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Random Qs: blogs, books, skin care, etc.
I'm usually a lurker, but I have several questions and I figured I'd just lump them all together so I don't take up space!
1) Do you have any favorite books, blogs, or message boards that emphasize natural or simplistic lifestyles? We already know a decent amoutn about the topic, but it's always good to find new inspiration.
2) I have very itchy/sensitive skin (have for a long time), and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for body wash/soap that might help. Currently, I'm using dove on my underarms, behind, and feetsies... I don't use anything my arms/legs because it's uncomfortable (is that gross? oh well). I've tried Dr. Bronner's... didn't help 
3) We use Method free&clear laundry detergent, to eliminate detergent as an irritant. Do you have any recommendations for dryer sheets?
4) I just started going 'no-poo', waiting to see how it will work out! Does anyone use anything in the rinse to make your hair smell nice?
And on a side note, thank you all for introducing me to diva cups last year... love mine!
Re: Random Qs: blogs, books, skin care, etc.
- I don't have any recs.
2) I have very itchy/sensitive skin (have for a long time), and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for body wash/soap that might help. Currently, I'm using dove on my underarms, behind, and feetsies... I don't use anything my arms/legs because it's uncomfortable (is that gross? oh well). I've tried Dr. Bronner's... didn't help
- Dr. B's could be good in terms of allergies, but in my experience it's pretty drying.
- If you are open to it, consider a goat milk-based soap, which can be moisturizing w/o chemicals. As long as you use soap on germy areas i would think that rinsing well with water would be enough most of the time.
- Do you drink enough water? That can help with dryness.
3) We use Method free&clear laundry detergent, to eliminate detergent as an irritant. Do you have any recommendations for dryer sheets?
- I don't use dryer sheets. I don't prefer the smell or the waste.
- To prevent static i either air dry synthetics, or pull them out before they are totally dry
- If i want the items i'm drying to have some fragrance to them i put a few drops of essential oil on one of the towels i keep in there (speeds drying) with the load.
4) I just started going 'no-poo', waiting to see how it will work out! Does anyone use anything in the rinse to make your hair smell nice?
- n/a I use shampoo and conditioner a couple times a week.
And on a side note, thank you all for introducing me to diva cups last year... love mine!
- Me, too!
Best sound ever: baby's heartbeat! (Heard @ 10w1d)
Hello!
1) Books--there are so many!! I read a lot of books that reveal the beauty in living more naturally/simplistically without having that be the point of the book...does that make sense?? "The Dirty Life" by Kristin Kimball is a great tale of a travel-writing-New Yorker gone cow-milking-pig-wrangling-farm filly. Also, "A Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold is one of my favorite's--basically his musings on why living in community with the natural world is so important. As for blogs, I usually just Google a topic and hope to find some good info!
2) I have very sensitive/itchy skin, too! I use St. Ive's for my face every once in a while, but I actually steer clear of soaps as often as I can, especially in the winter. An oil+sugar scrub keeps my skin from getting too dry, but allows me stay clean, too, haha. I also drink a TON of water--half my weight in ounces of water every day. It does wonders.
3) I try to avoid dryer sheets as often as possible, too. I air dry the majority of our clothes, and I spray them with this Earth Friendly Products spray starch: http://www.ecos.com/spray.html.
4) Adding any kind of citrus oil/peel/zest to water helps make your hair smell fresh.
Thanks for the tip on the Diva Cup!