Things I Love Thursday

Happy Thursday! And happy sum-sum-summertime to youuuu! Why are you inside looking at the Interwebs instead of picnicking, sailing, or napping in a hammock? Oh, right. You’re probably at work, procrastinating.

Well, procrastinate away today. I’ve got some fab-o links for you to peruse, read, and get inspired by. Check ‘em out! Then get outside for some fresh air and sunshine! Promise??

1. Cheap chic ruined us, via Salon

An interview with the author of a new book,  Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, in which she discusses the massive environmental and emotional disaster that is the result of literally tons of cheap clothing sold in the U.S. It’s a very thought-provoking subject, one that’s close to my heart. In 2010, I went a year without buying clothes and learned a lot about my own consumption habits, while vowing never to buy cheap, crappy, ill-fitting, emotionally draining clothes again. So far, so good. You can read all about my year without buying clothes here. But click the link above to check out the Salon interview, too! It might get you thinking about doing something similar.

2. Olympic Cyclist Evelyn Stevens talks about her journey from Wall Street to London, via Outside Magazine

Such an exciting and inspiring story! Stevens only started racing in 2008, and didn’t even quit her Wall Street job until 2009. And now, this summer, she’s an Olympic cyclist! It boggles the mind and inspires the quads, I tell ya.

3. Decorate with octopi! Via CasaSugar

Octopus is the new owl. Trust me on this.

4. An Olympic logo a day

Brilliant, creative, and adorable ideas.

5. Make a hula hoop chandelier, via Dollar Store Crafts

File this under: Why Didn’t I Think of That?!

6. Stressed and online? Visit Calm.com for 2 minutes of relaxation. Via Mashable

Got two minutes? CTFO, baby. (chill the f out, natch )

7. An updated list of lesser-known editing symbols, via Janet Reid

For professional use only. Be sure to click the link above to see them all.

8. Sci-fi film posters re-imagined as pulp fiction book covers, by Timothy Anderson (via Boing Boing)

Swoon-worthy!

9. Iconic ’70s skateboarder Cindy Whitehead, via Tomboy Style

The definition of rad. Click for more killer images.

10. Finally, What it’s like to live without money, via SavvySugar

An introduction to Heidemarie Schwermer, the subject of a new film called “Living Without Money.” A native German, Schwermer house-sits, travels, and does odd jobs while successfully living sin dinero (errr, I mean, ohne Geld). She’s no spring chicken, nor is she a dumpster-diving hipster. Read through and re-think your life. Dare ya not to.

Well, friends, that’s all for now Have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #26: Take Epsom Salt Baths

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

If you’ve been following along so far, you’re already familiar with the benefits of magnesium for relaxation. This crucial element helps to regulate many body functions, including muscle control and the release of toxins.

You might already be following my Tip #11: Use Magnesium for Relaxation by eating lots of spinach or taking supplements. But another great—and deeply relaxing—way to get magnesium is by taking epsom salt baths.

Epsom salt is a mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate. Known as hydrated magnesium sulfate, this salt compound is absorbed through the skin when you bathe in it, bringing your body these two essential elements that will help to relax, detoxify, and re-balance your body, mind, and spirit.

Epsom salts are easily found in drugstores and natural food stores. It doesn’t matter what brand you buy—epsom salts are epsom salts, no matter what! Some manufacturers add other soothing ingredients, like lavender or chamomile, to create a fancier bath salt, but you can always add your own essential oils to a plain old epsom salt bath to get the same effect.

Some Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

• Reduced inflammation throughout the body
• Relief from muscle pain
• Relief from muscle cramping
• Prevention and ease of migraines
• Improved detoxification
• Improved nerve function and balanced electrolyte function
• Deep stress relief
• Reduced irritability
• Improved sleep

How to take an epsom salt bath:

1. Fill your tub with warm water, being careful not to make the water too hot.
2. Add 2-6 cups of epsom salts to the filled tub.
3. Gently swirl the salts in the water until they are completely dissolved.
4. Add 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional).
5. Enter the tub and bathe for at least 10 minutes.
6. For the most benefit, follow your hot bath with a refreshing and invigorating cold shower! Learn more about cold showers with Tip #18

Stuff to Know:

• This post is not intended as medical advice. If you are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, an eating disorder, severe sleep disruption, or any other mental state that is causing concern to you or your loved ones, please seek the help of a professional.
• Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a fever should not take hot baths. Keep the water temperate, instead.

Do you ever take epsom salt baths?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #25: Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Skin Toner

You can use ANY apple cider vinegar as a toner, not just Bragg’s!

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

If you find yourself suffering from unbalanced, oily, blemished skin, it can be frustrating to find natural or homemade cures. Tea tree oil is one excellent solution for clearing up pimples. However, another solution that you might already have in your kitchen is apple cider vinegar.

As I’ve talked about before, using a toner after cleansing your face can help to control excess oil and breakouts while keeping your skin super-clean and fresh. But you don’t need to spend a lot of money on store-bought toners or those with extra ingredients. In fact, one ingredient is usually all you need!

Apple cider vinegar helps to maintain your skin’s pH balance, which can help it to stay even, clear, and blemish-free even during sweaty summer months. It also exfoliates and purifies your skin, making it the perfect revitalizing skin toner.

As always, it’s best to use organic and raw apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s, which can be found in almost any natural food store.

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is also sensitive, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner for Oily or Blemished Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. organic, raw apple cider vinegar

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad.
3. Using  small, circular movements, apply the apple cider vinegar to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
4. Allow the toner to dry on your face.
5. Apply moisturizer or face cream afterward, as needed.

Have you ever used apple cider vinegar in your beauty routine?

Do you use apple cider vinegar in your cooking or baking?

Chocolate-Coconut Energy Bites (Vegan, GF, No Sugar Added, Raw)

Chocolate-Coconut Energy Bites

To see all recipes, scroll to the top and click on Recipes or just click here!

This week marks the six-week countdown to my first marathon, the San Francisco Marathon, which I’ll be running with my sister at the end of July. I’m nervous but I know we can do it well!

Training for a marathon involves, as you might have guessed, lots of running. Sometimes these are long, slow runs and sometimes they’re shorter, faster, hillier runs. 

Either way, I need to make sure I’m fueled up well every time I go out. For shorter runs, a burst of quick sugars can help. But for longer runs, it’s best to have a combination of fast sugars, protein, and fat.

Chocolate-Coconut Energy Bites

These energy bites are the perfect solution for a long run! The nuts provide protein for muscle repair; the coconut oil provides fat for satiety and recovery; and the dates provide carbohydrates that are quickly digested and ready to burn for energy.

Plus, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and pure deliciousness.

There’s no need to buy pre-made, processed, or packaged energy bars when you can make tasty treats like these. They’re easy, fast, and exactly what you need to get you through a long distance. Stick ‘em in your pack the next time you head out on a long run and enjoy their pure, natural goodness.

Chocolate-Coconut Energy Bites

Chocolate-Coconut Energy Bites (Vegan, Gluten-Free, No Sugar Added, Raw)

Ingredients for 12 servings

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp. raw cacao powder
• 2 large Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Steps

1. Optional first step: soak the cashews for 3-6 hours. Drain and rinse the cashews.
2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until well-mixed.
3. Hand-roll into 1-inch balls.
4. Freeze for 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy!

Adjust the recipe as necessary for your needs and tastes. You can determine the nutritional content of your final product using Recipe Calculator.

If you run long distances, do you have a favorite snack for long runs?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #24: Use Coconut Oil to Remove Makeup

Image by Robert Wetzlmayr via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Coconut oil is the oil of the moment! Of course, some of us (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) have known about the wonders of this natural oil for years. Far too many years than we feel like divulging at the moment, but suffice it to say, we’ve been using it since high school.

Around here, we cook with it, bake with it, use it as lotion and leave-in hair conditioner… But it’s only been recently that coconut oil has revealed its secret super power: as a makeup remover!

You might be familiar with using olive oil as a makeup remover, a trick many soft-skinned grandmothers have passed down. If you don’t have access to coconut oil, definitely give olive oil a try!

The main difference is that coconut oil solidifies when it’s cooler than body temperature, so it’s often in solid form when you scoop it out of the jar. Olive oil, on the other hand, is liquid all the time. If you’re averse to messy, dribbly things in the bathroom—or not keen on smelling like salad dressing after your luxurious bath—you might want to try coconut oil.

And gents, if you’ve read this far, you know this message applies to you, too. Makeup is equal opportunity, as far as I’m concerned. But while your eyeliner is lovely, boys and girls, I’m not afraid to tell you that conventional makeup removers are loaded with junk and preservatives, some of them toxic and/or carcinogenic. Yech. Ditch the multi-ingredient stuff and invest in an $8 jar of organic coconut oil, instead. Your skin will thank you for it, and whomever snuggles up close to that skin might, too

Coconut oil gets off every trace of makeup, even waterproof mascara. I can personally attest to this! I love makeup and sometimes wear quite a bit. And I rely solely on coconut oil for a trace-free clean face when I’m done with the day (or night).

If you’re currently using a conventional makeup remover, I challenge you to try coconut oil instead and see how it works for you

Stuff to Know:

• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Store coconut oil in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place for up to two months.

Coconut Oil Makeup Remover

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. raw, organic coconut oil (use more as needed)

To Use:

1. Take out your contact lenses, if you wear them.
2. There are various ways to apply the coconut oil to your face. I like to scoop it out of the jar with a cotton pad and then wipe it over my face in small circles. You can apply it directly with your fingers or with a washcloth.
3. With a clean cotton pad, wipe away any excess coconut oil from your skin. The makeup will be removed with the oil!
4. For eye makeup, you can swirl a Q-Tip around in the coconut oil and then use that to remove the detailed traces. Swipe a cotton pad or washcloth gently over your eyes to remove the excess oil.
5. If you like, apply a toner afterward, like my Green Tea Toner.

Do you wear eye makeup?

Do you have a favorite makeup-removal method?