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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Sweet Baby Skin

Do you have a small infant, or know someone else who has a baby under the age of 6 months? An interesting fact is that babies under 6 months of age are unable yet to produce a significant amount of melanin which provides our skin with sun protection, and their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen so that leaves them especially vulnerable to the sun's damaging effects. So what can you do? 


Here are the guidelines that the Skincare Foundation recommends for Infants:
0-6 months: 
  • Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film, which can screen almost 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility.
  • Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.
  • Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
  • Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

6-12 months: It's now safe to use sunscreen on babies.

  • Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands. Many companies have tear-free formulas that won't sting baby's eyes.
  • If you are using a spray sunscreen, it should not be applied directly to the face; sprays should be misted into the hands, and then spread on the face.
  • Most importantly, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating

I completely agree with these recommendations, and too often I see babies at the beach and outdoors with little or no sun-protective covering or clothing that protects from sun damage.
My handsome little man just recently turned six months ☺☺☺

Sweet Baby Skin

Do you have a small infant, or know someone else who has a baby under the age of 6 months? An interesting fact is that babies under 6 months of age are unable yet to produce a significant amount of melanin which provides our skin with sun protection, and their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen so that leaves them especially vulnerable to the sun's damaging effects. So what can you do? 


Here are the guidelines that the Skincare Foundation recommends for Infants:
0-6 months: 
  • Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film, which can screen almost 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility.
  • Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.
  • Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
  • Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

6-12 months: It's now safe to use sunscreen on babies.

  • Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands. Many companies have tear-free formulas that won't sting baby's eyes.
  • If you are using a spray sunscreen, it should not be applied directly to the face; sprays should be misted into the hands, and then spread on the face.
  • Most importantly, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating

I completely agree with these recommendations, and too often I see babies at the beach and outdoors with little or no sun-protective covering or clothing that protects from sun damage.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Blue Mermaid DIY Face Masque

Blu Mermaid DIY masque #flipagram #JustinBieber created using @flipagram . https://flipagram.com/f/srvn8eRtcE

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Oily Skin Solutions

Acne can be a stressful condition when it appears on our skin. Here are a number of steps you can take to help reduce inflammation, treat the condition and prevent future outbreaks.
1. A CLEAN DIET. Eating "clean" is important to help keep our skin hydrated and purified. Be sure to include a variety of organic fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Add a big handful of spinach into your smoothie and you won't even taste it! Spinach provides vitamins and minerals and nourishes your organs with healthy flow.
2. CLEAN LINENS. When I mention this to people most are very surprised that clean bed linens can play a role in the health of our facial skin. Wash hands often, as we tend to touch the facial skin area many times during the day, where dirt and oil can accumulate. Make sure to wash bed linens often since oils from hair can be left on pillow cases and sheets, where our skin touches. 
3. SKIN CLEANSING. Do not pick at zits! Try to avoid this as much as the temptation arises. When zits becomes open, they can infect other areas of the skin causing repeated breakouts to occur. If a pimple opens, keep area clean by washing immediately. For a deep cleanse, use a facial steam treatment, followed by facial masque, and Blemish Banish Serum. 
My favorite products for oily skin:
What is your favorite skin detox remedy, or the most success you have had with preventing and controlling acne? 

Thursday, May 12, 2016

My first video

https://flipagram.com/f/p7ghFBW7x3

Friday, April 22, 2016

Happy Earth Day!

A few months ago I put a few avocado pits in a jar of water with toothpicks and two of them sprouted roots and then a stem. This is the first one we planted. This is the method i used: 

https://youtu.be/a5HTBLwVqQ4

I can't wait for the avocados! Happy Earth Day!

Friday, April 15, 2016

Vanilla Sands

Check out this item in my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/listing/276535664/beach-bliss-body-oil

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Beach Sunrise & Some Sweet Lavender

No better way to start the work day!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Lovely Lavender

Yes lavender grows here in Florida.... Its actually quite easy to grow and who doesn't love its beautiful blooms and aromas? Heres a pic of some growing in my backyard....it loves all the Florida sunshine and sandy soil. Hope you have a lovely day ☺

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

The Power of Plants


About a month ago, I started a little experiment in my home. I created a natural environment inside my aquarium tank. Starting from scratch, I added sand as my substrate, and about 10 different aquatic plants. It's a 15 gallon (I think) tank, and I've so far added 8 fish. Yesterday I had the water tested and it came out perfect! This is without artificial lighting (the only light the tank receives is from the sunny windows) and without a filter. The plants act as my only filter, yet I believe they do much more than clean water. They regulate water temperature by taking in sunlight and converting it into a vitamin-rich water the fish can utilize. I'm no expert, but that's my best guess. The reason I mention it on this blog - besides my super excitement at my results - is to show you the power of plants. They provide us food, oxygen, and all sorts of healing energies. What would I do without the healing powers of essential oils? I have no idea. When in doubt... think nature. Replicate nature. Trust nature and you'll harvest will be fruitful!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Misty Morning Mixing

On this misty morning here's what I'm up to.....loving the colors and the aromas!!!!

Pictured above (in order from left to right): poppy seeds, comfrey root powder, sea clay, and spirulina

+ poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation
+ comfrey root for softness and healing
+ sea clay for purifying
+ spirulina for anti-inflammatory and phytonutrients

I combine all of the above with finely ground pumice, essential oils, and aloe vera for a softening, skin-purifying, detox treatment that can be used daily. 


For more details you can visit my website 

Do you have a favorite face scrub/exfoliator? Are you looking for one? I'm always up for trying out a new recipe! Nature provides us with so many options to experiment with, doesn't she? 
Have a beautiful day! :-)
~ Colleen

Monday, February 1, 2016

A Recipe for Silky Soft Hands


I like to keep cute vintage bowls in my bathrooms especially when I have guests over and fill them with handmade soaps or a lovely little hand scrub. In Florida, I tend to see these in some beachside restaurants in the bathrooms. An added treat after washing your hands, you can scrub them with this sweet-smelling, skin-softening exfoliator and it always seems to put an extra spring in my step! Today I'm going to provide you with an easy recipe to create your own hand scrub, it's so easy!


Lavender Rose Hand Polish
1 C. Sea Salt (can be Dead Sea salt or Himalayan)
1/2 C. Epsom salts
1/8 C. Crushed botanicals (roses, lavender buds, chamomile, etc.)
10 Drops Essential Oil (lavender or geranium, or both!)
Directions: Combine all these ingredients into a bowl, and place in your bathroom next to sink. To use, first wash hands with soap. Then, place tablespoon of hand polish in your hands and rub in light circular motion. Rinse with warm water. You won't even need hand moisturizer after using this, and your bathroom will smell divine! Enjoy!

If you're too busy to make your own, you can check out the Coconut Rose one I have for sale in my shop at: http://www.driftingbythesea.com/collections/organic-bodycare-treatments/products/coconut-rose-body-polish

Coconut Rose Body Polish

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Freshly Handmade Soap on the Shelves

Oatmeal Mint and Aloe Evergreen are fresh on shelves ready for your enjoyment! These will make fabulous organic Valentine gifts!!!!!! Just visit http://www.driftingbythesea.com/collections/handmade-organic-soaps?page=1 for more details! 
organic soaps 

Friday, January 29, 2016

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of limited edition Valentines Day Tub Truffles...poured with Ghana Shea butter, Rose soap flurries, Himalayan salt crystals, essential oils and rose petals.....divine! I'm in love with these!!!!! 💜💜💜

Thursday, January 28, 2016

New Soaps on the Curing Rack

Two new handmade organic soaps will soon be available! Curing now are: Oatmeal Mint and Evergreen.
These would make great Valentine gifts for your sweetie!!!! Availability is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday Jan. 29th.
Is there a soap you'd like to see us create? If so please share I would love to hear your feedback! 💜

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Sunny Day Pate Lunch

Quick little lunch today I whipped up this pate and topped it on cukes. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be sunny outside to enjoy this delicious pate, which can be served on cut up cucumbers, bread, celery sticks, or as a dip. See below for my recipe...









Sunny Day Pate
1 C. Sunflower seeds (soaked for a few hours in water then strained)
1 carrot, chopped
2 mini red bell peppers, chopped and seeded
1 stalk of Celery chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 T. Red onion, chopped
1 T. Miso
1 T. Nutritional Yeast flakes
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Cayenne
Combine everything in food processor and process ☺
Enjoy!!!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

How To Finely Chop An Onion

Did you know that onions are have natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties? They contain calcium, iron, minerals, and vitamins A, C, and B complex. Thanks to the rich amounts of these antioxidant vitamins A, C, and B, onions can provide you with anti-aging skin benefits, prevention of free radicals, and leave you with healthy glowing skin.

I could go on an on about benefits of onions, but more importantly, what's the best way to cut them? I recently saw this video and it changed my whole onion cutting technique for the better. Check it out, I think you will enjoy it! Happy Onioning :-)



Saturday, January 16, 2016

New Products for Valentines Day

Are your lips dry?

Winter weather can be dry and harsh for delicate lips. We now have two new lip butter flavors to help soothe and pamper those beautiful lips of yours! Cool Mint and Honey Rose are freshly poured and ready to do some healing! Made with buttery Ghana shea butter, nourishing cold-pressed oils, and a touch of local honey for sweetness, you'll be sure to love this treatment!