Coconut oil: no longer the enemy, it’s not just good for us, it’s AMAZING for us. Desserts need extra oomph? Coconut oil. Astonishingly simple makeup remover? Coconut oil. Other oils can’t handle your high-heat cooking needs? Coconut oil.
Alzheimer’s? Check. Diaper rash? Yep. Fungal infection? Oui.
We use it like it’s a miracle drug and we’re the local pusher. Feeling tired? Have a spoonful! Depressed? Extra spoonful! Out of coffee creamer? Yay for coconut oil!
Has everything been said? Not even close. We fall in a little more in love every day with this humble oil from a hairy nut. Skeptics at heart where bold claims are concerned, we try the suggested uses with a tinge of occasional doubt (really? makeup remover?), only to be dazzled by the simply brilliant effectiveness. Coconut oil is in multiple of our skin care products (with more to come!) and we feel pretty good about that. And yes, we thought of moving to a tropical isle to be closer to the source. And no, we haven’t decided yet.
Follow the link below to one of our favorite bloggers, Wellness Mama. She’ll spell it all out for you. <3
http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
This time of year, we can’t get enough of the organic crops of oranges, apples, grapefruit, and Meyer lemons. We love them with cheeses, nut butters, chocolate, squeezed into beverages, chopped into salads, or just by themselves. A recent discovery: orange slices and a glass of white wine makes a super-simple but sublime dessert. A totally appreciated bonus: our skin loves the vitamin C and never looks better than this time of year. Counter-intuitive, right? Aren’t we supposed to look dry and sallow in the winter? Nope and nope. Take care of your skin with moisturizers (marula oil is our current fave), protect from the sunshine (yes, in winter too!) and enjoy the seasonal fruits. Works like a charm.
For 8 more foods that boost inside-out health and natural beauty, see the link below.
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/8-foods-gorgeous-skin-192300353.html
If you want to grow citrus trees from the seeds, drop us a line or comment on Facebook for a helpful hint. Winter doesn’t stop our gardening bug. <3
Step aside, Argan oil. Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea) is gaining momentum as an innovative darling in the world of therapeutic facial oils. Because its restorative and moisturizing components are found to be in 50% higher levels than those of Argan oil, Marula oil is a true powerhouse botanical. Prized by African women for centuries, its new status in the US as a “miracle oil” is due to its uniquely restorative qualities: with rich, protective antioxidants and highly nourishing omega fatty acids, Marula oil gives glow where it’s needed.
Besides being a premium facial oil, it’s also multi-functional: Marula oil is perfect as a moisturizer, a satiny smooth makeup primer, or a performance booster when added to other facial products. Light and golden, Marula oil is non-greasy, easily penetrates the skin and absorbs quickly. It is a superior moisturizer for all skin types, helping to plump up the skin and smooth fine lines (even stubborn crow’s feet!). You can expect an increase in elasticity, firmness and radiant suppleness with continued use. An added benefit for those with acne-prone skin: Marula oil helps regulate the skin’s natural moisture level, does not clog pores (noncomedogenic), and provides stability and lightweight hydration. It can help to protect and repair damaged skin and helps to fade scarring and redness. Naturally contains Vitamins C and E and is remarkably stable. Light, delicate, nutty scent.
Marula oil can be used alone as an anti-aging moisturizer, added to other facial products such as serums, creams or masks to boost their performance, or layered as a satiny smooth makeup primer. For moisturizing, we recommend 2-4 drops massaged into face, throat and décolletage morning and night. As a product booster, add 1-2 drops to other facial products just prior to applying them to skin. As a makeup primer, massage 2-3 drops into skin and allow to absorb to a satiny finish before applying makeup. **Men: if you tend to break out after shaving, apply a few drops to razor-irritated skin for soothing relief and reduced inflammation.**
Marula oil is a sustainably harvested product, as only the fallen fruit is used.
Odds are very good that your favorite lip balm is as close as your pocket, purse or countertop, and you probably have spares everywhere (bedside table? reading nook?). Possibly you’re dabbing some to your lips as you read. It’s part of the daily beauty and comfort routine, and if you leave the house without it you might even feel a little lip-naked (we do!).
Of all the beauty essentials and cosmetics on the market, lip balms are the single product that consumers buy and apply most regularly. We tend to have our favorite brands, flavors, or containers. We are devoted.
So the greener, more organic and health-friendly they can be the better, right? Well here’s a shocker: your typical commercial lip balm is the most likely cosmetic to contain artificial flavors and petrochemicals, and the worst ones of all are usually the ones aimed at children. Petroleum jelly, as it turns out, is great for producing shine. It is some shiny stuff. But it is also a byproduct of oil drilling. And when you spread it on your lips, you ingest and absorb chemicals of the worst sort.
What’s safer? Lip products made from beeswax, which is non-toxic, non-allergenic (thank you, bees!) and provides hydration and moisture while softening and protecting. Beeswax actually provides a breathable protective coating, and when combined with some of nature’s nourishing oils (sweet almond and coconut oils are our favorites), creates a beautiful shimmer on your lips. It tastes good, feels good, contributes to good skin health, and doesn’t harm a single cell in your body.
What else does beeswax do? It’s a natural moisturizer, is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a germicidal antioxidant! It’s good stuff. Versatile and human-friendly.
If you love the work that bees do (is it clear we adore them?), read more about how to make some honey-based skin care products at home
http://honeybeekind.com/new-fountain-of-youth/
or learn about how to help the declining honeybee population.
http://honeylove.org/
And to find your favorite, handmade flavor, go here!
