I plea for forgiveness. It’s been almost two years I’ve been living with these curls on top of my head and I love them more and more every day. When people stop me in public or contact me online with compliments I humbly nod and say thank you. I’m always told how beautiful it is, how healthy it looks, and/or asked what I’m doing to keep it so healthy. And I eagerly share with any and everyone because talking hair gives me joy, I can talk about it all day. I certainly don’t know everything, I’m not formally studied in any form of hair care, any information I have and share I do so with the disclaimer that these are just my experiences with my hair, experiences others have shared with me, or research I’ve done.
In these two years I’ve enjoyed caring for my hair. I have tried an assortment of at home remedies and processes, a few “off the shelf “and a few “online only” products from big name companies as well as small home based companies. I pamper and treat and spoil my hair with everything it needs to grow healthy and strong. I condition, moisturize, and deep condition regularly. And in some regards it is quite healthy…but I have a deep dark secret that I have to confess. I haven’t trimmed my ends in over 15 months. I know, I can hear your gasp through the screen. Please don’t look at me that way. Believe me; I suffer with it every day. My ends are dry and ragged and tangled. I undo countless knots every day. And with every knot, I experience breakage from my ends that tears at my heart. I’m an abusive woman, I’m so ashamed. I make excuses, I say I’ll go get it done next week…and I don’t go.
But today is the day of atonement. Today I confess my sins to all over you. This is my first step in the 12 step Natural Hair Care Abusers Anonymous. Hi my name is Ty and I’ve abused my tresses. Now that I’ve confessed I will get with a stylist who will love my hair as much as I do and let her fix the mess I’ve made. I only hope my hair can forgive me for my year of abuse. Please don’t walk in my footsteps. Don’t mistreat your hair. Love it, feed it, nourish it, and for goodness sake, trim its ends when it needs it!
We all laugh at Mama and her big purse, joking about her carrying everything around in there including the kitchen sink! It’s all fun and laughs until you need something and Mama reaches in her purse and pulls out the exact thing you needed. Pop a button on your shirt? Mama has a needle and the right color thread. Hungry? Mama has crackers, a granola bar, a package of peanuts to hold you over. Got a mosquito bite? Mama has a bottle of lavender oil in her purse ready to apply a drop to sooth that need to itch. Yup, you never know what Mama has in her purse…so be careful when you laugh at her big ole handbag.
With the cost of checked bags, the goal for a short trip is to pack a bag small enough to carry on the plane. The problem with that is deciding the essential personal care items to take with you. The 3 oz limit and the quart size ziplock bag maximum really hinder your ability to take your beauty ritual needs with you. Having to choose between your favorite face wash, conditioner, lotion, etc becomes more stressful than trying to plan your outfits around one pair of shoes (impossible I tell you!) So what’s the work around?
Assess your products and discern what your multipurpose items are. Personally, I can live without packing my favorite lotion and hair moisturizer in exchange for some pure shea butter. I can use the shea as my hair and skin moisturizer and even as a means protecting my hair from chlorine exposure if I’m going swimming. Aloe gel makes a great temporary substitute for face and body wash and serves as relief in times of sun or wind burn.
Assess what you have access to where you’re going. Need to exfoliate? Mix up a bit of sugar and olive oil (two things that are easy to obtain no matter where you are) and whip up a rudimentary sugar scrub. Steal the cucumbers from your salad to lay over and soother your eyes while recovering from a hangover.
It’s not impossible to pack light and still have the basics you need to stay beautiful without TSA giving you grief.
Tell us how you pack your beauty needs within TSA’s carryon limitations? What has Mama whipped out of her purse for you that you couldn’t believe that she had exactly when you needed it?
I’ve always known chamomile to be a “sleepy time” tea, and that whenever I am suffering from insomnia, this wonderful little herb will lull me into sweet dreams. But like with most things in nature, chamomile’s healing benefits are not just limited to one thing.
Stomach cramps – because chamomile has such strong anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, it is very effective when treating stomach or intestinal cramps. If you are suffering from cramps, try drinking 2 cups of chamomile tea to alleviate your pain. It also works well for menstrual cramps
Reducing dark under eye circles – this surprised me, but chamomile has been known to relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. To combat this problem, dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water for 5 minutes. Then let cool to room temperature and place on eyes at night like a compress
Treat burns and scrapes – Chamomile is useful in treating burns and scrapes because it contains flavonoids, which are anti-oxidant oils that help the body heal while protecting it from further damage caused by free radicals. To use, add 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water has cooled, dip a cloth into the liquid and use as a compress on the wounded area
Treat anxiety – chamomile has calming benefits and relaxes muscle tension, so therefore it is effective in treating anxiety and panic attacks. Try drinking 3 cups daily to alleviate symptoms
Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)- chamomile has anti-inflammatory effects, which soothe the gastric and intestinal organs while combating gassiness and bloating. It can reduce pain and cramps caused by IBS, as well as the nausea and gastroenteritis associated with this syndrome.
While the side effects are minimal, it should be noted that if you have ragweed or pollen allergies, it might be a bit difficult to use chamomile. It is not recommended to use chamomile while pregnant.
It seems like we are always hearing about the benefits of green tea. Full of antioxidants and metabolism increasing goodies, I’m sure we all wish we drank a bit more of it. If you’re finding trouble adding it into your daily routine, simply include it with your nightcap! Yes, you read that correctly. Here’s a good recipe using green tea:
Tea Frog
4 oz cold green tea
2 oz gin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup sparkling water
Just throw all of the ingredients together in a glass and serve over ice. Doesn’t that sound yummy? Plus, the name is fun. This cocktail not only lets you unwind from a hectic day at work, but also lowers your cholesterol levels and boosts your immune system. In fact, I think it would be a bit crazy to NOT drink this.
But uh oh. What if you get a bit too excited about all the great things you’re doing for your body and pour one too many Tea Frogs? You might end up having a rather hazy morning. Not to worry. I have a hangover cure for you involving the same process – minus the booze!
1 piece of ginger root
1 green tea bag
Peel the ginger root and cut in thin slices. Bring water to a boil on the stove, then remove from heat. Add the green tea bag and ginger slices and let steep for 15 minutes. Add sweetener if needed. The green tea really helps with metabolizing the alcohol, and ginger is useful in curing nausea. Ahhh tea. It can take us merrily down the drunken road, and then help us find our way back again in the morning.
Has anyone managed to overcome a vicious hangover with this tea?
For many years those suffering from dermatitis, from psoriasis to eczema to chronically dry, itchy skin, have taken refuse in the healing properties of Dead Sea salts. Proven to be to be an alternate and often more effective natural remedy than oatmeal, many aim to head directly to the source itself, the Dead Sea to surround themselves in the waters. However, there are other reasons for immersing yourself in Dead Sea salts that benefit everyone, not just those who suffer from dry, itchy, inflamed skin.
Dead Sea salts are comprised of a number of minerals whose properties include detoxify the body, improving the immune system, serving as an anti-inflammatory, balancing the body’s pH levels, and strengthening bones and nails.
Sodium: Small amounts of sodium help to maintain the balance of your body’s fluids (lymph in specific) which is important to your body’s immune system. In addition, it also removes dead skin build up allowing smoother, more supple skin to rise to the surface.
Calcium: Calcium is vital to building and maintaining strength in bones, nails, and teeth. For those (like myself) who don’t take in enough calcium in their diet, this is a way to supplement what’s lacking in your food intake. It also helps clean your pores, prevent water retention, and increase circulation.
Magnesium: Magnesium prevents fluid retention and slows skin aging. It calms the nervous system, which helps to relief the day to day stresses of life. Magnesium, as well as bromide, serve to cleanse and detoxify the skin.
Bitumen: Bitumen acts as an anti-inflammatory which is the primary reason it is so loved by those with dermatitis, but also serves to provide relief of aches and pains related to arthritis, sports injuries (often in conjunction with Epsom salt) and bursitis.
Chlorine and Iodine: These two minerals contribute to energy production and healthy skin generation on a cellular level. Chlorine also helps to maintain the body’s pH level which is important to your body’s ability ward off bad bacteria while keeping the balance of bacteria you immune system needs.
There’s always a time in life where you will need Dead Sea salt more than other times, but incorporating it into your everyday life certainly won’t hurt you either. While you’re enjoying you’re regular spa at home routine, a relaxing bath with Dead Sea salts dispersed in the water (perhaps a le’amour bath bomb?) will do your body good.
Did any of these benefit appeal to you? Are you already making great use of the beauty of Dead Sea salts? I’d Love to hear about it. Leave a comment and share!
