Simple Calming Skin Cleanser Recipe for Sensitive Skin

I have had some serious skin issues this winter. From severe breakouts (due to product irritation) to wind burn (Thanks Chicago hawk), my skin has suffered. I went to Whole Foods in search of something gentle, because my face literally felt like it was on fire. My skin was rare and dry. I searched in the baby asile for a gentle cleanser with absolutely no luck. The ingredients in the baby products were just as harsh and  unpronounceable, so I passed,  in fear of having another let down.  I grabbed a bottle of Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Magic Soap and headed towards the skin treatment section in hopes I'd find a magic cream. Still, no such luck.  So I asked a saleswoman. She was great, she suggested I make my own cleanser. I've made things in the past, but never a facial cleanser. So here is the what I suggest for anyone experiencing upset skin. I used aloe because it is naturally calming for scars and burns.

1 teaspoon of Dr. Bonner"s Baby Mild Magic Soap
Our unscented baby contains no fragrance so is great for people who have allergies or sensitive skin. Of course it is great for babies as well. All oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
INGREDIENTS:
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol

2 drops of Skin Gel Ultimate Skin Treatment

The Skin Gel is made from fresh Certified Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice. Thickened naturally with seaweed. The formula contains 1% skin nutrients of Vitamin E, A and C combined with herbal extracts of Azulene from Chamomile and Allantoin from Comfrey. The therapeutic value of Skin Gel is unmatched by any other topical Aloe Vera today. The golden yellow color shows the presence of the therapeutic yellow sap used traditionally for healing. Safe for putting on any scrape, wound, bite , burn, acne, stretch marks, scars, damaged hair & scalp, thinning hair, post surgical reconstruction, athletes foot, psoriasis, eczema, itching skin, sunburned and damaged skin, after shave, brushing teeth for gum support, vaginal irritation and baby rash. The Skin Gel is a natural astringent perfect to apply to clean washed skin to tighten and regenerate the cells.

3 drops of Jojoba oil


I wash twice a day with the Aloe and magic soap mixed in the palm of my hand. I wash and rinse my face. I moisturize with a drop of aloe (a little goes a long way) and seal in the moisture with the jojoba oil. I felt immediate relief and saw improvement. My skin no longer burned and the black marks from the wind burn began to leave. I will swear by this easy gentle cleanser until further notice. No, my skin is not flaky from the gel, nor oily from the jojoba oil. In fact my skin is extra soft and my dry/oily combination skin is balanced. Jojoba oil is the best oil you could ever place on your skin because it is the closest oil to your natural skin's oil therefore you are not left looking like an oily mess.

I will be trying a homemade honey mask to clear up the dark marks left from the breakout, that I will share the recipe at a later date along with before and after pictures. I must say I will no longer be trying foundation pressed powders on my face. I believe I am allergic to talc. I can not deal with another breakout like this again.

I hope this helps someone. Try this and let me know what you think.

Later Brownies...

In A Writer's Hell

Neither of my laptops are currently working and I feel like I am in the middle of a bad dream. For the past  weeks my computers have been on the fritz. I know I am going to need another one, but in the meantime I want to scream to the top of my lungs. To anyone that is glued to their laptop as much as I am, they will understand my frustration.

I am in a writer's hell at this moment. LOL. My computer shuts down whenever it so desires and I can not download any new programs. Yes, I am sad to say the least. But hopefully I will be getting a replacement soon.

On another note, my dear friend said words to me that I will never forget. She said she was impressed and proud of me. That means the world to me. We spoke so fondly of my future. It is great to be surrounded by someone that has seen you at your worst, but still hold you whole for what you are worth. That is a true friend. I have shed tears of joy for her because I have been so happy and proud of her. We encourage each other and trust me she kicks me when I need it and lets me know when I am wrong. I cherish that, it is hard to find and very rare. Do you all have at least one person like that in your life that inspires you?

School Project

I spent this frigid day inside. I think the wind chill was blow zero, honestly I did not check. I needed to catch up on some much needed rest, exercise and real food. This month has been so busy, some days I forget if I actually slept the night before.

Anyway, Little J had a midterm project due and we finished it up this weekend. The entire day I attempted to do my school work, but ultimately ended up engaging in painting, gluing and laughing with the little lady. Her project was to build a community. They are learning about the components that make up a community. The final project and field trip closes their lesson on "what makes a community". The project was given to us in November and due in January. So, yes it's that deep. She first had to do research and a report (which is 3 pages), a video news broadcast and back drop. We had the option to do a Power point, but with my computers on the fritz we decided to do an actual model of her community. We went to Michaels last night and spent an hour in the store while she pushed through each aisle dropping everything she could find in our cart.

We narrowed down her selections to some felt, stickers, paint, a cottage (10 cents, left over from X-mas) and card stock. I told her we would layout our material today and execute her vision. Last week she recorded her news broadcast with a great backdrop she made and was inspired to base her model on the backdrop. She knew what she wanted and I am so proud of her determination and ability to follow instructions.

The cottage was the major task, doing a second coat of paint was something she didn't anticipate, but she stuck it out. In the end she created a beautiful community. I only helped with the folding and touch up paint, she did it all and I wanted to share it with you all. I told her I was going to take a picture and add it to my blog, she was thrilled. She has to add trees, but here is her project finished as of 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday night. Oh yeah, the two people in the community are pictures of us.

By the way she is in first grade. I can not say enough about how pleased I am with her school. The program she is in is for gifted children, though they stress academics, they also incorporate creativity and expression in their curriculum. She journals a lot and any words they do not know how to spell, are underlined and explored at a later time, rather than asking someone how to spell it. She is always excited to go to school and that brings comfort and joy in my heart. I was hesitate about placing her in such a program because I didn't want her to be overwhelmed with just studies. However, the more I interact with her school and we engage in the assignments, the more I am impressed. The school has a parent support group for parents of "gifted" children that will occur later this month through the end of the school year. I definitely will be joining them to see what other families experience. So far her education has been one of the best decisions I have made in my role as parent. I am such a proud mama.

Blog Neglect and Too Much Stress

Sorry I have been slacking on the blog post as of lately. This year came in a little overwhelming and I have been under a lot of stress. (Nothing I can't handle) Too say the least I need a hug. That sounds so funny, but its true one time my co-worker gave me a hug for absolutely no reason and immediately I felt better. I love hugs. Over the shoulder hugs, tight waist hugs, little hand hugs, any type. LOL. Seriously, I must send my apologies for not writing. I have so much on my mind that I want to share, but we will take it one topic at a time. I am hoping I can get back to writing shortly.

Sometimes stressing puts everything over the top and the smallest things under a microscope. Your heart beats a little faster, you feel a little tougher, you feel a little weaker, a little smarter, a little less smart, a little emotional, a little less emotional, overall you feel every damn emotion you've ever felt, or at least it seems that way. Randomly thinking, I feel better when I let it out. I am off to get some much needed sleep. If you are a blogger and think I may be interested in reading your work. Please leave your link in my comments, I am always up for a good read.  Good night brownies!

Ambition

Perhaps my ambitions and aspirations have grasped tightly around my waist hindering and rescuing me from falling victim to the many disappointments and hardships I have faced throughout my life. Maybe my ability to continue in the race of life until my obstacle course is complete, has kept me determined and focused on my goals. Whatever the reason having long- term goals serve as my rainbow after the storm.

Some days I ponder the thought that my pot of gold may not exist at the end of my rainbow, but despite my despairs, I am still a Queen. I refuse to give up, let go or stop trying. My goals are simple, to gain as much knowledge and intellectual enrichment as possible so that I remain an intelligent and positive role model for my daughter. My life experiences and faith teaches me that as long as there are struggles, my duties are not fulfilled.Over the many stages of my life, I have lost a lot and gained even more. I can say that despite everything I usually come out winning. It's simply because I refuse to give up. I know that life tends to hits us when we are down, but we have to get back up and keep trying. Here are my tips to staying positive and motivated:

1. Dream Vivid- I dream a lot. Closing your eyes and envisioning the result you want to achieve help to make it a reality. The more specific you are in your dreams, the more achievable each step becomes. 
2. Don’t share your dreams and goals with just anyone- The past taught me that sharing my goals with people that don’t have my best interest at heart only leads to discouraging comments. Some people are placed in our lives to test us; they will squash our dreams and make us feel incapable. Limit your dream sharing to those you know are supportive.
3. Keep a tight circle-Surround your life with friends and family that only want the best for you. For example, if you are trying to get in shape and your circle is filled with people that taunt your new eating habits, or say you’re getting too skinny (when you are actually getting healthy), you may need to limit your interactions with them. Unless you are immune to negativity, discouraging people can influence your train of thought.
4. Write down your goals.
5. Lay down all your negative thoughts-If you’ve tried to achieve a goal in the past and failed. Leave that negative experience in the past especially if you are attempting to reach the same or a similar goal.
6. Find social networking groups that share your same interest. (if applicable)
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
8. Ask for a hug- My life is not easy, when I get overwhelmed I ask for a hug.
9. Finally, don’t give up. Stay positive, whether you are starting your life over, or taking a scary step down a new path, you have to keep believing in yourself. If you don’t believe in YOU, no one will.

Make-Up on Girls

Moms what do you think is an appropriate age for girls to wear make-up? I ask this question because when I went to pick my daughter up from school, two 3rd graders were wearing tinted lip gloss. If you are into make-up then you know that lip glosses come in tints as dark as a lipstick. Personally I think any age below 12 is too young for glosses, lipsticks, whatever. Time to time I will allow my little one to wear a clear gloss, but anything else is over doing it. What do you moms think?