Sometime in 2007, I starting using  no shampoo after reading an article online about ladies who had quit using  their 'poo and were  having wonderful results.  Since then, I have had many people comment about my hair and asking,  " What do you use on your hair?"   The astonished  look on their faces when I tell them, "I don't use shampoo" is priceless.

For the longest time, it was a mystery to me and my family about how people in the old days did  such and such, especially washing their hair without modern shampoos. We had watched the PBS series the 1900 House which put a modern day British family into a 19th century setting. The family had to live according to the Victorian amenities of the day.  The teenage daughter especially had great difficulty adjusting to the no  shampoo rule.  If I remember correctly,  I believe there was a scene where she had someone smuggle her some modern day shampoo so she could cope!

This question always bothered me: How did the people in the olden days ever survive without shampoo?  My prior internet searches found soapwort  which had been used as shampoo in times past as well as yucca and castile .    However, one thing that always seemed to make our family's hair look  so good was swimming in our natural swimming hole up in the mountains.  After a day of swimming there, our hair was manageable and incredibly clean sans any 'pooing.

Another thing I noticed is that, when traveling, one always took a risk with having one's hair look good because of the need to adjust to the difference in the water in every location.  And there were the lovely Mississippi girls whose skin and hair were always so beautiful.  Yet, when, as an outsider, trying to achieve the same results with Mississippi's amazingly naturally soft water which bubbled up so readily, it required a special touch when shampooing which one seldom mastered in a short stay.

So, I continually had to question: What was the age old secret of washing hair in the olden days?  It is well known that people often collected rainwater as it was considered to be the best hair washing water, something  our family learned  while homesteading in New Zealand.  Our water supply was collected from rainwater from our roof. It was great for hair and left it shiny and smooth.

I found out that the type of water you wash your hair in has a major effect on the end result.  When I had started my no 'poo experiment , I  had immediate success  but Jordanne did not.  Why was this so?  Some research lead me to see that, since I had thick curly hair, rinsing any shampoo residue off was not so easy but using just vinegar worked so well for cleaning my hair. The no 'poo method did not work for Jordanne so well because she has finer hair than I and she is still not sure the complete no 'poo method will work for her.   So, she occasionally washes her hair with baking soda and vinegar but still uses a natural  shampoo for the most part & salt (see post).

I found this link that  I think would help explain why the no 'poo method may work for some but not for others.  The secret may be in the water you use.

Here is an excerpt:

 Rainwater is soft and mineral free.  But, when it falls to the ground it seeps through the soil and rocks and dissolves minerals which give it its character.  If the rainwater water passes through hard rock, it remains soft.  However, if the ground water seeps through softer rocks, like the limestone very common in the Great Lakes Basin, it dissolves lots of minerals, principally calcium and magnesium, along the way.  The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.  The term “hard water” was originally coined to refer to water that was difficult or hard to work with.  Hard water requires much more soap, shampoo, or detergent than soft water; and the minerals in hard water can decrease soap’s lathering capabilities.

What does this have to do with hair?

You need water to shampoo your hair and hard water makes it harder to wash your hair.  Each hair shaft is made up of little scales, like shingles on a roof.  Hard water tends to make the scales stand up, which makes your hair feel rough and tangly.  Since your hair is tangled and rough, it is more difficult to rinse out all of the soap.  Soap is less effective in very hard water because its reacts with the excess minerals to form calcium or magnesium salts.  These are not easily soluble in water and can result in soap film.  Washing hair in soft water will have a different result because it leaves fewer insoluble deposits on the hair.

In commercial shampoos, natural soap has been replaced by synthetic surfactants.

What's the difference between a synthetic surfactant and natural soap?

Soaps are biodegradable products produced from natural, renewable resources like olive, palm, or coconut oils. Synthetic surfactants, like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS), and others, are made from petrochemicals and created in a chemical factory.  Although these synthetic surfactants do not react with hard water minerals as much, they do not produce the lather that consumers like.  The lather comes from the addition of synthetic lather or foam boosters--like cocamide monoethanolamine.  So, these detergent shampoos lather well in all types of water and rinse off easily and completely .

- Hardwater

But why on earth would you put something on your head you can't rightly pronounce?  The article explains that most modern shampoos are detergents and very harsh on the hair, stripping the natural oils from the hair shaft.  As a result, hair conditioners are needed - more stuff to buy!

Furthermore, by looking at the chart it would explain why our visits to New Orleans always left our hair a mess. The water was much harder than California's water.  And I believe Pasadena's water would be naturally softer (not shown on the map) because our water supply is from the snows from the mountain that also fed our swimming hole. However,  Pasadena city water is  treated and, thus, made harder than our swimming hole water but remains softer than water in other parts of California.  I think this would explain why some have success with no 'poo and others don't.  Not only is your hair type an issue but whether your water is hard or soft is also a determining factor.

I think that, in the long run, one has to experiment with the agent of choice for cleansing the hair, the type of hair (fine  or thick) that one has  and the water, whether hard or soft, to be successful at the no 'poo method.

Are you ready to take the NO 'POO plunge?

If so, we are giving away a wonderful ebook No Shampoo Method by the gals at Feelin' Feminine who graciously offered up a copy.   Their collaborate book is an absolutely fabulous "How To" and resource guide, offering a wealth of information about caring for hair, naturally.

For me, my NO POO methods is quite simple.  I just rinse my hair with water - that's it!  If I do need a good cleaning I'll put a wee bit of apple cider vinegar and for conditioning nothing beats coconut oil (see post) or henna.  I am sure the cosmetic industry hates me.  LOL

Now, here's how to enter.

Comment below about your natural hair care journey.   Winner will be picked by Random.org.

Contest closes Tuesday February 6th Midnight PST

Good luck!

Don't forget, if you are looking for natural products at a reasonable price check out iHerb.com (Enter this referral code JUL275) and get $5.00 off your first purchase!

FACT: The U.S. EPA estimates that 2 billion disposable razors are tossed each year.

We live in a outrageously disposable society, though "cheap" in cents it's sure not making "sense" by costing us our future and the health of this planet.

Here's a quote from Justin's Facebook page:

Old is new again. The article says "there is an element of being a badass for shaving with a straight razor" Wow. I have been using the same straight razor for 15 years, so I must be really, really bad.  LOL  See article WET SHAVING IS BACK IN STYLE

Who knew?  Old is definitely new again!

Originally, he started with a straight razor my dad had brought back with him from New Zealand and started shaving the old-fashioned way 15 years ago.  My dad has since reverted back to shaving with a regular modern razor but has always avoided the electric shaver like the plague.  Many times someone would try to "convert" my dad into using one by buying him the latest trendy electric shaver.  Granted, he toyed with it because he has sensitive skin and the electric shaver was gentler for him.  But he noise!  That's when I would hear him say his ever quoted mantra," If it goes 'whrrrrr', I don't want it."  The noise itself was very annoying to him, even  more irritating than the razor burns on his face from the razor blades.  So, he just went to a goatee and and kept his 'stache which helped him deal with the problem somewhat.

Now, according to the article, Justin is a "macho man." Unfortunately, he posted his use of the straight razor on his Facebook page sporting a  profile picture of himself as a hairy-looking cave man type image.  Like some one commented,"You use a Razor? I think you missed your whole face!....LOL"  Which only says Justin will not be picked as the poster man for straight razor shaving anytime soon. *grin*

:: Resources ::

How to Shave Like Your Grandpa

Old Apothecary Shop (photo from http://scottsvillemuseum.com/business/homecg93cdcg08.html)

Activated charcoal is an absolute must on any farm -- whether rural or urban -- and in any natural-living home.   Here at the Urban Homestead, we keep it on hand for many things as it has so many uses.  It is the best antidote for poisoning and can actually save one's  life! However, call Poison Control or a hospital for a recommended dose for the type of poison ingested. The great thing about activated charcoal is that it can be used safely by infants for colic and seniors for diabetic ulcers.  It is an absolute must have when traveling overseas and we recommend that you "don't leave home without it"!

As a paste applied topically, it can draw out poisons from an insect bite lie spiders, bees or wasps.  It is also good to apply whenever you have an attack of gout. But be careful when applying activated charcoal to broken skin as it may leave a tattoo effect on the skin.  To play it safe, apply  activated charcoal as a poultice,  if in doubt, to the skin.  Additionally, it is the BEST thing to use to whiten your teeth.  Simply put your regular natural toothpaste on your brush and dip it in some powdered activated charcoal, slightly moisten it and brush as usual,  Within a short amount of time it will substantially whiten your teeth and even help remove long standing plaque.  It is great for both teeth and gums and will not harm either.  We personally recommend activated charcoal for tooth whitening over over the counter whitening strips and even baking soda which can be somewhat hard on teeth and the delicate tissues of both mouth and gums.  Sometimes we use a Q-tip with activated charcoal on it to scrub the teeth seriously and to avoid the potential of damaging the gums with the tooth brush bristles. It is also used as a facial to help oily skin.

Taken internally, it can also remove the uric acid build up which causes gout and remove some  heavy metals like mercury and lead.   It will help whenever you overeat or over drink and adsorb the toxins and aid in controlling acid reflux and other gastrointestinal distresses.  It can eliminate gas, vomiting and diarrhea. Simply take the charcoal until the symptoms disappear.  Sometimes you have to experiment to see how much works for you.  There is no danger of overdosing on charcoal.  The only thing we would recommend is the the amount of water intake be increased to help prevent constipation when taking activated charcoal.  There is no evidence that activated charcoal interferes with your body's ability to use  vitamins and minerals from food. However, it is best taken away from foods as food in the stomach will slow down the effectiveness of the charcoal. Also, please check with your doctor before taking it if you are on prescription drugs. Charcoal can interfere with your prescription's performance.

It is safe for pets and livestock too .  It is advised that you contact your vet before administering a dose to check on the amount needed.  The usual recommended dose of activated charcoal for all species of animals is 1-3 grams of charcoal per 1 kg body weight.

It is great to destroy household odors.  The best way is to make sachets filled with activated charcoal or punch holes in a can or jar and fill with charcoal.  For such intensive use, it would be beneficial to buy activated charcoal in bulk powdered form

We have personally administered charcoal to ourselves here on the homestead for many reasons and can personally attest to its effectiveness.  And our resident vet, Jordanne, has successfully administered charcoal to our menagerie of animals to relieve their upset stomachs, cuts, infections etc.

If you are interested in buying some charcoal, use this coupon code JUL 275 for $5.00 OFF your first purchase at iherb.com.

We've never had a flu shot...ever.  Not even any kind of shot...ever...except for the "shot" of whiskey when sick with a cold!

Fortunately, we don't get many colds and for that we are grateful.  But when we feel one may be coming on, here are some of the things we do.  Sometimes, it only takes one of these remedies to knock the bugs out.

Over time we've learn to...

•    put hydrogen peroxide in our ears.  This tends to get rid of bad bugs lurking around.
•    gargle with Celtic Sea Salt or warm honey
•    use Wellness  tablets
•    add Grapefruit Seed Extract to water as directed and drink .
•    use Oregacyn

We also find that there are two drinks which  tend to ward off a lot of ails : Kombucha (homemade) and Swedish Bitters also homemade Elderberry Syrup with warm lemon juice

Here is another  very simple remedy that is worth looking into. Although we have not tried it, it  seems credible.  Baking soda is amazing for lots of  things.  We have used it here  for some ailments and it does work. If you want aluminum free baking soda iherb has it here

We have had great success with these and seldom have had any type of bad cold of flu. Previously, when our bodies had succumbed to the inevitable because we started the protocol too late, we would just do "hot toddies" and wait it out.  It also helped.  Just put some brandy or whiskey in  hot water with lemon juice and honey, then drink.

But, recently, we have found an amazing natural aid when you find yourself with the flu.  This one health tip should be shouted from the rooftops.  It is hard to  believe that something this simple can be so effective; yet, that is exactly what it is.

One family member recently experienced a flu bug that produced unbelievably painful symptoms.  All the other natural means which had usually worked were totally ineffective against this particular strain. It attacked swiftly and viciously with a  pain that was unbearable.  The only thing we could think of was the fever needed to be relieved and that a bath would help sweat the toxins out.  Then we remembered an age old remedy which would help one sweat the toxins out during a bath--ginger root.  We quickly grated some fresh ginger root and added it to a tub of hot water.  Within minutes, sweat began pouring out of every possible pore.  Not only that, but even after the bath the sweating continued.  The relief was instantaneous.  Later during the day, another ginger bath was taken. To see the remarkable change in the  person now after the horrific pain he had experienced previously was an eye opener .  Had we done the bath at the first sign of a flu, there probably would not have been any flu to contend with.  From then on, this was to be our first line of defense for any cold or flu. .

Here is a link which explains the procedure well.

We would just caution anyone trying this to monitor themselves and not allow yourself to get too dizzy during the bath.  Go slowly and stay in the water as long as it feels comfortable to you.  We would suggest that before embarking on a ginger bath, while very safe, do an internet search to see if there any precautions if you have a known medical condition, just to play it  safe.

As a side note, although most of the  family had gotten the flu during this episode, only one family member remained untouched by the bug.  The reason appears to be that she was taking liquid concentrate  Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) by NutiBiotic bought  from iherb.com.  GSE is a powerful natural antibiotic.  Apparently, this simple action spared that family member some suffering and was killing off any viruses and bacteria which came her way.  From now on, this will also be used as a first line of defense to ward off anything during the flu season, etc.  Additionally, there are so many other uses for this product which are listed on the label.

To get a good price on your first order for the products listed above check out iherb.com, give our code JUL275 for $5.00 OFF (also, free shipping over $20) the already low prices on your very first order.

You'll be glad you did!

I fell in love with braids when I was  little girl after reading "Little House" Series    I sooo wanted long hair like "Half-Pint"… and we all know Laura wanted gold hair like Mary.

The pioneers were practical in their hairdos - didn't have any beauty salons out there in the prairie.  Not only that,  braiding hair is an ancient art that can be traced back to early Egyptian times.

And braids are just like clothes, having gone in and out of fashion over the centuries.  Today, you’ll see stylish braids sported by actresses on the red carpet; bu,t in the every day world, well, you just don’t see many women wearing them – unless maybe at a wedding or prom.

I don't have time  to cut my hair anymore (can't sit still long enough for one!) and my long hair gets in the way of  homestead life.     Milkmaid braids are a practical and my favorite up do – easy and cool especially in summer.

I get so many compliments, from women, nonetheless.  They say they don’t see braids much around this here tinsel town.    For me, it’s about a quick and easy up do that doesn’t get in the way.

Now, some are claiming braids are "sexy."   Who knew?  Ha! Perhaps, they should come an do some homestead chores.... get some dirt under those manicured nails. *grin*

:: Resources ::

Milkmaid Braid Tutorial

Renaissance Braids Updo Hairstyle

Hair Braiding: English, Fishtail, Dutch & French Braids

Back in 2009, we had the opportunity to visit Israel   The trip was wonderful, greeted with warm hospitality and we learned so much!  While there, we had a soak in the Dead Sea and ...oh, my!  We bought several bags of the Dead Sea Salts home for personal use and gifts.  One thing we discovered quite by accident was that the mineral in the salts were great for giving volume and body to hair as well as reducing  too much oil in the hair, if that is a problem. Salts from the Dead Sea have been legendary for centuries for their therapeutic and beautifying properties on the skin. Jordanne found that using  the salts on her hair ( a handful mixed with her regular natural shampoo)  greatly reduced the oil in her hair and eliminated the need for frequent hair washings.

One unexpected side effect also came about with the regular use of the slats added to her shampoo--her hair lightened up a few shades!   Now it more closely resembles her baby hair color--a golden blonde.  She didn't know what was causing the hair color change and thought it was an increase in vitamins she was taking, particularly MSM (for an old injury she sustained) which has been known to lighten skin tone and hair color.  But we think it is really the Dead Sea Salts.  Her hair now is voluminous and shiny and a pretty golden, sun-kissed  color.

She says her scalp and hair have never felt better!

It's noted that "Various cultures and groups of people have visited the Dead Sea for therapy, dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians, utilizing the salt in various unguents and skin creams, as well as soaps, just as it is used today." 

And  been reported to have the following therapeutic and curative powers for

Rheumatologic Conditions,
Common Skin Ailments
Allergies
& Skin Aging

So, for those of you looking for similar results, I say give Dead Sea Salts a try and report results if you care to share!

You can get some Dead Sea Salt here   For $5.00 off your first order type in our code JUL 275.

History & Folklore

“Lemon verbena is also known as Cedron, Lemon Beebrush, Lemon Luisa and Yerba Louisa.  The last two names are said to be because the plant was named after Marie Louisa, Princess of Parma (1748 - 1819), who later became Queen of Spain.  Whether this is true, I haven't been able to determine with any degree of certainty, but it was the Spanish who brought lemon verbena to Europe in the 18th century, where it was used in perfume and is still widely used in perfume blends today such as Givenchy's 'Very Irresistible'.  Speaking of perfumes, did you know that in 'Gone with the Wind', Scarlett O'Hara's mother Margaret Mitchell and Little House on the Prairie's Laura Ingalls both declared that lemon verbena was their favourite scent?”  - HerbSociety.org.uk

Making your own perfume is easy and relatively cheap.    I am not one for wearing perfumes all the time but do appreciate a good, natural scent when I smell (or make) one.   Of course, as a little girl, I would love it when Grandmere would send me a box of perfume with my name "Anais Anais" on it.  Not easy having a strange and hard to pronounce name when growing up in Florida. When this perfume came out, it seemed like more folks  could now pronounce my name (thanks to the TV advertising)  and would say, “Oh, you mean like the perfume?”  Yeah, but  I was named before the perfume!

Ok, now back to making your own Eau de toilette.

I like to make alcohol based version :

Mix about 24 drops of lemon verbena oil with two tsp. of distilled water and two tsp. of vodka.
Pour into a clean perfume jar and allow to sit in a cool, dark place for at
least 48 hours to allow the scent to infuse itself into the water and
alcohol.
Mix again before using.

Read more: Lemon Verbena Perfume Recipes | eHow.com

Ever since I was a kid, I remember bathing the  night before church – ala "Little House on the Prairie".   Growing up in water and energy conservative household  it never crossed our minds that our lifestyle wasn’t normal.   A move to city and I found out that daily showers (and shoes - among other things) were a norm here in the city.

Because of our natural lifestyle and homegrown diet, we didn’t have any obnoxious odors,  so nobody, not even our friends, would suspect our 1-2 times a week bathing routine.  Personal hygiene was our own business, that was until reporters came snooping around asking questions.  Nothing like a reporter to bring up things that you hadn’t thought of mentioning because, to us, this is how we’ve always (mostly) lived.

In a recent high profile article, our hygiene was editorialized as “third world.”  Oh, yeah?  That really made us feel weird all right and I had to sniff my clothes just to make sure - nope, no smell!

Walking the goats one day, we ran into a lady who asked “are you the people that take a baths like once a month?”  Once a month? Good grief, now we are freaks!  Note to self, keep your mouth shut next time!

Or maybe I should have talked to this reporter!

A recent NY Times article now points to a growing amount of folks who are bucking the norm. Like many Asians and Europeans, Americans too are choosing to forgo everyday showers, citing environmental reasons, natural beauty and health benefits.

Defying a culture of clean that has prevailed at least since the 1940s, a contingent of renegades deliberately forgo daily bathing and other gold standards of personal hygiene, like frequent shampooing and deodorant use.

To the converted, there are many reasons to cleanse less and smell more like yourself. “We don’t need to wash the way we did when we were farmers,” said Katherine Ashenburg, 65, the author of “The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History.” Since the advent of cars and labor-saving machines, she continued, “we have never needed to wash less, and we have never done it more.”

Retention of the skin’s natural oils and water conservation are two reasons Ms. Palmer and others cite for skipping a daily shower. Some have concluded that deodorant is unnecessary after forgetting it once with no social repercussions, or are concerned about antiperspirants containing aluminum

It’s a myth that people need a deep cleaning everyday.”

Read full article

Ha, so we aren’t weird after all.  In fact dare I say more “normal” than hyper hygienistas.

So next time you see us walking the goats I hope to hear, “Hey, aren’t you the people that [you fill in the blank]”

What are your hygiene habits? How often do you take a bath/shower, wash your hair or use deodorant?

The recent Feelin' Feminine interview drew a lot of inquires about our beauty solutions and going NO-POO (Haven't used soap in my hair going on 2 years now. I still wash my hair. I just use apple cider vinegar (ACV) instead-- but that's a topic for yet another post).

Folks have often commented (positively) about our skin and hair, curious about our “beauty secrets.” The secret really is keeping your beauty products and routine simple - the simpler the better. Like we said in the interview, beauty starts on the inside with good food, lots of water and exercise.

Healthy hair naturally

We are going to kick off the series with....

Coconut Oil

In our natural beauty journey, a question we ladies asked ourselves,  "is there a way to have beauty but without the "beauty products" that are marketing us to in magazines, radio, tv, etc?"  Taking that question a few steps backwards,  "what would Grandma do?"  Looking good doesn't have to cost you your health or your wallet.

One of our favorite kitchen cosmetics is coconut oil. We use it for skin care as it absorbs well into the skin and leaves it dewy looking. It helps fight blemishes too. Putting a small amount in your hair before washing will condition your hair nicely. It also conditions your eyebrows and lashes.

Another use, besides using it in cooking or as a butter substitute, is for brushing your teeth or for oil pulling to thoroughly cleanse your mouth.

Virgin coconut oil is loaded with antioxidants, protects against free radical damage and keeps the skin smooth, supple and deep conditions hair.

Coconut oil is a multi purpose product you can use it

1. Stimulate hair growth. Applying coconut oil particularly virgin coconut oil on hair has been said to work wonders on hair loss conditions. It also strengthens hair and prevents dry scalp. In addition, coconut oil is a great and cheap conditioner and hot oil treatment because it leaves the hair smooth and shiny.

2. Smoothen the skin. Coconut oil can be used as a lotion and facial moisturizer to smoothen the skin and remove rough and dry patches. You can use it as an after-bath lotion, facial moisturizer, or massage oil.

3. Treat damaged skin. More than beautifying, many people claim that coconut oil can actually treat damaged skin by relieving eczema symptoms, preventing fungal infections and body odor, and protecting against age spots and blemishes.

4. Gray hair. Massage your hairs with coconut oil and Lemon everyday for at least 15 minutes. There are instances of people having black hairs even up to the age of 60-70 years by using this method.

5. Coloring gray hair. Apply henna to restore the dark color of your hair. Boil coconut oil with henna leaves till the oil turns dark. Apply it on your hair after cooling it down. Wash it off after 30-40 minutes. You will find your gray hair turned into brown

Since using coconut oil we've noticed that our hair is silkier, eyelashes have gotten thicker, nicer nails/less hangnails, skin softer and more radiant. Not bad results for a relatively cheap product.  It's a multiple use product and even better we can pronounce the ingredient list!

From what we've read from our readers comments in our kick off post of the 'Natural Beauty' series, seems like many of you use coconut oil too. What have positive changes have you noticed using coconut oil, care to share?

:: Resources ::

Here's another helpful link to help you uncover the ingredients in cosmetics : Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database

Coconut Oil for Beauty

Coconut Oil for Hair, Skin and More

Beauty Secrets from India: Oiling Your Hair

Indian Head Oil Massage

Affiliate Program

For vitamins and other products (like the coconut oil) we order from iHerb - click on their button and enter the below referral code during checkout

Enter this referral code

JUL275

during check out and get $5.00 savings on the first order!!!

Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic.  ~Rosalind Russell

For centuries, every culture has been on a question for beauty; but, these days, our obsession with beauty is proving  to be toxic and deadly.  Every year, countless women get sick or die because of what they are putting on their skin and hair.   Looking good shouldn't cost you your life or your wallet.

Here on at the urban homestead our beauty products are pretty basic. A few years ago, we starting looking to cultures who have been known for their gorgeous hair and luxurious skin. We figured if these women, who didn't (or still don't) have malls cluttered with  aisles of every conceivable cosmetic product on the planet, can still be stunning then that's something we should look into. For me, though I've always been into making herbal beauty concoctions since I was a teenager, a few years ago I started to look into the Indian culture and the herbs and treatments they use. That path has led me to discover new and wonderful herbs and beauty solutions. My family and I had the opportunity to visit India last fall, with our little film 'Homegrown Revolution'. We saw women who had so "little" compared to the Western world but their hair, teeth and skin were stunning.  That  really ingrained the message that less is more. In fact, we don't really need all that stuff that "They" would have us believe.  You can make wonderful products with simple ingredients that are commonly found in your kitchen cabinet or perhaps growing in your backyard.

Beauty treatments and solutions can be found not in fancy packing with a slew of ingredients, some which you can’t even pronounce. Unfortunately, many conventional beauty products are loaded with chemicals and are usually petroleum based while the "good stuff" is sometimes pricey.

So what's a girl to do?  Know the dangers - check out this video.  It's not just knowing where you food comes from but where all the other products that we use on daily basis too.

I think that this video is a perfect intro to our upcoming "Kitchen Cosmetics" series, stay tuned!

What beauty products are you using or making, care to share?

:: Resources ::

Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Dying to Look Good: The Dangers of Cosmetics

If Looks Could Kill