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Fragrance Stinks

Not long ago,  I was a LOVER of fragrance.  My husband enjoyed jaunts to Nordstrom to choose new fragrances for me each year. I would scan websites to find my fave, discontinued fragrances. I found perfume delightful.

One day, I was at a Women's Retreat with friends, and I was introduced to my friends Mom.  She has severe reactions to fragrance.  As I went to greet her with a big hug, she stepped back and said " You smell like a french Cathouse!"  I chuckled, mildly insulted, but more amused.  I though she was just eccentric.  My fragrance was expensive, and lovely,  it was part of my personality.  Ask anyone, lol. In an effort to be considerate, I would forgo the perfume when I knew I would see them.  I didn't want to cause my friends Mom discomfort, as her allergies are severe.

I got to know my friends Mom in the upcoming months, and she made an effort to share the real dangers of fragrance with me.  She shared her story, she gave me pamphlets to read.  She encouraged me to "just say NO!" to fragrance.  I wasn't quite ready to receive this info.

Years later, another friend shared her newfound knowledge of toxins in our everyday products.  Guess what was on that list.... fragrance.  Not just perfume, but the fragrance added to laundry detergent, make-up, body products, candles, Men's Body Products, and tons of other products.  This time the message took hold.  I started to look at the products in our home. I got rid of all of my candles, meltable waxes, perfumes, body products, cleaning products, and anything with artificial fragrance and other toxins. Believe me, this was a sacrifice.  I love fragrant candles.  I love the fresh smell of clean laundry.  I love luxurious fragrant body lotions.

Years later, I have found that I can still enjoy fragrance.  I have replaced toxic, artificial fragrance with pure essential oils.  For my home and office, I use a diffuser.  On my body, I use oils or body sprays made with essential oils.  I have found luxurious lotions, and scrubs that I love soooo much more--- without the poison.

I can no longer walk through the candle aisles of department stores without my shirt covering my nose.  When my boys cover themselves in Axe from head to toe, I have to go outside. I know it is poison, because once I cut it out of my life,  I could feel the effects on my body when exposed.

I would encourage you to do a little research.  It is important not to walk in blindness.

Some resources you might find helpful:

http://fragrancestinks.com/

http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/toxic-perfume-chemicals-linked-cancer-sperm-damage

#fragrancestinks #nontoxiclife #openyoureyes



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