WARNING: Gross-out Alert. Only continue if you can handle poop talk.
A few weeks ago, Tennison had to go #2 in a Target bathroom. For some unknown reason lately, every public place seems to inspire bowel movements from both of my children. While this is something I would like to avoid what are you really going to do? So off we went into the stall where she proceeded with her business. To my complete shock, her entire poop was fuschia. At first I was terrified that it was blood but after more careful examination I realized it was just a bright pink poop. Needless to say, it was very disturbing and very unnatural. It didn’t take too long to find the culprit. Her little face still had the pink stains from a leftover birthday cupcake she had earlier that day. Her second one from the party in two days. It ended up taking a few days to clear all the frosting dye from her system. This event got me thinking about what artificial colors are actually doing to our bodies. Here is what I found:
Common Food Dyes
Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings along with many other products, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:
Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)
Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damage
Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks, pet foods and toothpaste. I recently switched the kids toothpaste to Tom’s of Maine because it does not contain the blue dye that many of the makers use to draw in children.
Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124) or AKA ‘the pink pooper’
Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out. Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission
Found in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more.
Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)
Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.
Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more.
Some grocery chains, including Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, refuse to sell foods with artificial coloring. Unfortunately, those two chains are not in my market but I do know how to read. To make sure your family is protected always read your food labels. Dyes are in more than you may think.
When I first saw the breastfeeding doll I was not very surprised. I think on a whole we have been largely desensitized to what marketers throw at us these days. But would I buy a breastfeeding doll for my 4 year old? No. I think it is just too much. I was listening to Dr. Keith Ablow firing off that this doll over-sexualizes young girls setting them up to be the next generation cast on Teen Mom. I believe that to be a bit overreaching. Breastfeeding is not sexual. Big boobies on display at Hooters is sexual. There is a difference. I just don’t feel the need to thrust motherhood upon her at such an early age. Besides, if she feels the completely natural need to nurture she has plenty of plastic baby dolls littered about the house she could pick-up and mother. I will save myself the $89.00.
Occupation: Senior Vice President of Market America and SHOP.COM (Internet marketing and product brokerage companies)
Hometown: Miami, FL and New York City
H&H Interview with Loren:
1. What are the top 5 wardrobe essentials every woman should have?
Leggings, a white ribbed tank top, black blazer a good pair of fitted jeans and a little black dress!
2. What style advice do you have for a new mom stuck in a fashion rut?
Accessorize! Accessories can turn any simple or challenging outfit into a polished look.
3. What are a few quick beauty secrets to help busy moms on the go look their best?
Always wear mascara, lip gloss, Motives® No Shine Makeup Setting Spray and Motives® Pressed Bronzer which adds a sexy glow to your skin.
4. What beauty product are you never without?
My Motives® Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, Full Coverage Photo Finish Powder, Motives® Pressed Blush in Dancing Queen, Motives® Pressed Bronzer in Miami Glow, Motives® Pressed Eye Shadow in Steel, Cosmic, Starstruck and Vanilla, Khol Eyeliner in Onyx, Motives® Rich Formula Lipstick in Pink Rose & Nude and Pucker Up Lip Plumper in Temptress and Diamond!
5. What is your favorite reality TV show?
I don’t really watch a lot of TV, because I don’t have much time, but when I do I enjoy watching House Hunters on HGTV, Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s and Selling New York.
6. What is your cocktail of choice?
Kettle one with soda and splash of lime juice
7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?
When I was holding our best friends baby the other day, whom she is the godmother of, she was trying to tell me how I needed to hold him and what to do… I loved it.. considering she forgot I have done it already with her…
8. What is your favorite quotation?
My favorite quote is the one that is on Loren’s World, “You Become What you Think About All the time.”
9. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a little coveted ‘me’ time?
Massages! Nothing is better after a long day or week!
10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom style icon and why?
My good friend Kris Jenner, because she has a classic, yet edgy style to her and she is a mom to six kids! Jackie O because of her classic, elegant and timeless style and my very dear friend, Jennifer Lopez because of her evolving style and effortless sexy style, and of course, Elizabeth Taylor for her remarkable Hollywood glamour and the fabulous jewelry collection she had.
11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I work from home in my pajama’s all day!
12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?
I take a lot of supplements, Isotonix® OPC-3, Isotonix® Activated B Complex and Isotonix® Reservatrol. I love to ride my bike and when I’m in Miami I love to take a dip in the pool after a long day of work…it’s a great way to de-stress. I also get a lot of facials and drink plenty of water, which helps me stay hydrated and keeps my skin looking fresh, in addition I snack on lots of fruits.
Not an art form I know well by any means. Here was me the other day having a pleasant conversation with a nice older lady about the hot Florida weather when she said something that made me smile my big toothy, goofy grin:
Nice lady: “Oh, what beautiful teeth you have!”
Me: “Uh..oh..(hand now covering mouth)..uh..thanks?” Cue me now scurrying away.
I would say that was a rather spastic response to a totally innocuous statement. At least I responded. Usually I just look at the other person wide-eyed and slack-jawed. There is something about receiving compliments that catches me completely off guard and turns me into some sort of shy, self-conscious buffoon. Why couldn’t I just stand up straighter, grant her another smile and say, “Well, thank you! I owe it all to flossing” and then continue on with our conversation? I have given much thought to this lately. One thing I know for certain is that I LOVE receiving compliments. Even though it isn’t obvious at the time of said compliment I do secretly revel in it later. I don’t believe it is a security issue. I have my days but on a whole I am a confident person. I don’t think it is an insincerity issue either. I mean, come on, I do have some pretty fabulous teeth. I think it comes down to the fact I do not like the spot light. At all. Case in point? My wedding. I could not stand the thought of having a bunch of people there all staring at me. So, we went to the courthouse instead. I don’t regret this decision but I am planning a BIG party for our tenth anniversary next July. I am proud of our marriage and our time together and I want to share it with others. I decided to apply this same line of thinking to receiving compliments. Own it and be proud of it. When people compliment you they are usually interested in what they are praising you about. Thank the person and then share with them why it is so. Example:
Nice person: “You are in really good shape!”
Old me: “Whatever. I feel fat” (answered while shifting around awkwardly)
New Me: “Thanks! The 5 days a week I spend at the gym seem to be paying off.” (Then add in an arm flex for good measure. Actually, don’t do that. Seriously, don’t.)
Just do not make light of it because I am sure you are worthy of the compliment. More importantly, remember to give compliments to others. We all know how a few nice, unexpected words from someone can completely change the direction of your day.
WARNING: Gross-out Alert. Only continue if you can handle poop talk.
