Sustainable Shopping: How to Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

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Fashionistas across the globe spend their lives in search of trademark, on-trend pieces that they can welcome into their wardrobe. The unfortunate truth, though, is that seasons come and go – and with them, trends are left behind (creating unnecessary waste from the remnants of once-loved garments).

As environmental consciousness continues to make its way into the fore, becoming the universal concern it should always have been, we’re breaking down some simple and effective ways you can change how you shop in order to make eco-friendly decisions when it comes to your wardrobe. Earth-loving fashionistas unite: it’s time to reduce the world’s fashion footprint.

Shop local

In your quest for greener shopping habits, the first crucial step is to forego high-street giants in favour of smaller independent stores. Finding a local shop that sells sustainably sourced or vintage clothing – or, better still, donates a portion of its proceeds to a relevant charity or conservation project – means doing your bit for the little guy, and for the planet.

Supporting your local community is a truly noble endeavour, but the same ethos can also be applied online – with smaller businesses (selling their own goods or curating those of other brands) needing your custom and valuing your loyalty more than major outlets and international market leaders.

Shop for quality

One simple and powerful way to not only reduce the ecological footprint of your shopping behaviour, but also allow you to budget effectively is to shop less frequently, but focus your spending on high-quality items that have longevity on their side.

For example, rather than paying the bare minimum for a serviceable but ultimately poor quality pair of shoes or pants, instead invest in a pair of hard-wearing women’s boots or some designer men’s jeans – items that mean paying more up-front but offer dependable quality for years to come. This way, you can lower your fashion footprint and the associated price tag in the long run.

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Shop vintage

Naturally, one of the most popular sustainable shopping habits is buying secondhand rather than brand new. As such, rummaging through vintage clothing outlets and thrift stores in search of preloved gems provides a fun, budget-friendly and environmentally conscious alternative to the norm.

Searching these treasure troves for statement garments made from quality fabrics gives you a chance to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of striking gold when you find a unique retro item that has ‘you’ written all over it. Complete the cycle by donating your own vintage favourites to your local thrift store once you’re ready to release them back into the wild.

Shop for a lifetime

Being a sustainably-minded fashionista means never saying goodbye to a garment unless absolutely necessary. It’s important to know that an item which has temporarily lost its sparkle doesn’t necessarily have nothing more to give. In the face of holes, scuffs, worn fabric and outdated designs, crack open your craft kit, pick up your needle and thread and get to work!

Whether you’re embellishing an uninspiring dress, patching up an old jacket or adding a whole new layer to a once-loved item (such as a new lace collar or hem), the options are practically endless when it comes to upcycling your clothing. There’s also the option to repurpose the fabric for an interior DIY project and create a stylish new home accessory from the remains of the piece in question.

Shop mindfully

Finally, to create a long-term habit out of your newfound quest for sustainable shopping options, the key is to have your passion for ethical and eco-friendly brands permeate your online browsing behaviour. It’s fair to say that you may struggle to simply stumble upon green clothing companies by chance – making it important to do your research, and it’s online that this research will be most rewarding.

From brands that source materials sustainably to those that swear by plastic-free packaging and guarantee their staff fair wages and working conditions, there are a diverse range of factors which contribute to an ‘ethical’ brand – but the information is out there and, by making this your deal-breaker as a consumer, you can take one big step towards reducing your fashion footprint forever.

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Must Try Essential Oils Recipes For Summer

The use of essential oils and the ways to use it during the summer.

We use our essential oils all summer to keep us balanced and in control of our body, mind, and soul. When summer rolls around, we change the oils to help us through the changing season. This is a magical time. Spring and summer are when a lot of essential oils are made from the fresh plants that are coming in. While the oils work well year-round, there is something about using a summer oil that sparks us to life.

Summer challenges

The summer days are longer, and the warm sun beacons us to the outdoors. As our schedule fills with fun things to do with friends and family, we must address common issues that cause us problems. Here are a few of them:

Allergies
Change in sleep patterns
Insects
Sunlight
High-energy activities
Change in diet

How Do they work?

One of the most common uses for essential oils in the summer is the oils that promote energy. Essential oils are steam-distilled or pressed in the process that extracts the oils from plants. These oils are concentrated and have proven to have amazing benefits medically and even emotionally. These properties date back centuries.

Note: Essential oils are safe but, they are powerful. It is important that you treat them with respect.

When trying a new essential oil, only try one new addition at a time. The reason for this is if you have an allergic reaction to an oil, you will be able to identify it and eliminate it.

It is also important to research the oils you are using and educate yourself in using them properly. You will be able to make recipes that give you energy and help you stay calm. But you may have to adjust the ingredients to ensure you do not use oils that naturally sedate you or help you sleep. This would render your daytime and nighttime oils less effective.

Essential oils for energy

Citrus

Generations of people have used lemon as an energy booster. You can use a mixture of lemon oil and orange oil for an instant boost. Rub a little on your wrists or the bend of your elbow to release the scent throughout the day. If you want to adjust the smell try a few drops of grapefruit in your mix. All of these are great for energy and a clear mind.

Bonus: put lemon oil, olive oil, and orange oil in a spray bottle of water and use it to clean your home. It gives your home a great smell, repels insects, and makes cleaning a breeze.

Herb oils for energy

French or exotic basil oils can be used to stimulate the human adrenal glands. This helps relieve mental tiredness. Add a few drops of rosemary to enhance your focus and concentration levels.

Summer sun

Sun worshippers understand the dangers of the summer sun on our skin, lips, and hair. A sunburn can be anything from a minor issue to a life-threatening problem. It is important that we protect our skin from the sun either with organic sunscreen or not.

Some people make their own sunscreen and natural deodorant with oils and add scents from essential oils for insect protection and a feeling of well-being. You can get a list of SPF protection ratings from some essential oils here.

You will notice that there are natural SPF protections in the oils. However, many people do not feel they get enough sun protection with the oils alone. It is a personal choice. You can buy an over the counter sunscreen and boost its powers by adding these all natural products. You may also combine various oils until you find the mixture that works well for your skin type.

Here are some basic oils that you should consider.

Peppermint essential oil – SPF 7
Holy basil essential oil – SPF 7
Lavender essential oil – SPF 6
Sweet orange essential oil – SPF 4
Eucalyptus essential oil – SPF 3
Tea tree essential oil – SPF 2
Rose essential oil – SPF 1

Essential oils for sunburn and dry lips

Here is a list of essential oils that work well for dry, burned, and cracked lips. These same oils work to heal skin that has been burned. For the lips, you can simply rub a drop of the oil of your choice directly on the lips. To use it for skin care, you can dilute the oils with water or add them to an aloe vera base (or use the aloe vera alone).

Citrus Peel Oil (Orange Peel Oil)
Coriander Oil
Jasmine Oil
Chamomile Oil
Lavender Oil
Blue Tansy Essential Oils
Peppermint Oil
Jasmine Oil
Aloe Vera Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Mustard Oil
Almond Oil

Finally, it is important that you stay well and healthy during your summer months. Nothing is worse than going on vacation and catching someone’s bug in the plane or car.

The summer months are full of little problems that can ruin your day. Itching bug bites, foot fungus, stings, rashes, eye infection and other annoyances are easily taken care of with your travel kit. Here is a “must have” list. Set up a kit and throw it in your overnight bag, You will be ready for anything that comes your way.

Stress

Orange and Lavender
Roman Chamomile
Frankincense

Stay Awake

Peppermint
Rosemary

Bug bites, stings, and rashes

Lavender
Frankincense
Tea tree
Calendula
Roman chamomile

Germ protection

Clove
Cinnamon
Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus
Lemongrass

You can use these oils by rubbing them on the skin while in the plane or hotel. But, if you keep them in a diffuser in your home, they will help keep you well. Everyone knows it is easier to stay well than to get well.

There is no question that essential oils are your summertime friend. Be cautious when using citrus oils in the sun. Be aware of how long you have used it and how long you are expecting to be in the sun. Common sense goes a long way with any preventative. So grab your oils and hit the beach. Summer is waiting.

Here are some of the best essential oils recipes to try this summer:

1. How to Make Putty – The Best Stress Putty Recipe

2. What are the Best Essential Oils for Bruises?

3. Homemade Lip Balm

4. Green for Beauty – All Natural Cosmetics to Try This Spring

5. DIY Natural Deodorant with Coconut Oil

6. DIY Vegan Lip Gloss Recipe

7. 3 Aloe Vera Cream Home Remedies

8. 6 DIY Essential Oil Beauty Recipes for Glowing Skin

9. DIY After Sun Skin Care Spray for Under$5

Do you have anything to add to the list? Do you use essential oils and what for?

I’d love to hear from you so make sure to drop me a line!

Staying Healthy Throughout The Season

Young gymnasts always aspire for perfection. Staying healthy is key in helping achieve this goal. Here are some tips that will help to keep you healthy all through the gymnastics season:

Good Flexibility is necessary

Though you need to be flexible to succeed as a gymnast, the average gymnast is more flexible on one side. For instance, your left side might be split down all the way but your right side is not. If you are only flexible in one part of the body but not all, you might end up suffering from back pain or joint pain.

Often times, gymnasts think that their backs are very flexible, but this might not be entirely true. Tight shoulders will strain your lower back when performing back walkovers and bridges, so you should stretch your shoulders before you start any routine. Just remember that not all gymnasts are born flexible and you have to work on your flexibility.

Take Conditioning Seriously

Gymnastics is an activity that requires a lot of strength, so you need to condition to ensure that you get stronger. Conditioning will help you to reduce the number of injuries that you sustain, which allows you to perform harder and improve your skills drastically. Doing home exercises daily might help you a lot to improve your flexibility and muscles strength. In gymnastics, you will perform many repetitive movements and this will have an impact on your body.

Conditioning helps you to protect your joints: ankles, wrists, and knees. To keep your body strong, you should listen to your coach and do the right number of repetitions. No matter how tired you feel at the end of the day, you should take the time to do some conditioning exercises.

Stay Balanced

Gymnasts are some of the strongest athletes, but their strength does not come overnight. They spend many hours conditioning and training to strengthen their muscles enough so that they can support their joints. However, this does not mean that every muscle in your body is strong because you are a gymnast.

Strength training has many health benefits and it’s highly recommended around the world. Most gymnasts have weak hip muscles, which can lead to knee, lower back, and hip injuries. You might favor one side of your body but you need to use both sides equally to develop strength and maintain good balance. Using both sides also helps your body to develop a sense of where it is in a space. Therefore, you should ensure that you do turns, jumps, and leaps on both sides to improve your body symmetry.

Fuel the Body

You need to pay attention to your nutrition if you want to keep your body well fueled and strong. Make sure that you plan for snacks every 3 to 4 hours and start drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Before practice, you should avoid fried foods and eat high-carbohydrate foods. Drink or eat foods with calcium every day to keep your bones strong.

You should balance your meals with 2/3 carbohydrates and 1/3 protein. Look for foods that are high in good fats, such as olive oil, peanut butter, and soy nuts. Do not forget to give your diet top priority if you want to achieve your gymnastic goals.

Be Good Communicators

Pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you are unable to practice because of pain, you should tell your coach and he will recommend the best course of action. If you feel sharp stabs and cramping in your body, you should seek medical help. Waiting to seek help might result in serious injuries that could end your career.

If you manage your pain properly, you will be able to stay in the gym and adjust your routines to allow the injured parts to heal while working out the rest of your body. When returning to practice after healing, you should keep the lines of communications open and report any fears to your coach. He will help you to make a gradual transition back into practice as you regain your confidence.

If you are looking for t-shirts to wear as you practice, you should consider custom ones such as personalized t-shirts to ward off the chill.

How to Get Rid of Your Unwanted Mattress (Without Destroying the Earth)

So your mattress has reached the end of its life…

Find the next destination of your old, unwanted mattress and avoid the landfill at all costs. Based on the condition of your mattress, we will help you decide if it should be recycled or donated – never dumped.

Twenty-million mattresses are improperly disposed of every year in the United States – meaning they end up in a landfill. To put this into perspective, the number of mattresses dumped in a landfill could circle the earth. What a shame considering 85% of the materials in a mattress can be recycled!

This information might sound shocking, but think about how many unwanted mattresses you’ve come across in your own neighborhood. You’ve probably seen many a mattress dumped on the curb for the trash collectors.

Have you ever thought about what you would do with your old mattress? Probably not. After all, the average lifetime of a mattress is 7 to 10 years – so it’s not a regular habit to get rid of your mattress like it would be to take out the trash. That’s why no one really knows what to do with their old mattress.

We are here to tell you that there are options! Contrary to popular belief, there are responsible ways to dispose of your mattress.

Before you ask yourself, “Why to bother?”, consider these consequences:

You could be fined for illegally dumping your mattress
Mattresses take a decade to decompose
Some materials in mattresses are non-biodegradable chemicals that can seep into drinking water
Mattress springs get caught in equipment, causing damage and imposing costs
They can create flammable air pockets

Here’s how to get rid of your mattress without getting fined or destroying the earth:

Option 1: Donate Your Mattress

Before tossing your old mattress, consider giving it to someone in need!

Keep in mind, this is a more conditional option. For a mattress to be donated, it must be free of any rips or stains. (If that’s the case, check out option two below about recycling your mattress.)

For those of you still with us, you should know there are many laws about donating and reselling mattresses. So even if your old bed is in decent condition, there may not be any place to donate it in your area.

Donating your mattress is easy. All you have to do is call your local charity and ask if they accept mattress donations. If they do, most of the time they will come pick it up at your house for free! If not, load it up in the car and drop it off.

Almost all donated mattresses are taken to be sanitized before they are offered to someone in need. For more information, check out Mattress Advisor’s guide to donating your mattress.

Option 2: Recycle Your Mattress

Okay, so your mattress has reached the end of its life – or so you thought! Although it’s life as a bed is over, consider all the ways it can be repurposed. For example, as carpet underlay, yarn, mulch, clothing and much more!

Source: mattressadvisor.com

If recycling sounds like a good option for your situation, check out this guide to recycling your mattress. It will tell you everything you need to know about how, why and where to recycle your mattress.

Once again, the process of recycling a mattress varies from state to state and sometimes city to city. To get you started, find places to recycle your mattress near you:

Earth 911
Bye Bye Mattress – for those of you in California, Rhode Island and Connecticut
Sleep on Latex – 100 recycling facilities nationwide that accept mattresses
Keep America Beautiful

A word of caution

There is the option to call a junk removal service such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK and College Hunks Hauling Junk. Just make sure to call and ask where they take the mattresses in your area. Oftentimes, they take them to the landfill – which we are trying to avoid! However, sometimes they DO recycle. Just make sure you know where your bed is going, and try to avoid the landfill at all costs!

How To Create An Eco-Friendly Budget Travel Package List

Central America is a beautiful place to visit and a huge draw for tourist annually. If you are on a budget, the best destination in this part of the world is Honduras.

Honduras gives you the beauty of the tropical Caribbean, the rich Garifuna culture of the area, and it will not break the bank. There are actually some very reasonable ways to travel to Honduras.

Research before you go

As with any country, there are a few places you would not want to travel in Honduras. Just as the United States has areas that are troubled with gangs and unsavory activities, Central America has it’s troubled spots.

However, for the most part, Honduras is a tropical paradise. As long as you know where to travel, you will have no worries.

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/pyramids-mayan-ruins-chichen-itza-2803447/

Beautiful and affordable

The Northern coast is famous for natural beauty. La Ceiba is a destination that many people flock to. This area is very affordable, and there are many options to allow you to customize your trip. For example, you may opt to stay in a hostel which is considerably less money than a hotel. You may also choose to rent a cabin. If you are traveling in a group, a cabin with up to 4 bunks may be just what you are looking for. Travel light and have your luggage delivered to you. This allows you more options for getting to your destination. You can even arrange to have it shipped back home at the end of your trip.

Embrace the culture

When Americans go on vacation, we seem to have a preconceived notion that we have to eat, sleep, and live as we do at home. When you are traveling to Central America, you will find their lifestyle is different from yours. This is their home, and they are accustomed to making the most of it. To save money and enjoy a true Central American experience, live as they do. Instead, be open to trying new things. For example, instead of eating at a restaurant, try a local cafeteria. Enjoy low prices and traditional foods like “pastelitos” and “baleadas” from famous Cobel’s Cafeteria. Cobel’s is well known for their breakfasts.

In the evening, it is not unusual to find food vendors on the beach. They serve their authentic meals such as baleadas which is (warm wheat flour tortillas) topped with refried beans, cheeses, avocado, chicken, pork or a local favorite “chorizo”.

Getting around

In Honduras, you do not have to spend a fortune renting a car or taking a cab. The most popular form of transportation is walking. However, using a taxi is very inexpensive. The charge is per person, and it usually equals less than $2.00 per trip. The taxi can pick up a total of four people while in route. This is a great way to meet the locals, see the sights, and save a bundle. There are also shuttle services available between popular destinations.

Money saving tips

Check your bill carefully. Some establishments add the tip directly to your bill. If you are not watching, you could tip your server twice.
Use cash. The credit card and debit card fees in Honduras are costly.
Take care of your currency exchange before you go. There are money changers at the borders, but they charge hefty fees.
Download apps to help you with the currency and the language. Take your time and be sure you know what you are paying for and how much it costs.
Consider backpacking and camping while you are there. The weather is great, and there is no better way to enjoy the tropics.
Shop for travel packages before you go. Make your purchases online and compare the adventures.

Most popular attractions in Honduras

Honduras is popular for many things. When you are planning your travels, learn which attractions are where. Then shop that area for the best deals on food, lodging, and fun. Here are some popular things to do on your Central American trip:

Visit the Mayan ruins
Go on a zipline adventure in the wilds of Honduras
Visit the world’s second largest coral reef
See a wide variety of wildlife in the rainforests, pristine lagoons, and sea
Go scuba diving in Roatan. See shipwrecks, seawalls, and marine life.
Go whitewater rafting or kayaking at Pico Bonito.

No matter what your idea of fun it, you will find it in Central America. No where else can you experience this natural beauty at such an affordable price. Once you go, you will return again and again.

Lose the VOC: Choosing Eco-friendly Paint for Your Home

Painting isn’t as easy as slathering a coat of paint on your walls. There are a lot of things that you have to consider if you’re planning to repaint the walls in your house. You have to be aware that your choice of paint affects your home’s indoor air quality, and your family’s health as well.

Read on to learn about VOC, and why it’s an essential factor that you must consider when you’re buying paint. You will also know about several paint brands which are certified eco-friendly

Learning about VOC

Organic compounds are chemicals that can be found in all living things. VOC means the volatile organic compound, and these are organic compounds which can easily be altered to gas. Aside from carbon, VOCs also contain sulfur, hydrogen, and chlorine.

VOCs are dangerous air pollutants because they can turn into smog if combined with ground-level nitrogen oxide. Paint, solvents, and fresheners emit VOC. The products that you use in your home can expose you to high levels of VOCs.

VOC can affect your health. Short-term exposure to VOCs can result in minor discomforts like a headache, nausea, dizziness, and epistaxis. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. These are the reasons why VOCs should be avoided as much as possible by choosing eco-friendly paint brands which contain low or no VOCs.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Paint Brands

● Farrow & Ball

The paint from this company is free from formaldehyde and ammonia, and it also uses natural pigment and other natural ingredients. The paint is also water-based, efficiently reducing the use of solvents.

● Konig Paints by Vanessa Galloway

The products under this line are water based, but it’s still durable. It’s easy to apply, and it also dries quickly, speeding up the process of your painting job. The 101 colors offered will provide good options for you.

● Benjamin Moore Aura

This paint is odor-free, and it doesn’t contain VOC. It’s also durable, and the colors don’t fade quickly.

● Mythic Paint

This non-toxic paint is odor-free and VOC-free. The absence of chemicals doesn’t affect the quality of the paint because it’s still durable and it gives excellent and lasting coverage for your walls.

● Sherwin Williams GreenSure

This specific line of products was created to produce Painting products which help the environment. The paints under this line are free from toxins and contain low VOC level.

● C2 LoVo Paint

This paint brand is unique because it uses European colorants, and it offers a vast collection of colors. C2 LoVo is also toxin-free, and it contains low VOC levels.

● Dunn Edwards Paints

Dunn Edwards colorants are free from VOC. It also puts a Reactivity-Adjusted VOC Content rating label on their products.

● Ecos Organic Paints

The water-based paints are free of toxins and VOCs. It doesn’t emit a strong odor, and it’s also ideal for people with allergies.

● AFM Safecoat

AFM Safecoat aims to eliminate harmful toxins from their products. It also seeks to eradicate bad indoor air quality for the home caused by products containing VOCs and similar toxins.

● Ecotrend Collagen Paint

With 120 colors to choose from, you’ll have a lot of options for your wall colors. It resists mold and bacteria. It’s also odorless, relieving you from the usual strong fumes of paint. These paints are also free from VOC.

Takeaway

It’s essential to make your house more beautiful by repainting your walls once in a while. Aside from beauty, you also have to consider if the paint you’ll choose is beneficial for your family’s health.

There are a lot of eco-friendly paint choices in the market. You won’t have difficulty in choosing the shade that you want. So be health-conscious with your paint choices and help your family stay healthy inside the home.

A Parent’s Guide: Learn the Basics About Proper Dental Care for Your Kids

Dental health is one of the most important aspects that you should consider when it comes to the health of your child. Your child’s dental health also need optimal care, and it is one of the first crucial steps that you will encounter.

Unfortunately, some parents still lack appropriate knowledge and understanding about the importance of dental health for kids. As a parent, you also need to know the kind of care that is proper to ensure your children’s teeth.

For most children, their first primary tooth will sometimes appear between the ages of four to six months. As such, regular visits to the dentist and daily oral hygiene will play significant roles in your child’s dental health.

To give you more knowledge, below are considerations to take heed when it comes to your child’s dental health.

The Perfect Time to Start Proper Oral Hygiene

Many parents want to know when is the right age and time should their children brush their teeth. A good rule is to start flossing it as soon as your child’s teeth are already in contact with each other. Usually, you can start it at around the age of 2 to 3 years.

Once their teeth already reach this point, germs and bacteria from food intake start to inhabit spots in their teeth which eventually cause plaque, tooth decay, and other dental problems. You should also remember that not all children can have their teeth flossed at this specific age. Hence, regular dental check-ups are a must.

Dental Care Tips for Your Child

One of the best ways that you can do to prevent a child from having tooth decay is to help them become enthusiastic about their daily dental hygiene. Tooth brushing probably is not your child’s favorite routine to do every day. But you can make it more acceptable and fun by choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste that your child will like and will love to use.

Look for fluoride toothpaste with playful colors and candy-like flavors. Knowing how to brush your child’s teeth is important, the same goes for choosing the right toothpaste. Teach them the proper technique as early as possible to help them encourage and develop good oral habits.

The Best Age for a Child To Get Braces

A lot of parents would always ask the same things when it comes to fixing their child’s teeth. Is there a right age or time an orthodontist should start fixing my child’s teeth? What is the best age for my child to have their dental visit? These are some of the common questions that you will hear coming from the parents.

Braces for kids are very important especially if they have teeth problems. To answer these questions, here are the things that you should know for you to have the right knowledge about braces.

If your young child has crooked teeth or misalignment issues, he or she can already benefit from braces (teen clear braces, Invisalign, metal braces, etc.) Consult with an orthodontist as they will be the one who can determine which type of braces are proper for your child’s needs.
There’s no definitive answer when it comes to the proper age to get braces. However, orthodontists recommend bringing your child to an orthodontic appointment as early as seven years old if there are already signs of orthodontic problems.
Keep an eye on your child’s teeth for some bite alignment issues, crooked teeth, crowding issues, underbite, protruding teeth or overbite. If there is, you must schedule an initial orthodontic evaluation immediately.

Takeaway

Parents play a vital role in their children’s health, especially in their dental health. Activities such as brushing teeth together is a good starting point for introducing the importance of good oral hygiene. However, one of the most effective ways that parents can do is to project good habits that children can follow.

Always lead by demonstration and example on how important your child’s teeth and to their overall health.

5 Natural Beauty Ingredients to Welcome Into Your Skin Care Regime

Image source: Unsplash

When it comes to caring for your skin, there are a huge range of products available, but many of these will contain harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and the environment. However, our beautiful planet is awash with wonderful, natural ingredients that are primed for use in beauty products – bringing you a natural and healthy glow inside and out.

Packed full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, in today’s post, we’re exploring five truly underrated natural beauty ingredients you definitely need to know more about.

Marshmallow root

Despite being used for centuries as an ancient herbal remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments, the benefits of marshmallow root extract when used in natural skin care products are still not as widely known as they should be. But this underrated oil is bursting with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that offer a myriad of benefits to the skin.

Extracted from the root of the marshmallow plant, the liquid substance appears more like a gel than an oil, containing polysaccharides and flavonoids which are associated with tissue repair. When applied to the skin, these properties provide a protective and soothing layer to reduce inflammation and seal in moisture, while also rejuvenating skin from deep within.

With exceptional moisturising properties, mallow oil soaks gently into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, and is ideal for both oily and sensitive skin types. With the added presence of mullein, delicate areas of skin around the eyes and mouth are beautifully replenished with moisture, and naturally plumped up – making visible lines less pronounced.

Jojoba oil

Pronounced, ho-ho-ba, you may have seen jojoba featured in a number of beauty products like body milk, face creams and hair conditioners – but to truly benefit from this natural wonder, it’s best to find organic skin care products which use this ingredient in its purest form.

Extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) plant, native to south Arizona, California and Mexico, jojoba oil is in fact a liquid wax rather than an oil. Boasting outstanding moisturising capabilities, this waxy liquid works very similarly to our skin’s natural oils, absorbing quickly into the skin – giving almost instant hydration, while helping to balance your skin’s oil production.

Suitable for all skin types, jojoba oil brings a generous helping of vitamins E and B, as well as copper, zinc and chromium and plenty of antioxidants, all of which work together to nourish and protect skin – making this a nutritious and gentle alternative to synthetic oils.

Apricot kernel oil

Apricot kernel oil is packed full of essential fatty acids and vitamins, which are key to keeping your skin healthy, supple and radiant. Cold pressed from the dried kernels of apricot fruit, this oil has a pleasant, nutty scent and is found in range of balms, lotions and creams – but organic options that contain its purest form will be most beneficial.

Brimming with high levels of vitamins E, C and A, along with fatty acids like oleic and linoleic, these properties work to soften, moisturise and rejuvenate from within. As a light oil, often used for massage and in face creams, it’s easily absorbed and is particularly powerful when used on mature, dry or sensitive skin, where extra oils and moisture are needed.

This natural ingredient is also highly compatible with other ingredients, like lavender oil and tea tree, to bolster its use as an anti-inflammatory treatment.

Rosehip oil

Cold-pressed from the seeds of the Rosa rubiginosa plant, rosehip oil is fast overtaking coconut oil as a miracle ingredient for moisturising, as well as treating the signs of aging. Like most natural ingredients, rosehip oil is gentle and kind on the skin, providing much-needed moisture without the use of chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

Filled with natural anti-inflammatory fatty acids (including oleic, palmitic and linoleic) and a multitude of vitamins (E, D, C and A), this wonder ingredient effectively hydrates skin, while also repairing damaged tissue – creating a more youthful and radiant complexion. The high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A work to rejuvenate skin cells and reduce pigmentation, like age spots and sun damage, making it a worthwhile addition to beauty regimes for mature skin or anyone keen to stay looking youthful for longer.

Echinacea

Harvested from the leaves and flowers of the Echinacea plant, this powerful ingredient can be put to many uses when it comes to skin care products, as well as supplements and tinctures. Featuring a distinctive flower with a bright, spiky centre, you can find Echinacea flowers in varying colours and can even grow them in your garden.

When ingested as a supplement or a herbal tea, Echinacea is thought to help the body’s immune system to recover after illnesses, such as the common cold, as it’s known to boost the production of white blood cells – while the antioxidants and antimicrobial substances help to ward off negative microorganisms, helping you feel better faster.

As a skin care ingredient, Echinacea is ideal for those who suffer from acne or have an oily complexion. Its mild astringent properties help to minimise pores, while its healing properties work to soothe redness and tissue swelling – making it a gentler alternative to strong acne treatments. These skin-tightening qualities also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, firming the skin’s surface. But the use of Echinacea isn’t limited to the face and body – applying it the hair and scalp can also alleviate dandruff and even improve hair growth.

Image source: Herbfarmacy

Whether you’re looking for the next miracle anti-aging ingredient or you simply want to swap out chemical-filled products for more natural alternatives, all of these ingredients have unique properties that can greatly benefit your skin. From herbs with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties to vitamin-rich oils, inviting natural ingredients into your skin care regime can be a fantastic way to find kinder treatments, while also helping the environment.

Best Ways To Deal With Wrinkles And Acne At The Same Time

Introduction

Are you aging and experiencing changes in your skin texture? Worry no more! This is because research has shown that, with age come many unwanted changes, especially to the skin. Most of the common change that accompanies aging is wrinkles on the face, neck, chest, and even acne.

This is a very unpleasant state of affairs especially for females who like to maintain their young look and tenderness. There are several powerful remedies that are outlined in this article that may help aging men and women to overcome wrinkles and acne in the skin. These methods have been scientifically proven and have been practically used over the years with tremendous success.

Although artificial methods such as chemical peels and lasers are used by some people as a way of reducing wrinkles, there are other natural ways of treating wrinkles and acne in the body.

These methods are relatively inexpensive, and as well pose a lesser risk of developing health complications. When the skin loses its collagen especially in the skin of an aging person, it would be prudent to seek help on the treatment of wrinkles and acne. Such treatment would include coconut and olive oil. By applying these oils to your skin on a daily basis, the skin will with time develop as a soft and moisturized texture.

Wrinkles and acne have been found to affect almost every adult worldwide.

According to research conducted by several beauty companies, many people are looking for a solution to sort out these problems to no avail. However, it has been discovered that these two problems can be solved all at once! Isn’t that an interesting discovery? I have compiled several anti-aging tips for you below:

Best anti-aging tips

According to research by various beauty experts, there are many ways in which a person can keep his/her skin from developing wrinkles and acne. One of the main anti-aging tips is to quit smoking. Generally, cigarette smoking has been associated with faster aging as well as the skin looking older than it looks. Almost 60% of people who are habitual smokers cannot treat wrinkles and acne successfully.

The next anti-aging tip is using antioxidants which keep the body healthy and in perfect shape. These antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and other meals that contain a high degree of vitamins.

Another great example of these vital elements may be obtained from fish products, poultry, and even sunflower. Their main function to the body is that they prevent free radicals in the body from breaking down the elasticity of the skin and also maintain collagen within the skin structure thus keeping the skin healthy and in perfect condition. If you correctly follow these anti-aging tips, I am certainly sure that you will reap the maximum benefits from my advice.

Chest and neck wrinkles

Chest and neck wrinkles are some of the common problems that people encounter especially when they start to acquire a mature age. The most common causes of chest and neck wrinkles are extreme exposure to the sun, lack of enough sleep, and even ill-fitting clothes. There several ways in which chest and neck wrinkles may be mitigated.

Some of the methods include drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods. Drinking plenty of water ensures that the body has plenty of moisture which means that there is less probability of acquiring chest and neck wrinkles.

Also, if you are severely affected by chest and neck wrinkles, you can consider using an SIO beauty skin pad. This skin pad is trapped on the affected patch and left to stick there for a little while. It is specifically used for chest and neck wrinkles where it moisturizes the skin and normalizes the production of collagen which is vital for the young and healthy skin. Also, this method is not only used to treat chest and neck wrinkles, but it can also be used to treat wrinkles on other parts of the body such as on the face, brows, and even on the lips. If you want to help your skin increase its collagen production, you may also wish to consider getting some hyaluronic serum wholesale, as this can increase collagen production by up to 350%, as well as even out skin tone and increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Chest and neck wrinkles can also be treated by other natural methods such as applying Aloe Vera on these specific parts. Aloe Vera slows down the aging of the skin by providing the skin with collagen and elastin which specifically help in preventing chest and neck wrinkles. It also prevents chest and neck wrinkles by sealing the skins’ natural moisture and preventing it from evaporating away quickly. This, therefore, keeps the skin healthier and younger for a very long period.

On the other hand, to prevent wrinkles and acne all over the oily skin, every individual should ensure that they maintain healthy and oily skin and one can also use Nerium Ad Age-Defying to prevent wrinkles. Oily skin primarily eliminates wrinkles and acne that are most common in adults. As a matter of fact, in a previous study, the results showed that 8 out of 10 of the respondents suffered from dry skin as opposed to only 2 who had oily skin. There are several tips that you can use to maintain an oily skin that is always radiant and naturally perpetuating. One of the most commonly advised methods by beauty experts is the application of cleaning products. These products primarily help the skin to keep healthy and revitalized.

An oily skin

Staying hydrated is another great secret for keeping oily skin. This is mainly because hydrated skin does not lose moisture easily and the chances of retaining its oily nature are very high.

On the other hand, if you want to always retain an oily skin, you should always make sure that your face is clean. In this way, all the applied products are wiped out, and the pores are left dry and perfectly open.

Conclusion

Are you suffering from severe wrinkles and acne all over your skin and may need to maintain it? Of course, you do. A simple practice and application of the above guidelines should get you the right texture of the skin you need. After carefully following my advice, you will have to worry no more about wrinkles and acne either on your chest, neck, or even your face. Finally, say goodbye to the skin problems that have always been such a pain in your life!

Author Bio:

Kathy Mitchell is a Travel & Beauty Blogger. She likes to Go Out with her Friends, Travel, Swim, and Practice Yoga. In her free time, you can find Kathy curled up Reading her Favorite Novel, or Writing in her Journal. To know more about her follow her on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter.

The History of Cheerleading Apparel

As cheerleading changed from being a male-dominated sport to a female sport, the clothing changed to reflect the athleticism needed to be a successful cheerleader. Nowadays, the sport is predominantly female and the uniform mainly includes short skirts and tank tops.

Practice Wear and Cheer Camp

Lawrence Herkimer created the initial cheer camp in 1948, and it brought a big change to cheerleading outfits. Because cheer camp is a place where a cheerleader goes to perfect her moves, the clothing worn needed to be comfortable to allow them to practice safely. In the early 1900s, cheerleaders wore khaki shorts but they were changed to Soffe-knit ones and paired with tank tops to allow easier movement.

As the camps expanded and new traditions came up, it became increasingly important for people to demonstrate their spirit and support by donning matching apparel. This is now common at camps and each team matches from the hair bow to the socks. In the beginning, tanks and shorts were only available in a few colors but as the number of squads went up, so did the designs and colors.

To make their uniforms unique, squads started making custom cheer uniforms with embroidered school names and logos. Customizing cheerleading uniforms makes it easier for squads to represent the school spirit. As this sport became more common, many clothing companies started meeting to expand the needs of cheerleading.

In 1982, ESPN showed their first cheerleading competition on TV and this put cheerleaders in the spotlight for the first time. From this point on, the fame of cheerleading took off and athletes started taking more pride in their sport. As a result, cheerleading costumes did not only represent the school’s pride but they also showed pride in being a cheerleader.

Instead of letting their differences tear them apart, the cheerleaders started having common triumphs and challenges to unite and bring them together. Cheer-specific phrases and bright-colored clothes became a way for cheerleaders to show off their unique personalities. You could now tell one cheerleading squad from the other by their uniforms.

In the 1990s, cheerleading uniforms were just as we know them today except for slump socks and canvas sneakers. Tops were waist-length sleeveless vests that could be worn with a turtleneck underneath. In some cases, the athletes wore turtlenecks under sweatshirts and paired them with pleated skirts that had a striping design at the bottom.

The preferred skirt length was mid-thigh and the rule was that the skirt had to touch the ends of the fingers when hands were straightened at the sides. Skirts that were shorter than this were considered too short and not acceptable.

The Rise of Cheerleaders

Parents are the number one cheerleaders of cheerleaders. Not only do they support their kids by taking them to practice and competitions, but they also want people to root for them. Friends, families, and communities would also like to show their love and support, which means that now there are some dedicated fashion lines that deal with cheerleading costumes only.

The fashion lines usually include polo shirts, sweaters, hats, and bags as well as anything that the cheerleaders can think of adding to their uniforms. Moreover, they wear clothing collections that allow them to support their favorite all-star teams and cheerleaders. When they do this, they might feel more complete and stylish.

Dressing for All-Season Sport

As the sport became more physical, the length of cheerleading skirts got shorter and the cold months did not encourage an increase in length. Instead of making the skirts longer, warm-ups became a great way for cheerleaders to stay warm in the winter. Although they were offered as in-stock pieces only at first, you can now buy warm-ups as part of your cheerleading costume.

You can purchase them to match your uniform or customize them to fit your unique style. As the popularity of cheerleading increases, the costumes continue to focus on keeping athletes comfy while allowing more flexibility for complicated stunts and tricks. The costumes also focus on highlighting squad, cheerleading, and school pride.

Cheerleading Uniforms Today

Cheerleading is now a sport in its own right, so the outfits need to reflect the ability to jump and perform hard moves. Because the uniforms are made from a spandex-polyester blend, they are more flexible than ever. Skirts are about 12-14 inches in length to make it easier to move about and to prevent tumbling.

You can wear your skirt over a pair of spandex spankies to avoid flashing the audience when you are three feet in the air. The top is tank-like and form fitting and you can choose from a number of colors and designs. Cheerleading uniforms for professional teams and colleges are not regulated but in high school, the guidelines state that the top must cover the midriff when the arms are at rest.

All-star teams have different guidelines: teams can wear tops that cover just the bra or the whole chest and tummy area. Nowadays, some tops have a bit of material cut off to expose parts of the chest or midsection. If you do not have to follow any guidelines, you should choose a style that reflects your fashion sense. Just make sure that you feel comfortable jumping up and down whilst wearing the uniform.

If you are looking to buy cheerleading costumes, it is important that you understand their history so that you can buy the best ones.