Power-packed All Natural Plant-based Facial Skin Serum Recipe.

In this post we are going to cover the life-giving benefits of choosing some pretty power-house, nutrient-rich, FABULOUS, non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) plant-based oils in your make-it-yourself-and-save-a-TON-of-money Be Kind Facial Serum. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s good for you, it saves you moolah, it makes you SHiNE… why not?

Stocking up on some of these oils may cost you a bit, but we are going to show you how to put them to work in many ways. Today… we start with our beautiful faces.

I introduce you to this gem. . .

Be Kind Facial Serum

• 1T Baobab Oil

• 1 T Calendula Oil

• 1 T Camillia Oil

• 1 t. Moringa Oil

• 1 t. Argan Oil

Essential Oils

• 6 drops each:

• Geranium - Blue Tansy - Lavender - Tea Tree
  Yarrow Pom - Frankincense - Neroli

  3 drops each:

• Helichrysum - Roman Chamomile
  

  Mix. Store in a 100ml (or 3 oz) opaque glass dropper bottle. Apply just-enough on your freshly cleansed face ( these soak in deep so make sure you cleansed your face thoroughly. )
  

That’s the basic recipe - of course, you can modify to make it work best for you as needed. Below we have a list explaining some of the benefits of the plant-based oils we chose. Oh, trust us… there are reasons + they are really great reasons. Keep reading to find out our why.

(We realize we haven’t covered the why behind the essential oils chosen here, but you can click this to learn up on a couple of them. )

Moringa Oil: the Wonder-worker

Moringa oil is one of those oils that covers a lot of ground… or skin. It has moisturizing and emollient properties, which help the skin hydrate and actually retain the moisture. Moringa also has the ability to purify, making it a wonder-worker at dealing with allergenic issues. The behenic acid in this oil helps protect the skin from damage. This oil can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, improve overall appearance, combat breakouts + SO MUCH MORE.

To top it off adding a little of this wonder oil can help to prolong the shelf life of your homemade beauty products. Muah… we LOVE you Moringa!

Baobab Oil: the Hydrator

Baobab oil is a natural moisturizer and an emollient. It is packed with moisture, making it a must-have for dry skin. It works to restore hydration and then it strengthens the skin barrier to keep moisture levels adequate.

Baobab oil is also skin microbiome friendly. Well, what exactly does that mean? The term ‘skin microbiome’ refers to the community of bacteria that live in the layers of your skin and keep it healthy. This is a GOOD THING - just like your gut, keeping that healthy balance is important.

Baobab Oil is not limited to these benefits, as it has many more that are also contained in the remaining oils we will cover.

Fun fact: This oil comes from the seed of the Baobab tree found in Africa. the tallest recorded tree was about 98 feet tall and had a trunk diameter of 36 feet. The trunks become so massive partly because they can HOLD WATER! As much as 1000 gallons of water have been tapped from one trunk. #hydrator

Camellia Seed Oil: the Deliverer

Camellia oil is a very lightweight, dry oil, that has a very similar makeup to our sebum, which is your skin’s natural oil. That means that when applied, the molecules are small enough to be absorbed into the skin immediately instead of sitting on top of the dermis, which helps to lock in moisture, which of course keeps your skin smooth and hydrated throughout the live-long day. Can I get an AMEN?

Not only that, it’s packed full of skin-perfecting nutrients which help preserve the youthful glow of your skin and combat those dreaded wrinkles. This oil delivers!

Fun fact: Historically, this is the oil the Japanese Geisha’s used to keep their skin smooth + gorgeous.

Calendula Oil: the Comforter

Calendula Oil is a great option for your skin. It has so many calming, healing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can calm sensitive skin, relieve redness + soothe the skin after acne breakouts.

Where does it come from? it is extracted from those cheerful + happy Pot Marigold flowers. Its mild properties relieve many types of skin conditions and also support your skin’s healing process.

Rosehip Oil: the Tamer

This oil may be best known for its ability to tame inflammation.

One study found that rosehip’s high levels of antioxidants are what make it a superstar in regards to dealing with oxidative stress + inflammation.

Rosehip’s fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) make it an excellent option for dry skin.

Those same fatty acids are what have shown to bring relief with rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, (see study)

Rosehip is also rich in Vitamin A + C + E which: Exfoliates - Boosts Collagen - Regenerates cells - Helps with Skin Damage.

So, what is Rosehip Oil?
It comes from the rose bush and is harvested from the fruit. You know those little bulbs that form after the petals fall? That little beauty is the power-packed rosehip.

This fruit is beautifully rich in vitamin C  + Provitamin A (not your common retinol vitamin A), vitamin D, vitamin E, flavonoids, carotenoids, beta-sitosterol, and a plethora of other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Argan Oil: the Doer

Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, it’s packed with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that do absolute wonders for skin. It offers deep hydration + antioxidant protection without clogging pores.

Beautiful, right? Who wouldn’t want to go smother their faces with all of this gold now?

Stay posted. Up next is our AMAZING power-packed restorative serum. You won’t want to miss it…

Be well,

Tired Much? How to boost health, relieve stress and calm fear: Detox Bath Recipe

So, can a bath really boost health, relieve stress and calm fear? Absolutely!

We really value much of what Dr. Axe has to say about the importance of choosing natural options for best health practices. He has written a few articles on the benefits of a good detox bath. Here is a lil’ exerpt form one of his articles. “…allowing our bodies (and minds!) time to rest and rid themselves of toxins is essential to staying healthy. After all, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give anything — or anyone else — 100 percent.

Toxins are poisonous substances that negatively affect our health. We expose ourselves to toxins on a daily basis, from sources like pollution, processed foods, and pesticides. And when we don’t release these toxins, it’s reflected in our health and the way we feel throughout the day. That’s why I’m such a fan of detox baths.

Detox Bath Benefits

While there are many ways to detox, one of the easiest and most relaxing is through a detox bath. The best part? They’re insanely easy to make at home. You’ll get all the benefits you’d find in a high-end spa bath at a fraction of the price and in the comfort of your own home.

Using essential oils (which strengthen the immune system and support your inflammatory response), along with common household items like baking soda + epsom salts… can help flush impurities from the body by allowing it to sweat out toxins.” Tell me, who doesn’t need a little bit of that right now?

“I recommend doing a bath for about 40 minutes to an hour for best results. The first 20 minutes will give your body time to remove toxins from your system while the last 20 to 40 minutes will allow you to absorb the minerals in the water and help you emerge from the bath feeling rejuvenated. Make sure to use hot water — it’ll help you sweat out impurities.”

Here is what Dr. Mark Hyman has to say about the importance of a good detox. (Dr. Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine.)

“When our bodies become toxic it means that our natural method of ushering out metabolic waste from normal human metabolism, environmental pollution, and what has become known as the Standard American Diet (or SAD) has exceeded the threshold for what the body’s innate detoxification system can tolerate.  With this toxic load, every system in the human body can become affected.  From our head to our toes and everything in between, toxicity makes us sick!” - Mark Hyman

So basically you are getting the message that a good detox bath can induce a relaxing effect on the nerves and the brain, right?

And depending upon the essential oils you pick, you will see some additional benefits.

• For balancing a grounding go for some wood oils.

• For skin support and calming go for the florals.

• For uplifting and encouraging go for the citrus oils.

And whichever you choose for those I would add a few drops of the following to enhance and magnify the Impact of the detox: Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Vetiver, Copaiba. These oils have a huge variety of ways they support your body functions and your mental processes. They are TERRIFIC for the skin. They are also oils that have a very large variety of benefits for overall health.

With all of the stressors out there right now I can’t encourage this enough. Try it and let us know what you think.

Be well,

Kimber

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project: In the kitchen

Toxins, in the kitchen. Where are they, what do they do? Do the toxins really hurt us that much?

Have you spent much time considering the toxins in your kitchen? I am guessing you have probably taken a look at your cleaners and considered what is included in the ingredients list. If not, that is a great place to begin evaluating on your quest to go toxin free. Prepared to be shocked at what you find. That isn’t what we are covering today though.

Did you know the most harmful way to come into contact with toxins is through ingestion? Anytime we ingest anything, it has a direct route to the bloodstream + begins affecting the body right away.

So is food the only way you introduce chemicals and toxins through ingestion? No, what you cook your food in plays a part too. Pots + pans play a huge role as our food comes into direct contact with it, sits in it, and transform through the process of being exposed to it.

And what about when you’re standing over the food you’re cooking, you are inhaling those gases, Inviting them straight into your body with full access. Using a vent fan can help minimize this, but the ultimate way to avoid this problem of inhaling toxins is by choosing safe cookware to begin with.

Toxic Cookware to Avoid:
1. Ceramic-coated pans

Ceramic pans and cutlery are usually metals coated with a synthetic polymer that is softer than metal. This coating can easily wear off and can only last for about one year. Once the coating begins to wear off and depending on the material beneath the synthetic polymer, toxic metals can begin leaching into your food.

2. Non-stick cookware (Teflon)

Non-stick cookware contains a similar synthetic coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is a plastic polymer that can release harmful and carcinogenic gases at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit. In humans, these fumes can cause flu-like symptoms several hours after exposure, resulting in a condition called polymer fume fever that is often misdiagnosed as the viral flu. The gases are so toxic that for most birds, they are fatal.

3. Aluminum cookware and aluminum foil

Aluminum cookware is often coated to prevent the aluminum from seeping off the appliance. However, these protective coatings easily chip and wear off. Aluminum can be affordable, but may not be worth the risk of transferring aluminum into your food and contributing to potential aluminum toxicity. Aluminum can accumulate in your brain, lungs, bones, and other tissues, causing tangles in nerve fibers and leading to muscular dysfunction and memory loss.1 Aluminum has not been shown to be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but increased levels of aluminum in the brain have been noted in autopsies of Alzheimer’s patients which suggests that aluminum toxicity may be a risk factor in the disease.2 Common sources of aluminum include antiperspirants, some toothpaste, aluminum foil, aluminum cans, and aluminum cookware. Simply ditching the aluminum foil for a glass baking dish can help you reduce your intake of aluminum.

4. Copper pans

Copper cookware is popular because it heats evenly over the surface. However, I do not recommend using it in your home. Uncoated copper can leach into your food and even protective coatings will break down over time. Too much copper can suppress your zinc levels and weaken your immune system,3 interfering with adrenal and thyroid function which most commonly results in fatigue.

 They say that small daily decisions lead to long term effects. If that is the case then choosing the right pan is one of the first places to start in reducing toxins in your home.

Here are some great toxic-free choices:

1. Enameled Cast-Iron

Coated cast-iron pans offer the non-stick benefits of Teflon without the harmful gases. Enameled cast-iron pots are easier to care for and available in various colors, but if you want the benefits of iron, then opt for the bare versions.

2. Bare Cast-Iron

When seasoned properly, bare cast-iron is the ideal non-stick surface. It can also transfer small amounts of iron into your food when cooking acidic ingredients. This can be beneficial for those who suspect an iron deficiency and need to increase their iron intake. Bare cast-iron requires a little more care than enameled cast-iron, but it is more affordable and heats more evenly than its enameled counterpart. Bare cast-iron can also be used in an oven or on a grill.

3. Stainless steel

Stainless steel cookware is affordable and very stable at high temperatures. This cookware is non-stick, lighter than cast-iron, resistant to scratching, and lasts significantly longer than coated materials.

4. Carbon Steel

Carbon Steel pans are extremely versatile. Very popular with chefs. They are broiler safe. Like cast iron, carbon steel pans become more and more nonstick over time, without the need for special coatings during manufacturing. Carbon steel pans are thinner and lighter than cast iron, and also more responsive to temperature changes.

5. Glass

Similar to cast-iron and stainless steel, glass is a sturdy material that will not release chemicals or toxic metals into your food. Glass dishes are ideal for baking and storing leftovers. We recommend using glass storage containers instead of plastic in order to avoid toxins.

So, do you have any pans you are ready to toss out with the trash? Which of the safe toxic-free cookware options above seems like the best fit for you? We would LOVE to hear from you.

COOKING TIP for CAST IRON: If you are looking for a terrific video that teaches you how to properly season a cast iron pan here is one from Tasty that we suggest watching! They have some terrific tips on how to care for your cast iron. Thinking the same method could be used to season your carbon steel pan. https://youtu.be/KLGSLCaksdY

Be well,

Kimber

21 day Reduce + Reuse Project. A unique guide to low tox living.

Welcome to the 21 day reduce + reuse project. We are looking forward to spending a few minutes a day with you talking through some ways you may not have thought about to simplify, improve and save in this sweet life you have in front of you.

This concept of finding creative ways to reduce expenses, reduce stress, save time, improve lifestyle is something quite fun. We are running this as an event over on facebook but we realized something… there are quite a few peeps dropping off of facebook to be a bit more productive, so why not add it day by day to our blog?

So here we are.

We’ll start by introducing ourselves. This Essentially Loved Crew reaches out farther than the two of us but we are the ones hosting this event. We are the mother /daughter duo who dreamed up this beaut.

As the event rolls along we will also have several experts joining in but the two of us will be here day in and day out with you to share the glory of it all and answer any questions you may have.

Over the next 21 days we will focus on 6 main areas.

We’ve been shocked as we have discovered so many hidden delivery systems secretly adding toxins to our daily lives. Some you may be aware of, and others probably not so much. Hopefully you’ll identify a few new ones that will help you clean up your act a little.

We will also be looking at some fun additions to help increase JOY. Because who doesn’t need more of that?

and let’s talk STRESS… enough is enough is enough. We have enough to do, enough pressure, and not enough time… we need to prioritize + simplify. But it isn’t always that easy is it? We are hoping some of our creative ideas will help you to identify some fun ways to restructure and refresh.

We know your load is already heavy so we promise to keep our posts short and sweet. Just enough to have you soak it in, evaluate the impact in your own life and decide if you want to implement a change. Simple, right?

Well, let’s get this ball rolling. Day one is on PLANT DETOX. Say what? Okay… you may immediately think this has everything to do with eating, BUT you may just be wrong on that one. Think NASA. More confused? Check out the next article.

Be Well,

Kimber