Reblog: Fear and loathing in Las Loungeroom.

"I'm all for inspiration, but not at the expense of silencing the patient voice. Illness sucks. At times it is hard to find anything positive to cling to. It is scary. It is challenging. It makes you want to cry uncle and hide sobbing in the corner. There is nothing wrong with these feelings. But there is something wrong with stifling those who voice those feelings or judging those who are in those dark places.

I understand not wanting to dwell in those places. That is not healthy. But ignoring them or pretending they don't exist is even more detrimental. Already we judge ourselves more harshly than anyone else possibly could. But to hear that we are somehow doing illness wrong, is another level of guilt to bear."


This is one of my favorite blogs, I have dysautonomia and Michelle seems to sum up more than I ever could into words, she is amazing. 

Fear and loathing in Las Loungeroom.

I've had a bit on an unintentional blogging break of late. My mojo has been somewhat absent and my health not exactly stellar. Sometimes it's difficult to keep hold of that happy place no matter how much you want to or how hard you try. No amount of positive thinking works and you end up just beating yourself up for somehow doing happy wrong.

I've noticed there has been a move in some corners of the ether to stop discussing the negative emotional aspects of illness and in my state of funk it's really rubbed me the wrong way. I've found myself moving further away from various groups which seem more intent on providing more in the way of inspiration-at-all-costs, rather than a safe place to vent and seek support or treatment information.

PH and Skin

http://snowwhiteandthepear.blogspot.com/2014/09/skincare-discovery-why-ph-of-your.html?m=1

UNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Skincare Discovery: Why the pH of Your Cleanser Matters

So, in an earlier Randomness post (click here if you are curious) I mentioned I had purchased the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, despite it's expensive and difficulty in purchasing it, because I was becoming more and more engrossed in what role pH can have in your skincare.

This topic is too huge to be addressed in a single blog post, so I will be doing an ongoing series that will address different aspects of it as I collect research and form my admittedly hoi polloi understanding of it.  

I will warn you before I start that this rabbit hole has no end, and therefore I will be glossing over certain terms and topics as well as reducing some explanations down to such a simplistic, generalized form as to trigger fits in any chemist wandering by my blog.  (If that happens, O Chemist, please drop me a line because I have a million questions for you!)

There's a lot of misinformation out there from popular sources like the beauty 'experts' on Oprah's website, who makes claims such as: "Cleansers and toners are alkaline—hand soap typically has a pH of around 9 or 10, for example—because alkaline molecules bind to dirt and accumulated oils you want to wash off." and "Bottom Line: A claim that a product is pH balanced is more marketing tool than useful information."  I admit I used to think this way, until reading a post from Skinandtonics on the acid mantle, which blew my mind.

So, I started to research and test it for myself, and hence me sharing the fruits of my labour with you today.

Included in this post:

• What is pH, I need a refresher?
• The pH of your skin, and does it matter?
• The pH of your cleanser, and does it matter?
• The claim that alkaline pH = efficacy, is it true?

Before we get into the pH details of cleansers, let's do a quick overview of pH in case your pre-high school science recollection is as spotty as mine.

DIY: Shaving Cream

Fortified with natural lubricants and essential oils, this shaving cream improves razor glide for a close, comfortable shave. Great for men and women, this shaving cream will leave skin smooth, healthy, and moisturized.

DIY: After Sun Soothing Lotion

DIY: After-Sun Soothing Lotion

It can be hard to find relief when your skin has been out in the sun for too long. Calm your skin with this DIY After-Sun Soothing Lotion. Its powerful ingredients help your skin stay cool, hydrated, and healthy.

Essential Oils for Men

doterra:

Who said essential oils were only for women? Even the manliest of men can benefit from the power of essential oils in their lives.

Use  Lemon essential oil to remove  gum, oil and grease stains, and sticky residue or to prevent rust and loosen rusty screws.

Add 2–3 drops on a rag to remove grime from tools and make them look new.

Get rid of the stale food smell in your Dutch oven by leaving a paper towel with a few drops of Lemon  until the next use.

Use Melaleuca  and Lemon essential oil to clean a car battery and polish chrome wheels.

Clean Mouth, Fresh Breath

Use On Guard Toothpaste every day to ensure fresh breath and experience the protective benefits of essential oils found in On Guard Blend.

Pop a Peppermint Beadlet for instant fresh breath and confidence.

Add a couple drops of On Guard, Melaleuca, and Peppermint essential oils  to water for a refreshing mouth rinse.

One for the Beard

Love your facial hair? Use Root to Tip Serum to soothe and smooth facial skin and hair.

Toenail Care

Directly apply Melaleuca and Oregano at the edge of the nail two times daily. You can alternate between Lemongrass and Clove or Frankincense and Lemon .

Shaving Tip

Apply Melaleuca and Lavender mixed with Fractionated Coconut Oil after shaving to soothe irritated skin.

Shoe Deodorizer

Add a few drops of Purify,  Peppermint , or any  citrus essential oils onto a paper towel or a used dryer sheet, scrunch, and place in your shoes overnight.

A strong, healthy body can come in handy-especially when you are trying to raise a family. Taking care of your overall health will give you the strength and energy you need to work, play, and be the best man you can be.

Nutritional Boost

LifeLong Vitality is a nutritional powerhouse for providing your body the essential nutrients it needs.

Repair and regenerate your body on a cellular level with DDR Prime .

Healthy Energy

No need to pound energy drinks; take some Mito2Max when you need  an extra push for any type of physical activity.

Feeling a little tense after a long day?   

Apply some PastTense on your temples or neck for a comforting relief.

What man doesn’t like to eat?  

Take TerraZyme with every meal to promote healthy digestion, especially after eating a protein-heavy meal. If your food choice fails you, don’t stress, a DigestZen Softgel can help ease indigestion and upset stomach.

Renew overworked muscles with Lemongrass , Deep Blue, and Peppermint after a long day of work, manual labor, or physical activity.

Handsome Sleep

Apply  Lavender or Serenity on the bottom of feet before bedtime.

His Diffuser Blends

Add 2–4 drops of the following essential oil blends in the diffuser while working in the garage or office.

Wintergreen and Cedarwood for confidence and self esteem

Cypress  and White Fir for clear breathing and a sense of empowerment

Peppermint or Melissa for alertness

Lemongrass for an aroma that most men enjoy

dōTERRA essential oils can be purchased online, or from any of our Wellness Advocates. If you would like to locate a Wellness Advocate in your area, click here. 

*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. dōTERRA products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of any dōTERRA product. The statements shared from our Facebook page are the personal opinion of independent persons and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of dōTERRA International.

Amazing Guide to Stretching!

http://www.triggerpointcentral.com/patient/patient_home.php

http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/sound-waves-could-help-treat-alzheimers

DoTerra Oil being used at the hospital

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=920982881266857

Amazing and TRUE Article

http://familyshare.com/marriage/the-most-overlooked-characteristic-of-who-you-want-to-marry

Kevin A Thompson

4,404,142 views   |   60,252 shares

• Editor's note: This article was originally published on Kevin A. Thompson's blog. It has been republished here with permission.
  "In sickness and in health."
  On two occasions I have said those words with the full confidence that the couple repeating those words actually knew what they meant.

Friendzone

I just ranted this and feel its very important

omg….this is ending up a rant… my work neighbors made me want to smack my head into a wall yesterday. I sit next to a group of guys who are engineers. I don’t have a door to my office so I overhear a lot. I try to not say things sometimes even just trying to be nice or friendly as it really just comes off as weird, but I can’t really help overhearing everything they talk about.

So I guess one of the guys (who I think is cute) went to a work party and has a friend who he is crushing on. Shes a really good friend and not interested.

So one of the much older guys, prob 40s was talking and made me want to go throw something at him. He was saying he could help him ‘get out of the friend zone’ or at least get out of the zone. He went on and on about well, would you rather risk that friendship and try something or not at all and live with the regret. Also bashing how guys end up there, there was more but I can’t phrase it.

Okay, omg….just everything he said was so wrong. It takes a very good set of people to be able to go from best friends, dating, to best friends. I did it with xxxxx and I love him just as much as ever even though we did not work out as a couple. But it can be very hard with someone, we got lucky, super best friends!!!! I don’t hear this going well often.

I really like Daniel Radcliff’s variation on this,

““Friendzoning is a terrible thing. The idea of a friend zone is like a terrible, male…have you ever heard a girl say she’s in the friend zone? It’s a thing I think men need to be really careful about using. When they were kicking around titles for What If, before What If was chosen, I think that came up, and I was like, ‘No! Don’t do that!’ Do I think men and women can be friends? Yes, absolutely. Do I think men and women who are sexually attracted to each other can just be friends? Eh, it will probably become an issue at some point whether you deal with it, and talk about it and just move on, but it will always sort of get dealt with eventually…I definitely think the idea of friend zone is just men going, ‘This woman won’t have sex with me.’””

Because you are a guy, and you are a friend, does NOT mean there is a sexual interest. I could be able to lay all over you and hang out and not interested. I may not want to touch you beyond an initial hug but still am a good friend. I know lots of platonic relationships like that, hell women do it a lot too. there is nothing sexual happening, but it also takes a lot of trust and comfort on both parties.

xxxxx and I were chilling years ago at bloodmoon waiting to get told to gear back up after npc duty, I was also waiting on a death mod. =t. I was slightly napping, allison was amusing both of us by drawing on my leg with eyeliner out of being exhausted. I think we ended up napping with her head on my stomach or something for a bit. This was not cuddling at all. Platonic. ‘hey you are soft and squishy, oh your don’t mind? pillow!’

Not to mention poor xxxx with my head in her lap dealing with a massive POTS flair and not remembering the damn episode until she reminded me years later, that was a major health issue but still.

Other example xxxxxxx and I always glomping on xxxxxxx and him being cool with it. Because of my simple level of excitement/trust/comfort/and friendship with xxxx I can easily and quite literally be attached clinging to him for hours. For whatever reason he is also the only person I do this to. This is completely platonic. xxxx is not interested in me in a sexual manner, due to that I am not either. It is a comfort thing, xxxx makes me feel giggly, happy and safe in a non sexual manner. He also typically does not mind the being clingy, and if ‘ok stop’ is given, it is done.

I get the idea, believe me, I have so many guys fall for me I am just not interested in. I have a lot of guy friends!!! It makes me feel bad, but I am not going to lead someone on by ‘attempting’ to have a date with them when I know that I have no interest.

They were mentioning awesome personalities etc and well why not? Basically like trying to force getting out of the friendzone.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Guys, you can be amazing, soul buddy, sexy, smart, etc. but the chemistry is just not happening on both sides. I hate when that happens, but it does quite frequently. Its like a somewhere internally we have decided that biologically we are not interested.

I did a google search out of curiosity and found thishttp://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201112/escape-the-friend-zone-friend-girlfriend-or-boyfriend… This is terrifying! why the hell is it on psych today?

1-3 relates to jealousy and is bullshit. If you are my friend, I want to see you and hang out with you. I WANT to spend time with you because I don’t feel threatened or uncomfortable. You start acting distant, my response is not ‘omg come back love of my life!’, its okay, your being a jerk if you think ignoring me is going to fix this. If I go running at you after a prolonged period its because YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I MISS YOU. I am going to worry about why you are withdrawing, and being seclusive. If you find another girl, okay, good for you. I’m not interested in that position so I don’t care.

4-5. I’m not a fucking animal. You don’t get me to do shit and reward me, its called manipulation, dumbass writer of this article. If you call me drunk and needing to be driven home, I would do it because you are my friend and I want you to be safe, trying to reward me with some lavish dinner or something later is just fucking weird.

Ugh. I don’t know really how to sum this up at the moment, but look, you need to understand that friendzone is a shit term. Its hard to be put there or be there, but its still a shit term.

But you need to respect the person who put you there. If you gripe and bitch, its not helping you. Dear god if you act like that stupid psychology letter, its NOT going to help you.

It sucks being in a one sided lusting spree. But it happens, you have to understand that ‘no means no’. they still want to be your friend, you should try to still cherish that.

Motivational Quotes LOTR Style

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lorynbrantz/not-all-those-who-wander-are-lost

Nerd Gingerbread!

http://mashable.com/2013/12/14/nerdy-gingerbread-houses/#gallery/geeky-gingerbread-houses/52b84d6c97b2f8627f009d09

Old Art Site

My old art site

http://brennareistad.wordpress.com/

Left Over Right – Florence Welch Gets It Wrong – Celebrities in Kimonos

wafuku – noun: traditional Japanese clothing

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Left Over Right

I notice that Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine, wears a furisode kimono in her Dog Days video. What really puzzles me is that she wears it with the fronts the wrong way round; she has the right front over the left one, whereas kimonos are worn left over right. Even if she didn’t know the left over right rule, it is very obvious with her kimono, as you can see from the third picture of her below, because the left side of the front has the deep, fancy pattern on it and the right front has only the smaller, simpler, bottom end of the design, so she has the nicest, most striking part of the front pattern hidden under the right side’s front. It would also look so…

Visibility

This post is amazing!!!

http://letsqueerthingsup.com/2014/10/16/its-all-fun-and-games-until-someone-dies-amanda-bynes-robin-williams-and-the-spectacle-of-mental-illness/

Amanda Bynes, Robin Williams, and the Spectacle of Mental Illness

Internet, we need to have a talk.

I’ve had a number of readers ask why I’ve neglected to write about Amanda Bynes this last year. It’s simple, really. I don’t believe that celebrities are “fair game,” and that, when they have very human and very difficult struggles, I should capitalize on those things by writing an article, however well-intentioned. I believe they are deserving of privacy and respect, by virtue of their being people.

However, I’m making an exception here, because in the midst of the negative and callous press that Bynes has received, I think it’s time we had a chat about it from a different perspective. And then, after we’re done, I think it’s time we stop speculating about it altogether. Deal?

First and foremost, there is no way for us to know what, if anything, Bynes has been diagnosed with. The family has denied schizophrenia and bipolar diagnoses. And when I write this article about Bynes, I am only operating on the possibility – not the assumption – that these diagnoses are true.

Until Amanda Bynes comes out and self-identifies this way, it is not our place to make an assumption about her mental state. Most of us are not psychiatrists, and even if we were, none of us can make a diagnosis based on a Twitter feed. And it is Bynes’ prerogative to keep certain aspects of her life, including her health care, private.

For the sake of argument, we’re going to roll with the possibility, not the assumption, that Bynes may have bipolar and schizophrenia.

And on that note, I’m going to offer you a sobering statistic:

People with co-occurring bipolar and schizophrenia have one of the highest suicide attempt rates of any group. 70.6% of these individuals will attempt suicide in their lifetime.

You would think this would frighten us, and that we would be offering Bynes compassion on the mere basis that what she may be facing is, without a doubt, deadly.

Yet the vast majority of press and articles surrounding Bynes’ mental state seems to ignore the stark reality of her struggle, and instead, opt to mock her erratic and unusual behavior. Rather than recognizing that she may have an illness, they have turned mental illness into a spectacle to watch, enjoy, and ridicule.

We, as a culture, are alarmingly desensitized to the seriousness of mental illness, particularly when it affects celebrities. Whenever a famous person has a “breakdown,” or goes off to rehab, there is always a sensationalized headline and a gawking that we collectively do. We treat it like a performance to consume and be shocked by, to laugh at, to enjoy.

We have made mental illness into a form of entertainment, and this is reflected in the articles that have been written about Amanda Bynes as of late.

If no one has explained this to you, let me be the first to say that it is morally repugnant that we, as a society, are mocking mentally ill people.

If it is indeed true that Amanda Bynes has both bipolar and schizophrenia, she faces an uphill battle. These are both diseases with high mortality rates, and devastating symptoms that are difficult to treat. And while she faces these illnesses, the entire world is watching. To have the audacity of laughing and poking fun as she struggles with these painful disorders is truly disgusting.

It’s all fun and games until someone dies, as was the case with Robin Williams. When celebrities have very public “breakdowns,” we find them entertaining, sensational, intriguing. When celebrities die from these illnesses, however, we grieve for them, celebrate their lives, and profess our sympathy for their struggle.

Amanda Bynes may be battling two illnesses that could very easily kill her. Why is she not receiving the same level of respect, tact, and compassion that we afford those who have already died at the hands of these same illnesses?

Are we only deserving of dignity and respect if we die?

This makes me happy

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2014/11/wiccan_priest_opens_huntsville.html

This is what Kirk said:

“Let us pray. O gentle Goddess and loving God, we thank You for the beauties and the wonders of the day that You have given to us, and for the opportunity we have this evening to assemble here and work together to make Huntsville a better city for all of its residents. We ask that You grant to the councilors and other officials present here tonight the wisdom they will need to make the best decisions that they may for the governance of our city.

“And further, we ask that You visit upon these chambers a spirit of peace and comity, so that all who need to speak before the Council this evening may do so in an atmosphere of courtesy and respect, without needless anger or hostility. These things we ask of You as children would of their loving parents, trusting that You will give unto us those gifts we truly need. Amen.”

Found on Tumblr

http://a-better-m-e.tumblr.com/post/78675085593/my-therapist-told-me-instead-of-hurting-myself-i

My therapist told me instead of hurting myself I should draw something pretty were I want to cut. This is the result. And it works, honestly. If you’re struggling with self harm I really recommend this. (Make sure you use a marker and not a pen cause pens can hurt you! )

DoTerra On Guard

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21078173

You know a product is good when there is a professional paper about it. My grandfather and I have been using the beadlets to fight a cold and virus. I can’t stand the taste- it’s not bad, just too strong for me. So I just swallow them like little pills. Very effective. :)

Because its cute

Essential Oils and Safety

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/10/a-closer-look-at-essential-oils-and-safety/

This does reference DoTerra, but all of the people I have talked to thus far have not promoted anything as a ‘cure’. They have stories of how the items have helped them and others, but nothing is called ‘cure’. They are also very careful about not stepping boundaries with FDA.

This article does have a lot of points though about oil safety itself :)

What is a Tincture?

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/02/how-to-make-a-tincture/

What is a Tincture?

Before learning how to make a tincture, it is important to learn what a tincture is! Tinctures are herbal preparations that use something beyond water as a solvent. Using a solvent like alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin, you can extract a greater spectrum of the whole plant and preserve the medicine much longer than an infusion or a decoction. Alcohol is especially an excellent solvent that extracts a wide range of plant properties and allows for easy absorption of healing compounds into the bloodstream.

Herbal Vinegar

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/10/making-herbal-vinegars/

Fall is a bountiful and busy time of year. Now that I have decanted myinfused oils and most of my herbaltinctures, I take to the gardens to harvest herbs and plants that will be dried for use during the winter and spring.

Making herbal vinegars from flowers and culinary herbs is also something I look forward to at this time of year. It’s an easy gardening craft and a great way to use the fresh plant for winter salads, marinades, and cooking. The book Herbal Vinegar by Maggie Oster has been an inspiration to me for several years. Each time I open it I notice something fun and interesting that I am persuaded to try. Not only does this book guide one through all of the vinegars available with descriptions and history, but also the many herbal and plant combinations and recipes, including those for cosmetics and home cleaning.

Tumeric

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2013/12/turmeric-the-golden-goddess/

Turmeric’s Herbal Actions

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and help to reduce or prevent damage and inflammation caused by free radicals, and anti-inflammatory agents block enzymes that promote inflammation and pain. Turmeric is often used in an Ayurvedic approach to reduce inflammation of the throat and tonsils, and as an anti-inflammatory herb for many other aches and pains. A randomized 2009 study examined the efficacy and safety of turmeric in patients with knee arthritis (an inflammatory condition), concluding that turmeric was as effective and as safe as ibuprofen. (Kuptniratsaikul, et al, 2009) You will find that a number of culinary herbs also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, including sage, ginger, and garlic.

Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial herbs inhibit the growth of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A 2009 study on aqueous extract of turmeric showed good antimicrobial action against such pathogens as E. coli and staph. (Niamsa, et al, 2009)

Cholerectic
Cholerectics stimulate production of bile, thereby supporting digestion. In Ayurveda, turmeric is a warming herb that kindles digestive fire, or agni. Like other bitter-flavored herbs that stimulate bile production, turmeric is used to promote digestion and alleviate symptoms in the GI tract. A randomized, double-blind crossover study in 1999 used ultrasound to examine the gallbladder after administration of curcumin, leading researchers to conclude that “curcumin induces contraction of the human gall-bladder” (Raysid, et al, 1999).

In a double-blind, placebo controlled study in Thailand, curcumin was compared to placebo and an over-the-counter remedy for indigestion. Eighty-seven percent of the curcumin group had full or partial relief from indigestion after 7 days, compared to 53% of the placebo group. (Thamlikitkul, et al, 1989)

Making Sage Honey

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2013/05/herb-infused-oils/

There are a few ways to infuse oil with medicinal and nutritional herbs and we will go through them here. If you have never made an herbal infused oil you are in for a wonderful treat! You may use infused oils in cooking or in bath and skin products. There are so many herbs to choose from depending on the intended use.

As an example of the many uses of herb infused oil let’s take a look at rosemary. Rosemary can be used as vibrantly flavored oil for roasting potatoes or stirring into your favorite pasta sauce.  For medicinal use, rosemary can be used in a number of bath products. Rosemary helps relieve an itchy scalp and dandruff. It is also thought to promote hair growth. This is stimulating and invigorating herb.

CULINARY INFUSED OILS

Use tasty infused oils for a delicious addition to salad dressings or any number of healthy, delicious meal preparations using garlic, ginger, peppers and herbs. We recommend using dried herbs to prevent bacterial growth and mold. Fresh herbal infused oils can be used, but to be safe, should only be used the day-of.

For culinary infused oils using dried herbs, I suggest starting with a sterilized, completely dry jar. Place herbs in the jar and cover with olive oil. Place this jar in a sauce pan that has been filled about ¼ full with water. Simmer this mixture for about 4-6 hours. After the jar has been removed from the bath cool and label with date and ingredients and keep refrigerated. Discard after a month.

Learn about herbs as food and as medicine in the Online Intermediate Herbal Course. 

HERB INFUSED OILS FOR HEALING AND BEAUTY

• For best results use good quality dried herbs as they will not contribute to spoilage and you will have a longer lasting product.
• Always use clean and sterilized jars with tight fitting lids.
• Colored glass bottles will add to the shelf life. Also adding a few drops of vitamin E oil may help preserve the oil.
• Olive oil is commonly used as it offers some resistance to oxidation and rancidity.
• Some other oils used are coconut, grape seed, almond, and apricot along with many others.
• Label jars and bottles during the infusion time and after bottling for storage with dates and ingredients.