Just a quick update on how my Eco Guinea Pig Mum is getting on with the Faith in Nature hair and body products she’s been trying.

She says she’s loving the shampoo and conditioner (Aloe Vera variety).

She adds a ‘but’ though… (I was going to say - “She’s got a big ‘but’”.. how awfully rude!!)

The conditioner is making her hair so soft that she can’t do a thing with it! (I have no sympathy.. I’ve inherited her fine fly-away wispy hair, so it serves her right!).

I recommend that she gets herself a big afro perm like she had in the 80’s… it was a great look Barb!!

I know, I know.. you don’t like the idea of a reusable ‘feminine hygene’ thingy. But the benefits have to make it worth considering.

Disposable tampons and pads either end up in the waterways or in landfill. All those menstruating women makes up for a lot of waste.

But the main reason for giving this a go is for your ‘vaginal environment’ (that’s what the Mooncup website calls it! How delicate!). The Mooncup is made from silicon, contains no bleach, deodorisers or absorbancy gels, and it’s never been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. Using a Mooncup ‘allows the mucus membranes of your vaginal wall to continue their essential cleansing and protective functions. The Mooncup does not absorb your body’s natural defence mechanisms and will not deposit fibres in your vaginal wall.’

Now, I have a confession.. I’ve not used a Mooncup! I had a hystorectomy at 33 as I had cervical cancer, so I’ve no use for a Mooncup unless I wear it as a hat! I was a tampon user for 20 years, and I don’t remember ever worrying about it. The doctor could never be specific about what the cause was, and it could have happened for a number of reasons. But I genuinely feel we should do our best to choose the healthiest, safest option for our bodies.

So try to get over the eeeuuuuwwwww feeling about having a reusable thingy!

You can find out more, and order directly by going to the  Mooncup website

And my last preach for the day… HAVE REGULAR SMEAR TESTS!

Now, I was generally using white vinegar for limescale, water marks and soapy scum. I thought I’d give the Ecover Limescale Remover product a go though, and found it to be really very good. It squirts out a satisfying froth which smells nice and fresh and clean. I spray the Limescale Remover on taps, shower screens, sinks and draining boards, the usual suspects. I rub it all over with a wet sponge, rinse, then buff with an e-cloth. It really doesn’t take much effort, and works a treat. I really like it. It works just as well as chemically lime lite type products, but it smells much nicer, and is obviously non-toxic. After buffing, chrome and glass are spotless and shiny and smear free. It’s now a fixture in my cleaning tool box. Great product.