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Swapping Toxins for Healthy Options

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My Journey to Becoming an Ingredient Geek and Why I Chose Pure Haven

By Monique Bottger

This post may contain affiliate links.

Curious about my journey to becoming an Ingredient Geek and why I chose Pure Haven?

Day we adopted rescue Gracie @GracieGirlJourney on Instagram

Confession ~ I like to read.

When I say I like to read, I mean I REALLY like to read. A true Bibliophile with LackaNewBookaPhobia (fear of being without a new book). As a kid, I read the cereal box during breakfast, the shampoo bottle while washing my hair, and the toothpaste tube while brushing my teeth… you get the idea. I read long into the night with a flashlight under the covers. In fact, I still read under the covers so the light on my Kindle doesn’t disturb my hubby.

I’ve battled various skin issues & allergies including acne, eczema, psoriasis, & contact dermatitis my whole life.

One summer, my eczema got so bad my mom put the prescribed hydrocortisone steroid cream on the inside of my arms and wrapped them with plastic wrap. I slept with gloves on so I wouldn’t scratch! The doctors also tried an elimination diet where I remember ONLY eating green beans and drinking apple juice. I’m sure I probably ate more than that, but that’s all I remember from that time.  Side note, in addition to the red, itchy patches all over, I also wore glasses, had braces with full headgear, and had acne. Let’s just say, I was a vision to behold… and yes, I was smart, so truly a geek too.

My long journey of holistic & healthy learning

My Journey to Becoming an Ingredient Geek and Why I Chose Pure Haven

Us with our now Angel Ginger

Since I enjoy learning and researching healthy options, I’ve taken many courses. Everything from aromatherapy / essential oils, herbal remedies, and homeopathy. Thanks to menopause (aka mental-pause), everything got a bit crazy.  My hormones, thyroid, and adrenals got all out of whack. I began having a variety of extra health issues, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and Environmental Sensitivities (ES). Many fragrances often give me a 3-day migraine. I started making my own products, which was rewarding, but time-consuming.

I wanted to find one place to shop for a full-line of personal care products

My hubby & I got tired standing over a hot stove melting beeswax for my eczema lotion. I saw a post about products made with great organic ingredients and essential oils. Praying that none of the products would irritate my skin or give me a migraine, I signed up as a consultant to get the best price. Thankfully, I loved all the products right out of my kit. It wasn’t until I started the training that I learned about “greenwashing.” I THOUGHT I was reading labels carefully & buying products that were safe, natural, and organic.

Taken in by clever marketing, I realized I was not only wasting my money, but also exposing myself to harmful toxins.  That made me angry!

That’s when everything changed for me. I REALLY started reading the labels of EVERY product we used. Roy says I’m now a “crusader” empowering families to choose the healthiest lifestyle possible. Unfortunately, many are unknowingly harming themselves with their everyday products! Take a look to see if you are Avoiding These Top Toxins. Unsure of the ingredients on the products you’re using? I’m happy to help you decipher them. I’ll honestly let you know if they look good, or if there are ingredients of concern.

Products that are guaranteed 100% free of toxins.

That’s just one of the reasons why I chose to become an Independent Consultant for Pure Haven.  They create fresh products, made in small batches, free of toxins, environmentally sustainable, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. They adhere to a strict, six-step ingredient sourcing procedure and manufacture the products in their USDA Certified Organic facility.

Ready to start Swapping Toxins for Healthy Options?

Now that you know why I chose Pure Haven, are you ready to start Swapping Toxins for Healthy Options? Here are some First Steps to Living Toxic Free. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s chat, and let me help you on your own natural non-toxic journey. I can send you a list of the top ingredients to avoid.

Monique, the Ingredient Geek has an uncanny sense of ingredients and what is reasonable for our best health.  She is able to make sense of some complicated products that would baffle any normal person. Being an Ingredient Geek is her superpower! ~ Milea S.

Let’s start the conversation about ingredients in products with others ~ Contact me to speak to groups, companies, or a few friends gathered together online or in person.

Filed Under: Ingredient Education, Key Tagged With: eczema, ingredients to avoid, menopause, multiple chemical sensitivities (mcs)

Previous Post: « What’s Hiding Behind the Fragrance Ingredient?
Next Post: Avoid Synthetic Fragrances and Make Your Own Scent »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John

    November 13, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    Kudos. Useful stuff!

    • Monique Bottger

      December 11, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      Thanks so much!

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 11, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      Thank you Maria!

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 11, 2017 at 11:00 pm

      Thank you, I appreciate the share!

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    • Monique Bottger

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    • Monique Bottger

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      Thank you

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 12, 2017 at 12:19 pm

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 14, 2017 at 11:04 am

      Lashay, it may seem overwhelming… that’s why I suggest Easy Product Swaps for Living Toxic Free (http://theingredientgeek.com/product-swaps-for-toxic-free-home ) or swap one product at a time. Happy to help you on your nontoxic living journey.

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 14, 2017 at 11:15 am

      Thanks… enjoy starting a blog! If you need help creating a blog, I highly recommend the Sassy Suite Blogging Bootcamp (now https://thepurpleteacup.com/)

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 14, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Thank you for your kind words. I did make it! I took the Sassy Suite Blogging Bootcamp (now https://thepurpleteacup.com/) to help teach me how to create it from the “ground up”. This is a WordPress Genesis theme – Foodie Pro

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 14, 2017 at 11:23 am

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    • Monique Bottger

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 18, 2017 at 9:56 am

      Thank you Ashli!

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 18, 2017 at 9:57 am

      You’re so welcome Regena ~ I’m glad you found it helpful!

  15. Alissa

    December 17, 2017 at 10:59 pm

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 18, 2017 at 9:58 am

      Thanks Alissa!

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 18, 2017 at 10:01 am

      Thank you Rochelle!

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    • Monique Bottger

      December 18, 2017 at 10:02 am

      Thank you Millie!

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Welcome to My Cyber Home!

Hi, thanks for stopping by!
Pull up a chair, grab a healthy beverage, and let's chat!

My name is Monique, and I’ve been married to my Prince Charming, Roy, since 1988. We live in sunny San Diego with our rescue pup Gracie.

I love helping people learn about swapping toxins for healthy options. I'm fascinated by all aspects of natural living for families and fur babies; everything from essential oils, homeopathy, herbals, organic food, and non-toxic products. I love speaking to groups about Healthy Living, Healthy Products, and Healthy Relationships.

I also enjoy dancing, reading, a very eclectic mix of movies, DiSC personality profiles, mentoring, and teaching Bible Studies.

I’m very passionate about giving back & educating others. See how I became an Ingredient Geek here →

Pure Haven Independent Consultant
CWEN - Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network

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Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.  This website may also contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read full disclosures here.

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