My Non-Toxic Facial Routine

It's taken me some time to master my facial cleansing routine. I was once a frequent buyer of a name brand facial cleanser that has some nasty chemicals in it. I won't drop any names, but if you own a TV, you've most definitely seen an ad for that cleanser. ;)

Since becoming a chemical free home, it's taken a few different attempts to find the right combination to keep my face clear, but I finally found it! Before I tell you all about my favorite products, I first have to start by saying that my skin was pretty clear most of my life. I'm 25 and my skin just started freaking out on me all of a sudden. I don't know if it was a hormonal shift after having children or why exactly my skin decided to break out, but it did. And I hated it. So here's what works for me...

My facial cleanser

This is not my first time talking about Orange Blossom Botanical Face Wash. I love this stuff! I start and end my day with this face wash. It is super gentle and light on the skin. It doesn't have any harsh chemicals, and it smells really great! I actually add this facial wash to a foaming hand pump and use it that way to make it last longer, which saves money. (You can find that recipe here) 

My Facial Toner

I am a frugal little gal, so any time that I can make my own household items, I am all over it. I found this recipe for a DIY facial toner from a fellow Young Living member and I fell in love. This is my secret weapon for clear skin! It works wonders!! I used an amber glass spray bottle and I added the following ingredients...

I add this combo to a cotton ball and apply to my face daily after I use my Orange Blossom face wash. Disclaimer: If you're going to make this toner, use Young Living oils! Most brands of Tea Tree oil have added synthetic ingredients that actually harm the skin (speaking from experience) but Young Living's pure therapeutic grade oils are untainted and totally safe to apply.

My Moisturizer

I have never been much of a fan of moisturizers. I always felt that they clogged my pores and actually made me break out more, not less. (And who wants that?!) So, I used to by pass this step altogether, until I decided to step out in faith and try this amazing product. Young Living's Sandalwood Moisture Cream. This is my final touch for my morning routine. I use a very small amount (maybe a finger tip or two) and apply to the areas of my face that tend to get dry. It's gentle and doesn't make me break out. And I'm convinced this stuff will last the rest of my lifetime, since I use such small amounts each time.

Best of all? I will fill you all in on a secret - I got all of this stuff for free, because I used my Essential Rewards points. (If you are a Young Living user and you don't know what Essential Rewards is, talk to your enroller! It's amazing!)

And last but not least, I have to introduce you to the clay mask recipe I have come to adore. 

Clay Mask

This is the face mask recipe that I use. I bought the Bentonite Clay on Amazon. It was pretty inexpensive, and you don't use much, so it lasts a long time. Like mentioned above, I highly recommend using Young Living Essential Oils because of purity. Applying oils to the face can be harmful if you are not using a trusted brand like YL. (You can order Young Living oils here) I apply this face mask a couple times a week. It's not something I do daily, but especially if my skin is needing an extra boost, I hit the clay. :)

What are some natural products you love or some go to DIY recipes you have? I'd love to hear it in the comments! :)

Must Have Monday: Piggy Paint Nail Polish

Anyone who knows me and how girly I am, knows that I love having cute nails. However, sometimes beauty products and crunchy living don't mix. Thankfully there are people out there who have the same passion for crunchy beauty as I do. And now I introduce you to Piggy Paint. It's nail polish that is "as natural as mud" but way prettier. ;)

I am in love with this product! The reviews that I read said that because it's water based, that it may chip faster, but I have been wearing Piggy Paint on my toe nails for the last week with zero chipping. I LOVE it! It doesn't have a strong odor, like regular nail polish that nearly knocks you over from the fumes. They have lots and lots of colors to choose from, so you're not limited on your selection, and best of all, it's completely non toxic. (And they also have a non toxic remover as well!) The colors have super cute names that cater to the younger generation, and the cute little piggy mascot makes these nail polishes a favorite for kiddos. My daughter loves them just as much as I do, and she gets really excited when we purchase new colors. I will be honest, the price is a bit more than I used to spend on regular nail polish, but the safety of that non toxic promise is worth it. You can purchase Piggy Paint on their website (www.piggypaint.com) or you can find Piggy Paint on other online shopping centers, like Ebay and Amazon. (I have found some pretty great prices on Ebay!)

So, that's my rant and rave for today, for all you health conscious girly girls like me. ;)

Boundaries that will Change Your Marriage

A happy and healthy marriage begins with healthy boundaries. It's important to draw the line around your marriage, just like a fence that protects a household. My marriage hasn't always had healthy boundaries, so I'm definitely speaking from experience here. Trust me when I say, things run so much smoother when you lay down clear boundaries. ;)

1. Leave and Cleave - This is a topic I learned from personal experience. Leave the in laws (on both sides) out of your marriage. Trust me, it gets messy when you involve the opinions of parents. You left your family to cleave to your spouse. It can be extremely hard to set boundaries with family, but it can have a pretty negative impact on your marriage if you don't make those boundaries very clear. And a word of advice, the sooner you set those boundaries - the better. ;)

2. Fight Fair - I can not stress to you how important this boundary is. For several years my husband and I did NOT fight fairly. We didn't learn how to fight fair until counseling, and once we started to apply it, it was a total game changer! What is fair fighting? Fighting fair is simply laying out "rules" for when you disagree. Here are ours - No "below the belt" comments/insults. No yelling or shouting. No swearing or saying "shut up". We also have a time limit for disagreements. When we feel the heat start to rise, we put a cap on it at 15 minutes, and we go cool off. We also use "I feel when" statements (can you tell I've been in counseling?) ;) This just helps put feelings to actions and it bridges the communication gap.

3. Have Accountability - Password protected phones, computers and social media accounts are a dangerous road. It's an invitation for trouble. If you don't feel comfortable sharing your password with your spouse, chances are you are dabbling in something that is harmful to your marriage. That saying "what's mine is yours" should absolutely apply to your passwords.

4. No Trash Talking - I've touched on this topic before, but it bears repeating. It is SO important to avoid trashing your spouse to other people. Number one - when you get married, you become one body. So, when you are trashing your spouse...you are ultimately trashing yourself. You are polluting your mind with toxic thoughts, which can lead to dangerous territory. Number 2 - venting about your spouse, especially to a member of the opposite sex, is like throwing fuel on a flame. You are asking for trouble. It's never a good idea to invite another man or woman into the business of your marriage.

5. No Pornography - Some women are completely fine with their man getting hot and heavy over a computer screen. I am NOT one of those women. It may seem harmless, because those naked women are not "real" (so we tell ourselves) or maybe it doesn't bother some wives as long as he doesn't physically cheat...but whatever the reason is that married couples bring pornography into the home, it's a lie. Porn will KILL your marriage. It sets up unrealistic expectations, it creates insecurities and it creates separation not only between spouses, but between you and God. Sex was designed by God to be enjoyed by man and wife. TWO people. When you mess with God's design, you are asking for trouble. God designed sex to be sacred and intimate. Porn is vulgar, dirty and perverted. The devil takes God's creation and he twists it. He has done that with pornography. He has taken sex, a beautiful experience meant to be had between a man and a wife...and he has twisted it, turning into a mockery. Pornography mocks the very thing that sex was created to be. Even if your spouse isn't physically cheating, the Bible tells us to lust after another is to commit adultery in your heart. Set that boundary with your spouse. Protect not only your marriage, but your mind as well. This is a VERY common issue, even in Christian households. Please don't be ashamed if you or your spouse has struggled in this area. If you need some accountability, a fantastic place to start is here


These are the boundaries that have been set in our marriage, and I will tell you that they are a game changer for sure!

Food Dyes - Yay or Nay?

Anyone else have a love for Skittles, Swedish Fish and all things gummy, or is it just me? If you have a love for candy, you'll want to read this. It's obvious that candy isn't healthy. It's loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup and something else equally terrifying...dyes.

What's so bad about food dyes? For starters, they are made from petroleum. (yuck) Red 40,Yellow 5 and 6, contain benzene - a cancer causing carcinogen. While most of the world has been banned from using these dyes, it's still legal in the US (thank you, FDA). Numerous studies have also shown that food coloring has been linked to hyperactivity in children. Yellow 6 and Yellow 5 have been known to enhance estrogen levels, which may not sound so bad, but can cause breast cancer and decrease male sex drive.

Food coloring isn't just in candy, although that's one of the most obvious places it's found. It's also in other foods and beverages. Need I mention Koolaid? It also hides in not so common places, like macaroni and cheese and even Cola sodas. Caramel coloring has made its way into lots of unsuspecting places.

How do we fight it? Start with the obvious places. (This step was hard for me, because I love my colored candy) Always read the ingredients, even if it doesn't appear to be unnaturally colored. Even Florida oranges are now being injected with orange dye in order to appear more appealing to shoppers. Unfortunately, we can no longer assume that any foods are safe without reading the ingredients.

All hope is not lost. There are still places to find naturally dyed candies and foods. Whole Foods has a policy that only allows naturally dyed foods and candies to be sold. You can safely shop there with the guarantee that your food is not tainted. If you're like me and don't live anywhere near a Whole Foods, Amazon is a great place. They carry organic candies that are naturally colored with fruit.

Want more on this topic? Click here

Must Have Monday: Pet to Dry Towel

I will be the first to admit that I am a germ conscious mama. Stella turned three a couple of weeks ago, and has been potty trained for almost two months now. She is extremely independent and likes to do everything herself, including washing her hands when she is finished using the potty. Toddlers aren't the most thorough hand washers, so that's why I love the Norwex Pet to Dry towels. They come in two different animals options, a pink pig and a yellow tiger.

I bought the pig for Stella (she is in a major Peppa Pig phase). She loves to wash her hands, and I don't have to be worried that she's not using enough soap or scrubbing long enough. Norwex products are made with silver in them, which is antibacterial when rubbed against the skin or surfaces. When she rubs her hands along the towel, it's ridding her hands of any unwanted bacteria that was missed. (If you're not familiar with Norwex, look up "the raw chicken test" on YouTube. It will blow your mind!) The best part of this little bathroom companion is that it's chemical free. All you need are wet hands. :)

Day 11: Using Stress Away Essential Oil

Uses:

Reduces Stress –

- Diffuse or apply to the neck and temples

- Take in a capsule or add to water

- Add to bath water

- Apply to the jawline to reduce clenching of the jaw caused by stress

Healthy Blood Pressure –

- Apply to the bottoms of the feet daily to help sustain healthy blood pressure

Recipes:

Sugar Scrub – Add 1 Tablespoon melted coconut oil to 1 cup organic sugar and add 5 drops of Stress Away for a relaxing sugar scrub to use in the bath or shower

Bath Salts – Fill an 8 ounce Mason Jar with Epsom Salts, and add 10 drops of Stress Away for a spa-like bath

Foot Soak – Add 1 cup Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar, ½ cup baking soda and 5 drops Stress Away to a bowl of warm water. Soak feet as long as desired

Stress Away Pairs well with:

Lavender – Diffuse together at bedtime or to create a calming atmosphere

Joy – Apply over the heart together for mood boosting properties

How do you use stress away? Let me know in the comments!

Day 10: Using Frankincense Essential Oil

Uses:

Calming –

- Apply to the back of the neck or diffuse to help calm and relax

Aids with Concentration –

- Apply to the back of the neck or diffuse to help with focus

Helps Support Oral Health –

- Add a drop to your toothbrush to help cleanse gums and whiten teeth

Supports Healthy Skin –

- Apply to minor cuts and scrapes

- Helps sooth stretched skin

- Helps reduce skin tags and warts by applying directly on targeted area

- Add a few drops to your daily moisturizer

- Helps firm the skin

Supports Healthy Blood Pressure Levels –

- Rub to the bottoms of the feet daily

Supports the Immune System –

- Rub on the bottoms of the feet and diffuse to boost immunity

Mood Boosting –

- Diffuse or apply to the feet, neck and/or temples to boost mood

Breast Health –

- Rub 2 to 3 drops on the breasts and lower abdomen each day

Healthy Maintenance -

- Add 2 drops to a teaspoon of raw honey each day to help maintain good health

Recipes:

Natural Skin Cream – 10 drops Frankincense added to 2 ounces of coconut oil. Use as a moisturizer and over all skin cream.

Chest Rub – Add 5 drops Frankincense and 5 drops RC to 2 ounces coconut oil for a chest rub.

Frankincense Pairs well with:

Thieves – This combo packs a punch for supporting the immune system. Diffuse together or add to a roller bottle and apply to the bottoms of the feet.

Lavender – Together these are great for the skin and help with calming as well. Diffuse together to set a calming mood, or add to a roller bottle for a boo boo rub.

Ylang Ylang and Helicrysum – Rub this combo on the bottoms of the feet for extra blood pressure support.

What's your favorite way to use Frankincense? Tell me in the comments!

Day 9: Using Purification Essential Oil

Uses:

Purifies –

- Add a couple drops to a wet cloth and throw in the dryer to refresh stale, wet laundry

- Add a drop to a cotton ball and place in the bottom of trash can, diaper pails, in the refrigerator, smelly shoes, air vents or in your dresser drawers to keep things smelling fresh

- Diffuse to purify the air or get rid of lingering odors

Supports Healthy Skin –

- Apply to blemishes

- Apply to minor cuts and scrapes

- Rub on bug bites for relief

Great to use while traveling –

- With its ability to purify the air, it’s great to inhale during a flight

Keeps the bugs away –

- Purification has Citronella in it, so it’s a natural bug repellent

Helps flowers stay fresh –

- Add 2 drops to a fresh bouquet of flowers in a vase, and watch as they stay fresh longer

Recipes:

Dishwasher Detergent – ½ cup borax, ½ cup baking soda, 1/8 citric acid and 25 drops of Purification. Mix them all together, add 2 tablespoons to each dishwashing load, and store in a glass container.

Bugs be Gone Spray – In a glass spray bottle, add a pinch of sea salt, 10 drops of Purification and fill the rest with distilled water. Shake and use as needed.

Purification Pairs well with:

Lemon – Diffuse together for a fresh, cleansing combo

Thieves – Diffuse together for extra immune boosting support

Have a different way that you use Purification? Tell me in the comments!

Day 8: Using RC Essential Oil

Uses:

Supports the Respiratory System –

- Apply to the chest, neck and throat areas as needed

- Apply 2 drops to a warm wet towel to use as a hot compress for the chest and throat

Uplifting –

- Rub on the feet or chest before exercise to uplift and inspire

- Diffuse to create a comforting aroma

- Add it to V6 carrier oil to create a soothing massage

Calming –

- Massage on the bottoms of feet for calming before bedtime

Recipes:

Chest Rub – 10 drops RC added to 2 ounces of coconut oil. Apply to the chest as needed.

Shower Discs – 1 cup baking soda, 1/3 cup corn starch, ½ cup water and RC. Combine dry ingredients and then gradually add water and mix well. As soon as the water hits the cornstarch, it will get the consistency of concrete, so add it slowly. Spoon into a mold or use a muffin tin. After 24 hours, they should be firm enough to pop out of the mold without breaking.  Add a few drops of essential oil to the top and bottom of each bomb. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. 

RC Pairs well with:

Thieves and Lavender – Diffuse for a peaceful calming atmosphere with an immune boost

Copaiba – For an extra boost (Copaiba is a magnifying oil)

Have a different way that you use RC? Tell me in the comments!

Day 7: Using DiGize Essential Oil

Uses:

Helps Support the Digestive System –

- Rub on the tummy for digestive support

- Take 3 drops in a capsule or rub on the navel when experiencing tummy troubles

- Take 3 drops in a capsule after meals to aid with healthy digestion

- Find relief from gassy foods or spicy and acidic foods

Great for Traveling –

- Helps uncomfortable conditions related to motion or travel

- Use as a dietary supplement in your water for international travel

Recipe:

Happy Tummy Roll On – 5 drops DiGize, 5 drops Peppermint in a 10ml roll on bottle, fill the rest with olive oil. Apply to the belly for a happy tummy.

DiGize Pairs well with:

Peppermint and/or Copaiba – both oils are also wonderful for digestive support

How do you use DiGize? Tell me in the comments!

Day 6: Using Copaiba Essential Oil

Uses:

Magnifies other oils –

- Layer it with another oil to magnify the properties of that oil

Calming –

- Apply to the temples, wrists and back of neck to ease stress

Digestion –

- Add to your water or tea to support healthy digestion

- Apply to the abdomen

Minor Pain –

- Supports the body’s natural response to injury

- Apply to stiff joints

- Apply to sore muscles

Supports Healthy Skin –

- Helps reduce cellulite

- Helps firm the skin

- Soothes stretched skin

- Reduces blemishes

Supports the Respiratory System –

- Supports Sinuses

- Supports Lungs

- Can be used with coconut oil for a chest rub

Detoxes the Body –

- Cleanses the liver

- Supports the kidneys and bladder

- Take in a capsule, drink it in your water or apply to those areas

Helps with Immune support –

- Diffuse

- Apply the the bottoms of the feet

Recipes:

Pain Relief Cream – Add 15 drops of Copaiba and 15 drops of Panaway to ½ cup of coconut oil.

Immune Boosting Roll on – Add 5 drops Copaiba, 5 drops Thieves, 5 drops Oregano and 5 drops of Frankincense to a 10ml roll on bottle, fill the rest with olive oil.

Copaiba pairs well with:

Panaway, Wintergreen or Peppermint – these oils are used for pain management. Copaiba helps drive them deeper into the tissue, magnifying their effectiveness.

Lavender – Diffuse together for an extra calming effect

Copaiba pairs well with most oils, because of its magnifying ability

How do you use Copaiba? Let me know in the comments!

Day 5: Using Panaway Essential Oil

Uses:

Sore Muscles –

- This is a great oil to carry in your gym bag for a post work out rub down

- Helps with minor sprains

- Use with a carrier oil and massage on back, neck and shoulders for overworked muscles

- Rub on knees, shins and ankles to ease growing pain

Recipes:

Muscle Rub – 2 ounces coconut oil, 5 drops Panaway. Mix it together and use as needed.

Bath Salts - Add a few drops to Epsom salt for a relaxing bath soak.

Panaway pairs well with:

Copaiba – Layer these oils together for deeper relief. 

Stress Away - Diffuse 4 drops of each for a "root beer" scent.

Fennel - Diffuse 4 drops of each for a "black licorice" scent.

How do you use Panaway? Tell me in the comments!