Antiperspirant Makes You Smell Worse???

My friend, Tiffany, has spent the last few years cutting back on products that are filled with toxins.  One of the products she has been focusing on is deodorants and antiperspirants.  She has been testing out different recipes.  My brother has also been doing some mixing of his own.  I have been waiting to see if they come up with a real winner before I jump on board.

I saw this video today & thought of them:



I guess that makes me think a little more seriously about trying a recipe.  Here is one that another friend recommended:

I also found this promising blog post with a recipe & instructions:

Homemade Deodorant

Basic Guide to Essential Oils for Foot Reflexology

Most of us like a nice foot rub.  By providing a basic map of the foot (aka reflexology) and suggested essential oils, a simple foot rub could evolve into an amazing foot massage. This should help:

Plastic Microbeads

Back in the middle of September, quite a few news stories were done about harmful little microbeads that are in some of the top toothpastes.  Here is one of the articles:

Dental Discovery May Prompt You to Change Your Toothpaste

I copied this interesting little quote from the article:

Dentist Justin Phillip said the microbeads shouldn't be anywhere near your mouth.
“They’ll trap bacteria in the gums which leads to gingivitis, and over time that infection moves from the gum into the bone that holds your teeth, and that becomes periodontal disease, Phillips said. “Periodontal disease is scary.”

Not only are the microbeads in toothpaste, but they are used in face wash to help with exfoliation.  While some people are bothered by possible health issues, others hate what the microbeads are doing to the environment.  They are polluting waterways.  Here is a video clip explaining:


Beat the Bead from 5 Gyres on Vimeo.

I don't consider myself an environmentalist.  I recycle my garbage and if I hear or read that something is particularly bad, I avoid it.  I can tell you that these beads are not necessary in products.  In fact, there are plant based products that are actually more effective and provide positive healthy solutions.  Don't settle.

Increase Your Energy Naturally

I know I am not the only one, at least around here, that tends to want to hide-out and hibernate in January and possibly February. I believe that most of it has to do with a slight aversion to chilly weather. My house just feels so cozy compared to the chills I'll get outside. I can't complain about it too much because I live in Texas and it certainly isn't bone chilling or frost bite causing weather. Besides the cold, I think the holidays tend to be a bit overwhelming. I may not feel like that while I am preparing or enjoying them, but I certainly feel that way in January when I just want to take it easy.

Because of this slower pace, I think it is the perfect time to do a post on natural ways to boost your energy.

1. Don't Skip Meals (especially breakfast)

It is not a good idea to skip meals on a regular basis. I know several people that skip breakfast and lunch every day and then go overboard from 3 to 9 pm, because they are starving. Keep your metabolism revved up with protein and fiber. Start your day off with eggs and fruit. Several years ago, I read a study about how adding an egg to your morning meal lowers your calorie count for the day.  People tend to eat less throughout the day if they have had an egg for breakfast. After that, I became a much bigger fan of eggs for breakfast. I am also a huge fan of fruits and vegetables in a person's diet. Juice them, eat them raw, cook them or whatever you can to increase your plant intake all day long. Those macro-nutrients are vital.

2. Get Plenty of Sleep

The average adult should be getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Your body needs that time to relax, heal and regenerate. I know that there is never enough time in the day to get everything done, but at least shoot for 7 hours of sleep even if that means you leave a few things undone until tomorrow.

3. Stay Hydrated

I have to admit that this is a huge challenge for me. I think I spent most of my school years training myself not to drink so that I didn't have to take many bathroom breaks. There just wasn't enough time.  Now, I feel like I have to make conscious efforts to even remember to drink water. Adult ladies need roughly 8 - 11 cups of water a day. Warm weather or exercising would of course increase that requirement. Adult males need about 10 - 16 cups.

4. Take a Brisk Walk

A little walk is a quick way to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing.  I think it is even better if you can do it outside so you get the benefit of fresh air and hopefully sunshine.

5. Consider Supplements

Deficiencies in magnesium, iron, iodine, niacin, vitamin B & D, and several others have been linked to lower energy levels along with many other issues. I have been taking supplements made by the essential oil company that I use. I take half of the recommended dose and they still really boost my energy levels. I shared some with my sister last summer and she noticed the increased energy immediately. She now takes them too.

6. Avoid things that cause a spike and then crash

When aiming for an overall more energetic way of life, it is best to avoid things that cause a spike or rush of energy because a crash usually follows. This includes caffeine, cigarettes, drugs, and even sugar (10 Disturbing Reasons Why Sugar is Bad).

7. Essential Oils

In case you were beginning to wonder, there are certainly oils that help with increasing energy levels.  Energizing oils include lemon, peppermint, sandalwood, white fir, spearmint, and wild orange. Applying them topically or diffusing them can really enhance a persons energy level.

Happy New Year!

May 2015 be full of amazing opportunities and healthy habits.