Letters to the Editor

This is the spot in the magazine where conversation with readers are invited and nurtured. Your comments and questions about the contents of this publication are invited and may be printed here.

Here are a couple of notes I received last month that gave me joy!

We are snowbirding here in Gulf Shores. Somehow this little paper found me. After reading your February Natural Awakenings we took a road trip to Fairhope Piggly Wiggly. The Goat was awesome! Mr. T. is a rock star. I went for a sandwich and came home with $200 worth of his wonderful food and a wealth of information. Keep writing and promoting health. Thank you.

Wendy from PA

In the March ‘letter from the publisher’ I commented on an article from that issue, “The Cellular Magic of Compassion,” and how it taught me to practice kindness for seven days to increase happiness. And I mentioned how “The Joy of Movement,” a Fit Body article from last year, inspired my husband and me to implement a once-amonth dance date night, which prompted this note:

My 7 days of kindness starts now! What a great publisher’s note from your March issue. I love the magazine. I really love the once-amonth dance night. I may schedule that for me and my kids!

Nikki in Mobile

How does Natural Awakenings help you with your happy, holistic lifestyle? MichelleS@NAGulfCoast.com

Clean Beauty & Toxin Free Living from TruAura Beauty

The term Clean Beauty came about in the 1970s. Since then, there’s been a ‘clean makeup’ movement growing as more brands develop makeup that favors natural, healthier ingredients that are also better for the earth.

“Basically, clean beauty refers to toxin-free living using makeup, skincare and hair care products formulated without synthetic chemicals and ingredients that could harm the body or irritate the skin,” says Karen Watson, Brand Partner with TruAura Beauty. She adds that many makeup brands sold today still contain formaldehyde, parabens, artificial fragrance, silicones or triclosan, often used for consistency and texture upon application.

Clean Beauty is different from products that claim to be allnatural. “An average of 168 harmful substances can be found in most ‘natural’ makeup and skin care products. The reality is beauty products on store shelves are not regulated, in fact, it’s common and legal to mix formulas with harmful, skin-irritating, chemicals,” says Watson.

TruAura Beauty is a skincare and makeup company that keeps the health and wellbeing of its customers top of mind. Skincare serums, lotions, cleansers and cosmetics support healthy skin and are completely free from parabens, gluten, synthetic dyes, FD&C color pigments, silicones, synthetic additives, artificial flavors and fragrances.

“Products free from toxins are important because daily use of even trace amounts of some harmful chemicals in beauty products may cause damage ranging from minor skin irritation or allergic reactions to serious hormonal imbalances and disease,” says Watson. Some of the makeup applied to the skin can make its way into the body's bloodstream, multiplying the risks of irritation and imbalance. According to Watson, here are some examples of things to avoid:

Hair dye contains over 5,000 chemicals, including some known to lead to potential health risks. Likewise, many makeup products are known to have toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. FD&C color pigments are made from petroleum-based products which often break down into lead and arsenic, both known carcinogens.

Parabens are a group of chemicals used like preservatives to keep makeup fresh, reducing bacteria and preventing mold. According to the Environmental Working Group, parabens disrupt hormones in the body, harm reproductive organs and fetuses and increase the risk of cancer.

For more information contact Karen Watson 256-508-0389 (call or text). Shop online 24/7 at TruBeauty4u.TruAuraBeauty.com. See ad, page 20.

Local Seafood, Brews and Talent for a Great Cause

OnSaturday, April 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., the 13th Annual Bald Eagle Bash–the Alabama Gulf Coast’s Party for Preservation will be held at Tonsmerie Resource Center on Weeks Bay. The Bald Eagle Bash is an annual fundraiser for South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) and has earned a reputation for delivering great food, great music and a great time, surrounded by beautiful Weeks Bay.

The Bash includes fresh Gulf shrimp prepared by the area’s best chefs and restaurants, a low country shrimp boil, delectable desserts by area bakers, beer from Fairhope Brewing Company and Braided River Brewing Company and a selection of wine. This year’s musical entertainment will feature two musical acts with Nashville-based headliner, LadyCouch, and Mobile-based opener, Dial Street Band.

Purchase tickets online and plan to party on Weeks Bay all for a good cause—to support your local land trust and build community.

Funds raised from the Bald Eagle Bash benefit SALT’s mission: to protect land and promote environmental education in coastal Alabama so current and future residents can enjoy clean water and the marine life, wildlife, and outdoor recreation that define our area. Since 1990, SALT has protected over 11,000 acres of critical plant and animal habitat, coastal lands, the edges along creeks, rivers and bays, clean water and the scenic beauty that defines coastal Alabama. SALT is currently seeking sponsors for the Bald Eagle Bash. Check the website or call Katherine Kuhn 251-990-5004.

Location: Tonsmerie Resource Center on Weeks Bay. 11525 US-98, Fairhope, AL. For more information, visit: SouthAlabamaLand Trust.org/Bald-Eagle-Bash. See ad, page 11.