this fresh new year? How about we focus on bringing more joy and inner peace into our world?

Sounds lovely, right?  Okay, how does one achieve this loveliness?

Achieve inner peace in 2023

Inner peace comes from having faith, hope, and courage. 

Faith, that there is a solution to all things. 

Hope, to never waiver from an optimistic viewpoint and that all will work itself out. 

Courage, the ability to overcome fear when fear presents itself and to know that fear is simply an emotion that is perceived. 

There are so many meditative practices and mindful breathing techniques that can help us to achieve more peace and calm. However, the best time to practice inner peace is when life is happening around us amidst all the chaos. 

Let’s talk about some tools that we can practice and have ready to use when in “the eye of the storm” and tap into that stillness deep within while the turbulence is happening all around you. 

The definition of Peace is: freedom from disturbance, tranquility. 

Most people feel powerless and simply react to life and the situations we observe or find ourselves in. Life will always be up and down and all around. The truth is we have the power to change our situations, thoughts and emotions. When we realize that truth,  we can begin to initiate change and feel empowered to take action. 

Here are some action steps you can take right now to set the stage for cultivating more joy and inner peace. Try doing these as often as needed and see what happens…

1-What makes you feel joy? 

Everyone knows what joy feels like even if it’s just a memory. Joy is something we can feel if we choose to feel it. As an exercise, write a list of things that bring you joy. It could be 1 or 20 things. When complete, pick 1 or 2 from your list and find time in your day to connect with those things that bring you joy. You deserve it!

2-What makes you smile? 

If you need a smile look at internet pictures or videos of puppies and babies. I think it’s safe to say that would make anyone smile! Smiling is a great practice in itself. Make time in your day to just smile. Smiling is nature’s face lift so it’s also great for anti-aging! 

Smiling can greatly affect your mood and even make you feel instantly better. Try it now. Have a negative thought about a person? Try looking at them or thinking of them and smiling and feel that negative thought soften. 

Take more moments in your day to smile. Smile while you are doing the dishes, cleaning, showering, playing with your kids etc…Practice smiling anytime!

3-What is your internal dialogue? 

This is most important because our thoughts set the stage for our emotions and state of mind. If you notice that you are having many negative thoughts, then one by one, you can turn those thoughts into a positive version and reprogram your brain. 

Example: Instead of saying to yourself, “I’m no good at dancing” tell yourself, “I will get better with practice”. Fake it till you make it is the name of the game here. 

Remember this is an exercise in cultivating peace. You may be surprised by the regular thoughts you have that keep you from your inner peace that can be so easily changed!

4-What inspires you? 

For me, I get a lot of inspiration from my spiritual practice through meditation, yoga and qigong. Love is the foundation of these practices. Unconditional love is the highest vibration there is. When you take time in your day to connect with love and loving yourself, then everything else softens and feels more peaceful. 

Where there is love there is healing. Love is inspiring! Take time each day to open your heart, breathe in love, and breathe out negative thoughts and emotions. If you are finding it challenging to feel the love, think of all the people you care about or who care about you and revel in this feeling. What inspires you?

5-You can be happy no matter what

Read this book, “You can be happy no matter what”. Everyone should read this book, at least once! Five principles for keeping life in perspective. There are a lot of people these days that have lost their way to happiness. This has a devastating effect on their day-to-day lives and can result in an endless journey of searching for relief through antidepressant drugs or addiction to food, alcohol, and other things. 

Sometimes, a great book comes along that has the power to awaken something that has been asleep for a long time and can have a major positive impact on our lives. I believe this is one of those books!

How to achieve inner peace in 2023

These action steps are suggestions to get the ball rolling in the direction of positive change. In these challenging times, it is important that we take time daily to nourish ourselves. Just like we need nourishing food daily we also need nourishing self-healing practices. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. 

We all have the power of this moment to change our course. We just need to tap into that still part inside of ourselves so that the noise and conflict can fade into the background for a moment and allow us to recharge. 

The noise will always be there. This noise can take over our lives if we let it. Let’s take a daily time out and cultivate more joy and more peace so we can all just feel good! 

This brand new year of 2023 is full of new possibilities and opportunities. Let’s begin to put the focus on all the good things in the world and manifest more of that! 

Wishing you all the best in health, peace, joy and so much love! 

National Pain Awareness Month was established in 2001 and is observed in September every year. Pain professionals and activists from all around the country get together to raise awareness about problems connected to chronic pain. 

Did you know that due to the opioid crisis millions of people with chronic pain have been tapered off of opioid medications and not offered other treatment options? This leads to tremendous pain and suffering, feelings of abandonment, anxiety and depression and even suicide.

What is the aim of Pain Awareness Month?

Pain Awareness Month aims to make the public aware of how prevalent general pain is, educate them on how to deal with pain, find alternative and holistic remedies for pain and collect funding for research into the causes and treatment of various forms of pain. 

It also creates a community for pain sufferers that can join together to find other therapies and natural remedies to alleviate the agony they are experiencing. More people these days are realizing that prescription and over the counter pain meds are doing more harm than good and are not even that effective over time. It’s just not worth the sacrifice of health! There are a lot of people with chronic pain that are resigned to the fact that they will just have to live with their pain, feeling hopeless and exhausted from the day to day challenges that they have to endure. There is hope! 

Thanks to pain awareness month there is research being done on all types of pain. Understanding and differentiating the type of pain someone is experiencing will determine remedies and action steps to take in relieving and conquering the day to day discomfort. 

Most common types of pain

These are the 4 major types of pain:

What can make pain worse? 

Stress releases stress hormones such as cortisone, which in turn cause inflammation and more pain. If you can reduce your stress, you can reduce some of your pain.

What does chronic pain do to the brain?

Researchers found that in people with chronic pain, a front region of the cortex associated with emotion gets stuck in the active mode and does not switch off causing it to be stuck on full throttle, wearing out neurons and altering their connections. People with unrelenting pain don’t only suffer from the non-stop sensation of throbbing pain but also are highly emotional and stressed all the time.

What can I do to make living with pain easier?

There are some key coping skills and antidotes that everyone with chronic pain should adopt and work to master for success in dealing with their pain condition.

How to cope with pain?

Below are 7 basic coping skills you can implement now to help reduce your pain:

1. Understanding– Do your research and understand the reason behind your pain. When you have a clear sense of what is happening in your body and what is causing your pain you can feel more settled in just knowing this information. From there you can make a plan of action to move in the direction of some form of healing. 

 2. Accepting– Acceptance and having appropriate attitudes and expectations about chronic pain are key to living with more positive outcomes. When you change the mindset of “woe is me” or “why me?” to “what now?” you can then bring your focus on becoming proactive and empowered to take on the challenge of finding remedies that help alleviate the pain and create a more positive mindset.

3. Balancing– There is a balance between doing too much and doing too little. Activity is important even for pain sufferers. It is up to you to know your personal limitations, or, when to push yourself a little more. Remember exercise releases natural endorphins which not only lessen the pain but also boosts your mood. Creating healthy consistent routines and adopting self care habits is key. 

 4. Calming– Cultivate practices that can calm the body and mind. Pain triggers a fight or flight response which causes more tension and more pain. By relaxing through breathing techniques and meditation you will be in control of accessing the parasympathetic nervous system response (rest, relax and repair) to help reduce your pain levels naturally.

 5. Conquering your emotions– It’s always good to have tips and techniques to use when the pain becomes more severe and you are feeling really low. There are a myriad of emotions associated with chronic pain such as, sadness, fear, hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed , depression etc…It is easy to get stuck in these emotions and spiral down into negative thought patterns. Meditation is a great way to intercept your emotions and clear your mind. Even just 5-10 minutes can help. Another way is to repeat a mantra. Here is an example: As long as I am alive and breathing on this earth I will never give up! Repeat it until you believe it! You can say this over and over daily and also write it in a notebook over and over. This is a very effective tool to intercept that downward spiral and begin to create a positive feedback loop. You can even create your very own positive mantra. Over time this will enable your mind to be positively proactive rather than negatively reactive. Conquering your emotions is key!

 6. Natural remedies-Find natural pain relieving remedies and therapies that you can use that can help take the edge off, even if it’s for temporary relief. Here are some suggestions:

7. Join a support group. Here’s is a link to find a support group so you can stay connected and learn some tips and tricks to help with pain.

Key points to remember:

1 .Learn coping skills and how to conquer your emotions.

2. Learn deep breathing and meditation to help you relax.

3. Reduce stress in your life.

4. Boost chronic pain relief with the natural endorphins from exercise.

5. Always have natural remedies available.

6. Try new types of therapeutic modalities that your insurance may cover.

7. Join a support group.

I hope that you will find some comfort in my blog and know that you are not alone. There are lots of resources and support groups available that can help in many ways where you can connect with others to find inspiration and ideas that can be transformational and help your situation. 

Please share this information with anyone you think may benefit. 

Wishing you all the best in Health, peace and love,

Kim Keeshin

Organic skin care products use natural ingredients that are safer and healthier than synthetic chemicals found in conventional products.

Did you know American brands can use the terms clean, all natural and organic on their packaging with no regulation? As more of us look to lead a life with fewer chemicals in it, our quest for clean products is gaining popularity. What makes a product clean and organic?

Do you know what organic skin care is?

Organic: Ingredients grown without the involvement of pesticides, artificial fertilizers and any other synthetic ingredients. Something that exists in nature and has not been modified by chemistry done in a laboratory.

According to the standard of organic law, a product has to be between 95-100 % organic and chemical-free. You can find lots of certified organic companies and lots of companies that use all organic ingredients but choose not to go through the long and arduous process of becoming certified organic because it is an expensive and complex process. There are even some certified organic products that have ingredients that are questionable. So what it all comes down to is reading and understanding what’s on your product labels. 

Organic skin care products should be formulated with certified organic raw materials strictly from nature. Here are some tips to look out for to ensure the quality and integrity of a product.

1-Trust the company that you are buying from

Learn about their ethics, standards and mission statement in order to build trust and confidence to know that what you are buying are in fact high-quality products.

Organic skin care is a good example of a category of products where you need to be careful about the company that sells it. Some companies use harmful chemicals in their products along with organic ingredients, which can be misleading. The chemicals can have a negative impact on your skin’s health.

2-Beware of marketing lingo

Companies are always looking for key marketing words or phrases that are popular and relevant for the times. These marketing strategies are constantly changing according to what is in demand at the moment. 

Because of the growing demand for clean personal care products these days, there are some key things to look out for.

Examples of this are: All natural, green, healthy, clean, non-toxic, organic, eco friendly etc…

The truth is there are lots of companies touting that their products are clean, all natural and organic but if you read the ingredients you will see in fact, that isn’t so. 

Unfortunately at this time there are no laws against this false advertisement, so it is up to us to make sure we understand what is actually in the products we are purchasing. If you are ever unsure about an ingredient you can always refer to the Environmental Working Group. Just type in the ingredient or brand name and you will find your answer. An amazing resource! 

3-Know The Never List

According to extensive research “The Never List” are known ingredients that can cause health issues anywhere from allergic reactions to reproductive issues and cancer.  

I always stress the importance of becoming a label detective so that you can be informed as to what you are putting on or inside your body. Remember the skin is our largest organ that absorbs everything we slather on our body! It’s the things that we do every day that accumulate and can have an impact on us, be it good or bad. Becoming a label detective is the first step in truly taking charge of your health. 

Remember,  it’s up to us to take control of what we introduce onto our skin and into our homes. Familiarize yourself with safe ingredients, read your labels and do your own research. 

You will discover there are tons of products out there that are formulated and composed of mostly synthetic ingredients with just a few organic ingredients in the mix. If you read the labels on these products you’ll find most of the ingredients difficult to pronounce, which brings me to introduce to you “The Never List”. 

What’s in The Never List?

Side note, when creating Chiki Buttah Products we prohibit the use of these harmful chemicals on this list:

  1. Benzalkonium chloride
  2. BHA and BHT
  3. Coal tar
  4. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid EDTA
  5. Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
  6. Formaldehyde
  7. Hydroquinone
  8. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
  9. Oxybenzone
  10. Parabéns (Methyl-,isobutyl-, proply-)
  11. Phthalates
  12. Polyethylene glycol (peg compounds)
  13. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS and SLES)
  14. Synthetic flavor and fragrance
  15. Toluene
  16. Triclosan and triclocarbon

You can keep this list as a reference and check your labels to see if any of these ingredients are lurking in your products. Again if you are unsure about something just check it with the EWG skin deep link.

Why choose clean, all natural and organic skin care

My philosophy is the more informed we are, the better choices we can make in regards to our health and well-being. 

Personal care products are some of the most unregulated and toxic products on the market. We must be diligent and open our eyes to the truth and be proactive to make a difference in our own health and the health of our loved ones.

Please feel free to share this information so we can cultivate more awareness on this subject. 

Chiki Buttah is looking out for you! We got you covered in truly clean and organic products! 

Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love, 

Kim Keeshin 💙

Imagine…Non-Toxic, Paraffin-Free, Clean-Burning Scented Candles for a healthy home and safe environment. Coming soon from Chiki Buttah!

Believe it or not, burning candles can have a negative impact on your health. You can find candles everywhere these days in every kind of store and they are usually inexpensive. Most conventional candles are made with petroleum/paraffin wax, synthetic fragrance, and scent boosters, which are full of toxic chemicals that can have a negative impact on your health. 

Babies and pets are especially at risk because they are much more sensitive to chemicals and are still developing. Continued exposure to these chemicals can cause all kinds of health risks such as asthma, headaches, allergies, lung, heart, and reproductive issues. 

Most candle companies either choose profit over health or simply are unaware of the health risks attributed to cheap wax made from petroleum and scented with synthetic fragrance. According to the CDC, evidence shows that scented candles release toxic chemicals and particulate matter into the air, including formaldehyde and benzene which are known to be cancer-causing.

You may be asking, what constitutes a clean candle? Candles that are made from natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, and coconut wax do not contain chemicals because they are not processed from crude oil. These waxes are in fact all- natural. 

Paraffin wax is a by-product of crude oil and goes through very harsh chemical processes to achieve the final product. When these candles burn they emit these chemicals into the atmosphere. On the other hand, candles made from natural wax and pure botanical scents will enhance the ambiance and atmosphere of a room without the risk of exposure to these chemicals.

Relax with clean scented candles

What about candles scented with synthetic fragrances? We usually burn candles when we are winding down from work, reading, yoga, meditating, bathing, etc. This is mainly when we are inside with the windows shut, which means if you are burning an inexpensive candle made from paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance, you are breathing in some very toxic chemicals. 

You may also notice the black smoke that burns off of the wick when lit. This soot is not only toxic to breathe in but also covers the walls, furniture, and curtains. The soot also circulates through your air ducts. In other words, it gets on everything! This soot contains 11 toxins, including two carcinogens: toluene and benzene.

clean scented candles

Choose clean scented candles – they are safe

How do you know if your candles are safe? Look for candles that are made with pure essential oils. Unfortunately, it is difficult to be certain that a company is in fact using pure essential oils, pure botanical essences, or a combination of both. 

Always read the ingredients and do some research on the company you are buying from. What is their mission statement and ethics concerning health and wellness? If you are buying candles from chain stores you are very likely buying candles that are not clean and free of chemicals. 

Why are clean scented candles so hard to find? 

Candles made with pure essential oils and good quality wax are more expensive to make and the scents will not throw as far. The scent is usually more subtle so most companies would rather use synthetic fragrances for this reason. Even if they are using clean soy or coconut wax and still use artificial fragrance, it defeats the purpose!

clean scented candles

Clean products for a healthy life

These days, it is so important to reduce the number of chemical toxins in our daily lives. As we use more and more products that are not clean this creates a cumulative effect of toxicity in our lives. Especially when it comes to our home environment. Your home is your sanctuary and a clean environment will support your health, vitality, and wellbeing.

Check out Chiki Glo from Chiki Buttah here.

As we become more and more aware of what to look out for, we can feel empowered to make better, healthier choices in our day-to-day lives. Our mission here at Chiki Buttah is to inform and educate ourselves and our community, as much as we can, so that we can begin to make incremental changes for a healthier, brighter future for us all! 

Every season poses challenges for your skin. Try these tips to feel confident that your summer skin care routine is golden!

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. I love the long summer days, outdoor activities, poolside, beach time, refreshing summer recipes, grilling and so much more! 

While we are having all that summer fun, there is also more heat, sweat, and dehydration. It’s no secret that every season poses challenges for our skin so it is important to have a few tips and tricks for the season so you can feel confident that your skin care routine is working for you no matter what season we are in.

Here are some things you can incorporate this summer to keep your skin hydrated, balanced and glowing!

Summer Skin Care Tip #1

Use chemical-free SPF. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your skin from too much sun exposure. Even when it’s cloudy, make sure and apply an all-natural tinted SPF 30-50 to your face, neck and decollete.

My pick: Raw Elements tinted SPF 30. If you are out in the sun all day, you should reapply every few hours. Raw Elements also makes a non-tinted SPF that you can use for the body.

Important tip: Remember most commercial sunscreens are full of toxic chemicals so please please please stay clean and chem free when it comes to sunscreen!

Summer Skin Care Tip #2

Wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses. Wearing a hat and sunglasses will shade your face and minimize damage caused by the sun’s rays, especially in the high heat of the day. This is a great way to avoid sun spots from showing up in the future. 

Summer Skin Care Tip #3

Wear less makeup. Makeup will clog your pores and with the added heat and sweat can cause a build-up of bacteria which leads to breakouts. Let your natural beauty shine!

Summer Skin Care Tip #4

Exfoliate. Use a gentle, all-natural exfoliating product to remove the buildup of dead skin so that your pores can breathe and skin can glow. Exfoliate every few days and follow up with a serum and light moisturizer (if needed). My pick: Eraorganics Manuka honey walnut scrub.

Summer Skin Care Tip #5

Apply an everyday face serum. A good serum is great for replenishing and adding vitamins back to your skin. It will also aid in creating a protective barrier for your skin to ward off bacteria and keep your face from breaking out. Try our Healing Hemp Face Serum. It’s best to use your serum just after you wash your face 2x daily.

Chiki Buttah Healing Face Serum

Summer Skin Care Tip #6

Drink water and replenish with electrolytes. Higher temperatures and more time outdoors lead to internal dehydration which can result in headaches, dizzy spells and drier skin! Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day. Make sure and incorporate good quality trace minerals.

Important tip: To stay well hydrated we need more than just water, that’s where trace minerals come into play. My pick: Beam Minerals. They also have a mineral spray that you can use to spray your face and hair to replenish lost minerals to keep your skin glowing and hair shining. 

Summer Skin Care Tip #7

Homemade replenishing face mask. Treat your skin to a luxurious and inexpensive mask that you can make with items you have in the refrigerator.

Try my favorite creation: Avocado, yogurt and Manuka honey mask.

Mix together the avocado, yogurt and manukau honey. Apply for 1/2 hour. Rinse.

This mask will transform your skin! The yogurt has a mild exfoliating quality and will also help balance your skin’s PH by feeding it with healthy flora. The Manuka honey is antibacterial, anti-fungal and is a superb humectant that will attract lots of moisture into the skin. Avocados are loaded with antioxidants and minerals and can gently exfoliate your skin to unclog pores. You can use this mask 1-3 times a week.

Summer Skin Care Tip #8

Wash your face morning and night. Make sure you cleanse your skin 2x daily with a mild face cleanser. Try Chiki Clean Aloe Cream Cleanser. Aloe is the main ingredient in our face wash and it’s perfect for soothing the skin in the summer.

 chiki clean

A very important tip: When washing your face use only lukewarm water, as hot water can cause inflammation and strip your skin’s natural oils and can cause irritation. Always follow up with your serum and a touch of moisturizer (if needed).

I hope you try one or all of my summer skin care tips and feel confident about your skincare routine this summer.

Remember it is also important to nourish yourself with lots of fresh fruits, veggies and clean protein. Check out your local farmer’s markets this season. You’ll not only be supporting the farmers but also eating local foods that are in season and are the most nutritious! 

Lastly, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer!

Wishing you all the best in health, peace and love, 

Kim Keeshin 

Earth Day is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get ready for a day of collective environmental awareness.

Things happen and manifest when we combine our collective focus and intention for the greater good of all. I urge you to keep this intention in mind and realize that you doing even one new thing to help yourself and/or the environment will make a difference.

So, what are some ways we can go green?

Going Green with Your Lifestyle

Going green doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your comforts and conveniences. It’s about making smarter choices such as recycling, conserving water and energy, buying in bulk and just being more aware about the subject in general, to guide your daily choices.

Another way you can go green is by removing chemicals from your life. Chemicals not only undermine our health but also leach into our water supply, which has led to an increase in cases of cancer and other illnesses in recent years.

By removing these chemicals from your life, you’ll be doing your part to help support the health of you and your family as well as help the environment.

Going Green by Choosing All-Natural and Clean Personal-Care Products

Clean products are not only good for the environment, but they also have a lot of benefits for our skin and overall health.

Make clean products part of your daily routine and feel good about your choices in the direction of better health and a safer, cleaner environment.

As the world becomes more and more toxic, it is essential to use natural, clean products on our skin, hair and body.

Going Green at Home

Going green at home is about making your home a healthier and safer place to live. Start by considering the products you buy.

The most important thing we can do is to be mindful about the things that we buy. Ask yourself, “Is this supporting my health? Does it have chemicals in the ingredients? Do I really need this? Can I find a healthier version?”

We should look for products that are made from sustainable materials and are easy to recycle or upcycle. This way, we will have less waste to deal with in our homes and less pollution in the environment.

Simply put, the use of natural, clean products is a way to go green and reduce your carbon footprint. Just by choosing to use non toxic products for cleaning can help reduce air pollution, water pollution and detox your home.

Going Green at Work

It is not always easy to be environmentally friendly at work, but with a few recycling tips, you can make it easier for yourself and for the environment.

A good recycling tip is to keep an eye out for items that are recyclable so you can recycle with confidence and not have to give it a second thought.

Always recycle paper, cardboard and plastic bottles and glass, as these are the most popular recyclables in offices.

Conclusion

Earth Day is a time for people all over the world to come together and take a moment to appreciate how special our Earth is – it’s our home and it is up to us to preserve the health and beauty of our planet for future generations.

This Earth Day, make a pledge to go green and take steps in the direction of protecting our planet.

Our Passion is your Health

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kim@chikibuttah.com
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