Why You Should Ditch Flavored Microwave Popcorn and Make Your Own Natural Popcorn Seasonings

Sep25
Popcorn Popper 02.25.09

(Photo credit: timlewisnm)

Popcorn. Just typing the word makes my mouth water. I’ve loved popcorn since I was very young. Maybe it’s because my mom always made a big bowl of butter-laden popcorn each week when “The Wonderful World of Disney” came on television (if you’re my age, you know exactly what I’m talking about!) Or, maybe it’s because holiday shows like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Frosty the Snowman” were made extra special because a bowl of aromatic, crunchy popcorn was on my lap. Most likely, it was simply because it tasted wonderful!

When I was a child, my mom always made popcorn the old-fashioned way – in a heavy pan on the stove, and the popcorn was always fluffy and delicious. At some point, my family got a hot air popper. As technology progressed and microwave popcorn came on the scene, my family jumped on the bandwagon of popcorn convenience. We loved the flavor varieties (cheese was my favorite!) but the popcorn never popped fluffy, there were tons of unpopped kernels, and the popcorn often burned. Despite this, convenience emerged triumphant, and I continued to make microwave popcorn a snack staple well into adulthood until I learned that microwave popcorn is definitely not good for my health.

The Bad News

It’s typical of our country to turn what is usually a healthy, simple snack item into an artificial, chemical-laden product, and popcorn is no exception. As happens so often, health is traded for convenience. Not only is the popcorn in most microwave popcorn products unhealthy, but the bag it’s popped in may be dangerous. Let’s start with the popcorn itself. Unless you are buying organic microwave popcorn (there are some companies who make this, but the bag may still contain dangerous compounds) it has probably been treated with pesticides, fertilizers, and/or fungicides. The buttery smell and taste you enjoy is usually due to loads of salt and fake, artery-clogging flavorings. Some flavorings contain diacetyl, an extremely toxic ingredient that has caused “popcorn lung” in some factory workers who inhaled the ingredient (many popcorn manufacturers have stopped using diacetyl, but it is unclear how many). Finally, microwave popcorn bags are lined with flourotelomers, a compound that helps keep oils in place in the bag. When flourotelomers are heated, they produce PFOAs, which are known toxic carcinogens.

The Good News

So, with all this negative news about popcorn, what’s a popcorn lover to do? The answer is simple – purchase a bag of organic popcorn and pop it the old-fashioned way! Better yet, eliminate the extra oil and fat by using a hot air popper. Not only will you avoid ingesting questionable chemical ingredients, but you’ll save money. If you’re like me and you like a little flavoring on your popcorn, you can easily make your own popcorn seasonings. Here are some of my favorite popcorn seasoning blends:

Tips & Tricks

  • Seasoning blends are for approximately six cups of popcorn – adjust the amounts of popcorn and seasonings to taste.
  • For all blends, spritz hot popcorn with olive oil spray or add melted butter (I’ll leave it up to you to decide how much butter to add ;)) before adding seasonings to help them stick to the popcorn. Once seasonings have been added, mix gently.
  • For cheese blends, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the strongest flavor.

Cheese Popcorn: Liberally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste) on top of popcorn. For Spicy-Cheese popcorn, add a few dashes of hot sauce.

Pizza Popcorn Blend: Combine 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Taco Popcorn Blend: Combine 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Chili Popcorn Blend: Sprinkle chili powder (to taste) on top of popcorn. For Chili-Cheese popcorn, combine chili powder with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

French Toast Popcorn: Toss popcorn with melted butter. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar and mix well.

Salt & Vinegar Popcorn: Toss popcorn with malt vinegar and add sea salt to taste.

I hope you enjoy these popcorn seasoning blends. Drop me a comment and let me know your favorite. 🙂

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Six Homemade Honey Beauty Recipes

Sep11

Med u saću

September brings back-to-school mania, cooler temperatures, football, falling leaves, and National Honey Month! In honor of one of nature’s most sweet and nourishing gifts, I want to share some of my favorite DIY honey beauty recipes with you. Enjoy! 🙂

Decadent Dark Chocolate-Honey Beauty Mask

This luxurious face mask recipe combines the healing properties of honey with skin nourishing dark chocolate – it is by far one of my favorites!

Ingredients:

– 1/8 cup pure, organic honey

– 3 – 5 squares dark chocolate, melted

– 2 teaspoons ground oatmeal (you can grind it in a blender)

– 1 tablespoon plain, Greek-style yogurt

  • Mix all ingredients into a smooth, creamy paste.
  • Massage into face in a gentle, circular motion.
  • Leave on 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Banana Smoothie Facial – Fabulous for Sensitive Skin

The healing lactic acids in yogurt combine with the humectant properties of honey to make a wonderful facial.

Ingredients:

– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (you could use regular yogurt but I like the thickness of Greek)

– 2 Tablespoons honey (100% pure)

– 1 banana

  • Mash banana into a small bowl.
  • Stir in yogurt and honey and mix until well-blended.
  • Apply to your face (avoiding the eyes and nose) and let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Nourishing Honey- Papaya Face Mask

Ingredients:

– One ripe papaya, peeled and seeds removed (the seeds are edible (they taste peppery) and are often used in salads), and one to eat while your mask is working ;)

– 2 Tablespoons plain, organic greek yogurt

-1 Tablespoon organic honey

  • Mash the papaya. Add the yogurt and honey and blend well.
  • Apply the mask to the face and rub in using a gentle, circular motion.
  • Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Lavender Honey Milk Bath (source: The National Honey Board Sweet and Simple Spa Moments Free Download)

Ingredients:

– 3 Tablespoons dried lavender flowers (I used dried lavender buds)

– 1 1/2 cups whole milk or cream (heavy cream is wonderful in this recipe)

– 1/3 cup honey

  • Process lavender flowers in a blender to a powder (I prefer to keep the flowers I use a bit coarse – this is just a matter of preference)
  • Whisk together blended lavender flowers, milk or cream and honey until well combined.
  • Pour into a glass jar
  • To use: Shake jar well and pour half of the mixture into bath. Store unused milk bath in the refrigerator and use within one week.

Lavender Salt Bath Tea

The epsom salts in this recipe make it a great soak for muscle ache relief.

Ingredients:

-1/8 cup dried lavender buds (you can use lavender essential oil instead of the buds, but I prefer the buds)

-1/2 cup sea salt

-1 1/2 cups epsom salts

For added luxury, you can add a couple tablespoons of dry milk powder to the salts.

  • Combine all ingredients well; pour into glass jar.
  • To use:  Place a good handful in a muslin bag and close the bag tightly (if you use the salts loose, the lavender buds may clog the drain). Drop the bag into the warm tub, sit back and say, “ahhhhhhhh.”
  • Store unused salts in a dark, cool, dry place.

Honey-Mint Lip Balm

Ingredients:

-4 tablespoons sweet almond oil

-1 tablespoon beeswax, grated

-1 teaspoon honey

-5-10 drops peppermint essential oil

-1 Vitamin E capsule (serves as a preservative)

  • Melt the sweet almond oil and grated beeswax in a small pan over low heat until melted and well combined.
  • Remove from heat and stir in honey and peppermint essential oil. Open Vitamin E capsule and stir contents into balm mixture.
  • Pour into a small glass jar or lip balm pots.

Honey Tips and Tricks

  • To enjoy the highest nutrient content possible, use organic, raw honey in your beauty (and food) recipes.
  • When heating honey, be sure to warm it slowly over low heat to avoid burning.
  • Pour 1/4 – 1/2 cup honey straight from the jar into warm, running water for a skin-soothing bath.
  • Dab honey directly onto blemishes to help them heal.
  • Mix 1/2 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of raw sugar or coarse sea salt to make an incredible exfoliating scrub for the skin (especially the feet, elbows and knees).
  • Honey is great for sunburn relief and treating bug bites and stings. Its antiseptic properties make honey the perfect stand-in (or replacement) for antibacterial ointment.

For more homemade beauty recipes and green living tips, check out The Pistachio Project’s Simply Natural Saturdays!

Do you have a favorite honey beauty recipe? Leave me a comment –  I’d love for you to share it. 🙂

If you like this post, please share it on Pinterest, Facebook, and/or Twitter. Thank you!

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Ultra Effective, Easy to Make, Banana and Avocado Hair Mask

Sep4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy this guest post by Vanessa Roberts of Beautiful and Effortlessly Simple Skincare  for a fabulous DIY, all-natural hair mask. 🙂

Winter is on its way and what happens to our hair during those cold, dry months isn’t at all pretty. The good news is, there are a number of solutions to the problems of dry hair and better yet, a ton of them are 100% all natural!

Dry hair is usually caused by overexposure to bleaching chemicals in hair dye, overdoing it with straighteners or curlers and sometimes by the shampoo or conditioner you use. Today I’m going to show you a really simple recipe for a DIY, all-natural hair mask that uses avocado and banana as the primary ingredients. By the time you’ve finished applying it, you’re going to be really happy with the results. 🙂

Here’s What You’ll Need

You should be able to grab all of the following ingredients for next to nothing from your local supermarket or natural health food store. In fact, you probably already have most of them at home!

One Banana

The potassium and vitamin B in bananas are an amazing way of rejuvenating your hair, helping to greatly improve elasticity. Plus, it also reduces the chances of getting split ends!

Half an Avocado

Avocados are ridiculously high in Vitamins B and E. Vitamin B is absolutely essential for the growth of hair and a lack of it can result in hair loss! Vitamin E plays an important role in repairing damaged hair. The best news is they both work at a cellular level, which means that when applied, you should start to see results FAST.

Honey – 2 Tablespoons

Honey is often referred to as being a humectant, which basically means its great at attracting and holding moisture in place. I know the idea of putting honey in your hair sounds kind of crazy, but you’re going to love it. 😉

Buttermilk – 3 Tablespoons

This you may not already have at home, but don’t worry, it’s cheap to buy and should be readily available at most supermarkets. You might already know this but if not, buttermilk is AMAZING for hair growth due to the natural proteins it can offer to help strengthen hair and allow it to grow to great lengths.

Olive Oil – 3 Tablespoons

Now this one’s just obvious. We’re just taking a page out of the book of Italian and Greek women who are known for their beautiful hair, all testaments to the high amount of olive oil in their diet. Not only is olive oil a great conditioner, but it can also help improve overall strength and elasticity as well.

Time to Start Mixing!

Okay this is a really easy treatment to make – you’re just going to need a small bowl and a fork, that’s it!

Step 1: Take your avocado, egg and banana and mash it all together into your small bowl until the mixture looks nice and even.

Step 2: Throw in the olive oil, honey and buttermilk and stir vigorously until yet again it looks nice and even.

Step 3: Apply the mix to your hair, making sure you get it everywhere. I should warn you, it’s going to feel kind of gross, but the final product is definitely worth it!

Run a comb through your hair to ensure the mask is spread evenly throughout. You’re just going to leave the mask in for about 30 minutes, before moving onto the final step which is…

Step 4: Time to wash it out now. Use a natural nourishing shampoo only.

A Few Things to Mention

First, if you have extra-long hair, you might want to double the size of the recipe so you can be sure enough of the mask is sufficiently applied to each individual hair follicle. Second, you don’t have to do this every day!! A couple of times a month should ensure you get the maximum amount of benefits from the mask. Finally, try not to use a straightener, curler, waver, etc. for the first 24 hours after application to allow your hair to effectively soak in all the nutrients.

That’s it ladies. If you have any questions at all, feel free to drop me a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. 🙂

Enjoy!

 There’s more where this came from! Check out Vanessa’s site where you can get even more DIY beauty recipes, plus independent reviews on all-natural products like http://www.besskincare.com/essence-of-argan.

Product Review: Pit Putty by Bubble & Bee Organic

Sep1

I bet you’ve done it – I admit I have – that sneaky way you casually raise an arm above your head as if you’re stretching but you’re actually sniffing your armpit to make sure your deodorant is still working. The reality is everyone has to deal with body odor, and finding a good deodorant is challenging – especially an all-natural deodorant.

When I began learning about the dangerous ingredients in personal care products, deodorant quickly topped my list of products I wanted to switch to all-natural. Not only do most antiperspirants contain aluminum-based ingredients (which may be linked to breast cancer),  they also frequently contain parabens (which mimic estrogen in the body), talc (which may be carcinogenic in some forms), and fragrance (often a chemical ingredient cocktail that requires no regulation whatsoever).

While I had no problem deciding to go “deodorant au natural,” finding one that actually worked wasn’t easy. The problem with many all-natural deodorants is that they don’t contain ingredients that actually combat odor; they simply mask odor with natural fragrance oils. I had almost given up when I discovered Pit Putty by Bubble & Bee Organic. I never thought deodorant could get me so excited, but Pit Putty did!

Bubble & Bee Organic is an outstanding company located in Utah. The company was started by Stephanie Greenwood. Stephanie’s story is a true American grass-roots success story. When she learned about the dangerous ingredients in many personal care products, she decided to use her chemistry background to create her own line of natural, organic products. After much trial and error, she came up with wonderful formulations and began making her soaps, shampoos, and lip balms for friends and family. Once she realized how well her products were being received, Stephanie decided to enlist a business partner, Stevie “B”, and Bubble & Bee Organics was born!

When I received my Spearmint & Tea Tree Pit Putty from Bubble & Bee Organics, I admit I was skeptical. But, Bubble & Bee offers a great effectiveness guarantee on Pit Putty so I had nothing to lose. Pit Putty soon made a believer out of me. This product is exceptional! Pit Putty works because it contains primary ingredients that combat and prevent odor. Spearmint & Tea Tree Pit Putty contains only five ingredients, all organic: arrowroot powder (to absorb sweat); baking soda (naturally blocks odors and reduces bacteria growth); tea tree oil (a natural skin soother), spearmint essential oil (smells amazing and has natural antimicrobial properties), and coconut oil (wonderfully nourishing for the skin).

Spearmint & Tea Tree Pit Putty comes in fun, informative packaging that provides tips on switching to an all-natural deodorant. It has a light, refreshing, minty scent. The product goes on smoothly and causes no irritation. (NOTE: Because of its natural ingredients, the product may crumble a bit. This is normal and can be avoided by simply rubbing the product in when applying.) For me, a little bit of Pit Putty goes a long way – a couple of swipes is all it takes to provide great odor protection. The product does not rub off onto my clothes and absorbs easily into the skin.

I put my stick of Pit Putty to the test throughout the summer. I applied it each morning and went about my summer routine – gardening, vacation at the beach, walking the dogs, etc. Pit Putty worked great! With one daily application, I had no body odor, even when I spent time outdoors on hot, humid days. In fact, I believe Pit Putty works much better than traditional antiperspirants that contain aluminum ingredients.

If you are looking for an all-natural deodorant that works, I highly recommend Bubble & Bee Organic’s Pit Putty. I liked this product so much, I re-ordered it for myself, my daughter, and my mother. While the Spearmint and Tea Tree formula works great for me, Pit Putty is also available in Lemon & Clove, Orange Vanilla (my daughter’s favorite), Geranium & Lime, Jasmint (jasmine and peppermint), and Lemongrass. Formulas are available in stick or spray. Bubble & Bee Organic recognizes that body chemistry varies from person to person so if a certain formula does not work for you, they will replace it with another until you find the right formula – now, that’s what I call a guarantee!

To learn more about Pit Putty and about other Bubble & Bee Organic products and to read informative articles about the dangerous ingredients in many personal care products, visit Bubble & Bee Organic’s website.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 Highly Recommend

NOTE: This product was purchased with my own money and I received no compensation for this review.

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Healthy Homemade Skin Care for Oily Skin

Aug31

cucumber slices

If your face frequently has a glistening shine, you most likely have oily skin. Oily skin can be caused by hormone changes, genes, or even stress and often results in large, visible pores, skin inflammation, blackheads and acne. As troublesome as oily skin may be, it does have its benefits – slower aging and less wrinkles. If you are prone to oily skin, try these do-it-yourself recipes to keep your skin nourished and healthy:

Lemon Yogurt Cleanser

Combine one part organic plain yogurt with 1/2 part freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply to face and massage in circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

NOTE: Oily skin should be cleansed sparingly. Over-cleansing will dry out the skin and stimulate glands to produce more oil. 

Lavender Almond Oat Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 1/8 cup whole, natural almonds
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender OR five drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Separately grind (very fine) the almonds and rolled oats in a coffee grinder or blender.
  2. Add dried lavender or lavender essential oil.
  3. Mix approximately one tablespoon of mixture with warm water until a paste is formed.
  4. Apply paste to face, massaging gently in a circular motion.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

NOTE: The almonds and oats in this scrub gently exfoliate the face and absorb oil while the antibacterial properties of lavender help fight blemishes.

Aloe Vera Gel Moisturizer

100% pure aloe vera gel is wonderful for oily skin. Aloe vera gel helps oily skin by absorbing excess oil while providing light moisture. It also helps reduce inflammation and heal blemishes. The best source of aloe vera gel is an aloe plant, but high-quality gel can be purchased in most natural food and health stores. To use, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the face before going to bed. Do not rinse.

Cucumber & Witch Hazel Toner

Cucumber calms inflamed skin and helps absorb excess oil. A great way to tone oily skin is to slice a cucumber, and place the slices all over the face (including the eyes). Leave on for fifteen minutes and remove. Or, you can put cucumber slices in a blender, blend until liquified, and apply to face with a cotton ball. Leave on for fifteen minutes and rinse with warm water. After using the cucumber on the face, saturate a cotton ball with witch hazel and gently wipe over the face.

Peppermint Parsley Facial Sauna

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped well
  • 1 peppermint tea bag (or 1/8 cup chopped, fresh peppermint)
  • 2 quarts water

Instructions:

  1. Bring water and parsley to a boil in a pan.
  2. Remove from heat and add the peppermint tea bag.
  3. Steep mixture for ten minutes.
  4. Cover your head and the pan (make a towel tent) and hold face over the steaming pan for ten minutes (be sure the steam has cooled so you do not burn yourself!)
  5. Rinse face with tepid water and pat dry.

Many expensive products available to treat oily skin contain harsh chemicals that may cause unwanted side effects and increase inflammation.Using natural ingredients in your oily skin care regimen helps reduce unpleasant symptoms in a cost-effective, gentle way.

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The Truth About Triclosan

Aug21

Bio-Tag - Triclosan

Have you heard of triclosan? Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name, chances are you’re using it or being exposed to it – a lot.

What is Triclosan?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, triclosan is a chemical ingredient that was originally listed as a pesticide in 1969. Now, it has made its way into our toothpaste and other personal care products and household goods. Pesticide in toothpaste – makes you stop and say, “huh?” Triclosan is believed to help prevent and slow the spread of bacteria. As people have become more germ conscious over the last several years, triclosan has enjoyed a surge in production. It can now be found in many antiperspirants, mouthwashes, toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, body washes, cosmetics, clothes, kitchen items, garbage bags, linens, toilet seats, and toys.

While there has been concern about the safety of triclosan for some time, recent studies have prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take a closer look at this chemical. Although the FDA does not normally regulate cosmetic ingredients, triclosan is regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug due to its antibacterial effects. According to the FDA’s website, several recent studies performed since their last review of triclosan show that the ingredient may have serious adverse health effects.

What the Studies Show

The FDA is careful to state that there is no known danger of triclosan to humans but, in this case, what we don’t know may very well hurt us. There is evidence that triclosan produces the highly carcinogenic by-products chloroform and dioxin. Studies on animals show that triclosan may alter hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. A University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine study determined that triclosan greatly impairs heart and skeletal muscle contractions in mice – this could be a significant risk for people who currently suffer from heart ailments.

The study also showed a significant decreased swimming ability in fish exposed to triclosan. The U.S. Geological Survey found that triclosan was one of seven top contaminants found samples taken from 139 streams over 30 states. With the Environmental Protection Agency estimating over a decade ago that over 1 million pounds of triclosan was produced annually (imagine how much more is being produced today with such an upsurge in production), the impact on aquatic life could be staggering.

Does It Work?

Triclosan is marketed as having a great impact on preventing illness by reducing the growth of dangerous bacteria, however, this doesn’t seem to be the case. In fact, the FDA states that, with the exception of triclosan in Colgate toothpaste reducing the incidence of gingivitis, there is no evidence whatsoever that adding triclosan to products has any health benefits. They go on to say that soaps and body washes containing triclosan are no more effective than plain soap and water.

What Can You Do?

Avoid the ingredient. Triclosan is proving to be no different than most chemical cosmetic and food additives – dangerous. In my opinion, since there is no proof that triclosan works better than soap and water, and with studies strongly suggesting the chemical may have serious health consequences, avoiding the ingredient entirely seems to be the only course of action. This is easily done by reading labels. If you are concerned about the potential health effects of  triclosan, simply avoid products that list it as an ingredient.

Natural Alternatives to Triclosan

There are many wonderful essential oils and plants that have natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Lavender and tea tree oils, and aloe vera gel all boast strong germ fighting properties. Natural soaps containing peppermint or thyme are great antibacterial options. For household cleaning, lemon and other citrus oils (or juice), and vinegar are great choices for combatting germs.

Natural DIY Antibacterial Recipes:

For more great tips on living all-natural, check out The Pistachio Project’s Simply Natural Saturdays!

Resources:

http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm

http://drbenkim.com/articles/triclosan-products.htm

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/14/chemical-in-many-antibacterial-soaps-linked-with-impaired-muscle-function/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17438791

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticides/factsheets/Triclosan%20cited.pdf

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Healthy Homemade Skin Care Recipes for Sensitive Skin

Aug20
Honey Comb

Honey Comb (Photo credit: beepollenhub)

Oatmeal directly from the packing.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Millions of people around the world have sensitive skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s website (AAD), the exact definition of sensitive skin varies but there are four primary types of sensitive skin: acne, rosacea, burning  and stinging, and contact dermatitis (this includes allergies and irritants). Sensitive skin may also be defined as dry skin. The common denominator of all these skin issues is inflammation. Whatever the reason for sensitive skin, it needs to be treated gently. Many over-the-counter treatments contain harsh chemicals that may exasperate the problem. Homemade treatments for sensitive skin use only natural, pure ingredients that nourish and moisturize the skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. If you have sensitive skin, try these homemade recipes:

Make-Up Remover

Many make-up removers contain harsh surfectants and preservatives that have no business being anywhere near the face let alone the eyes! For an inexpensive all-natural way to remove make-up, simply apply a small amount of olive or coconut oil onto a cotton ball and apply to face to remove make-up (including eye make-up – no stinging!), dirt, and debris.

Chamomile Cleanser

Chamomile tea not only soothes the soul but also the skin. It’s healing properties are great for sensitive skin, especially acne-prone skin. Its active ingredient, bisabolol, contains strong anti-inflammatory properties. TIP: To instantly relieve insect bites or burns, apply chamomile tea directly to the affected area.

2 Tablespoons cup freshly brewed chamomile tea (organic)

2 Tablespoons full-fat organic greek yogurt

Combine ingredients and massage into damp face using a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water and pat dry.

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

I am convinced that apple cider vinegar is one of nature’s greatest miracle workers! This inexpensive product uses the health benefits of apples to pack a powerful punch. When used as a skin remedy, apple cider vinegar helps restore the skin’s ph-balance. To use as a toner, combine one cup distilled or spring water with one-third cup apple cider vinegar. Apply to face (after cleansing) with a cotton ball. Leave on for best results but, if the strong smell of vinegar bothers you, rinse the face after five minutes to remove the odor.

Rose-Water Toner

Rose-water toners also restore the skin’s ph-balance but with a nicer smell than apple cider vinegar. To make a rose-water toner: pour one cup boiling water over half a cup firmly packed rose petals. Steep for several minutes, strain, and pour mixture into a sterile jar (mason jars work great!). Apply to face (after cleansing) with a cotton ball.

NOTE: In addition to the toners above, witch hazel and cooled brewed green tea also make wonderful toners for sensitive skin.

Creamy Oatmeal Scrub

The oatmeal in this scrub provides gentle exfoliation while the cream moisturizes skin.

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 1/2 Tablespoon heavy cream

Grind the oatmeal in a blender until fine. Store oatmeal in a sterile mason jar or other glass container until ready to use.

To use: combine 1 1/2 Tablespoon ground oatmeal with 1 1/2 Tablespoon heavy cream. Apply mixture to damp face and massage gently in a circular motion to exfoliate skin. Rinse with tepid water.

Natural Moisturizers

Sensitive skin often means moisture depleted skin. Moisture is critical to the skin because it provides a barrier between skin cells and skin damaging elements. Dry skin ages faster than moisturized skin. The number one way to keep the skin properly hydrated is to drink plenty of water. For added skin moisturizing benefits, apply a small amount of pure, unfiltered olive, avocado, or coconut oil or shea butter to the face (these oils can also be applied to any other area of the skin to ease dryness).

Moisturizing Face Masks

Decadent Dark Chocolate-Honey Beauty Mask

I posted this luxurious face mask recipe as part of a post on the beauty benefits of dark chocolate – it is by far one of my favorites!

1/8 cup pure, organic honey

3 – 5 squares dark chocolate, melted

2 teaspoons ground oatmeal (you can grind it in a blender)

1 tablespoon plain, Greek-style yogurt

  • Mix all ingredients into a smooth, creamy paste.
  • Massage into face in a gentle, circular motion.
  • Leave on 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Banana Smoothie Facial

The healing lactic acids in yogurt combine with the humectant properties of honey to make a fabulous facial – another favorite of mine I recently posted.

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (you could use regular yogurt but I like the thickness of Greek)

2 Tablespoons honey (100% pure)

1 banana

– Mash banana into a small bowl.

– Stir in yogurt and honey and mix until well-blended.

– Apply to your face (avoiding the eyes and nose) and let sit for 15 minutes.

– Rinse thoroughly.

Sensitive skin can be difficult to care for, and people often spend hundreds of dollars trying to find the perfect skin care remedy. The truth of the matter is, the perfect remedy for your sensitive skin  costs very little, is probably in your pantry right now, and contains no nasty synthetic ingredients. If you have a favorite all-natural remedy to treat your sensitive skin, I’d love to hear about it – please comment below! 🙂

For great all-natural posts from top blogs, check out The Pistachio Project’s Simply Natural Saturdays!!

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Top Five Natural Ways to Care for Your Skin

Aug14

When I first delved into the world of homemade beauty products, I admit I was a bit confused about the different types of skin care. I wasn’t completely clear about the differences between cleansers, astringents, moisturizers and masks. Since then, I’ve learned that each type of skin care has a specific purpose. How about you? Are you familiar with the most common types of skin care? Keep reading for a crash course on natural ways to care for your skin as well as some wonderful, nourishing skin care recipes.

1. Cleanse

A facial cleanser is usually used at least once a day to remove impurities from the face such as make-up, oils, dead skin cells, and dirt. It helps to open pores to allow skin to breathe. Facial cleansers are usually combined with a small amount of warm water and massaged into the skin. The type of facial cleanser used depends on skin type (e.g., dry skin, oily skin, normal skin) but it’s best to avoid using soap as it tends to be harsh, and may strip the skin of beneficial, moisturizing oils.

Facial Cleanser Recipe for Normal Skin

  • 1 Tablespoon fresh, crushed berries (strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries)
  • 1 Tablespoon plain, full-fat Greek yogurt

Combine ingredients until smooth. Apply to face with wet fingertips, and massage into skin using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. 

2. Tone

Toners and astringents are used after cleansing the face to help maintain a healthy pH balance. They also help minimize and tighten pores. Some natural toners and astringents include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, peppermint, rose water, and orange blossom water. To make rose-water toner (this smells heavenly!): pour one cup boiling water over 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh rose petals. Steep for several minutes, strain, and pour rose-water into a sterile pump container or mason jar. For a refreshing astringent, store rose-water in the refrigerator.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizers may be used after cleansing any part of the skin or after using astringent. The purpose of a moisturizer is to bring water content to the skin and restore the skin’s natural glow. Moisturizers help keep skin cells plump and  reduce dryness. Some nourishing, all-natural moisturizers include cocoa butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. To use, simply gently massage a small amount of the oil into the skin – do not rinse.

4. Exfoliate

Similar to cleansers, exfoliants (sometimes called scrubs) remove impurities and dead skin cells. The main difference between cleansers and exfoliants is that exfoliants use more abrasive ingredients than cleansers, such as ground nuts or sea salts, for a deeper clean. As a result, exfoliants should be used sparingly (usually no more than twice a week) to avoid skin irritation. Exfoliants are most frequently used on the face, but are also commonly used on the thighs, elbows, feet, and knees.

Honey-Almond Facial Scrub Recipe

  • 1 Tablespoon finely ground almonds
  • 1 Tablespoon organic honey (preferably raw)
  • 1 – 2 Tablespoons plain, full-fat Greek yogurt

Combine all ingredients together thoroughly. Dampen skin and gently massage the scrub onto the skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

5. Use a Facial Mask

Facial masks deep cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and improve circulation. They  also deeply moisturize the skin and may reduce the appearance of age spots and discoloration. Natural facial mask recipes vary with skin type and can include such ingredients as french green clay, herbs, essential oils, or crushed fruits. Facial masks are a great way to nourish the skin, and they can be enjoyed once a week.

Honey Apple Facial Mask Recipe for Normal Skin

  • 1 small apple
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons organic honey (preferably raw)
  • 1 Tablespoon oatmeal

Blend all ingredients together until a paste is formed. Apply to damp skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.

To keep the skin nourished and healthy, it’s important to use the right ingredients for your skin type. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for my “Healthy Homemade Skin Care” series in which I will offer wonderful homemade beauty recipes for every skin type (normal, oily, dry, sensitive, and acne-prone).

 

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What’s Lurking in Baby’s Bathwater? Avoid These Dangerous Ingredients in Baby Care Products

Aug13
CaiBath_f_1

(Photo credit: rhysa cymro)

If you’re like most parents of babies or toddlers, you know the importance of good nutrition. You read baby food labels and carefully avoid dangerous artificial colors and preservatives. But, how much time do you spend reading the labels of your favorite baby care products? You may think that because a product is marketed to babies it must be safe – unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, some of the most famous brands of  baby care products (including shampoos, lotions, washes, ointments, and wipes) contain potentially dangerous ingredients.

Why Babies Are Vulnerable

Studies show that some ingredients found in personal care products have an adverse affect on the fully developed adult endocrine and nervous systems. Imagine how much more damaging these same ingredients may be on the delicate and still-developing systems of a baby or toddler. The skin of a baby or toddler is also more likely to absorb ingredients that are applied. In addition, babies and toddlers put their hands in their mouths constantly and are more likely to ingest dangerous ingredients.

Who is Looking Out for Baby?

You are. While it would be nice to think that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is protecting our kids from potentially dangerous chemicals, it just isn’t so. Baby and toddler care products are considered to be cosmetics by the FDA. With the exception of color additives, ingredients in cosmetics are not subject to FDA approval. Individual cosmetic/personal care product companies are responsible for determining the safety of their products prior to placing them on the market. Basically, the FDA is only involved in ensuring proper labeling of cosmetics. In fact, companies can even include a dangerous ingredient in a product as long as the proper warning label is included. The bottom line? Parents MUST read labels!

Ingredients to Avoid

While this list is not all-inclusive, here are some of the most common potentially toxic ingredients found in baby personal care products:

Phthalates (dibutylphalate (DBP) & dimethylphalate (DMP): Phthalates are plasticizers found in many consumer products from piping and vinyl flooring to baby shampoos and lotions. The FDA states on their website that it is not clear what effects pthalates have on health. It is believed that phthalates may contribute to heart, lung, or kidney problems and affect the reproductive system, especially in males. While some studies show health effects may be minimal, The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that infants and toddlers have increased levels of phthalates in their urine. The FDA is currently performing further research on how pthalates affect babies and children.

Parabens (ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben): Parabens are a type of preservative often found in baby wipes, washes, and lotions. It is not unusual for a product to contain multiple parabens. Parabens are known to mimic estrogen in the body leading to breast cancer (parabens have been found in breast tumors), reproductive, and endocrine concerns.

Fragrance: While that wonderful baby shampoo smell may make you feel warm and cozy inside, it may also be causing your baby skin and eye irritation or leaching dangerous pthalates into baby’s skin. Fragrance is a catch-all term for whatever chemical cocktail was concocted to add scent to a product.

DEAs (Cocomide DEA, Lauraminde DEA): These ingredients help a product to foam and can be found in bubble baths, body wash, shampoos, and soaps. DEAs are believed to alter hormones, and may also increase cancer risk by forming nitrosamines.

Benzyl Alcohol: Benzyl alcohol is a preservative frequently found in injectables. There is a high incidence of adverse reactions to benzyl alcohol, especially in infants. These reactions, which include severe symptoms from seizures to death, prompted a FDA investigation of benzyl alcohol and led to warnings that products containing the preservative should not be used on infants. Yet, this product is still found in some baby wipes, shampoos, lotions, and soaps.

Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is a preservative found in baby oils, shampoos, wipes, and sunscreens. According to the FDA, this ingredient can depress the central nervous system and cause vomiting and diarrhea in infants. In fact, the FDA issued a warning to nursing mothers in 2008 to cease using nursing creams that contained phenoxyethanol because of the health risks to nursing infants.

1,4 Dioxane and Formaldehyde: While you won’t find either of these ingredients on the labels of your favorite baby care products, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. 1,4 Dioxane and formaldehyde are proven carcinogenic contaminants (or by-products) of other ingredients. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, certain preservatives release formaldehyde over time in a container. These preservatives include DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, imidazolidynal urea, and diazolidynal urea.

1,4 Dioxane is the by-product of a common, yet arguably unnecessary, technique called ethoxylation – a process used to reduce the skin irritation caused by petroleum-based products. The Campaign for Safe Ingredients states that common ingredients that may cause 1,4 Dioxane are PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethelene, and ceteareth-20.

How to Protect Your Child

It can be overwhelming to learn about all the potential dangerous ingredients lurking in the baby products you purchase. Here are some things you can do to make sure you are purchasing the highest-quality, safest baby products available:

  1. Educate yourself and read labels. Take the time to learn about which ingredients are potentially harmful and read the labels of every product you consider purchasing (even labels that state ingredients are all natural – the phrase “all-natural” is not regulated and does not mean ingredients are truly natural or safe). Avoid the ingredients above and check out any ingredient you are unsure of on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database.
  2. Choose fragrance-free products to avoid a potentially toxic chemical fragrance cocktail.
  3. Use fewer products. I always cringe when I read that ingredients are not toxic in small doses. The fact is, we aren’t just absorbing ingredients in small doses. We use dozens of personal care products every day. If each of those products contains a potentially toxic ingredient, imagine the damage being done – especially to our children.

Helpful Resources:

25 Random Things About Me!

Aug9

I was recently encouraged to do a 25 Random Things About Me post so that my readers can get to know me better (which apparently is the latest fun blogosphere craze). I’ve really enjoyed learning more about my fellow bloggers from their 25 Random Things posts – hope you enjoy learning something new about me.:)

25 Random Things About Yours Truly!

  1. I am a Christian with an extremely strong faith, always growing and learning.
  2. I am constantly writing, writing, writing!
  3. I am a singer, and I was chosen as a top ten finalist to sing with Jim Brickman last year – I didn’t win, but it was wonderful to be a finalist – you can view my finalist entry here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzkwnYaGDbk
  4. I am writing a book, but it’s not what you think – shhhhh, it’s a secret!
  5. I am a DIE-HARD TREKKIE!! (However, I draw the line at dressing up like a Klingon warrior princess and going to conventions – not that there’s anything wrong with that!!)
  6. I love dogs and parakeets!
  7. I am an avid, extremely fast reader – on average, I read two to three novels per week.
  8. I am a history buff – especially of the World War II era.
  9. I am passionate about preserving the stories of our Veterans and am privileged to work with some local Veterans helping them write their memoirs.
  10. I used to live in Puerto Rico.
  11. My favorite ice cream is black raspberry with chocolate sprinkles 🙂
  12. Thanks to a recurring childhood dream, I am terrified of bridges.
  13. I have experienced supernatural events that have changed my life (if we ever meet in person, ask me about the “bubble man”).
  14. I am known to start playing Christmas music in July.
  15. When I go to restaurants, it’s not unusual for some random thing to happen to me, resulting in a free meal (the waitress spills drinks on my head; a toothpick is left in my wrap; there’s a two-inch screw in my drink – I kid you not, there was a two-inch screw in my iced tea!!).
  16. My first job was at J.C. Penny Portrait Studio handing out free 8×10 coupons – I was 16.
  17. I love classic rock!
  18. I play the piano.
  19. I collect Shiny Brite Christmas ornaments from the 1950s – 1970s.
  20. I am originally from the South and never completely stopped saying y’all when I moved.
  21. I am addicted to decaffeinated iced tea – it’s my liquid gold.
  22. I love to garden, grow herbs, and preserve food (but, this year the intense heat has FRIED my garden).
  23. I can’t dance worth a lick – nope, not at all. I was Daisy Mae in my high school musical production of Li’l Abner. During one scene, I was supposed to sing and dance. After working with me for several hours, the choreographer gave up and told the director I was not allowed to dance. I had to sing in almost every scene but they refused to let me dance (yes, I was THAT bad!).
  24. I met Willie Nelson twice (yes, I love classic rock but who doesn’t love Willie Nelson?!) and he even signed my Willie doll! 
  25. I faced a devastating, life-changing illness, and came out on the other side.

Well, now that you’ve had all of your burning questions about me answered, how about you? Drop me a note in the comments section and tell me a few random things about you – I’d love to get to know you better! 🙂