natural products

I almost always shower at night and an added benefit, other than going to bed without the day's dirt lingering on my skin and helping me to relax, is some of the steam gets to penetrate my locs and add a bit of needed moisture before bed. This is important because if you don't have a satin pillow case or wear a satin scarf, your sheets and pillow cases are very well stripping your hair of much needed natural oils and moisture and even leaving behind lint.

So let's talk loc nighttime routines. You should be doing something a few nights a week to help keep your locs moisturized, which will help prevent damage and breakage.

Steam Please

If you shower at night, don't use a shower cap. Put your hair up and let some of the steam penetrate your locs.

DIY Moisture Spray

If you don't take a hot shower at night or if you have regular issues with dry locs, consider praying on a water-based moisturizer.

My favorite hair moisturizing duo for locs is either the rosewater spray or you can make a powerful DIY loc spray from aloe vera juice and a mix of oils great for hair (I like to use a couple of drops of  avocado, lavender, rosemary oil). Also, burdock root and nettle brewed in distilled water is a great addition. See recipe/instructions below:

Spray can be used as needed on mature locs. For locs still in their infancy, exclude oil (or only a few drops) and minimize use to when you hair is very dry.

Keep scrolling for a simplified version of the aloe loc spray by Valerie, who has a great instagram and youtube channel for her traditional locs.

Please note: There is quite a bit of misinformation about oils and locs. Oil do not moisturize your locs, black hair care experts are now clarifying that there is no such thing as a “moisturizing hair oil”.  To add moisture to your locs, you need a water based mix. Even for my skin, I use my skin oils after spraying with a water-based herbal spray or immediately after washing, while skin is still wet. So either first you apply a water-based moisturizer and then apply an emollient oil (emollient means retains moisture) or mix a bit of water-base moisturizer with a couple drops of oil.


Satin

Wear a Satin bonnet, satin lined cap or use a satin pillow. Cotton pillowcases and sheets are one of the biggest contributors to dryness and lint. The use of satin head coverings or pillows will help.


This bedtime routine mixed with a solid regular loc care routine, a healthy diet, and appropriate water intake will keep your locs healthy for years to come.

Loc Bedtime Routine

I almost always shower at night and an added benefit, other than going to bed without the day's dirt lingering on my skin and helping me to relax, is some of the steam gets to penetrate my locs and add a bit of needed moisture before bed. This is important because if you don't have a satin pillow case or wear a satin scarf, your sheets and pillow cases are very well stripping your hair of much needed natural oils and moisture and even leaving behind lint.

So let's talk loc nighttime routines. You should be doing something a few nights a week to help keep your locs moisturized, which will help prevent damage and breakage.

Steam Please

If you shower at night, don't use a shower cap. Put your hair up and let some of the steam penetrate your locs.

DIY Moisture Spray

If you don't take a hot shower at night or if you have regular issues with dry locs, consider praying on a water-based moisturizer.

My favorite hair moisturizing duo for locs is either the rosewater spray or you can make a powerful DIY loc spray from aloe vera juice and a mix of oils great for hair (I like to use a couple of drops of  avocado, lavender, rosemary oil). Also, burdock root and nettle brewed in distilled water is a great addition. See recipe/instructions below:

Spray can be used as needed on mature locs. For locs still in their infancy, exclude oil (or only a few drops) and minimize use to when you hair is very dry.

Keep scrolling for a simplified version of the aloe loc spray by Valerie, who has a great instagram and youtube channel for her traditional locs.

Please note: There is quite a bit of misinformation about oils and locs. Oil do not moisturize your locs, black hair care experts are now clarifying that there is no such thing as a “moisturizing hair oil”.  To add moisture to your locs, you need a water based mix. Even for my skin, I use my skin oils after spraying with a water-based herbal spray or immediately after washing, while skin is still wet. So either first you apply a water-based moisturizer and then apply an emollient oil (emollient means retains moisture) or mix a bit of water-base moisturizer with a couple drops of oil.


Satin

Wear a Satin bonnet, satin lined cap or use a satin pillow. Cotton pillowcases and sheets are one of the biggest contributors to dryness and lint. The use of satin head coverings or pillows will help.


This bedtime routine mixed with a solid regular loc care routine, a healthy diet, and appropriate water intake will keep your locs healthy for years to come.
Read more

Winter is coming. Time to prepare for it with the right tools and loc care habits.

The Tools

Prepare your winter arsenal with the right tools.
  1. Encourages hair growth by invigorating the hair follicles with the bristles of the brush, thus increasing blood flow and oxygen to the scalp.
  2. Discourages build up by removing oils trapped in your locs that can be magnets for lint. For already trapped lint, loc brushing can help dislodge it. It can also dislodge dead skin cells (dandruff), and other buildup that may have become trapped inside your locs.
  3. Minimizes dry and frizzy locs. Frizz can be an indication of a lack of moisture, you can combat this via loc brushing because it can help distribute your natural oils from your scalp to the tips of your locs, hydrating the locs while taming any frizzy hairs in the process.

To help remove dirt, build up, or lint from your locs, dry brushing is a great solution.
Also,  wait until buds on the ends and locs are in the teenage phase before you start loc brushing.

  • Silk lined caps- wear beneath wool and other winter caps to protect against lint and drying our your locs.
  • Hair Dryer and Steamer- The dryer to prevent hair staying wet all day and risking mold and steamer for those mornings where you have more time and you want to imbue a bit more moisture into your locs. 
The Right Products & Routine
The right products and routine will help prevent dry winter hair.
  • Consider making an Herbal Hair Rinse part of your routine to strengthen your hair and combat dryness in both your hair and scalp during those dry months.
  • Incorporate essential oils and create some DIY recipes or try one of my two favorites
                  - The magical Ancient Greek Oil Mix (it comes in a convenient spray bottle)
                 - Camille Rose Nibs & Honey - Ultimate Growth Serum (it has a easy to use nozzle top perfect for scalp oiling.
Only use oil sparingly on wet locs to seal in moisture.

Do you have any winter routines that keep your locs healthy through those chilly months, please share in the comment below.



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Preparing Your Locs for Winter

Winter is coming. Time to prepare for it with the right tools and loc care habits.

The Tools

Prepare your winter arsenal with the right tools.
  1. Encourages hair growth by invigorating the hair follicles with the bristles of the brush, thus increasing blood flow and oxygen to the scalp.
  2. Discourages build up by removing oils trapped in your locs that can be magnets for lint. For already trapped lint, loc brushing can help dislodge it. It can also dislodge dead skin cells (dandruff), and other buildup that may have become trapped inside your locs.
  3. Minimizes dry and frizzy locs. Frizz can be an indication of a lack of moisture, you can combat this via loc brushing because it can help distribute your natural oils from your scalp to the tips of your locs, hydrating the locs while taming any frizzy hairs in the process.

To help remove dirt, build up, or lint from your locs, dry brushing is a great solution.
Also,  wait until buds on the ends and locs are in the teenage phase before you start loc brushing.

  • Silk lined caps- wear beneath wool and other winter caps to protect against lint and drying our your locs.
  • Hair Dryer and Steamer- The dryer to prevent hair staying wet all day and risking mold and steamer for those mornings where you have more time and you want to imbue a bit more moisture into your locs. 
The Right Products & Routine
The right products and routine will help prevent dry winter hair.
  • Consider making an Herbal Hair Rinse part of your routine to strengthen your hair and combat dryness in both your hair and scalp during those dry months.
  • Incorporate essential oils and create some DIY recipes or try one of my two favorites
                  - The magical Ancient Greek Oil Mix (it comes in a convenient spray bottle)
                 - Camille Rose Nibs & Honey - Ultimate Growth Serum (it has a easy to use nozzle top perfect for scalp oiling.
Only use oil sparingly on wet locs to seal in moisture.

Do you have any winter routines that keep your locs healthy through those chilly months, please share in the comment below.



Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Read more

Seasons change, and so should your skincare regime. If your skin is anything like mine, you'll be going from oily or combination summertime skin to dry fall/winter skin. I highly recommend adjusting your skincare regime seasonally.

Here is my routine, but keep in mind that I live in Southern California (extremely dry climate that is sunny year-round) and I have combination skin (oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas).

Morning




Evening


  • Cleanse with Davita Naturals. I've used it for about 5 years now. This all-natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that love on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil.
  • Tone with Neem Tumeric Facial Mist. Alaffia’s facial mist, with balancing turmeric, harmonizing yarrow and regenerative algae, tones and restores the skin's protective layers. Ideal for an uneven complexion and blemish-prone skin.
  • Use a good eye cream like DERMA E to reduce the depth of crows feet, deeply hydrate, firm, and tone the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Moisturize extensively at night.

Treatments

  • Charcoal Mask - Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance, while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Perfect for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.
  • Rose H20 Beautifying Tonic hydrates and corrects the appearance of your skin tone and texture through key vitamins and minerals.
  • Carrier oils like grapeseed oil (for oily skin) and sweet almond oil (for dry/aging skin).
  • Body butter (like NEK.AWA) at night after showering to lock in moisture and take the fight against dry skin to the next level.

Other Factors

  • Stay hydrated. Our bodies are 60% water, and the skin is the largest organ.
  • Use a humidifier if you are experiencing extreme dryness.
  • Exfoliate regularly to help moisturizers and lotions penetrate better. 
  • Stick to warm showers and baths. Hot water can dry out natural oils in the skin. 
  • Take care of your lips. Exfoliate and use a heavy body butter or lip balm at night. I like using NEK.AWA (great for the entire body).

Winter Skincare Basics

Seasons change, and so should your skincare regime. If your skin is anything like mine, you'll be going from oily or combination summertime skin to dry fall/winter skin. I highly recommend adjusting your skincare regime seasonally.

Here is my routine, but keep in mind that I live in Southern California (extremely dry climate that is sunny year-round) and I have combination skin (oily skin in some areas of your face and dry skin in other areas).

Morning




Evening


  • Cleanse with Davita Naturals. I've used it for about 5 years now. This all-natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that love on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil.
  • Tone with Neem Tumeric Facial Mist. Alaffia’s facial mist, with balancing turmeric, harmonizing yarrow and regenerative algae, tones and restores the skin's protective layers. Ideal for an uneven complexion and blemish-prone skin.
  • Use a good eye cream like DERMA E to reduce the depth of crows feet, deeply hydrate, firm, and tone the delicate skin around your eyes.
  • Moisturize extensively at night.

Treatments

  • Charcoal Mask - Activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores, giving skin a smooth, refined appearance, while salicylic acid stimulates exfoliation. Perfect for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.
  • Rose H20 Beautifying Tonic hydrates and corrects the appearance of your skin tone and texture through key vitamins and minerals.
  • Carrier oils like grapeseed oil (for oily skin) and sweet almond oil (for dry/aging skin).
  • Body butter (like NEK.AWA) at night after showering to lock in moisture and take the fight against dry skin to the next level.

Other Factors

  • Stay hydrated. Our bodies are 60% water, and the skin is the largest organ.
  • Use a humidifier if you are experiencing extreme dryness.
  • Exfoliate regularly to help moisturizers and lotions penetrate better. 
  • Stick to warm showers and baths. Hot water can dry out natural oils in the skin. 
  • Take care of your lips. Exfoliate and use a heavy body butter or lip balm at night. I like using NEK.AWA (great for the entire body).
Read more

Various people and cultures around the world refer to bentonite clay as "healing clay" and with good reason. Having both amazing internal and topical uses, bentonite clay has been used for centuries but has become super popular amongst wellness enthusiasts. Composed of ash made from volcanos, one of the largest known sources of bentonite clay is found in Fort Benton, Wyoming (hence the name).

Internally bentonite clay benefits your body by producing an "electrical charge" when combined with liquid and seeking out and binding with toxins, chemicals, impurities and 'heavy metals" in your body and is then able to draw them out of your body. So internally the benefits of bentonite clay can include:
  • providing minerals for the body (bentonite clay is known for being abundant in minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium)
  • speeding up recovery from vomiting and diarrhea
  • fighting pathogens responsible for disease, like E. coli and a virus that can cause staph infection. 
  • and helping with digestive disturbances like constipation, acid reflux, gas and bloating
To use internally: mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay throughly with water, drink immediately, and use as often as daily. You can also use as a homemade mouthwash to detox your teeth and gums.
Skin and Hair
Externally bentonite clay is the ultimate skin detox! It is able to bind to bacteria and toxins that live on the surface of the skin and within pores and it even extract these from the pores. This can help to reduce acnes, redness, and even fight allergic reactions from lotions or face washes. The clay serves as antibiotic treatment topically, which can calm skin infections. So not only do I use on my face and underarms but also on my inner thighs and butt before showering. It also pulls all the crap out of your scalp and hair leaving it shinny and noticeably softer!

For your skin and hair the uses of bentonite clay can include:
  • as a face mask by mixing bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar until you form a paste and applying topically to your face and body. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse away. This can be done weekly.
  • as a hair detox since bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet. When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed. Mix equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar (until consistency of yogurt) and 10 drops of essential oil (like Rosemary for hair growth) in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon. (If you use metal, you will activate or deactivate certain properties in the bentonite clay). Apply to hair and leave for 20 minutes, it will magically lift lint to surface. Be sure to thoroughly rinse! Optional: Rinse with a cup of water with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar added. See my other favorite loc detoxes here.
  • as a skin softening and relaxing detox bath by adding about 1/4 cup of Bentonite Clay to a bathwater.
Bentonite clay benefits the body because it is able to produce a natural charge that is electrical when in contact with liquid — very similar to how earthing (touching your bare feet to the earth) works.

Important: Don't let healing clays come in to contact with anything metal, this will reduce the effectiveness. I opt to use class, plastic and wood when working with bentonite clay.
  • Friday, April 06, 2018

Bentonite Clay for Skin and Hair

Various people and cultures around the world refer to bentonite clay as "healing clay" and with good reason. Having both amazing internal and topical uses, bentonite clay has been used for centuries but has become super popular amongst wellness enthusiasts. Composed of ash made from volcanos, one of the largest known sources of bentonite clay is found in Fort Benton, Wyoming (hence the name).

Internally bentonite clay benefits your body by producing an "electrical charge" when combined with liquid and seeking out and binding with toxins, chemicals, impurities and 'heavy metals" in your body and is then able to draw them out of your body. So internally the benefits of bentonite clay can include:
  • providing minerals for the body (bentonite clay is known for being abundant in minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium)
  • speeding up recovery from vomiting and diarrhea
  • fighting pathogens responsible for disease, like E. coli and a virus that can cause staph infection. 
  • and helping with digestive disturbances like constipation, acid reflux, gas and bloating
To use internally: mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay throughly with water, drink immediately, and use as often as daily. You can also use as a homemade mouthwash to detox your teeth and gums.
Skin and Hair
Externally bentonite clay is the ultimate skin detox! It is able to bind to bacteria and toxins that live on the surface of the skin and within pores and it even extract these from the pores. This can help to reduce acnes, redness, and even fight allergic reactions from lotions or face washes. The clay serves as antibiotic treatment topically, which can calm skin infections. So not only do I use on my face and underarms but also on my inner thighs and butt before showering. It also pulls all the crap out of your scalp and hair leaving it shinny and noticeably softer!

For your skin and hair the uses of bentonite clay can include:
  • as a face mask by mixing bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar until you form a paste and applying topically to your face and body. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse away. This can be done weekly.
  • as a hair detox since bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet. When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed. Mix equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar (until consistency of yogurt) and 10 drops of essential oil (like Rosemary for hair growth) in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon. (If you use metal, you will activate or deactivate certain properties in the bentonite clay). Apply to hair and leave for 20 minutes, it will magically lift lint to surface. Be sure to thoroughly rinse! Optional: Rinse with a cup of water with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar added. See my other favorite loc detoxes here.
  • as a skin softening and relaxing detox bath by adding about 1/4 cup of Bentonite Clay to a bathwater.
Bentonite clay benefits the body because it is able to produce a natural charge that is electrical when in contact with liquid — very similar to how earthing (touching your bare feet to the earth) works.

Important: Don't let healing clays come in to contact with anything metal, this will reduce the effectiveness. I opt to use class, plastic and wood when working with bentonite clay.
Read more

Some products just do what they say and are worth every penny, here are a few of my favorites for my skin and hair:


Beautiful Curls Defining Gel by Alaffia

I posted recently about folks who have an obsession with relaxed edges. When I do moisturize my edges and want them laid, I use this Alaffia moisturizing and curl defining gel. It’s a wondrous product, there is no build-up and it is all natural.


Andalou 1,000 Roses Body Lotion 
This lotion is light, moisturizing, plant-based and it has the loveliest smell.


Flow Water

Alkaline water for the win! I love this boxed water from Flow!

Alkaline water is different from tap water because it's less acidic—it has a pH over seven, meaning that it has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. In chemistry all liquids have some level of acidity, as determined by the pH scale. The pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the liquid, which is expressed on a scale of 0-14, with anything under seven (like black coffee, orange juice, and vinegar) is acidic, seven is neutral and above seven (like baking soda) is alkaline territory.

Benefits of Alkaline Water include:

  • Soothing acid reflux 
  • neutralize acid in the bloodstream, which leads to increased oxygen levels and improved energy and metabolism
  • anti-aging and anti-disease
  • cleanses the colon
  • rejuvenates the skin
  • lubricates muscles and joints

Tru-Colour Bandages

Tru-Colour bandages for every skin tone and I love them!

Use the coupon code "raisingself10" for a discount at https://trucolourbandages.com/


(We are not wearing our exact banadge colors so that they WILL show up better on Photo.)

Friday Favorites: Hair and Skin Care

Some products just do what they say and are worth every penny, here are a few of my favorites for my skin and hair:


Beautiful Curls Defining Gel by Alaffia

I posted recently about folks who have an obsession with relaxed edges. When I do moisturize my edges and want them laid, I use this Alaffia moisturizing and curl defining gel. It’s a wondrous product, there is no build-up and it is all natural.


Andalou 1,000 Roses Body Lotion 
This lotion is light, moisturizing, plant-based and it has the loveliest smell.


Flow Water

Alkaline water for the win! I love this boxed water from Flow!

Alkaline water is different from tap water because it's less acidic—it has a pH over seven, meaning that it has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. In chemistry all liquids have some level of acidity, as determined by the pH scale. The pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the liquid, which is expressed on a scale of 0-14, with anything under seven (like black coffee, orange juice, and vinegar) is acidic, seven is neutral and above seven (like baking soda) is alkaline territory.

Benefits of Alkaline Water include:

  • Soothing acid reflux 
  • neutralize acid in the bloodstream, which leads to increased oxygen levels and improved energy and metabolism
  • anti-aging and anti-disease
  • cleanses the colon
  • rejuvenates the skin
  • lubricates muscles and joints

Tru-Colour Bandages

Tru-Colour bandages for every skin tone and I love them!

Use the coupon code "raisingself10" for a discount at https://trucolourbandages.com/


(We are not wearing our exact banadge colors so that they WILL show up better on Photo.)

Read more


Thank you Tom’s of Maine for sponsoring this post.


Brushing with Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Toothpaste has been a real confidence boost. In the past, during random conversations, I often find myself staring at people’s teeth and shocked at how white their teeth are. Then I think: if I’m staring at their mouth and thinking this, are they staring at my mouth and thinking, “dang her teeth are yellow!” This thought cycle always unnerves me and my words are slightly more mumbled as I do the opposite of baring my teeth.

I will be the first to admit I’ve had a pretty mediocre oral care regime. My parents never hounded me about brushing or flossing, even though I have my Dad’s weak, sensitive and stereotypical British teeth that I did not start to take better care of until recent years. So on top of getting cavities filled, and planning to get adult braces, I am also working to reverse years of staining with a non-abrasive home whitening regime. Since I’m very conscious about what I put in my body and very dedicated to living green and minimizing me and my family’s exposure harsh ingredients and products, I opted to whiten naturally. Here are my favorite ways to naturally whiten my teeth at home:



1.       Toms, because whiter teeth and great oral health starts with the right toothpaste. Tom’s most advanced natural whitening toothpaste, Luminous White, is safe on enamel and safe for everyday use. Luminous White toothpaste uses two types of high cleaning silica to gently and safely remove surface stains. And all of the ingredients are naturally derived, unlike conventional whitening toothpastes.



2.  Whitening Foods provided by mother nature offers as options many fruits, veggies and other natural items as viable options to protect your teeth from decay and keep them from discoloring. These natural foods include:

- Raw Broccoli can naturally clean teeth while eating with nutrients that can coat your enamel to minimize stains while fighting harmful bacteria, and acid erosion.

- Strawberries mixed with baking soda and applied as a paste is another good option

- The inside white portion of an orange skin can be rubbed on teeth.

- Apple Cider Vinegar is a teeth and gum cleanser that not only prevents discoloration but can reverse some yellowing that has happened over time because of the following naturally occurring ingredients: acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and enzymes.

On the same note, avoid stain causing foods like wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, or candy that can cause tooth discoloration.



3. Overall Health Management because acid reflux and other ailments can affect oral health so keeping your overall health intact has multiple cosmetic rewards.


4. Using a Straw can help prevent stains by keeping stain keeping dyes away from your teeth.


5. Monthly oil pulling for about 20 minutes in the morning prior to eating. Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural clean and detox both teeth and gums and whiten your teeth.


Long-term healthy and whiter teeth can be achieved with activities that can be seamlessly woven into your daily routine, all you have to do is take the first step.


Did I miss anything, what are your favorite natural ways to whiten your teeth?


 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

5 Simple Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth At Home, Starting with Tom’s of Maine



Thank you Tom’s of Maine for sponsoring this post.


Brushing with Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Toothpaste has been a real confidence boost. In the past, during random conversations, I often find myself staring at people’s teeth and shocked at how white their teeth are. Then I think: if I’m staring at their mouth and thinking this, are they staring at my mouth and thinking, “dang her teeth are yellow!” This thought cycle always unnerves me and my words are slightly more mumbled as I do the opposite of baring my teeth.

I will be the first to admit I’ve had a pretty mediocre oral care regime. My parents never hounded me about brushing or flossing, even though I have my Dad’s weak, sensitive and stereotypical British teeth that I did not start to take better care of until recent years. So on top of getting cavities filled, and planning to get adult braces, I am also working to reverse years of staining with a non-abrasive home whitening regime. Since I’m very conscious about what I put in my body and very dedicated to living green and minimizing me and my family’s exposure harsh ingredients and products, I opted to whiten naturally. Here are my favorite ways to naturally whiten my teeth at home:



1.       Toms, because whiter teeth and great oral health starts with the right toothpaste. Tom’s most advanced natural whitening toothpaste, Luminous White, is safe on enamel and safe for everyday use. Luminous White toothpaste uses two types of high cleaning silica to gently and safely remove surface stains. And all of the ingredients are naturally derived, unlike conventional whitening toothpastes.



2.  Whitening Foods provided by mother nature offers as options many fruits, veggies and other natural items as viable options to protect your teeth from decay and keep them from discoloring. These natural foods include:

- Raw Broccoli can naturally clean teeth while eating with nutrients that can coat your enamel to minimize stains while fighting harmful bacteria, and acid erosion.

- Strawberries mixed with baking soda and applied as a paste is another good option

- The inside white portion of an orange skin can be rubbed on teeth.

- Apple Cider Vinegar is a teeth and gum cleanser that not only prevents discoloration but can reverse some yellowing that has happened over time because of the following naturally occurring ingredients: acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and enzymes.

On the same note, avoid stain causing foods like wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, or candy that can cause tooth discoloration.



3. Overall Health Management because acid reflux and other ailments can affect oral health so keeping your overall health intact has multiple cosmetic rewards.


4. Using a Straw can help prevent stains by keeping stain keeping dyes away from your teeth.


5. Monthly oil pulling for about 20 minutes in the morning prior to eating. Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural clean and detox both teeth and gums and whiten your teeth.


Long-term healthy and whiter teeth can be achieved with activities that can be seamlessly woven into your daily routine, all you have to do is take the first step.


Did I miss anything, what are your favorite natural ways to whiten your teeth?


 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Read more

Two years ago, when I decided to stop using toxic deodorants and antiperspirants, it was after much research and only bad experiences with most store-bought natural deodorants.  My journey to finding the perfect natural deodorant has been long, arduous and at times stinky, but finally I’m in a great place.
When I first started, I had to lower my lowest expectations with every new natural deodorant I tried. Two popular brands actual amplified by armpit odor to make me smell like a linebacker who played in two major games without bathing in-between. Other's only worked if I wiped my pits mid-day with soap and water and reapplied, this became real high maintenance at work. On those work days that I forgot, I smelled real unprofessional by late afternoon. 
After much trial and error, here is what I learned about natural deodorant:

  • Some of the most popular and readily available ones don't work. I started with those available at popular chain local stores, from brands that make other great natural products like Toms, and they disappointed almost every time, so it is likely that you've had the same experience and don't worry there are ones that work, they just may not be sold at your local Target store.
  • I branched out to making my own and that rocked, but getting the recipe just right was difficult. I discovered that I was sensitive to baking soda when used over time and my first batch was perfect, but darkened my pits caused baking soda burns. My second batch was tweaked with less baking soda and it didn't cause irritation but didn't deodorize as well as the first batch. My sister is not sensitive to baking soda and the first batch worked for her perfectly and the second batch worked well enough. I guess my skin is more sensitive and my body order stronger.
  • There as many to choose from. Just because you only see two or three at your local store, doesn't mean those are the best or only. There are many more to choose from online and at natural food stores
Here are the three best deodorants that I have tried thus far:


  • Primal Pit Paste: Cost ~$9, I bought at my local natural food store but you can find online. Primal Pit Paste is amazing, it works well for both me and my husband. I use a few times a week and can go a day in between without using it because the deodorizing affect lingers. This stuff is powerful and amazing. I especially make sure to wear when I believe I am going to be active, outdoors on hot days or at the gym. This stuff works so well that my husband made the switch to natural deodorant. I do find that if I use every single day across weeks that my armpits become slightly discolored, so I use my next favorite deodorant in-between. This one does not cause my armpits to feel tender and raw.

  • Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray: Cost ~$5, This stuff works pretty well on a person like me with strong armpit odors. The essential oil combinations are not only added deodorizers but give them a real pleasant scent. This deodorant is not as strong as Primal Paste, but it works much better than most. It is not strong enough for a hike in Southern California but works well during a work day in the air conditioned office or to church on Sunday. I alternate between Crystal Essence Deodorant and primal paste to keep my armpits from becoming dark.
  • Home made recipe: My sister loves this recipe. On batch lasts almost a year and it really controls the funk. But, because I have a baking soda sensitivity (my sister does not) it turned my armpits black and it started to become a little tender from daily application. This never happened to my sister and she swears by this recipe, so I decided to list it among the best, but only for those who don't have a sensitivity to the amount of baking soda in the recipe.

When it comes to natural deodorant, if at first you don't succeed try and try again. It is worth limiting your exposure to additional carcinogens or messing with your body's natural responses by blocking your sweat glands. Give natural deodorant another try, you could be one more attempt away from finding your  best natural deodorant.


I would love to hear from you, have you had success with natural deodorant, can you recommend a brand that works?

 Update

 Recommendations from my readers:

The Best Natural Deodorants

Two years ago, when I decided to stop using toxic deodorants and antiperspirants, it was after much research and only bad experiences with most store-bought natural deodorants.  My journey to finding the perfect natural deodorant has been long, arduous and at times stinky, but finally I’m in a great place.
When I first started, I had to lower my lowest expectations with every new natural deodorant I tried. Two popular brands actual amplified by armpit odor to make me smell like a linebacker who played in two major games without bathing in-between. Other's only worked if I wiped my pits mid-day with soap and water and reapplied, this became real high maintenance at work. On those work days that I forgot, I smelled real unprofessional by late afternoon. 
After much trial and error, here is what I learned about natural deodorant:

  • Some of the most popular and readily available ones don't work. I started with those available at popular chain local stores, from brands that make other great natural products like Toms, and they disappointed almost every time, so it is likely that you've had the same experience and don't worry there are ones that work, they just may not be sold at your local Target store.
  • I branched out to making my own and that rocked, but getting the recipe just right was difficult. I discovered that I was sensitive to baking soda when used over time and my first batch was perfect, but darkened my pits caused baking soda burns. My second batch was tweaked with less baking soda and it didn't cause irritation but didn't deodorize as well as the first batch. My sister is not sensitive to baking soda and the first batch worked for her perfectly and the second batch worked well enough. I guess my skin is more sensitive and my body order stronger.
  • There as many to choose from. Just because you only see two or three at your local store, doesn't mean those are the best or only. There are many more to choose from online and at natural food stores
Here are the three best deodorants that I have tried thus far:


  • Primal Pit Paste: Cost ~$9, I bought at my local natural food store but you can find online. Primal Pit Paste is amazing, it works well for both me and my husband. I use a few times a week and can go a day in between without using it because the deodorizing affect lingers. This stuff is powerful and amazing. I especially make sure to wear when I believe I am going to be active, outdoors on hot days or at the gym. This stuff works so well that my husband made the switch to natural deodorant. I do find that if I use every single day across weeks that my armpits become slightly discolored, so I use my next favorite deodorant in-between. This one does not cause my armpits to feel tender and raw.

  • Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray: Cost ~$5, This stuff works pretty well on a person like me with strong armpit odors. The essential oil combinations are not only added deodorizers but give them a real pleasant scent. This deodorant is not as strong as Primal Paste, but it works much better than most. It is not strong enough for a hike in Southern California but works well during a work day in the air conditioned office or to church on Sunday. I alternate between Crystal Essence Deodorant and primal paste to keep my armpits from becoming dark.
  • Home made recipe: My sister loves this recipe. On batch lasts almost a year and it really controls the funk. But, because I have a baking soda sensitivity (my sister does not) it turned my armpits black and it started to become a little tender from daily application. This never happened to my sister and she swears by this recipe, so I decided to list it among the best, but only for those who don't have a sensitivity to the amount of baking soda in the recipe.

When it comes to natural deodorant, if at first you don't succeed try and try again. It is worth limiting your exposure to additional carcinogens or messing with your body's natural responses by blocking your sweat glands. Give natural deodorant another try, you could be one more attempt away from finding your  best natural deodorant.


I would love to hear from you, have you had success with natural deodorant, can you recommend a brand that works?

 Update

 Recommendations from my readers:

Read more

Never apologize or make excuses for doing what is best for your mind, body and soul. I am vocal about what I won't put on or in my body. I will not be sold snake oil. I will not eat death and smear it on my lips or breasts or locs. I will not apologize for researching,  remembering and confirming that what is placed on the table in front of me or in my cart at the store meets my standards. I will not apologize for being a plant-based black girl.

Some people say, seems like everything will kill you these days, why bother. I ask: would you knowingly drink poison? For those that say yes, stop reading here, for those that say no, consider a few things.

Your Skin is Considered an Organ
Skin is considered an organ because it meets the definition of an organ, which is a group of related cells that combine together to perform one or more specific functions within the body. Skin performs several functions vital to the survival and health of the body, so deserves the label of organ. (source)

If you read this blog, you will see a trend amongst the products I use: the ingredients can be easily pronounced, or found growing garden nurseries. I keep it simple, not every unpronounceable ingredient is a killer chemical, but it's easier for me to track the deadliest culprits and make it a rule to predominately buy products with familiar natural ingredients.


Food Matters

Food matters, some of the most problematic illnesses in developed nations like the United States are often related to diet and lifestyle. Consider diabetes, consider heart disease, consider obesity. Though sometimes heredity or other environmental factors come into play, many times we choose everyday how what we want to die or are working towards a poorer quality of life in our later years, in fact we run to it and invest in it with our hard earned dollars.

I see people all around me choosing not to be an informed consumers and blindly put things in their bodies that may or will cause harm. Sometimes a small shift in my diet to eating more vegetables or less sugar translates into a better mood, more energy, clearer skin, or more focus at work. What you fuel your physical self with matters.

Meat Matters

I'm not a vegetarian, but I am careful about my meat consumption. So often times, I opt to buy  smaller quantities of meat that is of a better quality but cost more per pound. This way I can buy grass fed or local free range but not break my budget.

I've read and seen a bunch of health documentaries with experts consistently stating that we don't need as much protein as we think we do. Noting that there have been multiple protein propaganda campaigns promoting fad diets by folks simple selling ideas that are not inline with health research and fact. When I think back to my favorite dishes of my youth in the Caribbean and in many cultures, meat is added in modest quantities to accent vegetables or whole greens and legumes. There is also some risk to health associated with abusing protein in your diet.

Not only is there risk to your health but also our planet, more than 80 percent of the protein humans consume comes from animals in the form of meat, eggs, or dairy. These animals require a significant amount of resources to become food. If you include the irrigation needed for the feed, 1/3 of a pound of hamburger requires 660 gallons of water to produce. There are also a ton of environmental plagues associated with raising animals for human consumption, including deforestation, water contamination, loss of biodiversity, and desertification.


Everything Will Kill You, So Why Bother?

There seems to always be a new study saying this thing, which was once considered safe, actually does something horrible to your body. Just because this thing is in more that 50% of the products sold at your favorite stores does not mean you should resign yourself to exposure to it. If you found out that you had a near miss with trifling ex-boyfriend who now has a known STD, would you consider rekindling that love affair or would you confirm your tests are clean with your doctor and steer clear of his commitment issues and corresponding Groupon penis. I personally am not a fan of my love pocket itching and burning, so I would recommend avoiding him and any other known toxin to your mind, body and soul.


YOU CAN DO IT TOO

Living a greener more balanced life doesn't have to break the bank, it doesn't mean becoming a raw vegan who throws paint on people trying to run through a Burger King drive-through for dinner. Fact is:

  • Contrary to popular belief, eating more vegetables more affordable than buying snack foods. I can often fill my cart for less than it would cost to fill my cart with random processed food. 
  • You don't have to do it all over night. Start with upgrading one meal a day and incorporate it into that week's grocery shopping. 
  • You can take baby steps and replace products as they run out, when your sketch lotion or soap runs out replace it with a more natural one. Do it over time and according to your budget.
  • Do your research, plug in to blogs, like mine, or newsletters that will share updates and try keep yourself somewhat informed but don't become paranoid or overwhelmed. Just be mindful and be thoughtful.
Being a plant-based black girl is about being mindful and being thoughtful about what you put in your body. It is an expanded big girl version of self-care. 

Why I am a Plant-Based Black Girl

Never apologize or make excuses for doing what is best for your mind, body and soul. I am vocal about what I won't put on or in my body. I will not be sold snake oil. I will not eat death and smear it on my lips or breasts or locs. I will not apologize for researching,  remembering and confirming that what is placed on the table in front of me or in my cart at the store meets my standards. I will not apologize for being a plant-based black girl.

Some people say, seems like everything will kill you these days, why bother. I ask: would you knowingly drink poison? For those that say yes, stop reading here, for those that say no, consider a few things.

Your Skin is Considered an Organ
Skin is considered an organ because it meets the definition of an organ, which is a group of related cells that combine together to perform one or more specific functions within the body. Skin performs several functions vital to the survival and health of the body, so deserves the label of organ. (source)

If you read this blog, you will see a trend amongst the products I use: the ingredients can be easily pronounced, or found growing garden nurseries. I keep it simple, not every unpronounceable ingredient is a killer chemical, but it's easier for me to track the deadliest culprits and make it a rule to predominately buy products with familiar natural ingredients.


Food Matters

Food matters, some of the most problematic illnesses in developed nations like the United States are often related to diet and lifestyle. Consider diabetes, consider heart disease, consider obesity. Though sometimes heredity or other environmental factors come into play, many times we choose everyday how what we want to die or are working towards a poorer quality of life in our later years, in fact we run to it and invest in it with our hard earned dollars.

I see people all around me choosing not to be an informed consumers and blindly put things in their bodies that may or will cause harm. Sometimes a small shift in my diet to eating more vegetables or less sugar translates into a better mood, more energy, clearer skin, or more focus at work. What you fuel your physical self with matters.

Meat Matters

I'm not a vegetarian, but I am careful about my meat consumption. So often times, I opt to buy  smaller quantities of meat that is of a better quality but cost more per pound. This way I can buy grass fed or local free range but not break my budget.

I've read and seen a bunch of health documentaries with experts consistently stating that we don't need as much protein as we think we do. Noting that there have been multiple protein propaganda campaigns promoting fad diets by folks simple selling ideas that are not inline with health research and fact. When I think back to my favorite dishes of my youth in the Caribbean and in many cultures, meat is added in modest quantities to accent vegetables or whole greens and legumes. There is also some risk to health associated with abusing protein in your diet.

Not only is there risk to your health but also our planet, more than 80 percent of the protein humans consume comes from animals in the form of meat, eggs, or dairy. These animals require a significant amount of resources to become food. If you include the irrigation needed for the feed, 1/3 of a pound of hamburger requires 660 gallons of water to produce. There are also a ton of environmental plagues associated with raising animals for human consumption, including deforestation, water contamination, loss of biodiversity, and desertification.


Everything Will Kill You, So Why Bother?

There seems to always be a new study saying this thing, which was once considered safe, actually does something horrible to your body. Just because this thing is in more that 50% of the products sold at your favorite stores does not mean you should resign yourself to exposure to it. If you found out that you had a near miss with trifling ex-boyfriend who now has a known STD, would you consider rekindling that love affair or would you confirm your tests are clean with your doctor and steer clear of his commitment issues and corresponding Groupon penis. I personally am not a fan of my love pocket itching and burning, so I would recommend avoiding him and any other known toxin to your mind, body and soul.


YOU CAN DO IT TOO

Living a greener more balanced life doesn't have to break the bank, it doesn't mean becoming a raw vegan who throws paint on people trying to run through a Burger King drive-through for dinner. Fact is:

  • Contrary to popular belief, eating more vegetables more affordable than buying snack foods. I can often fill my cart for less than it would cost to fill my cart with random processed food. 
  • You don't have to do it all over night. Start with upgrading one meal a day and incorporate it into that week's grocery shopping. 
  • You can take baby steps and replace products as they run out, when your sketch lotion or soap runs out replace it with a more natural one. Do it over time and according to your budget.
  • Do your research, plug in to blogs, like mine, or newsletters that will share updates and try keep yourself somewhat informed but don't become paranoid or overwhelmed. Just be mindful and be thoughtful.
Being a plant-based black girl is about being mindful and being thoughtful about what you put in your body. It is an expanded big girl version of self-care. 
Read more

If I had to list four products that I could not live without, I would have to say: Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Honey & Dr. Bronner’s Soap.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a readily available and affordable super product. I buy it in bulk very regularly and use it for everything

For Hair

  • Shiny, Tangle and Dandruff - Free Hair - Add 1/3 cup ACV to 4 cups of water and pour over your hair after shampooing. Leave in for a minute or so and rinse with cold water. 
  • Remove build-up from locs and scalp
  • Stimulate Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Loss - ACV stimulates improved blood circulation to hair follicles – which is vital for encouraging hair growth and preventing hair loss. This blood also carries essential nutrients to the hair follicle cells, strengthening the roots and promoting growth.

For Skin

  • Facial Toner
  • Acne: Mix one part ACV to 3 or 4 parts water. Apply to skin with a cotton pad, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse and repeat 3x a day. 
  • Skin Soother – Rub directly on area with cotton swab

For Home

  • All-Purpose Cleaner - 1 part water, 1 part ACV, 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix in a spray bottle. 
  • Detox Bath - Add up to 1 cup ACV with Epsom salts and lavender essential oil to your bath water for relaxation and detox. 
  • Fruit Fly Trap – Place a thin layer of ACV in a cup with a drop of dish soap. Leave out on the counter and fruit flies will fly in and get stuck. 

For Food

  • Add to homemade marinade along with oil, salt, herbs, tomato paste (or Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce,etc).
  • In place of balsamic vinegar in salad dressings.
  • Boiling Eggs - Add a spoonful of ACV to the water when boiling hard shell eggs to prevent the shells from cracking letting the whites leak. It also adds flavor.
  • Preservative – ACV does not spoil because it is a natural preservative. Adding it to food that needs to be stored can help preserve their taste. 
  • Fruit Rinse – ACV has acidic properties that helps kill bacteria and pests from fruits and vegetables. Wash or soak vegetables and fruits in a mixture of water and ACV especially if you eat the skin and it isn’t organic. Cider vinegar also prevents cut fruits from turning black when soaked in it.

For Health

  • Upset stomach—holds antibiotic properties and pectin which can soothe the stomach. 
  • Bad Breath – Add  ½ Tablespoon of ACV to a cup of water, and gargle for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty. 
  • Combat Exercise Exhaustion – Post workout fatigue can be cause by lactic acid build up, the amino acids in ACV serves as a great antidote. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water and consume after your workout.
  • Yeast Infections - Add 1 ½ cup to a bathtub of water and soak for 20 minutes.
  • Urinary Tract Infection - 2 tablespoons in a cup of water in the morning and evening when symptoms start.

Bragg’s or Homemade
One of the most popular and highest-rated varieties is from Bragg. Or, you can even make your own variety at home.

Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil, considered the best, this type of oil offers the most of the benefits. It is extracted from fresh coconut using a wet-milled fermentation process that protects the beneficial properties of the coconut. This type has been found to have the highest antioxidant levels. The extraction process does use heat but studies show that it does not harm the oil or reduce nutrient levels.

For Hair

  • Deep Conditioner - Because coconut oil comprised mainly of smaller medium-chain fatty acids, the oil of the coconut penetrates hair more deeply and faster than other conditioners. Add to an existing conditioner or bring to liquid form and apply to hair and scalp and deep condition.
  • Fights Dandruff – Melt and lightly oil scalp with melted coconut oil after washing with a natural shampoo.
  • Hair Coloring Base 
  • Protect from Sun Damage
  • Helps Grow Hair
  • Prevents Lice - If your kid comes home from school with lice, dip a fine toothed comb in coconut oil and run it through their hair. You can also use it as a precaution if there is an outbreak.
  • Cradle Cap

For Skin

  • Soothes Rashes
  • SPF Lip Balm - Coconut oil has a mild SPF protection
  • Make-Up Remover
  • Caring for Wounds - Antibacterial and antifungal properties make coconut oil an ideal salve for minor scrapes and scratches. (can be mixed with honey to form a salve).
  • Skin Discoloration/Sun Spots/Age Spots - Coconut oil can help heal or lessen the appearance of a wide variety of skin blemishes, daily application can help fade sun or age spots.
  • Puffiness and Dark Circles - Rub a little bit of coconut oil under your eyes nightly to reduce puffiness and dark circles in the morning.
  • Insect Repellant
  • Bee Sting Soother
  • Athletes Foot – The anti-fungal action of coconut oil helps fight off athlete’s foot when applied daily after washing and drying feet.
  • Prevent Stretch Marks
  • Personal Lubricant (though not compatible with latex)
  • Exfoliating Body Scrub
  • Nipple Cream – For breastfeeding moms with cracked or chaffed nipples.
  • Target Eczema and Psoriasis

For Home

  • Make Homemade Soap
  • Healthy Wood Polish - Coconut oil, instead of sitting on top of wood, sinks into the wood and keeps it looking “healthy” longer.
  • Remove Chewing Gum
  • Get Rid of Soap Scum: Soap is alkaline, whereas most oils are acidic. This is why soap works so well against grease and grime, which ismostly stuck to us with oil. Apply a thin layer coconut oil to the soap scum and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Wipe away with the rough side of a sponge.
  • Season Cast Iron Pans
  • Cutting Board Conditioner
  • Remove Rust
  • Tupperware Stain Prevention

For Food

  • Weight Loss when substituted for other fats in foods (ie butter, hydrogenated oils, etc)
  • Coffee Creamer Replacement – Stir in a little coconut oil into your coffee for a sweet and healthy touch. Make sure to stir it in well.
  • Popcorn Topping
  • Added to foods or smoothies daily for energy
  • In natural baking recipes

For Health

  • Energy Booster
  • Fungal Infections - The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are effective natural fungicides.
  • Lower Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Disease
  • Reduce Risk (or effect) of Alzheimer’s
  • Fight Inflammation – Can suppress the natural chemicals responsible for mediating inflammation.
  • Pet Care
  • Food Poisoning Relief

Honey in the raw has multiple health benefits. Although most commercial honey is not beneficial to your health, raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact, as they are not destroyed by processing. Raw honey contains bee pollen, is full of antioxidants, and has a high content of antimicrobial agents.

The best place to raw honey is from a local honey producer in your area. Many larger farmer’s markets may have a honey stand which may offer raw honey. It will likely be more expensive than traditional honey. Make sure to ask questions about where the honey is sourced from and if it has been processed. Natural grocers will also often have a great grade of minimally processed honey. Sprouts (my local natural grocer) even has occasional buy one get one sales and sometimes bulk stores will have a great option at an okay price. Be careful, honey is one of the foods faked by not so reputable dealers by substituting with corn syrup without informing the consumer.

For Hair

  • Condition Damaged Hair - A great natural conditioner, simply add a teaspoon to your regular shampoo to smooth your damaged locks. You can also combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning. Let it soak for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing as usual.
  • Hair mask – Raw honey hair mask can help boost shine, mix 1 tsp of raw honey with 5 cups of warm water, rinse thoroughly, air dry and style as usual.

For Skin

  • Acne – Add a small dab of honey, place a band-aid over the pimple, and take it off 30 minutes later.
  • Facial - Combine 2 teaspoons of coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of honey. Cover your face with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off.
  • Exfoliator – Honey makes a great exfoliator! Use honey on dry winter skin by adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.

For Food

  • Boost Your Energy. Quit turning to coffee for your daily energy boost! Replace your cup of Joe with a cup of tea. Mix in a tablespoon or so of honey.
  • Baking - Substitute Honey for Sugar inbsking. For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
  • Make Almond Milk from Scratch. 
  • Eat it with goat cheese – A create a classic and quick hors d’oeuvre by putting a round of goat cheese in a ramekin, sprinkle honey and chopped walnuts on top and place in oven at 350F until honey and cheese are both soft. Serve with baguette or crackers.
  • Marinades – Add to your marinades
  • Preserve fruit - Preserving fruits in a honey sauce. Take one-part honey to ten parts water and then cover berries. 

For Health

  • Heal Wounds, Cuts, Scrapes & Burns - A natural antiseptic, simply apply honey to the affected area. 
  • Sore Throats and Coughs - Combine honey with the juice of one lemon and drink. 
  • Remove Parasites - Combine equal parts honey, vinegar and water and drink. 
  • Relieve Hangovers - A few tablespoons of honey, which is packed with fructose, will help speed up your body’s metabolism of alcohol.
  • Improve digestion – Honey dose not ferment in your stomach so a tablespoon or two can be used to counteract indigestion.
  • Relieve nausea – Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
  • Improve diabetes – Consumption of raw honey can reduce risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Add a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it.
  • Lower cholesterol – It can help reduce cholesterol.
  • Improve circulation – Raw honey makes your brain function optimally by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
  • Antioxidant support – Eating raw honey increases plaque-fighting antioxidants.
  • Restore Sleep – Promotes restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and aid in sleep.
  • Pre-biotic support – Raw honey is full of natural prebiotics which promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.
  • Improve allergies – If sourced locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies.

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is pure magic, I buy it in bulk and use it to make dish liquid, hand soap and a plethora of other household items. an all-vegetable based soap was made in the Castile region of Spain from local olive oil. Castile usually refers to any vegetable oil-based soap, versus animal (tallow) fat-based soap.

“Pure-Castile” usually means it is a real ecological and simple soap, not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacturing and slower biodegradability. Many synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as “Liquid Soap” even when they contain absolutely no soap whatsoever.

Dr Bronner’s soap is 100% true pure-Castile soap. The high foaming lather of these soaps is from their high coconut oil content, which makes a more luxurious and rich lather than any detergent can ever create.


For Hair
  • Coconut Milk Shampoo – ¼ Cup coconut milk,1/3 cup Castile soap, 1 teaspoon almond oil, 10-20 drops essential oil.

For Skin
  • Hand Soap - Dilute anywhere from 1 part Castile soap to 4 parts water through to 1:1. You can also use the full strength soap with a foaming dispenser. Add essential oils for added antibacterial and anti-fungal kick. 
  • Dental Cleaning - Put a single drop on your toothbrush (almond, peppermint, and citrus are nice flavors to use) and brush and rinse as per usual. Great for sensitive teeth and gums, and will also clean dentures effectively.
  • Foot Soak - Add a tablespoon 15ml to a foot bath and relax! Peppermint is a great choice for hard or cracked heels, or use Tea Tree if fungal infections are a concern.
  • Deodorant - Add 1-2ml to a spray bottle of water 125ml along with a teaspoon of Himalayan crystal salt. Rose, Citrus, Lavender or Tea Tree are effective in making deodorant!
  • Shaving - Dilute one-part liquid castile soap to two parts of water and massage into skin as a shaving lubricant.

For Home
  • All Purpose Cleaning Spray - ¼ cup soap in a quart of water in a spray bottle. Add ¼ tsp. essential oils for added cleaning power.
  •  Ant spray (not on plants): ¼ cup tea tree soap in a quart of water. (This concentration will burn plants.)
  • Laundry Wash - Use 1/4 cup for top-loading machines (1/8 cup for front loaders); adjust as needed depending on hardness of water. Add a dash of baking soda for added strength. Great for washing baby clothes. Add essential oils for added scent and power.
  • Pet Wash - Wet the coat of your pet thoroughly then apply the liquid Castile soap by massaging a small amount in your hands until lather is formed, then washing the hair/fur and rinsing clean afterwards. Can also be added to wash water for ease of use (one squirt is plenty). Choose a stronger scent to help deter fleas and ticks, or mild if your pet has very sensitive skin.
  • Homemade Tub Scrub - Fill a spray bottle with one third Castile soap and two thirds water. Spread baking soda liberally around the bath and spray the Castile soap mixture on. Scrub with a scouring pad or scrub brush.
  • Mopping - ½ cup of soap in 3 gallons of hot water.

For Food
  • Fruit and Veggie Rinse - 1 dash (about ¼ tsp.) in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Then rinse in clear water.

For Health
  • Clearing Congestion -  1 tablespoon in a bowl of steamy hot water. Breathe in mist with a towel draped over the head.
These are the top products to keep on hand if you are trying to have a greener and sustainable lifestyle. Outside of raw honey, all these products are extremely affordable, especially when you consider how many other products you wont have to buy (detergent, hand soap, make-up remover, acne treatments, etc.)




4 Essential Natural Products For Total Body, Home & Health Care

If I had to list four products that I could not live without, I would have to say: Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Honey & Dr. Bronner’s Soap.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a readily available and affordable super product. I buy it in bulk very regularly and use it for everything

For Hair

  • Shiny, Tangle and Dandruff - Free Hair - Add 1/3 cup ACV to 4 cups of water and pour over your hair after shampooing. Leave in for a minute or so and rinse with cold water. 
  • Remove build-up from locs and scalp
  • Stimulate Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Loss - ACV stimulates improved blood circulation to hair follicles – which is vital for encouraging hair growth and preventing hair loss. This blood also carries essential nutrients to the hair follicle cells, strengthening the roots and promoting growth.

For Skin

  • Facial Toner
  • Acne: Mix one part ACV to 3 or 4 parts water. Apply to skin with a cotton pad, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse and repeat 3x a day. 
  • Skin Soother – Rub directly on area with cotton swab

For Home

  • All-Purpose Cleaner - 1 part water, 1 part ACV, 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix in a spray bottle. 
  • Detox Bath - Add up to 1 cup ACV with Epsom salts and lavender essential oil to your bath water for relaxation and detox. 
  • Fruit Fly Trap – Place a thin layer of ACV in a cup with a drop of dish soap. Leave out on the counter and fruit flies will fly in and get stuck. 

For Food

  • Add to homemade marinade along with oil, salt, herbs, tomato paste (or Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce,etc).
  • In place of balsamic vinegar in salad dressings.
  • Boiling Eggs - Add a spoonful of ACV to the water when boiling hard shell eggs to prevent the shells from cracking letting the whites leak. It also adds flavor.
  • Preservative – ACV does not spoil because it is a natural preservative. Adding it to food that needs to be stored can help preserve their taste. 
  • Fruit Rinse – ACV has acidic properties that helps kill bacteria and pests from fruits and vegetables. Wash or soak vegetables and fruits in a mixture of water and ACV especially if you eat the skin and it isn’t organic. Cider vinegar also prevents cut fruits from turning black when soaked in it.

For Health

  • Upset stomach—holds antibiotic properties and pectin which can soothe the stomach. 
  • Bad Breath – Add  ½ Tablespoon of ACV to a cup of water, and gargle for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty. 
  • Combat Exercise Exhaustion – Post workout fatigue can be cause by lactic acid build up, the amino acids in ACV serves as a great antidote. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water and consume after your workout.
  • Yeast Infections - Add 1 ½ cup to a bathtub of water and soak for 20 minutes.
  • Urinary Tract Infection - 2 tablespoons in a cup of water in the morning and evening when symptoms start.

Bragg’s or Homemade
One of the most popular and highest-rated varieties is from Bragg. Or, you can even make your own variety at home.

Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil, considered the best, this type of oil offers the most of the benefits. It is extracted from fresh coconut using a wet-milled fermentation process that protects the beneficial properties of the coconut. This type has been found to have the highest antioxidant levels. The extraction process does use heat but studies show that it does not harm the oil or reduce nutrient levels.

For Hair

  • Deep Conditioner - Because coconut oil comprised mainly of smaller medium-chain fatty acids, the oil of the coconut penetrates hair more deeply and faster than other conditioners. Add to an existing conditioner or bring to liquid form and apply to hair and scalp and deep condition.
  • Fights Dandruff – Melt and lightly oil scalp with melted coconut oil after washing with a natural shampoo.
  • Hair Coloring Base 
  • Protect from Sun Damage
  • Helps Grow Hair
  • Prevents Lice - If your kid comes home from school with lice, dip a fine toothed comb in coconut oil and run it through their hair. You can also use it as a precaution if there is an outbreak.
  • Cradle Cap

For Skin

  • Soothes Rashes
  • SPF Lip Balm - Coconut oil has a mild SPF protection
  • Make-Up Remover
  • Caring for Wounds - Antibacterial and antifungal properties make coconut oil an ideal salve for minor scrapes and scratches. (can be mixed with honey to form a salve).
  • Skin Discoloration/Sun Spots/Age Spots - Coconut oil can help heal or lessen the appearance of a wide variety of skin blemishes, daily application can help fade sun or age spots.
  • Puffiness and Dark Circles - Rub a little bit of coconut oil under your eyes nightly to reduce puffiness and dark circles in the morning.
  • Insect Repellant
  • Bee Sting Soother
  • Athletes Foot – The anti-fungal action of coconut oil helps fight off athlete’s foot when applied daily after washing and drying feet.
  • Prevent Stretch Marks
  • Personal Lubricant (though not compatible with latex)
  • Exfoliating Body Scrub
  • Nipple Cream – For breastfeeding moms with cracked or chaffed nipples.
  • Target Eczema and Psoriasis

For Home

  • Make Homemade Soap
  • Healthy Wood Polish - Coconut oil, instead of sitting on top of wood, sinks into the wood and keeps it looking “healthy” longer.
  • Remove Chewing Gum
  • Get Rid of Soap Scum: Soap is alkaline, whereas most oils are acidic. This is why soap works so well against grease and grime, which ismostly stuck to us with oil. Apply a thin layer coconut oil to the soap scum and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Wipe away with the rough side of a sponge.
  • Season Cast Iron Pans
  • Cutting Board Conditioner
  • Remove Rust
  • Tupperware Stain Prevention

For Food

  • Weight Loss when substituted for other fats in foods (ie butter, hydrogenated oils, etc)
  • Coffee Creamer Replacement – Stir in a little coconut oil into your coffee for a sweet and healthy touch. Make sure to stir it in well.
  • Popcorn Topping
  • Added to foods or smoothies daily for energy
  • In natural baking recipes

For Health

  • Energy Booster
  • Fungal Infections - The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are effective natural fungicides.
  • Lower Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Disease
  • Reduce Risk (or effect) of Alzheimer’s
  • Fight Inflammation – Can suppress the natural chemicals responsible for mediating inflammation.
  • Pet Care
  • Food Poisoning Relief

Honey in the raw has multiple health benefits. Although most commercial honey is not beneficial to your health, raw honey is unheated, unprocessed and unpasteurized. Therefore, it is able to keep all of its nutrients intact, as they are not destroyed by processing. Raw honey contains bee pollen, is full of antioxidants, and has a high content of antimicrobial agents.

The best place to raw honey is from a local honey producer in your area. Many larger farmer’s markets may have a honey stand which may offer raw honey. It will likely be more expensive than traditional honey. Make sure to ask questions about where the honey is sourced from and if it has been processed. Natural grocers will also often have a great grade of minimally processed honey. Sprouts (my local natural grocer) even has occasional buy one get one sales and sometimes bulk stores will have a great option at an okay price. Be careful, honey is one of the foods faked by not so reputable dealers by substituting with corn syrup without informing the consumer.

For Hair

  • Condition Damaged Hair - A great natural conditioner, simply add a teaspoon to your regular shampoo to smooth your damaged locks. You can also combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning. Let it soak for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing as usual.
  • Hair mask – Raw honey hair mask can help boost shine, mix 1 tsp of raw honey with 5 cups of warm water, rinse thoroughly, air dry and style as usual.

For Skin

  • Acne – Add a small dab of honey, place a band-aid over the pimple, and take it off 30 minutes later.
  • Facial - Combine 2 teaspoons of coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of honey. Cover your face with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off.
  • Exfoliator – Honey makes a great exfoliator! Use honey on dry winter skin by adding two cups of honey to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.

For Food

  • Boost Your Energy. Quit turning to coffee for your daily energy boost! Replace your cup of Joe with a cup of tea. Mix in a tablespoon or so of honey.
  • Baking - Substitute Honey for Sugar inbsking. For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.
  • Make Almond Milk from Scratch. 
  • Eat it with goat cheese – A create a classic and quick hors d’oeuvre by putting a round of goat cheese in a ramekin, sprinkle honey and chopped walnuts on top and place in oven at 350F until honey and cheese are both soft. Serve with baguette or crackers.
  • Marinades – Add to your marinades
  • Preserve fruit - Preserving fruits in a honey sauce. Take one-part honey to ten parts water and then cover berries. 

For Health

  • Heal Wounds, Cuts, Scrapes & Burns - A natural antiseptic, simply apply honey to the affected area. 
  • Sore Throats and Coughs - Combine honey with the juice of one lemon and drink. 
  • Remove Parasites - Combine equal parts honey, vinegar and water and drink. 
  • Relieve Hangovers - A few tablespoons of honey, which is packed with fructose, will help speed up your body’s metabolism of alcohol.
  • Improve digestion – Honey dose not ferment in your stomach so a tablespoon or two can be used to counteract indigestion.
  • Relieve nausea – Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
  • Improve diabetes – Consumption of raw honey can reduce risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Add a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it.
  • Lower cholesterol – It can help reduce cholesterol.
  • Improve circulation – Raw honey makes your brain function optimally by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
  • Antioxidant support – Eating raw honey increases plaque-fighting antioxidants.
  • Restore Sleep – Promotes restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and aid in sleep.
  • Pre-biotic support – Raw honey is full of natural prebiotics which promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.
  • Improve allergies – If sourced locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies.

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is pure magic, I buy it in bulk and use it to make dish liquid, hand soap and a plethora of other household items. an all-vegetable based soap was made in the Castile region of Spain from local olive oil. Castile usually refers to any vegetable oil-based soap, versus animal (tallow) fat-based soap.

“Pure-Castile” usually means it is a real ecological and simple soap, not a complex blend of detergents with a higher ecological impact due to the waste stream during manufacturing and slower biodegradability. Many synthetic detergent blends are deceptively labeled as “Liquid Soap” even when they contain absolutely no soap whatsoever.

Dr Bronner’s soap is 100% true pure-Castile soap. The high foaming lather of these soaps is from their high coconut oil content, which makes a more luxurious and rich lather than any detergent can ever create.


For Hair
  • Coconut Milk Shampoo – ¼ Cup coconut milk,1/3 cup Castile soap, 1 teaspoon almond oil, 10-20 drops essential oil.

For Skin
  • Hand Soap - Dilute anywhere from 1 part Castile soap to 4 parts water through to 1:1. You can also use the full strength soap with a foaming dispenser. Add essential oils for added antibacterial and anti-fungal kick. 
  • Dental Cleaning - Put a single drop on your toothbrush (almond, peppermint, and citrus are nice flavors to use) and brush and rinse as per usual. Great for sensitive teeth and gums, and will also clean dentures effectively.
  • Foot Soak - Add a tablespoon 15ml to a foot bath and relax! Peppermint is a great choice for hard or cracked heels, or use Tea Tree if fungal infections are a concern.
  • Deodorant - Add 1-2ml to a spray bottle of water 125ml along with a teaspoon of Himalayan crystal salt. Rose, Citrus, Lavender or Tea Tree are effective in making deodorant!
  • Shaving - Dilute one-part liquid castile soap to two parts of water and massage into skin as a shaving lubricant.

For Home
  • All Purpose Cleaning Spray - ¼ cup soap in a quart of water in a spray bottle. Add ¼ tsp. essential oils for added cleaning power.
  •  Ant spray (not on plants): ¼ cup tea tree soap in a quart of water. (This concentration will burn plants.)
  • Laundry Wash - Use 1/4 cup for top-loading machines (1/8 cup for front loaders); adjust as needed depending on hardness of water. Add a dash of baking soda for added strength. Great for washing baby clothes. Add essential oils for added scent and power.
  • Pet Wash - Wet the coat of your pet thoroughly then apply the liquid Castile soap by massaging a small amount in your hands until lather is formed, then washing the hair/fur and rinsing clean afterwards. Can also be added to wash water for ease of use (one squirt is plenty). Choose a stronger scent to help deter fleas and ticks, or mild if your pet has very sensitive skin.
  • Homemade Tub Scrub - Fill a spray bottle with one third Castile soap and two thirds water. Spread baking soda liberally around the bath and spray the Castile soap mixture on. Scrub with a scouring pad or scrub brush.
  • Mopping - ½ cup of soap in 3 gallons of hot water.

For Food
  • Fruit and Veggie Rinse - 1 dash (about ¼ tsp.) in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Then rinse in clear water.

For Health
  • Clearing Congestion -  1 tablespoon in a bowl of steamy hot water. Breathe in mist with a towel draped over the head.
These are the top products to keep on hand if you are trying to have a greener and sustainable lifestyle. Outside of raw honey, all these products are extremely affordable, especially when you consider how many other products you wont have to buy (detergent, hand soap, make-up remover, acne treatments, etc.)




Read more

You may not know this, but when it comes to hair care products, ingredients matter more than brand. Some of the most well known and/or most expensive brands produce hair care products I would use to clean my toilets before I would use on my child's hair. In some instances, they are so toxic that I would even hesitate to flush them down the toilet.

Many products that make your hair look awesome in the short term, but overtime strips your hair of moisture, makes hair brittle, causes long-term damage, and (in worst case scenarios) can cause health issues. For instance, avoid these ingredients:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol - It is hard to find a hair ingredient that does not have this. It is found in many gels and hair sprays and is also found in hand sanitizer as well as industrial car and home improvement products. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves hair oils and can lead to breakage. In terms of health, the inhalation of this ingredient can cause dizziness, depression and headaches. (aka isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol)
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - Found in most shampoos, SLS is also an industrial cleaning agent used in professional and machinery cleaning. This ingredient is know to cause health issues and dries out hair. (aka sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex) 
  • Proplyene glycol (PG) - Used in every type of hair and body care product you may find -conditioners, shampoos, styling gels and lotions. The Environmental Protection Agency flagged proplyene glycol as one of the top 10  hair-care product ingredients that can potentially impact health with overexposure. Though toxicity is low, the concern is over prolonged exposure. The shady FDA has approved for use in food (they feed it to animals for 104 weeks and there were no ill effects), you can find this ingredient in frozen desserts. Additionally,  this product hurts sea life by consuming oxygen needed by aquatic organisms for survival once introduced in ocean water. So I won't even flush it down the toilet.
  • DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) -  Commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children." (aka Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. )
  • See here for a more detailed list.

 Caring for Hair Naturally

As a rule of thumb, I tend to use products with plant based ingredients I can say/recognize like
  • Jojoba oil, coconut opil, shea butter, or grapeseed oil to seal in moisture
  • Tea tree essential oil or aloe vera juice for itchy scalp
  • Jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, grapeseed oil for dry scalp
  • Grapeseed oil, safflower oil, castor oil, argan oil to soften hair
  • Glycerin, aloe vera gel/juice, or rosewater for non-oil moisturizing or softening and moisture retention
  • Castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or apple cider vinegar (post-wash rinse with cold water for 5 minutes) for shine
  • Baking soda to cleanse
  • Coconut oil or hydrolyzed protein (e.g. keratin, collagen) for strength
  • Lavender essential oil, jasmine essential oil, rose essential oil, orange essential oil for scent

and I couple that with good hair care techniques.  For instance:
  1. I use a wide tooth comb and/or detangler brush 
  2. I only detangle while wet and use a rosewater or glycerin spray
  3. I start at the ends and work my way to the roots carefully
  4. I put in a simple protective style in the evening (two strand twists)
  5. I moisturize regularly and use natural cleansers
  6. I use a small amount light soft hold plant-based gel 
  7. I use a old tooth brush with the gel to smooth down her edges

I spent a great deal of time educating myself about ingredients and making conscious decisions about what I expose my children to. I can't control for everything, but I do my best to minimize my child's exposure to harmful ingredients, people, situations, etc.



Also note that ingredients for both food and body/skin care products are listed by quantity, from highest to lowest. Try looking for products that list whole foods or plant based ingredients as the first three ingredients, and be skeptical of foods/products with long lists of ingredients.

My favorite brands are


Selecting Hair Products for Children

You may not know this, but when it comes to hair care products, ingredients matter more than brand. Some of the most well known and/or most expensive brands produce hair care products I would use to clean my toilets before I would use on my child's hair. In some instances, they are so toxic that I would even hesitate to flush them down the toilet.

Many products that make your hair look awesome in the short term, but overtime strips your hair of moisture, makes hair brittle, causes long-term damage, and (in worst case scenarios) can cause health issues. For instance, avoid these ingredients:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol - It is hard to find a hair ingredient that does not have this. It is found in many gels and hair sprays and is also found in hand sanitizer as well as industrial car and home improvement products. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves hair oils and can lead to breakage. In terms of health, the inhalation of this ingredient can cause dizziness, depression and headaches. (aka isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol)
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - Found in most shampoos, SLS is also an industrial cleaning agent used in professional and machinery cleaning. This ingredient is know to cause health issues and dries out hair. (aka sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex) 
  • Proplyene glycol (PG) - Used in every type of hair and body care product you may find -conditioners, shampoos, styling gels and lotions. The Environmental Protection Agency flagged proplyene glycol as one of the top 10  hair-care product ingredients that can potentially impact health with overexposure. Though toxicity is low, the concern is over prolonged exposure. The shady FDA has approved for use in food (they feed it to animals for 104 weeks and there were no ill effects), you can find this ingredient in frozen desserts. Additionally,  this product hurts sea life by consuming oxygen needed by aquatic organisms for survival once introduced in ocean water. So I won't even flush it down the toilet.
  • DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) -  Commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children." (aka Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. )
  • See here for a more detailed list.

 Caring for Hair Naturally

As a rule of thumb, I tend to use products with plant based ingredients I can say/recognize like
  • Jojoba oil, coconut opil, shea butter, or grapeseed oil to seal in moisture
  • Tea tree essential oil or aloe vera juice for itchy scalp
  • Jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, grapeseed oil for dry scalp
  • Grapeseed oil, safflower oil, castor oil, argan oil to soften hair
  • Glycerin, aloe vera gel/juice, or rosewater for non-oil moisturizing or softening and moisture retention
  • Castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or apple cider vinegar (post-wash rinse with cold water for 5 minutes) for shine
  • Baking soda to cleanse
  • Coconut oil or hydrolyzed protein (e.g. keratin, collagen) for strength
  • Lavender essential oil, jasmine essential oil, rose essential oil, orange essential oil for scent

and I couple that with good hair care techniques.  For instance:
  1. I use a wide tooth comb and/or detangler brush 
  2. I only detangle while wet and use a rosewater or glycerin spray
  3. I start at the ends and work my way to the roots carefully
  4. I put in a simple protective style in the evening (two strand twists)
  5. I moisturize regularly and use natural cleansers
  6. I use a small amount light soft hold plant-based gel 
  7. I use a old tooth brush with the gel to smooth down her edges

I spent a great deal of time educating myself about ingredients and making conscious decisions about what I expose my children to. I can't control for everything, but I do my best to minimize my child's exposure to harmful ingredients, people, situations, etc.



Also note that ingredients for both food and body/skin care products are listed by quantity, from highest to lowest. Try looking for products that list whole foods or plant based ingredients as the first three ingredients, and be skeptical of foods/products with long lists of ingredients.

My favorite brands are


Read more

I love Youtube and makeup tutorials. I love seeing the intricate steps involved in making an already beautiful woman otherworldly.

I love these videos, but my life leaves little room to create a fierce full face daily.  Additionally, I'm secretly afraid that I would compromise the health of my skin if I wore 6 levels of makeup daily.

In lieu of a full face, I rock a simple natural look. One that tones down my dark circles, evens my skin tone, and gives me a light glow. Here are the 6 steps to master a natural look:

Starting with a bare face.

  1.  Cleanse, Tone & Moisturize
I view this as one step. I ALWAYS tone and moisturize after washing my face  and I have been using the same cleansers and toner for almost two years now, so believe me when I say I really believe in these products.
The Acure moisturizer is new, I have only been using it two weeks now. Still too early to tell if it is better than my Anadlou Naturals moisturizer. I bought this from Thrive Market but it is also available on Amazon.

      2.   Use a great primer!
I love my primer by 100PrecentPure, their luminous primer is plant based and so good for my skin. I have been using it for a year now and I am so in love!


       3.   Pick foundation(s) that match your color perfectly and does not have to be caked on.
I sometimes only wear a little foundation to cover my dark circles. Having a foundation that is a near perfect color match allows you to put on as much or as little as you want. Just make sure you blend.

I still use 100PercentPure Plant based foundation.


       4.   Brows Bish!
The best thing I did last year was grow out my brows. It was a game changer. It enhanced my overall look in the most subtle of ways. Make sure you keep your brows manicured at home with light occasional tweezing and filling in those sparse areas with a fine tipped brow pencil or brush. Short fine strokes are the key!


        5.   A little mascara going a long way.
Add lashes if you wish but all I do is add a little mascara and go to define my lashes.


        6.   Lip love makes all the difference.
I live in Southern Cali so between the dry winters and the warm dry summers, I am always fighting to keep my lips from peeling and healthy. My new found weapon is avocado oil! I apply every morning before lip gloss and evening before bed. I bought this from Thrive Market but it is also available on Amazon.


And there you have it. A simple way to look more polished while still maintaining a natural look.

Let me know if  this works for you or if you have any other tips and tricks that work well for you!


  • Friday, January 29, 2016

6 Crucial Steps for Mastering a Natural Makeup Look

I love Youtube and makeup tutorials. I love seeing the intricate steps involved in making an already beautiful woman otherworldly.

I love these videos, but my life leaves little room to create a fierce full face daily.  Additionally, I'm secretly afraid that I would compromise the health of my skin if I wore 6 levels of makeup daily.

In lieu of a full face, I rock a simple natural look. One that tones down my dark circles, evens my skin tone, and gives me a light glow. Here are the 6 steps to master a natural look:

Starting with a bare face.

  1.  Cleanse, Tone & Moisturize
I view this as one step. I ALWAYS tone and moisturize after washing my face  and I have been using the same cleansers and toner for almost two years now, so believe me when I say I really believe in these products.
The Acure moisturizer is new, I have only been using it two weeks now. Still too early to tell if it is better than my Anadlou Naturals moisturizer. I bought this from Thrive Market but it is also available on Amazon.

      2.   Use a great primer!
I love my primer by 100PrecentPure, their luminous primer is plant based and so good for my skin. I have been using it for a year now and I am so in love!


       3.   Pick foundation(s) that match your color perfectly and does not have to be caked on.
I sometimes only wear a little foundation to cover my dark circles. Having a foundation that is a near perfect color match allows you to put on as much or as little as you want. Just make sure you blend.

I still use 100PercentPure Plant based foundation.


       4.   Brows Bish!
The best thing I did last year was grow out my brows. It was a game changer. It enhanced my overall look in the most subtle of ways. Make sure you keep your brows manicured at home with light occasional tweezing and filling in those sparse areas with a fine tipped brow pencil or brush. Short fine strokes are the key!


        5.   A little mascara going a long way.
Add lashes if you wish but all I do is add a little mascara and go to define my lashes.


        6.   Lip love makes all the difference.
I live in Southern Cali so between the dry winters and the warm dry summers, I am always fighting to keep my lips from peeling and healthy. My new found weapon is avocado oil! I apply every morning before lip gloss and evening before bed. I bought this from Thrive Market but it is also available on Amazon.


And there you have it. A simple way to look more polished while still maintaining a natural look.

Let me know if  this works for you or if you have any other tips and tricks that work well for you!


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