Valentines Day

Ah Yes,



The Hallmark Holiday! The day when guys have to dole out tons of cash to makes us girls happy and in return we show our appreciation at home.....after the lights go out....


This is the way it has been for- who knows how many years?

Well I personally think its a bunch of bullshit.

I don't want a guy who goes out of his way to show me he loves me one day out of the year by buying me a fancy dinner or whatever.


You want to show me you love me? Do the dishes for me...do a load of laundry...pick the clothes up off the floor....make dinner!


That's how I know you love me- not by you taking me out to eat at some place we really can't afford.....


Besides.....when a guy spends a ton of money on you he naturally expects you to put out....and yeah....I want to have romantic liaisons with my guy because I love him and I want to share that experience with him. Not because he bought me shiney things....I am not a shiney thing prostitute...unless that shiney thing is a #Kitchenaid Stand Mixer  that I've wanted for like 6 years....then I'm sooooo a shiney thing prostitute...



Just Kidding....



#kinda




#happyvalentinesday


#iactuallyhatethisdaywithapassion

How to Make Deodorant Cream

How to Make Deodorant Cream via http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/06/how-to-make-deodorant-cream/

JUNE 7, 2013 BY ANDREA 15 COMMENTS

The skin is our body’s largest organ…

…and everything we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Today — with modern farming and mass production processes the way they are – be assured…there are so many toxic chemicals added to commercially-prepared body care products! Chemicals known to adversely affect the body’s immune system, reproductive system, and nervous system.

Years ago — around the time that I took the dive head-first into natural health — I started looking for alternatives to commercially-prepared EVERYTHING. Starting with locally-grown foods to medicinal salves to making my own shampoo…I found that where there is a will there’s a way!

Likewise, I immediately became curious about all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant.

My entire life prior, I had been an avid anti-perspirant user — the feeling of being sweaty just grossed me out – and initially it was all the correlations made between using that and getting breast cancer…that got the wheels turning. Then when my mother was diagnosed with, and won her battle against, breast cancer…I left anti-perspirants without hesitancy.

There are many reasons why we should be concerned about using anti-perspirants and commercially-prepared deodorants! Here are just a few:

1. There are hidden dangers in the active ingredients of conventional deodorant (i.e. Aluminum, Parabens, Propylene glycol, Phthalates, and Triclosan). Current researchshows a strong link between anti-perspirants containing aluminum and Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, birth defects, allergies, and hormonal imbalances. These potentially hazardous chemicals have no place in our homes and certainly no place under our arms.
2. Let the body do what the body will do! I believe that when we attempt to inhibit the natural functions of the body we negatively effect the rhythms created for a purpose. Humans were meant to sweat.

It was all of these concerns combined that led me to create my own solution.

Since then, I have created several natural deodorants that have been used by many with AMAZING success:

• Probiotic Deodorant Stick
• Herbal Deodorant Stick
• Natural Deodorant for Men

All of these are the traditional stick variety.

Recently — and after the request of several of you – my creative drive kicked in and I set out on a Deodorant Cream making mission.

Deodorant Cream Recipe

Ingredients

-2 ounces (approx. 4 tablespoons) shea butter
-2 ounces (approx. 4 tablespoons) sesame oil
-1 ounce (approx. 2 tablespoons) non-nano zinc oxide powder
-5 tablespoons arrowroot powder
-0.5 ounces (approx. 1 tablespoon) raw beeswax
-1/2 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil

Optional Ingredients
***I love adding a few of these ingredients. They are optional — and add tons of odor-fighting goodness — but not necessary for effective use of this product.

-aloe vera extract
-comfrey leaf extract
-calendula extract
-essential oils of choice

Method

1. Using a kitchen scale, measure the ingredients.
2. In a double boiler or small pot, melt shea butter, sesame oil, and beeswax over low heat.
3. Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool slightly.
4. Add arrowroot powder and zinc powder. Whisk until all powders are dissolved and well combined.
5. Add vitamin E oil, extracts, and essential oils (if using) at this time. Stir.
6. Pour mixture to a sterile container — one such as these – and allow to cool on counter.
7. Label product and store at room temperature. Shelf stable for at least one year, depending on quality of ingredients used.

To Use

Using fingertips, apply to underarms daily or after showering. A little goes a long way!

Notes

-Zinc Oxide. For safety’s sake, be sure to use only non-nano zinc oxide. Zinc oxide powder is not only a sun protectant, but an antioxidant that is able to soothe, protect and help heal the skin. Likewise, it contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Non-nano zinc oxide is not absorbed by the body and has been proven to present a very low risk to human health.

-Sesame Oil. For centuries, this oil had been widely used as healing oil for all sorts of health problems. Its’ quick penetrating, highly-stable (low risk of rancidity), anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties make it best suited for all skin types. Used topically, common skin invectives such as staphylococcus and streptococcus can be easily eliminated by the regular application of oil on the skin.

-Beeswax. Beeswax – one of nature’s most incredible raw materials –  provides a superb germ-killing, protective barrier for the delicate skin under the arms.

Where Can I Get This Stuff?

-Mountain Rose Herbs…they have everything you’ll need for this remedy! I LOVE the quality of their oils and essential oils. It’s your one-stop-shop!

-The Bulk Herb Store also carries a few of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.

-From Nature With Love likewise carries a HUGE selection of high-quality raw materials.

I do have this Deodorant Cream available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

Click here to visit the Marketplace…

How To Make Homemade Blush

ViaV

Via: http://thankyourbody.com/homemade-blush/

Keep in mind that with all makeup there is a continuum of “what works” for every individual. This is especially true when we start making things like bronzer, blush, or foundation. What works for me may not work for you. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to adjust and adapt this recipe to work with your skin tones and desired outcome.

With that in mind, you should probably know that I’m extremely pale. And I’m not a huge makeup person. Therefore, my blush of choice is light and subtle. So rather than give you an exact recipe, I’m giving you the jumping off point to find your perfect shade. Are you ready?

Ingredients:

arrowroot powder
hibiscus powder (like this)
cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Start with a base of arrowroot powder, about 1 Tbs. Add in the hibiscus powder one teaspoon at a time until you get the desired color. Add cinnamon for a little depth and glow.

*Note: Hibiscus powder gives a nice subtle pink glow, but for some it may seem too subtle. You could also try Alkanet Root powder which has a richer, more reddish, tone. But in either case, add the color gradually. You can always add more arrowroot powder to lighten back up, but if you get too heavy handed you’ll end up with a whole lot of blush on your hand.

How To Make A Solid Perfume Locket...

This is a fantastic tutorial for making your own solid perfume with a sensual, seductive aroma and only natural ingredients. Plus it can be stored in a beautiful locket which gives it an almost antique like feel. This wonderful tutorial comes to via (http://www.designsponge.com)

Creating your own solid perfume is extremely satisfying. One of the joys of having a solid fragrance is that you can easily carry it with you, or even wear it on your body in a locket, without worrying about it spilling. I like to make perfume in small and beautiful containers that grow more precious and treasured with use. You can enjoy the experience of applying a solid perfume unobtrusively throughout the day in an earthy and sensual ritual that is quite different from dabbing on a liquid perfume. Solid perfume will scent only you, not the environment around you.


Materials

• 1 1/2 tsp. jojoba oil (available at whole foods and natural grocery stores)
• 7 drops frankincense essential oil (you can get some of Mandy’s essential oils here)
• 7 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
• 5 drops fresh ginger essential oil
• 6 drops wild sweet orange essential oil
• heaping 1/2 tsp. grated beeswax (available here)
• eyedroppers (available at drug stores)
• small nonmetal pan for melting wax
• shot glass or small cup
• small compact or pillbox for finished perfume

Instructions
1. Pour jojoba oil into the shot glass. Add the drops of all four essential oils to the jojoba oil and stir.

2. Melt the heaping 1/2 teaspoon of beeswax.


3. Remove from heat and stir in the jojoba/perfume blend.

4. Reheat for just 10 seconds, stirring.

5. Immediately pour the mixture into your container.

6. Let cool undisturbed for 15 minutes.

60 Ways to Make Your Marriage Rock!

1. Always love each other, even when it's hard to
2. Never go to bed angry.
3. Go on regular date nights
4. Hide notes in secret places
5. Go to bed at the same time
6. Listen to music together-share ear-buds
7. Buy him gifts he will love
8. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
9. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
10. Praise your spouse to other people
11. Read a marriage devotional
12. Sleep in his t-shirts
13. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
14. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
15. Go away together at least once a year


For Women Only
16. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
17. Make his favorite dessert
18. Make sex a priority
19. Spend time apart occasionally
20. Learn to enjoy something he loves
21. Surprise each other
22. Meet him at the door
23. Text each other from across the room
24. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
25. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him

For Men Only
26. Leave work on time and come home early
27. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
28. Compliment each other
29. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
30. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
31. Kiss every day
32. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
33. Forgive quickly
34. Be honest.
35. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
36. Look your best as often as you can
37. Guard your marriage
38. Laugh together
39. When you are together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
40. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it

Both
41. Make each other breakfast in bed
42. Do her chores for her
44. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
44. Dance together-soft music (both of you alone) or rocking music with the kids
45. Exercise together- hikes, bike riding, etc
46. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment from your spouse
47. Thank your spouse often even for the least reason or gesture
48. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
49. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
50. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
51. Support each other’s goals
52. Bring her flowers/gifts (even when she says they are too expensive)
53. Wear something your spouse loves
54. Share furniture-sit in his lap
55. Fight for your marriage
56. Make a point to eat dinner together most days of the week.
57. Never let your spouse feel like they come second place to your career or any other thing.
58. Talk about your dreams and aspirations. Be supportive of each other and dream big together!
59. Maintain a united front as your motto: Meaning- “Me and you against the world.
60. Speak well of your spouse.