the Oil Cleansing Method

As part of my Simple new life, I've started a new regimen for my skin. So, let's face-talk!

Through my teenage years, my complexion was fairly clear. A monthly blemish wasn't unusual; but that was really the extent of it.

Around the age of 19, however, something changed. Between the climate change from CA to CO, new side bangs I was sporting, extra compulsive face-washing, and maybe some stress or hormonal changes(?), my face gradually began to bump up. I'll spare all the details, but years later, I am still mourning over the imperfections that the post-teen bout brought me.

Things have toned down considerably. Though, I can't tell you a definitive reason. The only possible contributing factor I can associate is - my second pregnancy. I lost interest in (cow's) milk. My hormones changed. I stopped using strong face cleansers. So, for almost a year now, I've had increasingly healthier skin. You pick a reason.

But there is still room for improvement!!! Hence the Oil Cleansing Method.

HERE is the site that I originally stumbled upon.

After vamping into my Simple Year, I've finally braved up enough to try it. But everything in me tells me

 oils + face = a no, no

I guess it does make sense. Water repels oil. Thus we need strong chemicals to strip the oils. So our face freaks out and tries to [over]reproduce oils; face gets oily, dirty, clogged. Buuuut, take a cleansing oil, and help draw out the natural oils to clear the clogged pores. Voilà! (Or so they say...)

http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2010/11/gimme_an_m_how_the_higgs_gives.php

Tonight will be day three of my oil cleanse [I've chosen to do 1 part Castor oil to 1 part Olive oil]. But let me tell you about day one. I poured a dollop of the thick oil into my palm, heart pounding, I slowly began to apply the oil to my face, targeting my problem areas. The terror of what I was doing made me physically sick to my stomach. After I steamed and blotted off, my face felt great. And still does! I haven't had to use any lotion and, more importantly, I'm not an erupting grease ball (my worst fear).

So far, so good. I'll keep you posted.

a simple year

http://geology.com/articles/bottled-water/bottled-water-vintage-bottles-blm.jpg

I restart my blogging this year two weeks late better late than never.

I have a project I'm working on.

                             And I'm stoked about it.



Did you know that I'm practically a Native American.

Ok....

                              No, I'm not. At all.

But ever since the fourth grade I wanted to become one when I "grew up".

 -- Living off the land, wearing beautiful handmade mocassins, have flowing locks of silky black hair and perfect copper colored skin...

                  Hey, we can all dream, can't we?


Some refer to me as a "hippie". But that just isn't right.

                          I just like simple and earthy

And so, my quest for this life has begun. As I run out of household products, my goal for this year is to replace them with homemade, frugal, [more] natural, simple alternatives -- like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, etc.

Best of all, my husband has agreed to it.
              Well, that's not entirely honest, I haven't explained
                    to him all the details of the extent of it.
In all reality, I couldn't do it without his participation. I'd get discouraged and lose my steam. I know that he will be satisfied with the new, shall-we-say, "products" that I'll be concocting, even if he labels them as ridiculous at first.

This year is going to be great. Already, I'm looking forward to a wonderful, vibrant, happy 2012
                       - and I haven't even showered with soap for two whole weeks!

To answer your thoughts; no, it's not gross, I am clean, & I don't stink

three years ago

Today, June 7th, 2011, marks the anniversary of three years of blessing.

On our wedding day, everything happened so quickly...

Hair fixed, face beautified, the dress squeezed slipped on and tied.
Walked down the aisle, said our vows, exchanged our first kiss.
Pictures, food, dancing, greeting, and thanking.
Said our farewells and drove away from the church to our hotel...  ... ...

Three years later I find myself in a place far from what was on my mind...

Chasing my terrible terrific two year old, moping up the spilled milk.
Lugging around a belly, attempting to find anything in the closet that fits.
Cleaning my house, getting ready for the sitters to arrive.
Throwing up the hair, whisking on [the beloved] mascara, just in time...

I can't stop the smile from spreading across my face.

Though some days I find myself caught up in thoughts such as Motherhood doesn't suit me... or Ya know, marriage doesn't suit me either.... I am thankful to God that I find myself here.

Because above all things I am where He wants me to be. And despite my wishing upon times that never got to happen for just Jason and myself; we have one - and a second coming - more adored member with which to share and make precious moments. The joys are increased.

My heart is grateful.

My life is overwhelmed with love.

My husband and I are the best of friends; true confidantes, patient in love, and evermore becoming entwined as one.

All thanks be to God, our Creator, greatest Lover, and healing Saviour.

Jason, without you I cannot truly be me.

♥

don't tell...

Shh...

I have a secret; something between just you and me.

I'm bummed the rapture didn't happen on May 21.


I know.
            I know.

Camping is off his rocker...

But if he were right, I'd (by the grace of God) be basking in the eternal glory of my holy Savior;
          and not here; tired, confused, discouraged, incomplete...



Maranatha.

18 weeks 1 day

Right now I am feeling my little fishy inside prod around.

I just drank a glass of iced tea.
    I think it went straight to baby and left no caffeine for me.

I'm exhausted.
 - and I still have to do the gigantic pile of dishes, two loads of laundry, prepare the guest bedroom & bathroom, get dressed, make dinner, and go to the college & career group ALL before the day ends. But all I want to do is sleep. Lord help me!


It seems that I always am. My blood sugar must be running really low. Or I'm forgetting how tiring pregnancy was last time.

We had an early ultrasound to see if we could see what the baby is - boy or girl?

     Baby was quite prude and wouldn't let us know; legs crossed tight.

          I can't help but hope dearly for a boy, since I already have a little girl. 


     I will be content with whatever the Lord gives me.

My hormones are out of control. I must have forgotten about that from last time too.

smarter

I just wrote three paragraphs in this post and decided against sharing.

I'm keeping the title because I think I have made the "smarter" decision by leaving the other information disclosed.

I have opinions, feelings, offenses... But I don't feel comfortable splatting them all over for record to see.


Hmmm... So that leaves us with a boring post then, eh?

     I'll give you what randomness is in my head.

I am 15 weeks and 1 day pregnant. As I am sitting here I am imagining-up feeling little squirmy movements in my belly.

     It's probably just gas.

In two weeks I have my next prenatal appointment; they'll be scheduling me for my 20 wk ultrasound to discover the gender of the baby.

     I'd love a little boy. But a little girl would be so convenient.

When we get our tax refund [tomorrow!??] we will have our cash to go buy a new car. Straight up, baby! No debt.
     I've been praying for this car for three years. I'm trusting the Lord is going to give us the best.

My calendar has events every week from now until mid April.
     Are other people's lives like this???

We renovated our bedroom. Painted it green, added white trimming on the windows and closet. Installed shelving. Bought two new lamp stands, two blinds, eight baskets, and a down comforter. And all within a $400 budget.
    A special thanks to our wonderful friend Mike R. (and Walmart, site-to-store delivery) without whom our project would have been an epic fail.


I'm going to go eat thin mints and head to bed.

     It's one of those nights.

13 weeks 3 days

Praise the Good Lord for the end of morning sickness.

Starting last Sunday I have felt increasingly better over the week. It's so good to enjoy the taste of food again. When you're on top of your game, you take for granted the simplicity of hunger and feeding that hunger with all the splendid varieties of tasty foods. Now that I'm over that hurdle, I just need my energy to kick back into gear.

On Valentine's day Jason and I went to our second prenatal appointment. We had our first ultrasound and it was the first time we got to hear baby's heartbeat. [161 bpm strong.] The appointment was the First Trimester Screening - in which they test my blood and, by ultrasound, measure the fat behind the neck of the baby. The results can unveil any chromosomal abnormalities or cardiac disorders. Suffice to say that I'm SO thankful that everything is looking perfectly healthy for #2 thus far!

I have to comment on the ultrasound. I didn't get the 1st tri screen with Acacia so seeing such a tiny little baby was amazing for Jason and me. Only about two inches long, yet fully in tact with fingers & toes, our little baby was sucking on it's fingers, moving it's mouth open & closed, curling in it's feet to stretch it's back. I could literally feel my heart melt with adoration as I watched.

Baby is about the size of a peach now and steadily growing. So is my waistline.

I can no longer wear my regular jeans comfortably. For now I'm stuck wearing either lounge pants, dress pants, or leggings. I'm not big enough to fit into my maternity pants; and quite honestly, I'm not anxious to wear most of those ugly things anyway. Being twiggly skinny does have its disadvantages. Even at my ripe 8 months (with Acacia) my belly filled the waist, but my legs resembled those of a 12 year old wearing Junior pants. Not so cute... and kind of awkward.

On my last, physical note, I am reminded why they call it our "bust."

Because I am literally busting out of the seams here, people.

          Well, tonight it was the button.
                  At dinner. With [male] guests over.
                          I'm still trying to figure out how long my shirt was open...