my inspiration blog

mothernaturenetwork:

5 deodorant alternatives

Stores stock a variety of deodorants and antiperspirants, but if you’re concerned about the health or environmental effects of using such products, there are alternatives. While some people are worried about common deodorant chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde and triclosan, most concerns focus on aluminum, the ingredient in antiperspirant that blocks pores and fights wetness. Aluminum is rumored to be linked to breast cancer and other diseases; however, the National Cancer Institute says this research is inconclusive. In addition to these potential health risks, aluminum mining is also destructive and polluting. If you’re thinking twice putting such ingredients on your body, check out these natural deodorant alternatives.

(via wretchedoftheearth)

(Source: plussizewomenarebeautiful, via noirwallflower)

(Source: downtownn, via dpeandsvedbygrce)

howtobeterrell:

Dry Skin Brushing is something I learned about last year as I was attending school for Holistic Nutrition. I had never heard of it before then, but the subject surfaced in several of my courses until curiosity got the better of me. Now, dry skin brushing it is part of my daily routine and from this simple act I have seen many positive changes take place… 

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s detoxification each day, also making it, one of the most important elimination organs. More than one pound of waste products are discharged through the skin every day! Toxins from everyday soaps, cleansers, antiperspirants / deodorants, lotions, cosmeticsand synthetic fibers worn next to the skin, can gather beneath the skin’s surface and contribute to a variety of skin problems and conditions, as well as prevent the skin from breathing. If the skin becomes inactive with its pores chocked with millions of dead cells and chemical residues, then impurities will remain in the body. The other eliminative organs, mainly the kidneys and liver, will have to increase their labor and will eventually become overworked, thus eventually creating disease.

When you do skin brushing, you help your lymphatic system, responsible for ridding the body of toxins. Skin brushing improves the surface circulation on the skin and keeps the pores of the skin open, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes, and resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria, plus helping your skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient! 

Dry Skin Brushing Benefits:
• tightens skin.
• helps digestion.
• removes cellulite.
• stimulates circulation.
• increases cell renewal.
• aids lymphatic system in detoxification.
• removes dead skin layers.
• strengthens immune system.


How To Dry Skin Brush:
1 Buy a natural (NOT Synthetic), bristle brush, since it does not scratch the surface of the skin. These are available on-line or at your local health and natural food store.
2 Buy a brush with a long handle so that you’re able to get to the areas of your body that are difficult to reach.
3 Skin brush before showering or bathing. It should take you about 5 minutes to do your whole body.
4 Do NOT wet the skin as it will stretch it and not have the same effect.
5 ALWAYS skin brush towards the heart (see diagram above).
6 Do circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.
7 Do lighter strokes over and around breasts, but do NOT brush the nipples.
8 Brush each part of the body several times vigorously, completely brushing the whole body.
9 Brush the soles of the feet first because the nerve endings there affect the whole body. Next brush the ankles, calves, and thighs, then brush across your stomach and buttocks and lastly brush your hands to the arms.
10 Take a warm bath or shower, which should always be followed by a cool rinse at the end to invigorate blood circulation and stimulate surface warmth.
11 Wash your brush every few weeks in water and let it dry.

Dry Skin Brushing will change the health of your whole body. Circulation, skin softness and quality, skin infections and irritations, whole body freshness, your level of stimulation, the prevention of colds, and you personal rejuvenation are all areas of improvement you can look for, when you make it to a regular habit.

(via super-eklectic1)

ihavefitwithinme:

52 Uses for Coconut Oil

1. Eat a spoonful when you need an energy boost.
2. Use it as the base for a homemade body scrub.
3. Use to condition your wooden cutting boards.
4. Use as a super conditioner on your hair (apply to dry hair, leave in as long as possible and then shampoo as normal).
5. Use as a styling agent if you have really dry hair. Just rub a tiny bit on your palms and apply to your hair and style as normal.
6. Keep a little container in your purse for lip moisturizer.
7. Add a spoonful to your dog or cat’s food. CO is great for our furry friends!
8. Replace nasty, unhealthy vegetable oils in your cooking and baking with CO.
9. Make healthy Magic Shell ice cream topping.
10. Use it for oil pulling (learn about oil pulling here).
11. Use a tiny dab on your underarms for a natural deodorant.
12. Use coconut oil instead of shaving cream.
13. Add to your bath tub for a moisturizing soak (a drop of peppermint oil is wonderful!).
14. Use as a makeup remover.
15. Use it to help sooth chicken pox, shingles, or other rashes or skin irritations.
16. Use it to treat athlete’s food, ringworm, or other fungal or yeast infections.
17. Take a spoonful with your vitamins to help improve absorption.
18. Spread a thin layer on cuts or burns to speed up healing.
19. Take up to 5 spoonfuls per day for improved thyroid function.
20. Add a spoonful to your smoothies for extra nutrition and flavor (here, here, andhere).
21. Use on the delicate tissue around your eyes to help prevent wrinkles and sagging.
22. Use as the base for homemade toothpaste or lotion.
23. Use in place of massage oil.
24. Use on your baby’s diaper rash or cradle cap.
25. Use to help reduce visibility of stretch marks or to prevent stretch marks.
26. For nursing mothers, use coconut oil on your nipples to prevent cracking and irritation.
27. For nursing mothers, consuming coconut oil will help increase your milk flow.
28. Apply to bee stings or bug bites to soothe and heal the wound.
29. Women can use in the nether regions to relieve yeast infections, dryness, and/or discomfort.
30. Eat a spoonful with each meal to improve digestion.
31. If you’re prone to nosebleeds, coat the inside of your nostrils with coconut oil regularly.
32. Helps soothe and heal hemorrhoids.
33. Take to helps reduce or eliminate migraines.
34. Use as the base for homemade vapor rub.
35. Mixed with peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, or tea tree oil makes an excellent insect repellant.
36. Mix with baking soda for a non-toxic “Goo Gone”.
37. Use to help detox the body during a cleanse or fast.
38. Use as a metal polish, but always test a small area first.
39. Use as a leather moisturizer.
40. Season your cast iron pans.
41. Use to oil your pans and baking dishes instead of pan spray.
42. Got gum stuck in your hair? Try using coconut oil to remove without cutting your hair.
43. Use instead of WD-40.
44. Use as a personal lubricant (not safe with latex).
45. Take a spoonful to help with heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion.
46. Use as a natural sunscreen.
47. Mix with a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice and use as a furniture polish (always test a small area first!).
48. Mix with butter and toss your popcorn in it.
49. Use on cracked or rough heals to help smooth them out.
50. Massage into your nails and cuticles to help strengthen them.
51. Use as the base for homemade chocolate candy (like peanut butter cups).
52. Take a couple spoonfuls every day to help overall immune function. 
53. ***OMG THE NOTES ON THIS!!***

meagansphilosophy:

I made this super fast, and keep in mind songs I might find motivational might not be for you. But I tried my best, so hopefully you enjoy enough of these songs to get a good workout!

*If you listen to the entire thing, you’ll have worked out for about 103 minutes!

(Sorry I couldn’t supply .zip files!! D: )

1. Don’t Stop Believing - 3:40
2. Gold Digger - 2:59
3. Hair (Crazy In Love) - 1:39
4. Don’t Rain on My Parade -  2:53
5. My Life Would Suck Without You - 3:31
6. Gives You Hell - 3:24
7. Highway to Hell - 2:58
8. 4 Minutes - 3:11
9. Any Way You Want it - Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ - 3:04
10. Shout It Out Loud - 2:49

11. Empire State of Mind - 4:35
12. Me Against the Music - 3:45
13. Toxic - 3:27
14. Forget You - 3:41
15. Valerie - 3:33
16. Thriller/Heads Will Roll - 3:43
17. Animal - 3:04
18. Do You Wanna Touch Me - 3:34
19. Loser Like Me - 3:08
20. Raise Your Glass - 3:19
21. Born This Way - 4:04
22. Light Up the World - 3:39

23. We Got the Beat - 2:32
24. Run the World (Girls) - 3:56
25. Candy Man - 3:13
26. Hit Me with Your Best Shot - 2:32
27. You Make My Dreams Come True - 2:40
28. ABC - 2:57
29. Moves Like Jagger - 2:11
30. We Found Love - 2:38
31. Scream - 3:37
32. Smooth Criminal - 3:33
33. Glad You Came - 3:13
34. What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) - 3:40

(via gleekyspoilers)