E-Cloth Facial Cleaning Mitt: Improve Skin without Chemicals

Did you know that it takes approximately 26 seconds for something that you apply to your skin to enter your blood stream?

If you've been following my blog, then you know that my goal in life is to reduce chemical exposures for myself and my family. I've been making my own DIY products for cleaning and beauty for a few years and it's made a HUGE impact on my health and my skin. I had sensitive skin, but I've seen tremendous improvements from making my own products. However, one of the most common questions I receive is that people want to know what my exact skin care routine.

Well, this is difficult because I don't really have a set routine. I listen to my skin and I do a variety of skin care treatments. To wash my face I use the oil cleansing method when my skin is dry, African black soap to control acne, and rosewater for normal skin but I add essential oils for acne, redness, or just to lightly wash my face. On some mornings, I will just wash my face with water.

On those light cleaning days, I have to say that I think that the E-Cloth Facial Cleaning Mitt has been a big help! It is so gentle on the skin (it feels almost like satin) and it picks up dirt, makeup and any residue which make be clinging to my skin. When I first got it, I really couldn't believe how dirty it can be even when I've spent most of my day inside my office! But the best part is that it's chemical free!!

How To Use It:
I use a small amount of my DIY facial cleansing solution or just water, then wipe it across my face. Simple!! I follow it up with Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera and some DIY Lavender and Rosehips moisturizer or a Rose Water Spray with just a little added vegetable glycerin as a moisturizer.

After I wash, it's easy to wash it out with some warm water and let it air dry. After a few washes, just toss it in the washing machine and it'll be good to go again!

Win it! 
Now are you ready for the fun part?! There is a GIVEAWAY!!! E-Cloth already knows I love their products. I've written a review about their cleaning products (seriously-- amazing!) and I've been using several of their other products for months so when they contacted me with an opportunity for a giveaway I jump on it! How cool is this! You get a bunch of great e-cloth products!

The prize has three parts and it includes three bloggers to review each prize! Included in the giveaway is the E-Cloth facial cleaning mitt, an E-Auto Car Care kit (reviewed by Kristi from Veggie Converter) and a Large Cleaning and Drying Towel (Kirsten at Cheerfully Imperfect). Please visit each of these links to learn more about the prizes! You can see more information at e-cloth.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is for US residents only. The giveaway is sponsored by E-Cloth, but I was not paid for this review I just looooooove E-Cloth!

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Easy DIY Mouthwash

I may or may not have an obsession with jars. Months ago, I happened to run across some absolutely beautiful sea glass containers on clearance at TJ Maxx by "accident". I might have freaked out right there in the middle of the store and acted like a fool because the bottles were $0.99 each and absolutely gorgeous! The best joy can be found in the small things in life, right? For me, it's bottles!

I wasn't quite sure what to do with them, until I stumbled across some information while I was researching Thieves essential oil for respiratory support. I saw that Thieves may also be good for oral health! That sounds pretty NOT bad, right?

Why Use DIY Mouthwash
I use homemade mouthwash because of the same reason that I make all of my own DIY products: less chemical exposures and more money in my wallet. Not only is this CHEAP (less than $0.50 to make an entire batch), but you know exactly what is in this product!

Did you know that there are little regulations for  chemical ingredients like thymol, hexetidine, methyl salicylate, cetylpyridinium chloride, methylparaben and finally alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (how do you even SAY THAT!?) Apparently nobody knew how to say it so they shortened it to Benzalkonium chloride which I guess is better, right? Eehhh...

Anyways, these chemicals can do a number of things just check out the EWG's safety rating ;)

And then there is that whole alcohol debate-- is that bad for you? Let's go ahead and say, "Maybe, probably, yes". It can cause dry mouth, halitosis, and there are some studies which raise concern. So, until their are more studies that show that it's safe-- I think I'll pass!

Have I convinced you? Well, let me try again! It can save you money and health, but also time, too! It literally takes less than 30 seconds to make. 30 seconds!!! That's as much time as it would take to walk down the dental care aisle and pick out a bottle of mouthwash (if you didn't read labels).

How To Make Homemade Mouthwash

• 1 cup of Purified or Distilled Water 
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5-10 drops of Thieves Essential Oil (depends on how strong you want it)
• 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
• 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 
• Optional: 1 tsp baking soda
• Glass bottle (essential oils can degrade plastic)

I recommend this brand of essential oil

Put the salt in the bottle, add the essential oils to the salt, add the water and shake. BAM! Done! Easy right! 30 seconds tops!

I add the essential oils to the salt before I add the water because the salt helps to keep the oils and water from separating (it'll still happen a little bit). You can also use some baking soda if you want a little extra cleaning power, but I use baking soda in my toothpaste so I usually skip that step.

You may want to adjust the ratios of essential oils. Thieves has some cinnamon flavor (which I love) but some people may enjoy peppermint more. You can definitely switch the Peppermint and Thieves in this recipe. In fact, that's exactly what I do for my man-- he is a peppermint fiend! You may also like it the flavor to be stronger or weaker so feel free to use a drop more or a drop less per your tastebuds.

Remember it's very important to use quality essential oils especially when you want to use them for therapeutic value. The regulations are poor for labeling of essential oils so to be labeled as "pure" the companies actually only need 10% "pure" product and the rest can be synthetic additives. {rolls eyes} So "pure" on a bottle means diddly squat. If you want to know more about essential oils, then please read this fancy little summary that I wrote. Psst… it's not fancy. 

I hope you enjoy this mouthwash recipe! I'd love to know what you think about it.

If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

Important consideration: Tap water has chlorine, mercury, fluoride, nitrates, and may even contain some carcinogens. I want to avoid all of that so I use distilled or purified instead.

Want more natural ideas for oral health?
Mary Vance talks more about the benefit of Thieves for oral health

Do you want to know more about Essential Oils that are good for oral care and learn about oil pulling at the same time? Check out this post.
Now that you have DIY mouthwash, do you want some DIY toothpaste too?
If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

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Clean and Detoxify with Herbal Detox by Herb Pharm

I recently had a fantastic opportunity to write a guest post for my friend Lleaon over at The Holistic Saffron. She's an herbalist and aromatherapists who has a great blog that's really focuses on the healthy aspects of being natural. I was super honored when she asked me to write a piece for her blog! Eeeck!!!

Over the last few weeks, I have been taking Herbal Detox by Herb Pharm to help do a gentle detox to prepare me for a larger detox which I'm going to be taking part of soon (stay tuned for that!). Herbal Detox is an amazing 100% natural product which uses wildcrafted or organically grown herbs which I loooove! I'm super impressed with not only the ingredients themselves, but how dedicated the company is to making sure that they provide healthy, chemical-free options.

You should see some of the testimonials of people who use this product-- it ranges from helping with acne, sinus problems, joint pain, and even helping with some medical conditions. It's truly an amazing little product that's so gentle on the body.

I'd love it if you'd want to read more about my experience with this awesome little product! To see more about The Herbal Detox please go to my friend's website: Holistic Saffron. Thanks!!

If you'd like to join my Natural Living Support Group on Facebook please fill out this form!

Superwoman Slim Down Detox and a GIVEAWAY

If you have read my blog for a while, then you know that I'm a big believer in detox programs. I've detoxed with bentonite clay, herbs, more herbs, essential oils, lemon water… you name it. Why? Because I really, really believe that a good detox is important for optimal health, maintaining proper weight, promoting healthy skin and reducing my risk for chronic illness.

I used to believe that just because I ate organic foods and reduced my sugar intake, I was healthy, but I forgot to think about all the things which I don't have control over. As much as I try to be 100% chemical free, my family still come in contact with so many chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals through the air we breath, medicines we take, foods/drinks we consume and the different substances that we put on our skin. Overtime, these pollutants build up in our tissues and can be detrimental to our physical and emotional health. Soooo…. it's kind of a good idea to cleanse the body every now and then. {wink}

So how do you know if you need a detox?

Are you:

• Feeling like you need to drop a few pounds
• Tired
• Bloated or irregular
• Suffering from skin problems (acne, rashes, eczema)
• Having trouble sleeping
• In a constant brain fog or have trouble concentrating
• Sick of looking at a closet full of clothes and still not finding anything to wear
• Dealing with allergies
• Popping pills for headaches, joint pain, or muscle aches
• Covering up those dark circles and puffy eyes with makeup and expensive skin creams
• Battling cravings
• Moody

If any of those describe you, then you may want to try to detox. But good neeeeews! This giveaway is all about detoxing, losing weight and finding a healthier YOU!

I’m really excited to be teaming up with Kristen from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life and some of my favorite bloggers to give YOU the chance to reclaim your inner Superwoman (or man) and WIN a coveted spot in The Superwoman Slim Down: A Real Food Detox and Cleanse for Real Women (a $347 value!)! You can read all about it here: Slim Down Program Information

This is NOT an average detox! This is a program that actually teaches you about your body and sets you up for success! You also won't be starving yourself or feeling deprived like some detoxes.

The Superwoman Slim Down is a fully-supported “done-for you” 21 day 100% REAL FOOD, hunger-free program led by experienced registered nurse, certified health and wellness coach, and certified specialist in fitness nutrition, Kristen Boucher. (Whew! I'm tired after writing all her credentials) She will teach you step-by-step how to feel better than you ever imagined while eating delicious, nutrient-dense, metabolism-boosting foods and making your health a priority.

Granted, you shouldn't just believe me. Check out what these former Superwomen have to say about it here: Superwoman Slim Down Reviews

Giveaway Details
One winner will receive FREE ACCESS to The Superwoman Slim Down: A Real Food Detox and Cleanse for Real Women (a $347 value).

How to enter the giveaway:

1. Sign up for the MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life email newsletter.  
2. Like MIX | wellness solutions for balanced life on Facebook. 
3. Use Rafflecopter to log your entries and unlock bonus entries. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Be sure to visit all the blogs responsible for this giveaway to share the love!***

The Crunchy Moose

Good Girl Gone Green
Coco Well

Kula Mama

Life Sanity
Beauty and the Foodie

Loula Natural

Homegrown and Healthy

Refocus On Being

Happy Healthnut

Cheerfully Imperfect

The Healthy Honeys

Yogi Mami

Real Time Mama

Don't Mess with Mama

MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
The Darling Bakers
Happy Mothering
Conscientious Confusion

This is a great program, ya'll! The Superwoman Slim Down is a great opportunity to really kick start your health and learn how to reach your goals. I am super excited to have the opportunity to hopefully give it to YOU for FREE! Good luck!  

The Fine Print
The giveaway ends at midnight ET, June 30, 2014. Kirsten will announce the lucky winner on July 1, 2014. Once contacted, the lucky winner will have 48 hours to respond with his/her full name and email address.  There is no purchase necessary to win. This giveaway is open to everyone except where prohibited by law.