Switching to more natural body care products is one of the first steps in many people's health journeys, but have you ever tried switching to natural deodorant only to discover it isn't working? Does it leave a rash, cause excessive sweating, or leave you smelling funkier than when you started? It could be that you...
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Conditioning Hair Serum Recipe
Growing your hair out into a long mermaid mane can be challenging for someone with easily damaged hair. In fact, it's one of the main reasons I haven't been able to grow my hair out longer than my shoulder blades - it always breaks off at the ends mere weeks after getting a trim despite...
Whipped Shea Butter Sugar Scrub
Using a traditional sugar and oil scrub is wonderful, but when you have super dry skin that just can't be quenched using normal means, it's time to break out the big guns - heavy luxurious butters like shea, mango, and cocoa. The weather in SoCal is already gearing up to be dry and sweltering and...
What is MTHFR and How to Treat it Naturally
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to try out a relatively new ancestry and health test called Vitagene. I excitedly sent in my cheek swab sample, waited several weeks for the results to come in, and eagerly immersed myself in my 56-page profile when it arrived. It was fascinating to see some of...
All-Natural Dust Busting Spray Recipe
As the days get warmer and I'm able to throw open the windows, I start getting that spring cleaning itch. Every surface gets wiped down, re-organized, and decluttered, all the linens get washed, carpets get deep cleaned, and the bathroom gets scoured to a spotless shine. Years ago, before I knew better, I used to...
How to Make Herbal Tinctures Using the Folk Method
Aside from formulating homemade fire cider, making herbal tinctures is one of my favorite ways to prepare and use medicinal herbs. It was the first type of preparation I experimented with and I've been drawn to herbs and their healing properties ever since. In the last few years, I've found such deep and nourishing healing...
How to Make Micellar Water
Have you heard of micellar water before? I hadn't until a few readers started asking me what my thoughts were on this supposedly magical must have beauty product. So of course, I started researching to see what all the fuss is about. So what IS micellar water? Basically, it's water that contains tiny droplets of...
My Experience Using Vitagene – Ancestry, Exercise, Supplements, and Sensitivities!
What an insightful week it has been! I just finished reading my 56 page (yes, 56 page!!) vitality report from a company called Vitagene and all I can say is WOW!! I finally feel like I no longer need to grope in the dark trying to answer questions like what am I deficient in, what...
7 Quick and Dirty Beauty Hacks using Pantry Items
I've partnered with iHerb to share some of my favorite cost-effective beauty hacks using food! Thank you for supporting my sponsors! When it comes to beauty simple is best, and what could be simpler than using pantry items that leave your skin glowing, remove unwanted hair, or add that final touch to your make-up routine?...
How to Make a Mineral Make-Up Base
I used to believe that one of the most difficult DIYs was making your own mineral make-up. Surely there's no shortage of magic required to make the perfect consistency, the perfect coverage, and the perfect color to match your skin tone right? Well, that's what I used to think until I started experimenting making my...
Soothing Joint and Muscle Ointment
Whether your joints and muscles ache from the damp and cold, bumps and bruises, or just from a bit of over-exertion, having a trusty and reliable pain relieving rub on hand to help sooth away discomfort is the perfect way to get back in the swing of things. For the past 5 weeks, I've been...
DIY Dry Shampoo Spray for Oily Hair!
DIY dry shampoo has always eluded me in one way or another. It's either too opaque, stains your clothes various shades of brown, or just plain doesn't work as well as you hoped it would. When I came across a few dry shampoo sprays, I knew I didn't feel like shelling out $10 for a...
3 Adrenal Gland Support Tonics That Actually Work!
Feeling a little frazzled, burnt-out, wired but tired? Yeah, that's the sound of your adrenals fizzling out and begging for a bit of R&R. However, rest and stress-free living practices aren't the only way to support and rebuild your adrenal glands. 3 Adrenal Gland Support Tonics That Actually Work! "Adrenal fatigue, in all its mild...
Creamy Winter Sunscreen Balm
This winter has been such a bear when it comes to maintaining healthy glowing skin. Either you live where it's cold and about as humid as a lit barbeque or you're lucky enough to have some sort of moisture in the air. Where I live, it seems to fluctuate pretty regularly making my skin dry,...
DIY Bug Repellent Gel Recipe
When it rains here in Southern California it goes without saying that mosquitos are soon to follow. I swear there are clouds of them hovering outside and you'd be daft not to close up doors and windows before 3:30pm lest you invite them all in for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Just last evening I squashed no...
Freeze-Ease Workout Spray
If you've ever been at the gym overheating and wishing for even the tiniest bit of airflow yet there's none to be found, I've got you! Not only is this workout spray amazing for cooling off during a workout session, on a really hot day, when you've got hot flashes, or even when you get...
Fizzing Bath Powder Recipe with Mint, Lemon & Lavender
Have you ever tried making your own bath bombs only to add too much liquid on accident and have them turn into blobs? You too? Bath bombs are testy things and it takes a skilled hand to make them. Recently, I made some beautiful rose milk bath bombs that turned out perfectly! I was so...
Rose Milk Bath Bombs
Valentine's Day is just a few weeks away and what better time to pamper yourself or your loved one than making luxurious rose milk bath bombs? Take a romantic dip in the tub with a glass of sparkling Rosé, loads of sultry candles, and of course, your significant other for an evening of love and...
Banish the Blues Perfume Recipe
Winter can be a cold, dark, lonely time of year for many, especially for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although I live in sunny Southern California with rainy days that are few and far between, the winter blues can still settle in its roots and become too familiar a feeling for my liking....
Rose Petal Body Scrub Recipe
Valentine's Day is coming up quickly and if you're struggling with gift ideas, I've got you covered! This delicate rose petal body scrub makes a beautiful love token your Valentine is sure to love because hey, it's made with love, isn't it? To me, a homemade gift speaks louder than words and is so much...
7 Ways to Maintain a Strong Lymphatic System
You may or may not know it, but the lymphatic system is one of the most important systems in the body. Its health largely effects the strength of our immune system, the efficacy of our liver, and the body's ability to remove wastes and toxins from our cells, tissues, and organs. Keeping it strong and...
Super Detoxifying Bath Salt Recipe
Nothing's better than taking a long languorous soak in a bath on a dark dreary day like today. The rain is falling outside, the air smells fresh, and the mood is slow and sleepy. It's days like this I love soaking, doing some gentle yoga, and meditation. It's also the perfect opportunity to care for...
How to Make Just One Tube of Lip Balm
Have you ever perused online for a lip balm recipe only to find that many of them fill 6, 12, 24, or even 100 tubes? Have you ever yearned for a different scent or flavor of lip balm but you still have 9 tubes to use up? Perhaps you're a fellow blogger who's tired of...
10 Herbs for Fitness, Strength, and Endurance
I've been easing back into HIIT workouts since my holiday lull and holy moly I'm sore! How on earth is it possible to take so many steps back when you've only taken a couple weeks off your fitness routine? It's insanity I tell you! Even the easiest HIIT workout I own has been kicking my...
3 Essential Steps You Need to Boost Metabolism
Who else has a New Year's resolution to get fit and boost metabolism? I do! I do! And I know I'm not alone. I also know I'm not alone in wondering what the heck do I do to accomplish this goal? Where do I even begin this journey to better health and a faster metabolism?...
20 Ways to Reduce Post-Workout Muscle Soreness, Aches, and Pains
How many of you are jump starting your fitness journey this New Year? How many of you are curled in a ball, unable to get out of bed, or can't walk normally due to post-workout muscle soreness? Yeah. I bet there are quite a few of you, myself included! As we gear down to meet...
Invigorating Coffee and Coconut Body Scrub
Winter is my favorite time of year to make and use homemade body scrubs. They're perfect for revitalizing dull skin, are incredibly moisturizing, and as is the case with today's body scrub recipe, invigorating for the circulatory system. This scrub is so easy you might wonder if it's truly a recipe at all! I was...
Holiday Room Spray Recipes for Christmas Cheer
One of my favorite things about winter is getting cozy, eating great food, and enjoying the seasonal aromas that remind me of chilly forests, spiced chai lattes, and peppermint candies. There is no better time of year for giving loved ones delicious smelling homemade room sprays to entice the senses and encourage holiday cheer. I...
Four Thieves Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
Making my own delicious fall inspired body care recipes is one of my favorite things this time of year. Fall is when you get to wear leggings and chunky sweaters, sip on a London Fog and pumpkin lattes, and curl up under heavy blankets to stave off the chill. It's also the season of DIY...
How to Make an Elderberry Elixir
Elderberry elixir - sounds fancy, doesn't it? Maybe even a bit magical? Well, you would be right! In Medieval times, an elixir was a preparation that was supposedly able to change metals into gold or prolong life indefinitely. Today it's an aromatic solution of alcohol and honey that is used as a vehicle for medicinal...
My Thinx Review - The Future of Comfortable Periods?
If you know me then you know I love everything natural when it comes to secret women's business, and I'll try just about anything if it makes my life easier during that time of the month. I've heard of Thinx before, but for some reason never looked into them further. That is until recently! Lately,...
The Best Herbal Remedies for Varicose Veins
Turning thirty this year has brought more attention to skincare than ever before. Somehow when I believed acne was and ever would be the worst of my problems, life decides to throw in fine lines, dark circles, and a few varicose veins to keep me on my toes. To clarify, I don't actually have full...
Simple Sleepy Time Recipe for Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep!
Not getting enough sleep can really drag you down during the day especially if it's reoccurring. I've had troubles falling asleep and staying asleep for the past week and I'm finally at my wits end! Not only does lack of sleep affect my productivity, it also affects my health leaving me feeling chewed up and...
DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe
Growing out my hair into my version of mermaid-like perfection hasn't been easy. In fact, it's been pretty impossible for the past 16 years. The reason? My hair gets damaged just by looking at it wrong. If you're like me and have fine, thin, oily hair, you might understand the struggle I face. Oily hair...
MONQ Personal Essential Oil Diffuser Review
Today I have something really awesome to share with you that I randomly came across one day - PERSONAL essential oil diffusers! I can't tell you how intrigued and excited I was to try these. MONQ Personal Essential Oil Diffuser Review One of the first things I like about MONQ, is they take pride in...
Magnesium Bath Bombs for Sore Muscles
I'm a confessed bath bomb fanatic and I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try. I take luxurious baths pretty often for relaxation, but lately, I've been working out consistently and with that comes a familiar companion - sore muscles! Even after searching the usual places for a sore muscle bath bomb, I...
Can You Eat Other Nuts and Seeds While Seed Cycling?
I've been on a journey to balancing my hormones after an experiment gone wrong with a particular progesterone cream. If you checked out my last post on hormone balancing, you would know that I've been diving into something called seed cycling; a way to use the natural estrogenic effects of nuts and seeds in tandem...
The Best Homemade Sourdough Pizza Crust
This summer I've been experimenting with sourdough and the obsession is growing! One of the recipes I was most anxious to try was a delicious homemade pizza crust that has a depth of flavor and a good chewy crispness. One of the reasons I've never been a huge fan of take-out pizza is because the...
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Pets Naturally!
Living in Southern California certainly has a lot of perks like nearby beaches and great weather all year round. But you know who else enjoys the endless sunny days? Fleas! Lots of them. This year has been absolutely terrible in regards to flea control. My husband and I purchased our usual summer supply of flea...
Homemade Deodorant with Tangerine and Geranium
Summer is such a great time to experiment with homemade deodorant recipes, wouldn't you agree? It's hot, sticky, and sweaty weather where I live so it's the perfect time to concoct different formulas and put them to the ultimate test! I recently ran out of my homemade Himalayan salt deodorant and wanted to try something...
Sugar Waxing for Smooth Legs and Underarms
Sugar waxing or sugaring is nothing new as far as hair removal goes. In fact, sugar waxing has been used for hair removal in the Middle East since 1900 BC! In those days since sugar was a scarce commodity, honey was boiled down to form a paste that was used in much the same way...
Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance
Seed cycling for hormone balance is something that has been in the back of my mind for a while now. I first learned about it a few years ago from one of my favorite blogs but never thought to put it into practice, because honestly, I thought it was just too easy. How is it...