Earthbound Beauty Picks (With Ingredients You Can Pronounce!)

Woah, a blog post?! I bet you thought this blog was dead. Sorry for the unannounced hiatus, dear readers. The last few months have been jammed with 3 a.m. coffee and tea sessions, manic multitasking and a "too blessed to be stressed" mantra. Three months and 26 credit hours later, I am now a proud alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies! Now I'm itching to write my heart out and ecstatic to reconnect with you all.

What's next? My lease in the Magic City ends in July and I'm off to New England. Chris and I are taking a road trip this summer to narrow down our choices, although we are currently fond of Baltimore, Boston or New York suburbs. The decision ultimately depends on career opportunities, but we are open to suggestions. Comment below with your favorite city and something unique about it! What's something I should know about this city that I wouldn't be able to find online? No matter where we end up, green and gold will forever run through our veins. We'll also loudly and proudly exclaim, "Go Blazers!" whenever shot with a "Roll Tide." ;-) As for dropping the "y'all" contraction...well, we'll have to see about that one.

While preparing for the big move this summer, I came across mounds of beauty products. Makeup, lotion, hair serums, moisturizers, body washes, hair accessories, nail polish, and the list goes on... Worst off, I couldn't pronounce half the listed ingredients found in 90% of my stash that's now in the trash. If that's not a call for a new beginning, I don't know what is. I have since been minimizing and resorting to all-natural products. Bonus points if the product is multipurpose and only one ingredient! I only have 3 of my favorite beauty picks to share today, but I use all for multiple reasons and all three can be purchased for under $20. Here they are: 

Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone

Photo Credit

Cost: $5

Ingredients: Mineral Salts (Contains no Aluminum Chlorohydrate*)

It's embarrassing to admit, but I have terrible B.O. I have a fast metabolism and high energy due to my fiery pitta dosha (read more about doshas), so most deodorants last 3-5 hours. I've tried it all: stick, powder, gel, prescription, extra strength, men's, essential oil and coconut oil-based. Last week at Earth Fare I purchased a Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone. I never thought I'd be this excited about a product that controls body odor, but I finally found my match!

The 24-hour fragrance free Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone is well worth a try for $5. It must be moistened before use and glides on the skin, dries immediately, and leaves no residue. It also works well for foot odor. The best part is that it really lasts all day as advertised. After the end of a ten hour work day, I spent two hours practicing yoga. The next day it was 87°F and I spend three hours at Railroad Park and walked three miles. At the end of both days, there was no need to reapply. After two weeks of use, I have noticed a decrease in my body odor even without the deodorant stone.

*Aluminum Chlorohydrate is found in most deodorants. The FDA considers the use of this ingredient to be linked with Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer.

2. Coconut Oil

Cost: $5-10 

Ingredients: Coconut Oil

Most of my friends know my obsession with coconut oil. It's been used for nearly 2,000 years and is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. It was even used in Asia for hydration during WWII when water supply was low. Obviously it's pretty useful. I use it daily for many purposes, so I've compiled a list of my top uses:

• Moisturizer/Lotion/Hair Masque
• Polish (Wood, leather, etc.)
• Cleaning
• Oil Pulling (read more here)
• Hydration
• Lubricant
• Sunscreen
• Makeup Remover

Lavender 

Cost: $4-25 per oz.

Ingredients: Lavender 

2014 marks the year I fell in love with lavender. This year also marks the first time I've used real lavender. Before I've only been around synthetic lavender, which makes me nauseous and headache-prone—the opposite of what the flower is known for. The moral of the story is to spend a few extra bucks and go with the authentic herb or oil. 

Lavender makes a relaxing herbal tea that promotes relaxation and sleep. Its aromatic powers are enough for me, so I sometimes keep a sachet of the dry herb near my bedside for restless nights. It also blends well with lotions and moisturizers to minimize acne, skin irritations and sore muscles. I am extremely susceptible to mouth ulcers, so I'm thankful for lavender's anti-bacterial, anti-microbial anti-viral properties. My favorite use of the oil is a simple disinfectant spray I make (8 oz. water, 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of tea tree) to sanitize my toothbrush and Clarisonic. I haven't had a mouth ulcer ever since.

If  you've tried or plan to try any of my beauty picks I shared today, please comment and share your experience! If you haven't ventured off into the world of all-natural, minimalist personal care products, it's never too late to get hooked on a new beauty regimen. You'll likely find mineral salts, coconut oil and lavender listed on at least one ingredient label in your bathroom. Why not get down to the source and try one ingredient at a time to discover what truly works for you? I did, and now I am using less chemicals with more results. Best of all? My wallet is thicker and I feel (and hopefully look) fantastic!

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Core Intentions

What is at the core center of our artistic and individually unique practices in life?

For me, there are infinite reasons why I practice yoga: To balance my chakras, to reduce anxiety and stress, to truly understand my body, to become closer to my lover, to be in control of the energy around me, to expand my aura, to become more flexible, to physically see progress, to improve my digestive system, to strengthen my body, to focus my mind, to lengthen my spine, to stay true to my inner self, to build friendships, to release negativity, and to create all things beautiful and inspirational.

Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) variation

However, the center can be extremely difficult to find. Especially in the beginning.

When I began practicing last year, UAB CRCT yoga instructor Shawn Galin taught his classes something that I have continued to this day. Before each practice, instructor Shawn asked us to set an intention for the class. At first, I was a little confused and honestly a little intimidated by this simple task. Although, as a self-improvement freak, I immediately raced through the list in my head of all the things I wanted to improve on. For many months, my intentions were often trivial, college-girl desires such as, "I want to improve my grade in this class" or "I want to eat healthier." While these are undeniably healthy and productive goals to set, they weren't what I truly desired. In fact, it wasn't until I stopped asking myself what I wanted that I truly received it.

My first mistake was beginning my intentions with, "I want." Everyone wants something, but when you apply your desire to your practice, you will attain it. Wanting is superficial, but willing produces real-life progress! I finally understood this amidst a yoga high in a 105*F Bikram yoga class (perhaps influenced by my delusional state), which brings me to my next point.

Your body knows you better than you think; so, let it set the intention for you. This seems like a catch-22 because we are conditioned to set an intention before embarking on that mission. Don't be afraid to begin your practice without a single idea of what that intention is. Just be open to what your body tells you. If you are truly engaged in your practice, it never halts or ends; it can only begin. So what if you realize your intention in the last 10 minutes of a 90-minute class…or even three days after.  That intention is infinite, as is your capability to achieve it, as is the consequences it produces. Once, I asked a yoga instructor what influences him to guide a class. He simply responded, "My movements lead my words."

Bakasana (Crow Pose)

After I learned these two things, my body taught me the rest. For example, the concentration or depletion of energy from certain parts of my body revealed inner turmoil or strengths. Once I began setting intentions based on my body's reaction to my practice, all other facets of my life became simpler, more enjoyable, and more relatable. 

The best intention I ever set for myself is this: I will thank myself for all my hard work and dedication.

So, I pose these questions to you, dear reader. Is there a center to your practice? How do you set intentions? And most importantly, have you given yourself a "thank you" and pat on the back for all your hard work? Reader, I'd like to thank you. I'd like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to read this blog. I'd like to thank you for caring enough about yourself to have a practice and to set these intentions. I'd like to thank you for being YOU and for letting your light radiate wherever you are.

Shine on, beautiful being!

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Magnetically Magnificent

Magnetism. One of the most basic natural laws simply consisting of an electrical charge between two objects. It's found in the sun, the stars, moon–even in you and me. Magnetism is found in every organ of the body. The therapeutic values of magnets were first discovered about 2,000 years ago by Chinese doctors. Probably not in the conventional way that involves horseshoe magnets or magnetic jewelry, but in a much larger-scaled process. It's an ongoing occurrence that involves connecting the body and the universe to promote self-healing, sustenance, and radiating bliss. ☀

My roommate, Yessy, and I at Books, Beans, and Candles where we discovered these peculiar green rocks' "magnetic tentacles."

What a beautiful phenomena it is for our planet earth to be so affected and enhanced by magnetic fields! Our earthly existence is methodically patterned after unbounded galaxies. Every cell contains a field of magnetic energy that utilizes corporeal unity to nourish flowing energy. The body's collaborative efforts allow for us to truly harmonize with all that surrounds us. I began practicing yoga on a daily basis just a couple months ago for a single life-changing reason: I honor my magnetic fields and all the interconnected creations around me.

Daily practice: Greet the day.

Rain, snow, sleet, or or shine...raise your arms and open your heart each morning to greet the sun. 

This can be done by standing up straight, on your knees, or however your body feels the most open.  

♡

1. Open up your chest with each inhale and lift your arms above you. Open up the heart even more by pointing your hands behind your head and gazing upwards. 

2. Feel the energy rising from your feet to your core, as it floats to your heart and reaches your crown. 

3. Exhale only positive energy back into the air. 

Smile, if you want! ☺ 

4. Once you're comfortable, begin extending the spine as you inhale. 

5. Exhale and...just be.

6. Repeat until greeting the sun feels invigorating yet natural. Focus in on the moment. By this point, a lot of yogis/yoginis feel the "yoga high." Hence why this has become a daily routine for many!

As the energy rises up your spine and as you oxygenate your body (a natural detoxification process), the stronger your magnetic field becomes. Thus, the universe welcomes and energizes your connection. Enjoy the natural high!

ॐ☯ ♥

Namaste. 

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What is The Earthbound Experience?

"What is the Earthbound Experience?" you may ask. 

You've heard the phrase: sometimes you have to help yourself before you can help others. We'll call it a 1/4th-life crisis, an epiphany, maturing...or simply, an adventure. I began the Earthbound Experience about a month ago as an effort to renew myself from the roots up. In other words, this blog will be the composed musings, ponderings, progress, and insights from a spiritual journey based on holistic living and healing. And I would love for you, dear reader, to join me along the way.

earth·bound [ərTHˌbound] -adjective 

1. Attached or restricted to the earth

2. Attached or limited to material existence

While I realize that claiming a spiritual journey as "earthbound" sounds contradicting, this paradox emphasizes my intent: we are consistently attached and somewhat restricted by material and earthly possessions; however, we ourselves belong to the earth, so why not attain a spiritual existence to fully embrace the beautiful spectrum of life and existence?

I'm ecstatic to share my quest with you in future posts! Get ready for blogs on yoga, crystology, gemstones, aromatherapy, essential oils, herbology, massage therapy, skin care, nature, animals, good reads and anything else that contributes to my journey ahead. 

With love and admiration,
Kaylyn

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