Saving Face

     First, I have to say that I am SO EXCITED to have followers already!  There may just be 5 of you, but it's a dedicated 5 of you, and what can I say, I'M EXCITED.  In determining what to share with you today, I think it's only fair to start with the face.  That is of course how this whole thing got started.  One super star friend pays me a compliment about how good my face looks (that'll make any girl's day), and I'm off!  I'm not sure if that means that I'm extremely vain or not, but it definitely gave me the impetus to start writing about something that I am extremely passionate about.

     Everybody wants to have a pretty face.  The beauty industry pushes and promises that with their products years will be taken off your face, and that they have the secrets to a smooth, clear complexion.  What they don't tell you is that the chemicals in their products do more harm than good.  The long-term effects of those chemicals can be so severe no matter how enticing the "quick fix" is.  I don't care how young and beautiful they can make me look, I'm not buying it.  As I began seeking out clean alternatives, I came across a secrent little agent in a little orange box.  Yes, I'm talking about the little orange box that sits in your refrigerator and deoderizes everything.  The little orange box with the manly looking arm and hammer.  Baking soda.  Baking soda is made from a naturally ocurring mineral called soda ash.  It is a great neutralizer, mild exfoliator, and gentle cleanser.  It is apprently used at the end of many facial treatments to balance the pH of the skin.  In addition to all that, it is super cheap and can easily be found at any grocery store.

     I bought a box to keep in my bathroom and let the baking soda do its thing.  Twice a day I pour a little baking soda into my hand and mix it with water until it has a paste-like consistency.  I massage it all over my face and neck and voila, beautiful skin!  Any blemishes I had disappeared almost instantly when I started using baking soda.  And let's be honest, I still get the occasional break-out (I'm sure the harsh Houston climate is to blame), but nothing cleans and balances my face like baking soda.  It's also great to use on your back and chest if you have any problem areas there.  Baking soda has a multitude of uses, which I'll save for another day, but I'm especially happy with how effective it has been on my face.  It gently exfoliates without drying out my skin, and what really makes my husband  me happy is that it is so inexpensive!

     This summer we have been travelling a lot and I have constantly been experimenting with the best travel-friendly container.  So far I have found a little plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid works best.  How do you travel with your new favorite face wash?