Thursday, October 5, 2017

BPA And Why You Should Keep It Away From Your Children

In the recent years, the debate on the safety of the plastic products towards the human health has dominated the industry. Most people are questioning how the products have been impacting on consumers with most medical experts associating them with the chronic diseases such as cancer. Among the plastics/chemicals that have been focused on is the bisphenol A (BPA). The chemical is found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics.

Products with BPA

BPA’s Effects on Kids

Polycarbonate plastics are mostly in food and beverage containers such as water bottles and other consumer goods. For the epoxy resin, the component may be found inside the metal products such as the dental sealants, food cans, and bottle tops amongst other products. But what has many worried is the impact that the chemical may have on kids. For your information, the chemical was detected in the urine of 93% of the kids above 6 years and above. Just ask any general practitioner in Brisbane, that’s how profound the chemical is.

According to studies carried on the BPA, it has been found that the chemical imitates the hormones such as oestrogen once it enters the body. In fact, most of the studies have shown that even a low exposure to the chemical can lead to reproductive complications such as poor sperm count, increased risk of cancer, obesity and depression, particularly in teenage girls. Due to its oestrogen-like shape, BPA can bind with the hormone (Oestrogen) receptors to influence energy levels, cell growth and cell repair thus affecting your body functioning.

Hormonal Effects of BPA

Hormonal Effects of BPAIn addition, bisphenol can also interact with other hormones receptors including thyroid hormone to alter their functioning, and this can be dangerous to the body. Since kids hormonal system is at the developing stage, they are like to be affected by this chemical more than the adult. That’s why you should try the best you can to protect them from the chemical.

But how can you protect your kids from this chemical? Well, there are numerous ways that kids can get exposed to BPA. First, you should burn eating canned food and beverages since it’s the most significant way of exposure. Secondly, ask your dentist to use BPA-free sealant on your children. Third, avoid all plastic materials that are labelled “PC” or #7 since they contain this chemical and lastly use alternatives such as grass and porcelain.  Also, make sure that you are not letting your kids play on toxic playgrounds. These are just ways through which you can protect your kids.

Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331
http://www.medicinenet.com/plastic/article.htm
http://www.healthychild.org/easy-steps/keep-kids-away-from-bpa-in-plastics-cans-and-more/

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Top Best Trending Accessories 2017

This year’s trending fashion is all about wearing accessories to fit your dress and fashion. With changes in fashion industry and season, the taste and preference have been changing over the time, but some have remained consistently dominating the market. These are the accessories that are setting the trend in the market this year. Here are to trending accessories in 2017.

Fashionable Accessories for 2017

  • Mismatched Earrings

Mismatched earringsThis is one of the most accessory trends this year. The fashion industry is pushing the boundaries beyond unimaginable limits to get that uniqueness. Mismatching earrings started off slowly but has grown big few months into 2017. Imagine putting your hand into your jewellery box and coming up with two different earrings.  If they look like a perfect combo, just wear them and have fun.

  • Cinched by Corsets

This is another trend that many designers seem to be obsessed with. Most of the people love to cut their weight and have an outstanding waist. Corsets can be described as the best when it comes to waist slimming. You only need to dress up any clothing, be it loose or tight and put the corset over it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a suit jacket or a big loose shirt, but it will bring out the best design ever.

  • Oversized Raw Stone Pendants

Oversized Raw Stone PendantsGoing big is the main trend that is taking over the fashion industry. Pendants are at the centre of this trend. Oversize raw stone pendants are one of the trends picking up this spring/summer in a great way. Their flexibility and versatility are the main reasons why many people attracted to them.  They come in different colours and can be worn with various outfits, particularly casual wear. They are great with T-shirt or jeans.

  • Armbands

Armbands will always give you a perfect match with a beautiful dress or a sexy top. There are different types of armbands that you can select from to determine the one that fits your dress. Some of these are beaded bangles, etched or shiny metallic and braided leather among others. They are for casual wear, and all you need is to choose one that suits your dressing.

  • Tie Me up Belts

You cannot talk about any trending accessory without mentioning belts. Belts have been used since time immemorial but this summer you can tie it differently to make your design more stylish. They are very versatile, and you can wear them with any outfit both official and casual. Knotting your belt around an oversized shirt or a cocktail dress can be very attractive. Don’t shy away from trying this and you will like it more and more.

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Must Have Pool Furniture

Great pool furniture brings comfort and meaning to your outdoor spaces. But buying one isn’t as easy as counting 1, 2, and 3. With the wide range of choices you have, picking the perfect pool furniture entails serious consideration.

Home improvement experts however encourage us to use three guidelines when buying, which include the price, aesthetic value, and function. You want the furniture to go with your budget and style requirements, and you have to make sure that they are functional. 

To save you from the burden of choosing, here are some pool furniture to consider:

Swimming Pool Patio Table Set

Swimming Pool Patio Table SetA comfortable table adds a welcoming functionality to the poolside. But do not go for just anything, there are traditional pool tables that are better used for gaming while there are those intended for relaxation. Now, the Swimming Pool Patio Table Set is specially made to submerge into the water of your swimming pool. The unit comes with small perforations that fill up with water to weigh down the table. Perfect for families and friends, the Swimming Pool Patio Table Set comes with 4” diameter picnic table that goes six inches above the waterline so as to keep all things on top of the table dry. The unit also comes with an umbrella.

Adir Italian Designed Teak Wood Outdoor Portable Shower

Adir Italian Designed Teak Wood Outdoor Portable ShowerThis pool furniture gives a new meaning to outdoor showers. It can be placed almost anywhere and can easily connect to standard garden hose. No plumbing is required; in fact, it doesn’t need any form of pipes or faucets. Getting this pool furniture means having a handy shower you can count on before and after a dip in the pool. Moreover, using the portable shower is as easy as pie since you simply step on its smooth teak wood and its weight activated stainless bars would send fountain-like sprays from your toes to your head.  It is possible to adjust the water height from 4 feet to 12 feet.

Texas Recreation Serenity Pool Float

Texas Recreation Serenity Pool FloatThis pool float can easily catch your heart with its cool and sparkly finish. Created from a sturdy glossy vinyl coated material, it is easy to clean and its rippled surface adds an extra touch of comfort. With different color options to choose from, you can definitely find the perfect one that suits your taste and style. This is definitely one way to keep your kids and the entire family entertained. It is proudly made by Texas Recreation, which is an American based manufacturer of floating aids, pool accessories, and safety equipment.

Airchair

AirchairIf comfort, value, and functionality are what you are looking for, then the Airchair (https://airchair.co/inflatable-furniture/) should be the perfect pool furniture. Available in different colors, it also boasts on its easy to inflate feature.  Within seconds, you’ll have a great inflatable chair that looks especially good on the poolside. Airchair is basically a large bag that you can fill with 600 liters of air. It weighs just 2.8 lbs and can hold up to 440 lbs. It folds up to a size of a potato chip bag so storing it after use shouldn’t be a problem.

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Are Your Children Playing in a Toxic Playground?

Having children play outside on playground and fields is a way to ensure that they are given a chance to participate in physical outdoor activities and engage in athletics. Soon enough, the first plastic playground, “Chemgrass,” which resembled natural grass, was constructed. The number of artificial fields has tripled since their construction in 1960.

 

Artificial Playground

Lately, there has been a caution that children could be playing on potentially toxic playgrounds without their guardians’ knowledge.

Note that the more time children engage in different sports activities, the more concerns these artificial playgrounds raised.

Athletes complained that these artificial fields were harder than natural grass. Subsequent studies supported the complaint as it showed an increase in the risk for football and other sport related injuries. As a result, the English Football Association banned the use of artificial turf in 1988, and in the 1990s, the United States adopted the use of natural grass on ballparks and professional stadiums.
For other remaining artificial playground and fields, rubber was added to provide more cushioning and to maintain the position of the artificial grass blades.

There are approximately 4,500 playgrounds, tracks, and fields in the United States, and the use of artificial turf wasn’t banned altogether because it does have its own advantages. For one, artificial turf can withstand all weather conditions, hence it is can be used for a long time. It also requires minimal maintenance compared to a field with natural grass.

From Tire Swings to Play Surfaces Made From Tires

Tire SwingSome time back children used to play on tire swings in the backyard or at the park. Now the tires are being recycled and used as raw materials for constructing children’s playgrounds, a move that may be hazardous.

United States Environmental Protection Agency approximates that 290 scrap tires are generated yearly with 28 million being used as surface for artificial turfs. Despite recycled scrap tires being viewed as raw materials that could be less harmless to children when they fall, there have been more disadvantages than expected. These disadvantages include harboring rodents and other animals and trapping stagnant water, therefore, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-causing insects. Besides, disposed tires are more flammable and harmful since they release toxic chemicals polluting air and groundwater. The following are some of the materials used on playgrounds construction:

  • Surface raked loose tire shred or “crumb”
  • Tire shreds mixed with a binder then poured onto a durable surface
  • Tires manufactured from tire shreds and binder that is factory-molded and glued to the field’s surface.

Are Playfields Made from Recycled Tires Potentially Dangerous to Children

Rubber Turf PlaygroundRecycled tire materials used on playground surfaces have more concerns regarding safety. The tires have been identified to cause health problems due to the other chemicals added to natural rubber. These chemicals contain phthalates that affect hormones, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, PAHs chemicals are naturally or artificially made by burning oil, gas, coal or garbage, increases cancer risks when breathed in and also birth defects.

What Scientific Studies Say

Studies carried in 2007 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) investigated the health risks children were being exposed to while playing on these surfaces. One of the studies evaluated some chemicals that could harm children after contact by ways such as through eating them or touching them then later touching their mouth. The other two studies established the risk of injuries from falling on these grounds compared to wood chips and also determined whether these tire shreds could contaminate air or water.

The researchers used chemical solutions that resembled conditions of a child’s stomach, added 10 grams of tire shreds and left it to settle for 21 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. In the case of the children touching tires then touching their mouth, the study involved the use of wipes to wipe tire shreds then measuring the volume of chemicals in the wipes. The researchers used guinea pigs to test effects of the fragments on the skin. Results of these studies showed that continuous or long-term exposure to these chemicals increased chances of children developing cancer. Studies done showed that 20% of the tested chemicals could cause cancer and body reactions, and 24% of the respiratory irritants could cause asthma symptoms, 37% irritate the skin, and 27% could cause eyes irritation.

What the EPA Has Done

United States Environmental Protection AgencyThe EPA organized a field study that collected and analyzed data artificial turf fields and playgrounds that used recycled tire materials. The agency collected several samples and released a report that concluded the level of chemicals detected were of no concern. However, results of these studies had various limitations since the study did not include the concentration of organic compounds that vaporize during summer.

EPA could not establish reliable results due to the small number of samples used, so they joined other organizations in recommending that children should frequently wash their hands after playing on these fields. Later a meeting was convened in 2010 by EPA member states to discuss health effects of exposure to chemicals on recycled tire-rubber-made playgrounds. EPA finally concluded that human cancer could be caused by breathing PAHs and through skin contact.

How to Protect Your Children?

A current disturbing question is how one can protect children playing in these fields. The rate at which children are likely to be harmed by exposure to these chemicals is higher than in adults because they are small, and their bodies are undergoing development. It is, therefore, advisable to try and avoid any contact that a child may have with hazardous chemicals. Ensure your kids play on natural grass playgrounds.

Parents should also participate actively in campaigns aiming at persuading government officials to use wood chips instead of recycled tire shreds in constructing playgrounds. Also, these materials should be free of chemicals.

Recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and EPA educate parents on the importance of frequent hand washing after playing outside and before eating. It is also advisable that a child should remove his or her shoes and clothes before entering the house in case of loose tire shreds.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

A Perfect Christening Day for Molly Grace

Baby Christening

CHRISTENING FEATURE

A BIG THANK YOU to LEESA for sharing these gorgeous pics and a little about Molly’s Christening

Words by Leesa

These photos are of my little girl Molly in my all time favourite photo of her (so far) at her Christening.

We had a great day, it was my husband’s 40th birthday on the same day and his family who had never met Molly came over from Tasmania. I made white choc mud cupcakes for her cake and while you can tell they are definitely not professional cakes they still looked kinda pretty LOL xxx

Christening Cupcakes

When I first saw this top photo… I was “ahhh and ooohing”,  what a glorious…gorgeous photo!   Hope you have this up and enlarged!!

The cakes also look professional to me, and I can tell a labour of love and dedication went into making each one.   It looks amazing… and special!

Thanks so much for sharing!!

We sent out a CALL OUT to our facebook friends and have lots of amazing and inspirational blog posts coming up to share with you.  Christenings, naming days and baby showers… wow… there is so many great ideas during March…. hope you have a great time reading about them all.

Why not get some inspiration from ollys special Christening Day.  Below are some Christening gifts and ideas to get you started.

Christening Ideas from La Toriana

A baby Christening or naming day is so so special and one that will be remembered for a very long time, so make it special.  From  the invites and food, to photos and clothing… there is so much to help make it special, and at La Toriana we are here to help.  Maybe a special invitation, baby card?  Or a designer baby outfit for the special day…  check our designer collections of baby gifts, baby clothing and baby designer wear.  Give us a call or email too as we know some people prefer not to buy online.  We have lots of options available.  We look forward to catching up with you soon.

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Belly Art on Sunrise Channel 7 This Morning

 

Remember the Blog post HERE  I did on a fresh, new business Up The Duff Belly Art?   Well… Kym has just been seen on Sunrise Channel 7 TV.  Yep, how exciting!!.  A Channel 7 Sunrise producer read my blog on her and invited her to be on TV.  How cool!

snippet of the article on Sunrise website  {Not all women would want to show off their pregnant bellies but it’s certainly more common for Hollywood mums to show off their bumps.

‘Pregnancy shouldn’t be hidden,’ says small business operator and painter Kym Hamilton from Queensland’s Gold Coast.

‘Pregnant women should be loud and proud. ‘It’s more accepted for women to let it all hang out nowadays.’

Certainly celebrities seem into it.

Demi Moore kicked off the trend with her pregnant belly on the cover of Vanity Fair mag in 1991.

Dannii Minogue is currently on the cover of Who mag’s Most Beautiful People issue.}

Kym is soon to be a well known belly art artist.  She is available to do pregnant bellies and belly casts, so feel free to contact her to book in.  with Mothers Day coming up soon this is a great idea for new mums!

At La Toriana, we have some other great gift ideas for mums, and the La Toriana BLOG will be featuring a few more great mums in business and websites for mums during April and May.  If you have a business and would like to be featured here… contact me today and we will book you in.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Little Miss J and Mista TJ ~ *WOW*

 

Designer Clothing for Boys

Black Skirt for Girls.

Cute Dress for Girls.

Girls Designer Clothing.We have received our latest shipment of  Little Miss J & Mr TJ items in the shop and there are “oohs and ahh’s” from customers has been amazing.  We know there are avid fans from the Summer Collection of designer girls clothing and well, you will be so impressed that there is now designer boys clothing full of class and attitude!  Jo, the creator of the Little Miss J  & Mista TJ is fast becoming a known entity in the world of kids fashion, and we are so pleased to be stocking her kids clothing label in the shop and online.

A gorgeous new children’s collection in luxe fabrics and a subtle palette of colours – perfect heirloom pieces.

Little Miss J was developed by people that are in love with the pleasure of life, passionate and not afraid to show it, where individuality is revered and creatively encouraged. We are gradually filling your armoire with gorgeous fabrics, laces and trims from all around the world.

Designer Creations made for the 1 to 10 year’s of age. Proudly designed and made in Australia.

                           “Difference between Style and fashion is Quality”

 

Inspired from parents memories of music, culture and fun this urban classic range has been brought back to life to a new level, thru fashion. Australian owned and made.

100% Australian organic cotton, silk screened t-shirt collection along with sleek skinny pants and  wait coats.

Australian …. THE BEST

Mista TJ Boy Clothing.

Visit La Toriana online this weekend to see all the above items online.  At La Toriana we have a passion for baby & kids fashion.

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