Swap Shop - Beauty Edition

Welcome to my Swap Shop where I'm looking to swap out problematic products and shop for new ones. Together we can tackle life's pesky little health and beauty blunders.

Swap:   traditional deodorant

Shop:    natural deodorant

Let's just say this isn't my finest moment on the blogosphere. You know how monkeys look when they are scratching their underarms?

Me using traditional deodorant.

Unfortunately, I do. I don't know what happened, but traditional deodorants decided to make me miserable. Oh man would I would itch, itch, itch! It was the pits.

Thanks to my sweet sister-in-law, I was introduced to Schmidt's Natural Deodorant. It was quite delightful not needing to sneak an itch every four seconds. I mean just imagine this... You are on a date with your super cute man/potential husband. You say, "Hey Hunkalicious, look! It's a flying pig!" He looks. You do a quick scratch scratch. Embarrassing moment diverted.

Ladies - have you checked your deodorant label lately? Eeeeek! There is some scary stuff out there. I'm loving my deodorant swap and I hope you will too!

Get yourself some of this awesomeness at urbanoutfitters.com or your local health nut boutique.

Swap:  lotion
Shop:   oils

I love smelling like a walking Piña Colada! Slather me up with a coconut lotion potion and no one can ruin my day!

Why don't I own these?

What I don't enjoy is reading the ingredients list on their labels. Lately, I've been channeling my inner hippie and I'm using coconut oil and/or other natural oils in place of lotion. I figure if I can cook with this stuff, I should be able to soothe my skin with it.

I even have a special oil tailored to my Pitta body type. Has anyone else looked into the Ayurvedic Medicine? Fascinating stuff!

Truth be told, my skin stays hydrated a lot longer with the natural oils. I'm feeling really boho chic right about now. And you can too! Just start small. Grab some coconut oil and put a little dab on your knees and elbows. See how you like it. I'm loving this swap! Not to mention there's some gnarly stuff in lotions, so I feel like I'm rescuing my chemically treated skin.

And the best part? I still smell like a Hawaiian vacation!

Out with the dry. In with the silky and supple.

Swap: straightener
Shop:  coconut milk serum

The last time I went to the salon, my hair stylist gave me an earful about straightening my hair. I guess it makes sense that I should only singe my locks for special occasions. Most days I just need a minor taming of the mane.

Those mornings when you have 30 minutes to get ready.

After perusing the beauty aisles at Walgreens, I was tempted by the product below. How could I resist coconut milk anti-breakage/solve all of my hair problems serum? I don't put it on my roots or the top of my head because come on that's not a good look for anyone.

I've started using this stuff on the lower portion of my hair and I love it. Now, let's get serious, it definitely doesn't work as well as the real deal. If you are going on a date and want to look all sassy frassy then break out the straightener. If you need a quick fix and you're looking for a more au naturale alternative, then give it a try. For me, it serves its Monday - Friday purpose and it smells heavenly.

All I'm missing is my hula skirt.

I'd love to hear what you are swapping out in your beauty routine. Let's all share our secrets so we can be gorgeous babes. Naturally.

Hey It's Okay...

In honor of my favorite column in my favorite Glamour Magazine, I'm creating my own "Hey, It's Okay" series on the blog. Join me as I begin to realize that some things I once thought were not okay are, in fact, perfectly fine. Here's to feeling okay enough to openly post my thoughts.

Hey, It's Okay...

to teach at and/or let your child attend a school that is not A-rated. I may ruffle some feathers with this one, but I know there are others out there who have thought the same way. *Private schools are the exception here.*

This one's for teachers like me who've struggled with the feeling that we aren't doing our best as teachers or aren't teaching at the best school. For parents like mine who weren't afraid of diversity, neighborhood schools, and fighting for soap in the bathrooms like the rich schools had, this is for you. Love you!

When I went to elementary school, there weren't school grades. We just went to our neighborhood school and what do you know, we survived. Sure, a small portion of my parents' friends could not believe we were going to "that" school. So those few parents would drive them to a "better" school or up and move to a "better" area where they would go to a more desirable school. I loved my neighborhood. I loved my school. I had no idea I wasn't at the best school in the entire world until people started talking smack about it later in life. 

These days it's a bit different. Now, every school is given a school grade and for the most part it goes a little something like this:

A-Rated: Wealthy, mainly white students

B-Rated or Lower: Everyone else

When I began my teaching career four years ago, I took a long term substitute position at a local elementary school. This particular school was an A-rated school. Naturally, I walked in there (with my new teaching wardrobe on I must add) thinking that they had the best of the best. The best students, the best parents, and the best teachers. And boy oh boy did I hit the jackpot. The students were ahhhmazing and the parents were even better. I had a room mom! Yeah ladies they exist! Fancy, right? The kids were extremely bright, 99% of them were well taken care of, supplies were brought in, kids were bathed, fed, and loved. To make matters even better, I was there to receive all the Christmas Break gift spoiling. "Ellise, you are the next contestant on the Price is Right, come on down!" Eeeeek! This was so fun to get all sorts of gifts that I actually liked. FSU themed goodies and gift cards galore. I freakin' L-O-V-E this place! 

Three months later my position ended - booooo! But I got extremely lucky to find a job at another local school for the remainder of the year - score! This next school was not an A-rated school. When I mentioned my new adventure to teachers at the A-school, they gave me that look. You know thaaaat look. The look of "Aw bless your heart, sweetpea. Good luck with that. " And that was when I knew I had been "warned." Oh super. What's so wrong over there? It's only a few miles from some of these A-mazing schools. Seriously, how different can it be? 

Very. Different. 

(Now, before I proceed let's get real. This county is great! We are blessed to live here. We don't know ghetto or poor like some other districts. But I do think sometimes we forget that and get a bit too big for our britches, just like I started doing when my fairy tale teaching bubble was popped. )

After my first week at my "just average" new school, I wanted OUT and I wanted out ASAP. I wanted to go back to the sweet life. Where were my perfect children? Excuse me, no room mommy!? Why wasn't I filling out a survey about my favorite things? I like Almond Joys, the color blue, and Bonefish Grill. Should I include this in my All About Me letter? What's going on here? Bad dream? Waking up in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

I took a deep breath. I had committed to this school for the rest of the year. But I swore the minute that year ended, I was going to apply like a wild woman to all of the A-rated schools in our district because this challenging teaching stuff was for the birds. I left more exhausted and defeated in the first week than I did in the three months I was at the A-mazing school. Every single rotten day I would think, How do these teachers do it here? Do they not know that there is an easier way? They MUST be getting paid more. That's totally it. No? Dear God please let me be at a school where I belong. This cannot be it. I wished and hoped God would answer my prayers. And who learned the hard way because she was hard headed? This gal.

Surprisingly, that first class really grew on me. I knew that if I was able to survive the NYC and MIA dating scenes, I could surely handle 24 ten year olds with occasional on-the-verge-hormonal outbreaks. Was I going to give up on kids like these because, well it was more challenging? Challenge is my middle name! I eat challenges for breakfast! Most of my parents and students were just like those of the other schools - Smart. Outgoing. Determined. Persistent. Problem Solvers. Hungry to Succeed. Generous. Involved. And some of my parents over the years have showed more love to kids they don't even know than I've ever seen. Yes, I'm now bragging about the same people I was dreading to meet.

Teachers: Here is what I know for sure. Teachers are no better at an A-rated school than they are at a non A-rated school. And I can say that because I know this is a fact. Most teachers are AWESOME. At all kinds of schools. Switch our staff with an A-rated school staff and their A-team reputation will not change our school score miraciuosly to an A. And some think it's too much to handle and would never set foot at our school. I know this because I've been there and experienced that. 

Parents: It's not wrong to want the best for your child/children. Most people do attend their neighborhood school. But you are not "protecting" your child by trying to keep them away from "those" kids. You are not being a savior by begging for certain neighborhoods to be zoned to our school instead of yours. These are CHILDREN. It hurts my heart to hear parents talk like that about 5 year olds! I even hear kids talking about it, which definitely means their parents are talking about it... in front of them. And I hate to break it to you, but those same kids you are so afraid of are coming to a middle or high school classroom near you. Gasp! They might even play on a sports team with your child. Double gasp! No! Say it isn't true?! But parents don't fret because bad things are only talked about at the "bad" schools. Ha, that was a joke. Do you have any idea who taught me about drugs and all sorts of other things? You guessed it - kids from the "better" schools. I'm not saying this is how it always goes. I'm not calling out any one school. I'm not putting down your school or your decision. I just ask that you stop putting down my school and my kids. 

Just because some of our kids have to walk to the dollar store to buy a project board and then only have a pencil at home to use to decorate that board, does not make them bad kids. 

Just because our classrooms are filled with noses in books instead of finger swipes on kindles, does not make them lazy or worthless.

Just because our kids need hugs and handshakes every dang day to feel loved, does not make them future criminals. 

Just because it's their parents fault does not make it their fault. 

Just because we don't get fancy gifts to show that we are the best teachers ever, does not mean that we aren't the best.teachers.ever! (And yes, I've received soap, yard sale finds, a single stick of gum, used coffe mugs, and half filled perfume bottles. Good thing, I love a good yard sale find! Good Lord, I love this job.)

These are God's children created specifically by him. Some of us are called to love on all of them no matter their color, behavior, disability, or bank account. How dare I or anyone else think for one second that we are too good to be around them. Jeez I just admitted how shallow I used to be. If anything, you have to be really freakin' amazing to be there.

I love teachers! I love kids! I love competition! I certainly hope we do achieve that A-rating one day. Some people just have to work a little harder, but we are definitely up for the challenge.

This journey continues to be the most emotional ride I've ever been on. And I don't plan on getting off this roller coaster to cruise the lazy river. Hey it's okay - just keep your head up, your hands up, and thank the big man above for putting you right where you, and some A-mazing kids, NEED YOU to be.

Where "trying, but not trying" comes to die...

This post is not for those women having serious issues with fertility. I won't even go there, because that's not okay. This is for me and the other ladies who think "it's my turn!" I've gone back and forth on my decision to post this. I'm hoping someone can relate.

In Bloom

I want to start by clearing up something. People are either "trying" to get pregnant or they're not. Quick vocabulary lesson - a synonym for the word trying isn't not trying. In fact it's the complete opposite of the word.

If you are having intercourse with a man, and not using every trick in the book to prevent conception, then um yeah you are trying. Married or not, that is what it's called folks. I'm not totally sold on the accidental pregnancy. Knocking over a water bottle is an accident. Conceiving a child takes a bit more effort. Yes, there are flukes and jaw dropping "how-is-that-physically-possible?" stories (Heyyyyy Jesus!), but that's not what's happening most of the time.

"Not trying" is what you call a virgin. Or in a slump. Or possibly 50 years of marriage.

With that being said, whether or not my husband and I are "trying" is no one's business. I mean, I can't imagine any new marriage lasting too long if there isn't any "trying" going on. I don't ask my non-married or non-newlywed friends how often they get their "try" on.

To my friends and family who've asked me this maybe once or maybe twelve times, I'm not mad. I love you. Besides it takes A LOT to get me heated. And if I've ever asked you about this, shame on me! But, if you continue to ask I just might give you an answer that's more than you bargained for.

Moving on to the point of this post.

The day after my wedding, make that 14 seconds after our vows, the question came: "Sooooo are you going to get pregnant soon?"

And I thought why yes, yes I am going to get pregnant soon. Oooh maybe real soon. Yes that is exactly what I will do. Yessss I'm going to get pregnant and trot around in totally adorable maxi dresses with dainty belts and pick out the perfect running stroller and have Adam rub my feet every night and take "my bump by the month" pictures.

So there I was almost four months later, and my plan hadn't really come to fruition.

Hmmmm plan B - Google HOW TO GET PREGNANT. I'm genius. Why didn't I think of that sooner?

I did just that and a month later I was driving myself crazy. Why was I going crazy you ask?

Oooh you know after reading and researching a million "full proof" tips and tricks, you tell me:

Don't drink caffeine. don't drink alcohol. don't drink water with lemon. don't let your husband drink. anything. only drink water between the hours of 7:19 am and 9:02 pm. then check your basil plant. I mean your basal temperature. oh duh. because obviously I know exactly what that is. google basal temp.

Ok. Water only. Plant basil. Girls who don't follow these surely can't get pregnant. Got it.

Don't wear tight clothing. muumuus only. have as much intercourse as you can. good luck with that. now you are wearing a queen sheet set to insure proper organ function. your hubby is no longer turned on by you. walk around naked instead. don't let your husband wear tight jeans. or underwear. and immediately after getting it on, you need to put your legs UP. hold them there for 5 minutes. at least. hellooo gravity is a baby maker's bff. then stay flat on your back for two hours. make it four. a good marinating session takes time. god forbid you stand up and well, there goes all of your hard work. speaking of work, don't make baby making feel like a chore because then your husband won't enjoy sex with you anymore.

Ok. No chores. "Hit and Run" girls can't conceive. Don't be that girl. Got it.

Don't stress. stress is the worst. make sure you exercise to keep your mind off the fact that you are trying/but not trying to have a baby. but don't exercise too much. maybe try yoga. careful, certain yoga poses can hinder baby making. take pre-natal vitamins. now. actually it's too late. you should have started those when you started puberty. oh and definitely don't do drugs. people who do drugs DO NOT get pregnant. ever. crack babies are a conspiracy.

HOLY COW

Ladies - put down the search engine!

I speak to women who "OMG getting pregnant was sooooo easy." And then there are some who are spending mini- to mega- dollars on this.

But, I want a baby and I want it nowwwww. I'm sorry are we 3 or 30? Can you just hear the voice of what's-her-name, Veruca Salt begging for some golden egg or a snozberry or whatever. Just make it stop. The pity party is over. Girl, there's a reason we aren't preggo yet. Maybe GOD is hoping we will stop stressing over what we can't control and focus on (a) husband, (b) child/children you already have, (c) HIM!, (d) other relationships, (e) YOU!

Sorry to break it to you, but we are not the masters of our universes. Our wish is not our command. The big man upstairs has my plan in mind. He hasn't forgotten about me. Even though that's how I felt when everyone else was getting pregnant in a snap. News Flash! That was in their plan since day uno. No baby is a mistake. No one is more deserving than anyone else. My baby may or may not be coming and I have to trust the journey God is taking me on.

It's time to regroup and shift our focus on what God has placed smack dab in front of us.

If it's worth anything, just think about it this way - another month that we aren't pregnant is another month of happier happy hours, another chance to get in pre-baby buns of steel shape, total fulfillment of sushi cravings, gag-free, puke-free, constipation-free days and lots of whatever the heck we want to do.

Have a great weekend! 

Body by God

After two days of unhealthy lifestyle choices, I'm looking forward to Monday. I'm excited to hit the restart button and work on my "glow." One of my resolutions for the new year is to become more health minded. In order to do this I've been digging deep in the Bible to see how God suggests that I tackle the eating, drinking, and exercising topics.

If you are in the same boat as me, then I think it's time we figured out what exactly it is that's getting in our way of reaching our goals. Is it eating habits? Binge drinking? Lack of exercise?

I've found that the Man upstairs has all the answers. Whether we choose to listen to him is another story.

Here we go...

Amen

FOOD

Get your Bible out.

What God says: Proverbs 23, 1 Corinthians 10, 1 Corinthians 6, Leviticus 11

My interpretation: Gluttony is bad on the bod.

How do I feel after I eat junk? Lazy. Tired. Mad. Frustrated. And I usually think something like "Come on, Ellise, really?!?!? " God knows how food can affect our mood, body, and overall health. That's why he encourages us to eat well, and by well I don't mean well enough for four people. When I eat right, I feel right. Bottom line.

Now, I'm not trying to be all bossy boots and say that we must eat healthy 100% of the time. Let's be honest, that's not happening. What we can do is start small. For me, I know that I am a stress eater. (Eew, this is not fun to admit.) Instead of grabbing for food when I'm stressed, I've started praying. I know this sounds crazy, but give it a whirl. I've litrally been at my desk, stressing over test scores, and the candy jar is calling my name. I've bowed my head, prayed, and ignored those sugary pests. One small victory for me, one loss for the fat devil.

How can I change? Talk to God - pray. Yes, He is listening. Let's become food snobs and ingredient sticklers. Research. Prepare.

Does this make my hiny look big?

BINGE DRINKING

Get your Bible out.

What God says: Proverbs 23, Proverbs 20, Galatiations 5, Romans 13

My interpretation: I've been doing a lot of things wrong for a long time. Uh-oh.

This has definitely been the biggest change I've made.  Let's get something straight, I'm not here to judge and by no means am I innocent in this department.

I love a good time. I love dressing up, drinking up, dancing it up. For part of my adult-ish life I've partied. Honestly, I've partied, partied. Like walking out of my favorite NYC club, sun coming up, get in a taxi, lose my wallet, sleep all day partied. And that scenario was on repeat for a few years. I'm not ashamed to admit this. Here's why... Because it's brought me even closer to God. Even after going against him, he still provides for me and loves me.

Last year, something clicked. I was reading my Bible, and God had me reading a verse about drunkeness. He tells us not to be drunks and surprise surprise he knows exactly what's best for us.  Drunkeness wrecks my body, my wallet, and my overall well being. Do I still drink? Yes. Do I love to go out and have too much fun once in awhile? Absolutely.

If this is one area that we are not willing to adjust, then... sorry to say that our bodies won't change either. I either want a healthier life or I don't. I can either listen to and try out God's way or not. For me, I've learned the hard way. But, it's not too late to change. And we can still be fun without being drunk. Who doesn't love a designated driver?

Move and Groove 

FITNESS

Get your Bible out.

God says: Philippians 4, Proverbs 3, Proverbs 13

My interpretation: God gave me healthy legs, so I need to be using them.

Making time for exercise can be tough. Do I feel 100 times better about myself when I exercise? Heck yes! Is my husband proud of me when I take care of my body? You better believe it. Does it give me time to clear my mind and become a better wife, teacher, and friend? You bet!

You know "those" girls with healthy bodies and glowing skin? Yeah, they work their butts off to look like that! I aspire to be like that - fit and healthy. And it takes time, dedication, and discipline. I have choices in this life. I can sit around or move around. We all get the same 24 hours.Everyone is busy. It's not about HAVING the time it's about MAKING the time.

How bad do you really want it? No matter how big or small your health and fitness goals are, G-O-D has your back. We are not in this alone.

Have a great week!

Natural Awakening

   Morning Smiles

I am a morning person. But, those first 10 minutes of awakening are oh-so-tough for me. I stinkin' love that snooze button!! No really though, I hit snooze 6 times one morning... embarrassing.

To torture myself some more I've decided to not like coffee so, I don't drink it and limit my expresso intake to maybe 2 drinks a week. I've been playing with more natural ways to get my blood flowing and eyes open before the sun comes up and I thought I'd share.

Meet Mat. He's my little morning friend.

Tip #1: I've been using a simple little yoga move. The sun salutation.

I do 5 - 10 each morning. Not into that? Try stretching for 2 - 5 minutes. 

Don't have time for those? Skip to tip #2.

Currently in my routine.

(Note to self: If I'm going to be all "artsy" with my photos, I seriously need to take a class or something. I mean, you can't even read the Giovanni label.) 

Tip #2: Have you ever used a mint scented shampoo or conditioner? It's a game changer!

I love using this stuff on my hair and wowza the smell is invigorating! Take a wiff of that lather and helloooo world! Three favorites of mine are : Pureology ($$$), Giovanni ($), and Herbal Essence ($).

Cool. Cascading. H2o.

Tip #3 You are in for a treat because I've saved the best for last.

Right before I get out of the shower I turn the nob allll the way to cold... Like wooowee cold cold. To the point where my breathing turns heavy and I'm dancing around because I don't know what to do.

Yes, it's that awesome! I'm telling ya -soak yourself in a cold water waterfall and you will feel like a new woman.

If all else fails - crank up the espresso machine and try the natural thing another day.

Do you have any other tips or tricks for revving up your morning? If so, please tell because this sister loves a good tip!

100% guarantee

Back by popular* demand...

Happy 2015!

Now what?

Do you have your resolutions in mind for the new year? Are they similar to the goals you failed to achieve last year? Or maybe they are new and exciting, maybe even scary, hopes and dreams.

I know I'm pumped about my goals and I know I don't want to be part of the majority of people that don't accomplish their goals this year.

But have no fear! I know of something that will keep you focused on your resolutions. And if you follow this plan, I can 100% guarantee you will see results.

Here it is:

Get lost in The Good Book

Huh? Is this sister the coo coo one? Hear me out.

2014 was quite the year. Challenges. Triumphs. Everything in between.

One of my resolutions was to spend more time with the Bible. I incorporated reading it into my morning routine, I made church a priority, and I started putting God as #1. I am still a work in progress, but wowza-holy moly did it change me in such a positive way.

Those of you still with me, I urge you to give God an honest shot this year. If you've been in a rut
doing the same things and not getting results, then why not try a new method? I'm working on a post that links the most common New Years resolutions to Bible verses. I'm warning you though, it's tough love stuff.  No one said this life was easy, but it's worth it. Let's make the best of it!

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year! Here's to finally getting what you need to be the best you yet!

*Hey, everyone has their own definition of "popular."*