Dry Skin? Do This:

Dry Skin? Do This:

How To Care for Winter Skin

Hi!

I was in freaking IOWA a month ago.

And Utah last week.

UTAH.

IOWA!!!

Now I know your first question.

“Isn’t that where they grow all the corn?”

And the answer is yes.

BUT!!

You’re still thinking of Idaho.

Not Iowa.

Trust me.

Don’t feel bad, everyone gets them confused.

Anyway, my body has not been exposed to the cold in a long while. Like, literally since 2018, I have not traveled somewhere cold. I did cold for a long time though because I grew up in New York and then I went to college in Vermont and then for some reason I did a field work term in Boston from December-February when I could have gone anywhere in the world (I guess because I’m a glutton for punishment), so trust me, I’ve done the whole -302596 below zero thing. I am familiar with the routine it takes to keep your skin in shape. I’ve done this self-care thing a time or two before, I swear.

My skin has now been exposed to two veryyyy cold climates in just a few weeks.

And my dry, acne-prone, combination skin would not have been happy at all if I had not pre-thought out my daily skincare routine. By now, I have it down to a science.

Here’s what I did to not turn into one big dry spot!

Supplement:

The reason that most conventional treatments for acne and skin issues don’t work is that they fail to treat the real issue: your insides. Steroids, anti-biotics and even heavy duty prescription medications skip over the one thing that truly does need to change and for your new, clear skin to stick: Your body needs to be in balance.

Supplements are a must. I don’t know how anyone’s skin does anything without supplements, I’m not even kidding. I’m pretty sure I would look like an 98 year old grandma with teenage acne if I hadn’t found the right supplements for my skin. And you think that’s an exaggeration but it’s absolutely not.

Here’s the ones I absolutely recommend for skincare maintenance:

Extra Strength DIM – You guys know DIM is my go-to for curing my acne. Every women should be taking this. This estrogen regular supplement is a life saver no matter whats going on with your skin. It helps to bring estrogen levels back in line, therefore naturally increasing your energy levels. Balanced hormone levels from DIM can lead to reduced acne, PMS, PMDD, hot flashes, night sweats and PCOS while increasing your drive and energy. I take 3 per day of this brand, which I’ve found to be the best.

Bioastrin  – Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that occurs in trout, microalgae, yeast, and shrimp, among other sea creatures, that gives them their vibrant color. This supplement gives you a glow. An antioxidant, it’s been linked to healthier skin, endurance, heart health, joint pain, and may even have a future in cancer treatment.

Biotin gummies – Been taking these for hair growth every morning. They’re great!

EXFOLIATE

What it does: Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.

When: Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application. Tip: Make-up will last longer on exfoliated skin!

Faves: I love the Acure Brightening Scrub, CoCo Kind’s Sea Moss Exfoliator and Hene Organics lip scrub. 

HYDRATE

What It Does: Keeps skin moist and supple to ward off aging, sun spots and wrinkles.

How: Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive serums, perfect for use all day long or as needed. They work best when layered underneath a moisturizing SPF. Toners are a refreshing pore pick me up, working to even out your skin’s complexion.

Faves: The Essential Care Kit by Genetix is a must-have. This organic trio is amazing for anything from sensitive to acne prone to mature skin! Thayer’s makes my favorite toner.

MOISTURIZE

Slathering on a luxurious body oil every day after you shower keeps skin moist to ward off dry skin, cellulite and wrinkles.

HOW: Pat your skin dry after your shower. This can prevent you from stripping natural oils that moisturize your skin. Get optimal amounts of moisture without oversaturating your skin by determining the best product for your face and body. I recommend the full sizes of Genetix serums, which are scent free and essential oil free. Slather these luxe serums all over your body from neck to toe. I also did my breast massage every night with my Activated Enhancement Oil. Hubby couldn’t be happier 😉

So, yep. That’s how I made sure I didn’t have dry skin in Utah and Iowa. Skincare has seriously become one of my favorite self-care routines. Right now save big time over at Genetix and treat yourself this season. No code needed. You deserve it!

Your Life Is Your Song. . .

Your Life Is Your Song. . .

 

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Sing it!

This week has been wonderful for many reasons: I’ve had some awesome work, some validating adventures, and the kind of life-synchronicities that really good novels are made of.   I got some great news about Raelie’s health, too.  A small mass we thought might be “something” turned out to be just some fatty tissue.  We are very, VERY happy that babygirl is well and we celebrated with an awesome hike at a new trail we found just down the block from our house.  Happy National Dog Week, indeed!

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^^ Some fun vocal warmups from earlier in the week 🙂 ^^

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I’ve also recently teamed up with Soul Flower, an online retail shop that promotes an eco-friendly, bohemian, peaceful lifestyle.  Started on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1999, you can now find Soul Flower online, check out their awesome look books, shop Fair Trade wares, mens or cute kids clothing (when I say cute I mean SO CUTE!! I mean is this even real?!)  These items are always organic, recycled, made in the USA, or Fair Trade, and very, very comfortable!  This Sing It Tomboy T-Shirt is perfect for fall transition.  It’s warm but breathable, wearable, and I just adore the message! I had a lot of fun striking poses in this around town – whatever gets people to read it. 😉  It’s really fun, the color is gorgeous and it’s just comfy comfy comfy (I’m a total sucker for comfort… can you tell?!)  They also sent me some stickers and cute merch that I was happy to slap on an old cap and run with (literally…)

 

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My crafting skillz.  You’re jealous. ^^

#SoulFlower Girl 🙂

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treeeeezzzzhtyendz hujjjjhellyeah ituhhhh iZZZ jkjjj juht justgonna juttr loveer ment mole

 (^^ a little mountain lion sighting in the past 10 days never stopped anybody right…?)

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(Raels didn’t seem to mind ^^)peeps possssss raelswatch

(She keeps me company IRL as well as on my wrist at all times just in case she’s not there…

Obsessed?  Idk.  Maybe. What?!)reply shrums singgggg singit singittttt sly soicanwin soulbalance thebrfgsfg thruw

Catch!!tntc treeeeezzzz

” I can see my house from here!  And Arizona!”

The view is seriously unreal.
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Found me an organic garden of course! 😉whatyouheard whuv

Squishface!

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Hey, LA!
yoo

ilketheway yourlifeis yourlifeisyour

 

Makeup: RMS Beauty Uncover Up, La Bella Figura Highlighter in Brazillian Denise, Gressa Bronzer Serum, Alima Mascara, Nudus Australia Lipstick in Halo.

Bracelet: Lokai, Vintage Find

Raelie Watch: Birthday Present 🙂

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4 Tonic Recipes For Better Health

4 Tonic Recipes For Better Health

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Total Body Tonic

Ingredients:  

  • Ginseng Root
  • 1 Lemon

To Make:

  • Boil Water
  • Add Ginseng to Tea Catcher
  • Add Water to Tea cup
  • Squeeze Lemon into tea.
  • Drink as a full cup of tea or a shot

Why It Works:

Ginseng’s Latin name, Panax, comes from the same Greek root as our word, “panacea,” meaning all-healing. That’s not much of an exaggeration.  A great deal of research shows that ginseng significantly improves athletic performance and relieves fatigue.  Ginseng also relieves the ravages of stress. Japanese researchers showed that the herb reduces the secretion of stress-related hormones. Ginseng also improves immune function and appears to prevent cancer. University of Southern California researchers report that, in vitro, the herb increases production of interferon, the body’s own antiviral compound.

Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies. It helps to flush out toxins and balances pH levels in the Body.

Calcium & Coconut: Probiotic Tonic

My amazing friend Colleen invented this one and it got me over my flu pretty much immediately.  Thanks, girl!

Ingredients: 

  • Calcium Ascorbate
  • Coconut Kifer

To Make:

  • Add 1 TBSP Calcium Ascorbate to 2 shots Coconut Kifer.
  • Take as a shot once an hour.

Why It Works:

Ascorbate calcium is a form of vitamin C that is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin C in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets.  Vitamin C plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body’s cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant.

Coconut kefir is quite simply fermented coconut water. This probiotic beverage is very healing to the digestive system and the liver and creates a strong immune system that is ultimately responsible for your good health.

Better Blood Tonic

For better blood health and immunity!

Ingredients:

  • Dandelion Root
  • Echinacea
  • Garlic 
  • Goldenseal

To Make:

  • Add herbs to a tea catcher.
  • Add Boiled Water to your herbs.
  • Let seep.  Drink as tea.

Why It Works:

Dandelion Root is an excellent blood purifier that neutralizes acids and has a strong alkalinizing effect on the body.

Echinacea is recognized as one of the most powerful blood and lymphatic cleansers in the botanical kingdom.

Garlic is an excellent blood cleanser, lowers blood fats and is a natural antibiotic.

Goldenseal is also an excellent blood, liver, kidney, and skin purifier.

Better Skin Tonic

For better skin, hair and healthy nails!

Ingredients:

  • Chamomile
  • Calendula
  • Lavender

To Make:

  • Add herbs to a Teacatcher.
  • Add Boiled Water to your herbs.
  • Let seep.  Drink as tea.

Why It Works:

Calendula is a garden plant in the daisy family that, like aloe vera and witch hazel, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is also a vulnerary agent that helps to heal wounds and soothe damaged skin, such as sunburn, cuts and scrapes. Many have also used calendula oil to treat eczema.

Lavender may be more famous for its relaxing effects of the mind, but it also helps to soothe skin, too. It is rich in a compound called linalool that assists with skin healing while also preventing tissue degeneration keeping skin firm and preventing wrinkles. To make lavender even more of an anti-aging wonder, it encourages the growth of new skin cells due to its cytophylactic properties. Lavender also helps to heal wounds, scar tissue, acne, eczema and problem skin. Being anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-bacterial and an anti-septic just serves to show how incredible lavender is for skin.

Chamomile is one of nature’s miracles. It has an incredible number of benefits, and none more so than for our skin. Alpha-bisabolol – a compound found in chamomile – reportedly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by accelerating the healing process of the skin while also possessing anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Do you make any tonics at home for better health?

Love & Light

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Hot Oil Hair Treatment (The DIY All Natural Way To Healthy Locks)

Hot Oil Hair Treatment (The DIY All Natural Way To Healthy Locks)

ImageI’m first generation mixed. 

What this really means is that I have no one in my immediate family to look up to about what to do with this crazy mess of curls I call “My Hair”.  Really, most days I’m like What is going on up there?!   This mix of curl, kink and straight locks can be a Powerhouse to deal with even on “good hair” days.  Every day environmental issues, hard water, temperature change, humidity, as well as other people using curlers, straighteners and product on it for work every day, has resulted in hair that can get dry, damaged and is prone to split ends and breakage.  My remedy?

Hot Oil Treatments! 

The Benefits of Hot Oil Treatment include:

  • Achieving An All Natural Remedy.
  • Moisture Balance.
  • Treatment for dry scalp.
  • Shine, body, and volume.
  • Softens and nourishes hair.
  • Prevents Frizz & Breakage.
  • Works for any ethnicity, even straight hair.
  • Especially nourishing for kinky, curly, mixed, colored or extremely damaged hair.

Oils For Thought:

Making Hot Oil:

  • Solar Infusion:

Solar Infusing herbs is one of my favorite things to do, but it can take 2-6 weeks to infuse completely depending on how much Sun your oil is getting.  It’s the most natural and cost/energy effective way to infuse your oil with the healing properties of herbs.

  • On The Go:

If you want to make an oil treatment immediately, you can

Heat Your Oil:

Take 5 tbsp. of oil and place it in a small ceramic bowl or mug. Place the small bowl or mug in the water on the stove.

Prepare Your Treatment:

  • Add an extra 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of olive oil, coconut, macadamia, castor or avocado if your scalp is dry, or you have dandruff.
  • Add an extra 1 tbsp. (15 ml) of jojoba oil for fungal scalp problems.
  • Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes until it is warm but not hot. You do not want to burn yourself with the hot oil. Remove the oil cup with an oven mitt.
  • Wait for oil to cool so that it is touchable.  Massage, brush, and comb oil through the scalp using fingertips and a clean brush.
  • Wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap and relax for as long as you desire.  Leave in overnight for a super powerful treatment!
  • Rinse with warm water and comb through with a brush.  Style normally!

Have You Done A Hot Oil Treatment?

Photo Credit: groovylab

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Love & Light

DIY All Natural Mineral Foundation

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Phthlatates?  DBP?  Talc?  Parabens?  Methlyl?  DEHP?  Synthetic fragrance?  Formaldehyde?!

These are just a few of the cancer causing ingredients found in the most brand name makeup, and the more research I do, the more horrified I’ve become!  Unfortunately, the beauty industry is virtually unregulated in the U.S., and many toxic chemicals like phthalates and parabens can be found in the most common of makeup, shampoos, lotions and other personal care products.

As you know, I try to live as clean as I can.  However, I’m at the mercy of a job that requires having makeup on for hours at a time.  Makeup that is at the whim of whatever makeup artist I am in front of.  This month, pretty fed up with my store brand options, Mac-obsessed MUA’s and aggravated skin, I started making my own natural makeup!  Well DAMN, wouldn’t you know, it’s actually really fun, easy, and completely inexpensive!  I’m excited to share with you my DIY Natural Mineral Foundation Recipe!

What You’ll Need:

  1. Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch
  2. Raw Cacao Powder (Cocoa Powder works well too)
  3.  Finely ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg

To Make:

  1. Start with the base of Arrowroot or Cornstarch
  2. Slowly add the Cacao & Spices until you get a shade close to your skin tone.
  3. Apply liberally with a natural makeup brush and enjoy!

You can also add a homemade lotion + essential oil to make a liquid foundation for all natural coverage! 

The best part about this is that it’s customizable in color!  Personally, my skin color seems to change daily, depending on how much sun I get, and it allows me to adjust my own color without having to buy new makeup!  Voila!

Don’t forget to Enter the My Organic Life / Monarch Clothing Goddess Dress Giveaway!

Enter

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 My Organic Life & Monarch Clothing 

respectively.

We’ll be picking the lucky winner on 10/21 so that dresses are ready in time for Halloween!

 Good luck!

Happy and healthy life!

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Love & Light