Due to a long list of skin problems that I am trying to keep in check with out taking prescription drugs I have been on a quest for chemical free skin care. I recently read a statement that said "If you can't put it in your mouth, don't put it on your body". So I felt challenged to put this to the test. Here is what I have come up with so far:
OLIVE OIL- For many years I have only used oil to scrub my skin. Just recently I have switched from a store bought bath oil to plain olive oil. I have noticed a remarkable difference in the texture of my skin. No need to use lotion anymore.
VODKA - Use in shampoo, for blemish control, as a disinfectant, toner, and mouthwash (an extra shot in the evening is good too :-)
ROSEMARY - Rosemary smells great! It is reputed to have many uses but I just make a tea and use it as a general rinse after taking a bath - my husband loves the smell.
OIL REVISITED - I use olive or safflower oil to shave instead of shaving cream. Since I started using oil to shave I have had no more razor burn or dry skin after shaving.
SHEA BUTTER (PURE) - This is not the type that you can buy from the big box stores. I bought mine from a store in the underground in Atlanta. They sell pure shea butter that has only been boiled to remove it from the nut and worked by hand to a semi softened state. You must work it with your hands a bit to soften it enough to spread but it leaves my skin silky smooth. Women in Ghana use this shea butter for cooking, skin care, waterproofing, insect control, and an amazing amount of other things around the home.
MAKE UP - I don't' wear a lot of make up but I do like to have a foundation just to even out all of the different colors that come with age and I do like a bit of mascara. I just placed my first order with a company that has signed a compact with the 'Skin Deep' website and I look forward to trying and reviewing their product.
The most amazing part of this project so far is the SAVINGS!! So far it appears that natural skin care is not only more healthy but it can be cheap too - now that's right up my alley!
While I do enjoy modern tools such as the internet, cell phones and solar panels, I am always amazed at what man has been able to accomplish using only the simplest of tools. On a recent trip to Jordan I was fascinated with the complex plumbing systems used to bring water into the old market places, power the fountains, and drain water from the city streets; all this done with out electricity, pvc pipe or plumbers glue. And those systems still exist for us to observe and learn from today - over 2000 years later!I am reminded of the quote "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it". In this case I believe that we could be, not doomed, but privileged, to repeat the lessons of the past through preservation and replication of the amazing - and simplistic - methods used by our ancestors to harness the benefits of sun, water, and wind.
Rosemary in the Southern Garden
Rosemary is a snap to grow here in the south. Simply plant in a dry spot that gets full sun and leave it alone – except for harvesting that is. When I give someone a Rosemary plant I always tell them to give it no love at all; no water, no fertilizer, and no rich soil.
In return my Rosemary gives me wheelbarrow loads of fresh herb. The one thing that I do have to do to keep the plants in good shape is take frequent cuttings. If it is not cut often the plant starts to turn brown, and then black, at the bottom and will eventually die.
I hate throwing away fresh Rosemary so I often take bags of it to work to give away. Selling herbs at a local farmers market is on my ‘list of things to do’ when I retire. I will have to learn to properly dry and store it though – I haven’t figured that out yet.
I have found that the easiest way to make new plants is to simply pin down a branch and cover with dirt. When the branch takes root cut it from the parent plant and – presto you have a new plant. I like to keep several ‘starters’ going all of the time to give as presents.
One of my favorite ways to use fresh Rosemary is to put fresh sprigs in a pan of simmering water; it is better than any chemical room freshener.
Someone recently told me that they used the woody stems as skewers when grilling chicken – sounds heavenly – I’ll have to try that sometime.
I read somewhere once that growing Rosemary by your front door brings Good Luck. I don’t know if that is true or not but I don’t want to take a chance. I have Rosemary growing by the front AND back door J.
In return my Rosemary gives me wheelbarrow loads of fresh herb. The one thing that I do have to do to keep the plants in good shape is take frequent cuttings. If it is not cut often the plant starts to turn brown, and then black, at the bottom and will eventually die.
I hate throwing away fresh Rosemary so I often take bags of it to work to give away. Selling herbs at a local farmers market is on my ‘list of things to do’ when I retire. I will have to learn to properly dry and store it though – I haven’t figured that out yet.
I have found that the easiest way to make new plants is to simply pin down a branch and cover with dirt. When the branch takes root cut it from the parent plant and – presto you have a new plant. I like to keep several ‘starters’ going all of the time to give as presents.
One of my favorite ways to use fresh Rosemary is to put fresh sprigs in a pan of simmering water; it is better than any chemical room freshener.
Someone recently told me that they used the woody stems as skewers when grilling chicken – sounds heavenly – I’ll have to try that sometime.
I read somewhere once that growing Rosemary by your front door brings Good Luck. I don’t know if that is true or not but I don’t want to take a chance. I have Rosemary growing by the front AND back door J.
Create an Organic Wildlife Habitat
From death springs new life. The old tree was past its prime, he could no longer withstand the rigors of hot sun and winter winds. In the end the only thing left was his huge stub of a trunk.
My lovely neighbor saw it, not as an eyesore that needed to be removed, but rather an opportunity to encourage new life. Today the old stump is home to butterflies, skinks and toads and is a beautiful addition to the landscape.
Different Languages - One Happy Dance
I saw this video for the first time today and it is a fitting first post to this blog. Positive energy creates positive energy, no matter where you live, what color you are, or what language you speak.
http://lloydkahn-ongoing.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-people-dancing-on-planet-earth.html
--Smile, it's free--
http://lloydkahn-ongoing.blogspot.com/2009/09/happy-people-dancing-on-planet-earth.html
--Smile, it's free--
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