Month: July 2017

Just a little decluttering

Published on by Sunburnt Aloe8 Comments

Sometimes we buy that item that we think will wear but ends up being pushed to the back of the closest and never worn or at time rediscovered. That hasn’t happened to me lately. Lately I’ve been going through my closest, what it seems every two or three months. Not sure why but I get this bug to go through everything. Also whenever I get something new I will look through my clothes and find something that I either haven’t worn or don’t like anymore to replace whatever it is that is new. This seems to help quite a bit as well.

Some of my summer tops I can wear all year round, I just layer them under something else. I also try to buy tops that are versatile for all year long.  If I haven’t worn them in like six months, depending on the season I give them away. Luckily I don’t have that many shoes, I try to rotate my shoes so that they all get equal wear during their season. I do the same with jackets. But lately I have acquired quite a few of them. Really, how many light jackets do I need? It’s a struggle, I have light rain jacket that is perfect for all seasons but winter. So that one stays even though I may not wear it all the time but it is a essential.

So some items I do keep if they are essential pieces even if they don’t get worn all the time. Only because it would be silly to get rid of a item if it was out of season. Plus I make sure they are well taken care of, for the next season

so I don’t have to spend more money on the same items. I still have a pair of UGG’s from two or three winters ago and they still look good and keep my feet warm and dry. I also have another pair so that not all of the wear and tear is on the one pair. I take the bus a lot and the salt for the icy Midwest roads can be hard on boots and shoes. Plus if a pair is wet or develops a hole in one, I have a second pair. I had a hole appear in a pair one year and it sucked. So it is a good idea to have a second pair as a back up. Again Midwest winters. I also have a second winter jacket because of this reason.

So it’s not bad to have doubles of certain items. I try not to have way more then I need at the same time. It all about finding that balance. For some it might be really easy and for others not so much. It’s something that I am still working on, it can be hard to pass up a deal or when you see something really cute. I have some tips on decluttering your clothes, that help me. Hopefully they will help you too.

Tips:

Pull everything out. I mean everything out.

Be truthful. Are you really going to wear this?

Can you think of more then one outfit to go with it?

Why I am I keeping this.

Does it fit?

Why is this still in here?

Is there a reason for keeping this?

Do I like it?

Will I wear this and where?

How To Make Homemade Face Toner With Apple Cider Vinegar

Published on by Sunburnt Aloe4 Comments

So my chin is a hot spot for acne. Like four or five mountains taking up residence on my face. Not cool. Normally I switch back and forth between my apple cider vinegar toner or Alba Astringent. I have been on the lookout to tweak my recipe for ACV toner. And I think I have found it. After using the toner I then use my Homemade Coconut Oil Body Butter.

Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti fungal properties, antioxidants to help diminish fine lines, wrinkles and it is a great natural moisturizer. Pomegranate oil is an  anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing and benefit dry and sunburned skin, eczema and psoriasis.

5 drops of lavender essential oil
5 drops of Chamomile essential oil
10 drops of Tea Tree Oil
3 parts of water
1 parts of Apple Cider Vinegar with The Mother
2 tsp of witch hazel
Mix together and pour into a jar/container that is easy for you to use. Take a cotton ball and apply to your face.
Lavendar has soothing properties and helps calm blemished skin. It also helps to dull the harsh smell of the apple cider vinegar.
Chamomile  Great for sensitive, red or dry skin. Its soothing and purifying properties make it a good remedy for acne, eczema and dry, itchy, flaky skin conditions. It soothes redness and irritation in a matter of seconds. Also smells great!
Tea tree oil is an anti-bacterial and is good for clearing up blemishes and giving the skin a good deep-cleansing to get the dirt out of pores.
 Apple cider vinegar is fermented has many great skin benefits. It helps the pH balance of your skin. It is filled with alpha hydroxy acid which helps with flaky or dry patches on skin, heals blemishes, and lightens age spots and sun spots.
Also great to have lying around because it really works well as just a spot treatment if needed.
You can also drink raw apple cider vinegar to help clear up blemishes from the inside out.
Witch hazel is a disinfectant, an astringent and it contains antioxidants.
It is mild, so it  won’t dry out the skin, but it is very effective while cleansing and minimizing pores. It will  tone your skin and fighting acne-causing bacteria.
*Optional*
4-5  drops of fresh lemon juice in with the toner. Lemon juice has a lot of enzymes in it so it will help lighten acne scars and also brighten skin.
12 drops of hydrogen peroxide.  It is an antiseptic and also helps lighten sun spots and scars and will dry out pimples. Sometime it can be too drying for people. Don’t use it if you have dry or sensitive skin.
*Notes*
If you use the lemon juice, I would suggest making a small batch.  It is a food and doesn’t have a really long shelf life.
If tanning , don’t use the lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these ingredients lighten your tan.
Other Items that I use that you can find on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small percentage if you decide to buy from one of the links you click from Amazon You will not be charged extra.

sunburntaloe

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2 Things To Do With Activated Charcoal

Published on by Sunburnt Aloe5 Comments

This is my version of the peel off charcoal mask that I make at home. There are many versions of this mask on the internet, but this is how I make mine at the moment.

For the mask normally people use Elmers glue and activated charcoal. I have even seen some use honey and other products.  At the time when  I wanted to try this mask I didn’t have elmers glue or honey. Then I remembered that I had the Cucumber Peel Off Mask from Freeman Beauty. I thought why not, this should work. The mask pulls off with no problem and will less likely to hurt compared to the glue.

Be real we have all seen the videos of people RIPPING the mask off or trying to since it was so stuck on their faces. Not for  me.

What to do-

  • 1 Medium-largish blob of the mask
  • 1-2 Capsules of activated charcoal
  • Non-metallic bowl and spoon for mixing
  • Mix together and apply to your face then wait until it is dry and wash off. 

Basically I take the cucumber mask and one- two activated charcoal capsule and mix in a bowl. I then take a flat foundation brush and apply the mask on my face.  Wait until it dries completely. That is the KEY. So after about 30-45 mins, I start to pull it off by starting at the edges, or just making silly exaggerated face to help separate the mask from my face. Works every time. All while having my husband asking me if I’m alright. Yes dear, I am.  After the mask is off I have the softest skin ever!! It’s the best.

Another way to make a charcoal mask is by mixing it with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. I love this stuff! With the power and benefits of this clay and the active charcoal is awesome. Bentionite clay  is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals. Your can read more about Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay in one of my pervious post. 

So to make this next mask is super easy.

  • 1-2 Capsules of activated charcoal
  • 1-3 tablespoons of bentonite clay or Aztec Secret Indian healing clay
  • 1-3 tablespoons or apple cider vinegar or water
  • Non-metallic bowl and spoon for mixing

Mix altogether and apply. Wash off when completely  dried. Your skin will love you. Period.

You can click on the pictures below to find on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small percentage if you decide to buy from one of the links you click from Amazon. You will not be charged extra.

sunburntaloe

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10 Super Easy Freezer Dump Meals for The Slow Cooker

Published on by Sunburnt Aloe3 Comments

I LOVE my slow cooker. They are so easy to use.  I actually have two, well one is a roaster oven that can be used as slow cooker and other things. I have been making all of our meals in the slow cooker, since my gas oven igniter died on us about six months ago. Our stove top and broil still works great. So as right now I don’t see the need to spend money on a part when we can use other means of cooking meals.  I have even baked cakes and brownies in my roaster oven and they turned out perfect. Just shaped oddly like the roaster oven, but no one could tell the difference.

So what are Freezer Dump Meals? They are meals that have been prepared beforehand and freezed. Then dumped in the slow cooker the day of to cook. Very easy! These recipes work well too if they are made the day of, you don’t have to prepare them and freeze them before hand. But sometime is nice to have something together already  and all you have to do is put it in the slow cooker and leave it.

Here are some easy meals that I thought I would share, that you can make in the slow cooker. You don’t need to get every item that is listed. You can still make these recipes if you don’t have an item. Or substitute.  Use your own judgement.

*Times can vary depending on your slow cooker. I know my roaster oven tends to run hotter than my slow cooker, and I have overcooked a few things in it. *

Honey Sesame Chicken 

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, diced
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 
Salt & Pepper to taste

Dump all the ingredients into the bag. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Slow Cooker Peach Chicken 

3 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoons soy sauce
1 cup peach jam
1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dump all the ingredients into the bag, and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. Shred chicken and continue cooking.

Salsa Verde Crockpot Chicken Recipe

1 can black beans - drained
1 can corn - drained
16 oz jar salsa verde
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
8 oz cream cheese - **not needed til the day of cooking

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Add cream cheese and let it cook for the remaining 1/2 hour.

Crockpot Cranberry Chicken

1/2 small onion
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt & pepper to taste

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Honey Dijon Chicken

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & Pepper to taste

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Chili Mac Casserole (make this recipe x 2)

16 oz pasta, cooked and drained
1 can chili beans
1 packet chili seasoning
1 onion, chopped
1 can rotel or stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

BBQ Chicken and Veggies -Makes 2 recipes 

2 bell peppers, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
3 onions chopped
6 red potatoes, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 chicken breasts
1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 bottle of BBQ sauce

Split ingredients into two bags and freeze. Cook in slow cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours

Teriyaki Chicken- recipe  makes 2

3 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup teriyaki sauce
1 cup water
2/3 cup brown sugar
3 cloves of garlic

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Chicken Taco Soup- recipe makes  4

2 Frozen Chicken Breasts
1 can Black Beans
1 can Corn
1 can Rotel
1 onion, chopped
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dip mix

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Cook in slow cooker on low 8 hours.

White Chicken Chili- recipe makes  2

2 frozen chicken breasts
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cans great northern beans
1 - 7 oz can green chilies
1 can corn
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1 packet ranch seasoning

Dump all the ingredients into the freezer bag and freeze. Dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

 

sunburntaloe

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The Secrets Of Aztec Indian Healing Clay

Published on by Sunburnt Aloe7 Comments

 I had seen quite a few of people talking about Aztec Healing Clay for some time and thought I would give it a try. Every now and then I breakout and it takes quite a bit of time before the acne goes away. But then I’m left with some red spots and scarring. My younger sister is going through that phase where her skin doesn’t want to behave at all. So I bought some Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay off of Amazon to try it. I love it. It has helped greatly on my face. I still get acne but the time I have them is shorter, since this clay basically sucks the nasty out of your skin. 

What is it?-

It contains only 100% natural calcium bentonite clay, free of any additives, fragrances, or animal products.  Bentonite clay can contain calcium and sodium, though the more common type used for cosmetics and skin care is calcium bentonite. This clay is mined from all over the world. It is  found in the USA, including the states of Wyoming, Montana, Texas, and Arizona. It’s also found in other places in the world, including Egypt, India and etc. The clay comes from the ash coming from volcanoes and mud from thermal lakes.  

How it works-

Bentonite Clay has its ability to produce a very strong “electrical charge” when hydrated. Many toxins have a positive charge, the clay bonds to them. When the clay has contact with fluid, it then has  the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals. It also release its minerals into the body for the body to use.

Bentonite clay also pulls hydrogen from the cells and allowing room for oxygen. This helps with circulation, skin  and health. Bentonite has a high concentration of minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. It is very important that you do not mix the clay mixture with any metal or it will lose its effectiveness. 

How to use-

For mixing, all you need is a teaspoon each of clay, water or apple cider vinegar or both and make a paste. Again do not mix the clay mixture with any metal. One container can last you several months, when kept in the fridge.

  • Spot treatments- I apply a paste of bentonite clay and water on blemishes, skin itching, insect bites, cuts,  and burns. I will leave it on until it dries and then wash it off.Bentonite clay can also be  calming to skin itching from eczema, psoriasis and more.  
  • Face masks- I make a paste of bentonite and a combo of water and apple vinegar cider. I then apply to my face as a mask .  I leave it on for 20-40 minutes and wash off. I  do this about  once or twice a week depending on my skin.

There are many other uses for healing clay such as, detox bath, oral health, baby powder, morning sickness, internal cleansing and pets. As of right now I have not use the healing clay for anything but my face.

You can click on the picture below to find this item on Amazon.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small percentage if you decide to buy from one of the links you click from Amazon You will not be charged extra.

sunburntaloe

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