A Lesson in Fat Cells

The No More Cottage Cheese Thighs! recipe in my EcoBeauty book by Lauren Cox is one that caught my attention right off the bat.  Before we go into how to make it though, I think it's important to have an understanding of what cellulite actually is.

Cellulite is very common and can affect a person of any size.  Cellulite forms when blood flow under the skin is restricted by enlarged fat cells.  This causes a fluid buildup which then bloats the fat cells even more.  Everyone has fat cells, and thus it can potentially affect everyone.  It seems to be related also to genetics, not just poor health habits, and to get rid of it can certainly require some changes in lifestyle.

No More Cottage Cheese Thighs!

1 c fresh, unused coffee grounds
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c sea salt
1/2 c almond oil

Mix the coffee, sugar, and salt together, then pour in the almond oil.  Stir well until mixed.

To use, massage into skin in a circular motion.  Massage using strong, flowing strokes for at least 5 minutes twice a week.

The main reason this scrub is supposed to help is due to the coffee.  It is a great ingredient for promoting circulation and is actually the main ingredient in high-end cellulite treatments.  The salt and sugar from the scrub act to exfoliate and smooth out the skin.  The most important part though is the massage action, making sure it is vigorous and circular.  Regular use of this scrub combined with a healthy diet and exercise should improve the appearance of cellulite in a few weeks.

Walk In Her Shoes

Today's post is going to be a little different.  Though it doesn't technically have anything to do with natural remedies or being environmentally friendly, the purpose is similar.  The reason I love to pursue a natural, healthy, eco-friendly life is because I am trying to live the best way I can for myself and for our world.  For this same reason, I am going to be participating in CARE Canada's Walk In Her Shoes challenge.  I know the post is long, but I think it's worth the read.  At the very least please check out my fundraising page through this link:

I'm walking in her shoes

Helping those less fortunate than myself is something that I feel God has been laying on my heart a lot lately. I saw a commercial for CARE on TV, and looked up them online.  Once arriving on their website, this challenge stuck out to me. I was excited to see that the timing was perfect and decided to participate.

In the poorest communities around the world, women and girls are often the ones tasked to collect water, firewood or other basic necessities of life. They walk on average 6 kilometres a day while carrying the equivalent of a suitcase. This leaves little time to attend school, access health services or earn money to support their families.

Yet when women and girls are empowered to tackle these issues, whole families and communities directly benefit.

To help break the cycle of poverty and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day I’ve decided to join CARE Canada’s Walk in Her Shoes challenge. I will make a difference for women, girls and whole communities living in poverty around the world.

I will be walking 6 kilometres every day from March 2nd, finishing on March 8th (International Women’s Day) to raise funds to help fight global poverty. I need your support to reach my fundraising goal!

Please support my walk in her shoes challenge by making a donation today!

All donations will go to CARE Canada to empower women, girls and whole communities to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Together we can make a difference!

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

At-Home Spa

I am always looking for products to try to reduce the red bumps I get on my legs.  I'm not sure what they are or what causes them.  I've had them for years, and it sucks when I'm in shorts or a bathing suit.  My friend and I whipped up is the Spa-Style Salt Rub from EcoBeauty by Lauren Cox, and I am hoping the salt and exfoliation might help.

Spa-Style Salt Rub

2 c salt
1 c almond oil
2-3 drops essential oil (optional)

Supplies

Add salt,

almond oil,

and essential oil (we used lavender).

Stir until it becomes a paste.

To use, massage a handful of paste into skin.  Rinse with warm water.  Do not use soap afterward as it will wash away the moisturizing oil.

I definitely like the way this rub feels and makes my skin feel.  Smooth and soft!  I haven't seen any improvement of the bumps on my legs yet, but I do only use the rub once a week.  For general application, I think the rub is great.  I'm thinking this is a good one to make up and give for presents.

Bye-Bye Blackheads

While at a friend's house, we had an evening of beauty recipe making.  One that we were both interested in was the Bye-Bye Blackheads Scrub from EcoBeauty by Lauren Cox.  The best part was that the few ingredients required were all common household ingredients.  It is nice and simple to make anytime.

Bye-Bye Blackheads Scrub

1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp water

Supplies

Add baking soda

and sugar.

Add water and mix.

To use, massage mixture onto wet skin.  Allow to sit for a few minutes.  Rinse with warm water, and pat face dry.

The texture of this scrub was nice, much smoother than many are.  My face felt more soft and smooth than prior to the scrub, and I found it did help with the few blackheads I had on my chin.  My only issue was that after rinsing, my face was red and felt tender.  I think this is probably due to my sensitive skin, but I was still surprised since the scrub only contains a few simple ingredients.  Also, my friend found that her skin was dry afterward, though she is prone to dry skin.  This is something I would do again when necessary, but not often.

Forbidden Food - Black Rice

Brad and I have made a big effort to change our eating habits, especially in regard to the consumption of refined foods.  We've made the switch to whole grain, seed-filled breads, whole wheat pasta, high fibre cereals, but the one thing I cannot stand is brown rice.  In an attempt to compromise, I tried a mixture of white and black rice.

I cooked it the same way I would with white rice.

As it comes to a boil, the water actually turns to an opaque purple.

Fun Fact: Black rice is also known as "forbidden rice" because originally in China only the emperor was permitted to eat it. 

I liked the taste a lot, and the texture was good.  I even enjoyed the novelty of eating purple coloured rice.  Once I knew it was something I would make again, I looked into it's nutritional information.  Turns out black rice has a comparable amount of fibre to brown rice.  What I found most interesting though is that it contains more antioxidants than the same quantity of blueberries.  Now my only problem is that I was given the black rice mixture, and I have yet to find it in a grocery store.  Does anyone know where I can buy black rice?

Hair-Raising Results

My hair is horribly dry and damaged.  I have been growing my hair out for what feels like an eternity, but it seems to just not be healthy when it is longer.  Recently I've had real problems with it tangling up in actual knots, and I hate the way it feels.  When a friend and I came across the Hot Oil Treatment in EcoBeauty by Lauren Cox, we thought that just might be the solution.

Hot Oil Treatment

1/4 c almond oil
1 tbsp honey or dark molasses

Supplies

Pour oil into a microwave safe bowl.

Add honey (or molasses) and stir well.

Microwave on high until warm, approx. 20 seconds.

Apply the entire mixture to dry hair and massage into hair and scalp.  Wrap hair in a towel or put on a shower cap for up to 30 minutes.  Rinse and shampoo.

I was really nervous about this one.  As I've previously mentioned, I am fanatical about not having greasy hair, and putting honey in my hair seemed to go against my common sense.  But it turned out great!  After rinsing and shampooing, I noticed my hair was easier to comb through than usual when wet.  Once it dried, I was thrilled!  It doesn't tangle as much, and there are less fly aways.  I am happy to say that because of this treatment my hair is more soft and shiny than it has been in years.  Definitely a recipe I will be repeating.

Chip Off the Ol' Block - Homemade Potato Chips

Brad and I are always looking for healthier snack alternatives.  Last night's movie night at a friend's house provided us with the perfect opportunity to try out homemade baked potato chips.

After washing, thinly slice potatoes.

Add a little oil.

Sprinkle with seasoning.  I used seasoned salt.

Mix.

Cover cookie sheet with tin foil, and spray with oil.  Place potato slices.  Bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes.

Allow to sit in open air for 15 minutes for maximum crispiness.

The chips tasted good and we did enjoy them, but overall we didn't think it was worth the time and effort.  It took 5 potatoes to cover 2 cookie sheets, and it still didn't seem like very many chips.  As a warning if you plan on making these, we put our chips in a Rubbermaid container for transport, and by the time we got to our friend's house, they had gone soft, which was very unfortunate.  I think the open air is key to keeping them crispy.  So if you've got some extra potatoes and free time, this could be something to try out.