A Good Reason to Put Down the Junk Food

Image from: www.epicurious.com

I have been aware for some time that Yellow No. 5 is cancerous. And though aware, I have been weak against the calls of craving of my favorite not-so-healthy food.

Snacks

When I go to the supermarket, I get like 3 BIG bags of junk food. But with family members left and right suffering from cancer, I am going to fight the urge and resist! Check the label of your favorite snack! You'll be surprised that you will find it, everywhere!

Instant Noodles

I love instant noodles especially when it's cold and raining. But apart from the noodles being almost made of wax, it also has *drum roll* Yellow No.5. So even if it is has special healthy ingredients in it, I will try to resist the urge to buy some of these.

Beverage

I'm a water-drinker so I'm not really a fan of other beverages unless it's fresh juices but do check your beverage for Yellow No. 5. Side note: Did you know that ice has a use in your cola? Colas use Asparteme. Asparteme turns into fire ant poison when the temperature goes higher than 30 Celsius. That's the purpose of ice. 

Candies

I believe candies have them too. So check the labels!!! Thank goodness, we still have chocolate. I better get started on making my own version of sugar-free chocolate soon. 

Here are the other cancer-causing food coloring that we have to watch out for from Cancer Causing Chemicals - We Use It Everyday. Check your cosmetics too! They put them in there too!

Confirmed Cancer Causing:

• D&C Red No. 33 also (CI 17200)
• FD&C Blue No.1 also (CI 42090)
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 also (CI 19140)
• FD&C Yellow No.6 also (CI 15985)

Dear Food Producers, please be more considerate. You have families too. I'm sure you want to take care of them. What will happen if they eat this stuff you've created? I've never been so motivated to go back and infuse organic ingredients in my baking!

Check Your Body Oil

Image from: www.labelproductions.com

I came across this article as I was looking for evidence that Dimethicone is cancerous, Cancer Causing Chemicals - We Use It Everyday.

In the list, states:

Mineral Oil: Also called liquid parrafinum, mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum that coats the skin like plastic. It disrupts the skin’s natural ability to purge itself of toxins, slows down cell function and can cause premature aging. Mineral oil can also be found in paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

I was in shock, of course! Mineral oil is the basic ingredient of body oil! And we wonder why a lot of people have cancer! We have been developing it since birth! Parents, please research on what you put on your babies' bodies. I'm definitely shifting to Virgin Coconut Oil. I hope you are too!

Breast Cancer and Your Deodorant

A friend posted this on Facebook.

Just recently, my father's sister-in-law died of breast cancer. Her cancer cells were mostly under her underarm. When I read this, I felt as if this is what really caused her breast cancer. 

It's very sad that a fellow human being would produce products that could be harmful to another human being. I mean, what for? Just money? It may not be bloody but isn't it slow murder? 

Anyway, this pushed me to check my deodorant for any paraben. Luckily, it doesn't have it. I checked my lotions and moisturizer and found (guess what) Methylparaben. You might say, hey it's just topical application. But do your own research because mine came out with "Methylparaben is quickly absorbed through the skin". I am so fixing my lotion recipe after this. (I read you can make your own tinted moisturizer with a DIY lotion. Psyched!) 

Resolution: Though it is, at the moment, still impossible to go a day without carcinogenic ingredients whether in our beauty regimen or diets, awareness can help us make informed choices. We owe ourselves to take care of our bodies. And this is not a petty matter at all, because our bodies act out what our minds can conceive. Our bodies will always be the most advanced technology and it is only righteous to care for it. 

Ginger Tea for Your Bath

Weeks ago, we were practicing for my choir's first concert EVER! With little time to prepare, we practice for hours almost three times a week and with the current weather that's more bipolar than I am when I am on my period, our instruments were in it for some throat setbacks. And our go to? Why Ginger Tea (More popularly known as Salabat here)! And of course, it helped with it's soothing, spicy hot number.

Everything I intake, I research over the Internet for some confirmation. And in my surfing, I found out that Ginger Tea has a lot of skin benefits when you put it in your bath like detoxification, soothes aches and pains, for colds & fever, good blood circulation! And yes it helps soothe menstrual cramps too! I've also read somewhere (I don't remember where, Sorry!) that it's good for dandruff, Psoriasis and removing scars (oooh.)

And of course, being the tea bath girl that I am (try other tea baths like Java Mint, Stevia & Chamomile too),  I decided to try it out. I didn't use any oils. Just good old ginger chopped up. 

What you will need:

A bucket of water

Chopped Ginger

Heater

Instructions:

Place chopped ginger in bucket of water and heat for 20 minutes (The same goes with Ginger tea for oral intake. You can keep reusing while the flavor is still there. It gets spicier every boil.) Add water for the bath and bathe like the usual.

My verdict:

I was suffering from allergies when I tried this. (I got this allergies from trying old perfumes if they have expired. I should charge myself hazard pay. Perfumes are only good for two years. Longer than that and I assure you, you will get bad allergies like mine. I better find a good way for to use these perfumes.) 

It was a concern for me if this would help my allergy condition. I have taken an anti-allergy pill to help me get drowsy and ignore the itch because it's unbearable and unsightly. I rubbed some ginger on my face and body too while in the bath. I don't know if it's the medicine or the ginger but my itch patches are subsiding very quickly. Apart from feeling relaxed, I notice that my skin feels powdery soft after I have towel-dried. Even, my menstrual discomfort is lessened. 

With all these benefits, this is definitely a must do! And if it works so well with my skin, I bet it can do wonders in my scalp. And that's just the tea bath!

Concert

As for our concert, this are the videos if you want to hear them. 

Great Are Your Works

Humayo't Ihayag

I did the solo for 'Great Are Your Works' so I am a living testament that Ginger does work. Goes to show that Ginger is not only voice care material, it's skin care and hair care material too! To the next concert and next ginger bath! 

Molasses Hair Conditioner for the Brunettes

Image from: www.huffingtonpost.com

I love Molasses. When my bakery was still up, I used molasses instead of glucose. It made and kept my cookies, crinkles, and brownies soft and chewy and it didn't over-sweeten it. Plus, it's not overly processed so it's much healthier. Thus, I love it. I love it to the very core of my being. 

I've been trying to develop my own cold wax for hair removal that didn't need heating and I just know that Molasses is party to this recipe. So I was researching like crazy when I found out that Molasses can be a good hair conditioner. So armed with Molasses, I rushed to my bathroom and gave it a go. 

I just shampooed as usual. (For people, who have oily scalps like me, it is suggested you shampoo twice. You can even do a baking soda rinse, check it out HERE. It's just as good as using shampoo.) And I used Molasses as my conditioner. Instructions in other websites say that you can leave it on for 20 minutes or use it as conditioner (you can add water if it's too thick but keep it paste-y). Personally, I prefer using hair masks as conditioner because my hair has this tendency to get too damp. Damp as in it won't dry even after days! Plus, it's a time-saver. 

I enjoyed my first-time with Molasses. It didn't leave my hair damp like other hair masks. And it also kept my hair down. I have coarse, wavy, thick hair. Need I say more? It is also said to strengthen hair and leave it with great luster and dark, rich color so it goes without saying, the blondes and redheads can't do this without compromising hair color.

As for me, I'm getting myself a pump bottle for my new, natural conditioner. Try it yourself! 

Why I DIY

1. I want to lessen my carbon footprint.

I want to take active participation in reducing, reusing and recycling. But it's pretty fantastic if plastics can be turned into diesel.

2. I want to be part of the growing organic advocates in the Philippines. I'm not 100% organic but I'm pretty sure I'll make pretty good fertilizer in the future. (Ha ha!) Want to become an advocate, visit http://www.pinoyorganics.com/ to help our organic producers!

3. I like playing and experimenting. There is just a sense of fulfilment when you complete something and letting your creativity shine. 

4. I want my natural beauty to shine! Like everyone else, I love looking good! And I would like to look as good when I have make-up even when I don't have any on! Now that's How to Look Good Naked! (Watch Gok Wan's inspirational show! Very inspiring!) For more tips, you can visit my mom's blog https://enchantingrivulet.blogspot.com and guess how old she is.

5. I want to be practical. Things are just more economical when you do-it-yourself. 

6. It's just more effective and much more delicious when you make it yourself. When you DIY, you control what you put on your face and in your stomach, meaning you put all the best ingredients and you don't scrimp. You also put in energy to what you will use. So put a smile on your face while you DIY, after all, you are your own consumer. And you want the best for you! 

7. An informed customer will make consumer product companies more conscientious. When we know what we are doing as customer, our consumer product companies will record our consumption and deliver to us what we want. So know what you want and be informed. Try doing it yourself and find out the difference. 

8. Beat cancer. My grandfather died of cancer and it was difficult for my family. And in doing DIY, I hope to address the things that we can do ourselves to avoid chemicals that have been proven to cause it. Like Horace Mann said "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." This is my own little way. 

9. I believe DIY can improve people's lives not just financially but in terms of relationships too. Making your own dessert with your family and eating together is always good bonding. Plus, you can impress the person you like too. *Wink*

10. I believe in sharing of ideas. It's always good to know, always better when you can toy with it and always best when you can improve lives with it while improving yours. Life is short even if you have a hundred years to live so let's fill it with the things we love like the things we do ourselves!

Donor Card

I've been wanting to get my donor card for years. I wanted to make it special like getting it on my birthday but my schedule just wouldn't permit. But finally on Aug. 29, I was able to drop by National Kidney Institute and get my donor card.

Getting this is really easy. You just go to NKTI (National Kidney Transplant Institute). Look for HOPE Office. It's located at the 4th flr. in one of the buildings (Yes, I got lost). You just sign up and they're going to give you cards as many as you request. 

You just fill out the information below and have two people sign as witnesses. And make sure your next of kin is aware of this too. Then you put it in your wallet where it will be easy to find. And there you have it, your own donor card. 

But I guess the more challenging part of this is trying to live a healthy lifestyle so that someone else might be given the chance to live a proper life through our current devices. This, to this day, remains to be one of my greatest motivations to live healthy. I don't just want to be organic fertilizer when I die. I just don't want to be immortalized through family stories. I want to extend my life by giving someone else the chance to live and see the world. Now, that would be a life well-lived. Just no wishing, I have to use this soon!

Get yours too! Contact NKTI in the numbers on the donor card. 

Easy Core Rhythm Workout

I'm all for easy-to-follow dance exercises that can be done at home. It not only makes you fit but teaches you a thing or two about dancing without humiliating yourself in public. And when I saw this video, I thought 'I could do this!' 

This workout focuses on the core, belly, lower back and hips. This video is easy to understand and I've done it twice so far apart from Tiffany Rothe's workouts (check my blog post about it here.) 

I have a lot of fun when I do this that I don't notice the time. And for exercise, that is a big deal! 

You'll sweat a lot during the workout so keep a glass of water close and do this exercise at your own pace. Remember, consult a doctor before you engage in any form of exercise.

Have fun and awaken the inner Latina in you!  

Mix 'n Match Rain-proof Workouts

Rainy days are ahead and for us girls trying to be fit, the weather can pose as a HUGE problem. Not only are the streets damp and disgusting to head for the gym or to jog and walk in, we also need to fight the urge to stay in bed and listen to sentimental songs and have sentimental thoughts while watching raindrops slither on our windows. (Now Playing: Officially Missing You by Jayeslee). But there's a better time for that and that's later (when it's darker). For now, let's put down the chocolate snack we are holding and get into our workout clothes and shoes and let's get our hearts pumping with some rain-proof exercise!

I'm featuring here 5 of Tiffany Rothe's 10-minute workouts. I chose these 5 because I found them the easiest and they don't need other equipment; just you, your workout clothes and some space to move. 

First up, The 10-Minute Ballerina Long Legs Workout

I love this one because, it's relatively easy and at the same time it makes me feel graceful - think Swan Lake. You won't sweat so much doing this but I think it serves as a good warm-up and hey, it helps in the posture too! We can all use the confidence!

Now, if Ballerina Long Legs won't make you sweat, the other four on our list will definitely make you use the clothes line.

'

This one exercises the waist. This focuses on the core.

I did Tae Kwon Do before so I found this pretty easy. Good for toning the arms!

This works on the hips so lots of hip circles. Unleash that womanly power!

This does a lot of hip movement too but it's mostly chill so I like it a lot!

What I love about these workouts is the flexibility. You can choose your own time, you can do it at home, you can wear whatever you want (So what else will you wear on a BIKINI abs workout?), you don't need to buy extra equipment and lastly, I don't have to pay other people just to humiliate myself on not being able to follow the steps right in a class. If I wanted to get it right, I could just click to the part I don't get and knock myself out 'til I get it right. Easy peasy.

Tiffany Rothe's has more workouts available and you should definitely check them out. She makes them relatively easy to do and understand. And yes, she's a good motivator and she motivates me even when I only see her on video.

As for the results, I've been doing these thrice a week for two weeks and my tummy's definitely flatter. Mix and match three of these exercises for some variety and let me know your results. Remember, consult your doctor before undergoing any workout. If you do these workouts, do it at your own pace. Stay fit and healthy even on rainy days!

P.S. If you feel like giving yourself a treat after these workouts, why not give yourself a DIY Cellulite Massage?

Honey-Oatmeal Face Mask

If you have honey and oatmeal in your pantry, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't make this! You can check out the E-how's recipe here. I have decided to decrease the recipe so that there will be fewer surplus.  

What you will need (My decreased version):

3 tsp. instant oatmeal

3 tbsp. hot purified water

1 tsp. honey

Bowl

Spoon to mix

What to do:

Pour water over instant oatmeal and add honey. Mix well. Cool until warm enough to apply to face. Put on your face and do something you like for 30 minutes or more. Wash off with warm water. 

Verdict:

Quantity: There was still some left-over. I might have to reduce again next time by half. Thankfully my dog eats everything! But this recipe will be perfect for two. I suggest that you just apply it on your face because it's a messy clean-up if you ought to put it in other parts of your body. But if you really feel like giving yourself, go right ahead!

Compared with other masks: I like this mask a lot because it doesn't fall off. Unlike the Honey-Cinnamon Glaze (which I love still!), you don't have to worry about spilling it because it's not runny at all. It stays in place until it dries up so you can pretty much do something else if you don't feel like just hanging back and listening to music. (I indulged in reading Calvin and Hobbes Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons Collection because I am very mature for my age.) And with this you can move your face too unlike when I do the Blackhead Removal Mask, if you move it will crack on you. But different masks, different effects. 

Effect: It's definitely exfoliating and my face feels less oily after this. According to E-how, oatmeal absorbs the oil while honey is anti-bacterial and moisturizing. Perfect combination for me and my oily skin. Next time, I'm adding cinnamon for that wonderful smell! 

According to Green Earth Bazaar, we should use different liquids for this face for different skin types. 

Oily (Purified Water)

Normal (Milk)

Dry (Cream)

I was so tempted to add raisins in this mask (think oatmeal and raisin cookies) but apparently it's better digested than placed on skin. But oatmeal and honey really proves that what's healthy to eat is just as good for your skin. 

Image from:  http://www.oatmeal-soap-shop.com/honey-oatmeal-soap.shtml