Body Image Guest Blog ~ You're Too Skinny

'You need to eat more, you're so skinny, I wish I was tiny like you and, you can have some of my fat' These are comments I hear on a daily basis. Exhausting just reading them is it not?

Crohns Disease is my daily affliction, it does not matter how much I eat. I am aware that I am anorexic. I wish I was at a healthy weight. And, sure cast  your extra weight my way, I would most definitely welcome it! 

These utterances  do not upset me as much as the actual glares and stares. I have heard larger ladies often speak  of the 'looks' they receive, tinier ladies also receive them, and they are just as injurious to our self esteem. The remarks and looks of disgust take an emotional toll on a person after a period of time. SO much so,  that for myself, I was agoraphobic for 4 LONG years. I did not want to egress from my home. I felt disgust and compunction at my body and the glares would  only confirm the hateful feelings and thoughts I was having towards my body and self. 

If a person is underweight or overweight, I think we should want to uplift them, mawkish them if you will! 

I am underweight, this does not mean I hate food (in fact, I love food with a passion), it does not mean that I do drugs (which is one of my personal favourite surmises) nor, does it mean I have a mental disorder. It simply means I have a disease,  one that I have little to no sovereignty over.  I am still the same person on the interior, even if my exterior looks as though I have an eating disorder!

I am thankful  for my disease (most days), it has made me a stronger person, made me 'slow down' what was a fast paced life, and really internalise and think about what is favourable for myself. 

I think you will find most people with a weight issue have a genuine underlying medical condition and cannot control their weight and mentally torture themselves enough, that it is not warranted or needed by others surrounding them. 

If someone is overweight or underweight, does it really matter? Does it affect your life? Is it your place to look on in disgust and an invitation for you to make judgements? No, it most definitely is not.

Just like an overweight individual might feel disgust with themselves, so do tinier people. A simple smile, or kind word, can change that persons day, from one of despair and utter hatred towards themselves, into making them believe in themselves and that it is going to be a magical day. 

Remember, everyone is beautiful, and true beauty runs much deeper than any external appearance.

~  Amanda Williamson

You might also like Guest Blog "Negative Self Talk" & "Body Dysmorphia

Environmentally Friendly Menstruation

The curse, that time of the month, on your rags, Mr Red, flying the red flag, your 'friend' has come to visit, Aunt flo, iron drain, rivers run red, girlie time, red mayo, girl stuff, painter is in the house, riding the crimson wave, on the red, the red dragon, the red man, monthlies, out of action, have my girlies, 'it', fell on an axe, Mr P, ovaries exploding, I'm not pregnant this month.

What do you call your period?  I'm sure us women have a list of names we've given to our monthly cycle.  Feel free to share your names with us by leaving a comment on this blog.

A little while ago I read an article asking "Are you still using tampons and pads?"  The article talked about the chemicals in these items, as well as the costs and the waste.  Not environmentally friendly AT ALL!  Not to forget to mention these items are taxed as a luxury and the amount of money we spend on these items over our life time is crazy - roughly about 6-10K.

Of course it got me thinking of green alternatives.  So I purchased a Diva menstrual cup and reusable pads.  I got the menstrual cup from eBay (around $40) and the menstrual pads (around $11-$15 each) from yourcheekymonkey.com.au and greenchickadee.com.au - though I found out after I purchased the cup that greenchickadee also sell them.
All items are washable and reusable so I can continue using them for a number of years which will save me a fair whack of money.

How do these items perform?

The menstrual cup plugs and catches discharge much like a tampon - without the toxins.  If you do leak occasionally - the menstrual cup becomes full or it wasn't inserted correctly - the reusable pads catch leaks.  The cup worked surprisingly well.  I thought it was going to leak all over the place, it doesn't.  There is a slight trick to inserting the cup (they come with instructions) and I put it in too far once, that was awkward and painful.  When first inserted each time it would feel obvious and sometimes feel like it was going to fall out (though that could just be me), however after a while I would forget it was there and all would be fine.  I did do some slight exercise too and the cup held up well.

The part I found trickiest to deal with is having to clean the cup. Once I had removed and emptied the cup over the toilet, I would have to waddle over to the sink with my pants around my knees (great imagery!) to wash the cup thoroughly, before waddling back to the loo to reinsert the thing.  Like I said, that was a bit tricky.

The pads were slightly tricky in that they don't stick to the knickers like over-the-counter ones and thus move a bit here and there - backwards, forwards and sideways.  However, leakage was minimal so this wasn't a major issue.  I recommend wearing the pads with very tight underpants that will hold the pad firmly in place.

All up I'd say it's slightly more complicated than using mainstream pads and tampons, though this is partly due to us being so accustomed to 'easy' options.  Both items worked very well, I didn't have any big spillages and, actually one thing I would say is, I didn't wake up in the middle of the with that "Oh oh!" feeling of having leaked all over the bed.

Have you made the switch to going green for your period?  Share your story with us.

P.S. - Changing the menstrual cup in a public toilet is slightly awkward.  They make a suction sound when being removed and this echos through the toilet, plus you can't go over to the counter to wash them in front of everyone (well maybe some could...), so it's a matter of tipping out the contents and reinserting.

  

DIY Easy Tonic Water For Skin

This simple Tonic Water can be used for a number of things.

1. If you don't have any toner on hand use this tonic water.
2. To give your arm pits or 'good bits' a quick spruce.
3. Wipe over your Deodorant to refresh the surface of your roll on bar.
4. Give your feet a quick once over to freshen them up.
5. Cleanse your hands.

I'm sure you can find a number of other general uses for this tonic water. 
The essential oils chosen have antibacterial properties.

You will need:
125ml bottle
125ml water
4 drops of tea tree OR orange essential oil.

Fill bottle up with water and add essential oil.  Shake well before each use.

TIP: store your tonic water in a spritz bottle (above) so you can spray your face, as an aftershave lotion, under your arms, your chest, your groin, shoes, feet, and even your Deodorant roll on - for antibacterial properties.

  

Clearing A Breakout

For the past week I've set myself a strict routine of exfoliating, cleansing, toning and moisturising nightly (exfoliating every 2-3 days) whether I wore makeup or not. I'd gotten lazy and was thinking I it didn't matter if I cleansed and moisturised daily. But trust me when I say it does matter!

Good skin begins with a great skin care routine.

1. Started off dabbing some Whipped Cream on my face, rubbed the cream in, left it for a few minutes before washing it away with a wet face washer - use warm/hot water not cold. This is to clean away the makeup.

Use moisturiser to remove makeup

2. Did the same for my eyes using Fluffy Lime Eye Cream. Giving myself that punched in the eyes look (always attractive).

Removing eye makeup with Fluffy Lime Eye Cream

3. Exfoliated using Enliven Facial Scrub. This alleviates flaky skin, removes dry dead skin cells and clears the pores of potential blockages.

4. Cleansed using Facial & Body Wash. The essential oils in the cleanser (I use oily blend) control oil secretion and kill bacteria - a very important part of tackling blemishes and wounds on the skin.

5. The most important step is the one most people forget, ignore and don't do: TONER. A highly underrated step. Using Purifying Cleansing Toner rinses the skin clean, removes any left over residue of makeup and cleanser and closes pores, very important for having clean and clear skin.

Purifying Cleansing Toner - JOLI

6. Applied Skin Serum to affected areas to heal the skin, wounds and scabbing. Very important as this reduces scaring and wound/blemish time.

7. Moisturise to hydrate the skin and stop those pesky dry flaking bits of skin.

8. Lastly applied Fluffy Lime Eye Cream around my eyes to ward off crows feet.

9. Ok... lastly I applied a dash of lip balm because I love soft glossy lips and like to feel a dash of glamour.

Done!

If you're suffering through bad looking skin... try this daily routine for two weeks and see the difference it makes to your skin. Then keep your fabulous routine going!

* Note: Steps 1 & 2 were only done to remove makeup. When not wearing makeup move straight on to step 3 if you prefer.

  

Cleopatra Did It Naturally, So Can YOU

Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII was an intelligent and charismatic, enticing and very alluring woman. It is said that she had the most beautiful skin with a very comprehensive beauty regime.

The types of ingredients she used for her skin care were sea salt, frankincense oil, honey, milk, apple cider vinegar, clay, herbs, aloe and beeswax - just to name a few.

There was no agiraline, propylene glycol, AHA, DEA, SLS, mineral oil or any other man made synthetic ingredient and she looked amazing!

It is a myth that these new fangdangle ingredients make products more luxurious or better for you and your skin. In fact the opposite is true, when you use natural skin care the results are better and last longer.

JOLI want you to have the luxury Queen Cleopatra had, natural skin care designed to have your skin looking amazing and you feeling luxuriously pampered!

Some products Queen Cleopatra would have loved to indulge in: 

  

September Gift Box GIVEAWAY!!

Special GIFT BOX GIVEAWAY Comp.

Winner will receive a gift box full of gorgeous goodies valued at over $100 (details below)

~ You might be familiar with the TV commercials where someone hands someone a wrap or burger (shows how much I'm paying attention) and the quotes are about making the best of a BAD situation; your newly single status, didn't get the promotion again, I took the credit for your work. ~

For this comp - Yes... you'll have to participate to WIN!! - JOLI would like you to tell us what bad (aka: can be seen as humorous/positive) situation you need congratulating, thank your, sorry for putting up with.

e.g. maybe you need it for:
Your baby's first poo smearing all over their room.
Your child pooing in the bath.
Your dog/cat urinating in your favourite shoes...

You get the idea - if not let us know and we'll help you out.

WHAT YOU WIN

• 250g Rose Milk Bath Soak [JOLI Natural Skin Care]
• 2 purple and black hand decorated scented candle sticks
• a pretty large black bow hair clip with bun pouch
• a pair of vintage pearl button stud earrings [Creative Mandie]
• a pair of stunning handmade tan and silver dangle earrings [TTTreasures]
• a pack of chocolate orange (bath) truffles [JOLI Natural Skin Care]
• a large wash & care menstrual pad [Your Cheeky Monkey]
• a pair of gorgeous extension lashes [Lash Republic / supplied by Brides on Main]

Entry Conditions.
1. Australian residents only. We do not ship overseas.
2. You can Like the pages contributing prizes to the gift box.
3. You can Like and share the gift box giveaway posts on Facebook (you'll need people to VOTE on the winning comment).
4. Subscribe to a little fortnightly Indulgence - & receive a product sample while you're at it.
5. you MUST post your comment on THIS blog (50 words or less). No need to have a google / blog account to do so. You can begin leaving your comment on the blog NOW.

Begins Monday 9th Sept - ENDS Friday 11th October

Second part of the comp is to get people VOTE on your fabulous comment/entry.
1. To VOTE click Reply under the comment you wish to vote on and write the word VOTE!
2. VOTES for a winner begin Monday 7th October and you have until the 11th October to get as many votes as you can.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

NOTE: any comments with links to other websites will not be published.
 

  

Lemon Curd / Butter Recipe - DIY

You will need:
185g butter, chopped
2 cups (440g) caster sugar
200ml lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon rind
3-4 eggs, beaten, strained

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in top half of double saucepan or in heatproof bowl.
Stir over simmering water until mixture is fully melted, dissolved, thickened and mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon.
Pour into hot sterilised jars; seal while hot. *Strain if there are any eggy lumps in mixture.

Makes about 3 cups (750ml) - Recipe best made a day in advance.

Recipe from: The Australian Women's Weekly Cookbook

  

Store Bought vs Natural Skin Care - Shelflife

A general rule of thumb is: if it sits on a store shelf there is usually (always) something in the product(s) that make this possible. Usually it is synthetic preservatives and a mix of hazardous chemicals. At best it is a low lever alcohol or sodium based ingredient.

The main reason for these preservatives is so products can be stored (sitting on shelves) for long periods of time before being opened. Also so products can be stabilized (i.e. unaffected by heat, cold, bright lights etc) and shipped world wide; because the aim of the game with cosmetic corporations is world wide domination to increase consumer consumption.

JOLI Natural Skin Care products cannot be found in stores for this very reason, they don't contain all those skin irritating additives. Though you may be wondering does this mean JOLI products are inferior to store bought products. Will they not last as long?

It might surprise to you know that store bought products don't last as long as you think once opened. All skin care and cosmetics have 'use by / best before' dates (whether they're included on the labeling or not). And how one person uses and stores a product differs to the next which means these dates can vary from person to person. It all depends on how you treat your products. Sharing with a friend or using a product on an infection (conjunctivitis, cold-sores) for example can reduce the product shelf life.

General* period mainstream products last after opening:

Perfume - up to 3 years

Powders, eyeshadow, blush - 1 to 3 years

Foundation - 1 to 3 years

Sunscreen lotion, SPF cosmetics – up to 1 year [one season only]

Bronzer – 6 months

Lipstick, lip gloss – 1 year

Pencil liners, eyes, lips, eyebrow - from 6 to 12 months

Liquid eyeliner - from 3 to 4 months

Mascara - 3 to 6 months

Skin care products, moisturiser, anti-wrinkle, eye creams, sealed container with dispenser - about 1 year

Skin care products in a jar - from 6 to 10 months

Nail polish - 1 year

Natural/Organic products – up to 6 months

*This information may vary depending on your source. Info from: checkcosmetic.net

You might have a mascara, eye liner, lipstick or moisturiser that you've had sitting around for over 10years thinking it looks alright therefore is still OK to use. To look at the product you can't see any bacteria growing and that is the beauty (or not) of all the chemicals added to skin care and cosmetics. All those toxins hide any signs of an ageing product.

JOLI products aren't any less superior than store bought products. JOLI products contain natural blends of herbal extracts and essential oils, as well as antioxidants, to preserve. Depending on how you use and store your products they can last for up to 12months, and if refrigerated products can last up to 3 years. Below is a Recommended Use By list for natural skin careproducts. These RUB dates depend on how you use and store your products, they also depend on you using the products as designed - i.e. daily, every 2 - 3 days, twice daily etc.

NAME	MONTHS
Bubble Bath Crumble Bar	12
Bath Salts Bliss	6 - 8
Bath Salts Serenity	6 - 8
Bath Salts Unwind	6 - 8
Deluxe Bath Serum	6 - 8
Deodorant Bar	8
Soothing Salve	12
Enliven Facial Scrub	6
Fluffy Lime Eye Cream	6
Facial & Body Wash	8
Fancy Cuticle Oil	6
Hair Styling Wax	6 - 8
Heavenly Bath Milk	4 - 6
Light Moisturiser	6 - 8
Lip Balm	3
Luscious Body Butter	6 - 12
Massage Oil	6
Moisturising Lip Balm	3
Purifying Cleansing Toner	6
Rich / Whipped Moisturiser	8 - 12
Rose Milk Bath Soak	4 - 6
Skin Serum	3 - 6

Keep in mind if you still have products sitting around unused after a some time then you've either most likely not been using them in accordance with directions or you didn't like the product enough to use it often. Time to discard all those old out-of-date products and start afresh.