CLEAN FRESH BEAUTY - Inner Beauty

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Fri, 25 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

Forest Bathing – Summer Natural Beauty Essentials to Keep You Fresh When in Nature

Sat, 20 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMT

I love hiking, I just love being in the middle of the threes, hearing the bird chirping, seeing small and some big animals...

Hicking is my get back to nature moment. Studies actually prove that we feel better and do better after being in nature. Just going for a walk in nature can have great impact on our well-b eing. In Japan, they call it" Forest Bathing.” a short, leisurely visit to a forest” .

Hiking is my forest bathing and I try to hike wherever I go. That's me; in Hawaii about to go on a hike at Diamond Head.

Hiking is a lot of fun, but in summer can be a little bit sticky and smelly. I mean that's summer all around, right?! Between vacation, fireworks, barbecues, pool parties, kid’s games, camping, everything tend to be little sticky and smelling.

If you are looking for an easy summer skin care routine, read my minimalist natural summer skin care routine. I can also help you create a minimalist natural skin routine too.

But, today is all about staying fresh and protected during the hot summer months and there are plenty of natural products to help us.

1st let's cover the basics

If you are going camping, hiking, or anywhere in the woods do not wear perfume. Perfumes attract mosquitoes and other insects.

And of course, you need insect repellent. Most insect repellents contain DEET, but there is so much controversy around it. When I was researching DEET, I noticed that event the research or articles explaining that DEET was safe still referenced few cases seizures caused by DEET. Why take the risk? Especially since there are effective DEET-free alternatives.

The Environmental Working group (EWG) recommends Picardin, IR 3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as effective safe alternatives to DEET.

Here are few natural options for you:

Click to read more!

DEET- free Insect Repellent safe for everyone [kids and pets]

Organic Insect Repellent Travel Size Spray, REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4 oz , 4000 people give it 4 stars.

Bite-me Bug Free’s formulas are kid-friendly and made with natural ingredients and the line contains insect repellent a conditioner, leave-in conditioner and body wash intended to fend off lice and ticks.

Bug Protector, Travel pack – including [DEET Free Mosquito(2oz) & Tick Repellents(2oz) + Pucker Protector Lip Balm Beeswax Beachbum SPF 15, Sun Protector Mineral Sunscreen Lotion(3oz)

Don’t want to spray anything on you, there are non spray DEET-Free options for you too.
Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller
Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, 100% Natural & DEET-free
Murphy's Mosquito Sticks

Put on your sunscreen, that's must. You are going outdoor and it is essential to protect your skin.
You can use a regular on Sun screen for your whole body and/or use a SPF moisturizer. I use both.

Get your water on: one tiny bottle of water won't be enough. Get your 32 oz of water with you. I also use facial spray too to stay cool during hot summer month; this comes from my French roots. I love EVIAN Facial Spray. I put it in the freezer for 10 to 200 minutes before we leave for our hike. Once you spray it on your face, it feels like light sprinkle. If you are staying all day or camping, you might consider bringing a funny pack. Yep! That will hold a lot of your essentials.

2nd, How to stay fresh while forest bathing aka hiking, camping,...

My #1 Natural essential products to bring for outdoor activities
The best thing to stay fresh when on your outdoor exploration are wipes. Natural wipes will save your day; they are light to carry and there are wipes for everything. Natural wipes made with 100% biodegradable vegetable fibers are the best though, they have less impact on the environment. So, all the wipes below are biodegradable to reduce our footprint.

For your face:

I love the Ursa Major facial wipes; I mention them all the time. These wipes are made with 100% bamboo fiber; they are so practical; You clean, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate your skin with one wipe. They have that refreshing mint scent. Each wipe comes in its own package, so make sure to not litter and put the package in the trash. I was so happy when I saw that REI is selling them too because everyone should know about these wipes. They also have a travel kit you might want to try.

I also love the Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Hydrating Wipes, Cucumber & Aloe. These natural facial wipes are kid-friendly too and all-Multi-tasker for infants, children, post yoga, post workout, make-up remover. There is no individual package here and the wipes are biodegradable, so our footprint is even smaller.

For your body

I like the HyperGo - Full Body Wipes. I like them because they are super large wipes for the body (12 x 12 inches). These wipes are super effective, biodegradable, refreshing, and moisturizing. They are also unscented.

Also, you might like the Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes; these also work as deodorizing Body Wipes; they contain aloe vera and vitamin E. They are made of 100% viscose fiber which is biodegradable. They come in few sizes: Compact size measures 8 x 6 in. and includes 12 wipes; XL size measures 12 x 8 in. and includes 8 wipes.
Don’t forget to moisturize your body, I usually go with pure jojoba oil, or shea butter.

For Feminine wipes

GoodWipes Down There Wipes for Women are the best. When you're sneakily peeing behind a tree, you want to have wipes with you. They are super gentle and will leave you so refreshed. The wipes are also flushable and biodegradable. Also, they are alcohol-free and hypoallergenic.

#2 - To keep fresh hair, I love the Refresh Dry Shampoo from Innersense Organic Beauty. It is foam to powder dry shampoo. Just apply on the tips of your fingers and massage it at the level of roots of your hair. You could also use the 2oz Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castille Liquid Soap. This is a concentrated, so there is plenty to lather your hair in the shower or a lack if you are nearby. Honestly, I go with the dry shampoo because no soap is 100% biodegradable. But, in case you want a total fresh feel of lathering your hair, Dr. Bronner’s is an eco-friendly option.

#3 - To kill body odor, I use the Green Tidings 1 oz deodorant any time. It is super effective at keeping smelly me away. this is a baking soda natural deodorant. For baking-soda free option, Rose Natural Deodorant with Magnesium is very effective and smell so good too.

#4 - For hand sanitizer, I highly recommend the Clean Well Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray, 1oz. This is my go-to hand sanitizer and it works great for forest bathing too.

3rd, Take it in forest bathing by being on air plane mode
Put your phone on air plane mode and breath in nature. Your forest bathing is all about leaving the hustle and bustle and stress and being on 24/7 away even if it is for few hours.

I think being in nature should be one of our top wellness tools. Just a walk helps us connect with elements that make us deeply happy.

What do you do to connect to nature? Let me know in the comment

Access My Free Resource To Get - The Summer Outdoor Activities - Stay Fresh List

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6 Natural Ways to Deal With Seasonal Allergies

Mon, 20 May 2019 07:00:00 GMT

This winter has been quite cold, so I excited that spring is just around the corner. But, for many of us, spring is not only the synonym of the temperature increase but also a sign that natural allergies are here. While there are many allergen triggers, the most common ones include air pollution, animal dander, certain foods, beauty product ingredients, fecal parts of dust mites, pollen from trees and grass, and insect bites.

Do you usually suffer from spring allergies? If yes, this blog post is for you. Some of the common signs that you have allergies are itchy or watering eyes, runny nose, congestion, irritation or tickle in the ears, excess mucus production scratchy throat or sneezing.

If you have any of these signs, you might be suffering from allergies. Before I switch to natural living, I was a big user for allergy medication like Zyrtec and Benadryl; But, I found ways to deal with allergies naturally and I share it with you in this blog post.

So, what can you so about spring allergies naturally?

#1: Lower Your Exposure To Triggers:

While this may be difficult to achieve when you suffer from natural allergies during spring, the truth is that there are some steps that you can take to, at least, reduce your exposure. These can include:

- decreasing the time you spend outdoors
- wash your hands frequently
- take a shower after spending time outdoors
- remove dust and allergens from your home
- use a humidifier to help moisturize the environment at home

#2: Boost Your Immune System:

When you give a boost to your immune system, you will be less susceptible to allergic reactions. So, here are some things that you can do that can help you boost your immune system:

- sleep at least 7 to 8 hours each night
- use raw Local honey. There is no recommended amount, but having one spoon of raw honey daily worked for me (you should not give honey to children under the age of 1).
- you should include in your diet high-antioxidant foods such as berries, pineapple, yams, carrot, and beets. In addition, you should consider including in your diet raw local honey, bone broth, spices such as ginger and turmeric, dark leafy greens, wild-caught fish, free-range poultry, and grass-fed meats.

#3: Make Use Of Herbs with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties

When you like to keep things natural, there is nothing better than looking at the best herbal compounds that can help you with your allergic reactions during spring.

You could add the following herbs in your smoothies
- Spirulina - provides antioxidants and helps to stop the release of histamines
- Stinging Nettles - contain anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic properties
- Echinacea - helps to strengthen your immune system by fighting infections, decreasing inflammation, and reducing sinus
- Bromelain - this is an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces sinuses and swelling in the nose

#4: Take Essential Nutrients As Supplements:

Today, you can easily find a wide variety of supplements on the market that can help you fight allergies.

- Probiotics - they not only support the immune system as they can help replenish beneficial gut bacteria
- Zinc - helps reduce the effects of chronic diseases as well as fatigue
- Vitamins A, S, and E - these vitamins are all antioxidants and they can, therefore, reduce allergy symptoms as well as protect against illness.
- Butterbur and Quercetin - can help with asthma, excess mucus, and bronchitis
Several studies suggest that a butterbur extract called Ze 339 can have the same effect as antihistamine medicines. Quercetin found in plant foods like broccoli or cauliflower can calm down hyperactivity of the airways. Take natural drug-free supplements that like LES Labs Sinus & Seasonal, Natural Supplement.

#5: Use Essential Oils:

Some essential oils can provide you some relief to allergy reactions. For example, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils tend to work very well for opening up the lungs and the nasal passages, relieve stress, and even improving circulation.

Download Natural DIY Essential Oils Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

#6 - Do A Nasal Rinse
This nasal rinse can remove accumulated bacteria, thin mucus, and cut down on postnasal drip.
Nasal Rinse with Neti Pot
*Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in 8 ounces of warm distilled water in a neti pot
*Lean over a sink and gently flush each nostril, one at a time.
Chlorine in tap water can irritate your nasal lining and sinuses; it should not be used for a nasal rinse.

Another Option For Nasal Rinse is using the Naväge Nasal Irrigation Basic Bundle. This is a very popular all natural fast, all-natural relief from allergies and sinus congestion - without drugs!

SOURCES

https://www.organicauthority.com
https://wellnessmama.com
https://www.healthline.com

6 Natural Handmade Gifts That Will Make Mother's Day A Very Special Day | Plus DIY Mother's Day Gifts

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 21:00:00 GMT

It is the time of the year to celebrate moms. In this blog post, I share with you ideas for natural gifts that will make this Mother's Day a special one.

#1 - Instead of going out for brunch or lunch, take your mom out for special day that would be filled with memories and connect you even more.

Find a beautiful Park and organize a picnic with your mom. Share a meal that you both love. Bring the entire family to make this moment an even more special. Take a lot of pictures and share them with your mom. This is a gift that can keep on giving.

If you already have pictures of special moments you shared with your mom, you can create a photo album to give to your mother on Mother’s Day. This could be a digital album oh a physical one that you would share with her. This will be an amazing opportunity to share special moments you spent with your mom.

#2 - You could also do a DIY album photo for your mom.
I love this simple idea from the Body Shop.

#3 Make this mother's day a unique one, by giving unique handmade gifts to your mother

Spa Gift Box - Spa Gift Set for Mom

Elegant, spa gift box set of our handcrafted products and finished with a beautiful hand tied ribbon.
* 1 handmade goat milk soap bar of your choice
* 1 aromatherapy shower bombs (variety bag)
* 1 natural soy candle of your choice
* 1 bath tea bag of your choice
* 1 bath bomb with Epsom salts of your choice
* 1 bath salts of your choice (Sea Salt, Dead Sea Salt or Soak)
* 1 elegant gift box dimensions 7-3/4 x 7-3/4 by 3 inches high color of your choice
Click to shop for it!

Mother of the Bride Gift - Heart Box

This lovely jewelry box would be a perfect gift for any mom and one that can be enjoyed all year round. It's made of earthenware clay and has 'Mom' with a heart graphic printed on the outside.

The inside reads:
Thank you for your
unending love, laughter
and support on this day
and all the days of my life.

Click to shop for it!

Tea Time Box

Tea Time Box Inside the box:

Teacup & Saucer from Morocco
Hand Stamped Tea Towel from India
Rosewood Wooden Tea Storage Box from India
Jasmine Green Tea from China

Shop for It!

Raw Aquamarine Stones Silver Ring

This Ring is hand crafted with pure and sterling silver.
It is designed with three irregular cut aquamarine stones. See its matching bracelet and brooch... This bracelet is hand crafted with pure and sterling silver. I designed this bracelet with irregular cut aquamarine stones.
Shop for it here!

Recycled Glass Elephants Nightlight

A glowing homage to motherhood, this recycled glass nightlight is brimming with storybook appeal.
Shop for it here!

First Time Mom | Mother's Day Gift

This gift is for a first time mother. This spa box will give any pregnant women or recent mother a relaxing day.
1 — 8 Ounce Natural Soy Candle in your Choice of Scent
1 — Stylish Match Box, 1 — Travel Size Bar of Natural, Cold Process Soap, 1 — Natural Scented Bath Bomb
1 — Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm, 1 — Travel Size Scented Organic Body Butter, 1 — Travel Size Organic Body Spray, 1 — Your Personalized Gift Message on a Card. Shop for it here!

4 Herbal Natural Allergy Remedies: Natural Supplements and Herbal Tea

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:00:00 GMT

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I struggle with allergies all year long, but spring allergies are the worst. Whenever you have allergies year round or your allergies are triggered by spring newly cut grass, pollen, or others, dealing with allergies is so so frustrating. The never ending sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion, runny nose, and even endless sinus infections can ruin a perfectly beautiful spring.

One of my most frustrating moments was when I had a severe sinus infection and went to see the ENT to find out that I was breathing at 70% because of allergies. I was miserable; I tried many natural supplements and herbal teas and they help so much to relieve my allergies symptoms.

In this blog post, I share with you herbal teas and supplement that help my allergies and allow me to enjoy spring.

#1: For immediate relief, try herbal tea made with stinging nettle

Herbal teas also called tisanes are are made using spices, seeds, roots, flowers, and leaves. They are usually caffeine free.

To retain the therapeutic benefits from teas, after pouring boiling water over your tea, cover it while it steeps and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
If you have been suffering from seasonal allergies for years, someone probably already recommended nettle tea. By itself, stinging nettle tea is irritating and unpleasant, but when you boil them into tea they become a super healer.

To help with the unpleasant taste, you can (and should) mix it with other herbs to make it taste better. But, I found the Republic of Tea Organic Nettle Superherb Herbal Tea. Wow, this is an amazing tea.

Wow, this is an amazing tea. I had immediate relief. From the smell to the taste, I was breathing better. I am usually not a big vanilla tea fan, but this tea does it. They also added peppermint which works great to open the air waves. Peppermint and stinging nettle tea have amazing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

#2: Start early with a butterbur extract supplement, great for congested sinuses

To prepare for spring, you could start drinking Garden of Life Natural Sinus Support in march. This herbal tea contain 8 wild–crafted herbs along with probiotics, enzymes and whole food vitamins and minerals and beta glucans.
Their main ingredient is butterbur extract. Studies show that butterbur is as effective as the antihistamine fexofenadine (Allegra) in providing relief from allergy symptoms.

This herbal tea work so well. I sleep so well the first day I drank it. I noticed less sinus infections as well. Gone are my congested weeks. I try to drink this tea daily. I also notice less post-nasal drips over time too.

#3: Itchy throat and or tired, try a spicier option with this honey and ginger

If you are ok with spicy, you will love Prince of Peace Instant Ginger Honey Crystals. I actually drink this tea all year round. It is great to quickly deal with cold in winter. In spring, the natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties help so much to deal with itchy throat and coughing.

One of the symptoms of seasonal allergies is tiredness, so this tea comes in so handy to wake me up.

I also love that I can mix this Instant Ginger Honey Crystals with other teas that are great for seasonal allergies. Lately, I have been mixing this crystals with Gaia Herbs Bronchial Wellness Herbal Tea. The mix is so soothing.

#4 NETI INHALERS! SET of TWO (2) Sinus & Lung Relief,

Lately, I have also tried this himalayan salts and essential oil blend. Oh, it is so good at helping me breath better. For essential oils, they used peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree. This is very clearing and easy to carry around. I have it in my pocket and use it whenever needed.
What are your natural remedies for seasonal allergies?

Gut Health: How To Make Sauerkraut

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Fermented food is amazing for gut health; Fermented food supports the body production of good bacteria in our gut. One of the easiest fermented food to make is sauerkraut. Here is an easy recipe.

Easy Sauerkraut Recipe!
All you need is :
• 1/2 Green cabbage
• 2 tsp of salt

How to Make Sauerkraut?

Mix the shredded cabbage and the salt
And massage the cabbage for 5 minutes you will see it get some liquid out naturally.
Transfer into a jar
Press the cabbage down under the liquid
Make sure the cabbage is submerged
Put something on top to maintain the cabbage submerged.
Cover the top with some cheese clothes. Air should be able to go through the top.
Taste 3 days after and make sure the cabbage is still submerged.
Leave it rest for a week.
Cover with a lid and put in the refrigerator.

4 Natural Self- Care Idea For A Spa Day at Home

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:15:07 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day! Today it's all about love but don't forget, it's also the day and the weekend for self-care.

This is also the time to treat ourselves with a spa at home and it doesn't have to be expensive. Here are four quick natural self-love/spa at home ideas to relax and feel great in our skin.

First, pamper yourself with these five DIY clay masks. I love clay masks; they purify our skin and. make our skin feel so soft. My favorite clay is Aztec Secret - Indian Healing Clay.

Second, If you have a busy schedule, take a relaxing aromatherapy warm shower with the shower steamers from Mineral Me. It's $18 for a set of 6. This will literally take you 15 minutes and you will feel so relaxed.

Third, Just settle in your favorite spot at home with a scented soy candle to read your favorite book or to watch your favorite movie. My favorite natural lead-free soy candles are Lulu Candles. They have many lovely scents like Wild Lemongrass, Lavender, Sea Salt Water & Lavender. They cost for $15 and are slow burning.

Forth, Use a heating pad for your neck and shoulders to release the tension of the day.
Okay, this is the most expensive item here with a price tag of $36 but it is so so worth it.You will love the Huggaroo Heating Pad; the pad use dried herbs that give a subtle scent of lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, and chamomile to create herbal aromatherapy. Just love it.

What is your favorite spa at home ritual? Comment below -

HOW TO STICK WITH YOUR RESOLUTIONS | 6 step Process

Sun, 13 Jan 2019 08:00:00 GMT

I just red the O magazine from Oprah and they had a column on New Year's resolutions, and few hours later, I ended up reading an email from MindBodyGreen with 15 quotes to stick to our new goals.

I had an "Aha!" moment when they mentioned the Quitter's Day; I didn't know there was such a thing like Quitter's Day, but I definitely belong to that category; I know for sure that my New Year's resolutions or goals are in the red zone right around this time of the year | second week of January| . This is the time where I can give up on my resolutions and goals. Do you feel that way too? I bet you are thinking actually....

Well, let's revisit our goals and get a little boost to keep moving forward with our goals and resolutions.
First, we need to make sure that we have a goal or a resolution that is achievable. You know what I am going to talk about. Yes, SMART goal/resolution. This formula has been working forever and there is a reason for it.

First - Are your resolutions/goals SMART? Check and Make Sure!

Once you've made sure that your goals and resolutions are SMART, it is time to make sure that we are sticking with them.

Second, Here is my 6 step process to help you!

Third, You've made it. Now You have a plan to stick with your resolution.

Pat yourself on the back. This is the first step for you to keep up with your resolutions. I recommend going back to this process once once a week to reinforce your decision.

Yeah to you!!

4 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During The Holi

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 06:20:06 GMT

I don't know about you but, it is more and more difficult to lose weight as I grew older. I wanted give you (and me) more reasons to stay off the weight gain wagon this time of the year. These tips are easy to do!

Top 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and vegetables with most pesticides

Sat, 03 Nov 2018 23:07:20 GMT

CLEAN FRESH BEAUTY - Inner Beauty

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Forest Bathing – Summer Natural Beauty Essentials to Keep You Fresh When in Nature

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

6 Natural Ways to Deal With Seasonal Allergies

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

6 Natural Handmade Gifts That Will Make Mother's Day A Very Special Day | Plus DIY Mother's Day Gifts

Get tips on natural beauty and living!

Get tips on natural beauty and living!

4 Herbal Natural Allergy Remedies: Natural Supplements and Herbal Tea

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

Gut Health: How To Make Sauerkraut

Get Tips on Organic Beauty and Wellness!

4 Natural Self- Care Idea For A Spa Day at Home

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

HOW TO STICK WITH YOUR RESOLUTIONS | 6 step Process

Get Tips on Organic Beauty!

4 Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During The Holi

Top 'Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and vegetables with most pesticides

Get tips on natural beauty and living!