Holy Grail Goodness Series Begins Today!

Good morning, Lovelies!

Today I cannot resist sharing with you a recipe that I came up with that is great for natural, kinky, coily dry hair.   It is not a product, but rather a recipe that I created several years ago when I was living in very cold Michigan during biting winters that really dried out my hair.  When I was using this conditioner regularly, I used it 1-2 times a month as a deep conditioner and it kept my hair soft, manageable and prevented damage from the cold winds and below zero temps.  Enjoy.

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Rhassoul Clay

1 Teaspoon Honey (raw, unrefined, organic if possible; Agave Nectar can be used fora vegan alternative)

1/2 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

1/2 Teaspoon Virgin Coconut Oil

1/2 Teasp0on Castor Oil

2 – 3 Tablespoons canned Coconut Milk (gently warmed)

All of these ingredients are excellent for the hair.  Rhassoul Clay is used in spas across the world and is the most versatile and one of the best clays out there.  It absorbs impurities and is high in silica, perfect for your hair.  Honey in its raw, unrefined form is amazingly antibacterial, moisture-drawing, and protecting. Lemon Juice is astringent and good for balancing hair, while Coconut and Castor Oils are some of the best oils for hair, period.  Coconut Milk smells divine and deeply penetrates the hair shaft (like its Oil counterpart) to nourish every strand.

Directions: Mix all ingredients together except the coconut milk.  Add the milk last.  Apply mixture to freshly washed hair and leave in for 20-30 minutes.  Rinse well and enjoy your soft, smooth hair!  This can also be used as a pre-poo treatment, but I find I like it best as a deep conditioner.  Double or triple the recipe to make sure you have enough for your hair.  Add more liquid (milk) as necessary, and also essential oils such as Lavender, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Lemongrass and Ylang Ylang as you’d like and in moderation.  Enjoy!  If you try this let me know how you like it.

 

Busy

Since August I have travelled so much and have been so busy settling in my new life that I’ve hardly had time for my shop or my blog.  Soon I will be closing down my shop temporarily to focus on my upcoming dissertation defense.  I will have a shop reopening celebration with new products, sales, deals and more!

In the meantime, as I can I will be blogging about some of my favorite products to use.  This series is called Holy Grail Goodness and will feature goodies that I can’t live without, so to speak.

Have a great, productive, positive week, and stay tuned!  Thank you for your patience and support.

Hair

I didn’t get a chance to write once I returned from New Orleans, and now I’m back from a trip to the Bay Area.  I attended a beautiful wedding, a baby shower, saw lots of friends, and went to some of my old stomping grounds from my undergraduate days at UC Berkeley.  It was a great trip and reminded me, as a Los Angeles native, how much I miss California.

Now, let’s talk about hair!  I realize that I have yet to talk about hair on my blog, probably because I haven’t spent much time thinking about or doing my own.   Due to my crazy busyness these days, I’ve been washing and going more than I’d like to.  I used to spend time deep conditioning my hair monthly, curling it, and moisturizing it throughout the week.  For the past several months, however, I’ve been lucky to get a weekly wash in.

Between moving, settling in, finishing up my dissertation, running my little business, and starting a new job as Visiting Professor and Director of Research and Evaluation I’ve had LOTS on my plate, so much that I wondered if I even had a “plate” anymore, haha.  But after noticing how dry my locks were recently, I decided to deep condition before I washed.  Can you believe that my hair (I have sisterlocks) sucked up an ENTIRE 8-ounce jar of conditioning creme all at once?  I kept putting on more as my hair begged me too.

Although it’s a bit of an extreme analogy, I feel like a parent who has denied her child the proper food and nourishment.  But now my hair and I are back on good terms: it’s soft, moisturized and shiny, kindly thanking me for taking more than a few minutes to wash and oil it.

Yesterday I went ahead and spent the dough to order several hair conditioning products from Darcy’s Botanicals.  The jar that I used last night was my last conditioning product. I tried her products in the past, and although one of them was a bit heavy for my hair, I believe I’ll have better results with the Deep Conditioning Mask, Daily Leave-in Conditioner and Herbal Spritzer based on several reviews I’ve read and seen in various places.

Beyond not taking better care of my hair, I’ve been neglecting taking time to relax in the ways that are rejuvenating to me: long, steamy baths, regular pedicures, and spa facial treatments.  I do all of these things myself, because I can use as much or as little *natural* product that I want, and can have things just the way I like them.  Saving money is an added benefit.  As soon as I get through these next few weeks I’ll have more time to do these things, but in the meantime I’ll definitely be conditioning my hair on a regular basis.  It’s getting cold and dry and I DO want to keep my hair!

What do you do to keep your hair moisturized and healthy?

In Nawlins!

Hi everyone!

I had a great post prepared for you on the importance of oils in skin care, but WordPress was acting up when I tried to publish it and alas…it is lost, never to be retrieved.  When I have time to write it over, I will.

Right now, though, I’m in the fascinating city of New Orleans, Nawlins, or NOLA, however you like it!  I am here for a conference (giving a presentation and leading a workshop tomorrow), but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the scenery and culture while I’m here.

There are a lot of shops around with colorful archictecture that really catches the eye.  What really caught my eye, though, was when I walked into a convenience store and saw various pastries for sale that were preserved with *triple gasp* PARABENS!  I coudn’t believe it.  I was at the counter ready to pay when I saw these little innocent-looking treats with parabens (methyl- and propyl-) listed on their labels.  My jaw literally dropped, and I’msure that the storekeepers were wondering what I was thinking.

I couldn’t bring myself to make a comment, especially since the cashier seemed particularly annoyed.  So I want to ask you, dear readers, if you’ve heard of foods being preserved with parabens?  I do not use products with parabens at all, let along EAT them!

I’m appalled, floored.  Still, I enjoy NOLA!

Soap Obsession, and an Ultimatum

It’s no secret that I love soaps.  A bit too much.  In the process of packing and moving this summer, I truly realized how many bars I have.  Yesterday I calculated how many years (not months!) it will take me to use up my soaps.  Granted, I may be overestimating the amount of time given that I also give bars away for birthday, Christmas, and just-because gifts, and I also shred and use soaps I’m less enthusiastic about in my homemade laundry and dishwashing powders.

However, truth be told, it’s gotten out of hand.  I am running out of storage space.  And my bathtub ledge looks like a bar with so many choices…

So, I made an ultimatum, not to buy anymore soaps until I am down to 5 bars.  This is especially trying for me, and it’s hard to remain disciplined when I love soaps so much, and when there are so many new limited edition fall-inspired soaps being released right now.  It’s torturous, really.

ZomBee by Alchemic Muse

I will continue to buy soaps in the form of shampoo bars, and if a bar or two of soap is included in a gift or combo set I won’t complain, but as far as bathing soaps go, I’m stocked for a long while.

I was inspired by another person who loves soaps as much as I do that she holds herself to her promise not to buy anymore soaps until she’s used up the ones she has.  She held out well until some fall scents were released, and then she (quite understandably) bought more.  However, I remain steadfast and look for other ways to enjoy fall scents, such as in body butters, sugar scrubs, perfumes, and in – *newsflash* – food!  And, truth be told I have some bars left from last year’s fall scents that were so inspiring.  So, let me get to using those up…

What are your bath and body weaknesses?  How do you control/conquer them?

Research

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share that this was my first official day of teaching as a professor.  I did a seminar, which was an introduction to research in the humanities and social sciences.  It went very well, and it was so inspiring to reflect on my experiences as a college student, and how much I grew when I started doing my own independent research outside of course work.

Courtesy of ucsb.edu

Research is empowering, and I really enjoy it.  It is part of the product development that I enjoy perhaps more than anything else, except for connecting with people and hearing how their lives have been changed through using the products.  I love researching different oils and how they will affect one’s skin, mood, etc.  I know so much more than I knew just 6 months ago, thanks to endless research.

I literally research everyday and to me it isn’t difficulty or boring – but rather, exciting, and very enjoyable!

Speaking of enjoyment, I want to remind you to take some time and enjoy my shop sale, which ends tomorrow, September 1st.  Visit http://scentualsoundtracks.etsy.com and see if there’s something that will strike your fancy.  Over the coming weeks I will be listing more products that are still in the development stages.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you’re looking for in terms of skin and body care, and I’ll see what I can do!

Cheers to the wonderful week that awaits us.

News!

I just wanted to quickly announce that I am now a member of the Etsy Organic Team.  I’m honored to join the ranks of such committed artisans making organic items from fabrics to food stuffs to facial masks.  Stay tuned for more information, and enjoy the remaining few days of August – fall will be here in no time!

Baking Soda – a product more wonderful than you thought!

I love baking soda.  I. Love. Baking. Soda.  I LOVE baking soda!

I cannot say it enough and in enough ways to illustrate my passion for this product.  Perhaps you think passion is too strong a word, but I don’t think so.

Although I am a person who loves decadent, luxurious products, at the other end of my spectrum of product loves, I deeply enjoy products that are utterly simple that have a multitude of uses.  Like organic virgin coconut oil.  Shea butter.  Simple cold-processed soaps.  Rhassoul clay.  And, most of all, baking soda.

The pay off is so great because not only are these one-ingredient wonders so simply natural, but they are very cost-effective considering that you can buy them in bulk and use them for multiple uses.  For instance, Rhassoul clay can be used for a facial, for a hair treatment, and in your bath and foot soaks, while shea butter can be used for a deep conditioner for your hair, a facial treatment, cuticle balm, foot balm, hand cream, shaving cream…you get the picture.  Now, on to baking soda…

Brand:

When I lived in Michigan, I used to buy the Kroger brand baking soda and an even cheaper brand at a local Dollar Store, but I have found Arm and Hammer’s Baking Soda to be the best.  It has the most consistent quality in my opinion and works well for all of my many uses for it.  Here at Target, I buy smaller, 8-ounce boxes for cosmetic use for 47 cents, and large, 4-pound boxes for household use at Stop and Shop (a local grocery store) for $2.77.  Now, you can’t beat that!

Cosmetic Uses:

If you do a Google search for baking soda, you will literally find hundreds of uses for baking soda that many have listed and even published as books.  A majority of my uses for baking soda, however, have come from generations of using it within my family, and from trial and error experiments when I wondered, “Hmmm, will baking soda work for this?”

My grandmother used baking soda in her bath water to soften skin and soothe any irritations.  She also brushed her teeth with it several times a week.  This was how I was first introduced to baking soda as a child.  I then thought that the taste was too strong and salty, but now I have gotten used to it and, dare say, I actually like it, a lot.

Oral Care:

As I mentioned in the previous post, I use baking soda several times a week to brush my teeth, and I put 1-2 teaspoons of it in my mouth with some water as a quick and easy mouthwash after flossing or between meals.  I like the cooling effect that it gives, and it really freshens my breath and gives me a quick boost.

Facial Care:

When I remember to do this, I end up with soft, radiant skin.  In the shower, I mix my liquid facial cleanser with a very small amount (1/2 tsp. or less) of baking soda) and I gently apply this mixture to my facial skin in a circular motion.  This treatment acts as a simple and safe microdermabrasion spa experience for me; my skin is left very soft, radiant and any blemishes are lightened.  I would use this no more than once a week for sensitive, dry skin and perhaps twice a week for combination to oily skin.

Hair:

Since I use either shampoo bars or natural, castile based liquid shampoos to wash my hair, every so often I have to clarify to get rid of any soap residue and the occasional bout of dandruff I may have.  I often mix 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda in my liquid shampoo and this works like a charm.  I do this once a month, or as needed.

When my scalp needs a good deep-down cleansing, after lathering up my hair with my shampoo bar I will add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda to the palm of my hands and scrub my scalp with it thoroughly, mixing the baking soda with the shampoo soap to get rid of any residues and buildup.  My scalp is left clean and clear, but if I use too much or if I happen to use a more drying shampoo, I will lightly oil my scalp once I rinse out the shampoo and use an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse consisting of 1 part ACV to 5 parts water.

Bath:

When I’ve had a rough week and I want to splurge, I add an entire 1-pound box of baking soda to my bath water, along with my essential oils, liquid castile soap, and other goodies.  It may be too much, but I love it and it works well for me!  A more reasonable amount may be 1/2 cup.

Toward the end of my shower, I add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda to my exfoliating towel and scrub my entire body with it.  It is a fantastic skin scrub and polisher, and leaves my skin smooth.  I do this maybe once or twice a month.

I make a foot scrub with a mix of baking soda, sea salt, light oils, and essential oils.  Works like a charm, since the sea salt provides the scrubbing action while the baking soda polishes and the oils moisturize and provide aromatherapy. Aahhh…

Home:

I make my own laundry powder and dishwasher detergent with baking soda and a mix of shredded soap, borax, washing soda and a bit of Oxy Clean.  This leaves my clothes and dishes very clean!

I scrub my sinks and tubs with baking soda and vinegar – works like a charm if done regularly!

I also use baking soda in pots with stuck-on food by adding it to hot water and dish soap and letting them soak.  Always works great!

For handwashing dishes I always add 1-2 tablespoons to my soapy water for extra cleansing power.

Stress Relief:

This may be an unexpected use, but I often use baking soda to relieve stress.  Yes!  I simply empty several ounces of baking soda into a bowl (from the box I use for cleaning, not for oral or cosmestic use) and run my hands through it, grinding it up in my hands as I would do the sand at the beach.  The cool, powdery consistency calms me for some reason.  Next time I do this I will have to add some relaxing essential oils to it, like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood or rosewood, to enhance the experience…

*  *  *

I use baking soda in so many other ways; this is just a sampling!  How do you use baking soda?  I look forward to hearing ideas that I may have never thought of, and I hope that this posting inspires you to take advantage of this very inexpensive household and beauty helper.  It’s all-natural, super effective, long-lasting, and guaranteed to make your life easier and your beauty regimen more enhanced.

Back from vacation

I am now back in town after having been away from home for exactly two weeks.  I left on August 5th (my wedding anniversary) to travel to Michigan for my husband’s dissertation defense.  I stayed there for a week and a half to wrap up some business in the area, take care of some writing and visit friends that I didn’t get a chance to say a proper good-bye or see ya later to before I moved.  It was a wonderful trip – so amazing to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary,  to celebrate my husband’s milestone with friends and family, and to have time away to write and rejuvenate.

After spending this time in Michigan, I then joined my students and fellow faculty for a cross-country educational road trip.  The trip began in Los Angeles and ended in Providence, and lasted a total of 20 days.  I was on the trip for 4 days, from Detroit to Philadelphia, and learned so much from students about gentrification, and from the amazing activist Grace Lee Boggs about the civil rights, women’s and labor movements that she has been involved in for over 60 years!

courtesy of umich.edu

As a 94-year-old woman, she is vibrant, energetic and engaged – still writing articles, meeting with students, and working with community partners in Detroit to solve local problems.  She puts many people, young and old, to shame, and I only hope that I can be as active and enaged as she is in my latter life.

I am excited about getting back to my creative cauldron to cook up many new products.  I have many recipes in the works and look forward to unveiling them over the coming months.  I am also excited about blogging more regularly and cultivating a network of people to engage with on- and off-line.

Stay cool wherever you may be, and enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Oral Care

Now I know that this is a bath and beauty blog, but it is also important to talk about Oral Care.  I am not sure what you ladies use, but for the past few years I have used Rose of Sharon Acres Tooth Chips.  They are made of cold-processed soap with essential oils (she used to also infuse neem oil or neem bark).  Now, I know you’re thinking, wash my mouth out with soap?!  However the taste is pretty mild and grows on you with use.

I started using tooth soap because I had problem after problem with my teeth and gums.  I had sensitive teeth and noticed that even when using more natural toothpastes, I had recurring problems with sensitive (and sometimes swollen) gums, mouth sores, and other things.  From reading up on tooth soap, I noticed that many people may be sensitive to flouride in toothpaste.  Furthermore, the SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) that’s found in many of the brands can be very irritating.

Now that I look back I know this is true.  When I used to use SLS-based shampoos several years ago, my scalp would always be irritated, dry and flaky.  The same thing, so far as possible, would happen for my mouth – peeling skin, soreness and sensitivity.  I know that this sounds gross but it’s true.  I suffered for years thinking that something was wrong with me when it was really the toothpaste (and other products) that I was using.

Tooth Chips - Soap for Teeth

I have been using tooth chips for over 2 years now and I have found that I no longer have these issues.  Whereas toothpaste contains a high percentage of glycerin, which coats teeth and prevents/inhibits re-enamelization, tooth soap doesn’t.  Even though cold-processed soap retains its natural glycerin as a by-product of the soaping process, it is a very small amount compared to tooth soap, and it rinses away quite easily.

When I use tooth soap my teeth are left feeling perfectly soft and my mouth is clean and refreshed. I also use baking soda a few times a week along with tooth soap or by itself for extra cleansing power and to freshen my breath.  By the way, baking soda is such an inexpensive product to use in your home and for personal care!  I add some of it (1/2 – 1 c.) to my bath water, use it mixed with shampoo as a clarifying treatment, mixed with castile facial soap as an impromptu facial cleanser/scrub, and much more!  Hmmm, this makes me think that I’ll have to do a post next on baking soda.

Mouthwashes

I believe that my former mouth sensitivities were also due to using alcohol-based mouthwashes like Listerine.  Now I mix tooth powders like Rose of Sharon Acres’ or Goddess Naturals’ with water and swish, swish, swish.  This is great for traveling, as I don’t have to worry about liquid limits or spills.  At home, I use Kiss My Face FreshBreath Mouthwash.  It is not completely natural, but it very close, and works very well with great ingredients like Organic Aloe, Gotu Kola (stimulates circulation) and Tea Tree Oil (antibacterial).  I have been using it for almost 2 years now with absolutely no problem.  And it’s glycerin- and fluoride-free!

There is some controversy over the use of fluoride and its toxic nature.  I suggest that you do Google searches and read the research behind this and make your own decisions.  For far I am a happy camper without it, and I have never had better oral health.

Cheers to washing your mouth out with soap (and baking soda)!