How To Make Nice Soaps and Face Wash Last Longer

Sometimes making your own everything just isn't for everyone, and that's o.k.!  You can still have really high quality, non-toxic products for a fraction of retail price.  You can, for instance, take a high quality, glycerin based hand soap and fill up a foaming soap pump 1/4 of the way, then fill up with water.  This creates a foam soap and you get 4x the amount hand washes out of the same bottle!  And, if you have small kids that sometimes dump the soap container, this is definitely the way to go!

My favorite cheat is to do the same trick for Young Living's Orange Blossom Face Wash!  I was recently shown that you can do this to stretch out your face wash and still get the quality and benefits that this scrumptious product has to offer.  Just check out the list of ingredients:

Deionized water, methylsulfonymethane (MSM), Ningxia wolfberry (lycium barbarum) seed oil, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)†, patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)†, lemon (Citrus limon)†, rosemary verbenon (Rosmarinus officinalis CT verbenon)†, decyl polyglucose, mixed fruit acid complex, hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, calendula extract, chamomile extract, rosebud extract, orange blossom extract, St. John's wort extract, algae, aloe vera gel, kelp extract, Ginkgo biloba extract, grape seed extract, and dimethyl lauramine oleate.

Because I didn't know anything about MSM, I decided to look it up here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-522-msm%20%28methylsulfonylmethane%29.aspx?activeingredientid=522&activeingredientname=msm%20%28methylsulfonylmethane%29

MSM is really pretty amazing stuff!  Young Living is claiming that it promotes healthier skin and a clearer complexion.  Based on what I'm reading, I would say that is probably accurate.  This is a face wash that you can feel really great about using on your skin, and it becomes quite affordable if you put it into a foaming pump.

To sign up for Young Living and enjoy the amazing wellness benefits it offers your family, click here:  https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1709484&enrollerid=1709484

Failure To Thrive - Thoughts on Thrive by Le-Vel, Premium Lifestyle Company.

Recently I had the privilege of having a new multi-level marketing product promoted to me.  It is an all natural energy and nutritional supplement called Thrive.  The company is Le-Vel.  I was specifically looking at Thrive W, a supplement designed for women.  Also, I was checking out their DFT patch and beverage.  Here is what the company has to say about Thrive W:

THRIVE W - Premium Lifestyle Capsule

• Weight Management • Cognitive Performance • Joint Support • Pain Management • Anti-Aging & Antioxidant Blend • Lean Muscle Support • Digestive & Immune Support

THRIVE W is a premium formula and a premium approach to your daily lifestyle. From years of experience, science, and perfecting, THRIVE W is the only premium lifestyle capsule of its kind. THRIVE W is about reaching for more and achieving more with your daily routine. Formulated for every woman who's thriving for the ultimate daily lifestyle. Our all natural, premium naturopathic formula of Vitamins, Minerals, Plant Extracts, Anti-Oxidants, Enzymes, Pro-Biotics, and Amino Acids is the first and only Ultra Premium Formula ever developed. Live more, be more, experience more, THRIVE for more with THRIVE W.

Sounds AWESOME!  I mean, who wouldn't want to take this stuff, right?  So, I checked out the product details:http://cloudoffice.le-vel.com/Content/Downloads/Documents/THRV001W.pdf
I'm not here to argue about the probiotics and vitamin content.  However, I am deeply concerned about the sheer number of stimulants contained in this product along with the White Willow Bark extract.

Let's start with White Willow Bark Extract.  First of all, I am a BREASTFEEDING mother.  White Willow Bark interacts with other medicine in the same way that ASPIRIN does.  Therefore, people already taking aspirin or blood thinners should not take this stuff.  Also, it can pass through into your breastmilk and you can give it to your baby this way.  Aspirin and white willow bark can cause Reye's Syndrome and should not be taken if you are under 16 years of age.  http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/willow-bark

Green Coffee Bean - Not going to take an issue with that one.  Even my kids pediatrician told me that coffee has been well studied and to try to limit my coffee intake while nursing, but that having too much sometimes isn't going to hurt anything.  Not sure I would choose to take an extract vs. just drinking an old fashioned cup of joe, but not here to argue it either.  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1264-green%20coffee.aspx?activeingredientid=1264&activeingredientname=green%20coffee

Theobromine - Similar effects as caffeine.  Diuretic effects.  Found naturally in lovely food items such as chocolate.  So, go eat a chocolate bar!  The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.  It is a stimulant.  In and of itself, I don't think this is a problem, but when part of a stimulant cocktail in unknown quantities, I have an issue with it.  http://www.food-info.net/uk/qa/qa-fp50.htm

Synephrine - Also a stimulant (noticing a trend here?).  Synephrine is a fad in ephedra-free weight loss products.  However, it does have similar effects including increasing blood pressure and possible cardiac problems.  http://www.webmd.com/diet/20040830/diet-dangers-ephedra-substitute-risky  People with cardiac disease, taking blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, etc...  should NOT take Synephrine!

I see the warning that this products contains shellfish.  What about the White Willow Bark that can cause Reye's Syndrome?  Nope, not a warning!  What about not taking while on blood thinners, aspirin, with high blood pressure, or cardiac disease?  Nope, no warning there either.  How about at LEAST stating to consult a physician if pregnant or breastfeeding.  Not a word!  WOW!  This screams irresponsible.  I spoke with my children's pediatrician this morning about Thrive.  I asked about taking it while breastfeeding my infant and started listing the White Willow Bark and stimulant content.  By the time I listed the second item, the pediatrician was already shaking his head back and forth with pursed lips.  He said that he absolutely would NOT want me to take this while breastfeeding and the thought is scary to him.

Let's now move on to the Thrive Mix "Ultra Premium at it's Finest"

THRIVE- Premium Lifestyle Mix

• Ultra Micronized • Nutrient Mineral Dense Formula • Probiotic & Enzyme Blend • Antioxidant & Extract Blend • Lean Muscle Support • Weight Management or Fitness • Gluten Free

THRIVE Mix is the finishing touch to the only Ultra Premium Product Line available — THRIVE. This ultra micronized mix was perfectly designed to complement our THRIVE Lifestyle Capsules. Our blend of Vitamins, Minerals, Plant Extracts, Anti-Oxidants, Enzymes, Pro-Biotics, and Amino Acids is the first and only Ultra Premium Mix ever developed. THRIVE Mix combined daily with the THRIVE Capsules, completes a premium lifestyle, and a premium you. If the saying "not all shakes are created equal" holds true, then our ultra micronized : Premium Lifestyle Mix, is in a category all by itself. Live more, be more, experience more, THRIVE for more with THRIVE Mix.

Garcinia Fruit - This product seems to have quite a lot of this in it.  Given that it is the first ingredient listed in the proprietary blend, it is the ingredients of highest quantity.  Seems like the jury is still out on whether or not this stuff even works!  One study for sure did show that in high quantities it does cause testicles to shrivel.  Mmmmmmm......  Now, I'm not even a man so I don't have testicles.  Sure makes me think about whether I would want to take it at all though!  http://www.livescience.com/39488-the-truth-about-garcinia-cambogia.html

Caffeine - Yep, a stimulant.  Pure, natural caffeine.  Awesome.  May I please have a cup of coffee?  At least I know that if my toddler drinks my Starbucks latte that his testicles won't shrivel!  

Once again, I am very nervous about this product.  I don't how safe this stuff is and there isn't a whole lot of info provided by the company about it.  Sorry, Thrive, I'm not buying it.

Let's move onto the Thrive DFT Patch 

THRIVE Premium Lifestyle DFT™

• Weight Management • Mental Clarity • Appetite Control • Derma Fusion Technology • Metabolic Support • All Natural Time Release

THRIVE Premium Lifestyle DFT™ is a technology driven breakthrough in Health, Wellness, and Weight Management. Le-Vel's patent pending DFT™ (Derma Fusion Technology™) delivery system is a category creator, and the first of its kind. Our all natural formula, combined with our DFT™ delivery system, infuses the derma (skin) with a NEW THRIVE Lifestyle Formula, diff erent than the Capsule & Shake formula. The result is a time released delivery, and absorption rate, greatly superior to that of any consumable product. The DFT™ formula rockets the metabolic rate, promoting clean, healthy weight management, without aiding in muscle breakdown or deterioration, like a majority of weight loss products available. Individuals using the THRIVE Premium DFT™, in conjunction with THRIVE Premium Lifestyle Capsule™, THRIVE Premium Lifestyle Shake Mix™, and the THRIVE 8 Week Experience™, will experience ultra premium results, unrivaled in regards to Nutrition, Weight Management, and Fitness.

This is a transdermal patch that still patent pending.  Thus, we don't even get a breakdown of ingredients or how many mg are in this proprietary blend!  I really don't care to be a guinea pig for the company while it is still working on patents!  THIS SCARES ME!!!!  What if I had a complication and went to the hospital.  I couldn't even truly say what the heck is circulating in my system!  http://cloudoffice.le-vel.com/Content/Downloads/Documents/THRV003.pdf

Forslean - I had never heard of this.  Supposedly it can help lower blood pressure (are they trying to correct a problem that their other products are causing???), but can have side effects such as headache and irregular heartbeat.  YES, sign me up, please!  Oh, and if you have acid reflux, this product is contraindicated because it INCREASES STOMACH ACID.  If you have reflux this is a problem!  http://www.livestrong.com/article/494202-the-side-effects-of-forslean-coleus-forskohlii/

Green Coffee Extract - Already covered that.  What is fascinating is that I was told by the rep that the DFT patch contains no caffeine.  Wonder what they did to this Green Coffee Extract, which by it's very nature contains caffeine.  Anyhow, moving on....

Garcinia - Already covered that too.  I guess if you didn't get enough from the mix, you may also want to add the patch!

White Willow Bark - REYE'S SYNDROME!!!!!  ASPRIN!  Sorry, this is so important that I have to say it one more time.  How much is in there?  We don't really know.  Would you take an unlabeled amount of aspirin?  How about Advil?  How about Tylonal?  How about ANY MEDICATION?  I sure hope not!

Cosmoperine - Listing this because I had never heard of it.  It increases skin permeability to enhance the effects of the patch.  You can learn more about it here.  Seems quite effective.  http://www.sabinsa.com/products/cosmeceuticals/cosmoperine/

Once again, here is a product with unlabeled quantities of ingredients that Le-Vel reps are actively pitching to breasfeeding women.  

So, there you have it.  Here is 1,2,3 approach marketed by Le-Vel reps.  Take the capsule on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.  20 minutes later take the Thrive Mix.  Then apply the patch.  Do this every 24 hours and you will be full of awesomeness and be super premium!  And, it's all natural!!!!  

Perfect!  Wanna know what is also natural?  Marijuana, cocaine, nicotine....   In fact, I can think of many all natural, plant based products that I would choose to never consume.  That statement can be amplified times 1000 when I am pregnant or breastfeeding!  Today I had a heart to heart with my kids' pediatrician about Thrive.  He flat out told to me NOT TO TAKE THIS WHILE BREASTFEEDING.  This is after the Le-Vel rep told me how many doctors and naturopaths are recommending and supporting the Thrive product line.  I have been searching and searching to find physician recommendations in writing regarding this product.  I can't find any!  What I do know is that my children's doctor, a bonified M.D. who I trust with my kids' lives told me NOT TO TAKE IT, especially while breastfeeding.  

I write this post out of concern.  Le-Vel did an impressive marketing job for a premium lifestyle.  Come on?  Who wouldn't want this?  They have generous MLM compensation and the promoters earn free product for themselves.  Please, please use caution.  Do your research and TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!!!  As for me, I suppose I can be labeled as Failure To Thrive, because there is no way in Hell that I will ever consume this stuff.

P.S.  I tried to contact the company by phone today to discuss this product line being marketed to breastfeeding women by "promoters".  Apparently the phone number listed is a fax number.  At least that is my guess.  At any rate, it doesn't work.

Contact Us

Le-Vel Brands, LLC
9201 Warren Pkwy Suite 200
Frisco, Texas 75035

If you have an account with Le-Vel, please use the Contact Support feature within your Customer Account or the Promoter Cloud Office.

Otherwise, please contact us at:
Support@Le-Vel.com
866-523-6639

A Le-Vel promoter contacted me after I posted on the Le-vel facebook page regarding the non-working number and products being marketed to breastfeeding women by promoters:

Hi Krista, To talk with support you need to do it through a Le-Vel account which is free and you wont get crazy spam or anything. They will be happy to hear what you have to say. If there are any promoters marketing to breast feeding mothers they need to know. my web address where you can enroll is xxxxxxxxxxx

That's some crazy awesome way to get new accounts under you! The only way you can call the company to address a concern is get an account under a promoter? Holy smokes!!!!

Next, this promoter says: "It is a cloud based company. If Le-Vel had offices and had to hire people to answer phones they couldn't charge what they charge for the product ."

So, there are no offices. This is all an on-line company folks. There is nobody in an office to address our concerns. This company gets scarier by the minute!

Therapeutic Play Dough

I was super excited to come across a recipe for Sick Day Play Dough.  However, I played with the recipe and directions a bit and made it my own.  Here's the super exciting part:  You can customize this recipe to fit whatever need your children (or you) may have!  Consider this, you could make Stress Away play dough for those really hairy days when your kids just need to calm down (or when Mama needs a stress ball to squeeze), Peace and Calming play dough, etc....  This is a super easy, FUN way to get oils absorbed into your children.  I only endorse Young Living therapeutic grade oils, especially for use with children.  You can double or triple this recipe, then divide out and make play dough for multiple types of use.

2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
2 Tablespoons cream of tarter
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
2 cups water
Drops of essential oil until very fragrant
*optional to add some food dye.  My kids didn't want "boring play dough"

Combine all ingredients except for essential oil in a saucepan.  Heat on medium heat while stirring until it is the consistency of play dough.  I found that using an electric mixer was the easiest way to do this and keep the consistency nice and smooth.

Immune boosting play dough - Thieves oil and orange oil (my kids much prefer the scent if I add orange oil to cut the spicy scent of thieves).

Stress-relief play dough - Add Stress Away oil

Relaxing play dough - Add Peace and Calming or Lavender oil

Uplifting play dough - Add Joy oil.  It eases tension and uplifts the spirit.  Great for crabby days.

Focus play dough - Lavender, vetiver, and cedarwood (I think I would add some lemon to this to brighten the scent).


There you have it.  I hope you have as much fun with this as I am having!

To purchase your own amazing value Premium Starter Kit (over $300 worth in product) for $150 (also, I have one $20 off voucher for some lucky person, just contact me), click here:  https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1709484&enrollerid=1709484

Foaming Face Wash

Foaming face wash is super easy to make and really fun to use.  I order my foaming container off of abundanthealthforyou.  http://www.abundanthealth4u.com/8_oz_Clear_Plastic_Foamer_Bottle_p/9249.htm15

1/3 cup liquid castile soap
1tsp sweet almond oil
15 drops essential oil
Foaming pump container
Distilled water

Pour liquid castile soap into foaming pump container, add almond oil (*add more or less depending on your skin type), add essential oil.  Stir.  Fill contain to an inch from the top with distilled water and stir.

For oily/acne prone skin try
*5 drops melaleuca (tea tree) oil
*5 drops lavender oil
*5 drops frankincense oil (because everyone needs this one)

For aging skin try
*5 drops frankincense
*7 drops sandalwood
*3 drops geranium

For all skin types try
*10 drops orange
*5 drops frankincense
(because it smells good)

For all skin types try
*5 drops lavender
*5 drops peppermint
*5 drops frankincense

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Liquid Laundry Soap

This isn't really an "oily" recipe, but it can be if you want it to be!  One of my most requested recipes is my liquid laundry soap.  I love this because it is so easy to tailor to your family's needs.  Basic recipe is as follows:

1 bar of fels naptha or castile bar soap grated
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
5 gallon bucket with lid

Fill stockpot with appx 12 cups of hot water.  Add grated soap.  cook on low-med heat until fully melted.  Add borax and washing soda, stir.  heat until fully dissolved (takes a while.  I typically do other chores while it dissolves.  Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't start boiling because it can boil over.  Wanna know how I know?).

While the borax and soda are dissolving, put a few inches of water in the bottom of your 5 gallon bucket.  Pour hot soap mixture into the bucket and stir.  Finish filling the bucket up with water, stir.  Let cool overnight.  Now you have laundry soap!


Items I like to add because I have young children and need super powered detergent.  Adding these things makes this laundry soap remove stains better than any store bought detergent I have EVER used.

1 cup liquid dish soap (fights grease stains)
1 cup white vinegar (neutralizes odor and has cleaning power as well)
1 refill sized container of spray n wash max stain remover
Add all these ingredients to the bottom of your bucket when you put some water in.

A friend of mine likes to add a cheap container of store bought detergent as it improves the consistency some.  Sometimes this laundry soap can be a little lumpy, but it works all the same.

Anyhow, when you find your perfect mix, you simply measure it out like regular, liquid laundry soap.  Appx 1/2 cup per load of laundry.  On super dirty loads (because I have young children), I add extra.

https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1709484&enrollerid=1709484

Moisturizing Shampoo

O.K., so while my first shampoo post works great for my husband, my hair needs more moisture than that.  I don't want to put straight coconut oil in my hair though because then it feels greasy.  So, I came up with my own cleansing conditioner that I really enjoy.

3/4 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
10 drops Rosemary oil
3   drops Peppermint oil

When the coconut oil sets, it ends up being a creamier texture.  The oil moisturizes and the castile soap cleanses.  I put it in an empty facewash container that has a pump.

****Note, after using this for a while, it works well for MY hair, but has a little too much coconut oil for my husband's hair.  Adjust the ratio as needed.  Also, the heat of the shower tends to make it thinner than I would prefer and I need to shake before dispensing.  Working to correct this problem...

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Why February is a GREAT month to join Young Living!

Folks, this is it!  Young Living is breaking the mold.  They ran out of the Home Diffuser that is typically included in the premium starter kit, so for a limited time they are upgrading!  The cost is on them, not on you though.  So, for $150 you get the Premium Starter Kit with the Dew Drop diffuser (humidifier and diffuser all in one).  This is an incredible value because the Dew Drop diffuser alone retails for $154.

That's not all!  Starting February 1, Young Living started a new O.I.L program that piggy backs on their Essential rewards program (where you buy a minimum of $50 of product a month on autoship which earns you points back for FREE PRODUCT.  You can change your processing date and items ordered each and every month if you would like).  The O.I.L. program gives you the opportunity to earn more points faster.  It's pretty great!  

Still not all!  The February promotion rocks!  You should see what all you can get for absolutely free with your essential rewards order.  Young Living treats their members very well.  I have yet to find a more rewarding, honest company to work with.  

Please consider making Young Living a part of your 2015!  Here is an easy sign up link with my information pre-filled to make it easy for you to join.  

https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1709484&enrollerid=1709484