Let's Get (un)FUNKY! -The Truth About Deodorant & A Reliable Alternative





Summer is here and I couldn’t be giddier!

The air smells like orange blossoms, the trees & flowers are lush and vibrant and the skies appear bluer with their cotton candy clouds- overall, the world is a more beautiful place; with the exception of that age old threat of the heat bringing on the  ‘Funk’!

I think that Hygiene is number one on most people’s list, as I’m assuming that the majority of us agree that bathing is paramount-and that’s a great thing! However, hygiene for most folks also consists of the addition of harmful & toxic toiletries to ‘enhance’ the odor-protection and overall scent-sation of the individual. After emerging from a warm and usually detoxifying shower/bath (especially if you bathe with warm, filtered water)- many of us immediately reach for chemical laden moisturizers, artificially fragranced colognes and (the main topic of this post) potentially carcinogenic deodorant/antiperspirants!  

What’s wrong with deodorants/Antiperspirants? We do need to stay fresh and avoid being labeled as a ‘funky person' right? So what’s the big deal? Well.. I’m glad you asked.

The average, store brought deodorant/Antiperspirant gives you a layer of protection from both sweating and odor (some even guarantee to cover you for up to 12-24 hrs)! Now, that sounds like a product that you’d like to invest in, doesn’t it!? Well, allow me to share with you why it shouldn’t be:

Most of these odor busters & sweat stoppers all have the same first ingredient-- some form of Aluminum.

Aluminum is a strongly reactive metal that, when found in personal care products (such as deodorants), is combined with other elements to form an Aluminum compound so that it may be more effective at carrying out its duty as an odor fighter / sweat reducer ; and this is where the problem lies. Not only should aluminum itself not be used on the body (particularly in sensitive & susceptible places like under the arms) but when combined with other harmful products (i.e.: Laboratory created fragrances & preservatives) it is allowed to break down into smaller particles that can easily be absorbed into the pores, clogs up the sweat glands (which is how antiperspirants stop you from sweating in the first place) and can eventually cause one’s body to be backed up with toxins that would have otherwise been released via sweat- as perspiration is our bodies mechanism for ridding us of contaminants that are within our system.  When one stops sweat from occurring, the toxins have nowhere else to go and therefore they are now trapped in the body to wreck havoc and manifest themselves as disease.

It is this knowledge which should lead us all to avoid using aluminum based products at all cost! But if we don’t use deodorants/antiperspirants, then how will we stay fresh? I had this same concern at one point, I wasn’t even worried about not sweating- my main concern was odor.
I tried everything from rubbing baby powder, corn starch and baking soda on my pits-none of them worked for the long haul. I eventually started using semi-natural deodorants which actually did the trick for me, but after taking a deeper look into them I wasn’t completely satisfied with the quality of their ingredients either. So what is a girl to do to stay fresh? Well, recently I was having a “natural conversation” with one of my very wise co-workers and she told me about the secret to underarm odor elimination (even on the hottest of days): It’s MILK of MAGNESIA (or MoM- for short)!

 
Although our grandmas used this substance to remedy such problems as: constipation and diaper rash- when applied topically to the underarms it can also be used as a very effective deodorant; one may still sweat (depending on the activity and that person’s individual reaction with MoM) but odor protection is guaranteed with this product! And sans any nasty chemicals that could cause an adverse reaction.    
So it is possible! We can have the summer heat and stay fresh too! And by keeping it natural we have avoided the use of unnecessary & harmful chemicals, therefore setting ourselves up for better health. We've also saved money (as a 26 oz bottle of generic MoM costs about $4, but you only need apply a nickel sized amount to each arm pit- which means this bottle will last a long time)!

Give Milk of Magnesia (MoM) a try and see how it works for you. If you get the same results that I did, do yourself a favor and toss your old deodorants- Your lymphatic system will thank you!

The Wonders of Oatmeal- Inside and Out

Photo Credit: The Honest Kitchen.Com

Oats are a universal and resolute grain. Known for their ability to heal on the inside as well as the outside, oats (avena sativa) are at the core of healthy overall well being.

Oats can be used in many ways from its most conventional form as the beloved, hot cereal that fills you up to being mixed with water into a paste to soothe dry, itchy skin. Since they are chock full of fiber they are on the top 5 list of natural remedies to cleanse one’s system; promote heart health and keep one feeling full longer.  Oats are also a saponin – for those of you who enjoy soap making as I do, you know all too well the significance of this word—being that it holds this unique quality it is also widely used as a natural way of cleansing and balancing oily skin types; locking in moisture for those with dry skin and relieving discomfort for problem skin (one of the few ingredients which can be used to aide all skin types).  

Check out my favorite things to do with Oats (below):

Relieve the itch of bug bites: Place ¼ cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- meal the oats (if desired).
add 1 tablespoon of water (more if needed to make paste consistency) & 1 teaspoon honey (known for it's moisturizing & anti-bacterial properties).
Rub on affected area- let sit about 10 mins- wash away with warm water & gently pat dry.

Balance Oily/Acne-prone skin (works great for back acne):

Place ¼ cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- meal the oats (if desired).

Mix oats with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (adjust as necessary) add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil.

Dab onto problem area & allow to dry. Rinse with warm water & gently pat dry.

Natural relief from eczema, rashes and problem skin:Place ½  cup of old fashioned oats into a coffee grinder- grind to medium consistency (if desired).
Take cheesecloth or an old nylon and place ground oatmeal inside (tie at one end to keep oats in)
Draw a warm bath and submerge the ground oatmeal into the tub- add 1 cup of milk if skin is really irritated. Soak in the tub & enjoy!
**If doing this just to relax- add a few drops of lavendar essential oil or dried lavendar flowers to the oat mix & prepare to relax. **

The Tasty Ingredient Proven to Lift Your Mood!

There is an ingredient so powerful, so healthy and so full of antioxidants that it has been scientifically proven to not only provide your body with: decreased blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, but it is also proven to lift your mood! (Probably because it helps you to no longer worry about certain health issues).

What is this magical ingredient you ask? It's Cocoa (yup--the kind that chocolate is made of).

A women's Day article states, "According to researchers, cocoa contains theobromine & Phenethylamine-- plant compounds that raise your body's production of mood-elevating brain chemicals."

Cocoa is a powerhouse of feel-good (and taste-good) compounds which- if enjoyed on a regular basis- can have intense health benefits.

However, the best way to ensure that you are getting what you need is to consume the 'good' stuff. Meaning instead of purchasing that beloved Milk Chocolate bar go for the 'Dark' Chocolate one (which contains more of the feel-good chemicals & their health benefits).

However, if you're not a 'chocolate eater' (like myself)- you can receive these benefits in other ways. For example, it may sound silly but I'll devour a cup of Hot coco, but if someone were to offer me a Hersey's bar- I'd look at them sideways. For those special people (like me) you can opt to reap these benefits via a variety of tasty and healthy drinks (and just in time for summer)!

Try This out for starters:

Aja's CoCo-LoCo Snack Drink
- 2 cups Ice
- 2 cups Rice Milk (or whatever kind of milk you like)
- 1/2 cup Organic Vanilla Yogurt
- 2 scoops Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)
- 2 scoops of Whey protein
- Dash of Cinnamon
- Pinch of Nutmeg
*A Tbsp or two of Brown sugar- if needed*

Combine ingredients in blender-Top with some homemade whip cream (optional)
& Enjoy! (Makes 4 servings)

Spring Cleaning? Save Money/Help the Planet!

Yesterday was officially the first full day of spring (thank goodness-the wonderful weather should be soon to follow!) therefore many of you may be getting ready for the very necessary ‘spring cleaning’!

Spring cleaning is a great way to air out an old, dusty home that hasn’t seen fresh air since early fall; purge old items that take up space and are of not much use and do a little redecorating to add that splash of spring/summer ambiance to your home.

However, the introduction of spring is also a great time to ‘green your home’. Going green is becoming easier than ever as more companies are making it more convenient by supplying us with the necessary products and know how.

Now, I know ‘going green’ isn’t everyone’s thing. Some people still don’t get the idea - although there are many resources that explain why it is so necessary in our day to day lives. Besides, going green can benefit more than the air quality, the water value and the types of food your family consumes; it can also benefit your pockets! (I know everyone understands/relates to that).

Check out this article to see how you can save money, help the planet and boosts your personal quality of life by ‘greening your home’ for spring.

The Sweetest & Healthiest Fruit Choice

As spring approaches we are starting to see a lot more fruit choices becoming available, though it has been my observation that most of these choices don’t look too appealing. However, there has been one type of fruit that not only smells delicious (as one walks past it in the aisles) but also proves itself by tasting delicious as well; it’s Citrus Fruit. Now at its peak, citrus fruits (namely Grapefruits, Oranges & Clementines) are the juiciest and sweetest fruits on the shelves at present (and carries a pretty low price tag considering).

Other than their desirable sweet taste, citrus fruits play a bigger role (especially during this ‘transitional’ time of year). First, the smell of citrus (particularly during drab times of the year) sends ‘feel good’ waves to our brain resulting in both physical and mental well being; the therapeutic reaction to the smell of citrus fruit is just as potent as treating yourself to an aromatherapy treatment with citrus essential oils. The fragrance has been proven to lift one’s mood, energize and relieve stress. If that’s not enough reason to up your daily intake here are a few more:

-        May prevent certain diseases (with regular consumption)

-        Great source of Vitamin C & Potassium

-        Protects eyesight & Aides in digestion

-        Prime source of Antioxidants
         (known to fight harmful effects of free radicals & keep skin youthful)

-        Good source of Dietary Fiber

For more information on these wonderful fruits and their positive impact on your health & overall well being, please check out these websites:

http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2650t/x2650t03.htm

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/daily-dose-potassium

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5800837_benefits-citrus-fruits_.html

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth--Naturally (and w/ added health benefits)

I love making sweet tea, lemonade and adding a little touch of sugar to cream of rice or oatmeal; but I’m also not a huge fan of white sugar (as it’s over-processed) and sometimes I want something different from the raw brown sugar that I normally use. So, I recently came across an article on how to satisfy your sweet tooth—naturally & with added health benefits.

1.       Honey- Probably the most obvious alternative, this sweetener contains antioxidants with proven immunity boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and more recently proved-anticancer properties. “Research has show that it’s bioflavonoids block carcinogens and laboratory test have confirmed that honey can shrink tumors”-Jonny Bowden, PH.D. & author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.  Try using local raw honey. I like the Really Raw Honey brand (which can be found in Deans & Whole Foods). 

2.        Molasses- Your grandma may be more familiar with this old-fashioned sweetener, but it still holds the same perks today as it did then. Molasses is packed with Iron, Manganese & copper- three minerals that boost oxygen & naturally flushes fat & toxins from the system and therefore providing you with more energy! I like to mix a tablespoon of black strap molasses with some warm milk before bed-I think it’s better than a cup of hot coco. 

3.       Coconut Palm Sugar- This is a new one to me; this sugar tastes similar to brown sugar but is made from the nectar of the coconut palm tree.  Since it has a low glycemic index it helps to stabilize your blood sugar while improving glucose & lipid levels in people with Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes. It’s also high in both Vitamins B & C which provide you with energy & help to boost your immune system.  Coconut Palm Sugar can be found in Health food stores & is a great alternative when baking- as 1cup of regular sugar can be substituted for 1cup Coconut Palm Sugar without compromising your recipe. The Sweet Tree brand can be found at most Whole Foods.

This list is proof that just because you live a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean that taste or nutrition has to suffer. I certainly don't indulge in sweets the way I used to (before I knew better) but when I do want a little sugary-goodness, one of these options will definitely get the job done! Enjoy.

Natural Chica's 'The Big Chop Files'



*Photo Credit: Natural Chica



I recently discovered a new site by the Natural Chica herself, Nikki Mae, called ‘The Big Chop Files’.

It’s a cute site that caters directly to those who have BC’d or who are contemplating it.  It’s a great place to find out why others went natural, see their progress and to be inspired. .

If you haven’t cut it all off yet, then this is a great place to start and if you have then you can use this forum as a place to share YOUR Big Chop story. CLICK HERE to be featured & share your story!

The Importance of Fresh Air Indoors

With the cold blasts of wintery air seeming as if it'll never end, most of us have definitely been pumping up the heat in our homes lately; not to mention that the windows in most folks homes don't get opened often (if at all) during the winter. So what's the problem with that? (Well I'm glad you asked) The problem is that there is lack of fresh air being circulated throughout the home. What can one do to keep indoor air fresh without catching cold by opening windows?
You can invest in common indoor plants! (Yup, it's that simple).

Plants operate by pulling in toxins (including Carbon Dioxide) and expelling Oxygen, therefore making our air fresher, more oxygen rich and (if you get a plant with a few blossoms) can also add a pleasant yet subtle fragrance to your home.

Check out this article to learn more about which easily accessible plants you can use to freshen up your home!



Full Body Cleanse (For Better Health, Beauty & overall Well-Being)

Naturally cleansing your body is one of the most beneficial things that you can do for your overall health.

I’m not talking about those ‘crash-diet, liquid-only’ juice binges that people go on in hopes to melt off a ridiculous amount of pounds in days; I’m talking about naturally assisting your body to rid itself from harmful debris/toxins that are often left behind in the intestines & colon due to diets lacking the proper fiber and nutrients. If done properly, a natural cleanse may also benefit one’s desire to shed some weight- as studies have shown that a lot of our (Americans) health issues (i.e.: obesity, bad skin, high blood pressure & retarded hair growth) can be attributed to a sluggish digestive system as a result of a poor diet.

Executing a full body cleanse is quite simple. The idea is to minimize the workload of your digestive system while providing your body with enough energy to carry out your daily activities. A full body cleanse can be done over different amounts of time, however, we would suggest only tackling this feat for approximately 3 days (weekends probably being your best bet, especially if you work full- time).  Some may think, 3 days..that’s nothing. Well, there is some preparation that should be done prior to just jumping in to a cleanse head first.

Here, we will discuss what we believe to be the best way to jump start a new, healthier and possibly even sexier you! (And just in time for Valentine’s Day!)

*BEFORE STARTING ANY DIET OR HEALTH REGIME, ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN FIRST*

First, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality juicer. (I have the Jack LaLanne Juicer & it's great!)
The benefits of a juicer are simple-they help us to get our proper serving of fruits & veggies ,but without having to sit & eat them one by one and possibly be tempted to add unnecessary calories (and perhaps chemicals depending on what products you purchase) from condiments such as whipped cream and ranch dressing. The average adult is supposed to consume 2 ½ cups of veggies/day & 2 cups of fruit/day. This isn’t the most difficult thing to do (but I know I even struggle with it) so, having a juicer around can make being healthy a lot easier. If a juicer is not an option, then a blender will work out; plus it gives you the option to make delicious smoothies!

Second, (The Preparation): Before starting your cleanse, it’s a good idea to take about 2-3 days to curtail your intake of the following foods as they put a significant strain on your digestive system: 

Ø  Alcohol

Ø  Coffee (or any caffeinated beverages)

Ø  Salt

Ø  Sugar (and other sweeteners—especially if artificial)

Ø  All Animal foods (mainly beef, pork & other flesh meats)

The goal here is to eat light & healthy during the days leading up to and during your cleanse. Foods like, salads, whole grains, legumes & nuts are best, as they are high in fiber and should move very easily through your digestive tract. Staying well hydrated is also key, so drink all of the filtered water you want; Adding lemons, peppermint leaves or a tea bag to the water will help keep things interesting—feel free to drink it hot or cold.

Lastly (Cleanse): Over the next 3 days (or however long you choose) you will want to keep your refrigerator stocked with lots of fresh fruits & veggies, here is a small list to help get you started:

ü    Avocados	ü  Cucumbers	ü  Pears
ü  Broccoli	ü  Celery	ü  Apples
ü  Tomatoes	ü  Carrots	ü  Bananas
ü  Blueberries	ü  Strawberries	ü  Sweet Potatoe

Via a few online searches or even with just the limits of your imagination, you will be able to create exotic combinations of fruit & veggie juices/smoothies that will help keep you satisfied throughout the day. You will want to strive to have one of these drinks about every 3 hours or so and during the in between time feel free to eat light—using salads, mashed sweet potatoes and yogurt to fight off hunger. After your cleansing trial is over, you may slowly start to introduce other foods into your diet (i.e.: meats & sweetened beverages) if you so choose.

Applying these tactics once/month can do great things for your health, beauty & overall well-being.

Scented Candles Stealing Your Family's Energy?!

In a study by the University of Washington, an Environmental Engineer revealed that scented home-care products emit a variety of dangerous compounds into the air within our homes, therefore sapping the energy of us and our loved ones. Studies show that 25 popular air fresheners, candles, detergents and other home-based, scented products emit an average of 25 Chemicals—17 of which have been deemed toxic under federal laws.

Unfortunately, even the savviest shopper wouldn’t be able to spot these unhealthy products in a line-up because none of them listed the ingredients on the product labels, as these particular types of product are not required to list the ingredients (unlike personal care products & food).

Products with fragrance are hard to decipher because there’s no easy (or reliable) way to tell what is really in them. Most fragrances are a blend of chemicals, usually referred to as 'synthetic fragrances',  (most of which are never disclosed and therefore potentially harmful) & alcohol which mimic natural scents (i.e.:  Glade’s French Vanilla or Apple Cinnamon scented candles). Not to mention that when you put fire to something (i.e.: a scented candle) you are creating a chemical reaction—but that’s another post for another day.

However, this daunting information doesn’t mean that you can no longer enjoy a beautifully scented house or car; what it does mean is that you will simply have to go about it in another fashion.           

Here’s what you do: if you love the smell of an Apple Cinnamon or French Vanilla candle/spray but do not want to risk constantly inhaling unnecessary chemicals, you can try blending essential oils (which can be found online or in wholefoods).

For this example you could purchase cinnamon essential oil & along with a fruity smelling essential oil of your liking (as there is no essential oil of Apple and therefore everything Apple scented is probably constructed of a harmful mixture of chemicals that imitate the scent of real apples)—I like blood orange essential oil as it blends well with a hint of cinnamon.

You’d simply take a cotton round (or any type of un-dyed, absorbent material) and combine about 10 drops of the fruity oil w/ about 3 drops of the cinnamon (as this essential oil can have a strong scent); depending on the size of the room make several cotton rounds w/ the essential oil blend. Place the cotton rounds in window seals, near heating vents or anyplace which will allow the oil to disperse into the air better –and viola your home is now full of a beautiful scent (custom-made by you) and you know that it’s chemical-free!

The same can be done for the car-simply stick the cotton rounds under the seats or in the ashtray (if you don’t use it of course) and let the sweet smell take over. It’s that simple!

AJA Naturals Officially on Etsy!

Today we are proud to announce the official launch of AJA Naturals Bath & Body products on Etsy and the Etsy Facebook Tab that will make browsing that much easier!

Etsy is a website focused on selling handmade and vintage items/supplies to those seeking more unique and custom buys.

AJA Naturals has been working diligently to formulate all natural & organic products that focus on the complete skin care regimen of: Cleansing, Exfoliating & Moisturizing. However, we suggest switching it up a bit by Exfoliating first - to remove the top layer of dead skin cells that isn't sloughed way naturally, followed by Cleansing with an all natural, handmade bar of cold processed soap & lastly Moisturizing with one of our creamy, virgin coconut oil based body butters to better care for your skin.

So stop by and check out all the natural goodies that we have to offer-We are confident you won't be disappointed!


Blessings,

The AJA Naturals Family

Aja's Natural Story! (long over due)

I’ve been natural for about a 1 ½ years thus far and I must say, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Natural hair is beautiful, unique, captivating and (in my humble opinion) exemplifies an attempt at well being. My natural hair journey began with my health in mind.

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with large cysts in both of my breasts and as per my doctor’s suggestion I underwent surgery to have the cysts removed.

After several visits with my doctor and her being as knowledgeable as she is, I started to understand that these cysts just didn’t appear out of nowhere. There is a reason for everything, and there’s no solid evidence, but the reason behind my ailment could have possibly been the products that I was using.  It could’ve been related to my using deodorants containing Aluminum, relaxers with hydroxides or body lotions created with a load of parabens! After this realization was clear, I took action and started to closely evaluate the products in which I used (both for my hair & body).

I took baby steps at first, but once I got my momentum there was no turning back.

One proactive act lead to another until I noticed that I had changed several things in my life—going natural was a huge part of this healthy transition. For me, going natural was a no brainer. My health had been affected, my hair was lifeless and my skin was so bad that it would take a whole ‘nother blog posting for me to share those details. However, going natural is more than just an aesthetic decision; I like to think of it as a way of life. 

This new found interest in my health turned on my creative side and I’ve been making my own products ever since! I create lotions, soaps and other bath & body treats to keep me and my family with the products we need, while only putting high quality, organic and natural elements into them to ensure that we are treating our bodies with respect –just as a temple should be treated.

Suggestions from two very supportive friends lead to the launch of my all natural, handmade product line:  AJA Naturals. This line is about activating an interest in one's health, providing all natural products made from the best of 'What Nature Provides' and promoting the importance of living 'green'.

So far, it’s been an interesting ride; We've done several summer festivals on the Jersey Shore and we now have an AJA Naturals Etsy page,  where our all natural goodies can be purchased all year round. We are still growing, and have a lot more to do, but I'm looking forward to every aspect of it!



Logo created by DionEli Designs

 I encourage everyone to take a personal inventory. Pay close attention to yourself, ask questions: Have you been feeling ill lately? Has a headache been lasting unusually long? Is your skin suddenly breaking out? Once questions like these are honestly answered, it is essential to take a look into the products that you use/ the foods that you eat to see if any changes have been made to the ingredients or perhaps you’re just using more of the product that already contained harsh ingredients therefore worsening a condition that may have been lying dormant.
My words are not meant to scare you nor are they to persuade you into thinking how I do;
I am simply speaking from experience and out of concern.

Do what is in your best interest. Most importantly be happy, healthy and feel comfortable in your own skin; I know I finally do and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Blessings,

~Aja





Happy 2011!!!

The New Year is finally here & many resolutions have been made.

However try to keep this in mind as you make your promises for the New Year:



Neither a New Year, New Location, or New People bring better things; Only change  can bring forth better outcomes. When we change our lifestyles, our habits, our thoughts and our actions, this is when new & better things come to light. It could be the year 2020, but if we still live, think & act the way we did in 2010 then nothing will be better.

This is not my opinion, this is simply a rule of life that I’ve learned & am trying to embrace.

With that said, Happy New Year to Everyone!!!
I wish us all the courage and desire to make necessary changes towards the betterment of our lives!

Blessings,

~Aja