Getting more crunchy.

I spent this past weekend delving into "crunchy" blogs. I say that like it was a departure from my normal schedule but it really isn't. I've been soaking this stuff up now that I have time and mental space available. I read about using honey as a facial cleanser and am giving that a go (use only raw honey and if you can get honey from the people that made it it's even better). I bought jojoba oil at my local health food store and am going to try the Oil Cleansing Method. I have also been inspired to go "no-poo". Most of these decisions have been motivated by cost concerns; facial cleansers/creams are expensive and, also important, they haven't been working for me. I still don't consider myself "crunchy" although I think I've leaned in that direction for a while. As a teen I resisted makeup wearing and have always preferred a "natural" look. I also didn't shave my legs until I was 14 and the societal pressure got too much for me (which is funny considering I shaved my head for several years, which isn't something any other teenage girl I knew would have done). "If I can't maintain a regime in the wild then I shouldn't do it" was my thinking, although I'm far from applying that to every area of my life.

So I'm telling Damm all about "no-poo" and honey and he expressed dismay at my "home remedies". I don't think he has an actual reason, per se, it's just leagues away from what he's comfy with. I had to tease him, though, because he had devoured my home-made peanut butter protein balls (from Oxygen magazine) and my Whole-Wheat Irish Soda Bread earlier with no qualms. I'm moving away from processed junk in our foods, why not with our health care products? Plus, I found out that you can get away with not using Apple Cider Vinegar (I'm lazy and didn't want to go to the store). Just pour a bit of baking soda into your palm, mix it with a bit of warm water and apply to the roots of your hair. Apparently there is a transition period while your hair figures out it's normal status quo but then everything resolves itself and you don't have to wash it often, other than getting it wet. This solves a gigantic mystery for me: I had always wondered (true story) how girls in the 19th and 18th centuries (and even further back) could stand their hair given they didn't wash it often. Lo and behold, we don't need to. Pretty cool, eh? I washed the Orclette and Miniorc's hair with baking soda and we'll see what happens. I figure I should start now so they don't have time to become resistant.

Aren't they cute?

I also think I'm going to concoct my own body wash. I'll let you know what I come up with, but it might have to wait. Jojoba oil is rather expensive with our current budget and I want to acquire some coconut oil, which is also rather denting. Baby steps. I have been using Vitamin E oil on my "warrior wounds" (it helps me to think of stretch marks that way) and I feel like there's been a huge improvement. I did some reading, though, and it turns out that some people can have adverse reactions to it so don't just slather it over yourself. Test a bit of skin first. It doesn't bother me so I'm slathering away.



Disclaimer: Every blog I have read lately has one of these so I'm including it here. I am not a professional anything and hold no degrees or titles. I experiment on myself and like to share my findings but follow my example at your own risk. Consult your doctor, yadda yadda. Have people been sued? Is that why I'm seeing disclaimers everywhere? Anyway, there you go. I'm not qualified enough to be trusted in anything I say:)