Healthy Fast Food Choices

The drive-trough doesn't have to derail your diet! Dig into these guilt-free picks

Sonic's Grilled Chicken Salad
Calories 285 Fat 10g
Top this veggie-heavy entree with fat-free italian dressing."I love that the salad contains cabbage, which is great source of vitamin C, "says NYC nutritionist keri Glasman, author of The 02 Diet. "And the meal with chicken has 28 grams of filling rotein!"{

Domino's 12-Inch Veggie Pizza 
Calories 180 Fat 6g
"it's important to have pizza, because it makes you happy," Zoe Saldana tells Us. Glassman, founder of Nutritiouslife.com, recomends grabbing a slice of this pie ("Mushrooms help boost immunity") and pairing it with a big salad for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.

Subway's 6-Inch Veggie Delite Sandwich
Calories 230 Fat 2,5g
"Subway is the greatest invention ever," Kaley Cuoco tells Us of her short-on-time staple. Glassman gives a thumbs-up to this sub. "Even if you aren't vegetarian, it's good to have a few nonmeat meals per week to keep your cholesterol and saturated fat consumption low," she says. "And there's only 410 milligrams of sodium."

Mc Donald's Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich
Calories 370 Fat 4,5g
"The 32 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber will keep you feeling full," says Glassman, adding, "You also get some vegetables, thanks to the slices of tomato and lettuce." Just hold the mayo and opt for mustard insted!

Bugger King Hamburger
calories 260 Fat 11g
"If I want a burger, I'm going to have one," Martina McBride tells Us. Luckily this one is virtually guilt-free. Says Glassman, "The fat grams and calories are pretty low."

Au Bon Pain's Large Vegetarian Chili
Clories 300 Fat 3g
"I am pretty strict vegetariant, so that rules out alot of things,"Olivia Wilde tell US. She could spoon up this soup. "It contains about as much fiber [27 grams] as you need in a day," says Glassman. "And it's loaded with antioxidant-rich beans."

Taco Bell's Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco
Calories 170 Fat 4g
Good news for Mexican-food lovers Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston! Glassman applauds the 12 grams of satisfying protein, the salsa ("it's full of lycopene. which may prevent UV damage") and the onions ("They contain immunity-boosting compounds")

Dunkin' Donuts' Egg White Veggie Flatbread Sandwich
Calories 290 Fat 9g
Here's an option for Scarlett Johansson, who ate egg whites for her Iron Man role. Glassman says, "The protein and fiber will fuel you all A.M."}

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Hairdressing / Beauty Salon

INTRODUCTION
The main hazards found in hairdressing/beauty salons include the use of chemicals, dermatitis, the transmission of infectious diseases (such as HIV and Hepatitis B), the safety of electrical equipment and the use of U/V Tanning Equipment.

USE OF HAIRDRESSING FORMULATIONS
All cosmetic products used in salons must comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulations 1978, which are enforced by Trading Standards Officers of the County Council.

General Health and Safety advice for the use of such products is as follows:
Follow instructions carefully.
•Never mix products unless recommended by the manufacturers.
•Keep original containers and ensure all containers are properly labelled.
•Good standards of ‘housekeeping’ and personal hygiene.
•Use of protective clothing where appropriate.
•Don’t use on clients with abrasions or irritated scalps.
•Store in a dry place, at or below room temperature.
•Keep away from naked flames (especially aerosols).
•Proper disposal of unused mixtures & empty containers.
•Containers to be sealed when not in use.

Proprietors should give consideration to a No Smoking Policy.

Some hairdressing products contain substances which are hazardous to health and which have an Occupational Exposure Limit. The concentration of airborne substances will vary with the salon size, ventilation, customer flow, the degree to which product instructions are followed and the level of staff training. In a well run, well-ventilated salon, levels of such substances will probably not exceed Occupational Exposure Limits.

DERMATITIS
Recent studies have demonstrated that hand dermatitis and skin care problems are important occupational health issues in hairdressing.

Irritant dermatitis occurs when a substance physically damages the skin. Shampooing can set this off because frequent contact removes the protective oils, thus drying the skin. Fortunately, the effects can be reversible by taking suitable precautions, such as the wearing of gloves.

Allergic contact dermatitis is more serious and is irreversible. It occurs when a person has been exposed to a sensitising agent, possibly over a long period of time before any reaction is noticed. Sensitising agents include some of the chemicals used in hair preparations. Once sensitised, the allergic reaction occurs extremely quickly when exposed to the substance subsequently. To avoid contact with sensitising agents it is therefore again important to use gloves and to follow product instructions carefully.

SKIN PIERCING
Beauty salons may offer electrolysis or ear piercing, both of which require registration with the local authority under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 and, if appropriate, compliance with byelaws made under the Act. Health and safety considerations are dealt with in more depth in the Skin Piercing element of this manual. In summary, the main requirements are to use suitable equipment, to follow recommended methods, to have good standards of personal and environmental hygiene, to have well-trained operators and to keep records of all skin piercing treatments.

WAXING
Hot and warm wax may be used for depilation but it should never be filtered and reused. A disposable spatula should be used to apply the wax to the skin and then discarded. Spatulas should not be put back in the pot of wax once they have been in contact with the skin. There are propriety systems for waxing that remove the risk of contamination of the wax. Good personal hygiene should be observed at all times.

HAIRDRESSING
Solid open razors should not be used, except those with disposable blades. Electric razors should be avoided unless adequate cleansing and sterilisation can be ensured. Clippers, when used, should be properly aligned with the bottom blade in front of the top blade by approx 1/16".

Equipment should be regularly cleansed and sterilised as necessary, e.g. if a client’s skin has been cut.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Advice on the safety of electrical equipment is contained elsewhere in this manual. The range, number and 'portability' of electrical equipment used in salons, together with their proximity to water, make for potentially hazardous situations.

In summary, appropriate precautions would include establishing an electrical equipment register and test/checking system, visual checks by staff, protective devices (including a residual current device fitted to circuits to which portable hand tools are connected) and earth bonding of pipework.

ULTRA VIOLET TANNING EQUIPMENT
In summary, precautions would include the safe construction, installation and maintenance of the equipment, ensuring safe working practices so as to limit client exposure and suitable training of staff. Further details can be found in the Radiation element of this manual.

SLIP AND TRIP HAZARDS
These may arise from trailing cables, loose hair or liquid spillage. They require either prevention in the first place (trailing cables) or prompt attention should they arise during working.
SPACE HEATING
Any space heaters used should be suitably located and guarded - bear in mind children and clients’ clothing. Read More..

How to Meet Men

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

This line is most widely used to highlight the differences between the two sexes. However, I would rather use it to reinstate the fact that men and women complement each other and it is only when these two halves of the (human) world meet that they can experience the complete joy of life. So as you sit wondering how to meet men, do not fret or feel embarrassed. There are large number of women on this planet who are on the same boat as you are. In fact, it's not just women who wonder how to meet men, there are a large number of men out there trying to figure out how to meet girls.
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Where to Meet Men?

The question how to meet men is often accompanied by this other question, 'where to meet men?' Well, if you are one such woman asking yourself this question, then you definitely need to know how to meet new people at the earliest. I say so because there are men everywhere. Rather let me put it this way - there is no land on this earth where men are prohibited from treading on. From schools and colleges, from neighborhood to our offices, we work with men. We meet them all the time. But if you are looking for places to meet men, then it obviously means that you have missed all your chances of meeting men that fate had thrown your way. Never mind, where there is a will, there are options as well.

If you are at this stage that you want to know where to meet men, then it means that you want to know about places where men are in the frame of mind to meet women. The first place that springs to your mind must be bars and pubs. Yes, guys here are most open to meet new people but one must also be careful about picking on the right kind of man at these places. Gyms and fitness centers are another popular places to meet new people. However if you ask me, I think that there isn't any better place than a wedding to meet the most eligible bachelors. But these events are not as frequent as you would want them to be. Hence to better your chances, join some class. A dance class like salsa would be your best bet when you are trying to meet men.

Know What Men Want

More than the places what is important for those women who wonder how to meet men is to know what men look for in women. This again depends upon the type of man you are looking for. If it is just an eye candy that you want for a boyfriend, then dressing up well is all you require. But I was just wondering if we women could have better sense and go for those men who would be able to see through how we look and what we wear and appreciate the person we are. For such men, one needs a lot more than just looking cute. In fact, for some men a confident and intelligent woman is more of a turn on than one who is the woman of the evening but can't sustain a short but interesting conversation with him.

Options to Meet Men

All said and done about where to meet men and what attributes are required to get one interested in you. Now comes the part about what steps to take that would increase your chances of meeting men. Here are some options you can consider:

Go Online: Those who are wondering how to meet men, online options for the purpose are galore. You are not the only one suffering from the pangs of loneliness. There are hordes of souls looking for their soul mate and the cyberspace provides respite in the form of dating and matchmaking sites. More on dating tips.

Call on Friends: If you are not too comfortable with the anonymous prospects springing out from the cyberspace, then call your friends and relatives. Tell them that you are ready to meet men. Call friends over the weekends and ask them to bring a friend who is also open for new relationships.

Break the Ice: Be it a party at your home or a night out with friends and friends' friends, remember that gone are the days when the demure girl was the one that took the heart of the most eligible guy. This is the 21st century and men appreciate confident girls who can make the first move.

Give Him the Opportunity: If you have broken the ice with this cute looking guy who makes your heart flutter every time you see him, then give him the chance to exhibit the sure signs that he likes you. If you all are dining together and you have an inkling that he likes you, linger on for a little while, till you are sure that he would be sitting right next to you. Let him pull out the chair if he wants to, give him the chance to ask you out if he intends to. In case he doesn't take the step, you should better know how to ask this guy out.

For all you young girls who want to know how to meet men in college, borrow books and notes from this guy you like. Is he a mathematics geek? Pretend that the numbers and symbols of the subject look Greek to you and ask if he could help you with a particular chapter. For those women who have suffered in abusive relationships and have separated from their husbands, it is all the more important to know how to meet men after a divorce. Not only does it take one's mind off the traumatic episode of divorce, but if one meets the right kind of guy, it also gives everyday a new meaning.

Well, this was pretty much about how to meet men from me, although the area is far wider than the scope of just one article. However, it is important for every woman to understand that more than the place or the tactic, it is the attitude that would help you to meet the right kind of guy.} Read More..

Decorating Small Apartments

There are many things which one needs to take care of while decorating small apartments. The real challenge before the interior designer is to make maximum use of the available space and create a very unique and beautiful look for the home. Given in the next few paragraphs are some tips for decorating small spaces and apartments. Read more on home decorating.

Ways of Decorating Small Apartments

While decorating small apartments, you can come up with some altogether different small apartment designs by conducting a good research and observing the way others have decorated their apartments. Now, let us talk about the curtains of small apartments. The best idea for the curtains is to hang them at the height of the ceiling, so that the ceiling of the room will appear to be higher for a person entering room. More on beaded curtains. You can use curtains of different attractive colors to give a very warm look to your rooms. The curtains with light fabrics and those which provide good ventilation and light to the room should be preferred. More on interior designing.

The furniture for small apartments should be decorated in such a way that it does not occupy too much of space and make the room congested. Saving the space of the room, wherever possible is very essential while decorating small apartments on a budget. You can consider the idea of buying a sofa, which can be converted into a bed to save the space of keeping both the items. You can opt for furniture of bright colors if the color of the room is bright. Make sure that the furniture which you buy is not very big and bulky as this kind of furniture is very difficult to move and occupies a lot of space in the room. The length of all the walls may not be the same in your room. So, if you have a long sofa, then it should be kept at the exact center along the long wall of the room, for a better visual effect. The furniture should be positioned in such a way that it is not too close to any of the doors in your home. You can consult a reputed interior designer for some exciting small apartment decor ideas to give your home a fresh and cool look. Ideally, you can use good quality wooden furniture which is artistically designed while decorating small apartments.

The room can be brightened by having mirrors at the right places. The use of mirrors in decorating small apartments is recommended to make the room appear larger in size. You can hang the mirrors on the walls of the rooms of your small apartment. The desired effect can be achieved by both big, as well as the small mirrors. By having windows of a large size, you can enhance the look of your home as large windows will allow sufficient light to enter the room. In the case of home lighting, you should use many lamps which will provide soft lighting and make the room look spacious. Now, let us understand how to decorate small apartments by painting the walls in a proper manner. While painting the walls, you should use light shades as they have the capacity to make your room look large and nice. By painting the ceiling of your rooms in a color which is lighter than that applied to the walls, you can make the ceiling height look more than it actually is, thus enhancing the look of your home Read More..

Life Balance

5 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance

Guides you through 5 practical steps toward better work-life balance.

1. Figure Out What Really Matters to You in Life

Personal coach Laura Berman Fortgang, author of NOW WHAT? 90 Days to a New Life Direction, says getting your priorities clear is the first and most essential step toward achieving a well-balanced life. The important point here is to figure out what you want your priorities to be, not what you think they should be.

"I use an exercise for figuring out what matters most," Fortgang tells WebMD. She has her clients take a couple days off from work to contemplate the following series of questions:

1. If my life could focus on one thing and one thing only, what would that be?
2. If I could add a second thing, what would that be?
3. A third?
4. A fourth?
5. A fifth?

If you answer thoughtfully and honestly, the result will be a list of your top five priorities. Fortgang says a typical top-five list might include some of the following:

• Children
• Spouse
• Satisfying career
• Community service
• Religion/spirituality
• Health
• Sports
• Art
• Hobbies, such as gardening
• Adventure/travel

Ismael Al-Ramahi, a graduate student at Baylor College of Medicine, says his current priorities are his wife, his 4-month-old son, and his research. He tells WebMD the key is not only knowing your priorities, but devoting your full attention to just one priority at a time. "Split your time and your mind so that you're thinking about work when you're at work and you're paying attention to the baby when you're with him."

2. Drop Unnecessary Activities

By making a concrete list of what really matters to you, you may discover you're devoting too much time to activities that aren't a priority, and you can adjust your schedule accordingly. Since having a baby, Al-Ramahi says he and his wife have become much more efficient in managing their time -- cutting back on television, for example.

If at all possible, Fortgang recommends dropping any commitments and pursuits that don't make your top-five list, because "unnecessary activities keep you away from the things that matter to you."

3. Protect Your Private Time

You would probably think twice before skipping out on work, a parent-teacher conference, or a doctor's appointment. Your private time deserves the same respect. "Carve out hours that contribute to yourself and your relationship," says Stevan Hobfoll, PhD, distinguished professor of psychology at Kent State University, and co-author of Work Won't Love You Back: The Dual Career Couple's Survival Guide. Guard this personal time fervently and don't let work or other distractions intrude. "Stop checking email and cell phones so often," Hobfoll advises. "Few people are so important that they need their phones on at all times."

If work consistently interferes with your personal time, Hobfoll recommends discussing some adjustments with your boss. "There's a mythology in the workplace that more hours means more," he tells WebMD. Demonstrate that you can deliver the same or better results in fewer hours. Your job performance "should never be judged in terms of hours of input," Hobfoll says. Protecting your private time often leads to "greater satisfaction in both work life and personal life, greater productivity, and more creativity." If you're your own boss, it's up to you to create boundaries that keep work from intruding on family time. Lachlan Brown is president of Tech for People, a small business consulting firm specializing in Internet marketing. "I make it very clear at the beginning of any new business relationship that if I work nights and/or weekends then this is purely by choice," he tells WebMD. "I've told clients more than once that if they call me at night or on the weekend that they shouldn't expect me to a) answer the phone and b) reply until the next business day."

Brown, who has a 9-month-old daughter, doesn't see his reluctance to work after hours as compromising his career but quite the opposite. "I believe that if I truly honor the different aspects of my life, such as work, play, and family, I will be more successful and fulfilled in each area. If I skimp on family time or 'me' time, then my success in my career will suffer as a result. I look to my daughter to remind me of how to be open-minded and excited and curious about life ... key ingredients for innovative, breakthrough thinking. If I don't spend time with her now, this opportunity will be lost forever."

4. Accept Help to Balance Your Life

Allow yourself to rely on your partner, family members, or friends -- anyone who can watch the kids or run an errand while you focus on other top priorities. "Try tag-teaming," Hobfoll suggests. "One spouse works out before dinner, one after dinner, while the other watches the kids."

To get more alone-time with your partner, accept babysitting offers from friends and family, or try arranging a regular trade-off with another couple. "'I'll watch your kids this Saturday if you watch mine next Saturday.' Tag-teaming is a great way to create extra free time," Hobfoll says.

5. Plan Fun and Relaxation

Fun and relaxation are an essential part of living a well-balanced life. That's why Brown makes time for weekly guitar lessons, a yoga class, a date night with his wife, and a guys' night out a couple times a month. In addition, he exercises on a trampoline in his backyard most days of the week. How does he squeeze in all this playtime while running his business and sharing the responsibilities of raising a daughter? "If you believe that the most important thing is to be happy in life (not when I'm a millionaire or when I retire but right now) then you can always make time."

Until you get into the habit of taking time for yourself, set aside space in your planner for relaxation and fun. Plan what you're going to do and make any necessary arrangements, such as childcare, to ensure you'll be able to keep your commitment. "Remember, you make time for what you want to make time for," Fortgang says. If something is important to you, don't brush it aside with a dismissive "I don't have time for that." You are in charge of your own schedule -- it's up to you to make time.

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Health Tips

10 Essential Health Tips
(The Basics to Practice Every Day)

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny. Read More..

Go To Natural

10 Lifestyle Tips

Over the years I have become convinced that the vast majority of people are well intentioned about being eco-friendly, natural consumers, both for the sake of their families and the environment.

The obstacles keeping them from making eco-friendly consumer choices are usually lack of time to do the research, not knowing where to find the research to begin with, and the lack of convenient access to the products.

In response to this awareness I thought it might be helpful to tell you how I manage to live this lifestyle in my everyday life. Here are my tips about how I buy clothes, food, personal care products and furnishings; manage cleaning and pest control; and take care of my pets.

1. Natural Clothing
Fibers made from animals and insects include wool, silk, mohair, cashmere, camel hair and angora. Animal fibers usually have attributes not found in manmade or plant fibers. For example, a sheep’s wool fleece is designed to wick perspiration from the animal, thereby helping to regulate its body temperature, and wool provides the same benefit as human clothing or bedding.

Plant fibers include cotton, hemp, linen, jute, kenaf, and ramie. Plant fibers breathe, enabling the release of perspiration through natural fiber clothing. Plant fibers also usually are very good at absorbing moisture. Linen tea towels are excellent for drying dishes for this reason, for example.

Read labels to find clothing made of 100 percent natural fibers such as from those mentioned above. Common names of synthetic fabrics are polyester, acetate and nylon. Rayon is a manmade fabric made of natural materials, but the widespread practice in gathering the fiber is to use virgin tree pulp, which is not sustainable.

2. Natural Food
Read labels. Look for food words you recognize, and always opt for the product that that has the fewest unrecognizable words. This rule of thumb may seem simplistic, but it works, since food manufacturers do not translate commonly known food names into a chemical name on packages. The spice turmeric is called turmeric and is a welcome natural yellow dye substitute to find on a label instead of an FD&C dye.

3. Natural Personal Care
Just because a personal care product is sold in a natural foods store doesn’t mean that it is a product made of natural materials. (This scenario doesn’t apply to cleaning products as those found in natural food stores are usually genuinely green products.) The rule of thumb for finding natural personal care products is the same as for food: Read the labels for ingredients you recognize as being real, and buy those. Aubrey Organics and Weleda are two brands that are genuinely natural.

4. Natural Cleaning
Health food stores are also very good sources of green cleaning products. Get to know some of the brands found there (Seventh Generation, Ecover) and then search them out in bigger supermarkets, or ask your supermarkets to begin to carry the brands. Mix and match green cleaning products with simple do-it-yourself formulas using kitchen cupboard ingredients.
Click here for a collection of my favorite formulas.

5. Natural Pest Control and Repellents
Most people don’t realize that if a pesticide is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, it means that it has been approved by the EPA to be effective. The registration does not mean that the product has been approved to be safe. Many pesticides are highly neurotoxic, and all are designed to kill. Choose natural and preventative alternatives instead. Here are some excellent resources for alternatives to pesticides:

• The Bio Integral Resource Center
• Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• Beyond Pesticides
• National Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides

6. Natural Bedding
You can readily buy sheets, mattresses, comforters, and blankets made of natural materials. Organic wool and cotton mattresses are highly recommended to avoid sleeping on mattresses made of synthetic ingredients including formaldehyde, biocides, stain protectants, fire retardants, and materials containing neurotoxins. In general, my experience is that it is hard to find a wide range of organic natural fiber bedding locally, so instead I tend to buy these products online or through catalogs. A good resource for finding current natural bedding companies is Natural Home and Organic Style magazines.

7. Natural Furnishings
All the same suggestions apply to natural furnishings as they did to bedding in regards to cushions and fiber-based furnishings. Additionally, look to natural carpets and carpet backing, wood furniture that has been finished with natural sealants, and avoid pressed wood furniture because it contains formaldehyde. My experience is that online and catalog shopping provides the widest selection. A good resource for recommended products is The Green Guide.

8. Natural Renovating and Building Supplies
Every time you renovate, paint, or build, choose the least toxic, most natural, inert materials. One online store that is an excellent resorce is The Environmental Home Center. Another is NEEDS. A good resource for finding recommended brands is The Green Guide.

9. Natural Pet Care
My rules of thumb for pet care is to never use synthetic pesticides of any kind, give them food that doesn’t contain animal byproducts, and to use natural shampoos.

10. Natural Consumer Choices —General
Always choose the most natural, inert ingredients, and read labels. I’ve found that even products for teens, such as cosmetics, usually have at least one more natural version.
Always look to label’s signal words, and don’t buy anything with a label stronger than the word caution. Read More..