Pit Butter

So some peeps get a "reaction" to natural deodorants. Nothing like a pit rash to start your day off right :( Many reason why it is or could be happening. BUT DONT GIVE UP! Please read on and try below.The wellness mama did a most excellent post and couldn't of explained or typed it better myself.

Why Armpit Detox?

It occurred to me as I sat researching the sebaceous glands one night with a bentonite clay face mask on that perhaps my face mask was the answer to the armpit question as well.

After all, I’d used bentonite clay to detox my hair before (and use it in my shampoo now) and in natural detox baths and it worked incredibly well… perhaps it would speed up the adjustment period to natural deodorant as well.

Why detox your armpits at all? Why not just keep using regular deodorant and avoid the whole problem? Glad you asked…

Conventional deodorants and anti-perspirants contain a variety of chemicals and additives. It takes something un-natural to block the body’s natural ability to sweat, and the chemical list in some deodorants is impressive:

• Aluminum– some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
• Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often also found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in med)
• Propylene glycol– common name: antifreeze. It is a hotly debated additive in personal care products but the Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies.
• Formaldehyde-  a known carcinogen… guess it kills the germs though.
• Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
• Antibacterial Substances- I talked about these before but they are endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system

Why is this a big deal? Ever gotten sick and had a lump in your neck or armpit? That is a lymph node and they are a major part of your immune system. Putting endocrine disruption chemicals directly on top of them is a great way to screw up your hormones and suppress immune function.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and what touches our skin can easily enter our bloodstream. With skyrocketing rates of breast cancer, it would seem prudent to avoid these chemicals until further research is done.

A great advantage to doing an armpit detox, besides that it helps speed up the natural deodorant adjustment period, is that it might help pull some of these chemicals out of the skin and tissue of the armpits. This can be especially helpful after years of conventional deodorant use.

Does it Work?

I tried it personally and had several friends who hadn’t yet made the switch to natural deodorant try it as well and then switch. Here are the results:

• We all noticed less odor, even without wearing any deo afterward
• Nobody who tried the detox noticed a rash when using the natural deodorant
• All but one person said they noticed less sweat
• Everyone said they would recommend it to a friend

Completely un-scientific trial but practically applicable and the results seem promising!

How to Detox Your Arm Pits

Don’t you love when something is so easy that it almost doesn’t need instructions?

You might already have the ingredients on hand. You’ll just need bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar and water.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons of water (to get right consistency)

Instructions

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a glass bowl (do not use metal!) with a wooden or non-metal spoon until about the consistency of sour cream.
2. Spread in an even layer over the armpits and allow to sit for 5-20 minutes. I suggest starting slowly and working up to a longer period of time once you see how your body adjust. If it hurts at all, remove immediately.
3. This may cause some redness as it will increase blood-flow to the area, but it will go away quickly.
4. Wash off in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.
5. Repeat daily or as needed until under-arm odor goes away and natural deodorant is non-irritating.

Notes

I’ve found that I don’t even need the baking soda in my natural deodorant after doing this.

Additional Things to Try

If you are still struggling with odor or have itching or lumps in your armpits, consider dry brushing, which is said to help improve lymph circulation.

Also, make sure to drink a lot of water any time you stimulate lymph flow (dry brushing, massage, detox, etc) to help flush the body and avoid getting dehydrated.

http://wellnessmama.com/25432/detox-your-armpits/

Battlehorn

Looking for an easy read that will keep your mind going?? A collection of little stories that somehow roll together. Get at it.

Charcoal beauty trends

Charcoal seems to be the it beauty trend as of late. From teeth whitening to skin health. Here's a few products and more in depth info. I'm loving it. Try it and tell me your thoughts.




Why Activated Charcoal Is Hot

Sometimes, in order to get clean, you have to get a little dirty. This is a concept that humanity has known for thousands of years with our long history of mud baths.

But it’s not just about mud anymore. Most recently, the trendy new get-dirty-to-get-clean ingredient is activated charcoal, which has been making its way into skin- and hair-care products, says international brand expert Patrice N. Le Maire.

“In particular, young women – Millennials – have been appreciating the benefits of activated charcoal within the past year or two,” he says. “Now we’re starting to see the ingredient gain ground for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, as well as men with an active lifestyle, who stand to benefit from a deep and thorough cleansing.” 

Activated coal has even made its way into toothpaste. Le Maire, president of Eurochoc Swiss Imports, has most recently partnered with Europe’s Curaprox, (www.curaprox.com), which offers cutting-edge dental wellness products, one of which is called Black Is White. The toothpaste has co-opted activated coal and, as with other beautifying products, is starting to gain ground among the same demographics of the United States.

Le Maire explains why activated charcoal in toothpaste has been a beneficial selling point among Millennials and others.  

• It’s natural in two important ways. The activated charcoal whitening toothpaste removes discoloration using activated carbon without abrading or bleaching. Black Is White, which can be used as any other toothpaste, has no SLS, no triclosan and no bleaching agents.

“Many younger folks enjoy the all-natural ingredient; we’ve raised a generation of people who do not like too much artificiality in their products,” he says. “And, they do not like to come off artificial, either. After about a week or two of use, the activated charcoal helps your teeth look a natural white – the color of baby’s teeth – and not the super-bright, artificial white offered by bleaching products, which can damage one’s enamel.”

• Activated charcoal in toothpaste is a novelty for the DIY generation. To a significant extent, Millennials have had a different upbringing from older generations, and they’re motivated by novel and natural systems of getting the job done. 

“Many Millennials were brought up in a do-it-yourself mentality,” Le Maire says. “They were the first generation to be raised with access to the internet, a treasure trove of information that explains to people exactly how things work, enabling them to experiment with raw ingredients. Millennials, and many others who enjoy outside-the-box thinking, have learned to appreciate the raw elements of products they use.”

• You can keep your teeth-staining habits. A few decades ago, Americans weren’t the connoisseurs of coffee and wine they are today. The thought of paying more than a dollar or two for a coffee was unheard of. 

“Being from France, I didn’t used to have the same kind of access to quality coffee, wine and other food when I’d come to America in the 1980s,” Le Maire says. “That has changed, as we have seen. But these treats come with a price – stained teeth. As many of us know in Europe, however, brushing with activated coal helps to keep your teeth a natural white.”     

About Patrice N. Le Maire 

Patrice N. Le Maire is the founder and president of Eurochoc Swiss Imports, which focuses on finding, selecting, importing and marketing the finest of Swiss premium care quality brands. He has decades of experience working with major global brands, including as marketing director of Procter & Gamble and as president of The Hershey Company’s international division. Le Maire’s latest project offers to the United States the elite, cutting-edge oral health products from Curaprox (www.curaprox.com), a brand of Curaden AG, which is headquartered in Kriens, near Lucerne in Switzerland. Working with dental professionals in teaching, research and practice since 1972, Curaprox has been developing oral health tools that are as gentle and effective as possible.  

Life Journey

If you looking for a very interesting read from time to time and tired of all the insta-famous crowd. Check this blog out. She's a SUPER babe. Makes me want to adopt so much more. 

https://wordylittlebirdie.wordpress.com/about/

Schiller number 1!

Had the pleasure of working on with Schiller on video's and promo for his "Future" album. It just hit the number one spot in Germany! So fun getting to flex my hair and make up skills with successful people. 

http://www.usamediarights.com/blog/2016/3/4/maggie-szabo-with-song-on-no-1-album-in-germany

Two book reviews

SO I finally had some down time to get some serious reading in over Thanksgiving. Driving almost 10 hours one way to Tucson and back. Thank god I had some reading to do! I read "Hunger makes Me a Modern Girl" and attempted to read "Girl in a Band". Carrie Brownstien from my beloved Sleater Kinney killed it. She's funny, hipster, and interesting. All things you would expect from this Portlandia creator.  Ms. Kim Gordon on the other hand! I hate to say anything bad about anyone... but in all honesty.  She's the epitome of a self involved and self important Los Angeles artist. I found it annoying and boring. I didn't even finish it. I only got half way threw it because I was stuck in a car with no relief, just hoping it would get better. My man friend read both and loved both. Maybe it was my inner turmoil of PNW vs SoCal. Someone else please read it and let me know your thoughts! 

CHILL AXE and color

This is the best thing since sliced bread I swear! Adult coloring books! You know what everyone is getting for gifts! AND one for myself stat.

Acure is my new cure!

I feel as though I've been on the hunt for the perfect facial cleanser and scrub duo. FINALLY the day has come. A cleanser that does not strip my face down to the dry zone of don't move too quickly or it might crack BUT still gets rid of make up. AND its smells like Peony's! The scrub makes you oh so soft! I only use a few times a week, but everytime I do my pores look GOOD. Both products are vegan, sulfate free, cruelty free, paragon free, PEG free, Petroleum free, Phthalate free, silcone free, gluten free, synthetic fragrance free, non pore clogging, and 100% biodegradable! Check times a million check! SO pretty much its pure magic in a tube. $9.99 at Sprouts seems like a very small fee if you ask me. This lipstick hippie is a very happy customer. Cant wait to try more from this company.

http://www.acureorganics.com

Her story of Lipstick, feminists wear lipstick

Lipstick is very interesting thing don't ya think? Why don't we paint out noses red? Wearing lipstick dates back to the dawn of history. It is thought to aid in reproduction. Woman luring men dates back to 5000 years ago. It is thought to be started with the crushing of stones and fish scales. The Egyptians had some snafu's with the use of iodine. The kiss of death arose many disease's. (Can't blame a girl for tryin'.) Queen Elizabeth really solidified the trend of chalk white faces and blood red lips by the 16th century. She evolved the product using bees wax and plant based make up. Around World War II lipstick became more common for the every day gal to wear. (thank god) At a point in time make up was to be thought of as the devil's work and male trickery. So glad these shameful times are behind us. Viva la lipstick. 

Before 1884 ladies just con-cocked lipsticks at home. (1800's Etsy!) Guerlain, a french company, was the first to to manufacture. They would wrap the product in silk paper, still not yet offered in a tube. In the late 1890's Sears Roebuck offered rouge for lip and cheeks in their catalog. It wasn't until a very smart lady by the name of Maurice Levy in 1915 to invent a cylinder metal tube applicator. 

As a feminist I just love how lipstick represents so much for woman. Flappers wore dark red lips to show their independence. At the time of male-dominated professions, such as scientific research and engineer's. A woman by the name of Hazel Bishop in the 40's, who created the first kiss proof formula. She was an organic chemist in New Jersey and Brooklyn. For me personally it for sure puts a bounce in my step and also gives me a way to support myself. 

Hazel Bishop the OG girl boss formulated the first "kiss proof" lipstick. Nasty Gal eat your heart out.

Soft cat eye tutorial

Do you love a good cat eye but liquid sometimes seems to harsh? Try this shadow line tutorial. I used Urban Decay's new smokey palette. FUN.

Start with a clean eye lid. I always apply an eye primer to lessen eye creases. My favorite cheap one is Elf's shadow lock eyelid primer in sheer.

Swept the shade "thirteen" all over your lid. I used a flat fluffy brush. 

 

Using that same flat fluffy brush sweep the shade "combust" just in the crease.

Take the shade "whisky"and draw a line mid eye to outer corner.

Now you look a little crazy. So get in there with a fluffy brush and windshield wipe back and forth until you are blended and smooth. 

take the flat fluffy brush, place the color "high" just on the round center of your lid. Lights up your look ever so slightly.

 

Now taking your angled brush, get the color "whiskey" (You can use whatever color you like, but I prefer this dark brown vs. a black. tends to be softer.) line your upper and lower lash lines to your liking. Making the wing as big or as small as your comfort level. A tip not to draw the line but you place the brush and re-load shadow as you go. Give more of a clean defined line and lessons fall out.

for the lower lash line I like to smoke out and smudge the line using a short and stubby brush.

I like to finish this look with a strong brow, mascara, light pink blush, and a classic red lip.

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl

Can't wait for this to come out! Carrie Brownstein from Sleater Kinney wrote a memoir. I love Sleater Kinney and I LOVE a good memoir. Oct. 27th. Just in time for my Birthday. 32 looks good already! 

Girls To The Front

If you remember Bikini Kill and Bratmobile or even the Riot Grrl movement of the 90's and wonder what happened to these babes? This epic read gives back story a little behind the scenes insight and where they are today. How they ultimately fizzled out and the fall of the band "zine". If you ask me zines just turned into blogs and Tumblr's. Loved the nostalgic PNW 90's grunge oly, wa read. Hope you do too. 

Range of colors🍯

Are your grey's showing and you have no time to touch up? Style edit has you and your regrowth covered. Light and dry as a dry shampoo and only comes off with shampoo. 

Fashionable orthotics?! Could it be true?!

These shoes come in an array of styles but I've tried the active walker aka my work out/running errand shoes. Normally a new athletic shoe I need to break in and always have blisters. Didn't happen with these! REJOICE! In the past when I've worn shoe insert's my body is sore the next day. These have arch support and I didn't feel the day after hang over. REJOICE! I've never heard of a shoe helping with bunion support, well now I have. REJOICE! I was a little nervous to wear a leopard shoe, but they are a muted leopard and go with most things. I've gotten so many compliments when wearing them. Tempted to try other styles! 

www.vionicshoes.com

The Falling of Your Tan

       Now that we are full swing into the fall season, our summer tans are noticeably dwindling to a nil. Everyone knows the harms and risks of tanning beds and – let’s be honest – no one is fooling anyone with that carrot-hued spray tan. In my opinion, we should maintain a slight glow during the impending fall and winter months. However, colder temperatures bring dry, dull and pale skin appearances.  So naturally the question arises; what are those people to do, who are looking for a glow and a pinch of shimmer? Are you doomed into wearing turtlenecks and footed jumpsuits until the sun comes back? NO. Should you roll around the city smelling like sour coconut milk and cheap perfume, also known as self-tanner? BARF. My recommendation to avoid these beauty blunders: RCK or Red Carpet Color is an oil based, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic tinted body lotion that is awesome for the following reasons: 

    Being fragrance-free, this product won’t give you that self-tanner smell that makes your nose twitch. Yay! Additionally, it locks in once it dries (which takes about 5 minutes) so there is no transfer of the lotion onto your threads, which evades stained clothing. Bonus? If you mess up, it effortlessly washes right off with soap and water in the shower. You can wash your hands at your leisure and they won’t get that orange palm stained look. The oil base is great for dry winter skin so you can avoid the patchy skin-color variation. You can easily use this product year round, especially if you are someone that turns pink or red under the sun and never achieves that sought after glow.  It comes in three tonal shades which reduces the look of uneven skin. Imagine a scentless, error-free lotion option that glides on, dries after application and gives you a nude panty-hose effect. Plus, anything that lessens our body’s exposure to the sun is on my happy list. Remember, a sun-kissed tan is temporary; wrinkles and cancers are not. 

    This product was formulated by a celebrity makeup artist and is used on the red carpet often. The photo quality is great and who doesn’t want to look air brushed in real life? If it’s good enough for Hollywood’s red carpet it’s good enough for you to use at your friend’s wedding, a birthday party, or New Year’s.  Whether you’re a daily glam person or looking for a shimmery glow for a one-time event, I urge you to try it out. The 5.5 oz. pump bottle size is actually pretty generous and should last you quite some time. Give it a whirl without regret!

http://redcarpetkolour.com

Edit your Style

I'm now carrying a hair root concealer called "Style Edit" in the shop. Its great for busy gals. l love it and I'm sure you will too. Every shade is only $20

what it does -

this instant gray root touch-up spray covers fading roots, extending the life of color between salon visits. the unique pin point applicator targets the areas that need a temporary color boost.

what’s in it?

color adaptive pigments that smoothly adhere to the hair fiber and self adjust to perfectly match hair color, providing a lustrous, natural shine.

what’s not in it?

mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, peroxide. not tested on animals.

directions -

shake well before use. for best results, apply to dry hair. hold can 2-3 inches from hair root. spray onto roots until gray is evenly covered. let dry at least 2-3 minutes.

• doesn’t flake
• works in seconds and dries in minutes
• shampoos out
• 
  

http://www.styleedit.com

Verb, Verb, Verb have you heard?

I'm now carrying a hair care line called "Verb" in the shop. Its great and I'm sure you will love too. Everything is only $14

http://www.verbproducts.com

SALON RAISED

Created by stylists looking for high-quality products their clients could afford.

ONLY GOOD STUFF

Every verb product is cruelty-free, with no harmful sulfates, parabens or gluten.

PRICED RIGHT

Professional hair products made for the 93% of people who don't buy them.

AUSTIN BORN

Verb comes from a place of natural beauty, easy living and no nonsense.

Is Verb organic?

From packaging to ingredients, we care about how we make our products to ensure they are healthy and beneficial for our customers. Although we do use some certified organic products, we do not certify our products organic.

Where are your products made?

All of our products are made in the USA.

What’s Verb’s fragrance?

We use the same light Grapefruit Oatmeal fragrance in all the products.

Are your products vegan friendly?

Everything in our line is Vegan with the exception of Sculpting Clay and Forming Fiber (which are still animal friendly).

Lizzie's wall hangings

Lizzie Weaves

Here is the story behind the rad wall hangings in my shop! Come shop them in person, OR I can ship them to you! 3706 E Anaheim Ave Long Beach, CA 90804

Q: Tell me a little about yourself! Where are you from? What are your hobbies? Is wall art full time?

A: I'm originally from the UK, but have been living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for almost six years now. I work in the fashion industry and have been working with the wonderful Betsey Johnson since I moved here as well as working on other projects. Making my wall hangings started out as a hobby - combining my favorite things, colors, textures and shapes to create something that can really change the mood of a room. Once I ran out of wall space in my own apartment I decided to sell them, so I set up and Etsy store so other people could enjoy them too.

Q: How did you get in the wall hanging business?

A: It was an Instagram rabbit hole that led me to discover some amazingly talented textile artists that had rejuvenated the Fiber Art movement and were creating some beautiful pieces that I was instantly drawn to. Being someone that just wants to create, I decided to take a class from Maryanne Moodie who happened to be teaching in Brooklyn. I was instantly obsessed!

Q: Do you have a personal favorite design?

A: They're like children; you have to love them all the same. But for me the bigger the better with lots and lots of texture!

Q: How do you come up with designs? Inspiration?

A: I take inspiration from Navajo designs, architecture, geometric shapes, or even just a beautiful color story from nature inspires me.

Q: Tell me about the yarns you use!

A: The yarns are all obtained from responsible sources and I try and use organic yarn as much as I can. I like the color and texture or hand dyed yarn – it has more character.

Q: Any special instructions on care?

A: It's good to give them a little gentle brush when you first hang them as they can get a bit crumpled in transit. Then occasionally pat them down once in a while to keep them clean.

Q: What is your favorite book to read?

A: I love reading autobiographies, especially from designers and musicians living the NY life in the 70's and 80s. Right now I'm reading Born to Run, it's so inspiring! It makes you believe anything is possible!

Q: Anything in particular you would like to add?

A: I take custom designs too! If you have a room that needs a splash of color or a wall to fill with something beautiful then please email me. I love working with customers to develop a piece that suits their taste and personalities perfectly. Also – thank you for appreciating my work! It's such a pleasure to have work represented in Long Beach!

Edited by Toni Mathews ms.tonimathews@gmail.com