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You might remember this post I did several months ago.... Since August 31, I have been washing my hair with baking soda and an apple cider vinegar mixture and have been pleased with the results. I have been even more pleased with my other recipe, though.... Homemade Deodorant.
I know, I know. This sounds even more crazy and over the top, but I am so glad I tried it! After researching the harmful effects of some store-bought deodorants containing aluminum, I wanted to find a healthier and cheaper alternative. It has always been difficult for me to find one that actually works, so this was another experiment that seemed worth trying.
5-6 tablespoons coconut oil*
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch
A few drops essential oil (optional, I used about 8 drops of tangerine oil)
Whisk the baking soda and cornstarch together. Slowly add the coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it maintains a deodorant-like consistancy. (This takes a few minutes, just be patient.) I decided to add a few drops of essential oil, but the coconut scent is also pleasant. You can either scoop it into your old (clean) dispenser or place it in a small container with a lid (which I did) and apply with fingers with each use. I had a bit left over, so I did both. If you choose to use your old dispenser, you will need to keep your deodorant in the fridge. Just think of it as a nice conversation piece for your guests. :)
I am so pleased with this recipe! It keeps me smelling fresh all day long and has not left any residue on my clothes. Here's a few recommendations if you choose to try this for yourself:
1. Coconut oil can be found at Whole Foods, CVS or Walgreens, or online. It can be fairly expensive, but it can be used for many things, and will last you through 4-5 deodorant recipes. (I bought mine at Whole Foods and paid $12.00. I also bought my essential oil at WF for $4.00.)
2. I had irritation on my skin for several days and believe it was caused by putting the deodorant on right after shaving my arms. Now, I try to shave my arms at night time, and have not experienced any more skin irritation.
3. I would not suggest wearing this with silk tops. At least wait until the deodorant has dried, which usually takes about 5 minutes for me.
If you try this, please let me know if they worked as well for you! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Heath and I had a morning date today. We explored the Portland State Farmer's Market, which is the largest and most diversified one we've found so far. If nothing else, it's fun to walk around, take in all the wonderful smells of fresh food, and admire the lovely dahlias and sunflowers.
Though many say the prices at farmers markets are unreasonable, I think it's well worth it to set aside $10 a week to spend. Here's a couple reasons why:
1. You support local farmers.
2. You get to take home amazing food, fresh and free from pesticides, which makes the tastes remarkably intense and juicy!
3. By supporting local farmers, you are taking away the control of superstores (aka Walmart) and regaining control in your community and the quality of the foods that you eat.
We purchased a pint of cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries, and 5 large red potatoes. We spent $9. Farmers market strawberries literally taste like sugar! MMMmmm, such a treat.
Heath recently finished reading Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food", and I hope to finish it soon. It's a book full of useful and challenging information on what we eat here in America. We highly recommend it. The Oscar nominated documentary Food, Inc. made me realize that I need to start paying more attention to the foods I choose to eat.
No, we don't buy everything organic and I certainly don't think that's necessary. Just thought I'd share some thoughts. If you ever visit us, we will definitely be taking you to the farmers market! I will be buying some flowers for your room, and you will be sampling the cherries, strawberries, peaches, cheeses, breads, and kettle corn. :)
Well friends, please bare with me as I do a little experimenting. For about a year now, I have been slightly obsessed with reading over blogs, research studies, and books concerning natural health and living more simply. Most articles I read were very convincing, yet it has taken me a while to take the next step and actually implement these ideas. I think living in Portland, amongst all these hippies, has given me a bit more confidence and "you've got nothing to lose" mentality.
With that said, please know that I have found something that sparks my interest and I wanted to share it with you. I don't expect all of you to do the same and agree with me fully, I just want to take you on this journey with me. :)
A couple days ago, I went to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Safeway to pick up these items....
I actually already had a few of them in the pantry, but still needed the essential oil, Borax, virgin coconut oil and Apple Cider Vinegar. These items, along with some water here and there, will be my household cleaning products, deodorant, and hair cleaner until they run out... so I hope they work well! All in all, I have a little less than $30 invested.
My first adventure: the "'Poo Free" Method. Shampoo strips the hair of natural oils that keep it healthy, shiny, and strong. When I learned there was a way to clean your hair without using shampoo, I was obviously intrigued. This is a frugal, non-toxic, and extremely easy way to care for your hair. (If you want to read more, this site was helpful to me, as well as this one.)
Here's my new hair-care routine:
1. Use a squeeze bottle or an old shampoo bottle. Mix 1 Tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water. Shake well.
2. Soak your hair completely with water. Squeeze some of the baking soda mixture onto your scalp. Massage it in, mostly concentrating on the scalp, and adding more of the mixture if needed. (This probably goes without saying, but you won't get suds like with normal shampoos... I noticed a more gritty texture. Just now it's doing its job.)
3. Leave in for 3-4 minutes, then rinse.
4. In another bottle, mix 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 cup water. I also added 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract and about 10 drops of Tangerine essential oil to mask the vinegar smell.
5. Squeeze a little of the vinegar mixture onto the ends of your hair (away from the roots) and let it rest for about 30 seconds. (If your hair is like mine and rests on the oily side, make sure not to use too much of the mixture.)
6. Fully rinse, and you're done!
Isn't that simple! I was a little concerned that my hair would smell bad afterwards, but Heath said it smelt lovely. :) The apple cider vinegar made my hair feel so soft, and my hair still has the same body it did before. Though it should take my hair around a month to get used to this method, I am already impressed. I'm really glad I tried it... I'll post an update in a month to give you my final verdict.
When you run out of shampoo and conditioner like I did recently, try it out and tell me what you think!
