Moroccan Rhassoul Clay

Okay I'm always looking for a new natural thing to add to my arsenal of natural products for face and hair. I think I may have found a winner in Moroccan Rhassoul Clay.  Rhassoul clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco..often called Moroccan Red clay this burnt red colored clay is a wonder.  It has been used for centuries to cleanse and beautify. The clay is naturally fine and only needs the addition of water to become effective.

When I think of a clay for beauty i think of a face mask. This clay is wonderful for the face. I use about 1 tablespoon of clay to just enough water that makes a paste and apply it over my face for a mask. A thin layer is enough to give results of soft and wonderful skin after about 15 minutes. Rinse face with water and pat dry then feel that baby softness of your skin. If you have acne it also is supposed to dial it back and help eliminate. I can attest to the drying out of blemishes and the dialing back of breakouts. Complete eradication..not there yet, maybe a few more uses of the clay. The reason: Rhassoul clay is rich in minerals such as silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium. It helps detoxify the skin while it exfoliates gently. It balances skin’s natural oil production, and is hydrating to dry skin and calming to oily skin.  It improves clarity, removes dead skin cells, and improves skin texture.

I've also used the clay to remove makeup. I use mineral makeup and a primer one for my face and one for my eyes so i have two products with silicone which can be difficult to remove without drug store removers or using an oil cleansing method. I'm not comfy with using oil on my eyes all the time even though it's effective, also I'm not liking having to buy cotton balls all the time or wash wash cloths over and over (laundry of an infant 4 yo and two adults is a lot already) also, I think eliminating those items is just a little more green.  Back to the Rhassoul clay. Using the Rhassoul clay as a makeup remover is amazing. Letting the clay powder become a full on clay and remove my makeup and reveal soft cleansed and balanced skin is AMAZING. My skin is soft, firm and not really in need of my nightly grapeseed oil moisturization (if i do use the grapeseed oil i use less..wow!). Also it takes me a lot less time to scrub away my makeup with the clay than it does with the oil cleansing method. This to me is a great aspect of the clay because with an infant, time is a precious commodity.

For the hair, Rhassoul clay can be used in two methods: as a cleanser and as a hair mask.  The clay is a gentle cleanser and will not strip the hair of essential oil while it cleanses strands and the scalp.  Being gentle and having anti-inflammatory properties, Rhassoul clay is said to be a great help for those with dry scalp or dandruff. As a hair mask this is great to increase volume, if you have curly hair it will help control frizz and tighten your curls ( my personal experience). Hair is soft and manageable and frizz free. Mix enough clay and water to produce a mud like consistency rub into hair and wrap with a warm towel or shower cap and leave on for about 15-20 min. wash out thoroughly with warm water.

All in all I am so pleased with the Rhassoul clay.  It's an inexpensive and multiple use clay that I am fortunate to have found.

Dr. Bronner's for Baby- New HG for my kids

okay y'all, in my search for products that are better for my family and cost effective, I have rediscovered Dr. Bronner's Castile Soaps. I had read abot them from the raveson the HHWC forums and a few other blogs. However, at the time, with only one kid, the expense was just not right for my family at the time. now with the second kiddo almost here (typing this as i'm having contractions), now is abetter time to further reduce the family spending budget and use products that are better for my family.
I remember the pain for the Johnson's "Tear-free" shampoo causing me pain and tears. The same occurred to my daughter and i had to switch. Burt's Bees was no much help either though tipping my daughter's head back to lessen the amount of shampoo hitting her face improved things.

Okay, enter Dr.Bronner's into my mind. Castile soap that is mild and has rave reviews. Went to the Vitamin Shoppe and got the Organic Unscented Baby-Mild Pure Castile Soap.
Got the 8oz bottle for $5.49 and have diluted it with water into a travel shampoo bottle for my daughter. I know with Dr. Bronner's it's not tear free, but it's sulfate and harsh chemical free. My daughter has no incidents with me administered with the tilt back method and her curls have improved.

The ingredients fro Dr. Bronner's Baby-Mild formula are:
Water, saponified organic coconut & organic olive oils (w/ retained glycerin), organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, sea salt, citric acid, vitamin E.

All great stuff. In case you are wondering what saponified means, according to dictionary.com: "to convert (a fat) into soap by treating with an alkali."

I remember on Dirty Jobs a soap maker saying saponification is when the soapmaker adds something like lye to the fat, the chemical reaction results in soap.

Results so far are:
Skin is soft and no need for lotion. Hair, like i said curls are great and i don't have to use as much EV Coconut Oil to detangle. YAY!

glitter-graphics.com

Summer dresses ..comfy and inexpensive.

Summertime is usually the best time for wearing light dresses that are flirty and comfy. I don't believe you have to spend a lot to find a fab summer dress. and in fact I've been loving what is available ta Walmart from the Faded Glory Collection. I have bought 5 dresses that are just comfy and all under $20 each.

Faded Glory Crochet-Trim Dress: $12

This dress is available at Walmart and Walmart.com for only $12. It's lightweight cotton and totally breathable. I layer it with a Faded glory Tank ( $3.50 on sale $5 regular price) and a pair of cute sandals and I'm ready for the day.
The item description:

Item Description

Cotton voile

Color-match crochet trim

Wrap-style V-neck with embroidery

Adjustable straps

Smocked back

Banded empire waist

Ruffle-trim hem

It comes in four colors, Turquoise, Purple, Pink, and black. I have the Turquoise and Purple one. They are roomy and especially since I'm prego now going a size up usually helps with belly fit. when I'm not prego, these are true to size and just wonderful to stock up on since the colors are gorgeous.

Faded Glory Ruffle Dress: $9

Could not find a picture for this dress. It has a lettuce ruffle neckline and the same trim on the arm holes. a slightly cinched center for gentle pleats down the center and under the bust line which is really flattering. Racer Back cut in the back Hits just at the end of the knee. Made from 100% organic cotton. Then it gently a-lines out. Very soft and light. It comes in Red, Navy, Kelly Green and i think pink and Purple ( was looking for other colors since i already had a purple dress in my hand). At $9 this dress is a steal! With this dress laying it with a cardi or wearing it plain make a great summer picnic outfit or great for casual Friday.

Next two dresses are Maternity dress only available on walmart.com i wish they were in store, It would be so nice.

Maternity Sleeveless Empire Dresses: $18
This dress has ruffled sleeve and a great v-neck cut to enhance the bust line. The fabric is jersey knit so it's ultra-comfy! True to pre-prego size this is a great dress to wear! No complaints here. comes in three colors: Royal Blue, Fuschia, and Black. Great basics to build on.

Maternity Sleeveless Ruffle Scoop Dress: $18 but on clearance for $14

This dress is described as:

Scoop neck with 2-tier ruffle trim

Sleeveless

Elasticized empire waist

Mid-calf length

As with the first maternity dress it has that jersey knit feel and is uber comfy. The ruffled trim at the bottom is flirty and even sexy. Has great appeal when you walk and bounces. I can still seem my lower half so yeah i noticed...it makes me very happy. It comes in Red, Royal Blue and Pretty Purple. I bought the dress for the original price of $18 and it is now on clearance for $14. Under $20 and a great purchase when compared to some other bands which start at $40 for dresses, I'm happy.


Checkout the cotton dresses at Walmart they have a great selection and are perfect for summer. Dress them up or wear them plain great additions to any closet.