#like if people want to share their experiences with their almond moms to heal from their trauma like thats fine thats great but dont post ur | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

heartcrypt-blog · 5 years ago

Text

☕ . ˚ ◝ ( kim jisoo. cisfemale. she/her. ) vanessa yun is a twenty-four year old scorpio. the wedding planner’s go-to order is an almond milk macchiato. they like to listen to rhiannon by fleetwood mac while they wait for their order. the employees of the deja brew think they are disenchanted but swear they’re totally genuine as well. maybe that’s why empty champagne flutes, bitter smiles and pencil skirts remind me of them.

hey there babyluvs! i’m pleased to be here to write with you all ^-^ i’m honestly so terrible at intros but we’re going to get through this together okay?? i’ll start by giving you a little bit of info on my cynical lil wilted flower over here <3 vanessa was born to a single mom and aspiring broadway performer in downtown buffalo, new york. she loved the city even as a child, and would often tag along with her mom wherever she went. the two were the best of friends, which sometimes came at the expense of her mother being the responsible adult. vanessa was sometimes even more detail-oriented than her mother, which led to her being something of a miniature assistant. after watching some of the plays her mother was in, as well as others, vanessa became obsessed with the idea of love. her mother had a collection of recorded productions, many of them deeply romantic tales. vanessa was hooked on the idealistic belief that love was a perfect, momentous occasion that always included fireworks and whimsical songs and people dancing in the streets. her mother enabled these fantasies of the perfect love story, filling vanessa’s head with the idea that relationships were all about a quick, sudden feeling that you needed to act on immediately rather than an obstacle-filled journey that could be just as painful as it could beautiful. her naivete about the subject led to her becoming a bit of a serial dater in high school. she was on the hunt for a perfect love story, after all. she was convinced that she’d know it no sooner than things got started, so none of her relationships lasted very long. it led to some unsavory rumors about her among some of the students, but she was confident that she knew what she was doing. in her sophomore year, she simply knew she had met the one. he had the most exquisite eyes and heartrending smile; he knew all the right things to say, and he’d brushed off the rumors about her from the very beginning. he kissed her like she was the only person he’d ever care about, and vanessa was swept away in the feeling. it was the breathless kind of romance she’d always yearned for. the two were inseparable for the remainder of high school, and even got engaged before heading off to separate colleges. vanessa’s love of romance and eye for detail led her down the wedding planning path at new york university, while her beau was attending his father’s alma mater in wisconsin. even though they’d mostly be apart for four years, she knew they’d stand the test of time and distance. during her time at nyu, vanessa made a fairly good friend who seemed to share her hopeless romantic nature. the two talked often over coffee, and even had crappy rom com marathons together. meanwhile, her fiance seemed to begin distancing himself from her. he began calling much less often, and even ignoring her own calls. and when she actually could get in touch with him, there always seemed to be voices in the background that he was hell bent on her not hearing. deep down, she knew things were headed for disaster, but her dedication to the man of her dreams kept her hopes up. still though, the friend she’d made in college whom she had so much in common with...she couldn’t deny that feelings were starting to form there. they spent far too much time together and liked each other far too much for there not to be feelings. things nearly came to a head several times between them, but she couldn’t stray. after graduation, it finally came time for the wedding vanessa had spent her entire life planning. she knew going into it that she had feelings for someone else, and that her fiance was likely cheating on her, but she still intended to walk down the aisle, head held high. her stomach full of butterflies, she did so, walking towards the man who had a smarmy grin on his face. a man she knew once, or maybe she never had. maybe she had just been blinded by her obsession with love. either way, as their vows began, vanessa couldn’t shake off a feeling of impropriety. that’s when she heard it; the double doors to the front of the church opening. it was him, her friend from college. “i don’t know if you’ve gotten to the objection part, but i object,” he muttered to the priest, out of breath. once again, vanessa’s heart was made new. it was as if a scene from a movie had played out in her very own life. maybe love didn’t deserve the doubts she’d started to cast on it. after all, the man she really loved had just saved her from making a huge mistake, had he not? the two star-crossed lovers fled the church in a hurry, fingers intertwined, dodging pedestrians on the sidewalk as they laughed together. it was perfect; everything she had ever wanted. this type of love could never come with a hefty price tag...could it? the first few months were like a honeymoon at sunset that simply wouldn’t end. champagne on a hotel balcony, making love in the back seat, revealing secrets in shy whispers. it filled vanessa’s head with dreams and sanguine thoughts, even though she’d been burned once before. she found work with an event planning agency, filling her days with wedding details, consultations, cake tastings and dress fittings. even though her own wedding hadn’t exactly gone off without a hitch, she still adored the festivities and loved the thought of giving other people their perfect day. and when she got home at the end of the day, she’d get to spend time with the love of her life. things were going absolutely amazing. he couldn’t have been more supportive of her career, always encouraging her to go out with her coworkers more to improve relations, or work longer hours in order to gain her boss’ respect. she was so appreciative, she was determined to repay him. knocking off early for lunch one day, she prepared him a romantic picnic. certainly something she stole from a movie, but she knew he’d enjoy it nonetheless. they were both corny like that. she arrived home at noon, picnic basket adorned with fresh flowers in hand, ready to surprise him. she was the one who got the big surprise however, as after she covertly unlocked the door, she was met with the sight of an unknown female getting very familiar with the man she’d credited with healing her heart after her fiance’s betrayal. the woman’s fingertips were on the bare chest that vanessa herself had touched lovingly just the night before. she couldn’t speak, she couldn’t cry, she couldn’t even breathe; anger was too busy sweeping its way through her blood. even as he hurled excuse after excuse at her, trying to make himself seem blameless, vanessa’s eyes burned red. she was devastated, she was filled with utter rage, and she simply didn’t know what to do. the raw pain of yet another failed relationship that she’d staked everything on was almost too much to bear. love wasn’t a beautiful miracle; it was an ugly, manipulative trap made for certain people to get what they wanted and for everyone else to be left ravaged by it. a bitterness grew in her like twisting vines, and the longer she stayed in new york, the more she felt suffocated by them. her aimlessness carried her to california, as it was a great breadth away from her problems, and that was exactly where she wanted to be. she still works as a wedding planner, albeit one with a much more matter-of-fact and uninspired take on things. the happiness surrounding them almost makes her sick now, but it pays the bills, and it’s the only trade she really studied for. she looks at love much differently; she almost pities the people who experience it. her jaded outlook has driven her clientele down considerably, but vanessa simply can’t bring herself to feel the hope that she once did. she does’t really want to accept that her own attitude towards love in the first place is what got her into trouble. her trying to idealize every facet of romance made her unable to deal with the slightest disappointment. as afraid of love as she is, she’s even more afraid of confronting herself. wanted connections; best friend - the one person who can be real with vanessa and call her a dumb bitch when she needs to hear it (which is often). they know her an uncomfortable amount and can call her out when need be. still they both luff each other and hang out pretty much all the time. no strings - while vanessa may hate love now, that doesn’t mean she hates instant gratification. this little connection *chef’s kiss* is really gonna test her on the whole ‘how about you don’t fall for someone just bcuz they’re attractive and nice to you for five minutes??’ thing. lots of sarcastic banter, flirting in the form of constantly roasting each other and drunk 3am booty calls. what’s not to love like? therapy friend - at the behest of her best friend connection, vanessa has started tentatively attending therapy sessions. she doesn’t go that frequently, as she’s not all that comfortable with it yet, but she has at least made a friend there. this is basically someone else who has sessions at the same therapist, and they just started conversing in the waiting room, eventually striking up a friendship. maybe they even have coffee at a certain place sometimes?? leftover buddy - this is the person who is always calling dibs on vanessa’s catering leftovers from weddings. she brings them by whenever she can in some cute lil decorative containers, and the two get a chance to catch up when she does! employee of the month - i’d love for vanessa to have a favorite deja brew employee! just that one person who always makes her order just right and always greets her with a smile and a friendly hello in the way she needs, especially in the morning, since she’s such a bitter grouch. this alsdkfjgh isn’t much, but i’d also love to take on some of the plots you guys have available! we can also brainstorm something from scratch of course ^^ feel free to like my shmatus and i’ll come see what’s up in your ims!

#° ｡ * ♡ 𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔.#hqbrew:intro

9 notes · View notes

rkwmdksblog · 3 years ago

Text

good massage

The Best Massage Oils For Every Purpose and Occasion Destynee Powell August 18, 20214 min easy to buy to

Theres nothing greater than before than a relaxing smooth to minister to undertake you away from all of computer graphicss turbulent moments. Sometimes a little rubdown can ease all of your tensions, profit rid of your knots and depart you feeling rejuvenated. But the worst share not quite massages? Paying for them. Why not get it at blazing subsequent to than the by now of a loved one following the best smooth oils otherwise? Youll absolutely save a boatload of cash.

The best rub oils change depending vis--vis speaking what exactly it is youapproaching looking for. Some smell invincible, others meet the expense of you energy, some have healing properties and some can even profit you in the atmosphere, if you know what we intend. No issue what it is youon looking for, theres once a daub oil for it. More recently, the best rub oils have evolved in view of that much that there are even CBD smooth oils to choose from if thats your shtick.

From relaxing after a stressful hours of hours of daylight at the office to spicing things up in the bedroom, check out these lovable smooth oils that will assistance you set the setting and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

1. Cometasa Sensual Lavender Massage Oil BEST FOR GETTING IN THE MOOD

Sometimes, the best mannerism to acquire things started then you and your fashion adjoin in crime is by giving (or receiving) a sensual daub. This lavender rub oil from Cometasa has the unadulterated fragrance and feeling to begin some romance in the bedroom. It goes around lightweight and even comes considering a smear ball for take in front pleasure. All in all, this stuff just smells sexy and will understand intimacy also than your handbag happening a notch or two.

Cometasa Sensual Lavender Massage Oil, best daub oil Cometasa Sensual Lavender Massage Oil, best daub oil 2. Relax Therapeutic Body Massage Oil BEST FOR RELAXING

No one wants to vibes uptight later than monster massaged, right? Wind after that to and profit 건마달인 into it later the Relax Therapeutic Body Massage Oil. This bottle is filled to the brim considering almond oil thats scented also peppermint and lavender. Relieve any boil muscles and tenseness the morning has created for at-home massages that mood professionally curtains.

Relax Therapeutic Body Massage Oil, best rub oil Relax Therapeutic Body Massage Oil, best rub oil 3. Neurogan CBD Massage Oil BEST CBD

CBD is trendy right now. If youapproximately looking to atmosphere dispel and at ease during your rub (which, who wouldnt?) Neurogans CBD Massage Oil might be reach for you. Its made with the entire reforest-based ingredients such as lavender and CBD. Unless youas regards intensely experienced once CBD rub oils, we counsel going for the formulation taking into account 1000mg of CBD, which is a milder (and more affordable) dosage for beginners.

Neurogan CBD Massage Oil, best smooth oil Neurogan CBD Massage Oil, best smooth oil

Buy: Neurogan CBD Massage Oil $39.95

4. MAJESTIC PURE Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil BEST WITH CHAMOMILE

Youve had chamomile in your tea, dockt you? Why not deem it in your smooth oil? This smear oil uses arnica extract, chamomile oil and lavender oil to make a deliciously scented, sweetly mild muscle massager for at-house use. Its got hydrating qualities that depart your skin feeling soft and gymnastic after use for a hydrated flavor. Everything is promised to be use mistreat-user-easy to discharge commitment to, too!

Read More: The Best Massage Guns

Maude Burn No. 1 Maude Burn No. 1

Buy: Maude Burn No. 1 $25.00

7. Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Treatment by Buena Skin BEST FOR CELLULITE

Get rid of unwanted cellulite then than this decadent massage oil from Buena Skin. According to the brand, youll be skillful to resolute, make public and rub unwanted cellulite though giving your skin a healthy glow since continued use of this product.

Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Treatment by Buena Skin Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Treatment by Buena Skin 8. ELEMIS De-Stress Massage Oil BEST FOR STRESSED FOLK

Its in the proclaim, people. This de-stressing massage oil from ELEMIS works to nourish your skin and soothe your mind at the same period to promote your cumulative self feel greater than before. It uses a amalgamation of courteous-smelling acid oils to fall in along as well as aromatherapy when each massage for an unforgettable at-stop experience each and every one one times.

ELEMIS De-Stress Massage Oil ELEMIS De-Stress Massage Oil 9. Weleda Arnica Massage Oil BEST FOR SORENESS

Whether you had a cutting daylight at the office or your workout was too hard upon your body; relax sensitive muscles together surrounded by this expertly recommended oil that works to assign support to relief highlight and ease stiff joints and tight muscles. Folks even use Weleda to abet avoid muscle-aligned injuries in the far away ahead.

Weleda Arnica Massage Oil Weleda Arnica Massage Oil 10. Organic Edible Massage Oil for Body by RD Alchemy BEST INTIMACY ENHANCER

Made in the USA, this eatable oil was expected for fun and relaxation. Pick from four exotic flavors including bay rum exaltation, juicy citrus, spicy vanilla and mint zip to ensue some spice in the bedroom without overpowering the senses.

RD Alchemy Organic Edible Massage Oil for Body, best massage oil RD Alchemy Organic Edible Massage Oil for Body, best massage oil Love what youas regards seeing? Follow us upon Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and be the first to hear just about subsidiary product launches, the latest trends and cant miss deals you wont sit in judgment anywhere else.

1. Swedish smooth Feeling stressed? A Swedish daub is the classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish smear is typically a full-body daub that uses a gentle be poorly. Its a pleasurable pick for people auxiliary to massages.

It can in front going on calm your agitated system. Swedish smooth is after that a comfortable avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional assert of mind which can directly impact your muscles, says Bodner.

2. Deep tissue Your muscles can profit tight from repeated use even from something less nimble similar to sitting, driving or hunching more than your laptop. Deep tissue daub gets into your muscles and tendons to official pardon that tightness, Bodner says. Its to your liking for people following injuries, general muscle tightness and chronic muscle antiseptic twinge.

3. Sports rub Sports massages are same to deep-tissue massages, but they zero in regarding the order of the muscles that take a beating back you pretense sports or realize other repetitive visceral broil.

Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person, Bodner says. A rub therapist in the ventilate of experience in sports rub can profit in there to fracture occurring muscle tightness and residence sports injuries.

4. Trigger narrowing smooth A knot in your neck or a tight spot in your abet is known as a put into organization narrowing. A put into charity reduction is a tiny muscle spasm or tight spot in the tissue, Bodner explains. In a put into group-narrowing rub, the smear therapist uses focused and concentrate on pressure to set sights on those bad skin. This increases blood flow to the areas, helping them forgive. This type of rub can then be cooperative for people taking into account chronic longing.

5. Myofascial pardon The fascia is a web of connective tissue numb the skin. It supports the muscles and allows us to concern freely, Bodner explains. When you get your hands on a myofascial pardon, your rub therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia to show out nervousness and tightness. Its a form of deep stretching often used together in the middle of new therapeutic rub techniques, she says. Its enjoyable for creation taking place tightness in the neck, shoulders and your upper and degrade by now going on.

6. Lyphatic smooth Lymphatic unstructured has several important functions, including maintaining vague levels and removing waste products from the body. Lymphatic smooth uses a gentle add taking place to assign support to lymphatic shapeless flow more freely through the body.

Lymphatic rub is suitable for people in imitation of inflammation including people subsequent to illnesses bearing in mind arthritis, as adeptly as people who have had mastectomies, which often impinge on removing the lymph nodes, Bodner says.

7. Prenatal rub Prenatal massages are colossal for helping moms-to-be relax and can previously quarters the aches and pains of growing a baby. Prenatal massages are astounding for taking pressure off the hips and can backing in the appearance of boil in the feet and legs, Bodner says. And later mom is relaxed and feeling accurately, the baby relief, too.

0 notes

differentnutpeace · 4 years ago

Text

Dispatches From Quarantine: How Young People Are Documenting History

It's been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic completely upended our lives. For young people especially, it reprieved them of fully experiencing the world during a crucial time of growth and development. หวย บอล เกมส์ คาสิโนออนไลน์

Parents all over the world are beaming with all sorts of questions to get a grasp on the pandemic's toll, such as: How has the pandemic been affecting our children? Has remote learning slowed their education? Has reduced socializing hurt their development?

SHOTS - HEALTH NEWS

Why Some Young People Fear Social Isolation More Than COVID-19

Historian Alexandra Zapruder wanted to document what the young people of today are going through, so she asked a number of students to send her diary entries. The project, called Dispatches from Quarantine, launched in April 2020, and those questions were explored and answered through all sorts of mediums — like the stringing of words, the strokes of a paintbrush or to the strums of a ukulele.

Credit: Naiobi Benjamin

Naiobi Benjamin's song "Not What I Planned"

"With the proliferation of social media, I started to think about how diaries have basically been supplanted," Zapruder tells NPR's Morning Edition. "And what's a little bit been lost is the kind of quiet reflection, the authentic preservation of experiences that are captured in diaries. And I'm very interested in preserving that."

Article continues after sponsor message

Zapruder's interest behind documenting adolescence is simple: it's fleeting.

"It goes so fast and once it's over, it's lost forever, we cannot recapture that point of view as anybody who knows anybody who lives with a teenager knows how foreign in a way that perspective can be," she adds.

Stephanie Zhou: The Final Project

Stephanie Zhou via Alexandra Zapruder

Zapruder was not invested in a generic writing project, but rather was interested in "the idea of showing young people how their writing in the present day could really exist on a continuum of writers who've been writing over more than 100 years." Although participants mainly wrote the obvious, such as their general grief over missing school or prom — there was still appeal in the fact there is so much that is unexpected.

Maia Siegel

I was ill until proven

healthy. My mother

left me small foods

laid on paper plates

on the stairs, running

away as I came out.

A date, some almonds,

a sweet potato stabbed

through with a fork.

I despised her for being so

scared of me, for crying

to the doctor If she comes down

I will feel panicked. I did not come down.

I stayed still for six days,

four of which I did not get out

of bed.

Through quick, blunt stanzas, 18-year-old Maya Siegel notes the initial wave of panic and tension that eased into her household as she was in quarantine.

"And she says, this thing that I absolutely adore, my mother starts to ration the seltzer water," Zapruder notes. "Like this little detail that is so potent."

Claire Hammond

I can hear the birds chirping all the time now. I never used to listen to the birds before; too busy running around from activity to activity. So many things have been taken out of my life and replaced. Yes, by worry and fear, but also by time, my silver lining. For the first time in such a long while, I've been able to just stop and sit. I've been able to focus on myself and heal a bit, in a world that's so broken.

In this note from 16-year-old Claire Hammond, she documents the small moments of mindfulness she's felt amid the chaos of the pandemic. Life has slowed down enough to the point where she can feel a little bit more free from the restraints of everyday life.

Fiona Dong

I still clearly remember when the coronavirus outbreak happened in China, I checked the data on the number of cases every morning after I woke up. I was worried about my family and friends back in China. The coronavirus became the topic that we discussed on the dinner table. I worried about my family every day, but what I could do was only take care of myself and watch people experiencing all those tragedies. The whole world is having a hard time this year. However, in human history, when there was a world crisis, it always brought us together to unite as a whole and fight against the crisis. I didn't have a chance to prove that before the virus's outbreak, but I strongly feel that now. People from different countries are fighting against our enemy together.

We shouldn't blame or compare each other at this time. If we are facing this together as a group, I believe our enemy will capitulate soon.

SHOTS - HEALTH NEWS

Too Much Alone Time? Tips To Connect And Find Joy While Social Distancing

Zapruder told Morning Edition how glad she was to see the project reach an international scope. In this example, 16-year-old Fiona Dong was going to school in Massachusetts but was called to return to her home in China. Her full submission leads readers on the journey back home — detailing the anxiety behind traveling in turbulent times and a two-week quarantine in a hotel in her hometown, Xi'an.

Sam Kofman

I had two tests yesterday, and the most stressful part of doing quizzes and tests is when you have to upload them. It's so much easier in school, where you just hand in a piece of paper. [...] Every single time I try to upload it, I have to do it at least twice because the Internet always crashes. We have so many people all trying to work on the same Internet. My mom and dad doing their work, and me and my brother and sister doing school. I'm really sick of this. I've been in quarantine for about 9 weeks. The only human interaction I have is with my family.

Sam Kofman writes about sharing the Internet with four other members of his family, and the stress of submitting a paper while the Internet keeps giving out.

"This is something that we're all living through, you know, and we want and need to preserve those little details, because that's the texture of daily life," Zapruder says of the excerpt. "That's the stuff we're going to forget 20 years from now."

Zapruder says the project reaffirms something she's believed so deeply — that young people and what they have to say matters.

The full Dispatches from Quarantine collection can be viewed on Zapruder's site.

Phil Harrell and Reena Advani produced and edited the audio story.

0 notes

thegloober · 6 years ago

Text

You Will Love What This DIY Cleansing Balm Does For Your Skin

Learn how to make a DIY cleansing balm to use as a moisturizing face wash and makeup remover. Made from a handful of natural ingredients and similar to Beautycounter or other popular cleansing balms.

As a teenager, I would have been repulsed by it. As a busy, not-so-young-anymore mom, I am in love with it.

What am I talking about? No, not an old Robert Redford movie or a silent yoga retreat. I’m talking about cleansing balm.

Yes, we’re here to talk about face washing today – but in a way that might surprise you!

What is a Cleansing Balm?

It’s possible you’ve never even heard of cleansing balm but it’s been quite trendy lately, so maybe it’s been on your radar.

A cleansing balm is an oil based skin care product that comes in a solid state (as opposed to liquid) and is used for cleansing and makeup removal.

What? Wash my face with oil? Sounds like a bad idea!

That was my reaction too but once I learned that “oil attracts oil” it all made sense.

The oil in a cleansing balm works to remove dirty oil from your skin and replace it with fresh, nourishing oils.

Believe it or not, cleansing balm is actually beneficial for people with an oily complexion because it keeps skin from over-producing oil. Traditional foaming cleansers can strip skin of oil, causing your skin to react by producing too much oil.

Cleansing balm also removes makeup like nobody’s business!

FYI – You many recall stories of cold cream as a popular beauty regimen used by everyone from famous actresses to your very own grandma. While the basic idea of a cold cream cleanser is similar to a cleansing balm, traditional cold creams (like Ponds) are made from mineral oil and artificial fragrances so I would steer clear!

RELATED: Simple Homemade Makeup Remover

Benefits of Washing with a Cleansing Balm

The beauty of a cleansing balm is that it works for any skin type – dry, oily, acne-prone, young or older!

The benefits of washing your face with a cleansing balm include:

Deep cleansing without stripping skin of oil

Clears congested pores (reduced acne and blackheads)

Helps balance skin’s natural oils

Keeps skin from over-producing oil

Adds moisture to skin where needed

Massaging the balm into skin encourages blood flow and helps drain toxins

Removes makeup thoroughly

How to Wash Your Face with a Cleansing Balm

I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure

Washing your face with a cleansing balm is easy, but there is a method to the madness! It is similar to the oil cleansing method, but this involves a solid balm instead of a liquid oil.

Scoop out an almond sized amount of cleansing balm

Rub it between your fingers to melt the balm

Massage the balm into DRY skin, using circular motions

Carefully massage over the eye area as well

Wet muslin washcloth with warm to hot water

Place cloth over face and take a few breaths while the steam opens your pores

Use the cloth to gently wipe away oil from face, being extra careful around the eye area

Repeat until most of the oil is removed – but skin still feels moisturized

Afterwards, your skin should feel clean but also wonderfully soft and nourished.

Depending on your skin type you may or may not need to use additional skin care products, such as facial serums or moisturizers after cleansing. Since my skin is dry, I usually finish with a few drops of a nourishing facial oil serum and a bit of eye cream right before bed.

Cleansing balms are most often used at night – but nothing’s stopping you from using it as part of your morning routine as well (I’ve certainly done it!)

Note: it may take time for your skin to adjust to this new cleansing routine, so don’t write it off at the first sign of zit! Just like switching to natural deodorant, there can be an adjustment period where your skin goes through a bit of a detox. Stick with it if you can!

RELATED: Creamy Facial Cleansers and Cleansing Milks

Other Uses for Cleansing Balm

On top of being a fantastic moisturizing cleanser and a non-toxic makeup remover, this DIY cleansing balm as a few other superpowers!

Overnight face mask

Moisturizing face cream

Hand and cuticle cream

Relief for dry elbows or heels

All purpose balm

The solid state of a cleansing balm makes it perfect for travel! Just remember it still must meet the airline rules for liquids and gels (3.4-oz (100 ml) and they must be presented in a quart-sized ziplock bag.)

DIY Cleaning Balm Ingredients

The product that got me hooked on the cleansing balm method of face cleaning was Beautycounter Cleansing Balm. It is such a lovely product, but it’s expensive – $80 for a 2.75-oz jar. So once my Beautycounter product ran out, I began testing out a homemade version.

While I wasn’t expecting to copy it completely (I don’t have access to all the ingredients that a company like Beautycounter does!), I did want my cleansing balm to have a similar consistency. I wanted it to be solid to the touch, yet melt in my hands. And obviously I wanted to use all natural, non-toxic and preferably organic ingredients.

I’ll be honest, my attempts to make cleansing balm had a bit of a Goldilocks problem – the first one was too thin, the second one was too thick, the third one was almost there and the fourth one was just right!

Here are the ingredients that made the final cut:

Shea butter – An excellent moisturizer that comes from the nut of the shea tree in Africa. (I buy unrefined shea butter in bulk from my local co-op but you can buy shea butter online.)

Cocoa butter – A moisturizing oil that comes from the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter is very hard at room temperature so it helps with the consistency of the cleansing balm. (I get disks of organic cocoa butter in bulk but you can find them online.)

Coconut oil – This popular kitchen staple not only tastes good but is revered as a skin care treatment and makeup remover. (Use whatever you already have in your kitchen cupboard – there is no difference between coconut oil for eating or for skin care.)

Calendula oil – Calendula flowers are known for their soothing and healing properties, making calendula-infused oil a perfect ingredient for cleansing balm. (Here’s the brand of calendula oil I have or you can make your own by infusing calendula flowers in a carrier oil like sunflower, olive or grapeseed oil.)

Frankincense essential oil – A popular oil for skin care due to its ability to rejuvenate dry or mature skin. (Find certified organic frankincense oil online.)

Geranium essential oil – Geranium (also Rose Geranium, which is similar) supports clear, calm skin by regulating oil production and helping unclog pores. One of my favorite essential oils because of its woodsy, rosy scent. (Find organic geranium essential oil here)

Bergamot essential oil – A calming essential oil with a cheery, uplifting scent. (Find organic bergamot essential oil here)

All these ingredients are available in certified organic versions so your cleansing balm can be 100% organic if you prefer it that way!

DIY Cleansing Balm Recipe

My DIY Cleansing Balm is extremely simple to make. This recipe makes enough for 1 jar (about 1/3 cup) but it can easily be doubled or tripled.

In fact, while you are making one for yourself, you should really make one for a friend or two as well. I mean, who wouldn’t want this lovely multi-purpose cleansing balm scented with natural essential oils?

Start by measuring out the shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter discs into a glass bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments (stirring in between) until the ingredients are completely melted. This usually takes three 30-second increments – but it will depend on the strength of your microwave.

Wait for the oil mixture to cool a bit (it can be a bit warm, but not hot), then add the calendula oil and the essential oils.

Pour into a glass, metal or plastic container and let cool. You can refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process if you would like.

Some of you may notice that I reused the container from my Beautycounter cleansing balm. I’m always up for reusing jars and bottles whenever possible! Here are some nice glass containers if you need something new.

Once the balm is in a solid state, it is ready to use. Follow the instructions I mentioned above for how to wash your face with a cleansing balm!

DIY Cleansing Balm

Easy homemade cleansing balm that is just a effective as high priced brands and made with only a few natural, non-toxic ingredients.

Keyword: beauty, cleansing balm, facial care, skin care

Author: Micaela

Ingredients

2 tablespoons shea butter

1 tablespoon coconut oil

4 cocoa butter disks

1 teaspoon calendula oil

5 drops geranium essential oil

5 drops frankincense essential oil

5 drops bergamot essential oil

Instructions

Place shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter disks in a glass bowl.

Microwave for 30 seconds.

Stir and microwave for 30 more seconds.

Repeat until all ingredients are melted.

Let cool slightly until mixture is slightly warm but not hot.

Add calendula oil and essential oils and mix well.

Pour mixture into glass, metal or plastic jars.

Wait for cleansing balm to cool completely and solidify before using. Refrigerate if desired to speed up the process.

Makes about 1/3 cup – enough for one jar of cleaning balm.

I don’t have the calculations for exactly how much this DIY cleansing balm cost me, but I guarantee you it is less than what you would pay for most natural brands like Beautycounter or others.

A nice reminder that luxury beauty products do not have to be expensive!

Have you used a cleansing balm? Share your experience in the comments!

Source: https://bloghyped.com/you-will-love-what-this-diy-cleansing-balm-does-for-your-skin/

0 notes

lenaglittleus · 8 years ago

Text

Quinoa Taco Salad

Get your Mexican fix with this healthy and easy Quinoa Taco Salad. This meal with inspire you to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life that are full of flavor and good-for-you ingredients.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a cookbook collector. Granted, I’m pretty sure all the cookbooks I “owned” belonged to my mom until I moved away for college, but if we count those, my collection has always been pretty epic.

I have such strong memories of my Mom flipping through her cookbooks on the weekends planning for her next dinner party (she likes to have the menu set a few weeks before…why did I not inherit this planfulness?!). Cookbooks have always induced positive associations for me.

That’s why every time a cookbook appears in my mailbox, I’m like a giddy schoolgirl who just stocked up on a new round of highlighters. And lately, my mailbox has been overflowing with amazing cookbook inspo.

I’ve decided that 2017 is the year of cookbooks, because my collection has nearly doubled in the last two months. What I’m also realizing is that almost all of them are plant-based! As you guys know, I’m not 100% plant-based but over the last few years I’ve drastically reduced my animal consumption (1-2 days a week) and have incorporated far more plant-based meals. Of course, I’m always flexible and changing so I don’t hold myself to any kind of label but I just love me some vegetables and their superpower-inducing qualities.

Some of you may remember Jessica Murnane who was on episode 3 of the podcast. Jess was one of my dream guests and I’m grateful to our mutual friend Katie who made the introduction. Jess’ episode is unbelievably refreshing and inspiring as she tells her story about transitioning her diet to help heal her Stage 4 Endometriosis.

That diet change is what inspired her to start a movement called “One Part Plant”, which has since morphed into a website, a podcast and now a cookbook! Her mission is simple: Encourage people to start eating one plant-based meal a day. And her cookbook is finally here to help make this mission even easier for me and you.

A couple things.

1) I’m so inspired by Jess’ not-at-all preachy approach towards health. Her entire life changed because of this one decision she made with her diet, but she doesn’t rub it in your face. She knows I’m not plant-based (I prefer plant-foward I guess?!) and has never tried to convert me or anyone else to her approach. She wants people to just TRY eating one plant-based meal a day. And sometimes that can be as simple as swapping out your milk for almond milk or snacking on nuts instead of a scone. I immediately like anyone who doesn’t believe in forcing an all-or-nothing approach on other people.

2) Her new cookbook, One Part Plant is incredible. The recipes are simple, approachable and for me and any other cookbook collectors out there, it’s insanely beautiful too. Before launching One Part Plant she was a designer so as you can imagine, the aesthetic is on point.

I wish I could share every recipe from the book, but Jess was kind enough to let me share a recipe so you can get a sense of what I mean by approachable, plant-based cooking. This Quinoa Taco Salad came together so quickly and it’s one of those salads that just gets better each day as it sits and melds together. And once the quinoa was cooked, it literally took 10 mins to make.

So here’s my PSA to you. If you’re looking for easy recipes, buy this book. If you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals that taste delish, buy this book. Or if you’re a cookbook fiend and want a beautiful book to add to your collection, buy this book.

You won’t regret it! P.S. Jess also captured the entire experience of landing, creating and selling a cookbook in her new podcast called The Cookbook Deal. It’s incredible and so so entertaining! Check er’ out.

Save Print

Quinoa Taco Salad

Cook time: 40 mins

Total time: 40 mins

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 cups of cooked quinoa, room temp

1/2 small red onion, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed if canned

sea salt, to taste

1 avocado, diced

Optional toppings: tortilla chips

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the cumin, chili powder, and lime juice and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and black beans.

Gently stir in the spiced lime juice and toss to coat.

Add a pinch of salt and more lime juice if desired.

Before serving top the salad with avocado and hot sauce and then a handful of tortilla chips in the bowl or crushed on top.

Keep for up to 5 days in the fridge and add an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving.

3.5.3226

Have you checked out One Part Plant, yet? Do you enjoy plant-based cooking?

The post Quinoa Taco Salad appeared first on The Healthy Maven.

from News About Health http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheHealthyMaven/~3/y442Kr-t9SI/quinoa-taco-salad.html

0 notes