The SIXTH Day of Fitness...More Natural Remedies

On the SIXTH Day of Fitness, FitMePink Blog gave to me...MORE NATURAL REMEDIES!

Remember when I tried going shampoo-free? I still wash my hair with baking soda and rinse with apple cider vinegar, but I realized that doing it every day doesn't work for me. So most days, I still use shampoo and conditioner. But once or twice a week, I do the baking soda and vinegar wash. For now, this works for me.

For a lot of people, it seems they're either green, or they're not. I'm sort of in-between. I'm slowly adopting more and more green habits, but old habits die hard. In theory, I would love to be all green. But for me, most "green" habits are experimental. I learn about some, I try some, I keep some, I throw some out.

If I care so much about not letting harsh chemicals enter my body through my scalp, then shouldn't I also worry about what I'm putting on my face, body, and teeth? The following natural remedies are those I've read about, but haven't actually tried yet. I will definitely try them (sometime in January when there's nothing more exciting to do than make my own deodorant), and we'll see which ones stick. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking, and possibly experimenting with me:

CLEAN YOUR FACE NATURALLY via The Oil-Cleansing Method! Yes...it sounds a little strange to consider cleaning your face WITH oil, especially if your skin is already oily. But OIL isn't actually the culprit of oily skin! According to acne.org, oil actually dissolves oil, and when done properly, the Oil Cleansing Method can clear the skin of issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads, and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne. Your skin will be properly balanced, moisturized, and healthy. The most popular blend of oils for this method is castor oil and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).

• If you have normal skin, use a one-to-one ratio of castor oil and EVOO.
• If you are acne prone, or have oily skin, use less EVOO. Try three parts castor oil to one part EVOO.
• If your skin is dry, try using one part castor oil to three parts EVOO.
• Apply a small amount to DRY skin (don't splash with water first). Gently rub it in for about a minute.
• Wet a washcloth with hot (not scalding) water, and apply it to your face for about a minute as it steams out your pores, removes dead skin cells, and other impurities.
• Rinse the washcloth, and wipe your face off.

MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTHPASTE! Simplemom uses this recipe:

• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 2 to 3 Tablespoons Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of Stevia Powder
• A few drops of pure peppermint extract

Mix it all together until it's just like toothpaste!

MAKE YOUR OWN DEODORANT! (As found on eHow.com)

• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup cornstarch in a small bowl.
• Add coconut oil, a Tablespoon at a time until all the dry ingredients have been mixed in (about 4-6 Tbsp.)
• If you want more scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
• Make sure your coconut oil is in it's solid form. It has a melting point of 76 degrees F. You may need to refrigerate it at first.
• The easiest way to apply the deodorant is to pack it into an old, empty deodorant/anti-perspirant container. Shape into a curve with a spoon, and apply as usual!

What natural remedies have you tried? Which of these are you going to try next? Or do you think it's all ridiculous given the modern conveniences of our day?

Summer fun: Sweating Outdoors AND Indoors with the "COOLKEEPER" program!

I was laying in my bed just the other night,
Thinking of summer and her many delights.
Swimming, playing, being kissed by the sun.
I truly love summer...the sweat and the fun.
I often am out in the sun and the heat.
Nothing's more glorious than coming in for retreat.
The sun gets so hot, the AC is my friend.
Without a cooling system, the heat NEVER ends.
A few years ago, I lived without cool.
My baby boy and I sweat enough for a pool!
Happy wife? Sad to say, my DH did NOT have.
The heat makes me cranky. Don't come near...I might stab!
Who invented the swamp cooler? Well, he had no brain.
It worked nary a day in this house we'd attained.
Central air, we conceded, of necessity we'd buy.
Not 'til Fall, when on sale. I suffered through August and July!
Then all winter long, I waited and prayed
For the HOT days ahead when inside I'd stay!
So a year ago, summer was glorious indeed.
I'd sweat, I'd melt, then crank the air 'til I'd freeze!
As summer rolled in, this great year of '09,
My plan was the same. We'd survive summer just fine.
Until one day last week...we had a few guests.
The hottest day yet, the AC failed the test!
Cranky-me, feeling sweaty, upon hubby's return home
Nearly tackled him as he walked through the door, mouth a-foam!
"WHY IS IT HOT IN THIS AIR-CONDITIONED (expletive) HOUSE?!?!?
WE'RE HOT AND WE'RE SWEATY, AND I HAVEN'T EVEN WORKED OUT!"
The husband calmly replied in his matter-of-fact voice,
"Today must be the 1st day they used the 'cool keeper' device."
He went on to explain that dear Rocky Mountain Power,
Could turn our AC off at peak times...hour after hour.
Supposedly most customers don't notice the change.
But my 3-year old noticed. And he sure did complain!
So I'm helping conserve energy, and not liking it one bit.
I'm a baby, I know. I completely threw a big fit!
But I feel sorta guilty saying, "Please take it off!"
That little signal receiving device, it's ticking me off.
Stop turning off my air when I want it back on!
I paid money to be cool...the heat is making me yawn
...and yell and complain and be ornery at best.
Can I survive this through August? That will be the test!
At least it gets cool when peak hours have ended.
I can crank the air up when the sun has descended.
And I can spend all my days in the cool of the shade.
We can swim, run through sprinklers, and drink lemonade.
Guess that's what I get for actually becoming somewhat green.
Today I bought cloth diapers...I'm an environmental machine!
How about you? Do you enjoy doing good for the earth?
Sure, I hate global warming, but AC has great worth!
I'm kind of on the fence. At least I'm trying my best.
But this summer in the heat will be a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE test!