DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Lavender Foot Soak

Photo courtesy of Spa Around the World

I knew when I got pregnant that I would most likely be sick, nauseous and very tired.  And I have been all of these, though less so now as I move into my second trimester.

Instead, i'm now dealing with sore feet.  All the time!

Today for example.  I am sitting at my desk working away, wearing my favorite brown boots and stretching my feet underneath my desk.  I don't know if I stretched my foot the wrong or am just falling apart BUT my right foot cracked in the most hideous way and I am now completely swollen.

Now, you are probably saying that this has nothing to do with being pregnant however, this weird muscle cramp snap thing has never occurred before so yes, I am blaming little bean for this...ha.

On that note, I see a much needed luxurious foot soak in my future....

Lavender Foot Soak 

You will need:
4-5 liters of water
A few drops of lavender essential oil
1/4 cup epsom salt

Boil the water and, once boiled, let it cool down to a comfortable temperature for your tootsies.  Add the lavender and salt, stirring gently.  Put your feet in the mixture and enjoy!

Nothing makes me feel better than a foot soak.  Especially after a long, hard week at both work and the gym.  Enjoy, ladies, and Happy Friday!

   

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Salt Spray For Your Hair

Just got in the door after working out.  Still wavy!

My hair is getting really really really long. In fact, I haven't even had a trim since the before the wedding (can we say split ends!!!) However, since my hair is extremely thick, coarse, wavy and has a mind of it's own, I knew I'd have to find a simple way to style it for our trip.

For those of you that don't know, Allan and I are going backpacking for three months to Southeast Asia.  In fact, we leave on November 30 at 11:00am.  (And yes, I am counting the seconds too!  Ha)  Since I am only bringing one backpack for 90 days, I know there is no way I can pack my hair straightener, blow drier, curling iron, pomade, Moroccan oil, hair spray, hair treatments.......catch my drift?  25 pounds is the max I can carry for days on end and none of the products above are a necessity at this point.  Hence my desire to find one product I can spray on that will leave my hair looking pretty great AND is easy to carry.  Whew.

Excited by my waves

Sea Salt Spray it is ladies!  I have been reading so much about this spray ( like the Bumble and Bumble brand) but have been willing to fork out the money.  So, I made my own last night.

Beachy Waves via Salt Spray

1 cup distilled water, warm

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt or Epsom salts (I used a bit more than 2 tsp as my hair is super thick)

1 tsp hair gel (I used Frizz-Ease brand)

1/2 tsp leave-in conditioner

4-5 drops of coconut, argan or Moroccan oil (whichever is your preference)

Combine all ingredients and place in a spray bottle.  Wash or wet hair and spray immediately on to towel dried hair.  Spray onto sections, focusing on the roots.  Scrunch from the bottom up to the root to activate natural wave or curl.  You don't have to use the whole amount; stop when hair is saturated enough.  **TIP: Do not comb or brush your hair after you have towel dried your hair.  The purpose of this product is to enable your natural curl or wave to come out and be more prominent.**

I let me hair dry for about an hour then applied some more spray, scrunching again, and slept on my hair.  I woke up to a mound of curls.  I have been wearing this style all day AND just got home from the gym and my hair is still wavy.  I am absolutely making a batch of this before the trip.

Have you ever used a salt spray before?  What are your thoughts?

Happy Friday ladies

   

DIY Beauty Fridays: Soft Hair with Baby Food

Photo courtesy of www.organicforlife.co

Sometimes, I surprise even myself when I discover new items you can use to make yourself gorgeous. Like today, for example. Who knew you could have that soft, flowing hair you've always wanted just by using baby food?

I don't know about your hair but mine, during the winter months, is almost unmanageable.  Seriously, it's dry, frizzy and only looks half-ways decent if pulled into a messy bun.  I have always envied those girls who have beautiful, silky tresses, even when standing in a wind/rain storm.  Grrrrr

In fact, one of my friends, has the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen.  She claims her hair has split ends and looks dreadful if she stands in the wind BUT let's be honest, I have never seen her hair out of place EVER.  (Oh, Rheanna, I wish I had your hair.)

However, since I don't, I need to use products, even baby food, to achieve it.

Deep Conditioning with Baby Food 

Photo courtesy of www.creativeuncut.com

You'll need:

One jar organic banana flavored baby food 

Extra-virgin olive oil 

Honey

Mix ingredients together in a small mixing bowl.  The key to this is to use slightly more honey than oil.  (The consistency should resemble oatmeal.)  Apply to clean, wet hair and leave on for 15 minutes.  Rinse out very well.

You will adore your hair after this treatment.  Honestly, your hair will be so shiny and manageable, you'll want to use this mix all the time!  Let me know what you think of the treatment of you do try it out.

Happy Friday!

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Facial Mask Recap

Photo courtesy of www.secret-fashion.com

I woke up this morning to an unusually large pimple in a very strange spot on my cheek. Pimples, I can handle, but really big ones in areas that are very difficult to cover are completely different. 


After giving this whole pimple-thing some serious thought, I came to conclusion that I am in desperate need of some serious scrubbing/masking.  After my special girls-night dinner this evening, it's time to give my face some attention. 

After looking through my DIY Beauty Fridays page on my blog, I was shocked to see how many amazing scrub/mask recipes I have shared.  So, here's a quick recap of some quick and easy to make scrubs:

Anti-Aging Cantaloupe Facial Mask

Organic Blueberry Facial Mask 

Avocado Face Mask (Dry Skin) 

Homemade Blackhead Treatment 

Face Mask for Oily/Acneic Skin 

Revitalizing Face Mask 

Anti-Aging Nourishing Mask

Blueberry Face Mask

Pimple Prevention Treatment 

Homemade Facial Mask 

Today is definitely a night for the Revitalizing Face Mask and the Pimple Prevention Treatment.

What are your favorite DIY scrubs/masks?  

Happy scrubbing ladies! 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Nail Polish Remover

Photo courtesy of www.beautylish.com

Oh no!  You've used the last of your nail polish remover and you're MUCH to lazy to run to the drugstore.   How do you remove that pesky black or bright red polish?

Your problems are completely solved if you have either vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemons in your house.  All of these items are acidic enough to loosen your polish.  Because it will take quite a bit longer to soften the polish, I highly recommend soaking your fingers (or toes) in warm, soapy water for about 5 minutes prior to using either of these items.  Once soaked, pat dry your nails and soak vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice on a cotton pad and get removing!

Trust me, you'll wonder why you pay money for nail polish remover at all!

 Happy polishing ladies!

DIY Beauty Fridays: Moisturizing Face Mask

Photo courtesy of www.modeleweddings.com

2 weeks to go and not only is my skin breaking out BUT it's super dry and flaky. Seriously, I feel wretched!  Tonight is, without a doubt, a pamper-me-by-having-a-long-bath-and-scrubbing-my-face kind of night.

Since my skin is really flaky in addition to needing moisture, I will be using two different versions of the same type of mask, which has a yogurt base.  Yogurt is fabulous for moisturizing and by adding one extra ingredient to the mask, you can turn it into a great scrub too!

Photo courtesy of www.sheknows.com

Yogurt Face Mask

2 TBSP Greek yogurt (try not to use fat free in this recipe as your skin LOVES the fattiness)

1 TBSP Honey (unpasteurized)

1 - 2 TBSP Oatmeal (cooked and cooled - personally, I use rolled oats)

Mix all ingredients together and apply to cleansed face.  Let sit for 10 - 15 minutes before removing with warm water.  **NOTE: if you're wanting to make the scrub version, make a second batch and add in either brown or white sugar.  Ensure the mixture is completely cold or else you'll have a sugary disaster**

This is actually my go-to face mask and scrub.  I love the way it feels on my skin and the way my skin looks after the treatment is done.  It's easy, cheap and effective.  EXACTLY what I need with only two weeks till the wedding.

Happy masking ladies!

DIY Beauty Fridays: Patchouli Anti-Acne Moisturizer

Photo courtesy of www.auspaaromas.com

Sometimes, weird beauty tips show up in my inbox from various friends. Sometimes, these tips are so great that I feature them on DIY Beauty Fridays...Like this tip, from my pal Bronwen.

Imagine, getting rid of acne AND wrinkles with patchouli oil.

Patchouli, aka the "hippie scent", is actually a bush plant that grows in the tropical asian countries. This plant, which doesn't like direct sunlight, is harvested for not only it's essential oil but also its seeds.

Patchouli Oil Moisturizer

10 drops of essential patchouli oil 

10 oz almond oil

Mix oils together and apply to cleansed skin.  Keep mixture in a sealed container in the fridge OR in a cool, dry place.  (I usually keep things like this in the back of my closet.)

Why this works?:  Patchouli is thought to be a natural acne remedy and the oils keep your skin moisturized without being overbearing.  I mean, let's be honest, there's a reason hippies have such great skin!

Happy Friday ladies!

DIY Beauty Fridays: The Sunburn Cure

Last Friday I discussed sunscreen and the importance of wearing it.  Today's post, however, is what to do when your skin is lobster pink from not wearing any.

We're all familiar with Aloe and how it's supposed to cool your burned skin and prevent the burn from becoming a peeling mess.  I don't know about your feelings on this product but as soothing as aloe can be when first applied, it becomes a big ol' sticky mess very soon after.  Not only that but my clothes stick to the aloe making for a very painful peel.  (aka ripping a band-aid off a tender spot.)  Either way, the aloe experience is not always a pleasant one. 

Which is why you should switch to black tea.

Photo courtesy of bodywonders.com

Treating a Sunburn With Black Tea 

8 black tea bags (any kind will do)

5 cups hot water 

Big bowl 

I tried this two different ways: One, with hot water and two, with cold water.  Though it's easier to use cold water as it eliminates the cooling period, the tea takes way longer to steep.  Steep the tea bags in 5 cups of lukewarm-hot water (in the bowl) for about 7 minutes.  (The darker the tea the better.)  Once steeped, place the bowl in the fridge to let cool.  Once cool, soak a rag in the tea and spread on burned skin.  Continue to do this until all tea is gone.

This is one of the best, cheapest and easiest treatments around and it actually works.  Will it prevent you from peeling?  NO, but that's what you get for not wearing sunscreen.  (Ha, sorry, I'm such an advocate for sunscreen.)  Give it a whirl and let me know what you think.

Happy Friday!

DIY Beauty Fridays: Easy Homemade Sunscreen

The view from outside my office window....boo!

Summer is finally here! Of course, you wouldn't know it in Vancouver today as it's completely gloomy, dark and raining. Aside from today though, this week has been gorgeous and hot!

What comes alongside hot weather you ask? Sweatiness, sunstroke and sunburns, of course. The latter being my best friend during the summer months. I am not one of those people that tan, at all. I would have to get a sunburn just to gain a little summer glow. But with all the worries of the thinning ozone layer and the burns becoming more severe, getting a little pink tint isn't even an option anymore. Sunscreen should, and will, be your best friend. So, why not learn to make your own?

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

  Easy Homemade Sunscreen 

 One bottle of your favorite lotion/body moisturizer (that doesn't contain citrus oil!!)

2 TBSP zinc oxide 

That's it!  I could, of course, go into great detail about creating a sunscreen with coconut oil, beeswax, etc but this one is quick, easy and very inexpensive!!  Mix ingredients together and slather on your body.  (Quick Tip: the more zinc oxide added means the higher the SPF but beware, zinc oxide does not blend into your skin so you don't want to use too much.  The 2 TBSP of zinc will give you a natural  SPF of about 20.)

Sunscreen products are very expensive these days and being able to create your own makes all the difference.  (Especially when you're in the final month and three weeks of wedding planning.)  Try this out ladies and let me know your thoughts.

Happy Tanning!

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Homemade Massage Oil

Photo courtesy of suite101.com

The stagette wedding was an absolute success AND such a great time. I am so fortunate to have the greatest group of friends, ever. The only problem is that I came home more tired than I was when I left. (I guess too much partying will do that to you.)

In other words, I need a massage, desperately and I thought today's DIY post should encompass this need.

Massage oils can be very pricey, especially if you are picky about scent and oil types.  I find that making it yourself is not only a great way to save money BUT you're able to let your imagination run wild.

Photo courtesy of lalaessentialoils.com

  Homemade Massage Oil - Base

1/2 cup vegetable oil 

1/2 almond oil

Essential oils - you pick (my favorite is lavender oil)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds.  Remove from microwave and ensure the oil isn't too hot.  Use oil while it's still warm.

Why this works:?  Almond oil is a fabulous, more natural, moisturizer and is the base of a lot of more natural skin care lines.  Adding in your own essential oils is a great way to be creative but also allows you to change the scent of the oil as often as you'd like.

Allan doesn't know it yet but I am SO whipping up a batch of this for tonight.  YAY for massages.

Try this out, ladies, and happy massaging!

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Sea Salt Body Scrub

Photo courtesy of www.fromnaturewithlove.com

Whew, another week has passed and here we are at Friday! YAY.

My good friend Bronwen, from the blog Rubyna and the creator of the infamous Wedding Wednesday posts, mentioned her need for a "good body scrub.  One that can revitalize my skin for the summer."  So, Bronwen, without further adieu, this one's for you!

The Ultimate Sea Salt Body Scrub 

Photo courtesy of www.topnews.in

1 cup coarse sea salt

1/2 cup baby oil

 Stir the ingredients together and put into a mason jar (with a lid) or a tupperware container (again, with a lid).  Let the mixture sit for 24 hours, covered.  After sitting period, stir the mixture and apply to any areas you wish to exfoliate.  (I always take this mixture in to the shower/bath with me.)  Massage the scrub into your skin and let sit for about 2 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water and pat skin dry.

Why this works?  I should mention that sugar can be substituted for sea salt should you like as it's not as coarse/abrasive as the salt.  However, for summer, I prefer the coarser grain as it makes my skin glow and gets rid of all those pesky flesh-colored bumps on my arms and shoulders. 

Try this easy recipe out ladies!  I guarantee that your limbs will glow and be super smooth.

Happy scrubbing!

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Hot Oil Hair Treatment

Photo courtesy of www.tiashauntee.comwww.tiashauntee.com

A couple days ago a friend of mine asked me about hot oil treatments.  She asked a couple great questions regarding the treatment and wanted to know, especially, what the best brands are.  Well, Nicole, thanks, not only for the inspiration BUT also for the reminder that I've yet to post about this before.

A hot oil treatment is exactly that:  A heated oil product designed for your hair that aids in preventing breakage and frizz and promotes silkiness and shine.  All in all, it's a deep moisturizer for your hair that actually provides that salon "glow" we're all looking to achieve. 

Hot oil hair treatments can be quite pricey should you choose to have it done at a salon.  I highly recommend it for everyone at least once, as it's a great experience, but if you're like me and would much rather not forking out $$, then make your oil treatment at home!

Photo courtesy of www.theconsciousperspective.com

Hot Oil Hair Treatment 

2 TBSP Jojoba oil 

2 TBSP Coconut oil 

1 ceramic mug 

2 cups water 

1 saucepan

Put two cups of water in the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  While boiling, mix the two oils together in the mug.  Once the water is boiling, place the mug in the boiling water for a few minutes until the oil is warm, not HOT to the touch.  Remove the mug from the saucepan with an oven mitt and apply to clean, detangled hair.  (I find if you're hair is longer that separating it into sections works best.)

Dip fingers into the warm oil and massage into the scalp first.  Once done, dip fingertips into the oil and rub between your hands then coat your strands.  (Sometimes it easier to apply this with a comb.)  Leave on for 10 - 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.  

Why this works?  Both jojoba and coconut oil are closest to the natural sebum found in our skin.  I find that a lot of hot oil treatments add unnatural oils which makes your hair extra greasy and not healthy.  If you choose to use a store brand hot oil treatment, ensure you're looking for products that contain natural oils.

Have any of you tried a hot oil treatment before?  What are your thoughts?

PS - I should mention that you don't want to use any more than 1/4 cup oil on your head.  Trust me, it will take forever to get out.

DIY Beauty Fridays: Muscle Relaxing Bath Soak

Check out her sore feet!  Courtesy of www.dancersfeetct.blogspot.com

After 6 years without ballet in my life, I took my first class last night...and am beyond sore. I guess kickboxing/boxing really doesn't work out the same muscles after all.
Needless to say, my poor worn down body and mind could use some R&R. Which is why a relaxing bath soak is absolutely necessary tonight.

Photo courtesy of www.health.com

I should begin by saying that bath soaks are probably the easiest thing to make as long as you have Epson Salts on hand. (If you are into DIYing like I am then keep a ginormous bag of Epson Salts in the house.  You'd be amazed how many things you can make with it.) The fun of bath soaks/salts is you can add whatever fragranced oil to it for a completely different smell and treatment.  So, the concoctions are completely endless!

Muscle Relaxing Bath Soak 

4 cups Epson salt

4-6 drops Lavender oil (add more if you REALLY want to zen out)

Add all items to a hot bath and soak your muscle tension away.  Another option is to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in addition to the lavender, and your muscles will really thank you.

Try this recipe out ladies and tell me what you think.  Or, better yet, tell me how your sore muscles feel afterwards!

Happy Friday!

 

DIY Beauty Fridays: Clear Skin with Oats

Photo courtesy of www.foodsubs.com

Today is one of those rare occasions when I question my taste in food.

See, I like to think of myself as an adventurous eater; I love ethnic food, cooking, conjuring up new and improved recipes and eating things that not everyone would normally appreciate.  However, despite my open relationship with food, the one thing I can not stomach is oatmeal.

I am very much a texture person and find that oatmeal (along with stuffing, jello, whipping cream, rice pudding and tapioca) is much to soggy of a food to eat.  For some reason, soggy things really make me an unhappy person and the idea of eating something soggy, on purpose, completely grosses me out.

So instead of eating soggy food, why not put it on your skin?

Oatmeal Cleansing Water

Washcloth (a very fine fabric one is best)

Handful of whole oats 

Rubber band

Place the handful of oats into the washcloth and secure the bundle with a rubber band.  Add the oat bundle to a sink full of warm water and let sit (fully immersed) for a couple minutes.  Squeeze the oat bundle about 4 times to release the cloudy, milky goodness.  When the water is cloudy, splash onto clean face.  Let air dry.

Photo courtesy of www.treatmentblackhead.com

Oatmeal Scrub

Handful of oats (I find that putting these into a coffee grinder first makes them easier to work with)

Warm water

Place the oats into a little bowl and add enough warm water to make a paste.  Rub the oatmeal paste onto your skin using a circular motion (avoiding the eye area) and let sit for 10 - 15 minutes.  Rinse off with lukewarm water and end with a splash of cold water.  Pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately.

Why this works?   Oatmeal is known for being extremely soothing and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.  Because of the latter, oatmeal works wonders on acne-prone skin and can even go as far as preventing blemishes.  It also reduces redness, makes for silky skin and can actually treat many irritating skin conditions (aka too much oil, flakiness, razor burn.)

I highly suggest trying these out tonight ladies.  Who knows, maybe you'll wake up tomorrow with absolutely clear skin.  (ha, this is more said with me in mind....)

Happy Friday ladies

DIY Beauty Fridays: The Easiest Facial Scrub EVER!

Photo courtesy of www.buzzle.com

I realized after my post last week on at-home facials I haven't provided too many facial scrub recipes. Shame on me.  That's why today's post is about creating the perfect (and ridiculously easy) facial scrub with only two ingredients: Brown sugar and olive oil.

For those that aren't fans of facial scrubs, I highly recommend learning to love them OR at least tolerate them.  Scrubbing, or exfoliating, is one of the most important steps on the pathway to clear skin.  Not only does it reduce the appearance of fine lines and remove dead skin but it also prevents pimples.  (If your skin is free of dead skin and dirt, there is nothing to fall into the pores.  Thus no new pimples!)

If I'm treating myself to brand name scrubs, they would without a doubt be 7-Day Scrub from Clinique for my face and the Scrub of Your Life by Soap & Glory for my body.  Both scrubs are non-abrasive, exfoliate well and leave my skin silky smooth afterwards.  However, since budgeting is my top priority, why not create a scrub that does exactly what these two do but costs a fraction of the price???

Photo courtesy of www.alibaba.com

Brown Sugar Facial Scrub 

1 TBSP Brown sugar

1 TSP Extra virgin olive oil (coconut oil can be used instead of olive oil but I never have any around my house)

Add sugar to a little glass bowl and add the olive oil slowly.  Mix well.  Adjust either olive oil or sugar if you prefer your scrub to be more paste-like or gritty. (I like a more paste-like consistency.)  Apply to cleansed face.  Massage into skin using a circular motion.  Let sit for about 3 minutes.  Remove with warm water and moisturize skin immediately.

Why this works?  Olive oil is one of the best things to use on your skin if you need some extra moisture.  The sugar gives you the grittiness of a scrub but is not too coarse of a grain.  This means that you can massage it into your skin with little to no discomfort.

I can't wait to make this scrub again tonight while visiting with my family.  Who knows...maybe I can get my little sis and mom to try it out with me? (hint, hint...ha)

Happy weekend ladies!

DIY Beauty Fridays: The Perfect At-Home Facial

There is absolutely nothing more relaxing, nor better for your skin, than a facial.  However, a really good facial can put a major dent in your wallet.  (Unless you're going to Bali where the facials are about $11 CAD...but enough rubbing it in.)

Instead of going and spending a wackload of money on a fabulously relaxing time, why not create your own spa, at home?  If you think about what a facial entails, you'll need to recreate 6 processes at home: cleanse, exfoliate, steam, mask and moisture.

Step 1: The Cleanser

Clean skin is the most important step as you must remove all the dirt, makeup and grime from your face prior to moving on to any other step.  As you start exfoliating OR steaming, your pores open up and if you haven't removed your makeup it can get clogged in you open pores.

For some amazing cleanser recipes, click HERE or HERE

Step 2: The Exfoliation

Exfoliation is my most favorite step because I love the way my skin feels afterwards.  Exfoliating removes dead skin, prevents pimples, tightens skin and opens the pores.

For a great exfoliator recipe, click HERE

Step 3: The Steam

Steaming opens up your pores so all the impurities rise to the surface of the skin.  This step prevents you getting additional pimples as well as do away with your current pimples and blackheads.  Boil a big pot of water and, once boiled, turn off the element and stick your head above the pot with a towel over your head.  (PLEASE BE CAREFUL when doing this step.)  Try to do this for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: The Mask

After your pores have opened, nothing will feel better than slapping a nice cool face mask on your skin.  This step closes your pores and also releases the impurities from your skin so that when you remove the mask, the yucky pore clogging grime will rinse away.

For some fabulous mask recipes, click HERE and HERE  

Step 5: The Moisturizer

Always pick a really heavy duty moisturizer when finished with a facial.  (Unless your skin is oily.)  Remember, moisturizing keeps your skin looking younger.  Trust me, it does!

As nice as going to a spa is, it's sometimes just as nice to pamper yourself at home.  Try this out ladies and remember, RELAX!  Happy weekend...

DIY Beauty Fridays: Killing Acne With Thyme???

Photo courtesy of www.jezebel.com

This article comes directly from Jezebel, an awesome online site for women, and thanks to Ariella for finding it, promptly sending it to me with a message entitled "Acne Issues GONE".  I have yet to try this out myself BUT am thinking of grabbing some fresh thyme this weekend to give it a whirl.

If anyone tries it before I do a recap, let me know if it actually works!

For Clear Skin, Just Rub Thyme All Over Your Face

Oh Lordy. Here we've all been buying fancy spot treatments and expensive elixirs to rid ourselves of acne, when it turns out the answer to our problem might have been growing in the herb garden all along. Thanks for telling us, Mother Nature. Yes, a new study has found that herbal preparations of thyme might be more effective at treating acne than current prescription remedies.

Photo courtesy of www.unhinderedliving.com

Researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University tested three different tinctures—made from thyme, marigold and myrrh—on the bacteria that causes acne. They discovered that while all three tinctures could kill the bacteria after five minutes, the thyme tincture was the most effective. They also discovered that the thyme had a bigger antibacterial effect than benzoyl peroxide (a common acne treatment) did. The tinctures were made by steeping the herb in alcohol, which draws out the plant's active compounds. The three herbs they tested have been used in some antibacterial skin washes before, but this is the fist time they've been demonstrated to be effective against the bacteria that causes acne.

Sadly, more research needs to be done before thyme tincture can be declared clinically effective for acne, but if these finding are confirmed, it could be a great, more natural and gentle alternative to acne treatment. Of course, if you want to make some kind of thyme poultice or tincture on your own and test it out, there's nothing to stop you. While you're at it, why not go all out and stick a few sprigs of rosemary up your nose too. You could be clear-skinned and clear-headed in no time—or you could just look like an idiot with herbs smeared all over your face. But either way, you'll smell delicious.

PS - Sorry for the lack of posts this week.  Work has been crazy busy and Allan had a bike accident this past weekend, keeping me from doing a lot of blogging.  (Yes, I am going to blame him...ha.)  I do though have some AWESOME posts lined up for next week!!

DIY Beauty Fridays: The Amazing Carrot

Recently on my quest to lose 10 pounds, I've incorporated carrot juice into my morning smoothie.  Now, I realize that we're all probably familiar with how the carrot effects our body and mind but did you know that it also is FABULOUS for our hair and skin?

Carrots are not only jam-packed with vitamins and carotene but they also promote the repair of skin tissue, nourish and protect the skin, produce collagen for smooth skin, assist in reducing redness and are a natural sunblock.  Who knew the carrot had this many amazing characteristics!  Here are a few quick and easy recipes for our skin, hair and insides!!

Easy Carrot Face Mask

2-3 organic carrots 

4 and a 1/2 TBSP organic honey 

Step 1: Wash and dry carrots

Step 2: Steam carrots on the stove or your preferred method.  Let cool when done.

Step 3: Mash carrots until a smooth consistency has been created.

Step 4: Add honey and mix together.

Step 5: Apply mixture to cleansed face and let sit for 10 minutes.  Rinse with cool water.

Your skin will feel very rejuvenated after this application.  Also, since this recipe makes A LOT of mask, try using this on your arms, back or chest, wherever your skin needs some TLC.

Nourishing Carrot Hair Treatment

1 organic carrot, grated 

Extra virgin olive oil 

Saucepan

Avocado 

Step 1: Grate carrot into glass measuring cup 

Step 2: Cover the carrot with olive oil

Step 3: Place the cup in a saucepan filled with boiling water and cook for one hour 

Step 4: Strain carrot mixture, keeping the carrot oil.

Step 5: Mix carrot oil with a ripe mashed avocado and apply mixture to clean hair.

Step 6: Leave on for one hour and then rinse. (You shouldn't have to shampoo after the mixture is out)

Carrot and Fruit Smoothie (my morning breakfast)

1/2 frozen ripe banana

1/2 cup frozen berries 

3/4 cup carrot juice (Boathouse brand is the best)

1/4 cup water 

1/2 scoop Greens+ Daily Detox Powder (optional)

Step 1: Cut banana in half and remove it from the peel.  Place in plastic bag and freeze.  (overnight)

Step 2: Add berries, frozen banana, water, carrot juice and Greens+ to a blender.

Step 3: Blend well.

Step 4: Enjoy on your way to work if you're short on time like I always am.

I never realized the full potential of carrots until I started drinking them daily.  It was then that I began to research their effects and how else to use them.  I'm eager to see what you all think so let me know when you try the recipes.  Happy weekend ladies!