Apple and Aloe cleansing slim tea.

OK stay with me here but there's more: Apple, ACV (apple cider vinegar), Aloe Vera, Blueberry Slim tea. I had whipped this up the other day to test out how it actually tasted. Knowing about all the great beneficial properties of all these ingredients I thought I would combine them in a time saving effort. If you are like me and are on any sort of supplement regimen;  you're trying to get in all your water , meals and supplements and you are left with no time to do anything! Natural remidies take some dedication, and I am in a commitment at the moment.

I was also inspired by Bragg's ACV drinks. They are super tasty, but I wanted to utilize my healthy teas. I really wanted to figure out a combination that will taste great because ACV can be very over powering.  I don't like to drink a lot of straight juice due to the sugar overload, and adding ACV was more like a punch in the mouth. Woah! I used to just take my ACV as shot with lemon juice. Some days it would make me sick, I also found that too much undiluted ACV can hurt your esophagus and of course damage your teeth. Yikes!

Let's talk about my choice of ingredients and why I chose them. My base are teas are fruit teas. These are some of the least bitter and will add flavor, and balance and won't be too over powering like straight juice. The teas I was drawn too were Yogis Blue Berry Slim tea and Lipton Superfruit Green Tea; Acai and Blueberry. The fruit teas have added benefits along with great flavor :-)

 Aloe vera is known for its detoxification abilities and acts as a laxative and hence it is regarded as an effective colon cleanser.The medicinal properties present in aloe vera gel will not only improve the condition of your colon health, but it will also treat other health problems such as headache, skin infection, diarrhea, gastric pain and constipation.

Source.

Fresh apple juice is one of the best home treatments for colon cleansing. Regular intake of apple juice encourages bowel movements, breaks down toxins and improves the health of liver as well as the digestive system.

Source.

Apple Cider Vinegar every ones favorite right now also packs a healthy punch also. Apple Cider Vinegar may help improve bowel irregularity, thereby removing toxins from the body at a faster rate. Helps clear up skin conditions and blemishes giving a more smooth texture and appearance. Always make sure it's Organic with the "mother", this is where you will get the concentration of  nutrients. 

Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is made from nutritious, organically grown apples and retains many beneficial components because raw apple cider vinegar is not pasteurized. ACV undergoes two fermentation processes where it produces enzymes and life giving nutrients that make apple cider vinegar the powerhouse it is.

Source.

The first mix I did was in a 32 ounce bottle, the next day I doubled it!

Fill half your bottle with hot water, seep your tea bags( 1 of each) for minimum of 5 minutes.

Add 4 ounces of  aloe vera juice. 

2 ounces of Bragg's  ACV

4-6 ounces of apple juice*  (more for taste, but you might be surprised. Start with less)

Fill last few ounces with filtered water.

Enjoy warm, or pour on ice. I like to just keep it in its bottle and drink it warm to room temp. It fills me up and I also avoid snacking. 

*Two recommendations for apple juice, either a 100% organic with all the good chewy bits in it. I like to get the Santa Cruz brand, they come in a cool glass jug (for those later moon shinning efforts). I was able to get that at King Soopers/Kroger. Another option if you can't make it to a natural grocer is Healthy Balance less sugar than the Natural stuff. But keep in mind 100% natural Organic juice like Santa Cruz sugar is the natural sugar content of fruit VS Healthy Balance sweetened with Splenda! Its your choice, I use both.

I also suggest using Bigelow Lemon Ginger tea with probiotics, this will help if you have afternoon bloat. I like to use 1 lemon ginger, and 1 blueberry slim tea.

Healthy Balance Source

Sweetened with Splenda® 
75% Less Sugar, Calories & Carbs
100% DV Vitamin C
No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Gluten Free

Nutrition Facts
Contains 15% Juice Serving Size 8 fl oz (240mL) Servings Per Container 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 20	Fat Cal. 0
	% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0g	0%
Sodium 10mg	0%
Potassium 45mg	1%
Total Carb 4g	1%
Sugars 4g
Protein 0	0%
Vitamin A	0%
Vitamin C	100%
Calcium	0%
Iron	0%
Not a significant source of calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, or dietary fiber.* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs.
INGREDIENTS: Filtered water, apple juice concentrate, malic acid, caramel color, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), acesulfame potassium, sucralose (Splenda Brand).

Santa Cruz Organic     Source.

CONTAINS 100% JUICE

Nutritional Information

Serving Size 8 FL OZ (240 mL) Servings Per Container
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120
	% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g	0%
Sodium 25mg	1%
Protein <1g
Potassium 180mg	5%
Carbohydrates 30g	10%
Sugars 30g
Vitamin C	6%
Iron	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Aloe Vera Juice by Realfood Organics, I find @ VitaCost

Better than beach hair; 'Boulder Waves Spray'!

Well I had to try it a few times to make sure it wasn't a fluke. But my stick straight hair has been transformed into something amazing. Wavy, and soft.  It's been an incredible, I am truly in shock. It all started with my homemade shampoos and conditioners. Those were fine and dandy, and then I fell for coconut milk. That was better... but had an even better idea! I'm going to to combine the whole kit and caboodle. 

 

I usually have stick straight hair thats heavy. Not any more!

I stepped out of the shower with wavy hair before the scrunching the scrunching. I had to keep this, I was afraid of loosing the wave.  Because my hair is so thick I was afraid it would dry straight from the weight. I have tried the "beach hair" leave in sprays. Didn't do anything (mainly because I have straight hair) but it was so drying! I had found a couple of popular DIY beach hair sprays, but both had salt, and the other gel! Yuck! I was all dry and sticky. 

After trying my Coconut-poo I was hooked, but it left a heavier feel, so I decided to use a DIY conditioner I was using before and loved to help lighten the feel. The ACV helped break up the heavy and it added the curl without the rubber feel of when I was using it with  my old DIY shampoo. A side note: I had noticed this curling action before using my DIY ACV rinse with a DIY shampoo, but it was so rubbery and too many tangles to let it dry like that. So I had to rake out, but my hair dried soft! The shampoo although used Castile soap like coconut-poo it seemed to have too many rubbery agents! So I kept the ACV rinse for the wave and added the coconut-poo for softness.  How crazy in the natural realm that shampoo and conditioner does each others job?! Then adding my spray for a natural moisturizing hold. BAM BABY! It held for days. At night putting up on top of my head. Then in the morning just a light re-spray with a light scrunch and done! 

So heres my regimine:

Coconut-poo From my earlier post.

ACVConditioner:

 2.5 cups of hot water

 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (Organic, with the 'mother')

 1/4 sprig of rosemary

 1 bag of your favorite herbal tea, for fragrance

Start by towel drying, using a scrunching method, squeeze hard. But as I scrunched I gently rubbed strands of hair between my fingers. The towel created some friction to make larger waves instead of the scrunched only look. What will totally rock is those towel gloves, saw some at the dollar store;-) There is no need to use a hair dryer, I tend to avoid it. But if you are in a rush use it on warm, low, with a diffuser.  Below is a great example of that fly away, pillow hair I got when I used a warm dryer. When I used the diffuser it gave me this at the roots. LOVED IT!! I also tried using a cold setting, great results too, a lot more smooth. 


*image from imageandstylenews.com

 Use the spray the day after to keep the bump in the hair. The first time I washed I didn't use it. It stayed over night. But the aloe is a great moisturizer and a natural hairspray. But I now use it the same day while scrunching.

I found some nice rough wash cloths to scrunch the hair with.

 They really absorb and create amazing texture.

Boulder Waves Spray

1 cup water , best used filtered, or boil some up if you have hard water!

1/2 cup Aloe Juice- a natural conditioner,

1Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)- provides natural nutrition, great for adding shine, great anti-dandruff benefit, the oils and proteins in coconut oil work well to help keep hair from losing protein, which is one of the major contributors to hair breakage and hair loss 

Water from 1 can of Coconut Milk (Do Not shake can)-great for rehydrating hair, Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties. It's a pain I know, but crack that can open and scoop it out from around the edges of the can. It doesn't have to be perfect. A scant table spoon will do.

5 vitamin E Capsules- promotes growth, decreases sun damage.

2Tbsp Vegetable Glycerin- It has strong humectant properties, meaning it is able to retain moisture, great for dry flaky scalps 

20drps Tea Tree Essential Oil (Optional for oily hair) - This oil moisturizes the hair and minimizes oil production of the scalp, preventing greasy looking hair and leaving the scalp clean and dandruff-free. I used it anyway, it is fresh and good for you. Goes great with the clove.

20drps Thyme Essential Oil- promotes healthy scalps, gives a natural shine, prevents hair loss 

***Update: You can exclude certain oils if you have oily, or thick hair!  The Aloe and glycerine are AMAZING as a humectant. I make sure I always add coconut oil though. Some times I switch it out for the vitamin E. You might feel both oils can be too heavy. But never fear! Work through some baking soda! I tried it, I was a little worried, but it is a cleansing method. I started on my under layers just using my fingers. Cool stuff, and have fun experimenting.

I keep it in a nice misting bottle and the remainder in a jar and fill as I go. I store in a cool place, but I put it in the microwave for about 10 seconds before I use it. You need to re-melt  the coconut oil! Shake before each use.

Now for that sultry, I just hung out at the ski lodge scent in front of the fire:

A few drops of clove. Not as heavy as it seems. Mixed in to the bottle it combines with the tea tree, and thyme beautifully. 

For the romantic Pearl Street Mall Free spirit scent:

A few drops of Rose, and a couple of Patchouli. This will be my next batch.

 

This was like the 2nd or third day!

So why Boulder hair? Well I am land locked in Colorado! I was thinking about those days snowboarding, my hair getting wet, then drying in the lodge. I would still have it in braided pig tails so I would undo them when I went out for beers on Pearl St. My hair was amazing. I was also in my early 20's. But having those soft waves just reminded me of a day of snow boarding, camp fires, and beers.  Not a day on the beach :-) 

Always buy Organic when possible!

Vitamin E Capsule Conversion

1 gram = 3/4 teaspoon

1 capsule (or tablet) = 250 ml

1 gram = 4 capsules


1 capsule = 1/4 gram = 3/16 teaspoon

2 capsules = 1/2 gram = 6/16 or 3/8 teaspoon

3 capsules = 3/4 gram = 9/16 teaspoon

4 capsules = 1 gram = 12/16 or 3/4 teaspoon

          1 ounce = 28.35 grams = 21.26 teaspoons = approx 7 tablespoons

Oh my face!

There are just some times where I feel like my skin is going through its own "thing". As a teen it was my enemy, and to make things worse sensitive English pale skin.  So every thing burns, like water, that burns. I still buy store bought, but never impressed. I don't know if I am just being hopeful, or suckered by advertising. 

I do however always going back to home made remedies. 

 I have found going natural has calmed and beautified my skin. I now wake up with color in my skin... a good color! Of course I do try to follow the rule of: drink copious amounts of water with lemon. But I needed a topical solution too. So after much searching and studying (while studying to be an aromatherapist) I found some recipes, but also made some of my own.

The thing about making your own is that you have to know your oils. I always recommend a good starter oil like lavender. Most commonly know for perfumes, and for tranquility But it goes much deeper than that.

• Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.


• treating migraines


• headaches


•  anxiety


• depression


• nervous tension and emotional stress


• Sleep


• Pain relief 


• Urine Flow


• Respiratory Disorders


• Hair Care


• Blood


• Digestion

There could be more sub categories under those bullet points, but if my writing starts to feel like I am doing a research essay for school... I stop!

The main reason I like to keep lavender around is for the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, and sedative properties. Topically used it can treat acne and soothe redness. Sorry, if I got too wordy. I love the study of aromatherapy, and it has really stuck well in the noggin' :-)

 A good beginner face wash is still one I still like to keep around.

] 

I lucked out on my reusable container, how well does it match!

Homemade Honey Cleanser

3 Tablespoons honey
1/2 cup vegetable glycerine
2 Tablespoons liquid castile soap

 

Mix ingredients together. Apply to face and neck and massage into skin for at least 30 seconds, allowing the cleanser to loosen dirt and debris. Rinse face with warm water.

(Source.)

Cherry Mama s Uplifting facial wash

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap 


• 1/4 cup chamomile tea (for its anti-inflammatory properties)


• 3/4 teaspoon grape seed,


• 4 drops of Basil an 4 drops of lemongrass (or 8 drops of Lavender)

Always shake gently before use. Use with a soft was cloth, gentle motion, do not scrub!

Grape seed oil is known for  anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-aging, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic activity. It contains 73% of linoleic acid which may be beneficial in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, allergic reactions, atopic eczema and dry and itchy skin. The rich nutrients in Grape Seed extract have been found to protect against UV radiation, and they have been found to lighten the effects on age spots and pigmented skin caused by ultra violet rays.

(Source) 

Basil oil is a very beneficial oil and can be helpful not only for headaches and migraines, but also has an uplifting effect on depression. It enhances the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair. As a result it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also used for acne and skin infections.

(Source)

"Lemongrass is pungent and earthy aroma heightens psychic awareness, and purifies the mind." -Source Lemongrass oil helps clear oily skin that is susceptible to acne outbreaks, and acts as an effective skin toner because it naturally dilates the blood vessels, tightens pores and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

(Source)

*Cautionary notes: Lemongrass can cause irritation more so than many other oils. It's a strong one! Test your dropper before you add it to any concoction. You want to always make sure your dilution's are exact when using oils topically. As any other beauty product, caution around your eyes too!

 

Great things to have in your kitchen for skin care, and more.

I have also been using natural astringents along side of my cleansing concoctions. Astringents are the easiest to make, and very inexpensive. The one I use daily is a super quick one to mix up. Start with equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), with the "Mother", Lemon juice, and Witch Hazel. ACV forganic and with the "mother" is going to have all the nutrients in it. ACV has become so popular I ingest it, use it on my face, and in my conditioners. ACV is great for your skin because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It balances the PH in your skin, and we all know we need that because beauty product commercials have been drumming that into our head. They are right about that, that's all... ;-) The #1 reccomended vingar is Bragg Organic.  It is the one company that know the benefits of of ACV. I also recently have found it at my local King Soopers (Kroger) for less then some natural stores! WOW! Keep your eye open.

Next the amzaing lemon, again another one thats great to ingest, with a side of ACV, (more on that another day). The magical lemon in your astringent will brighten your skin,reduce the look scars/age spots, treat acne, and exfoliates. I do have to warn you and this is common sense, use sunscreen, it does exfoliate!

Using a base in you mix ;I do recommend mainly for the added benefits! Witch Hazel rules. Don't get fooled into purchasing a fancy brand. Keep in simple, you will find it in the first aid section just like the glycerin (keep that in mind for later). Witch Hazel will soothe any irritations you have on your skin too. And if your skin is not ready for the full strength mix this will be better to dillute with.

My best mix is 1-1-1, or all equal parts to start with. Although I can handle it straight and I have Brit skin I still like the added benefit.

Refrigerate between use!

Skin brightening toner

 

I used Lemongrass because I love it! Just a few drops.

Salicylic Acid (Aspirin), clears away excess oil, cleans out your pores and exfoliates your skin to loosen and help remove dead skin cells)and ACV (note all the good things from above). I keep this one around for break outs, or to treat enlarged pores. These two are drying agents though, keep that in mind, because over drying can cause acne. What doesn't huh! Again, use sparingly if you have normal to dry skin and moisturize. Oily skin, go nuts!

• 1/2 ounce organic apple cider vinegar


• 3 ounces mineral water (or distilled water)


• 5 plain aspirin tablets, uncoated

1. Dilute 1/2 ounce organic apple cider vinegar with 3 ounces water.

2. Use pestle and mortar to crush aspirin tablets. (or use BC powders)

3. Add aspirin tablet mixture to water and vinegar mix.

4. Apply toner sparingly to areas with acne, rough skin or enlarged pores. The solution will stay fresh for one month in the refrigerator.

Source