I’ve been having an allergic reaction on my face for months. My face would get red blotches that felt like a sunburn, my eyes would get puffy and my face and neck would itch like crazy and burn when I scratched. Then my skin got dry and flaky. I never once attributed it to my make up because I was using mineral make up and that’s supposed to be the purest make up to use. It doesn’t even expire. I had been using the mineral make up for years with no problems so of course I didn’t even think of it.
I kept thinking I was having a food allergy. At first I thought perhaps it was from red wine because it happened after I had drank wine one night. So I cut out wine. Then I thought perhaps it was the tomato juice or the beer I would drink on Saturday nights because every Sunday morning I would wake up to the itching, puffy face. I was taking benadryl every day to ward off the allergy. By Tuesday my face would begin to stop itching but it would be dry and flaky all week. So much so that I didn’t wear make up at all during the week and only wore it on Saturday nights when we went out to the local VFW for karaoke.
The break outs occurred after an event, the event meant I was wearing makeup. This week I decided I was going to go with out make up all week and that I wouldn’t even wear it on Saturday night just to see if it was my make up that I was allergic to. So then I did an internet search to see if mineral make up caused any allergic reactions. And viola! There is was! There were forums about it! How could I have missed this for so long?!?
Most Mineral make up contains Bismuth Oxychloridein. Is Mineral Make Up Causing My Skin To Ich also listed other ingredients that can irritate skin. Not all mineral make up has bismuth oxychlordein so you can find brands that won’t irritate your skin. The Mineral Make Up Blog has some great information about different brands. From everything I have read, Aromaleigh is said to be one of the best. I don’t know for sure because I have not tried it. Aromaleigh does not contain bismuth oxychloridein.
I also read that make up brushes can cause skin irritation. You can wash your brushes using shampoo. I did this yesterday and all of my brushes look like new. I normally do wash them but you do need to do this at least every two weeks. How to wash make up brushes explains the details.
So now I know what has been causing my skin irritation. I’m throwing out all of my mineral make up and starting over. I just bought new mascara a couple weeks ago and I have under eye stuff so what I’ll need is some foundation, blush and an eye shadow set. I’m not going mineral just yet. Instead, I’m opting for Physicians Forumla. It’s supposed to be less hypoallergenic, yet according to this article, Are “Hypoallergenic” Cosmetics Really Better?, you can’t even trust what advertising says about a product, you have to look at the ingredients. I’m just going with the Physicians Forumala make up right now because it is inexpensive and I’ve used it before with no problems. I may eventually venture back into using some mineral make up. I want to try the Aromaleigh at some point. But when you have to throw our all of your make up and start over, it can be pricey.
Note: I’m adding this to my post. I had been using Bella Pierre Mineral makeup and I found out that it does not contain the bizmuth oxychloridein. In fact most of what I found on the web regarding Bella Pierre was positive. It is one of the purest mineral make ups out there. So then I was even more puzzled! I kept searching and found out that there is another ingredient that can cause skin irritation. Carmine. It does contain Carmine. Which I must be allergic to. I am so sad to have to part with my mineral make up, not only is it expensive but I really loved the way it looked. Ever since I stopped using it and started using the Physician’s Formula make up, my face stopped itching and getting hives. So I am pretty sure it was something in the mineral make that was causing it.
* Carmine
In spite of that carmine has been approved by the FDA as safe to use in color cosmetics it is not recommended for people with sensitive skin. Carmine is a dark red pigment made of the crushed shells of cochineal beetles which are dried, ground and added to the cosmetic base. It has been stated that severe allergic reactions can develop.
Mineral make up can help you create radiant, glowing skin. To prevent the development of allergy to mineral make up you need to look through the ingredient list before buying the cosmetics.
Every month my friends and I get together for what we call our “New Moon Goddesses Night.” It doesn’t necessarily occur at the new moon but close. Usually on a Sunday night. We always have a theme and everyone brings a dish to share. We take turns hosting. Last Sunday we made organic cleaners that work a lot like soft scrub. This one is non-toxic and organic. I’ve been using mine and I love it! I cleaned the whole bathroom, including the toilet with it yesterday. Plus I used it on my stove and kitchen counters and it works great. Smells so fresh and clean and it feels good on my hands too.
We each made our own and Adelle (our host) gave us the recipe to take home. Here’s what’s in it:
Put all ingredients in a bowl and use a spatula to stir. It will become creamy and foamy when mixed together. Use a funnel to place into a bottle. We used empty mustard bottles (see photo above) This recipe will fill one bottle. Shake it up before using.
You will need to rinse if off after using just like soap. Caution, it may cause you to go on a cleaning spree. =)
This entry deals with dream interpretation. I want to explore more.
I had a very vivid yet strange dream that I want to write down before I forget it. It puzzled me so much and I could not stop thinking about what it meant. If felt too real, it has been two days since and I am still wondering if it had any significance to my life.
I was in my living room at our old townhouse. It was morning and the sun was shining. Then all of a sudden darkness came over the sky and I opened my front door and looked up and saw that the night sky was filled with bright clear stars. The starry sky twinkled so beautifully that I stood there awestruck. Then I began to see tiny white birds coming from the sky. They looked like white doves but when they started getting closer I noticed that they were not doves but rams. Large white rams with wings. I knew they were rams by the horns. The horns were kind of pinkish orange in color and very pastel against the white of their bodies and large wings that spanned about 5 feet.
The rams began landing all over the ground. I felt a slight fear and noticed that people who had been outside were also becoming alarmed at this unusual event. Then this man walked up to my door and let himself in. He was handsome with dark hair and gorgeous eyes. He was very familiar but I didn’t know who he was or how I knew him. He walked pass me and sat down on my sofa. His name was Daniel. I was still standing in my door looking at him, wondering what he was doing here. I felt strangely and strongly attracted to him and also there was something mysterious and fearful about his presence. I don’t remember if he told me his name or not. But I knew it was Daniel, though how I knew him or what his purpose was, I did not know. I watched him for a moment wondering if he was friend or foe. Why was he here? What did he want?
He sat there watching me for a moment, then he sort of smiled, and just as I was about to find out more…. I heard my name being called and I was woken from my dream by my husband who had come to wake me up. Damn! Now, I keep wondering what this dream meant.
I want to do some research and see what I can come up with so I’ll probably come back and write some more later if I find out anything on the internet about such things. Just don’t want to forget the details. Are there angels named Daniel? What do flying rams mean? This wasn’t like any dream I’ve had. It haunts me. As wierd as this sounds, it feels like some kind of sign. I’m curious.
Beautiful and absolutely amazing! 4 different people working on the same digital canvas at the same time. This is something to sit back, relax and take in. Very enjoyable.
I watched Michael Jackson’s memorial service and there were some touching moments. I did cry and by the time it was done I had soaked more than a couple of tissues. Brooke Shields’ speech was the best. I think she probably did know him better than most. Her story about them sneaking into Elizabeth Taylor’s room to see her wedding gown and finding Elizabeth asleep was the best.
Magic Johnson’s story about Michael ordering KFC for dinner and how amazed he was that MJ ate food like the rest of America was funny too. It seemed that to most of us Michael Jackson was placed upon a pedestal far beyond our reach of what is “normal”. He became the illusion of non-reality and in a way Michael himself began to see the man in the mirror, himself; as something beyond what actually existed. His major talent, his magnificence, dehumanized him. He said himself, he was Peter Pan.
Unable to move among us in public without being mobbed, he had to be surrounded by handlers and body guards. Incapable of simple acts such as going to the grocery store, he had to pay people to get the things he needed. He became surrounded by people who did anything he wished. I think this was his demise. Nobody said “NO” to him.
During the service it was mentioned several times how God took Michael to heaven. It’s not as if Michael were struck down by an accident or some serious illness. He died because he had an addiction and there were so many who were willing to say “YES” to him when he wanted something that would ultimately kill him and take him too soon away from his children. I feel so sorry for his kids. I hope they have someone they love to look out for them.
How many times in our own lives has someone close to us told us something we didn’t want to hear but needed to hear? Probably more times than we care to count, eh? All of us have been told “NO” and we usually found later that things turned out better because of it. Perhaps we didn’t wear that hideous outfit in public because our friend was kind enough to tell us it wasn’t flattering. There are many examples I can think of, the clothing one just comes to mind but there are more serious matters when having someone who CARES enough to look out for our best interest is important for our well being. Like the Emperor with no clothes, Michael Jackson lived his life among servile individuals. Nobody was looking out for HIS well being. Only for themselves. $$$
Michael Jackson might have made his huge comeback and been around to enjoy watching his children grow up if only someone had told him “NO.” I realize that there were many people standing in the wings ready willing and able to give him anything he wanted. They gave and gave as they dug his grave. So truly sad…
I will miss Michael Jackson. I grew up with his music from the beginning of his career. I can remember walking into music class in the 4th grade and hearing the Jackson Five’s song…. “Oh baby give me one more chance….to tell you I love you” resonating from the am radio. I remember when MTV first came out and Michael’s music videos were bigger than life productions. For decades his music has played in the background of my life. He was only a couple of years older than me so I am also reminded of my own mortality. He touched many lives and as the King of Pop, his music will go on and he will be memorialized beyond the man he was just as his real life was bigger than even he himself could live up to. Fame has a big price.
Sam Harris gave a thoughtful analogy of why he felt Micheal Jackson lived as he did. It’s well worth the 13 minute video.
I bought some fresh blue berries but I was afraid they might go bad before I had a chance to eat all of them so I decided to try a recipe I found for scones. It was really easy to make and they came out delicious!
Here’s the recipe:
Blueberry Scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
1 cup heavy cream (I didn’t have heavy cream so I substituted half & half)
1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Sift together the dry ingredients; the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with the flour. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough. Fold the blueberries into the batter. Take care not to mash or bruise the blueberries because their strong color will bleed into the dough.
Press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 3 by 1 1/4 inches. Cut the rectangle in 1/2 then cut the pieces in 1/2 again, giving you 4 (3-inch) squares. Cut the squares in 1/2 on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until beautiful and brown.
After you take them out of the oven sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
My friend, Heike’s two beautiful children participated in this and she posted this on her facebook page. I was very moved by this. Not only because it represents the United Way but because it is home for me. This is where I live and people I know are in it. And it’s a big deal! For me, it is. It truly touched my heart. I’m a softy and tear up easily, so bare with me. =)
On Saturday, June 20th, more than 70 dancers took part in United Way California Capital Region’s Flash Mob at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento. Dancing in public? That’s how we LIVE UNITED!
If I had known about this earlier I might have been there to see it in person. I have seen little videos popping up all over the place similar to this. Maybe they are doing this in your area and you can look into ways that you can participate. I bet this was an awesome experience for everyone who put this together.
I know about it now, and I am passing the information along this internet highway. Check out their website, see what you can do in your community and keep it going. You can find out more about the United Movement by visiting their website.
Father’s day was uneventful. All of this month I was composing a letter in my mind of what I would like to say to the man who is the other half to my creation, to explain and to rationalize my feelings about this dysfunctional relationship. I do appreciate the few times he has done something nice for me, however, for the most part, I have always been last on his list of priorities. Never good enough, undeserving and a great deal of emotional abuse that I don’t need to remember because this year has been more of a healing year for me to get over much of the damage to my self esteem. I cringe at the memories of mean things he has said. So I don’t want to even go there especially today. I’m here now and HERE is a better place where I feel human again. So instead of writing that letter or wasting my energy trying to make myself heard and understood, (which is impossible) I thought of today as sort of an independence day. My day to stand strong, to be okay with who I am and not to have to worry about whether I made him happy.
My father wasn’t there for me when I was growing up and I romanticized the ideal of having a “dad.” Not a dime of child support was paid when I was a child. When he came back into my life he made so many promises. Promises he never kept because someway, somehow I messed up. I thought, “I must be a bad person.” There isn’t a soul in my life who thinks of me as anything but a loving, caring, sweet person. Out of my need to have a father’s love, I gave him every chance I could and got hurt every time. He is a man who lacks the capacity to love his children and grandchildren unconditionally.
Married three times and a daughter with each wife, we are easily replaced just like his dog, Dixie, who when the first Dixie died, he bought another (same breed and color) and gave it the same name. Like a pet, I jumped through hoops and did all I could to get his attention and affection but it was never enough. I failed miserably and beat myself up for it time and time again. An impossible quest for love. People are what they are. I cannot change him and he cannot change me. I stopped trying to do what couldn’t be done and mourned the loss of the ideal I had built in my mind of what “should” have been. It still breaks my heart from time to time but there are people in my life who need and deserve MY love and attention more and who willingly love me in return and I don’t have to do anything but be who I am.
Divorce does ugly things to families. I was fortunate to have close bonds with my siblings from both my mother and my father. I even had some good step-parents along the way. My mom also was married three times. Both their second marriages were to nice people but both of their third marriages were to people who were extremely jealous of the existing children. Not fun at all. It is no wonder that most of us only had one child when we grew up and my brother is about to have his 6th child with is one and ONLY wife. He’s a great father too! I have 4 half sisters and 1 half brother between both of my parents. I consider them sisters and brother. I leave out the “half” thing because it is just frickin disgusting and embarrassing. Lots of families are blended so it’s not so unusual. Still, kids get screwed out of relationships with a parent because of divorce and there is a great deal of hurt when a parent abandons a child. I can understand how my mom left my dad because he’s an ass but I didn’t think he would be an ass to me too. LOL!
How does one forgive when they cannot forget? I guess I could say I forgive him yet the hurt lingers, then it turns into anger and the process of forgiving has to begin again.
Many people are blessed with loving fathers who deserve a tribute on this special day. I wish I had that kind of relationship and loving support but I don’t. Father’s day for me is like Valentine’s day for single people. LOL! Anyway, nuff said on that subject. I’m sure there are many wonderful dad’s who enjoyed the holiday that was well deserved. Here’s to you loving dads! May you always bring joy, peace and love to your childrens lives no matter how old or young they are with a gentle heart, a warm hug and never ending emotional support.
On a bright note, I did find a book that I really wanted to read. It’s by Diana Gabaldon, “Outlander”.
One of my friends mentioned that she was reading it and then I found Diana Gabaldon’s facebook page through the same friend and saw her books. I love books that have historical details. And wouldn’t you know, I was looking in the free book section at our local VFW where I read and return books all the time and there in front of me was the Outlander. The cover is even my favorite color of deep periwinkle blue. If it were glass it would be cobalt blue. I’m finishing up another book and then I’ll dive into this one. Can’t wait! It’s like the universe gave me a gift. Yay! Thank you God!
I also found the book, “Nights In Rodanth”. I have not seen the movie yet so that was a treat. I can’t wait to read it. I may even read it before I start on Outlander because it’s shorter and I’ll get through it in a couple of days. I want to see the movie and it would be nice to read the book first.
I received an email from one of my dear friends. “Read Alone” was the title. It was one of those poems that comes up like a presentation and before you get to the meat of the poem, it tells you about the people who did not forward it and the terrible consequences that befell them for not following the instructions. I could feel my blood beginning to boil. WHY is it that people think I’m SAFE to send something like that to? I know that if I sent something like that out to the people in my address book, I would get deleted and blocked. But for some reason I seem to be one of those people who friends think will not yell at them or get mad so they forward me this stuff. NO MORE!
This was my response:
I didn’t even read all of it. As soon as I saw it was THAT kind of poem, I turned it off. So if I die some horrible death or lose my loved ones….. you’ll know it’s because I didn’t forward that email……. I just can’t believe anybody would start a chain like that and that people feel scared enough to send it on. I don’t read them, I don’t forward them and if it is something that I think is worthwhile to send, I always delete out the part where it threatens to bring mass destruction to anyone who does not forward it. I hate those things!
People! Get a grip. Stop forwarding that shit.
I have an idea! If you receive a chain email or letter, if it tells you to forward it to say 10 people for example. Instead send it back to the person who sent it to you 10 times! LOL! Seriously though, these things are idiotic!
I wonder, should I be warning all of my loved ones to be extra careful since they may be more accident prone now?
Read Alone…..
Especially the Poem
I believe whatever God has in store for
us will be for us.
The poem is very true, unfortunately.
Make sure you read the poem!
CASE 1: Kelly Sedey had one wish,
for her boyfriend of three years,
David Marsden, to propose to her.
Then one day when she was out
to lunch David proposed!
She accepted, but then had to leave
because she had a meeting in 20 min.
When she got to her office,
she noticed on her computer she had some e-mail’s.
She checked it, the usual stuff
from her friends, but then she saw one
that she had never gotten before.
It was this poem. She simply deleted it
without even reading all of it.
BIG MISTAKE! Later that evening,
she received a phone call from the police.
It was about DAVID! He had been in an accident
with an 18 wheeler. He didn’t survive!
CASE 2: Take Katie Robinson She received this poem
and being the believer that she was
she sent it to a few of her friends but
didn’t have enough e-mail addresses to send out
the full 10 that you must.
Three days later, Katie went to a masquerade ball.
Later that night when she left to get to her car,
she was killed in that spot by a
hit-and-run drunk driver.
CASE 3: Richard S. Willis sent this poem out
within 45 minutes of reading it.
Not even 4 hours later walking along the street
to his new job interview with a really big
company, when he ran into Cynthia Bell,
his secret love for 5 years. Cynthia came up to
him and told him of her passionate crush on him
that she had for 2 years.
Three days later, he proposed to her and they got
married. Cynthia and Richard are still married
with three children, happy as ever!
This is the poem:
Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
“Tomorrow” I say! “I will call on Jim
Just to show that I’m thinking of him.”
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
“Here’s a telegram sir,” “Jim died today.”
And that’s what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time
it might
be too late.
Seize the day. Never have regrets.
And most importantly, stay close to your friends
and family, for they have helped
make you the person that you are today.
You must send this on in 3 hours after reading the
letter
to 10 other people.
If you do this, you will receive unbelievably good
luck
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes. I am out of control at times and hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." -- Marilyn Monroe
If by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal." -- John F. Kennedy
