Homemade Beauty Tips

September 23, 2010-So...I struggle with being able to remove ALL my makeup in a single facewashing...and as a result...I am dealing with some MAJOR breakouts.  I have tried EVERYTHING...and then out of desperation (and partially because it was sitting on my counter after using it in my daughters bath...which I can vouch for yet ANOTHER great use) I grabbed the baking soda...wet my face...and applied a little bit...and started rubbing.  I washed my face with the baking soda...as normal...and then rinsed and dried it.  To see if all my makeup was off...I grabbed a washcloth...and got it wet...to my genuine surprise...NO MAKEUP left! So...there is now a little jar of baking soda in my bathroom...teehee.  Now...why was it in my bathroom?  My youngest daughter, Annslie (who is ALMOST 9 months) is cutting about 5 billion teeth right now...and as a result has a HORRIBLE diaper rash.  My mom recommended putting about 1/4c. of baking soda in her bath and letting her soak her little hiney away.  Baking soda helps nuetralize the acids that cause the diaper rash...and dries it out.   :)  Another good use?  If you have a stubborn pimple...make a paste of baking soda and water...apply to pimple...let dry...rinse off.  Pulls the yuckies out...dries out the pimple...and reduces the size dramatically!  :)  I think there is a GREAT possibility we will have to go into this further...but for now...I need to catch up on some zzz's.  Remember...I have a baby cutting 5 billion teeth!!!

May 14, 2010 - Did you know that high levels of parabens have been linked to breast cancer? One study in Britain showed that there were high concentrations of parabens in 18 out of 20 breast cancer samples. Now...that you know...go look at your favorite soaps...and lotions. Unless you are using an organic product...you are sure to see some type of paraben on the list of ingredients. Now think about this...you have been slathering on that lotion day after day...trying to keep your skin moisturized. Well, besides the fact that you are in turn slathering cancer causing ingredients on your skin...look at what else is in lotion and soaps...ALCOHOL. We all know Alcohol actually has drying properties...so your skin will actually in turn need MORE lotion. Its a vicious cycle. Next time you need a little moisture...put on a thin layer of extra-virgin olive oil. :) It absorbs quickly, is as natural as you can get...and you will quickly find your skin will be baby soft more often than not...without constantly slathering something on your skin.

Ingredients found in many skin care products:

Benzyl Alcohol: used as a general solvent for inks, paints, lacquers and epoxy resin coatings. Also used as a photographic developer.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: Developmental, brain, nervous system, reproduction and fertility effects.
Cetyl Alcohol: End product from petroleum industry. Also used as a lubricant in machinery.
Dimethicone: Suspected to be an environmental toxin and to be persistent or bioaccumulative. Expected to be toxic or harmful to organs.

Its summer time so no doubt we have all pulled out the flip flops and sandals! Peel off your winter socks...and you will see its probably about time to do a little damage control! Many of us mama's don't have time for regular pedicures...or...our budget just doesn't allow for it! Follow this "Brown Sugar Scrub" recipe for tip top tootsies in a flash! Finish it off with a bright nail polish...and your toes are ready for those super cute sandals!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground oats
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond oil (in case you don't have almond oil, use olive oil, it is a great substitute).

Preparation

* Before you start preparing this scrub, grind the oatmeal using a coffee grunder or food processor. It has to be of sandy consistency, flaky and light otherwise it will scratch the skin.
* Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until it resembles a paste
* Use circular motion and massage gently.
* Rinse off with warm water.