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Holiday Gift Guide 2019

FOR THE HOME

  1. Via Raiz Tripod Ceramic Planter $100
  2. Milena Silvano Pale Moon Pillow $445
  3. Natural Wine for the People by Alice Feiring $14
  4. Wild One Walk Kit $88
  5. Vinglacé Wine Chiller $90
  6. IIIVVVYYY Ceramics Open Palm Incense Burner $48
  7. Saint Olio Aromatic Cleaner $20 (Use code WUHAUS for 5% off anything in the shop)
  8. Norden Ojai Incense $20
  9. Wu Haus Candle 02 + 03 $63
  10. Waterfall Stacking Blocks $38
  11. Upstate Silk Pillowcase $144
  12. The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker $44
  13. Donation to RAICES Texas any amount

FOR THE KITCHEN

  1. Activist Raw Manuka Honey $32-$85
  2. WALTER $325 (Use code WUWALTER for $20 off anything in the shop except all-black WALTER)
  3. Upstate Frankie Cup $68
  4. Mexico: The Cookbook by Margarita Carrillo Arronte $35
  5. Mizuba Matcha $20-$50
  6. Yola Mezcal $70
  7. Wine Fellas Natural Wine Club Monthly Subscription $97-$329/month
  8. Miha Carita Cup $24
  9. Anima Mundi Brain Kit $99 (Use code WUHAUS for 20% anything in the shop through 12/02!)
  10. Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags $16
  11. Gold Measuring Cups $38
  12. Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman $20
  13. Earthen Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife $40
  14. Donation to NATIFS any amount

STYLE + SELF-CARE

  1. Selva Negra Santi Sweater $130
  2. Sea Bar Mater Soap $14
  3. Many Moons 2020 Planner $44
  4. Rachel Comey Hestia Earrings $195
  5. Lauren Manoogian Carpenter Oversize Beanie $210
  6. Milk + Honey Baking Soda-Free Deodorant + Hydrating Rose Mist $20-$32
  7. Mystic Mondays Tarot Deck $21
  8. Underbares Everyday Bra $44 (Use code ALISON15 for 15% off the everyday bra through 12/6)
  9. Skin Gym Rose Quartz Roller $28
  10. Everlane The Heavyweight Overshirt $75
  11. Donation to Planned Parenthood any amount
  12. Subscription to Kait Hurley’s KAIT App $9.99/month

TRAVEL

  1. Everlane The Renew Traveler Tote $88
  2. OLO Fragrance Lightning Paw $45
  3. Rains Color Block Anorak $140
  4. Away Bigger Carry On $245
  5. Stainless Steel Blender Ball $12
  6. BKR 1-Liter Water Bottle $48
  7. Baggu Go Pouch Set $38
  8. JBL Portable Speaker $80
  9. Naturally Dyed Eye Mask $70
  10. Hydroflask Travel Mug $30
  11. Green-e Carbon Offsets any amount
  12. Huzi Infinity Travel Neck Pillow $40
  13. Anker Portable Charger $56
  14. Travel Meditation Kit $119

MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE!

December 2, 2019 0 comment
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Guide to Face Masks
BeautySelf-CareWellness

Guide to Face Masks

During the fall season, one of my favorite ways to take a moment for myself – as well as prepare my skin for drier weather – is by using face masks. There are so many options out there, and each one comes with its own set of benefits. I partnered with milk + honey, one of my favorite holistic skincare brands, to share the different kinds of masks and steps of application to help you find the perfect match for your skincare needs.

I first became acquainted with milk + honey when searching for a natural, baking-soda free deodorant. My skin is sensitive to baking soda, so I was so relieved to find a product that not only didn’t irritate my skin, but also kept both sweat and smell at bay.

Not only do their products work well for me, but the Austin-based company’s values align with my own. The founder, Alissa Bayer, is dedicated to only using hyperclean, quality ingredients in her products that are both effective and enjoyable to use. Unfortunately I don’t live near any of their six spas, but I love using their spa-quality, organic products every day in my home and when I’m on the road traveling. Starting today through December 31st, they are offering 20% off all of milk + honey products on milkandhoney.com with code WUHAUS20.

milk-honey-face-masks-guide-wu-haus

First, let’s talk about the different face masks that are widely available:

Clay
Clay masks have been around for centuries and are great for removing dirt and toxins from your face and replacing them with beneficial minerals. They’re ideal for acne-prone skin, and can be extremely helpful when applied the correct way (keep reading for tips on mask application). 

Some common clay masks include bentonite, which is great for oily skin; French green clay, which boosts circulation and tightens pores; and kaolin clay, which contains milder absorption qualities that is more ideal for dry to normal skin.

I love alternating between milk + honey’s charcoal clay masque and pink clay masque for their unique benefits. The charcoal clay masque includes both activated charcoal and bentonite clay, making it a great detoxification mask that minimizes dryness with organic aloe leaf. The pink clay masque is a gentler option that is perfect for those with combination skin or who want some mild exfoliation for brightening.

Skin type: Normal to oily
Benefits: Detoxification, exfoliation, pore minimization, skin tightening

Mud
Mud masks are water-based and can be very hydrating. They’re a great option for those who tend to have dry skin, especially during the harsher months of fall and winter. Since you don’t run the risk of overdrying your skin with mud masks, they can be used regularly – up to 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin needs and sensitivities.

Skin type: Normal to dry
Benefits: Detoxification, exfoliation, hydration, skin tightening

Cream
Cream masks are also a great option for hydration, making them ideal for people with normal to dry skin. Most are made with replenishing oils and moisturizers like jojoba oil and shea butter. They may also include hyaluronic acid, which our skin naturally produces but can often be compromised by regular exposure to UV rays and other elements. Cream masks can help supplement your natural supply to hold in moisture and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin type: Normal to dry
Benefits: Hydration, spot treatment + brightening

Exfoliating Enzyme
Sometimes, all your skin really needs for a pick-me-up is a thorough exfoliation. Enzyme masks are a great way to remove dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts. Many exfoliating face masks, like the milk + honey exfoliating enzyme masque, are AHA-based (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids). These acids create a chemical peeling effect that are gentle enough for most skin types. Since these can be drying, look for one with moisturizing ingredients or be sure to follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

Skin type: All
Benefits: Exfoliation, spot treatment + brightening

Sheet
Sheet masks are fun to apply and come in a variety of options that can target different issues. Most sheet masks state their benefits directly on the packaging – from exfoliation and pore-refining to firming, hydration and detoxification. Most are ideal for all skin types and don’t require washing your face after removing the sheet. Instead, massage any remaining mask into your skin to keep reaping its benefits. They’re great for airplanes or to take traveling.

Skin type: All
Benefits: Varies by sheet mask ingredients

milk-honey-face-masks-guide-wu-haus

There are more types of face masks available on the market, but these are the kinds that I have most experience with. Not all masks are made equal, but you can get the maximum benefit that they provide when they’re applied correctly. Here are the steps I suggest taking when applying a milk + honey face mask:

1.) Wash your face
Most masks include this as the first step in directions. By starting with a clean face, your skin is able to properly absorb the benefits of the mask. Be sure to wash with your regular cleanser and not just water to clear the skin of any makeup or impurities. If it’s been a while since you’ve exfoliated, you may consider using your favorite facial scrub or adding a natural exfoliant like sugar to your face wash.

2.) Open your pores
Opening your pores makes it easier for the mask to effectively clear them of debris. You can do this by taking a hot shower before applying the mask, covering your face with a washcloth that’s been dipped in hot water (test the temperature before placing on your face to avoid getting burned!), or by placing your face over a bowl of steaming water for a few minutes.

3.) Apply mask
My favorite part! Although clean fingers work perfectly fine, I love using the milk + honey Masque Brush for an even application and to keep things from getting messy. To apply, I usually start with my forehead, applying across the middle and brushing out toward my temples. I do the same with my nose, cheeks and chin, taking care to avoid sensitive areas like my eyes and lips.

4.) Remove mask
People often wait until the mask becomes completely dry and flaky before removal, but that’s actually too long. Once it reaches that stage, it begins to remove moisture from your skin and can leave your skin dry and irritable. Instead, wait until it becomes lighter in color and sticky to the touch, then wash it away to reveal fresh, clean skin. I usually take off masks with lukewarm to warm water, splashing my skin until the water runs clear.

5.) Lock in the benefits
At the very least, splash your face with cold water or use a gentle toner to close your pores. If you have a favorite serum or moisturizer, apply as you normally would while your skin is still damp to maximize hydration.

6.) Repeat!
Before using any new mask, I recommend spot-treating on your skin, either on your neck or someplace not highly visible, to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to its ingredients. If all looks good after 24 hours, you can apply most masks up to 2-3 times weekly or whenever you feel like having an at-home spa day. I love making the most of the experience by putting on my favorite music, lounging in a robe and petting my fur babies while the mask does its thing. 

Let me know your favorite face mask rituals in the comments!

October 23, 2019 0 comment
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Finding Fluidity Retreat Preview
DrinksLifestyleSelf-CareTravelWellness

Finding Fluidity Retreat Preview

Wow! I can’t believe tomorrow is the officially start of summer. Really looking forward to river days and camping trips, but even with so many memories yet-to-be-made, I can’t help but be most excited for our Finding Fluidity retreat in October in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico, at the stunning Pachamama Mexico Boutique Hotel and Retreat Center! This will be the first (hopefully of many) international Wu Haus retreats, and I couldn’t be more excited to spend time with some of you in one of my favorite countries in the world. After the success of last year’s retreat, Coming Home, in LA, we decided we wanted to host a longer retreat with a beautiful natural setting. This very special retreat will be the only event I host for the remainder of 2019 and the only retreat until fall of 2020. Shannon and I are pouring so much energy into making this retreat unforgettable. Today, I wanted to give you a little sample of what you can expect.

We decided to call the retreat Finding Fluidity, as inspired by the resilient quality of water and how it’s strong yet graceful and moves with both force and ease. We live in a world that can often feel over stimulating. We have to deal with so much stress and commotion on a daily basis. This retreat is designed to help you learn to move through your life with more fluidity. To surrender more. To invite more ease into all that you do. Through the difficult periods, to learn to sit with the discomfort while still nurturing and taking care of yourself. This retreat is open to all people from all walks of life. We invite diversity in all forms and are here to support each of you on your own unique journeys.

If you’re interested in joining us in October, you can see the full retreat page here, and you can sign up here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about logistics, programming, payment plans, etc..

wu-haus-alison-todos-santos-retreat-wellness

Sample daily itinerary:

7:15-8:30am     Guided yoga/movement and meditation
9:00-10:00am     Breakfast
10:00am-12:30pm     Morning Session (ie: creative inspiration gathering + prompted writing, food prep + styling, adaptogenic herbs and elixirs, etc.)
12:30-3pm     Lunch and free time (One-on-one sessions with Shannon + Alison, swim, beach, walk, sleep, relax, etc.)
3:00-5:30pm     Afternoon Session (ie: breathwork ceremony, guided scenic hike, trip to Todos Santos, etc.)
6:00-7:00pm     Dinner
7:00-bedtime     Free time to relax, swim, read, write, reflect, etc.

wu-haus-alison-todos-santos-retreat-wellness

This retreat is:

  • an invitation to show up, perfect as you are, and explore healing mindfulness practices in a supportive community of like-minded humans
  • an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply into the wisdom of the heart, awaken the body and nourish the spirit
  • an inclusive gathering where diversity in all forms is desired as a priority and honored
  • a time to learn and gather tools for creative inspiration
  • an opportunity to reflect and practice guided writing activities
  • a chance to experience a powerful breathwork ceremony
  • a time to learn about adaptogenic herbs to incorporate into your daily rituals
  • a chance to learn useful, everyday food preparation and styling tips
  • an opportunity to connect and forge lasting relationships with other creative, in-tune people
  • SO MUCH MORE!

wu-haus-alison-todos-santos-retreat-wellness

Besides being a magical food goddess, Shannon guides powerful breathwork ceremonies. You will get to experience one of these incredibly healing and expanding ceremonies at the retreat this fall. If you’ve never practiced breathwork, here’s a little bit about this practice:

“Clarity Breathwork is a powerful process of healing and transformation. It deeply supports the clearing away of old energies, patterns, conditioning, negative thoughts and emotions and opens the doors wide for new life and greater consciousness. Most of us don’t breathe fully, we hold back the breath and have been doing so most of our lives. When we start to breathe fully and consciously we are easily able to release what we have been holding and open to an incredible expansion of consciousness, including greater forgiveness and self-love. This inner change brings about shifts in our outer lives for the better. Clarity Breathwork supports people to release stress and tension, heal and resolve trauma, gain deeper insights into current life issues, and access one’s own internal healing energy, creativity and greater knowing.”

We wanted to offer you a short guided meditation video to use at home. Shannon guides us through a calming and centering meditation that can be used at anytime during your day.

A big part of this retreat will focus around nourishment. What we put in our bodies, so we can move through our lives with as much ease as possible. Since we’ll be in sunny Mexico, we’ll focus on cooling foods and hydrating beverages. We wanted to offer you a sample recipe to make at home. Perfect for summer, this Aloe-Honeydew-Mint Elixir is bright, delicious and refreshing.

wu-haus-recipe-hydrating-elixir-aloe

Aloe-Mint-Elixir-Wu-Haus

Aloe-Honeydew-Mint Hydrating Elixir
[Makes 6 cups]

4 cups ripe honeydew, juiced (or just blended with other ingredients if you don’t have a juicer)
1 ½ cups fresh aloe, cubed (about 1 whole fresh aloe stem)
1 cup fresh mint, loosely packed
1 cup filtered water
Juice from 1 lime

1.) Wash and dry the aloe leaf, then place it spike-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut along the edges of the leaf to remove the spikes, and cut off the bottom and top of the leaf. This should expose the gel on all sides.

2.) Run a sharp knife under the green skin on one side until you remove it completely. Be careful not to cut too much into the gel. If you notice that there’s any yellow ooze on the aloe gel from the skin, that’s aloe latex—which has laxative properties. You can wipe it off with a paper towel or rinse off with cool water.

3.) Once you’ve removed the first side of skin, score the gel into one-inch squares. Scoring the gel first will make it easier to remove in pre-portioned chunks. Edge the knife along the other side to remove the other green skin. Check for yellow aloe latex and remove or rinse it from any of your one-inch square pieces of aloe gel.

4.) If using a juicer, juice honeydew and add liquid to high-speed blender. Otherwise, add all ingredients to high-speed blender at once. Blend on medium-high until smooth. If you didn’t use a juicer, you can strain the blended beverage through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp. Chill in refrigerator for 30-minutes before serving. Pour over ice and enjoy!

June 20, 2019 0 comment
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DIY Hydrating Hair Mask + Spring Equinox Ritual
BeautySelf-Care

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask + Spring Equinox Ritual

Happy Spring Equinox! I love this season so much. And with temperatures near 70° for the last several days and the daffodils in full bloom here in Portland, it sure feels like spring. This season is all about awakening. After a long winter, the energy starts to shift and slowly, day by day, everything seems to come alive again. The changing of seasons is a great time to check in with yourself. To notice your own energy and the energy around you. To check in on the goals and intentions you set at the beginning of the year and see what’s changed and blossomed.

I love using self-care rituals as a time to check in, to go inward. Taking time for ourselves gives us the space to be reflective and introspective. This spring equinox, I’ve partnered with Mountain Rose Herbs to share a DIY Hydrating Hair Mask with you all. As a ritual for the changing of seasons, I encourage you to set aside 30-60 minutes for yourself. Start by applying the hair mask recipe below. Notice the quality of your thoughts and your energy when you enter into this ritual. Focus your attention on slowly and lovingly applying the mask to your scalp and hair. Maybe you repeat a mantra like, “I am strong. I am beautiful. I am enough.” as you work. Once the hair mask is applied, wrap your hair up in a towel. Spend the next 30-60 minutes in quiet. Maybe you draw a bath and deeply relax. Maybe you take pen to paper and write down your intentions and goals for the next few months. Maybe you read some passages from your favorite book. Whatever feels nourishing, loving and right for you in the moment. Honor yourself and the changing of the seasons by giving yourself time and space to be as you are.

A few notes on ingredients in the hair mask…

Fractionated coconut oil absorbs more quickly into the skin than solid coconut oil. It also doesn’t solidify below 72°, so I find it easier to work with. Regular coconut oil would be fine to substitute in this recipe.

Jojoba oil protects against dryness, breakage and split ends. It also moisturizes the scalp and can help with dandruff. It also strengthens hair and promotes thickness.

Vitamin E oil is supremely hydrating, adding moisture to dry, split ends, as well as being an antioxidant.

Rosemary essential oil is good for all hair types. It’s said to unclog pores on the scalp and balance our natural oils. It also promotes moisture and shine.

Lavender essential oil is said to promote hair growth, as well as improve scalp circulation and dryness. It also is known to help balance the oils and relieve itching.

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask
[One use]

2 Tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
2 Tablespoon jojoba oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 teaspoons raw honey
5 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil

1.) Wrap shoulders with a towel you don’t mind getting a bit oily. Start with dry hair. Rub some of the oil blend between your palms then massage oil blend deeply into the scalp, working from scalp to ends. Add extra to dry ends. Wrap hair in towel, and leave on for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. Wash out in the shower with your regular shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all oil. Condition as usual. You can use this hair mask 1-2 times a week or when you feel like you need extra hydration.

March 20, 2019 0 comment
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Holistic Skincare Update and a GIVEAWAY!
BeautySelf-CareWellness

Holistic Skincare Update and a GIVEAWAY!

****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!****

Finally a holistic skincare update! I’ve been promising you guys this one for a while. Before I dive into all the skincare details, I want to announce the AMAZING GIVEAWAY I’m hosting on this post. I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite brands to give away the ultimate self-care skincare package (a $635 value!) to ONE LUCKY WINNER. Included are literally all my favorite products. Best of luck to everyone who enters! Here are the dets…

GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES:
  • January Labs Daily Brightening Tonic, Restorative Tonic Mist, Revitalizing Day Cream and Retexturizing Night Cream – What I love about January’s line is that it’s pared down perfection. The line focuses on less products that do more, so you don’t need 5 serums AND 2 creams. (And in case you can’t wait to see if you win, use promo code WUHAUS for 15% off anything on site from now until 3/20)
  • ACTIVIST Raw Mānuka Honey +100, +300, +850 – I use this amazing Manuka honey both internally and externally. I use the +100 and +300 in teas and tonics, and I use the +850 on it’s own as a face mask. It’s so healing for my skin. I absolutely love it. (And in case you can’t wait to see if you win, use promo code ACTIVATE10 for 10% off one order)
  • Sun Potion Yin Power and Solar Rose Water Mist – The Yin Power includes a variety of herbs and adaptogens that support the skin from the inside. I mist the Solar Rose Water over my face a few times a day.
  • MIRTH Caftans Laos Robe – This lightweight robe is my favorite. Not only is it super cute, it’s comfy, lightweight and breathable.
CONTEST RULES AND HOW TO ENTER:
  • Leave a comment ON THIS BLOG POST telling me why you want/need/deserve this bag of goodies in your life.
  • For an extra entry, follow @alison__wu @januarylabs @activistmanuka @sunpotion @mirthcaftans on Instagram then leave ANOTHER comment ON THIS BLOG POST telling me you’re following everyone.
  • For one more entry, tag a friend (or several) in the comments section of THIS INSTAGRAM POST to let them know about the giveaway.
  • Contest open to residents of the US and Canada only. Must be 18-years-of-age or older.
  • Contest closes at midnight PST on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
  • Winner will be notified on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 by email.

Before I dive into how I take care of my skin, I want to talk about modern beauty culture for a sec. I am absolutely all for taking care of yourself (duh, self-care). But I also absolutely acknowledge how privileged I am, and one must be, to have the time and energy to care, let alone afford all these nice products and facial treatments. These things are a nice-to-have, but absolutely not a necessity. I’m sharing my routine and the products I use with you, but please remember, you absolutely do NOT need these things. You are perfect and beautiful just as you are in your natural state.

I think it’s also important to note, we live in times where the predominant beauty standard has reached unachievable heights. We have young girls who are looking up to the Kim Kardashians of the world and think that they should look like that too. And don’t get me wrong, I support every person’s right to choose, and this includes their choice to change their appearance. I just also think it’s important to acknowledge how dangerous it can be. Our desire to constantly change or “fix” our appearance is a very slippery slope. No amount of surgery, procedures or expensive products will help us find the self-love and acceptance we really seek. That takes hard work and looking at ourselves very honestly, not through a FaceTune filter. It’s learning to love our strengths, what we perceive as beautiful, AND our weaknesses, what we perceive as flaws. There is SO MUCH beauty in the diversity of our appearances. Let’s embrace them all. Let’s expand what society has deemed as the standard by accepting and loving people of all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and skin types and demanding that there is equal representation of ALL people in the mainstream culture.

Everyday Essentials
Honestly, I’d say some of the most important things I do for my skin are relatively easy and FREE. Drink plenty of water everyday (I aim for 3-4 liters). Get enough sleep (I aim for 8-hours a night). And be conscious and cautious about what you put on and in your body. This last one is a bit more tricky,  but it just takes mindfulness. Start to notice which foods effect your skin in good ways and which foods effect your skin in bad ways. If you have super sensitive or reactive skin like me, limit the amount of products you use and never start using more than one new product at a time. You don’t need 100 products. Simplify. Find what works for you.

(Mostly) Everyday Routine
Over the years, I’ve come to understand my sensitive skin on a deeper level. It changes from day to day, so I’ve really had to tune into it and try to figure out what it’s asking for. I adapt my skincare routine to the state of my skin and its needs. It’s another lesson in listening to your intuition. If you get a feeling about something that’s going on with your skin, chances are you’re more than likely right. This is the routine I generally follow and the products I use most days unless my skin is being overly reactive (which actually happens more than you might think):

    • Upon rising: wash my face with alternating warm and cold water for about a minute. Dab January Labs Daily Brightening Tonic over my face using a soaked cotton pad in an upward motion from the center of my face outward. Smooth January Labs Revitalizing Day Cream over my face avoiding my eye area. Somedays, I dab January Labs Eye Cream around my eyes, but I’m not religious about using it. Use my jade roller (tutorial on my IG Stories highlights) for 3-5 minutes. I currently use this Suntegrity board-spectrum sunscreen, but I would love to find something that’s a bit more lightweight (any suggestions?!). Finish with a spritz of January Labs Restorative Tonic Mist or Sun Potion Solar Rose Water.
    • I focus on hydrating from the inside. Constantly sipping water throughout the day. 3-4 liters if possible!
    • I focus on eating lots of vegetables and healthy fats throughout my day. I often add in some adaptogens (like the Yin Power) to my morning matcha to support balance within my body.
    • In the evenings, I wash my face with the Osmia Black Clay Facial Bar. Dab my face with the Daily Brightening Tonic again. Several nights a week, I use the ACTIVIST 850+ Manuka Honey as a face mask (spread evenly over entire face and leave on for 20-60 minutes). I finish with the January Labs Retexturizing Night Cream.
    • I try to get 8-hours of sleep every night. I recently switched to using Upstate Silk Pillow Cases, and I’ve noticed a major difference in the amount of sleep lines on my face when I wake up. Silk pillow cases are also great for hair health.

Perioral Dermatitis (PD) Routine
As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with perioral dermatitis (PD) about 5 years ago. I’m not going to go into major detail here, as I have an entire blog post talking about my experience with it. The main takeaways are that PD hates relatively all products and makeup, so as best you can avoid putting anything on your face. I will say though that if there was one product that may help, it would be the Avene Cicalfate Cream. I got an Instagram DM from a reader who recommended using this cream and absolutely nothing else on my skin for 2 weeks, and my 6-month-long outbreak of PD pretty much disappeared by the end of the 2 weeks. I’ve heard from many of you that it’s been helpful in getting rid, or at least calming, your PD as well. Might be worth a try if you haven’t already. Once you have PD, it’s likely to come back, so it’s great if you can identify your triggers. I haven’t had a major outbreak in over a year, but little bumps come up now and again. PD is also aggravated by stress. It feels counterintuitive, but I’ve found that when my skin is overreacting, it’s usually best if I just leave it alone all together and avoid looking in the mirror as much as possible.

Skin Fasting
I learned about skin fasting last month through an article I read on Man Repeller (explains the theory behind why it works). It really resonated with me. While I’d never done a full 7-day skin fast, there were many days (sometimes 2-3 in a row) that I would refrain from using any products because of the overly reactive nature of my skin. So I decided to embark on a 7-day skin fast. For the entirety of the fast, I didn’t use a single product on my face including my lips. I washed with alternating warm and cold water in the mornings and used a warm washcloth laid over my face in the evenings. I was really surprised by how my skin responded. Besides my lips feeling extremely dry and burning for the first 4 days, my skin reacted great to the fast. My face never really got dry and any blemish or inflammation I had seemed pretty calm the whole week. I didn’t get any new breakouts or irritations during the fast either. Overall, it was a great opportunity to step back from my regularly routine and really look at all the products I’m using. While, yes, I enjoy using my day and night creams, maybe I don’t absolutely need them all the time. It felt good to take a break and give my skin a chance to breathe. Since the fast, I’ve been doing 1-2 days a week product free. I especially recommend this practice to people with very sensitive or overly reactive skin like me.

Holistic Facials
I started getting monthly facials about a year ago. I’m almost 33, and I noticed my skin start to change a few years ago after I turned 30. My regularly facialist here in Portland, Oriana (she’s amazing!!!), uses a combination of LED, microcurrent and Reiki during our treatments. Besides the positive effect they have on my skin, I’ve actually found that I really love the relaxation and stress relief aspect of facials. Facials have fast become my favorite form of body care. I don’t really get massages anymore (maybe 1 or 2 a year) since I’ve started getting regular facials. Not that they need to be mutually exclusive, but I personally don’t have the budget to afford both. I will say that I think it’s worth finding a facialist that uses LED, microcurrent, microdermabrasion, oxygenation or other techniques that you wouldn’t be able to do at home. In NYC, my favorite facial that I’ve had is at Joanna Vargas. If you have any other NYC facial recommendations, I would love to know!

Microneedling
Skin needling, also called microneedling therapy, collagen induction therapy (CIT), and percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a minimally invasive skin-rejuvenation procedure that involves the use of a pen that contains fine needles. The needles are used to puncture the skin to create a controlled skin injury. Each puncture creates a channel that triggers the body to fill these microscopic wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. Through the process of neovascularization and neocollagenesis, there is improvement in skin texture and firmness, as well as reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks. I did 4 initial treatments with Kimmer (highly recommend!) at Echo Natural Beauty one-month after another last winter, which is recommended to begin. It is considered a minimally invasive treatment, but it’s still pretty intense. You need a couple days of recovery afterward. No touching your face, no sun exposure whatsoever, no physical activity, no alcohol. Essentially your whole face is an open wound, so you have to be very careful about aftercare. That being said, I did notice a big difference in the overall texture of my skin after the 4 treatments. My pores were visibly smaller from the microneedling. It’s recommended to go back 1-2 times a year after the initial 4 treatments.

LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive and soothing way to expedite the skin’s healing process. LED works by sending light waves into deep layers of the skin, stimulating natural intercellular response. LED can reduce wrinkles, improves skin tone and texture, stimulate collagen production and kill acne bacteria. LED is beneficial for all skin types and overall a soothing treatment (read: I usually fall asleep under the lights). I’ve found it to be especially helpful for any sort of breakout, even PD. I always notice a difference in my skin a day or so after a treatment.

Microcurrent
Microcurrent uses a mild electrical current to stimulate the skin and facial muscles, promoting collagen and elastin production. This treatment lifts and contours the face, softens wrinkles and improves overall complexion. It’s pretty incredible how you can visibly see your face more lifted after a treatment. I purchased an at-home microcurrent device through Oriana, and I usually use it once a week. The currents are not as strong as the professional machines that estheticians use, but it’s great for maintenance and relatively easy to use at home. See Oriana giving me a microcurrent treatment in the video below.

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March 13, 2019 582 comments
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Vaginal Health and Sustainable Period Products
Self-CareWellness

Vaginal Health and Sustainable Period Products

Vaginas are beautiful, sensuous, vulnerable, mysterious and sensitive. For so long, talking about sex, our periods, our anatomy, our intimate desires was stigmatized. It’s conversation that was better kept between your most trusted confidents. It’s been so refreshing to see sex, vaginal health, periods, women’s pleasure come into mainstream conversation. In these modern times, we need to equip ourselves with as much information as we can so that we can better care for our minds and our bodies. This happens through having conversations, reading, listening, experiencing and any other ways we can learn to take knowledge and use it to empower us to make better decisions, to stand up for our needs and desires and ultimately care for ourselves more deeply. In the spirit of open communication, I want to share my own experience with taking care of my vagina and with making the switch to sustainable period products.

I’ve partnered with Sustain on this blog post. Sustain makes everything from condoms and lube to organic cotton tampons and washable period underwear to their newly launched period cup. They’ve developed all of their products to be vagina AND earth friendly. They also donate 10% of profits to women’s healthcare organizations. Sustain is offering you 20% off your first order with code: WU20

Over the years, I’ve suffered from countless UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, painful sex and periods. Most of the time quietly. Consulting the help of my regularly changing healthcare provider. Taking antibiotics at first and then as I got into herbal medicine, learning to help myself with natural remedies. Of course, there’s tons you can do to take care of your vagina. Eat well. Exercise. Use natural soaps and beauty products. Take herbs and vaginal probiotics. Pee after sex. Tell your partner to stop when sex is painful (which unsurprisingly is very hard for many women – listen to this podcast episode). Sleep underwear-less. But unfortunately sometimes doing all of those things isn’t enough.

There are many factors that effect the bacteria and pH levels down there. I have a hunch that the way our body chemistry reacts to our partners can also play a part. Since I’ve been with my husband, stopped taking hormonal birth control and took antibiotics for the last time (hopefully ever), which were ALL right around the same time in my life, I haven’t had any cases of BV or UTI, and I can count on one hand how many times I’ve had any odor/itchiness down there, which were all minor and went away in a day. Painful sex still happens sometimes, but I feel confident and comfortable enough to speak up and say “stop” when it does.

I finally made the switch from organic tampons to the Sustain period cup and underwear. I don’t know why I waited so long to make the switch. I honestly was just telling myself a story that I made up in my head about how it wouldn’t work for me and how I thought it would be difficult and messy. After going through a few successful periods using both the period cup and underwear, I can now say, that while there is a bit of a learning curve, they both are relatively easy to use, and I really don’t see myself switching back to tampons ever again.

Learning to use the period cup has brought me closer to my body. I’ve learned more about my cervix and how its position changes through my cycle than I ever knew in my life. I’ve become more intimate with my blood and how much blood I’m producing on different days through my cycle. At first it felt intense, but after a couple days I felt empowered and more curious about my female anatomy than ever before.

Inserting the period cup can be tricky at first, but with practice you’ll be a pro. Sustain has lots of info to get you started, but leave it to me to not read any info before I tried mine for the first time. I simply looked at the drawings in the pamphlet included in the box and went for it. TBH, I didn’t realize how far it was supposed to go up. Unlike a tampon, there’s no string that hangs down. The cup actually sits all the way up inside your vagina. Anyways for the first day, I wasn’t inserting it all the way (which would normally cause leakage), but I was working from home, so I just kept incessantly checking it and didn’t have any leaks.

The third day of my period I had to head out to an appointment and then to film a video with my friend Kait. I brought a tampon to use for the video shoot, just to be 100% sure I wouldn’t leak on set since I wasn’t that comfortable using the cup yet. I wore the period cup to my prior appointment though. When I got to the house where we were shooting the video, I went to the bathroom to change my clothes and switch from the cup to the tampon. I reached down to pull on the little silicon piece that hangs down from the cup, and it wasn’t there. I started panicking right away. I was in the honest-to-God smallest bathroom ever, and now my period cup was stuck up inside my vagina, AND everyone was waiting for me to come upstairs so we could start filming. Luckily, I did remember reading that if you can’t get it out, don’t panic. Remember to breathe. So there were several moments of vacillating between panic and “you got this!” Relaxing and getting my hands on some part of the cup, but then it would slip away, and I would be sent into a fit of panic again. Finally I sat down on the toilet, and released the grip of my vaginal muscles (akin to what it feels like to pee, you gotta push!) and slowly felt the cup drop to where I could actually grab onto it. PHEW! I wasn’t going to have to cancel the photoshoot and go to the emergency room.

After that experience, I had all these realizations about the cup and how you were actually supposed to use it. I came home and of course did all sorts of Googling and reading. I honestly haven’t had any issues removing it since. Like I said, it just takes practice and getting used to your own body.

A couple general tips that have helped me:

+ Shorter finger nails are better with the period cup. Honestly I had a couple moments where it felt like I gouged my vagina with my nails. Not a good feeling.

+ Use a wet wipe or wet paper towel for public bathroom use. Before going into the stall, I always wash my hands (which you should do anytime you insert or remove your cup) and grab a wetted paper towel just in case anything gets messy when I’m removing or reinserting. Just pour the blood from your cup into the toilet and use the wet paper towel if you need to clean your vagina, hands and/or the cup.

I’ve been using the period underwear on days when my flow is super light or super heavy. On heavy days, I sometimes use both the cup and the underwear. Sometimes it’s nice to have the reassurance of the underwear when my flow is super heavy on days 2 and 3. The cup is super reliant and won’t leak once you get the hang of it, but the underwear’s got your back if not. And on the first or last day, when I’m barely bleeding, I’ll just wear the underwear on its own. Feels great to not have to wear a tampon when you’re barely bleeding. Caring for the underwear is super easy. I usually just rinse it in the sink with cold water before I pop it in the washing machine with my other laundry. I have 2 pairs of the underwear, so I don’t have to be constantly washing one pair.

There’s tons of great info over on the Sustain blog. And as always, I’m happy to answer any questions you might have or share my experience with something if I forgot to include it here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

December 6, 2018 9 comments
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Immune Support Bath and Tips to Stay Well this Winter
BeautySelf-CareWellness

Immune Support Bath and Tips to Stay Well this Winter

Okay friends, unfortunately, cold season is upon us. Now is a great time to adapt immune-boosting practices into your daily routine. Besides getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated, one of my favorite ways to support my immune system is with a relaxing bath using Epsom salts and essential oils. Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite one-stop-shop for herbs, spices, essential oils, salts, teas, etc.. All of their essential oils are 100% pure, certified organic and high-quality from farm to bottle. I’ve long been inspired by MRH’s commitment to sustainability. You can read all about what they do as a business, here. Also in this post, I’m also sharing some of my favorite tips for staying well this winter. Take care of yourselves, bbs.

Essential Oils for Immunity:

Eucalyptus – Known for its ability to support upper respiratory health and break up congestion. Eucalyptus is also an anti-inflammatory for the lungs. Great to use in a the bath, hot shower, sauna and/or a facial steam especially during a cold or the flu. Eucalyptus also help fight infection by stimulating antibodies.

Lemon – A powerful detoxifier. Used as a lymph tonic to help move cellular waste out of the body during a cold or the flu.

Rosemary – Provides a great boost to the immune system and can be helpful in loosening mucus clogging nasal passages. Can also help relieve a sinus headache.

Oregano – One of the best all natural antibiotics because of its high carvacrol and thymol content. Oregano essential oil can be used both help strengthen the immune system and prevent cold and flu, or to shorten the timespan of an illness once you get sick.

Cinnamon Bark – One of the most powerful antibacterial/antivirals among all essential oils. You can add a drop or two to your bath. I also love add to a spray bottle with water and use to clean surfaces in my house. Just be sure to let the cinnamon-water spray sit for 2-5 minutes on a surface before wiping dry.

Clove Bud – Has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiseptic and antiviral properties. One of my favorite essential oils for stimulating the immune system.

Frankincense – Strengthens the immune system by increasing production of white blood cells. Also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Immune Support Bath
2-3 cups Epsom salt
4 drops clove bud essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 drop rosemary essential oil

Optional after bath care:
In 2 teaspoon of jojoba oil (or any other carrier oil of choice), add 3 drops of oregano essential oil and 2 drops of frankincense essential oil. Massage into the soles of your feet then cover them with cotton socks to allow the oils to absorb.

Tips for Staying Well:

Plenty of sleep – This is KEY. Any time we’re worn down, overworked or stressed, our bodies become way more susceptible to illness. I always advocate for getting plenty of rest, but I find especially in the colder months good sleep is essential to staying healthy. For me that means at least 8-hours a night. Sometimes more if my body is craving it. Winter is a good time to slow down, get more rest, stay closer to home and really nurture your body and your mind.

Plenty of water – Hydration is so important for every aspect of health. In the cooler months, it can be harder to get your daily water quota, so you may want to sip warm water with lemon instead of room temp or cold water. I aim for 3 liters of filtered water a day. Sometimes more when I feel like I need an extra boost.

Dry brushing – Dry brushing (I do it before bathing or showering) stimulates the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. This helps clean the body’s tissues and maintain its balance of fluids. Our lymph nodes filter out waste, toxins and pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Dry brushing also improves skin health and appearance by increasing blood flow and exfoliating dead skin.

Apple cider vinegar – One of my favorite things to soothe, and usually get rid of, a sore throat. In a mug, mix 1-2 Tablespoons of ACV with warm (not hot!) water, lemon juice and a little bit of raw honey. Sip morning and night until sore throat goes away.

Vitamin C – A real powerhouse. I bolster my immune system with Vitamin C anytime I feel the slightest bit run down. There are plenty of food sources of Vitamin C: Papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, bok choy, grapefruit, etc. I also take this supplement when I feel like I need a little extra.

Adaptogens – As we start to move into the cooler months, now is a great time to start bolstering your immune system for cold and flu season. One way I love to do this is with adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine lineages. If you want to start incorporating some adaptogens for immunity this season, these are five I recommend:

  • Astragalus – my top choice for immunity. However discontinue use if you do actually get sick and reincorporate after getting well again.
  • Ashwagandha – immune boosting as well as helps the body combat stress and anxiety
  • Reishi – the queen healer mushroom – strengthens immune system, antimicrobial
  • Chaga – the king healer mushroom – antiviral and immune-boosting properties
  • Rhodiola – best taken in the morning as it’s energizing and helps with focus.

Start slowly, incorporating 1-2 into your daily routine and see how your body responds. You can always add more after a month or so if you feel called to. I recommend starting with 1/2 teaspoon of each adaptogen per day. Autumn is also a great season to incorporate warming herbs and spices. Try adding powdered adaptogens into your favorite chai recipe or into a warming bone or mushroom broth.

Cut out dairy, sugar and alcohol – I don’t eat dairy or sugar normally, and I cut out alcohol completely from January – March every year. It might be worthwhile to cut one or all of these things out of your diet during cold and flu season, or at the very least, at the first signs of cold or flu. All three of these things act as immune system suppressants. Dairy also increases mucus production, which can make you feel worse if you’re fighting a cold.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

October 23, 2018 2 comments
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Talking Tarot
LifestyleSelf-Care

Talking Tarot

I get countless questions over on the ‘gram about my tarot practice, people wondering where to start and what it all means. I wanted to share this blog post as a starting off point for you to discover the magic of tarot, learn about different decks and resources and hopefully inspire you to create your own tarot practice. I’m by no means a tarot expert or even a very seasoned reader, but I’m always happy to share what I do know and what I’ve learned through my own experiences. My best advice to you as you begin diving into tarot would be to follow your intuition. From choosing a deck to deciding what spread you want to pull on a given day, tarot is all about harnessing the power of your intuition to guide you. Tarot is a deeply personal practice, so I encourage you to make it your own. Seek the knowledge you desire and use the cards to find deeper meaning in your life.

If you’re lucky enough to have the financial means and are interested, I would also encourage you to receive a reading from a seasoned tarot reader. This experience will undoubtedly give you new perspective not only in your life, but also on how to handle the cards, on how someone else reads them and much more. It’s a great way to learn and potentially fine tune your own practice and readings.

I first became interested in tarot about 5 years ago. I bought my first deck – The Wild Unknown tarot – eager to dive in and learn about this practice. At first I would grab for the guidebook that came with the deck almost immediately after turning my cards over during a reading, but with time has come deeper knowing, patience and curiosity. I’ve gotten to know the cards and their meanings, as well as learned to use the pictures/drawings/symbols on the cards’ faces to intuitively interpret their meaning before reaching for the guidebook. I’ve taken a couple tarot workshops, which have been helpful, and I regularly listen to podcasts on tarot. I’ve listed some of my favorite resources for deeper learning and understanding further down in this post. I often use crystals in my tarot practice to clear or hold certain energies. You can read more about crystals in this post. I also use my tarot cards at different points within the moon cycle. You can read more about moon magic in this post.

The traditional tarot deck is comprised of 78 cards. Broken into two categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. When doing a reading, it’s good to note if your pull includes mostly one or the other, or if there is a certain suit (wands, cups, pentacles, swords) that comes up more than another. This can sometimes give deeper meaning to your readings.

Major Arcana – 22 cards. Begins with the Fool (0) and ends with the World (21). These cards typically deal with larger life lessons and overarching themes. They represent the universal archetypal energies that live within and around each of us.

Minor Arcana – 14 cards within each suit listed below. 56 cards total. The cards numbered 1-10 within each suit typically deal with the current situation or how things are showing up in your life at the moment. The court cards (page, knight, queen, king / son, daughter, mother, father / novice, student, knower, leader / etc.) often represent actual people or characters in your life or you, yourself.

  • Wands – Represent energy, motivation, creativity and passion. Wands often show up in readings about life purpose, spirituality and new ideas.
  • Cups – Represent feelings, emotions, intuition and connectivity. Cups often appear in readings that deal with relationships and the emotional connection with yourself and others.
  • Pentacles – Represent the physical, health and body, finances, work and material possessions. Pentacles often appear in readings around health, home, career and financial wealth.
  • Swords – Represent thoughts, words and actions. Swords often show up in readings that deal with communicating your ideas, making decisions and asserting your power.

Decks I Own and/or Love – 

Mesquite – My absolute favorite deck. I first got this deck for my friend Lee for her birthday, but then loved it so much that I got myself one a couple weeks later.

She Wolfe – The newest deck in my collection. The imagery and symbolism on the cards is strong and powerful.

The Wild Unknown – I was first drawn to this deck because of Kim Krans’ gorgeous imagery. It remains one of my favorite decks.

The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit – This is not a traditional tarot deck. This deck includes 63 animal spirit cards. It’s my favorite non-tarot deck. I love seeking wisdom from animal energies.

Kawaii– This deck, like its name implies, is cute and lighthearted, yet the guidebook offers in-depth descriptions.

Rider-Waite – This is one of the most popular tarot decks out there. It’s the traditional deck that most modern Western tarot is based of off. Using the imagery on the cards is very helpful if you are trying to get better at intuitive readings.

Mystic Mondays – Recently stumbled upon this deck and totally obsessed with the art.

Kaleidadope – Actually so DOPE!

Uusi Pagan Otherworlds – I love this deck. I don’t own it currently, but hope to add it to my collection soon.

The Fountain – I haven’t personally used this deck, but I’ve heard great things.

Dust II Onyx: A Melanated Tarot – Love seeing more representation in tarot. This deck is beautiful!

The Moonchild Tarot – Love the imagery in this deck. Can someone please buy this for me for my birthday? 😉

I always enter my practice with a sense of openness and gratitude. To be able to sit in a silent place and consult with my deck is a privilege. I’m grateful to be able to have the time and space to practice. It’s important for me to honor that before moving into a reading. It’s also important for me to acknowledge that the cards don’t always give me the answers I want. Tarot isn’t always about finding answers or getting clarity on a situation. Sometimes the cards bring up the difficult realities you may have been avoiding, but that you know deep in your heart to be true. The cards often ask you to face what you’ve been avoiding. I find it helpful to take a photo or sketch my reading in a journal, so I can reference the reading at a later date. Usually when the readings don’t make sense to me in the moment, they become clearer in time.

To begin, I usually formulate a question or a series of questions dealing with the same situation or problem in my life. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. I’ve found the best questions start with what, why or how. For example: What can I learn from this situation/experience? Why are negative feelings coming up around this issue/person/situation? How can I move forward with my current situation?

I hold my question in my head and repeat it to myself (or aloud) as I am shuffling the cards. I focus my energy on my question/the situation while also opening my energy and the space up to what answers the cards may offer me. After shuffling several times, I split the deck into three piles then placing the piles back together. With my eyes closed, I spread the cards out in front of me in a long line. Moving both my hands over the cards, still with my question in mind, I slowly pull the cards for my spread, placing them face down in front of me. Once I have all the cards placed or have pulled the cards, I open my eyes and slowly turn the cards over. For me, it’s important to sit with the cards for several minutes to see what thoughts, feelings and emotions come up. I study the pictures on the cards and see what symbols jump out at me, which ones resonate and which ones bring up negative emotions.

A Few Tarot Spreads –

Card a Day:
An easy reading you can incorporate as a daily ritual in the morning. A great way to get acquainted with your cards.

3-Card Spread:
One of my favorite and probably most used spreads. Very simple yet always provides deep clarity. You can assign your own meaning Some different interpretations of the three cards could be:

  • Past/Present/Future
  • What’s helping you/What holds you back/What realization you need to move forward
  • Strength/Weakness/Growth potential
  • Mind/Body/Spirit
  • Current Situation/Obstacle/Advice
  • You/The other person/Your relationship
  • You/Your current path/Your potential’

Year-Ahead-Spread:
Such a special way to welcome in a new year. I usually do this 13-card spread on New Year’s Day or the day after. You can read more about it here, but essentially you pull a card for each month of the year and the 13th card is the theme for the year ahead.

Typically the deck you have will list several spreads you can pull in the guidebook. I also love The Wild Unknown blog that has several other spreads you can work with.

Tarot Resources –

Tarot for the Wild Soul Podcast by Lindsay Mack – Lindsay is an amazing teacher and guide. I was lucky enough to take a tarot workshop from her at my first Spiritweavers Gathering. She is an excellent resource for all things tarot.

Tarot.com – A great, mostly free resource with tons of information.

Visual Magic – Sarah Faith Gottesdiener (aka Gottess) is the author of the Many Moons workbook that I’ve posted about several times in the past. Her upcoming online workshop focuses on the moon cycle and magic practice including tarot.

The Hoodwitch – Love this site!

Biddy Tarot – This site is PACKED with useful information.

October 3, 2018 7 comments
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Natural Deodorant + Tips for Healthy (Arm)Pits
Self-CareWellness

Natural Deodorant + Tips for Healthy (Arm)Pits

Surprisingly enough, I talk about my (arm)pits quite a lot. I’ve always been a heavy sweater, so managing my underarm area feels like a part-time job. I feel like my friends and I are always talking about how to maintain healthy armpits and which deodorant we’re using to help the fight. I made the switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant about 3 years ago. Sweating is the natural process of cooling and detoxifying your body. In short, it’s really good for you! By using antiperspirant regularly, you distrupt you body’s natural attempts to remove toxins, which can ultimately lead to adverse long-term health effects. It can also change the bacterial microbiome in your pits, causing an overproduction of bad bacteria. Translation: your sweat is smellier. By eliminating antiperspirants from daily use, you allow your armpits to recalibrate to their neutral state.

I’ve tried pretty much every single natural deodorant under the sun. After a year-long search, I landed on a brand that I liked only to find out late last year they were bought out by a large multi-national corporation with a history of testing on animals and with ties to rainforest degradation. For me, this was enough to say farewell. I have to admit, I was bummed that I had to start the search for a new natural deodorant. But luckily this time it didn’t take long! I stumbled upon milk + honey randomly, and after my first day of using their Baking Soda-Free Deodorant, I was hooked. No sweat, no smell, and I didn’t have to reapply throughout the day. I’m sensitive to baking soda (more on that below), but if you’re able to tolerate it, milk + honey also makes a Regular Strength and even an Extra Strength Deodorant. The Austin-based company is offering you guys 25% off any purchase on their site with code WU25. 

So let’s talk healthy pits! Here are my tips and insights for maintaining a favorable underarm situation:

1.) Wear natural fibers. There’s nothing that will make you sweat (and smell) more than unbreathable, synthetic fibers. Linen, cotton, wool and silk are all top choices. I’m also very conscious of how small the armholes are on the tops I buy. I hate feeling constricted in that area, so I almost always shop for tops that have a low-cut armhole.

2.) Drink plenty of water, and limit caffeine (especially coffee). When I was a coffee drinker, I noticed my underarm stench was wayyyyyy stronger than when I got off coffee. Something to think about. Maintaining healthy hydration has positive effects on all aspects of your skin, even your pits.

3.) Exfoliate. I do it every other day. My bath bar has built in exfoliation, but you could use a dry brush, a loofa or this luxurious body polish. Exfoliating your pits will leave them feeling soft, smooth and clean.

4.) Apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or witch hazel to your armpits in order to neutralize bad bacteria. Let air dry. These are all natural antiseptics and sterilizers, so can be very helpful in combating underarm bacteria.

5.) Let them breath and dry out post shower. Before running to apply your deodorant, make sure your pits are completely dry. Bacteria loooooves moisture, so ensuring your underarms are dry before applying deod will keep them fresher for longer.

6.) Less is more. I know the tendency is to slather on the deodorant (or at least that’s my tendency…), but one good swipe of the deodorant bar up or down will do the trick.

7.) Try a clay mask for your pits. Doing this once a week or once every couple of weeks can help draw out impurities and detox your underarm skin. You can use the same clay mask you’d use on your face. Leave on for 10ish minutes and rinse off in the shower.

8.) Food affects all. A diet rich in alkalizing foods will help keep underarm stench away. Incorporate leafy greens and try supplementing with wheatgrass, or my personal fave, chlorella. Some foods that can contribute to a stronger underarm smell: animal proteins, garlic, onions, fermented foods and curries. Not that you should change up your diet at all, but on days you notice your underarm stench a bit stronger than normal, it could have to do with what you ate for dinner the night before.

9.) If you’re skin gets irritated from natural deodorant, give a baking soda-free deod a try. My underarms cannot tolerate baking soda. After about a month or two of use, I would get a red, itchy and painful rash under my pits. Since switching to baking soda-free deodorant, I’ve never had a rash.

10.) Remember: it’s good to sweat! The idea isn’t to stop sweating all together. We just want to cut down on the smell associated with sweating by detoxing our pits. Give your pits a break from deodorant once and while. Let them breathe and do their thing.

[This post is sponsored by milk + honey. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

July 25, 2018 9 comments
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All About Herbal Yoni (aka Vaginal) Steaming
Self-CareWellness

All About Herbal Yoni (aka Vaginal) Steaming

I first heard about yoni/vaginal/pelvic steaming at Spirit Weavers Gathering a couple years ago. It wasn’t until this last year that I become more curious and interested in it. My wonderful friend, Jeevan Singh, facilitaes steams and offers abdominal massage (post on that coming soon!) and other bodywork out of her practice here in Portland. She was kind enough to come over to my haus and facilitate an in-home steam for me, as well as teach me about this beautiful practice so I could write this blog post for all of you. Jeevan is a gifted healer and a warm and loving friend.

The practice of yoni steaming is a beautiful, introspective ritual that you can incorporate as part of your monthly or bi-monthly (2x a month) self-care routine. Like our noses, the sensitive vaginal tissue is very absorbent and rich in blood supply, so the medicinal properties of the herbs used in a steam can directly enter the bloodstream. For this reason, you want to select the herbs used for your steam with caution and correct knowledge. The herbal recipe featured in this post is considered safe for most women. If you are dealing with any conditions or sensitivities (and even if you aren’t), it’s always best to research what herbs to work with or better yet, work with a trained herbalist. This post is intended as a starter guide to yoni steaming. If you’re interested in learning more, Jeevan has a great printed guide to at-home steaming. Jeevan also recommended Steamy Chick as a resource.

Some Benefits of Yoni Steaming

+ Reduced pain and bloating around menstruation
+ Decreased menstrual flow
+ Regulates menstrual cycle, or helps to bring back an absent cycle
+ Increased fertility, especially when combined with Mayan abdominal massage
+ Heals and tones the reproductive system after giving birth
+ Reduces uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse and endometriosis
+ Emotional healing from past pain and trauma

Precautions + Contraindications

+ Steam is HOT! Be very, very careful, as you don’t want to burn the sensitive skin of your vagina. NEVER take the lid all the way off your pot. Read the instructions for at-home-steaming thoroughly and be slow and mindful in the process.

+ Pregnancy. While steams can be beneficial for conception and after birth in the postpartum period, steaming during any stage of pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated. Do NOT steam if you are pregnant or even if you think you might be pregnant. If you are actively trying to conceive, do not steam after ovulation during the luteal (2nd half) of your cycle.

+ Do NOT use essential oils for vaginal steams, as they are much too harsh for vaginal tissue.

+ Do NOT steam if cancer is present anywhere in the body.

+ IUDs. There’s much debate about whether women with IUDs should steam or not. The main concern is that the medicinal herbs could cause the uterus to contract, which could potentially cause problems with the placement of the IUD. That being said, some people with IUDs still steam and find it to be beneficial. Talk to a trained practitioner to learn more and see if steaming would be a good option for you.

+ Do NOT steam when you are actively bleeding. You can however steam the day after the last day of your period to help move out any remaining blood. Steaming in the week leading up to your period can help with cramps and other menstrual complaints. But never steam when you’re actively menstruating. If you are prone to heavy bleeding, it is recommended to wait to steam until your cycle is more regulated, as steaming increases circulation to the pelvis, which could result in more bleeding.

+ It is NOT recommended to steam with any active infection.

What You Need to Steam At Home

+ Steam stool – Jeevan’s stools are beautiful, handmade here in Portland and reasonably priced. Perfect if you are looking to invest and make this a regular practice. Otherwise, you have a few options. You can lie in child’s pose with your pelvis positioned over the bowl. You could use the squat or kneeling method. Basically any way that you can position your body over the pot and feel supported and comfortable. You could also try sitting on the edge of your bath tub. Whatever method you choose, you want to be sure you are as warm and comfortable as possible, so don’t be afraid to use props and extra blankets to get set up. If you do a quick Google search for DIY yoni steam seat, there’s a bunch of different options and ideas.

+ Lidded pot and electric hot plate OR a small 3-4 quart crock pot (that you would dedicate to using only for yoni steaming aka don’t cook soup in it afterwards) – Either of these work well. If you don’t have a crock pot, you can get a single electric burner for about $15 and use that with a large lidded pot. If you don’t have a way to keep your pot of water heated while you’re steaming, you can use a pot of boiled water, just be aware that the steam may not last the full 20-30 minutes of the steam.

+ Water and herbs (herbal recipe below) – You’ll need about a cup of dried herbs or a quart of fresh herbs, and about 3 quarts filtered water. You can source your dried herbs locally, from Mountain Rose Herbs online or Steamy Chick makes a variety of blends for vaginal steaming.

+ Cozy socks and/or slippers – SO important to keep your feet super warm and cozy.

+ Bedsheet and a heavy blanket (wool works well!) – This will wrap around your lower body creating a cloak to trap in the steam. Wrap the bedsheet first then the blanket on top.

+ Journal, pen, tarot cards, crystals or any other talisman of choice, sage or palo santo for clearing – It’s nice to clear the area with palo santo or sage before you begin to move out any old energy. You can create a small altar space if desired. Keep a journal and pen nearby if you’d like to write while you steam. If you have a tarot deck, you can pull a card before you start and use this card to meditate on during your steam.

The Steaming Process

1.) Set up your stool or whatever you are using in a comfortable, quiet place with your journal and pen, a glass of water and any altar items nearby. You can use palo santo or sage to clear out any old energy in the space.

2.) Place your herbs in your lidded pot or crock pot and then pour boiling water over them. The heat will help extract the volatile oils of the herbs. Set your crockpot to low, or your electric burner to low if you’re using that method. You can turn it up later if it’s not warm enough. Place the lidded pot or crockpot under your stool with the lid fully on, so the steam doesn’t escape.

3.) If you want to draw a tarot card, this would be a great time to do so. If there’s any other ritual you want to include in this practice, please do. You can read a passage from an inspiring book, repeat a mantra a few times, say a prayer, whatever resonates with you.

4.) Get undressed from the waist down. You can use a towel as padding for your butt on your stool or whatever you are sitting on. Put your socks and/or slippers on. Wrap a sheet around your lower body then wrap at least one more blanket around you. The blankets should reach all the way to the ground so they create a tent around your body. Keep in mind that the heavier and thicker the blankets you use, the hotter the steam will be. I like to use a flannel sheet and one thick wool blanket.

5.) Once you are all set up, release the steam very slowly. Start by removing the lid about a half inch. The heat should not feel intense, but light at first and will slowly build over the course of the steam. If you think it’s not warm enough though, you can remove the lid another half an inch. Just proceed with caution, as you do not want to burn your precious vaginal tissues!

5.) Steam for 20-30 minutes. You can use this time to meditate, go inward, write in your journal, be contemplative, read poetry, listen to music or a guided meditation, whatever you feel you need in the moment. Once you are done steaming, you can offer the steeped water with herbs to any plants in your yard that you’d like to give special attention to.

Flower Steam Bath Recipe by Jeevan Singh
[A blend for self-love and renewal]

1⁄4 cup organic calendula
[Herbal sunshine. Inner warmth. Empathy. Healing inner woundedness.]
[Skin-healing and soothing. Anti-inflammatory. Moistening. Tones uterus.]

1⁄4 cup organic lavender
[Calming. Clarifying. Clearing.]
[Relaxant. Antispasmodic (eases cramps). Stimulates flow (good for scanty periods).]

1⁄4 cup organic motherwort
[Resonance with physical heart and uterus – the two hearts. For those needing mothering. Mothering ourselves.]
[Strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases cramps, stimulates flow, balances hormones.]

1⁄4 cup organic rose petals
[Heart medicine. Love vibration. Uplifting. Soothing.]
[Eases menstrual pain. Astringes heavy bleeding. Anti-inflammatory.]

April 5, 2018 12 comments
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Bath Rituals + My Go-To Bath Salt Blend + Body Oil Recipes
BeautySelf-Care

Bath Rituals + My Go-To Bath Salt Blend + Body Oil Recipes

Creating a bath time ritual is one of my favorite ways to practice self care. I love making over-the-top baths (proof here, here and here) and really taking the time to relax my body and my mind. There are so many amazing bath and beauty products on the market these days, but it’s really fun and empowering to make your own at home. My absolute favorite resource for getting the supplies you need to make your own bath products is Mountain Rose Herbs. They have everything from essential oils and salts to carrier oils and containers to hold your homemade products. Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to sourcing sustainable and organic products, and I’ve always admired their transparency and dedication to doing what’s right.

Adding flowers and citrus to a bath makes it super beautiful, but you can absolutely have the most wonderful bath without those things. Below I’m sharing my Go-To Bath Salt Blend, as well as my Go-To Body Oil Recipe scented with my favorite essential oil blend that I’ve created. I encourage you to play around with creating your own custom scent blends too. Some of my favorite bath rituals include surrounding the tub with crystals and candles, reading from a book of poetry then closing my eyes and letting my senses take over. I also love morning baths. When the sun is shining, I love to hang my rainbow-making prism in the bathroom window and bathe in the rainbow light.

Salt baths are great for detoxification, balancing pH, easing muscle tension and soreness, stimulating circulation, combating water retention and bloat and so much more.

Alison’s Go-To Bath Salt Blend
1 lb. Himalayan Pink Salt
1/2 lb. Epsom salt
1/2 lb. Dead Sea salt

1.) Pour salts into a jar (I like to use these ones). Cork the jar and shake to mix evenly. Use 1-2 generous handfuls (or up to whole jar if you need) per bath.

I’ve been loving these Relaxing Bath Herbs, which are basically like tea for your bath water. This blend includes chamomile, lavender, rose petals, comfrey, hops flowers, passionflower and essential oils. It comes with a reusable muslin bag that you fill and use to ‘steep’ your bath water. MRH also makes Baby’s Bath Herbs that are perfect for children.

Alison’s DIY Body Oil
[Makes 4 ounces]

Carrier Oil Blend:
2 ounces jojoba oil
1 ounce Argan oil
1 ounce avocado oil

Essential Oil Blend:
5 drops sandalwood essential oil
4 drops grapefruit essential oil
4 drops palo santo essential oil
4 drops clary sage essential oil
3 drops patchouli essential oil

1.) Add carrier oils to a reusable glass bottle (I use these ones) then add essential oils. Screw cap on tightly and shake until well combined. Use all over body when skin is still damp from bathing or showering.

[Note: You can also add this essential oil blend (without the carrier oils) directly to your bath or to the bath salt blend above. It’s also lovely in a diffuser.]

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

February 20, 2018 1 comment
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