Homemade Moisturizer Recipe

Just for fun the other morning upon awakening, I decided to count how many products I used during my morning routine. I was convinced it would be about 8-10 because within the past 5-years or so I’ve significantly decreased the amount of products and cosmetics I use. 

I was totally wrong. 

By the time I walked out of the bathroom and was ready for my day I had used over 16 products from my toothpaste, hair products and makeup. Even though the products I purchase these days are higher quality...they’re still not 100% healthy! I am committing to making more of an effort with my everyday products with the same enthusiasm that I do with my food. Best part, it’s WAY cheaper!!

Funfact: within the past 3 months or so of doing this I’ve lost count at how many compliments I’ve gotten regarding my glowing skin!  

I stumbled across this recipe online, ordered some beeswax pellets and made some. I’m in love. My fiancé is in love (and I didn’t even ask him to try, he willingly tried on his own!). I still can’t get over how quickly it took to throw it together. You only need a small amount each application and it absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. The smell will fade after a few minutes. It lasts a long time in the bathroom, so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated! Amazing for dry hands and feet, or even chapped lips. Got a baby with a rash? It helps their bum, too. Did I mention how affordable this moisturizer is? Please let me know if you give it a try!

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil (or almond oil)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax pellets (I bought mine on Amazon) 
10 drops of essential oil (optional, my favorite is lemongrass)
  
Directions
1. Combine the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a heat proof jug or large jar.
2. Put the jug/jar in a saucepan and fill the pan with water until it comes 3/4 of the way up the jug/jar.
3. Put it on a low heat on the stove.  Heat and stir it until it has melted (about 5-10 minutes).
4. Now empty out the hot water from the pan and replace it with cold water to the same level.  Put the jug/jar back into the pan. This helps to cool the moisturizer down quickly, as you’ll notice.
5. Add your essential oil to the jug/jar now if you are using.
6. Now to finish this quickly, use an electric whisk to quickly whip the ingredients into a moisturizer.  OR if you don’t have a whisk you can use a fork and give it a good stir.  You may have to stir this every 5 minutes until the texture is thick and creamy if not using an electric whisk.
7. Spoon into a glass jar of your choice, something that will be accessible for you to stick your fingers in to grab some moisturizer during your bathroom routine. I bought a bunch of these jars - they work great, you can split up your moisturizer so that you have a few jars on hand, and they are super cute!

Recipe from GreenThickies.com

Stop, Breathe & Think app

I'm LOVING the Stop Breathe & Think app for my iPhone. 

It's free. 

They're quick guided meditations.  

It's easy. 

Give it a whirl!

Sweet Eggs

  Wanted a sweet breakfast after yoga this morning so I scrambled eggs in cinnamon & all spice with half an apple sliced with almond butter, walnuts & raisins. Hot H2o with turmeric, coconut oil & cayenne to assist my digestion & curb my sweet cravings for later today. 

What do you have for breakfast when you're craving something sweet??

Sauerkraut for Sugar Cravings

My daily tablespoon (or two) of yummy sauerkraut. Yesterday I had a few too many gluten free cookie tasting bites for the wedding & am majorly feeling it today. This helps to ease sugar cravings, replenishes healthy gut bacteria, and is a great source of iron, fiber, vitamin C & K.

Just to refresh you on why fermented foods are so healthy, check out a previous blog post of mine on Fermented Foods for Digestive Health.

Unplug

March 7 - 8th was National Day of Unplugging. Totally love the idea and what it's all about...but I can't sit here and said I did it! Sigh...

It's hard to unplug! Isn't it?  

However, this made me reflect on how much I am dependent on my technological gadgets and allowed me to create some new goals moving forward. They may be small goals, but they're pretty big overall...if I do them!  

Small steps to unplug on a regular basis:

1. No more walking and fiddling with my phone. Whether I'm texting, Instagraming or checking emails I need to stand up straight and walk.

2. Once I get home from work I'm no longer allowed to use my computer. Or, if I'm working from home that day, no more computer use after 6pm. Very limited computer use over weekend, too!

3. iPad use in bed is only allowed a few times a month, if that, and only for watching a movie or doing something enjoyable (not checking emails).  

4. Shut wifi and bluetooth off on phone/iPad if they're near my bedside. This is a must and something I do consistently. 

5. Very little to no TV before bed. I may catch a show or two after dinner, but I enjoy dimming the lights and having a quiet house before it's sleepy time. 

Have you made any gadget goals that help you unplug from technology?  Please share-

Creative Juices Flowing

Buying a home and planning a wedding is a recipe for spending TONS of money. In an effort to save money this weekend, I brought back to life a few items in my house that were just collecting dust by spraying them with a brilliant gold paint! Not only was this totally fun, but it allowed my creative juices to flow. 

Making time for arts and crafts, for me, is a major aspect towards my good health. It's a beautiful outlet for me to express myself. Back when I was designing each and every day, I could never imagine a time where I wasn't being creative. However, times have changed!  I make it a point to look at the recipes I create in my kitchen as art. I make it a point to art journal and color in coloring books. I make it a point to create small arts or crafts and send them to friends/relatives via snail mail. Keeping that creativity alive and flowing is so important. 

What sparks your creativity?

PS: Everything looks better in GOLD! 

Watch More Sunsets

When I was living in New Paltz going to college, a friend and I used to "chase the sunset." When our schedule permitted, we hopped into the car and drove up into the mountains to watch and watch the sunset. We made this a regular habit for a while and there were nights where we'd literally have to chase the sunset, and just find any nook to catch it's last light. 

This was a BEAUTIFUL habit. 

Now, lets be honest here. That time of my life was not a healthy time. At all. However, I still remember a shift in myself during that time where we were on this kick. It made me slow down and reflect on the day that was just about to pass. It made me feel more gratitude for what I had. It also was just so relaxing. 

I miss my irresponsible college days where I actually had the time to do this practice. However, I do make it a point to enjoy sunsets during my commute home. Or if I'm at home and notice the sky is a gorgeous color, I'll take a moment to walk outside to check it out. I especially make sure to watch a few sunsets while I'm away on vacation. So good for our souls!!!