I met the Vitamin Lady today...

...and she gave me free stuff! I came home with this nice promotional package with a serving of both adult and children's multivitamins from Nature's Plus Source of Life line of products.



I also tried a serving of their liquid version and wasn't terribly grossed out by the taste. Nature's Plus awesomely uses spirulina, which is an amazing algae that provides unbelievable amounts of harder to find nutrients. It is not, however, in any way palatable (in my trials, anyway) so I was surprised that there was very little of that telltale pondscum aftertaste.

After reading the ingredients on the label of the pill version of multivitamins I brought home, I couldn't really find any horrific ingredients to nitpick over, but there are a few things I will share here. Firstly, see all those tablets in the picture? That's one serving. You have to take about a million of these things a day (six). I completely understand that it's impossible to fit optimal levels of nutrients in a single pill (take note, Centrum users) but if you hate pill swallowing I'd steer clear of these and pick up the liquid version instead, which only requires you to drink 2 tablespoons if I understood the Vitamin Lady correctly.

The Vitamin Lady...oh, where to begin. She was nice and helpful, but first and foremost she is a saleswoman so I took the liberty of not sharing my occupation until the end of the conversation, wanting to see what she was willing to say in order to sell vitamins to people. I told her that I was currently taking a powder form of multivitamin. My reasons for doing so are because of the higher level of nutrient absorption and, like I mentioned earlier, it's impossible to get any sane amount of nutrition from a single pill. I didn't tell her these reasons, I just told her what sort of vitamins I took. She proceeded to tell me that powder vitamins don't work because they don't survive the "acidity of the stomach", and that I needed to take liquid vitamins. Okay, granted, liquid vitamins are a little better than reconstituted powder, but her idea of powder supplements being destroyed by the stomach environment is seriously strange. Whole food powder is just that: whole fruits, vegetables and other foods that have been turned into powder, so if nutrients from whole foods can't survive the stomach environment, then we're all dead and this blog isn't happening. Secondly, powder vitamins are mixed with liquid and reconstituted into LIQUID VITAMINS. It's an extra step to the same, albeit slightly less nutritious, end, but the end result is a liquid supplement, so if mine won't survive, hers won't either.

Here's where the serious no-no happened. The label advertises the product as "vegetarian". Well, that's all well and good, but things that are labeled vegetarian more often than not have a whole host of animal products lurking inside. I asked her, point blank, if the vitamins were vegan, and she assured me they were. Upon inspection of the label, I see that their multivitamins include bee pollen, which is not vegan. It is an animal product and there are strict vegetarians who do use bee products (often called "beegans") but the label "vegan" is only to be used on items that have no animal products. None whatsoever. That is a serious offense and a lot of vegans would be absolutely horrified at ingesting a product they were told was vegan and wasn't. After being a vegan for years, I've come to the conclusion that it happens, and it will probably happen again, so stressing out over it is pointless. But I definitely don't think that people should be lied to in order to sell a product.

I actually like Nature's Plus, and I have used several of their products with great results. They have been around for a long time and are one of the better choices in the holistic health industry. But watch out for Vitamin Lady, haha, cause she really wants you to buy.

Nature's Plus Source of Life multivitamin includes real herbs and whole food sources of nutrients, which your body is actually able to use, unlike synthetic versions. They include all of the key ingredients I normally look for in a supplement, including some form of algae like Blue Green or Spirulina, a seed complex for EFAs (this one has Sunflower), DNA and RNA, antioxidants, and several digestive enzymes. You'll need to take additional Vitamin C powder, a multimineral and a B complex, but I've never actually seen a single multivitamin supplement that was so comprehensive you wouldn't need to take anything else. I dare anyone to find one for me. As far as multivitamins go, this one is a keeper...if you're not a vegan.

CLEANSING TIME!!!

So, I always have to be doing something mad scientist-like, so I've come up with a new project to test on myself. I picked up some empty veggie capsules today, and I'm going to create my own cleanse system. I already have loads of the right herbs and supplements in my massive dried plant collection, so my trusty herb grinder is coming out of the closet (faaabulous!) and will be powdering some nasty tasting plants for encapsulation! I'm planning on making one set of pills for liver/blood cleansing, so basically just some good alterative herbs, another one for the colon with lots of gooey, intestine scrubbing plants, and then another one for candida/parasites. I should have bought an ounce of black walnut hull powder but I didn't. All of this plus a bottle of probiotics and I'll be ready to go. I've taken full cleanses from several different companies but I'm coming to the realization that I have the education, the interest, and the spare time to actually invent my own. Such fun!

So, hopefully, in the next blog, I'll be showing you some of the herbal adventures I'll be undertaking :)

Colds, Flus, and Sunlight...

The dreaded "flu season" has once again descended on the fearful population, and for the last month or so I've been witnessing some horrific sights. My local Walgreens has a big sign out front, advertising their large stock of flu vaccines. At Walmart you can find endcap after endcap stacked with over the counter cold and flu drugs. Drug companies are cashing in big time, this year more so than ever as their own lab created swine flu sweeps across America and...well...does absolutely nothing different than any other flu.

If you think the modern Valentine's Day was created by Hallmark and Sees, you're absolutely correct. The same goes for cold and flu season. Unfortunately, you and I and whoever else you decide to tell are pretty much the only people who know this, and some dummy who doesn't believe in multivitamins is probably going to get you sick pretty soon, if it hasn't happened already. Quadruple that statement if you have 2 or more children. So, until the entirety of humanity awakens from the sleep that the media has put them under (natural=BAD Drugs=GOOD), let's you and I keep our livers in top shape and practice some toxin free health.

SUNLIGHT! I use caps when I yell, so try to imagine me when I scream

SUNLIGHTSUNLIGHTSUNLIGHT!

three times fast. The sun is your first line of defense against illness. Both sunlight and moonlight are necessary nutrients, and these ones can't be bottled. Sunlight creates natural Vitamin D3, a steroid hormone, in your skin, and don't be swayed by "science" which says that you need "natural" Vitamin D from cow's milk, which is added and absolutely not the natural form of Vitamin D3 that you need. 30 minutes in direct sunlight on your face and arms alone will produce way more Vitamin D than anyone's recommended amount. However, this process involves your liver, which is why it's crucial for you to treat it well. If you're doing full body cleanses twice a year or more and not excessively using OTC medications or alcohol, you should be fine.

However, don't just pop a supplement and call it a day, because the awesomeness of sunlight goes far beyond vitamins. Regular sun exposure can help to heal you from depression, insomnia, and boost your immune system. Take off your sunglasses because light therapy is very calming and healing to both mind and body, but don't stare directly into the sun. Also, abstain from using sunblocks, lotions, and other unnatural chemicals that absorb into the skin. The media has played a critical role in convincing you that the sun causes cancer, but think about that for a minute and you'll notice just how ridiculous that sounds. The sun. Our only source of light and heat. Is dangerous. Of course, these are the same people who want to put you in a microwave when you're sick and inject you with mercury when you're well. Applying toxins on the skin and then heating them, such as when you put on sunblock or lotion and go out for a day of outdoor fun, is what you should be careful about. On the flip side, don't bake yourself hours a day, either. Try the middle path, moderation. Take a walk for 30 minutes in short sleeves or a tank top, or open your windows when the sun is at the right angle and soak up the rays on your couch or bed.

If you want to read more about Vitamin D and sunlight, check out this link:
Sunlight and Vitamin D pdf


You diet is VITALLY important when it comes to preventing illness. Nutritional deficiencies lead to disease, and if you think you're getting enough nutrients from food, I hope you're living several hundred years in the past. Our modern produce, organic or not, is severely deficient in nutrients, and processed food has none. Synthetic vitamins don't count. Give away your Centrums, get some whole food based supplements which will provide you with natural nutrients, start JUICING, and start eliminating toxin filled, man made foods which can act as anti nutrients and actually destroy the good stuff you are getting. Cleanse your colon, because you can take all the supplements you want but if your digestive system is compromised you can't actually absorb and assimilate them properly.

Refined sugar will decimate your immune system, as will all the man made foods and chemicals that make up the standard American diet. I know what you're saying now, and I'm already laughing. "But I eat pretty well!" No, you don't. I say that pretty confidently, unless you happen to be a raw foodist who found my blog through a raw food forum. You probably eat pretty well. The rest of you can take a hint from that: eat more raw foods, eat less cooked and eat minimal to no packaged or processed foods. It sounds easy when I say it like that, but it's infinitely harder in practice because we are not simply cars that need fuel. We are complex, unique individuals who all need different levels of nutrients and have emotions which affect our food choices. Learning new information and unlearning the MISinformation we've all been fed is key, and guidance (such as through dietary counseling) can make all the difference.


My herbal flu blend of the day...

There are hundreds of substances, which grow naturally all over the earth, that can help to boost your immune system and fight off colds and flus. What works for one may not work for another, since we are all biochemically unique. I'll mention just a few of the most popular to get you started on your learning path.

Garlic. Oh, baby, I know you love it. You cook with it, but it can literally save you from some pretty bad infections. Allicin is the important compound found in garlic which is antibiotic and antiviral, but it will be destroyed by heat as with all nutrients. The best way to use this is to take a clove of garlic and crush that thing up, mince it, or do whatever you do until its in tiny little bits and eat it. I dump mine in a glass of water if I'm in a hurry or add it to lettuce wraps or other raw dish and eat it. I suggest doing this with food or on a full tummy, as garlic is very powerful and can be irritating and ever cause an allergic reaction when taken on an empty stomach. However, before I learned that I took it on an empty stomach all the time and only suffered occasional heartburn. You decide. Garlic is also a potent blood thinner, which is great for your heart and actually recommended for people in place of aspirin, which can cause death even in small doses. If you're taking medications for your heart or blood, ask your chosen health professional before taking tons of raw garlic.

Oregano Oil. I personally like this stuff, and have used it in combination with other methods to successfuly heal a severe piercing infection. However, because this herb in it's oil form is gaining popularity, it's also starting to be taken incorrectly. Oregano oil is a powerful antibiotic that can be used topically or internally to treat fungal infections, viruses and bacteria, and even Candida overgrowth. As such, it should not be taken long term and only used when an infection is present. In high doses it can become toxic to the human body. It should be used for a period of 2-3 weeks, and then discontinued for 2 weeks. Do not assume that because something is natural it can be abused with no side effects. Antibiotic abuse, both natural and pharmaceutical, can result very quickly in Candida overgrowth, which is a very serious condition that can be fatal if not treated properly. For this powerful oil, treat it respectfully and use it often, but not in excess.

Tea Tree Oil. As one of my favorite oils of all time, Tea Tree gets a lot of screen time on this blog. However, it is, in my opinion, a must in every household. For colds and flus, Tea Tree is the foundation of any good herbal routine. Dilute 20-30 drops in a full sized spray bottle filled with water and spray it everywhere in your home, especially where the sickies are. This will disinfect surfaces and bedding without the incredibly harmful chemicals found in regular household bacterial sprays. Mix a few drops into Coconut Oil and you've got a natural, homemade Vicks that won't harm you or your children and can be used safely on the chest, under the nose or around the frontal sinus. Mix 1-3 drops in a glass of water and gargle several times daily to destroy throat infections.

Elderberry. Isreal got something right. There, elder is used as a potent flu remedy, and health stores across America are catching on. Both the flowers and the berries can be used in several different ways to effectively heal the flu. Personally, I keep elderberry tincture on hand at all times, and I always have a jar aging as a back up, because it takes a few months to make and goes very quickly. Elderberry syrup is also very popular, but it tends to be loaded with sugar and I avoid it. The flowers can be infused with hot water for 20 minutes and then drunk as a tea. Amish people use elderberries to make pies and jams, so it's a very safe way to heal a flu naturally.

Finally, I'll just plug Vitamin C once more. I know you think that Vitamin C just gets peed out, and that because someone told you it did. And you believed them. When vitamins are found in urine, that simple means they're water soluble. The vast majority of vitamins are. When traces of vitamins show up in your urine, that is simply an indication that you have the vitamin in your bloodstream. No trace in the urine means no trace in the bloodstream, and then guess what? You're in trouble. Take your vitamins. So next time someone tells you they don't take vitamins because you pee them out, ask them why they bother drinking water.

Vitamin C is not only safe in large doses, it's highly suggested. A good level to shoot for in a normal day is 2-3 grams. I like to use it in a powder form, and simply mix it in a glass of water after every meal. Make sure you take this while eating, since large amounts of Vitamin C can cause diarrhea if taken on an empty stomach or you're simply not used to having nutrients in your body. Increase the amount you take gradually, and don't forget that not only does Vitamin C boost your immune system, it also helps to heal artery damage and plays a role in keeping your skin soft and wrinkly free. Straight IVs right into the bloodstream have even helped people heal from broken bones in staggeringly short amounts of time.

There are literally thousands of online articles about natural cold and flu remedies, and there are as many combinations of herbs and supplements as there are herbalists. You may have success with a completely different combination of methods and herbs, but no herbal formula or pill can substitute for a good diet and plenty of natural rest, air, activity and sunlight. Free yourself from cubicle syndrome and come outside :)

The money just...disappeared?

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you're broke? I know what you're going to say before you even start, haha. "Every week!" I don't mean one of those weeks where you had to skip your barista made latte in favor of home brewed coffee and made a few meals at home. I mean one of those "forget the bills, don't own a car, no bus fare, can we make one bag of rice last another week" kind of weeks. Oh, man...they seem to happen all too often with tiny children. Join me this week for a dark dive beneath the poverty line and really think about "eating cheap".

When I see people trying to make a dollar go as far as possible, I usually see two things. They either line up for dollar menu fast food items a few times a day, which saves a few dollars, or they run to Walmart and grab a case of ramen, a huge sack of potatoes, and a few giant cans of pinto beans, which saves even a few more dollars. Both of these methods work as far as your finances go, but those aren't the only options. You may need to make sacrifices, but you don't have to throw out your nutrition alongside. Now, some of the things I'm going to suggest aren't going to be my standard fare. But there are a staggering amount of people today trying to make it on food stamps alone and lacking the of knowledge that could take their health to a better level without costing them a fortune in supplements and imported super foods.

Dollar menu items are cheap, and some places even have filling "foods" for less than $1. It's very hard to compete with that, even on a budgeted home cooked meal. If you're stuck with fast food, don't give up hope. Try to find a food item that has undergone the least amount of processing. A perfect example of this is Del Taco's 1/2 pound bean and cheese burrito. Unlike other chain Mexican restaurants who use dry powdered bean base, Del Taco actually slow cooks real, dried beans for their burritos. Special order without cheese and add lettuce, which is free, and you've got a 99 cent burrito that will cause a lot less damage than that questionable double cheeseburger.

People scramble for potatoes in a pinch, which is understandable. They're cheap, filling, and can be added to pretty much anything. If you're stuck with potatoes, don't bake them: boil them. Potatoes are notorious for their Glycemic Index/Load rating, but baking them increases this even further. Save yourself some insulin resistance and boil the potatoes, and to lower the effect on your blood sugar even more, let them cool as much as possible before eating.

Grains? Ok. They're acidifying to the system but as an option here they're not terrible. Avoid glutinous grains, as always, and focus on buying natural and unprocessed versions. That basically leaves you with brown rice. At Walmart you can get a bag of brown rice for $2, which is several family sized servings. White rice? For shame! I can't fathom the understanding behind it. Take a natural food, grind all of the nutrients out of it, and then charge money for it? People will fall for anything these days, haha. Isn't styrafoam cheaper? It's just as nutritious.

Ramen? Okay. I can understand this one IF you're at the very end of your rope. These dried noodle packets provide 400 calories each, and at 5 for 1$ or cheaper, everyone can have a full tummy for the night. What can you do to shave some of the evil off of this processed, sugary demon? Don't use the packet of flavoring! It contains MSG and other chemicals that are downright dangerous, even in small doses such as this one. Throw that packet out, boil the noodles and drizzle some of that olive oil you never use on top. Add garlic and it's...kind of edible! Or, if you like the traditional street stand hot ramen bowl, use soy sauce in the water instead of the packet for broth. If you have veggies on hand you can drain the noodles after boiling and use them in a stir fry, or just make a noodle soup.

Cans of beans might seem cheap, but only because you have no idea what to do with dried beans. You know that canned food is evil, right? The food has been treated with man made chemicals and isn't fit for human consumption, not to mention it's actually more expensive to buy canned beans over dried. Now, I know firsthand how annoying it is to dig through the food stock for something to eat and find a bunch of beans that need to be soaked overnight before cooking. Do the quick soak instead: Fill your pan with water, add the beans, and boil them for two minutes. After the time is up, take the pan off the heat, cover, and leave for as long as possible, but at least a few hours. Or just buy split peas and lentils, which don't require any soaking at all.

If you're going to eat this way, don't make it a habit. But when you're in a corner, you still have options. This is a better way, but it's still not the best. Sometimes, eating right is actually cheaper than all this. For example:

At Trader Joe's, 5 bananas is 95 cents. That's approximately 500 calories for $1.
1 Bean burrito is approximately 400 calories. It is also $1.

What's the difference? Well, one choice is all raw, uncooked and loaded with vitamins, minerals and natural energy that won't give you a sugar rush because it's loaded with fiber. It will also help to heal your digestive system. And the other one is basically the opposite. You can work your way up from here.

A head of romaine right now is 79 cents at my local chain grocer. An avocado is 50 cents (sale!). I happen to have lemon juice and olive in my fridge. An avocado salad is pretty nice compared to a double cheeseburger. Lentils are super easy to sprout and make an awesome topping on a salad or filling of a sandwich. A bag of raw Sunflower seeds is only $1.49, which can be soaked or sprouted just like lentils, and even used to make dressings for insanely cheap. You can try or not, but the options are out there. Not having things can be frustrating, but it can also be blinding, because "having" is simply a state of mind. "Not having" is the same.

More importantly, don't stress. I know, I know, you hear it all the time, but that doesn't make it any less true. Stress is an anti-nutrient. Yep. That's right. So if your diet is lacking, stressing out over it will kill what little you ARE getting. Similarly, what good is it for you to take the best supplement you can afford if the stress you are allowing yourself to feel will blow through all those vitamins and minerals before your body can properly assimilate them? Relax. Stress helps nothing and no one, and hurts you in so many ways, on so many levels. A series of choices led to this situation, and the same actions repeated with have similar consequences. A change in decisions and actions will help, not losing sleep. Take the time to de-stress and try, try again.

Accidentally Mayonnaise!

For some more Vegan MoFo, this post I'll be talking about this strange but delicious thing I made last week. If you've ever been to the PETA website they have a list of brand name foods you can find in all grocery stores, such as Oreos and Bisquick, that are "Accidentally Vegan"! Including the exclamation point. All PETA insanity aside, that is pretty funny, in a tacky and generic sort of way. But alas, mayonnaise is not on the list. The best you can get is Trader Joe's low fat mayonnaise, which is egg free, and of course, Veganaise, which is even available at regular chain grocers like SaveMart. However, none of these mayonnaise substitutes taste like Miracle Whip.

I have a long history with Miracle Whip. Since childhood, I've always thought that the mayonnaise-like dressing was pretty much the greatest human invention. I haven't had it in years, but I remember how it tastes. I wouldn't eat it if I had it, but I hold those cherished memories close to my heart. Miracle Whip is awesome

This is a high raw toxin free "mayonnaise" that I accidentally made when my 1 year old rejected it as dinner. I tasted it and thought, "Hmmm...this tastes like mayonnaise". Benefit now from my mistake. Unfortunately, it tastes nothing like Miracle Whip, and because of this I'm beginning to think that it might actually just be excito-toxins that make it taste so good. Curse you, delicious chemical deliciousness!

No measurements are exact. I used my almighty Magic Bullet, you can always use the blender/food processor of your choice.

1 Avocado
1/5 a block of extra firm tofu (this gives it the classic bland "Best Foods" flavor and also it's thick creamy texture)
garlic powder or cloves (1 clove or equivalent)
olive oil (coconut would give a different flavor that may not taste good)
2 TB Nutritional Yeast
Sea Salt or other non table salt

Optional:
1 tsp ground Hemp Seeds (or any finely powdered seed or nut)
Spinach leaves

This makes a pretty small amount, but since it goes in the fridge and lasts as long as anything else made fresh, I'd use it within 2 weeks. The salt will help to keep it. Experiment and create something that appeals to your own unique taste.

Seventh Generation SUX!

I told you guys I had a story about this line of products, and I will not disappoint, although it's no production. I ran out of liquid dish soap and decided I wanted to use a natural product, and since I don't want to blow through my Dr. Bronner's (we go through a LOT of dishes) I went shopping for a truly natural product. I should have just went straight to Trader Joe's, like my instincts wanted me to, but I was visiting Target and went to see what they carried.

I always see this brand in stores called Seventh Generation. They make sales because the label is green and it says "natural" on it. Already I'm suspicious, since I'm well aware that if a company has to put natural on the label, it isn't clearly obvious and needs investigation. I don't need a label on a stalk of celery to tell me it's natural (or do I?).

Another huge warning: if a product doesn't have it's ingredients (if any) clearly listed in plain view, run away. Upon investigation of the bottle of Seventh Generation liquid dish soap, I saw no ingredient list. You actually have to buy the bottle and peel off the label before reading the ingredients. I indulged in a little peek :)

I swear, not more than three ingredients in, came the biggest blow to "natural" I've seen in quite some time: Sodium Laurel (Laureth) Sulfate. This product is pretending to be natural. No joke.

SLS is in lots of cheap, chemical shampoos and other detergent type cleaners. It is not to be messed around with. SLS actually breaks down your skin's barrier, making it possible for anything else you come into contact with to infiltrate your body faster than ever. It can actually create an allergic reaction in your body by making you more susceptible to everything in your environment. It is THE most common skin irritant! The sad thing is, this isn't news. Real natural products have long eliminated use of this ingredient, so you can imagine my surprise at seeing this among the very first listed in a line of products claiming to be better for you. How can that be true when they include SLS, which can also cause or worsen eczema and recurrent canker sores?

Needless to say, my introduction to Seventh Generation products was simultaneously my fond farewell. If you're ready for a big laugh, visit this site and what Seventh Generation has to say about their dishwashing products. Here's a preview: "Hypo-Allergenic". Wow. Doesn't hypo-allergenic mean it REDUCES the tendency to provoke an allergic reaction? SLS practically invents them!

People, be very wary of anything that says "All Natural". If you can't immediately tell it's natural, there's already reason to be suspicious. Every single day, companies LIE to get your money into their pockets. This couldn't be a more obvious example. Ask yourself who benefits from this. Who benefits from exposing you to chemicals and making you more susceptible to toxins while CHARGING you money for the "service"?

I would never even consider another product from this company, no matter how natural it's proven to be. They lie. They expose the public to ingredients that are known to cause very negative effects and yet they are making millions by deluding people into thinking they are actually doing something good for themselves, and for their children! This is happening, and if that's the worst of the "natural" products, what's in the rest of the cleaners? The ones that don't even bother to attempt to be somewhat natural? All I need to know is that I'm not using them.

Vegan MoFo 2009

I've signed up my blog to participate in this year's Vegan Month of Food, or Vegan MoFo for short. Since I'm not participating in NaNoWriMo I needed to get into something for the month of October. So I'll be making lots of entries this month with all kinds of interesting vegan food that I come up with or come across in my travels. Since my blog is already devoted to holistic living and raw vegan food, this shouldn't be a problem :)

This week at Elliot's we came across quite a few new things to try. The Elliot's on El Camino Ave in Sacramento has been doing a lot of discounts lately, as well as bringing in all new food items that are really fun and actually well priced. They also added an entire wall of raw, living foods, which pretty much made my life complete. I picked up this delicious vegan treat there.



Goji berries are already an amazing superfood with an intense amino acid profile and loaded with enough antioxidants to make blueberries look worthless. These dried goji berries are actually coated in cacao, which gave them a dark, slightly sweet melty quality that really paired well with the tart of the goji berry. I only need two or three of these things to keep me going, so at $3.89 a box, this thing will last me at least a week.

Seth found this new line of goodies he wanted to try: Vegan Jerky!



The Primal Strips brand had two kinds of jerky. The one pictured is made with Seitan, which is an asian food made primarily from wheat gluten. While I normally don't recommend gluten for ANYBODY, this was just a strip and it's basically vegan junk food, so I wasn't really too concerned. It's not supposed to be good for you, it's supposed to be fun to eat. They also carried other flavors and strips made from hydrolized soy protein, another "food" I seriously can't say is safe, but it's all in the name of fun. And I didn't eat them, anyway :) So, at $1.30 they are actually cheaper than gas station jerky and parasite free, which is always positive.

Most of the living and raw food is priced way out of my league. It's unfortunate, too, because they had some superfood drink powders I would have loved to add to my green smoothies. But you guys can look at all of these things and more this Saturday, October 10th at 10am. I'll be there waiting for my free Vitamin Code Grow Bone sample! Check out the Vitamin Code promotional page here to see the formula and the information on how you can find a store near you, because this is happening all across America 10/10/09.

I have a story for you all involving Seventh Generation products, so if you use this brand you won't want to miss it. That'll be coming up soon, so please subscribe using the link on the right side of the page to stay updated! Also, I'm in the planning stages of opening a .com and perhaps distributing an ebook, so make sure you don't miss anything :)

Dreamy Skin...

I love to blog about things I do that actually work. I've recently perfected my beauty routine (yes, this applies to boys, too) and I want to share with you a few things that can help you to avoid or remove signs of aging and reclaim that youthful, vampiric dewey look without applying a layer of baby oil and glitter every time you leave the house.

There's been a lot of buzz about using MSM to heal damaged joints, but did you know that it also improves the appearance of skin, hair and nails? I've never tried anything that works as good as daily supplementation of MSM at 1000mg once a day. I began taking it at the end of March this year because it was all the rage and I wanted to see what improvements it would give me. I'll never forget what happened three weeks later. After taking it faithfully I went to apply some lotion to my face and as I ran my fingers against my skin I realized that it looked and felt completely different! It was much more elastic, smooth, and soft, and it just looked amazing. My nails are stronger than before, as well, and while it has helped my hair I can't say that I'm happy because I have thick, coarse hair to begin with and didn't need to see any gains in THAT department.

MSM is not an expensive supplement and is very easy to find. Trader Joe's carries it for a cool $4.99 for a large supply, especially if you're only taking it once a day. It can safely be taken up to three times daily, although this is mainly recommended for joint repair and maintenance. It is considered safe because it is already found in the tissues of all living organisms, and the uses for this amazing sulfur go far beyond cosmetics.

So now that we're taking care of our faces on the inside, what are we going to use on the outside? Washing your face with soap and using moisturizer may appear to be keeping your face well taken care of, but if you aren't comfortable eating your facial products then you shouldn't be comfortable using them on your face. Your skin is VERY good at absorbing anything you put on it, and that means makeup, lotions, masks, and anything else it touches. That's why the sun gets such a bad rep! But the reality is, it's not the sun that causes skin cancer, but the chemicals that sit on the surface.

Now, I would never ask you to leave the house without makeup on. We all have to look at you. But by using a good makeup primer you can create a layer of protection between your skin and your makeup. But most importantly, cease and desist using products that are designed to soak into your skin, not sit on the top. That means all facial cleansers and moisturizers must go! They cost a ton of money and actually make your face worse. Now that doesn't mean give up on your morning routine, it just means making a few eliminations and a few additions to stop aging your face with toxins and poisoning yourself daily. Try an all natural soap like Dr. Bronners, or choose from some of the many amazing products that Lush has to offer. I use Dr. Bronners for both my body wash and my facial cleanser, and it cuts right through makeup and grime and leaves me feeling truly clean, not slick like other preservative filled soaps and washes.

Now that you're all clean, let's get moisturized! I cannot stress how amazing Coconut Oil is, and how much it has changed my life. This natural, raw product can become your hair conditioner, your all over body and face moisturizer, and a great alternative for cooking or frying foods to avoid some of the free radical damage you will always get from heating oils. Talk about minimalist and cheap. Every morning this stuff goes on my face, it goes on after shaving wherever to cool off those little bumpies, and it goes into my green smoothies for that yummy coconut flavor and amazing ability to raise your body's ability to convert Omega 3 into DHA. Do a google search to see some of the things that Coconut Oil is being used for all over the world. Here's a picture of mine:



After doing this routine for awhile, I noticed that the oiliness on my T zone was greatly reduced, even while wearing tons of makeup and walking around in the sun all day. By removing the unnatural irritants I was using to "moisturize" my face and giving it a chance to normalize, I have much less difficulty with it overall. I find it interesting that putting actual oil on my face has reduced the oiliness, but hey, it's the magic of nature. It also works great as a makeup remover. Taking Coconut Oil internally daily has also been shown to aid weight loss and using it on your tummy during pregnancy can reduce stretch marks, as well as keep your skin looking beautiful no matter your age or gestational persuasion (haha). Bear in mind you will need much less than any lotion because it will actually be healing to your skin, not drying. I only apply a tiny amount (think 1/4 of a teaspoon) on my face in the mornings. You may want to use it at night if you need to apply makeup right away.

Most importantly, it's going to save you tons of money! You'll never have to buy body wash, bar soaps, body lotion, special facial moisturizers, foot cream, makeup remover, or anything else you can think of to use it for ever again! It costs much less, both financially and in your outward appearance. A container of Coconut Oil like the one shown above is 7$. A huge bottle of Dr. Bronner's, which can be used all over the body, on floors, on foods, on babies, on dishes, and anything else that needs cleaning, costs $8.99, and since it only takes a few drops to make a lot of lather, in our house it lasts for months. In this case, it's actually much cheaper to do the right thing.