Wax hand and foot treatments are commonly used in spas and salons to lock in moisture to the skin. Paraffin wax has been the most prominent wax used, and soy wax is just now becoming more widespread within the past couple of years.

The reason to move paraffin aside and soy to the front is that paraffin is a by-product of petroleum. And we all know why to stay away from petroleum-based products.

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. Which means it not only supports soy farmers, but it is environmentally friendly. So if you love the earth AND your body….you better use soy

Why? Because soy wax is the new kid in town. And we all want him over for dinner. Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than paraffin. That means it won’t put any nasty pollutants in the air while melting. Hooray! Soybeans are a renewable resource and the wax is naturally biodegradable. Oh and a bonus – it is also easier to remove than paraffin wax. So no sticky residue left over that takes days to finally slough off.

A few other great things about soy wax:

• there is less soot emission when melting
• clean up can be done by only using soap and water; no oil necessary
• melts at a cooler temperature which means you will not burn your skin with the wax

So next time you are at the spa looking for a hand and foot wax treatment, call ahead of time and make sure that they offer soy wax as an alternative to paraffin. It makes more sense to be more environmentally friendly if you have the option, and to make smarter choices as a consumer.

Anecdotes and lessons from my life this week…

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?

Antioxidants have become a regular part of my beauty routine. Anytime I even think about free radicals rampaging my skin, I get angry. I do not want to look older than I already am! Does the word “haggard” cause you to inwardly cringe? I think it does that to most women. What a horrible descriptive word to use on someone!
So I do my best to avoid that. It’s common knowledge that green tea and blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses. But let me give you another tip you may not have heard of – grape seed oil.

Grape seed oil is a powerful tool for your face, and it has been used for centuries by the ancient Greeks and the Egyptians. They recognized its healing properties long ago, and because of their discoveries we can now follow in their footsteps. The oil’s antioxidant compounds protect the skin from premature aging. We all know the dangers of sun damage and how it causes aging, as well as unsightly wrinkles. Here is where grape seed oil benefits are two fold: it not only protects your skin from aging but also protects it from the sun itself. So it’s like you get 2 benefits at the same time – an SPF that simultaneously combats that haggard look. Sign me up!
This oil also has high levels of Vitamin E, which works to alleviate acne and stretch marks. The reason this has such proven results is because this oil contains regenerative and restructuring properties that seek out damaged tissue and restore skin moisture. It can also work as a natural astringent that will tone and firm your skin. Consistent use will smooth your skin, creating a healed and firm complexion.
Who knew you could get all of these benefits out of something obscure in the grocery store? Has anyone tried using this before?

There is a new love in my life, and her name is Coco

Doing some of my carrier oil research led me to stumble upon the wonders of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for all kinds of things, from hair and skin care, to cooking, to preventing diseases. It’s good for the teeth, bones, liver and kidney and is effective in treating certain infections, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Do I feel a 5 uses post coming on?!?

So, when I was getting my vitamins at the supplement/health food store last week, I decided to see what all the coconut hype is about. The first thing I tried it on was my skin.

The first thing I noticed when I dug a chunk out to use was the scent. It has a pleasantly delicate scent of coconut, that is almost non-existent, making it ideal as a carrier for other fragrances.

I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of it. Coconut oil has a lip-balmish consistency, but is not sticky at all. It is solid that melts at body temperature – it feels cool as it melts, but warms up to an oil worthy of any massage. It’s not too greasy, but hydrates skin immediately.

Next, I tried it on my little girl’s VERY curly hair. Of course, I melted it first. This can be done with your hands, like I did (‘cuz it feels so great!), or just put the jar in some warm water.

Not only did it make her hair super shiny, but it worked almost like a pomade. I even gave her ringlets! Naturally, I wouldn’t use it on straight or thin hair, and it should be used sparingly, at least until you get the feel for how it works in your hair.

Other things  that are awesome about coconut oil:

• It has a long shelf-life
• You can mix your favorite essential oils into it when it’s melted
• It makes a GREAT lip  balm – even all by it’s lonesome

I will definitely be coming back with more uses for this awesome carrier oil and more. There’s just so much…

Do you use coconut oil for anything around your home? Let me know – I’m ready!