Monday, April 29, 2013

Why yes, I do smell like a piña colada


I've always been pretty good to my skin.  My blessed mother started me on facial moisturizers in my early teens and I have keep my face/body slathered in lotions and body butters ever since.  After turning 30, I noticed more and more little lines cropping up along the contours of my face and I was determined to take some action to keep them at bay if I could.  I am comfortable with aging gracefully, but I wasn't going down without a fight.  Being a bit of a thrifty person who avoids chemicals whenever possible, I wasn't about to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy products or more dramatic measures.  I've always believed that our best products come from nature in its least processed form.  So I went forth and researched organic/natural products with a price tag I could live with.  Typically Amazon.com is my go-to for online shopping, but in this case, I found better prices and a subscription program that would keep all my favorite products arriving at my doorstep with perfect regularity on Vitacost.com (not a paid advertisement for them, just love this stuff and want to share it)

My research yielded the following discoveries that lead me to more healthy skin:

  • Vitamin C
  • Coconut Oil
  • Argan Oil
As a former teenager with acne prone skin, I initially balked at the thought of putting oil on my face/body without horribly painful and visible repercussions, but as I learned more and more about the two oils, I started to warm to the idea.  Everyone's skin is different so I suggest doing your own research and experimentation to see what works best for you (age / diet / climate all play their parts).  This particular formula works for me and in my opinion, my skin has never looked or felt better.

So here goes....

*****

Face: Morning
I use a light facial cleanser that doesn't strip all my moisture away, but if I've actually gotten up to do a workout, it still gets the job done.  
Avalon Organics Hydrating Cleansing Milk Vitamin C

Next, I put several drops of Argan Oil on my face/neck before dabbing on my daily moisturizer.
Acure Argan Oil

Daily Facial Moisturizer (applied after every cleansing, morning and night)
Avalon Organics Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer Vitamin C

Face: Evening
This is a more recent addition so I'm still testing, but so far, no adverse effects.  I have been using Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes for Sensitive Skin after a workout and/or at night to remove make-up.  They do a great job and don't leave my skin feeling dried out or raw.  Vitacost doesn't sell them, but I can pick them up at a local store or Amazon.

I use a gel cleanser at night (sometimes with my Clairsonic) to remove dirt / oil / makeup at the end of day.
Avalon Organics Refreshing Cleansing Gel Vitamin C

Next, I put several drops of coconut oil on my face/neck before my daily moisturizer.  Its important to note that coconut oil solidifies at close to room temperature, so I bought a small travel size bottle to fill and then I run it under hot water before use.  If you would rather not go to this trouble, you can scoop out a small amount (maybe dime size) and warm it between your hands until it liquefies.  Yes, I smell just like a coconut.  The hubby uses it too so we both smell rather tropical at night.
Vitacost Extra Virgin Certified Organic Coconut Oil

I almost always dab a little of my favorite daily moisturizer to my face after the coconut oil, but even if I don't, I use an eye cream for those crinkly parts we all despise.  You apply by dabbing with your middle or ring finger so that you don't pull the skin.
Reviva Labs Firming Eye Serum with Alpha Lipoic Acid Vitamin C Ester and DMAE No 368 -- 1 fl oz

Body: Morning
I have abandoned most lotion/body butter moisturizers for my skin because it just feels like they don't work for me.  So instead, I am almost 100% coconut oil for the body.  I apply it first thing in the morning while I'm getting ready so that it soaks in before I get dressed.  If the bathroom isn't warm enough after my shower, I run the bottle under warm water.  This stuff smells like a delightful piña colada.  Mmmm piña coladas...
Organic Fiji Virgin Coconut Oil Pineapple

Body: Evening
I apply this version at night to my legs and arms because Lavender is calming and it smells lovely.
Organic Fiji Virgin Coconut Oil Lavender -- 12 fl oz

*****

Ok, some caveats... Coconut oil will soak into your clothes/sheets if you don't give it enough time to dry.  I like to give it a good 30 minutes if I can and I rub it in good.  At first, I wasn't sure about the dewy nature of my skin after adding oil, but I have come to love it.  I feel like my skin doesn't naturally produce as much oil now so I really don't break out much.  Again, everyone's skin is unique so you have to go with what work for you.  To manage any acne that does crop up, I use the following products with tea tree oil as needed:

Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads

Aura Cacia Cleansing Stick Tea Tree



Thursday, April 25, 2013

Hmm... Hypnosis?

This isn't a paid endorsement of any kind.  I don't know this gentlemen or claim that his product is 100% fool proof.  I will simply be speaking to my own personal experience, for what its worth...

***********

A few weeks ago, I was in an absolute rut.  I knew what I was supposed to be doing.  I knew that chocolate and wine and pizza wouldn't actually make anything better.  I knew that exercise would probably give me that energy and mood boost that I needed.  But I just... couldn't get past myself.  I wasn't making horrible choices every day, but I also wasn't consistent with healthy food or exercise.  I was consumed with the fear that I was headed back on that slow march toward overeating, weight gain and self-loathing.

And then a Groupon offer popped into my inbox for a weight loss hypnosis therapy session.  I was mildly intrigued so I went to the website for the vendor and perused the testimonials and package pricing.  The cost was more than I was willing to pay on a gamble so I dismissed it and deleted the email.   Suddenly, a thought popped into my head. Hadn't I seen an audio book for hypnosis weight loss on Audible.com?  P.S. I heart audio books, they give me a reading escape when I don't have time for reading escape.

I logged into my account and started digging into hypnosis therapy audio books.  I looked through reviews and selected a few with higher ratings.  Downloaded one immediately to my iPhone and vowed to try it that night when I was laying in bed that night.    Admittedly, I wanted it to work and from what I have learned of hypnosis since that point, being open to the concept is a crucial step.  I definitely fell asleep during the first listen, which is common and not detrimental since they are attempting to access your unconscious mind.   Even after the first time, I felt more positive and energized to make healthy decisions.  I wasn't anticipating an immediate reaction, but that was my experience.

As with all things of this nature, its not a cure or a magic on/off switch in your brain to be healthy or unhealthy.  I think of it as just one more grenade in my motivation arsenal.  I have listened to this particular audio book (see link below) approximately 2-3x per week at bedtime and the results are compelling for me:

  • I've shed the extra pounds I added during my rut.
  • I've been *enjoying* working out 5-6x per week.  
  • I don't feel an overwhelming urge for unhealthy food.  
  • All of these things are unusual for me.  
So I hope this helps you if you are feeling overwhelmed and under-motivated. 

Glenn Harrold's Ultimate Guide to Permanent and Natural Weight Loss



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I don't run, except when I do

I decided to take up running.  This was no small decision.  My former motto was "one should not run unless being chased!"  But then I watched the Walking Dead and the Hunger Games.  I'm not saying those things are going to happen.  I'm just saying, I would rather not be zombie kibble or voted most likely to die within the first 15 minutes of the battle.

So maybe I should start running?!?  There are special shoes and socks and clothing to be considered.  What apps are the best?  What shoes will make me automatically run faster?  Will my derriere be too jiggly?  Many deep thoughts...  And those who know me, know that I had to research the sh-crap out of running before I went forth and hit the pavement.

First, I had to find a running program/app that would help me figure out when to jog and when to walk so I could suck in air and pretend that I was totally in control of my situation.  Plus, it had to let me listen to my running mix in iTunes.  Making that mix alone was an undertaking... sheesh.  So I downloaded the C25K free app and I like it.  Couch to 5K fits all of my requirements and the lady's voice who prompts me to run/walk/begin the cool-down is pleasant & computer-like.

Secondly, I wanted to run on the balls of my feet (basically barefoot running) so I needed minimalism shoes that would keep me from heel striking.  Three knee surgeries later, I have no ACL in my right knee so I have to be as good to my knees as possible.  I came across Merrell Trail Glove shoes and I was hooked.  I wear these things everywhere, even on a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in AZ this weekend where I was navigating across rocks and gravel.  They give nice airflow and it feels like I don't have anything on my feet other than a perfectly formed rubber layer to keep my skin protected (Batman feet!).  Freaking love these shoes!  Incidentally, I have to buy mens sizes because Merrell doesn't make a 12 in Women's... Ahem, Merrell, tall girls want pretty shoes too...


Next, I had to buy a special harness to take my border collie, Phoenix, with me.  A) He's faster than me so he tends to pull forward at first and B) he can be a bit fearful at times of other dogs and cars so he will pull away and I wanted to make sure I wasn't choking the life out of him via his collar.  The best I have found so far is the Premier Easy Walk Harness.  Something about the structure and way that it keeps him tethered to me totally works with his brain.  When I get it out for a walk/run, he comes over to me and stands very still while I snap it on him.  He sticks next to me during the entire walk (baring anything terrifying appearing suddenly).  Did I mention he is brilliant and beautiful and awesome in so many ways?


Lastly, I signed up for a 5K in September so now I really can't quit.  Ok, I could, but I spent money which is just motivation enough for me.  And now, 3ish weeks into the process, I don't want to quit.  I'm enjoying the mental release of running.  I don't LOVE running.  But I don't hate it either.  Its ok.  Running and I are still casually dating, it may just be a summer fling.