Avalon Organics Balancing Shampoo with Sweet Orange and Bergamot

As I wrote about recently, I was searching for a new shampoo. I had struck out with my first  choice and exchanged it for an Avalon Organics product I had never seen before: Balancing Shampoo with Sweet Orange and Bergamot. It features neem extract and nettle leaf and that is what truly sold me on the product.  

I have a dirty secret: my scalp gets itchy and flakey this time of year. The heaters running full blast, the crazy Texas weather (sunny 70's one day, frigid 40's the next) and my overactive sebaceous glands all work together to create a problem that is annoying and embarrassing. I have dark hair and if I scratch a nagging itch just a little I create little flakes that stick to my hair exposing my problem. 

I have used great products for my scalp before but none that I can afford regularly. I had started to think this was something I was just going to have to deal with--until now. 

It's strange because I can't find mention of it anywhere on the internet, even on the Avalon website and I'm not sure why that is, but since I couldn't find official info and pictures I have to show you the shampoo in it's natural habitat: my shower. 

So far I am really loving this shampoo. It smells great (though sadly, not as great as the Root 66 Shampoo) and makes my scalp feel refreshed and my hair feel shiny and bouncy: exactly what I was looking for in a shampoo. My scalp is feeling much less itchy and dry. I am really happy this mysterious product came out! When my Giovanni conditioner runs out I will be buying the Avalon Balancing Conditioner too. 

* Application tip: Be sure to massage the shampoo fully into the scap to get the maximum balancing benefits.

*DIY tip: Follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse to further help balance and soothe a dry and itchy scalp or to remove hair product build up. 

Price: $7.99 for 8.5 oz. at select Whole Foods Market locations.

DIY Deodorant!

Photo from http://angrychicken.typepad.com/

My friend B directed me to this blog post about DIY deodorant. I already posted about my favorite store-bought natural deodorants and although I'm always looking for the homemade alternative, I've never seriously thought about making my own deodorant.

I've used cornstarch and powder sprinkled with essential oils in a pinch but I have never replaced my store-bought deodorants altogether.

This recipe is for a creamy deodorant that is stored in a jar. I have seen cream deodorant in health food stores before but never tried it. I was surprised at the price. (I know I use Dr. Hauschka which is close to $20 but I know and trust them and it comes in my favorite applicator--the roll-on bottle)

I have an empty roll-on deodorant bottle. I may research roll-on style recipes. If I find a good one I'll post it and I'll report back once I've tried this recipe.

Thanks, B!

Opinions, please!!

Hi, all!

I am experimenting with making my own line of yummy lip balm. I have always been into DIY beauty products, when I worked at Elephant Pharmacy I taught a Do-It-Yourself Spa Products class and it was a blast!

I have a few ideas and wanted to get some feedback before I continued. They will all be in a beeswax/shea butter base (sorry vegans!! If I get a lot of interest I will do a vegan coconut oil/shea butter blend) so there will be a natural sun protection of about spf 4.

I have six names and "flavors" in mind although I may not do all at once. I may start with a few and add to the line later. I'm mostly making these for gifts and to sell on Etsy.

1. Sublime--bergamot/agave nectar (natural sweetener) This is in tribute to my favorite morning tea--Earl Gray with LOTS of agave! My only concern is that the bergamot may increase sun sensitivity.

2. Delectable--vanilla/agave

3. Gorgeous--rose/no agave? Should this one be colored? Red?

4. Serene--lavender/no agave? Is lavender too overdone? Should I put agave in all of them? Do you lick your lips enough to where you would like for them all to be slightly sweet?

5. Amazing--geranium/no agave? Geranium has always been one of my favorite essential oils along with neroli, AKA #6. Should this one be colored? Pink?

6. Lovely--orange blossom/no agave? Should this one be colored? Nude?

Thanks in advance! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and I will draw three names at random to receive a tube once they are ready to go! State your preference for "flavor!"