QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." 
— Marilyn Monroe




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FYI, Looking for a previous post

Hello All! I have had quite a few people ask me how to find previous postings. For instance, if you're finally ready to try making the all-purpose cleaner, but you need the recipe again. My best suggestion would be to utilize the google search box which is in the top left of the blog under "search this blog!" Type in a keyword(s) for what you're looking for (i.e. all-purpose), and all of the posts pertaining to that should come up! I previously posted a list of questions/answers about the blog. You can CLICK HERE to view those! Thanks for the feedback everyone!


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*Side Note* Using Organic Coconut Oil as a Face lotion

For those that have been reading regularly, you are probably tired of hearing me mention Coconut Oil... but what can a girl do? I'm in love!

I separate my jar of coconut oil into these smaller containers and label them with their various purposes (i.e. "face cream," "foot cream," etc.) This helps for hygienic purposes, and accessibility. 

Since purchasing unrefined virgin coconut oil for my homemade deodorant, I have been experimenting with trying it for various different uses. So far, one of my favorite uses is as a face lotion. The very first time I considered putting it on my face, it felt so wrong. I mean, who in their right mind smears any kind of oil into their face? It kind of goes against everything I thought I knew about skincare. As I started rubbing it in though, it felt so right. As I mentioned in another posting, it just feels sooo luxurious. I have used every type of facial cream under the sun, ranging into prices I am too ashamed to even admit, but this one takes the cake. If someone handed it to me in a fancy jar and told me it was a $50+ cream I would not think twice. The texture is very soft and thin (unlike some moisturizes that are so thick you have to use half the jar to cover your face), but it is so stinking moisturizing! I like how the texture changes (with your body temperature) as you apply it, allowing you to easily coat a large area by continuing to spread with your fingers. Moisturizing benefits aside, the health benefits it has for your skin are amazing too (anti-aging, wrinkle defying, acne treating/preventing, discoloration eliminating, free radical fighting, sun protecting, rejuvenating...need I say more?) If someone was selling an organic cream that had all of those benefits at my front door, I'd buy a truckload (especially at $6 for a mason jar full)! Also, don't forget it's chemical free! You're rubbing something into your pores that you could (and should!) eat.

Despite my undying love for Coconut Oil and what a sweet companion it has been to my skin, there are some downsides.

• For one, it duals as a make-up remover...which is wonderful if you're wanting an organic make-up remover, but not so wonderful if you're one to apply lotion directly before applying your make-up. Once the oil is completely dried into your skin (length of time depends on how much you're using) it doesn't seem to be a problem. For me, it is irritating on days I forget and am running late (typically on my way to class). I sit there raccoon eyed staring at my professor, wishing I had planned better. So my tip would be, if you're a nighttime shower taker, apply it before bed and you'll be worry free. If you're an am shower taker, apply it as long before make-up application as possible giving it plenty of time to soak in. 
• My second complaint, is that if you apply it too closely to your hair line, it can make those front strands (if they hang on or near your face) look a little greasy. My suggestion: give yourself some room. Don't spread the cream all the way up your forehead, stop before you reach your roots! 
• My last complaint, is that initially after application, it can make your face shiny. For me, this is not always a problem. I actually love the shine it gives my face right after application. I think it makes your skin look healthy and glowing. When it becomes a problem, is when I reaaally goop it on and don't rub it in thoroughly. I have dry skin that could compete with an alligator's face and I still forget sometimes what a small amount it really takes. My suggestion: use sparingly/wait it out. The oil inevitably soaks into your face, making the shine temporary. 

Facts about CO as moisturizer (for hair and face)

A little more info (check out the links on the right of this page for more info)

Coconut Oil for your pet?

Coconut Oil as a sunscreen?  I have seen several articles like this one.. anyone brave enough to try it?

What do you think? Is this something you will be trying? Why or why not? Have you tried it? If so, what are your thoughts?


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Check out this blog!

A friend of mine started it, and it looks great so far!
http://crunchyproject.blogspot.com/


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*Side Note* Acne Spot Treatment

Pregnancy in itself is such a beautiful thing, unfortunately, a lot of the side affects aren't such beautiful things. For me, this has meant a pre-pubescent breakout on my face. Many acne fighting treatments are "no-nos" while pregnant, so I sought out a solution that would be more natural and safe whether I'm pregnant or not... (when something isn't safe during pregnancy, kinda makes you wonder if you should be using it regardless)?


At first everything I was coming up with suggested baking soda in some kind of mix. I was a bit nervous about trying this though because I already have insanely dry skin. Then I stumbled upon honey and cinnamon. 

Honey is good for dry skin because it attracts and retains moisture, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal cuts and wounds. It's filled with anti-oxidants that fight off free radicals, this gives it an anti-aging property. 


Not convinced yet? Here are some more benefits of honey from buzzle.com:
Other Benefits

• A honey face mask prevents discoloration of the skin and helps to keep it in one even coloring.
• A honey face mask helps to rejuvenate skin.
• It is also beneficial for nourishing the skin and preventing infections.
• Making use of a honey face mask for acne has been a known remedy for this condition. It prevents the onset of pimples.
• It prevents skin disorders like eczema because of a high content in enzymes and amino acids.
• Honey face mask helps to renew skin cells thus leaving skin looking visibly younger and radiant.

Cinnamon has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which make it a great partner in this paste.

Directions:
Depending on how much you want to make, it's basically 2 parts cinnamon to 1 part honey. I didn't really measure anything out though, I just squeezed some honey onto a small surface, then sprinkled in cinnamon, stirring with my finger until it was a dark brown consistency. I used it as a spot treatment, but you could use it as an entire face mask. Most directions say to leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes, some say to leave it on overnight, but I think your pillow would be a mess.


Outcome:
Seems to really work! It noticeably reduced the size and color of my blemishes. It also made my skin incredibly soft wherever I put it. I am thinking tonight I will do a full facial mask with it. The one downside is that the color and texture aren't very fabulous. To put it plainly, it looks a bit like poo on your face. I kinda forgot about it on my face, but as I went to wash it off in the mirror before bed I immediately had gratitude for my Husband being so kind with his silence. 


Bottom Line:
There are inexpensive home remedies that work! Just google it. Chances are you'll find something that you have all the makings for already. Plus, how cool as it that if I wanted to, I could have eaten my face treatment? I mean, how many people can say that about their acne medicine? Makes me feel a lot better about putting it into my pores. Let me know what you try and how it works for you!


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*Side Note*

"Side Note" is something new I will be starting. It will be a more condensed post reviewing little home remedies I am trying amongst my big 2 week projects. This can be anything from an old school solution to get rid of a cough, to a small item I was able to re-purpose/recycle, or a new from scratch recipe I made from home. Basically, just little things I am trying in my day to day life. There wont be a set pattern to these, as I will be posting them at random as I try them, but I will always label them *Side Note* so you know it was a little side project :).

Like what you see? "Subscribe via e-mail" in the top right corner to receive updates when a new post is added! As always, feel free to comment below, or e-mail me at naturallynourishing@gmail.com with any thoughts, questions, or concerns!