Many people see the French press as a gift from the coffee gods. Its brewing method is simple, but delivers a strong, smooth, aromatic cup of coffee. Comparatively, there are some who just are unimpressed by the French press. It can be perceived as clunky, complicated to operate, and a producer of coffee that really isn’t much better than others. But, perhaps, this perception is the result of misusing the device. Brewing a great cup of coffee with a French press can be an exact science that takes time and practice to master. However, along the way, brewers may encounter some issues or common mistakes. These common mistakes can lead to misconceptions about the device and its brewing abilities. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these mistakes, which could change your mind about the French press.   Using too Much or too Little Coffee Once again, brewing with the French press can be an exact science. The greatest component of this science is finding the correct coffee-to-water ratio. Generally, the ratio is 10 grams of water to 1 gram of coffee. But it can vary depending on personal taste. However, it’s important to use enough coffee without going overboard. Too much coffee can make your brew bitter and overpowering, while too little coffee can make it bland and simply watered-down. Trial-and-error is the best method for finding your perfect coffee-to-water ratio.   Improperly Grinding the Coffee Beans It’s no secret that a good grind produces good coffee. In fact, it’s one of the most important components to brewing delicious coffee. But the quality of your grind often depends on the quality of your coffee beans and coffee plunger. So, ensure you have a nice plunger and coffee beans before using the French press. For fresh, fair-trade, organic coffee and top-quality coffee plungers, visit LivingZest. To get the best results from your press, use fresh, coarsely ground coffee beans.   Leaving the Coffee in the Press The French press continues to brew coffee even after you’ve finished and pushed the plunger down. So, if your freshly brewed coffee remains in the device, it will become over-extracted, bitter, and generally undrinkable. Fortunately, there are a couple of solutions to this problem. First, you could pour any leftover coffee into a carafe or thermos to keep it warm and help it maintain it’s flavor and integrity. Second, you could brew the exact amount of coffee you want. For example, brewing an espresso coffee  or enough for one or two cups for yourself, instead of an entire batch to share with others.

It’s become common knowledge that skincare products contain harmful chemicals or toxins. These toxins can cause major health issues, worsen the skin conditions they’re formulated to treat, and even cause new skin conditions. Because of this, many people are switching to natural products, and many manufacturers are removing common toxins from their products. If you’re switching to natural, you’ll need to know what to look for or what products are actually natural and safe. Below are some tips to help you find natural and safe skincare products.   Read the Ingredients Reading the ingredients is one of the quickest ways to check if a skincare product is safe and natural. Even “natural” products can contain sulfates, or the most common toxic chemicals found in skincare products. Truly natural skin care products only contain natural and safe ingredients. To figure out if a product is safe, start by looking for the ingredients it doesn’t contain – toxic ingredients. Toxins to look out for include: Ethanolamine compounds or polysorbates like diethanolamine (DEA/MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). Skincare labels might list these ingredients as: cocamide MEA or DEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, and more. Basically, just look out for any products that contain DEA, MEA, or TEA. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral oil) Polyethylene/PEGs Decyl glucoside or lauryl glucoside Formaldehyde Sodium lauryl, laureth sulphate or cocamidopropyl betaine Retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retinyl acetate, and retinol Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly) Parabens, usually labeled as butyl, propyl, isopropyl, or isobutylparabens. Always check that a product is paraben-free. Fragrance   Check Out the Preservatives Natural or not, skincare products need preservatives to extend their shelf life. These preservatives can be either natural or synthetic. However, preservatives in conventional and natural products have been known to be potentially harmful. But, all you need to know is what to look out for. Products with preservatives like parabens, benzyl alcohol, and phenoxyethanol, should be avoided at all costs. Parabens (butylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, etc.) are related to issues in the endocrine system (endocrine or hormone disruptors) and can possibly cause tumour formation in the skin or breasts.Benzyl Alcohol is often found in major natural products and has been linked to allergies and severe allergic reactions. Phenoxyethanol is also found in natural products and is linked to depression of the central nervous system.   Understand the Claims Many skincare products come with claims of being natural and safe. Some of the most common claims include: “Natural,” Sulfate-Free,” “Hypoallergenic,” “Organic,” and “Fragrance-free.” However, these claims may not be substantiated, investigated, or regulated by the proper channels. This means that these claims may be false, which means that consumers may be using skincare products that aren’t actually “natural” or “organic.” These issues are the major reason why you should always check the ingredient list, as this list can’t be falsified. However, sites like Living Zest only sell verified natural products including products from top brands like Alter Eco USA.

“Going organic” is one of the smartest health decisions you could make, but it’s also one of the most complicated – complicated because it’s hard to know where to start. While it’s true that organic foods are more expensive than non-organic ones, it’s also true that they’re healthier and more valuable. However, this is little comfort to those with a limited budget. But, fortunately, there are some ways to incorporate organic foods into your diet without breaking the bank. Below are three ideas to help you “go organic.” Use Coupons Coupons for organic food are just as prevalent as coupons for all other types of food. To find these coupons, you can check the websites or physical location of the grocery stores where you shop or sign up for a “coupon website.” Look for coupons from the brands you like or join their social media channels to receive information about special discounts. Using coupons is perhaps the easiest and quickest way to add organic foods to your diet. However, when you shop for food online at a place like Living Zest, you’ll always get the highest quality food at the best value. Buy Organic Food in Bulk Many organic staples can be purchased in bulk. For example, organic lentils, beans, nuts, dried fruits and rice are all staples that you can save money on by buying in bulk. Additionally, you should stock up when items are on sale, especially when they’re “buy one, get one free.” Popular items like organic honey can be bought in bulk and stored for a long time. In fact, incorporating organic condiments like honey into your diet could be the first step to creating a lifestyle full of organic foods. Plan Your Meals Meal planning is essential to maintaining an organic diet. Generally, you should plan your meals about a week in advance, taking note of sales and saving coupons for certain products. Planning your meals can also help you plan your food budget. So, you’ll get an accurate overview of how your money is spent and if there’s room for organic foods. You can also save money by planning to make certain food products yourself. For example, try making your own smoothies, dried fruit (using a dehydrator) or kale chips. Use the Freezer Organic products can be found all over the grocery store, including in the frozen foods aisle. For instance, frozen produce is available everywhere, and it comes in organic varieties. Not only is organic produce better for your health, it’s also better for your wallet. Frozen organic fruits and vegetables are less expensive than fresh GMO (genetically modified organisms) and non-GMO vegetables. Besides, frozen food lasts much longer than fresh food. You can also buy local organic produce when it’s in-season and freeze it for the off season. However, produce isn’t the only thing you should freeze. Remember to also freeze your leftovers, which will help you save money.

Coffee is one of the most popular products on the market. Behind water, it’s the second most consumed beverage in the world. So, it’s mass produced to ensure that the supply always meets the demand. Unfortunately, this mass production can be carried out in unsafe, unnatural ways. This means that most of the coffee you drink is filled with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), designed to enhance the quality and growth rate of coffee beans. However, this GMO coffee comes with some health risks, which is why you should opt for fair-trade, organic coffee instead. Fair-trade, organic coffee is made from high-quality coffee beans and chemical-free. This chemical-free product is good for the environment, good for your health and good for the economy.   Good for the Environment Organic coffee is non-GMO, meaning no chemicals are used during the farming process. Chemicals sprayed on crops can be harmful to the air, vegetation and local wildlife. Not only can these chemicals make the local area dangerous to inhabit, they can also contribute to harmful greenhouse gases. On the other hand, growing coffee organically can prevent deforestation. In fact, it helps prevent airborne disease and soil erosion, as well as helps maintain vegetation and wildlife. So, the next time that coffee plunger goes down on your French press, you can be satisfied knowing that drinking your delicious coffee is helping the environment too.   Good for Your Health The chemicals in GMO products have been linked to cancer and other conditions. They can also cause damage to the endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems, leading to detrimental hormonal changes. Insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides are all used in conventional farming, and can be absorbed by the body then deposited and stored in fat cells. On the other hand, organic products, including fair-trade coffee, contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system and prevent or repair cell damage. Organic coffee can also enhance brain functioning. However, you’ll have to buy it to get all these benefits. Fortunately, this organic product is available at many grocery stores, so it’s easily accessible. But, if you want the highest-quality coffee, purchase 100% pure organic coffee beans online from Living Zest.   Good for the Economy Growing organic coffee is good for farmers, which is good for consumers and the economy. It gives them the ability to set fair prices, sell more products, make more money and pay higher wages to their employees. Besides that, natural, organic farmers are given tax incentives for creating products using eco-friendly methods. This only leads to more eco-friendly practices, which is also good for the economy.

For many women, makeup is essential to their beauty routine. However, traditional makeup is full chemicals that are linked to cancer, neurological diseases and other serious health conditions. Because of this, more and more women have turned to natural skincare and makeup products. However, chemical ingredients aren’t the only reason many people are making the switch from traditional to natural makeup. Below are three reasons why you should make the switch too.   Natural Makeup Contains Nutrients Regular makeup or beauty products don’t contain many nutrients that can support and improve the health of your skin, hair and nails. In fact, many of the chemicals in these products strip your skin, hair and nails of vital nutrients and mask or exacerbate the issues they’re supposed to treat. However, natural beauty products are nutrient-rich. Most famously, they include important vitamins, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. All of these vitamins are tantamount to a healthy body, skin, hair and nails. Many natural and/or organic beauty and makeup products include essential vitamins that nourish, protect and heal the skin. You can use skincare products that contain nutrients or simply purchase natural healing serums that contain specific vitamins, nutrients, plants and oils that can treat your skin issues.   Are Free of Harsh Chemicals Non-natural cosmetic products contain harsh, toxic chemicals that can contribute to serious health conditions, compromise the structure of the skin, hair and nails, cause allergic reactions or skin irritation and so much more. The greatest amount of chemicals are unfortunately found in nail polishes, lipsticks and skin creams – all beauty products that most women use. The most common and harmful chemicals are: phthalates, parabens, lead and formaldehyde.   Phthalates are commonly found in body sprays, perfumes, soaps, nail polish and so much more. They can reduce sperm count and negatively impact hormones.   Parabens are the most common chemicals found in cosmetics. Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben are all preservatives used in shampoos, conditioners and ‘aqua’ labelled products. They can contribute to certain types of cancers as well as disrupt the endocrine system.   Lead is found in toothpaste and many makeup products, such as lipstick. It can cause gastrointestinal problems, kidney dysfunction, seizures and brain damage.   Formaldehyde can be found in nail polish, liquid soaps, baby shampoos and other hair products. Prolonged absorption or inhalation can lead to cancer.   Can Prevent Premature Aging Natural cosmetic products contain ingredients with anti-aging properties. Ingredients like minerals, vitamins, herbs and natural oils guard against premature aging. Minerals protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause dryness, wrinkles and more. Mineral-rich makeup and skincare products also help the skin maintain its elasticity, thus it’s youthful appearance. Vitamins are vital nutrients that can repair, soothe and protect the skin. They can help keep the skin healthy as well as fight against fine lines and wrinkles. Herbs and natural oils nourish the skin, help maintain its elasticity and so much more. Just remember to only use products that are 100% natural and organic. Some of the best natural and organic skin care Australia has to offer can be found at Living Zest.

  Coffee is a staple that many people can’t live without. Its distinct aroma causes delightful warmth and blissful memories. The joy of coffee is something that should truly be shared. However, no coffee is as delightful or shareable as fair-trade, organic coffee. It’s coffee in its purest form and it offers a fair price, better taste, actual nutrition and zero pesticides.   Offers Fair Pricing Fair-trade is all about fair, stable pricing. So, fair-trade coffee distributors, such as Sacred Grounds Australia can offer the best prices for their products. Companies like this don’t strive to generate excessive profit; they strive to provide the purest products at the lowest rates. This means they can set price ranges that benefit the coffee producer and consumer. They also invest in their local community’s development and use sustainable farming methods. So, not only are the prices reasonable, but the profits contribute to good farming practices and community growth. Their products and more can be found at Living Zest.   Has a Better Taste Once again, fair-trade, organic coffee is coffee in its purest form, so it tastes better than most products on the market. The drinks are smoother, less bitter and come in distinct, unique flavors. For example, some coffees have vanilla or citrus flavor, depending on their origin. This means you can get delicious products from exotic locations without paying an unreasonable amount of money.   Provides Real Nutrition Coffee is purported to be healthy, but most coffees are not. However, fair-trade, organic coffee is the healthiest coffee on the market. These coffees are free of chemicals and artificial flavors. They’re also submitted to a roasting process that creates a healthier bean. Besides that, the beans are grown in organic soil, which gives them vital minerals, including B vitamins, copper, magnesium and zinc. Just ensure the coffee you buy is 100% certified organic and fair-trade, like the coffee sold by Sacred Grounds.   Fair-Trade Coffee is Free of Pesticides Unbelievably, coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, meaning it contains a lot of pesticides. Pesticides and other chemicals, such as chlorine are used in the growing and cleaning process. Pesticides can lead to health issues and compromise the flavor and structural integrity of your coffee. These chemicals are linked to weight gain, autism, hormone disorders and cancer. However, organic coffee is pesticide-free, as well as GMO (genetically modified organisms), solvent and chemical-free. This makes your coffee safer, healthier and tastier.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so healthy skin is tantamount to overall health. This means your skin should be given the utmost care and attention. One way to give it the utmost care is through using non-toxic, natural, organic skincare products. Natural products are the healthiest and most nurturing for your skin. Below are four reasons why.   They Contain Natural Ingredients Before there was an abundance of chemical-laced products, all skincare was natural. This means that many of the ingredients found in today’s natural skincare products were actually used for centuries before. Not only were these natural ingredients safe, they were also effective. So, these ingredients help make modern natural products safe and effective. Natural and organic skincare products help keep your skin healthy, smooth and beautiful, as well as help cure certain skin conditions and irritation. It’s perfect for people with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain harsh chemical irritants. Some of the most popular natural ingredients for smooth, healthy skin include: Tea Tree Oil Cocoa Butter Shea Butter Lavender Extract Coconut Oil Zinc Oxide   It’s Better for the Environment Natural products are sustainable, thus better for the environment. Skincare products that contain chemicals can actually harm the environment. For example, chemical spores from sprays can be released into the air and cause environmental damage. Besides that, the manufacturing process for these chemical products is even more harmful to the earth. However, you don’t have to worry about this with natural products.   They Don’t Contain Harmful Ingredients The skin is highly absorbent, and many of the ingredients in unnatural skincare products are easily absorbed into the skin. However, absorption doesn’t stop there. These chemicals work their way into the bloodstream and on to other organs. Absorbed toxic chemicals from skincare products can cause all types of health problems, including skin irritation, allergic reactions and certain types of cancer. Some of the most harmful ingredients include: Parabens Diethanolamine (DEA) Cocamidopropyl betaine Mineral Oil Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl urea Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Lanolin Propylene glycol Phthalates However, natural skin care products don’t contain any of these toxic ingredients. But, when you purchase organic products, be sure that they’re 100% organic. If you order your organic beauty products online from a company like Living Zest, you can rest assured your products will be 100% organic and natural.   Saves Money If you invest in natural and high-quality skincare products, you’ll save money in the long run. Natural products contain nurturing ingredients that enhance the texture, performance and overall health of the skin. So, you won’t have to use a lot to get great results, unlike chemical-based products. Plus, since chemical-based products are absorbed into the skin, it dries out quicker and easier. This basically starves the skin and leaves it needing more product. The more you use, the faster it runs out and the more you’ll need to purchase. Since you’ll be using less of the natural products, your product will last longer, thus stretching your dollar further.

Going organic is the healthier choice, but it’s also often the more expensive choice. For many people, this is a choice they can’t afford to make. However, not all organic foods are high-priced and there are ways to save on many products. So, you won’t have to sacrifice a healthier lifestyle because it seems more expensive. Below are four ways to shop organically, save some money and live as healthy as you want.   Grow Your Own Organic Fruits and Veggies Growing your own organic fruits and vegetables may seem like an impossible feat, but it’s possible for anyone to start their own garden. Growing some of the most expensive organic produce can provide you with extra cash to buy other produce and items you can’t grow, such as dairy and meat. You could start your own garden and grow herbs, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, limes and lemons. If you live in an apartment or just don’t have the space, you could grow your favourite fruits and veggies in containers.   Shop Online The Internet makes everything easier, even shopping for food. Because of the ‘organic revolution’ more and more online retailers have begun selling organic food products. Fortunately, this means more variety and better food. There are even specialty websites that sell organic products exclusively, and some that sell everything you’ll find in the store at discounted rates. For example, you could buy chocolates online at a lower price than you’d find at the supermarket with a guarantee that it was made organically.   Buy Organic Versions of Your Favourite Products If you want to ‘go organic’, but don’t know where to start, start by replacing your favourite foods with their organic counterparts. This won’t necessarily increase your grocery bill and will serve as an introduction to healthier food. If nothing else, it will reduce your exposure to chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides and hormones in your food. You could also try choosing organic versions of the most important foods like fruits, dairy and meats. Not going completely organic will help you save money. Plus, if you really want to save, you could shop online for non-perishable organic items.   Choose Generic or Private Label Organic Foods Today, many grocery stores make their own organic or natural products. These are generic labels, but they’re also much cheaper than big-brand products and certified organic. Private labels are also cheaper than big-brand products. You’ll most likely find private label organic foods in discount food stores, but this means that the products will be even cheaper. In fact, some of these organic products can be cheaper than non-organic versions.  

Toothpaste is a product that people don’t realize is harmful and rarely think about replacing. In fact, many people have no idea how harmful it is or why they should replace it. However, the simple fact is that toothpaste can be harmful and should be replaced with a natural solution. The obvious natural solution is natural toothpaste. It's becoming more and more popular, as its benefits are being explored. Below are three of those benefits and why you should consider switching immediately. It Doesn’t Contain FluorideIt was once believed that fluoride was essential for dental health, but that has been disproven. Fluoride is not beneficial or necessary for dental health, it’s toxic in high doses and if you believe it helps your teeth, you don’t have to get your fluoride from toothpaste. Most people actually get enough fluoride from drinking tap water. However, the chemical accumulates in your tissues over time, and causes adverse health effects, such as endocrine and neurological dysfunction. Many toothpaste products of the natural variety are fluoride-free, because fluoride is an unnecessary ingredient in toothpaste.    It Doesn’t Contain Harmful ChemicalsConventional toothpaste is notorious for containing harmful chemical ingredients. One of the most harmful ingredients is the chemical sodium lauryl sulfate. This chemical is used to thicken the toothpaste, which is what creates the foaming action in your mouth. It feels nice, but that lather caused by sodium lauryl sulfate can be dangerous. It can cause more toxins to be absorbed into your body, cause eye and skin irritation and alter the structure of your skin. The mouth is highly absorbent, so chemicals from toothpaste are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Some of the most harmful chemicals in toothpaste include: •    Triclosan: An antibacterial chemical that can disrupt the endocrine system and lead to certain types of cancers•    Propylene Glycol: This chemical is also found in industrial grade, paint, de-icer, antifreeze and enamel. However, it’s harmful in all forms. The pharmaceutical-grade chemical can be toxic to your organs, and irritate your eyes, skin and lungs. •    Artificial Sweeteners: Sweeteners like Aspartame contain harmful chemicals that can’t be eliminated from the body because the sweetener isn’t bonded to anything, such as pectin in fruits. This means these chemicals remain in your body, traveling to your brain and other areas, which could lead to methanol poisoning in very rare cases, but mostly they lead to some form of illness.•    Diethanolamine (DEA): DEA is known for hormone disruption and a chemical reaction that may lead to cancer in the esophagus, stomach, bladder and liver. Decreases Mouth SensitivityMost toothpaste products contain ingredients that boost mouth sensitivity, and burn and irritate the mouth. However, natural products don’t contain these ingredients. In fact, most of them contain mild ingredients that decrease sensitivity and painful irritation. This means no more pain or irritation while brushing. If you're looking for a natural product for your teeth or are interested in organic food, there are many sources of information online.

Eating organically isn’t a food trend, it’s a food movement. The term “organic” means simply growing crops without bioengineered genes (i.e. GMOs) sewage sludge-based fertilizers, petroleum-based fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. This definition alone has caused more and more people to navigate towards organic foods. However, there’s more to the story than this, even though it’s simple. Basically, people are “going organic” because organic food is beneficial for your health and the environment.   Contains Fewer Pesticides Herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and chemical or synthetic fertilizers are widely used in conventional agriculture. These chemicals can leave behind harmful residue that may be impossible to wash off or remove and is harmful to human beings. On the other hand, organic food and organic tea are grown with natural fertilizers (compost and manure), pests are controlled using natural pesticides and other methods (traps, insects and birds) and weeds are controlled through hand-weeding, tilling, mulching and crop rotation.   Fresher and Contain More Nutrients Organic foods don’t contain any preservatives, making them fresher and tastier. Additionally, they often contain more nutrients than conventionally-grown foods, including antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. Organic meat and dairy are also richer in certain nutrients than their non-organic counterparts. Besides that, once the preservatives and chemicals are stripped away, people with food allergies can tolerate foods they once were allergic to.   Organic Farming is Eco-Friendly Growing crops organically is simply better for the environment. Organic farming conserves water, reduces pollution, requires less energy, decreases soil erosion and increases soil fertility. Plus, growing food without chemicals is healthier for animals who might feed on the crops as well.   GMO-Free Genetically Engineered (GE) foods or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants whose DNA have been unnaturally altered. This means plant and animal DNA is altered in a way that can’t occur in nature or through crossbreeding. Simply put, it’s a mutation that’s present in many of the foods that people consume, which doesn’t sound appetizing or healthy. These GMOs are introduced to make food insecticide and pesticide-resistant. However, you don’t have to worry about this with organic food, as organic growth doesn’t require the use of insecticides or pesticides, thus no GMOs.   No Antibiotics in Organic Meat and Dairy “Going organic” doesn’t mean giving up meat and dairy, as there are many organic farms that produce meat and dairy products. Organically-raised animals aren’t fed animal byproducts or given growth hormones and antibiotics. Antibiotics and growth hormones can produce antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and animal byproducts can cause mad cow disease (BSE). These things are incredibly harmful to human beings. However, organically-raised livestock is given GMO and hormone-free feed and unlimited access to this feed, which is only housed outside. Disease in this livestock is prevented with natural methods, including a healthy diet, rotational grazing and clean housing.