Mercola Healthy Skin; Organic Natural Body Butter

I've been looking for a extra-thick and creamy moisturizer, that was also up to my ingredient standard. It was my Grandma Jenny that introduced me to this stuff. She's an avid Dr. Mercola fan.

Often body butters seem excessively greasy, but I was very pleased with the way this one adsorbed into the skin.
It comes in three scents, Lavender, Sweet Orange, and Unscented. Sweet Orange was the scent I chose, and I have only one small complaint, and that is that the slightly nutty/coconut smell of the oils clashes a bit with the orange scent. I think I might try the unscented next.

It contains 8 simple ingredients, and all written in plain english.

Organic shea butter

Organic cocoa butter

Organic coconut oil

Organic jojoba oil

Organic murumuru butter

Organic rice bran extract

Organic palm oil

Organic aloe vera

Does wonders for my poor abused knuckles.

Anyway, it can be found here at Mercola.com.

GSE Liquid Concentrate, use to treat Ringworm

Well, in the last week of December 09, I discovered that I was developing a ringworm infection. And in the first few weeks it went from bad to worse.
This is not the first time that I've beem inflicted with it, and each time it seems to hang around for an unbearably long time. Now in the past I've tried the fungal ointment, aswell as tea tree oil, both did not have very quick results, if any.
But this time, after I'd already suffered with it for a few weeks, at the recomandation of a family friend, I started using GSE Liquid Concentrate (Grapefruit Seed Extract) on it. The first time I made the mistake of using the full strength, which made my skin burn, and even caused a bit of swelling. So, after reading what the label had to say, I tired a diluted solution. And since then, the ringworm has gone from spreading to fading. I have no idea if this will work for everyone or anyone, but I figure, if nothing else seems to work, give it a try.

The all powerful baking soda! Use #2: Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Baking Soda makes a very nice, and gentle facial scrub. Something to use once a week, or even every other week if you have more sensitive skin, to get the dead skin cells off you face. Leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh.

All you need is a sink, water, baking soda, and a face! (that sounded kinda morbid)

I take a small handful of baking soda, moisten it with a bit of water, and then apply to my face, using my fingers to rub in small circular motions. Staying away from the eyes. In the past I've also used a facial brush to apply the baking soda.
And when I feel my skin is free of dead skin cells, I rinse thoroughly with water. Then after patting my face dry, I apply a liberal amount of moisturizer, and I may later apply some more, if my skin feels at all dry.

I have also used this all over, but usually I like a good sugar scrub for that.

Pacifica, Brazilian Mango Grapefruit, Solid Perfume

I really like the idea of solid perfume. And this one smells wonderful! Everyone wants to smell nice, don't they?.........at least I know I do.
I have found very few perfumes that I actually like. A lot of them give me a bombing headache. But this one has such a natural, sweet scent. It's like a grapefruit and a mango at the same time. Just more convenient than caring one of each around.
And of course, natural, natural, natural. It could smell like heaven and I'd have to pass on it, if it was not.
They have other scents, such as Tahitian Gardenia, Tuscan Blood Orange, and Hawaiian Rudy Guava, among several others. I think I would like to try that last one next.
PacificaCandles.com

Aubrey Organics, Pure Aloe Vera

I had been looking for some aloe vera that was free of unwanted ingredients. And here it is, Aubrey Organics, Pure Aloe Vera. I don't think you can get this stuff more natural than this, unless you squeezed it out of the plant.

Ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe) leaf juice
Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract
tocopherol (vitamin E).

That is all.

It is not as thick as you might expect, but if you've ever examined the actual leaf that this stuff comes out of, when squeezed, it comes out in a relatively thin liquid, and I appreciate the fact that they didn't add anything to thicken it. And of course it smells like plain aloe vera.

AubreyOrganics.com

Kiss My Face, C-weed soap

Ahhh, I love the smell of this soap. Just like a orange popsicle. I would have just kept the bar to smell, but we ran out in the bathroom.
I used to only use body wash type soap, but lately I've kinda gotten out of that, and went more towards the bar type. I think it's because I've found more variety of it in the healthy beauty product department. And it has less of a need for preservatives.
I picked this my bar up at a cute little health food/sandwich shop in Mora Minn. So if you are ever in that area check it out, Bread and Honey it what it's called. Such a small town, ask anyone and they'll probably be able to tell you where it is.
But otherwise they also have it at KissMyFaceWebstore.com.

J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary, Mango Body Cream

In the past I noticed this brand at wal-mart, and the ingredients weren't quite up to my par. But I guess they've started this new line of products that are more natural.
I came across this bottle of Mango Body Cream at Whole Foods. It also comes in vanilla, lavender, lemon, and aloe and green tea. I think that when I run out of the mango, I'll try that last one, I've been a bit crazy lately for anything green tea.
Not that there is anything wrong with the mango, it's quite nice. And the lotion's been great, very thick and creamy. But not to oily, soaks right into the skin. Great for using on your hands after you've washed the dishes or something. I don't swim in pools very often, so I haven't tested this out, but I imagine it would feel super nice all over, after all that chlorine.

www.jrwatkins.com

The all powerful baking soda! Use #1: Hair Rinse

Baking soda makes a real nice hair rinse. Gets all the built up junk out and makes the scalp feel quite nice, tingly you might say.

Prep: Before hand, brush your hair vigorously.

Application: Situate oneself in either the tub/shower or with head under the facet.
After wetting hair completely, take a handful of baking soda, moisten it with a bit of water, and apply to head. I would avoid getting much on the ends of your hair, it can be a bit drying.
Use finger tips to massage scalp. Apply more water or baking soda whenever you feel the need. And then after you feel you've scrubbed your whole scalp and massaged long enough rise thoroughly with water. If you have extremely dry hair, them I would recommend now apply some conditioner.

I have read of some people doing this method once a week, and then not needing to shampoo there hair ever. But I found that if I did it more then every few weeks it caused my hair to get pretty dry and static-ee. Though I would say that my hair is normally on the dry side, and needs a bit more moisturizing. So if your hair is more on the oily side, you might want to try it more often.

Weleda's; Almond Moisture Cream

This has been a very nice lotion for the summer. In the winter I have dry and patchy facial skin, and then in the summer it gets pretty oily in the t-zone. I guess it's what might be called combination skin :p So, something a little lighter is just what I needed. It also said, on the side of the package, that it's great for sensitive skin. And being fragrance free, it only have a very light almond smell.

I actually came across it at Target, which kinda surprised me. Usually the only thing the larger stores carry is maybe a few Burt's Bees products. But then when I got home I checked out weleda.com, and it looks like they have a lot of other great beauty products online.

Jason Toothpaste, Natural PowerSmile

I love this toothpaste! It's got a powerful minty taste. Makes my mouth feel extra clean. And keeps my teeth fresh and white. I may someday actually try another brand, but this one does such a wonderful job, I'm afraid I'll regret the change!

I've boughten it at our local health food stores, or Whole Foods Market. But it can also be purchased at jason-natural.com

Burt's Bees; Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

I don't have a huge problem with dry cuticles or brittle nails, but there are times, especially in the winter, when my fingers really need some special attention. And this stuff has always done a great job for me. Not to greasy and soaks in nicely. Plus the smell is great! Reminds me of lemon bars.

BurtsBee's.com says "This natural nail treatment softens cuticles and fortifies nails. Sweet almond oil, vitamin E and cocoa butter moisturize. Then beeswax seals in the goodness. A touch of lemon oil makes your nails appear and smell incredibly clean and beautiful. And, with regular use, your nails will become stronger and dry cuticles will disappear." And I second that.

Aubrey Organics, Amino Derm Gel Clear Skin Complex

This stuff is great! I've been using it over a week now, and I definitely see a marked improvement.

Of course I use this along with daily cleansing and then plenty of moisturizer afterwards.

Since last spring, I've been having a problem with these little bumps on my forehead and chin, basically in the T-zone. They weren't the red and sore kind, just little bumps. But still, they irritated me to no end! Now they are greatly minimized and my face looks just plain old fresher all over.

When I saw it at one of our local health food stores, "Clear Skin Complex" caught my eye and I knew I had to give it a try!

The thing I love most about all Aubrey Organics products is they're so very natural! I haven't found another brand that can compare to them.

You may be able to find this at a health food store, like I did, or you can purchase it at AubreyOrganics.com.

Burt's Bees, Beewax Lip Balm

I go through lip balm very quickly, or at least it doesn't last long around our house (my youngest sibling likes to apply it very liberally, by the finger full) But I can't blame her, she gives me an excuse to satisfy my lip balm addiction and try out a new one.

Of all the different brands that I've tried, (I've lost count, it'd probably be faster to name the ones I haven't tried) nothing has ever surpassed Burt's Bee's, Beewax Lip Balm. It is, in my opinion, the best! I love the minty smell, and the cooling feeling it has when you put it on. I've tried some that felt thin and oily on my lips. But not this one, the balm is just right, not too soft or too hard.


It has a bunch of great ingredients like ultra-emollient lanolin, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and beeswax.

It come in this cute little tin, and also the tube, that they say is made out of recycled plastic!

This lipbalm has become very popular, so you never know were you might be able to get your hands on some. But if it's no where to be found in your area, you can purchase both the tube and/or the tin at SalvatoreOrganicSolutions.com
>The Tin
>The Tube

E Plus High C, Roll-On Deodorant

I have never found a deodorant that I was entirly happy with, that is untill now.
I love this stuff! I have tried all kinds of "natural" deodorants, from Tom's of Main to Natures Gate, and this one surpasses them all, in every way. The scent is great, a nice fresh flowery smell, and I could not be happier with its oder fighting abilities.

You can find it here at: Aubrey Organics

Kleenex tissues for oily skin

With these balmy summer temperatures we have been experiencing here, sweating seems to be unavoidable, which produces extra oil on my face. Just having to walk across a parking lot gets me all sticky feeling, but I guess that must be expected when its usually between 98 and 102 degrees outside. One must venture outside once in awhile, and so to combat this annoyance I have taken up using Kleenex tissues to blot my facial skin whenever necessary. I like to keep a nice big box in the car and a one of those small packages in my purse.

Dietary Supplements; Silica Complex

Silica Complex it a dietary supplement that I try to take regularly. Silica, which is also known as silicon, I've read, is a component of certain bodily polysaccharide structures, such as hair, skin and nails.
My hair and skin have always been relatively healthy and hardy, but my nails have plagued me for many moons. They would kinda peel at the ends, and just feel thin and flimsy. I can't remember where I'd heard of silica, but I did and my nails are looking a lot better. I have not had any peeling for about a year, and I can actually let them grow out a bit and not get all chiped the first time I wash the dishes. Though, I find with the sewing and crafting stuff I like to do, long nails get in the way.

NOW is the brand I have been using: NOW.com

Aubrey Organics; Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner

Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo
I really like the smell of this stuff. Plus my skin does not get irritated by it. I have tried several different kinds of shampoo, but this, so far, is the only one that has not left my face red and hot feeling. The only down side to this stuff is that it does not lather very much. But it does clean nicely and with my slightly dry hair, it was never to harsh. Always leaves my hair soft and sweetly scented.

Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Again, the smell of this stuff it GREAT! And the viscosity is really nice and thick. Works wonders on my hair. I like to put it on and leave it in a bit, to give my hair a deep moisturizing treatment.


Aubrey Organics.com

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil is known for being an anti-septic and anti-fungal. I like to use it regularly. I put a little dab on the palm of one my hands, then by rubbing them together I spread it all over my palms. And then pat my face lightly. It does have a cooling effect, kinda like how an altoid mint feels in your mouth, and since it is an oil, if you put to much on, you have to use soap to get if off. You also can dilute it with another oil such as jojoba or olive oil to make a less potent solution. My favorite brand to use is NOW.

Aubrey Organics; Ultimate Moist Lotion, Passionflower

I love how natural Aubrey Organic's products are!
This is by far one of my favorite lotions! It had a really nice texture, smooth and creamy, but not runny. And it quickly absorbs onto your skin, so there is no greasy feeling. And this passionflower scent is wonderful! They have a few other Ultimate Moist Lotion scents and I really want to get my hands on a bottle of each.

Check out> AubreyOrganics.com

Easy Sugar Scrub

Scrubs are one of my favorite things to make. So simple you can throw it together in a few minutes and they feel so nice to use.
The basic ingredients are sugar and oil (I like coconut best, because it has very little smell, unlike olive oil, which is very good for you skin, has a very strong smell). And then, though it is unnecessary, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. I like to use peppermint, it has such a nice fresh smell.

Easy Sugar Scrub

2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
a few drops of essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to any desired container.

Scrubs are essential for me in the winter, my skin can get so dry! Using a nice coarse scrub maybe once even every other week really helps to keep my skin soft.