Removing Halloween Makeup – Naturally & Gently

Coconut Oil – a simple and natural solution to removing everything from your sparkles to your fake bullet wound.

Young and old – we all share a love of dressing up, so Halloween brings out everything from fake eyelashes and inch thick eyeliner to blood and gore.

All of this gets painted directly onto our skin, specifically our faces, which all have to go back to normal at the end of the night. No turning into a pumpkin at midnight, but unless you live alone and work from home, you do have to trade in the costume and go back to being a parent, teacher, boss, etc. in the morning.

With all of the planning, trial runs and product options, it’s rare to think of how to take the Halloween makeup off. Use Coconut oil. This natural oil will help to loosen and dissolve the makeup and glues. Do not try to pull the glue (i.e. eyelashes) from your skin – um OUCH and it is bad for your skin.

Gently spread the coconut oil over your face (or wherever you used the makeup), then just as gently, wipe it away with a washcloth. Certain areas might need a couple of tries. If needed, follow this with washing with a gentle soap (i.e. castile soap, combined with a little jojoba oil).

Note: We use organic, unrefined coconut oil (remember it liquefies or solidifies depending on the temperature).

Makeup Artist Kara Winslow highly recommends only using high quality products for your costume makeup. Your costume will look more authentic and your skin will thank you. She loves using glitter and rhinestones on her clients.

Wishing you a Happy Halloween and tons of fun getting your Trick or Treats!!

Running a little warm, try a swim in the tub

Not feeling well, dragging a bit and maybe the forehead is starting to feel a bit warm? Fever is our body's natural defense against infections and viruses. Heat destroys the nasty invaders. In the meantime, you feel run down and crummy. You maybe even have some chills and aches.

To help your body heal itself and give you some relief from the symptoms, our family uses takes a warm bath with our newly deemed ‘Fever Salts.'

The ingredients combine to soothe your symptoms, boost your immune system and reduce your fever. I have even heard (but not researched) that baking soda can be used in baths to draw out toxins and therefore, help reduce the fever.

Below is what works for us…

Supplies – you will need

½ - 1 cup good quality salts (KJ favs are Dead Sea Salts, Celtic Gray Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink)

½ cup baking soda

2 drops of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

2 drops of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

1 drop of Thyme ct linalol (Thymus vulgaris ct linalol)

You can blend all of these ingredients in advance (or have your favorite aromatherapist create custom salts just for your needs), but more than likely, you will create this on the fly when someone doesn’t feel well.

If you are blending this beside the tub, I suggest adding the salts and baking soda (no oils yet) as you fill the tub. Right before you step into the tub, take a small palm-full of salts and add the essential oils. Drop the now scented salts into the tub and carefully step into it.

This is BEST done at night before bed or if you are home sick, then plan on climbing into bed for a nice long nap after your bath.

Relax and enjoy! Feel better soon!

PS I have read that drinking a glass of water before AND then after a bath is a good idea. When you are not feeling well, it is probably an even better idea.

Chasing the Monsters Away

Whether it's your little love’s active mind (which means the talking and questions will not quit long enough for the eyes to shut) or fear of a bad dream, try making a Sleepy Time Spray to help your little one sleep. You can make your own or work with a qualified aromatherapist to create a blend that is just right for your family.

When fear is behind the bedtime delays, relaxing and soothing your little one is key. Fear causes a rush of adrenaline, blood vessels contract, senses sharpen, muscles contract – ‘fight or flight’ is not conducive with ‘lay still and relax’.

Spraying your child as well as his or her pillows and sheets a few times before bed will help for a number of reasons:

-Essential oils have physiological effects on our bodies. Choosing oils that are soothing, relaxing, sedative and calming to the mind will counterbalance the physical response to the fear.

-Believing in something has a significant amount of power – if our brains believe we can do it, then mountains do in fact move.

-Routines provide stability, which can calm and soothe anxiety and fear.

Creating a Sleep Spray

Our first spray intended for bedtime was a bit of a fail. Instead of their spray, the boys liked Mommy’s spray much better. Mommy's spray was simply Sweet Grass Hydrosol with a handful of Sandalwood drops. A close runner up was the Attitude Adjuster Spray I created to discourage bad moods (especially while the entire family was confined in small spaces together).

My point, is that whatever you create will likely have multiple applications and uses in your household.

Start your blending process with your intentions. For us, it is to:

Relax

Soothe

Trigger happy memories of snuggly sleep routines

Provide closure and the end to the questions or story telling

There are so many oils that will have the above effect, so you have a lot of room for personal preferences. The last time we blended, all I did was suggest some oils, the amounts of drops and the boys did the rest. Ohh, and I was in charge of set up and clean up of course.

Here are some oils to consider*– Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang

Remember Creating a Smoother Bedtime post has good suggestions about routines and other essential oil blends to help with bedtime.

Making your blend

With or without your child’s supervision (aka their input and help), gather your supplies

For our recent blends, we used:

1oz spray bottle (1 per child can be a good idea)

1oz Sweet Grass hydrosol (water is a great substitute)

½ -1 tsp aloe vera  (this is needed if you want to spray on your body - oils should not be applied to the skin without a carrier oil)

2 drops of Lavender

2 drops of Ylang Ylang

1 drop of Neroli/Petigrain

1 drop of Myrrh

Shake it well before every use.

At bedtime, try one spray around the face area (ask your little one to close his/her eyes first), a spray for each pillow and sometimes a spray for the stuffed friends sharing the bed.

FYI – this works for adults too! When brains are whirling and refuse to shut down, spray your face and neck as well as your linens. Climb back into bed, take a deep breaths and let the relaxation take over.

Wishing everyone Sweet dreams!

*It is important to use high quality oils.

I highly recommend only buying oils from a distributor that provides the GC/MS. This is the scientific analysis/report that categorizes the chemical components in the oil – ensuring that it is natural, not synthetic as well as that your oils was not diluted or the crop wasn’t sprayed with any pesticides or fertilizers.

Going natural doesn’t mean smelling stinky

Smell great AND use something that's natural. Yes, it can be done! Eliminating products with questionable ingredients has been a step by step process – I did not go through my house and throw everything out without anything to replace it (ok, maybe with a few things, but not everything). The ingredients in my deodorant/antiperspirant worried me before I decided to change my cleaners so I have been playing with various alternatives for years. This recipe is by far my favorite! But first...

Why care what ingredients go on your skin? The skin is our largest organ designed to protect us from external contaminants, regulate body heat, and manage nutrient levels and water loss. Many chemicals reach our bloodstream (and later our organs) via absorption through our skin. What goes on our skin is as important as what goes in it.

NOTE: While the amount of toxic chemicals found in one product used for a specific period of time, might be deemed acceptable enough to get the product on the shelves, scientists are finding it difficult to test over extended periods of time with vast amounts of chemical and product combinations. Just think of how many products you have used over the last year, never mind the last five. Logic tells me when the human body is bombarded from multiple sources over a long period of time, these toxins will have an impact.

Here’s a quick look at the toxins found in commercial antiperspirants/deodorants:

• Aluminum compounds (chlyorohydrate and zirconium tetrachlorohydrex) – neurotoxin
• Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl)– disrupt the body’s hormone balance
• Propylene glycol – damaging to the nervous system, heart and liver
• Phthalates – may disrupt hormone receptors, linked to birth defects and increase the likelihood of cell mutations
• Triclosan – is classified as a pesticide by the FDA and as a possible carcinogen by the EPA

Want to more in-depth research on the ingredients in your deodorant? Take a look at the SkinDeep database.

This is how antiperspirant works. Sweat is a natural function intended to rid the body of toxins – why stop it, especially with something toxic?

When you are super stressed out while sitting in the hot seat, your body will sweat regardless of what deodorant or antiperspirant you use. Plus, sweat itself does not have an odor, the bacteria in the skin cells does. Sometimes diet and not drinking enough water can affect it as well.

So, if we are supposed to sweat and going to sweat anyway in those crazy uncomfortable situations (which let’s be honest is when you are trying to hide it anyway) – what are we really worried about? Smelling stinky, right!?

I am not an expert on any of these ingredients or the research that surrounds them, but I am confident that there are non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on the body and the planet, plus are easy to find and simple to put together.

Natural deodorant ingredients from the pantry or a quick trip to the store. Start with a small batch to ensure that you like it (which you will, so feel free to double this recipe from the start)

• 1oz or 2-3 Tbsp Coconut Oil – virgin, unrefined and organic are best. Coconut oil is naturally anti bacterial, plus it is a moisturizer. Remember it melts into a liquid at temperatures above 75° F.
• ¼ cup Baking Soda – Absorbs odors
• ¼ cup Arrowroot Powder – Helps keep the silky texture. Some people use cornstarch, but I suggest arrowroot.
• Supplies include small mixing bowl, fork (whisk or hand mixer) and an air tight storage container (2oz or ½ cup size should do it)
• Cool variations if you have the supplies on hand or want to get them:
• ⅛ oz Beeswax – Besides being great for your skin, this will keep your deodorant solid in the container even during warmest months.
• 4-6 drops Essential Oils – optional  Not necessary for your odor fighting needs, but a great variation and you have lots of scents to customize it to fit your preferences. Depending on the oils you choose you will add more anti bacterial and deodorizing strength to your deodorant. Of course there is the obvious reason – it smells nice. Suggestions of my favorites are citrus (deodorizing and uplifting), lavender (anti-bacterial and smells so great) and Laurel Leaf and Grapefruit (great for lymphatic system, deodorizing and uplifting). Some other ideas: lemongrass, vetiver and tea tree.

Instructions: In a small mixing bowl, sift together the baking soda and arrowroot then add to the coconut oil and mix until well blended. Transfer it to your airtight container. If it is hot out, you might want to stick it in the fridge to harden it. Variation – If adding beeswax, melt beeswax in a double boiler* stirring often, then add the coconut oil. When beeswax and coconut oil are melted and combined, add the arrowroot, baking soda and essential oil, then pour into your storage container(s).

Additional supplies Use mini deodorant holders instead of a jar from home. Check out SKS options

*Create a double boiler by heating water in a small saucepan until it is at a low boil then place your glass pyrex measuring cup into the boiling water. Leave the handle out of the pot so it is easier to pick it up when you are done.

ENJOY your new deodorant!

RESOURCES

Environmental Working Group Cosmetic Database (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/)

Aluminum, antiperspirants and breast cancer (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0162013405001613)

The Power of Hugs

What is it about a hug?

It’s a standoff situation – your partner on one side of that line & you on the other. That line might be invisible, but it feels like an insurmountable cliff.

There are times that our self-righteous egos sit on a high horse and want to hold on to the ‘Damn it, I am right’ banner a while longer. What is it about touch and hugs specifically that affect us? What happens without our conscious control? The choice to finally step in for the hug is a huge choice because in the back of your brain, you know that you will feel just a little better soon (staying angry means you have to avoid feeling better – hee hee).

Why when you hold on tight for just a little while, then a little longer do you start to relax just a bit and see that cliff as a smaller hill to climb? The situation has not magically resolved itself, but a little of the weight on your shoulders is a bit lighter.

How about those snuggles with little cuddly loves in your life? Or a hug from a close friend when you are scared?

Why??

The answer is Oxytocin – not oxycontin, but it does make you feel good. We feel love, affection and trust when the hormone oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus at the center of the brain.

So cool that a hug with someone you love makes your brain create & then release more oxytocin – making you feel better.

The benefits oxytocin do not stop at helping us feel loved. It lowers levels of stress hormones which leads to lowered blood pressure, acts as an anti-depressant (improving mood), and increases tolerance for pain.

Here are some other things studies are showing are connected to the pituitary’s release of more oxytocin into the bloodstream:

Feeling good when we are close to family & loved ones

Sexual attraction to our spouses

Causes uterine contractions during labor (and is passed through breast milk to our infants increasing the mommy/baby bond)

Speeding the healing process

Increases our sense of well-being and confidence reducing social fears and helps us over come shyness

Resources

Barraza, J. A., McCullough, M. E., Ahmadi, S. & Zak, P. J. (2011). Oxytocin infusion increases charitable donations regardless of monetary resources. Hormones and Behavior, 60(2), 148-151.

Ditzen, B. et al. (2009). Intranasal Oxytocin Increases Positive Communication and Reduces Cortisol Levels During Couple Conflict. Biological Psychiatry, 65, 728-73. Abstract.

Floyd, Kory (2011). Affection Mediates the Impact of Alexithymia on Relationships. Personality and Individual Differences 50, 451-456

Grewen, K. M., Girdler, S. S., Amico, J. & Light, K. C. (2005). Effects of partner support on resting oxytocin, cortisol, norepinephrine, and blood pressure before and after warm partner contact. Psychosomatic Medicine, 67(4), 531-538. Abstract.

Light K. C., Grewen, K. M. & Amico, J. A. (2005). More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biological Psychology, 69(1), 5-21. Epub 2004 Dec 29. Abstract.

Theodoridou, A., Rowe, I., Penton-Voak, I., Rogers, P. (2009). Oxytocin and social perception: Oxytocin increases perceived facial trustworthiness and attractiveness. Hormones and Behavior, 56,1, 128–132.

Other Articles you might find interesting:

Oxytocin: Go Out and Touch Someone

Hugs and Cuddles Have Long-Term Effects

Embrace Hugging: Daily cuddles can combat infections and lowers risk of heart disease

10 Reasons Why We Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day

Easy Help for Your Hair

A natural moisturizing treatment is long overdue for my hair. Something simple and easy would fit the bill. For years, I have heard of all kinds of things that you can do to make your hair look better and feel better. All of it seemed like too much work. That’s not counting the expensive store bought options either – I’m not one to try it just because of the great marketing.

I have been meaning to try a handful of do-it-yourself hair treatments, but just have not gotten around to it. My M.O. is low maintenance and simple plus I am always looking for products (or ingredients) that are non-toxic and gentle on the planet.

Time to try coconut oil!

To treat your hair with coconut oil all you need is some unrefined coconut oil (virgin & organic). Remember, it will change consistency with the air temperature. - from clear liquid when it is warm to solid and white with cold.

Start with a small amount (tablespoon or less) and rub it in to your hair starting at the roots/scalp and working your way to the tips of your hair.

Remember, a little goes a long way. The hair does not have to look greasy, just shiny. It will be ok if you use a bit too much since you will be washing it out soon.

Leave it in your hair for 30-60 minutes, then wash it out. If your hair is long enough, put it up in a hair tie and go for a long walk, read a book, do a little cleaning, catch up on a favorite show or whatever passes the time.

Time to wash it out. When you are done, simply wash your hair as you always do. No need to use conditioner though.

Today’s goal was to pamper my hair, not to get wrapped up in research – which is fun for my brain, but wouldn’t have made my hair look awesome – but I still wanted to know why it was so good for my hair.

In a nutshell, organic, virgin (unrefined) coconut oil penetrates the hair helping to reduce or eliminate damage, leaving it soft and shiny. Coconut oil is more than 90 percent saturated fat (this is ok, don’t freak out). It is extremely high in lauric acid (responsible for it’s powerful anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties) as well as linoleic acid and oleic acid and vitamin E. Its unique molecular structure helps to rebuild the protein (keratin) that makes up each strand of hair. With its anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties, coconut oil is also a good choice for those dealing with dandruff or cradle cap.

Here are some links to start some of your own research.

http://coconutoil.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/039320_coconut_oil_superfood_sulfur.html

Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage

J. Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr: 54(2): 175-92

There are many of benefits to using coconut oil in your hair, on your skin, in your diet, etc. expect future blog posts focused on this amazing ingredient!