Liam's Grandma or Maggie in Real Life

I Have a New Friend

As many of you know, I enjoy making soap.  The feel of homemade soap on my skin is luxurious and it does more than just clean me and make me smell good.  Did you know that while our skin needs to be cleansed, it also needs to keep its own oils to maintain good health, and that most commercial soaps wash away most of those good, essential oils?

Healthy skin receives a regular flow of something called sebum.  Sebum is an oily substance secreted from our sebaceous (skin) glands.  It helps to keep the skin from drying out and, basically, waterproofs our skin.  We need this stuff to keep our skin healthy and to allow our skin to "breathe." 

An excess of sebum causes natural bacteria formation and creates the odor associated with not bathing, and the oily hair associated with not shampooing.  Between washings, sebum lubricates and softens our skin, trapping bacteria for us until we wash it away with soap. 

Commercial soaps are bad, bad, bad for our skin.  First, most commercial soaps have had the natural glycerin removed - an essential ingredient in maintaining our skin's good health.  They take out all of that fabulous glycerin and use it in other products - mostly cosmetics.  Their soap leaves a film on the skin that doesn't allow skin to breathe and it traps bacteria between the skin and that film.  Don't be fooled by commercial companies, with great marketing and packaging, who tout their wondrous soaps for your skin.  It isn't true.  On the other hand, natural soaps have all of their glycerin intact and they don't add things such as damaging preservatives or low-grade coloring.

So what does this have to do with my friend?  Well, be patient and let me tell you.  

I am on a few soap messaging lists where I go to commiserate my bad batches and celebrate my great ones with others who love to make soap.  We pose our questions there, we post pictures of our successes (and failures) and we learn from each other.

Recently, when I posted a photo of what I thought was going to be a very bad batch and was lamenting...as in what in the hell did I do wrong this time????...I got two things out of it.  First, I learned that my batch of soap was fine - the vanilla turns the soap brown.  Which I knew.  But when I sliced it, it was only brown on the outer edges, not the inside.  I learned that this is a process and, eventually, the entire bar would be brown.  It was true!  Live and learn.  That batch is finally ready and I have some very small samples (I made a small batch because I changed my recipe and wanted to be sure it'd work).  The fragrance, Vanilla Sandalwood, is heavenly.  If anyone would like me to send them a free sample, please email me privately.

The second thing I got out of this message board is meeting Colleen. After my hysterics over my Vanilla Sandalwood and then the elation of finding out it was fine, she emailed me to say she saw that I live in the same city as she does and would I like to get together for coffee to talk SOAP.  As always, I am cautious when any unknown (and even sometimes known) person contacts me out of the blue on the internet.  We emailed back and forth a bit and I decided that meeting her would be fun.  

We met at a local coffee shop, each of us bringing samples of our soaps.  When Colleen first walked in, she knew I was the one she was looking for.  She saw my soaps on the table and walked right up.  We began talking and, after awhile, she said, "I gotta ask you.  Are you eccentric?"  I felt a rush of adrenalin as panic set in I and wondered what was it that I might have said in just those few minutes or, was it, perhaps, my attire, that gave it away?  I swallowed hard and croaked a weak, "Yeah." 

I studied her eyes and wondered if I was going to be relegated back to making soap by myself when she blurted out, "I knew it!  We're all eccentric!  Anyone who makes soap has to be a little crazy!"  I relaxed, smiled and nodded in agreement as we continued on about our soaps, our recipes, fragrances, swirling soap, layering, and about the woman the next town over who is selling her own soaps, hand-over-fist, and they are exquisite!  Before we knew it, two hours had passed and it wasn't enough time to talk SOAP.

About a week later, I went over to Colleen's house for what my husband called a "playdate."  I brought all of my soapmaking supplies with me in a big box.  Colleen said we could use her molds, her pots, thermometers and scale.  Which was very kind, because soapmaking is messy.  And the cleanup is no fun.  

Upon my arrival, we went into her den and sat, cross-legged, on the floor, staring at her computer (which was also on the floor and which made me realize even more that she and I would become great friends) while we calculated our recipe in grams.  We went back and forth a bit and each of us finally came up with a good mix of oils.  The soap calculator provides information, based on what we want to put into our soap, as to how hard, bubbly, creamy and cleansing our bars will be.

We finished our calculations and, after saying hello to her seemingly catatonic dog, Brody, we left him upstairs, sitting against the wall and staring at the other wall, while we ventured into the basement.  There we measured our oils and lye. 

We returned upstairs and, I told my husband afterward, that was the most fun I'd had in a long time.  We talked non-stop, sometimes talking at the same time and I could've sworn she must have been a part of my family in a previous life or something, because I felt like I had known her for years.

Getting old is no fun.  It's hard to meet new people and even more difficult to find things to do.  I'm not a jock, I can't knit, I can't dance (even though I love to), I can't swim.  The only thing I think I can really do is cook well, write mediocre, and make soap so-so.  But I'm getting better at the soap and it's great to have a friend to bounce ideas off of. 

Colleen and I are getting together with her friend, Ann (another soap addict), one evening this week.  We are going to try to swirl again - at least I am.  The batch I tried to swirl at Colleen's house didn't swirl.  It just laid on top of the soap.  So I have all of these fabulously smelling rose-scented bars of soap that look like a train wreck.  I'll use them anyway, but I'm going to get it right the next time we are together.  I think there's a saying that goes something like, "Don't cry over unswirled soap...."  

Meanwhile, if you'd like a small sample of my Vanilla Sandalwood, email me at:  [email protected]

Copyright 2010 liamsgrandma

Getting Commercial

OK, I'm going to get a little commercial on you here.  I just did some research and am shocked at what I read.  Did you know that most baby products, skin care products, fragrances, deodorants, toothpaste, etc., contain either phtalates or paraben - or both? "So?" You might be saying as you get ready to click to a more entertaining blog.  But wait.  For your sake, please read on.  And I won't get commercial on you until the end.

Phthalates.  Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity). They are primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride.  People are commonly exposed to phthalates, and most Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have metabolites of multiple phthalates in their urine.  How does this  happen?  There are many ways, but what most of us are unaware of is that they are contained in baby products and hair and nail care products.  Why?  Many cosmetic companies use this chemical regularly in everyday products  because they cling to the hair and nails to give perfumes, hair gels and nail polishes more staying power. Are you kidding, you ask???  NO.  Do your research. Long term effects of usage of products containing phtalates include damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in animal studies.  But the FDA doesn't regulate this and companies are not required to put include this on their labels. 

Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. So the next time you are spritzing your hair or painting your nails - think about it.  Your scalp and nails are absorbing this lethal chemical.  And what's worse is if your kids are hanging around, they're breathing it in as well.  Not good. 

Scientists at government agencies in both the U.S. and Canada agree that exposure to the chemicals could cause a wide range of health and reproductive problems in people.  A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that five percent of women between age 20 and 40 had up to 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than researchers initially hypothesized. CDC found phthalates in virtually every person tested, but the largest concentrations -- 20 times higher than the rest of the population -- were found in women of child-bearing age. Meanwhile, another study, led by Dr. Shanna Swan of the University of Missouri, identified developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating to high phthalate levels in their mothers’ bodies.  What can you do about it?  I'll tell you at the end of this blog when I go commercial on you.

Parabens.  Parabens are found in almost every skin care product I came across in my bathroom cabinet.  This is one reason I don't use them anymore.  I use them for another purpose (see further on down).  Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteria killing and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants and toothpaste.  They are also used as food additives.  And they are found in large numbers of baby care products. 

There is scientific research showing that parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to the cause of breast cancer and other types of cancers.  

Let's face it - our skin is the largest organ in our bodies.  Don't tell me you didn't know that.  If you didn't, take a look at yourself.  It is a living, breathing, functioning organ that does all kinds of wonderful things for us.  It not only absorbs oxygen and helps to rid the body of toxins, but that beautiful organ that we take care of with all kinds of lotions, fragrances and deodorants, absorbs everything we put on it.  Everything. 

So what can we do about this?  Buy products that we know do not contain these poisons.  It truly  makes me wonder about the rise of autism in this country when I read how these poisons are absorbed in the body and can cause reproductive defects and birth defects as mothers are totally unaware that what they are putting on their hair, nail and skin is toxic, not only to them, but to their developing fetus.  Of course, time and research will be the answer.  Until then, we can do the necessary things to protect ourselves and our children.

And now for the commercial:  Arbonne products do not contain any phthalates or parabens.  They are botanically based, thoroughly researched, natural products that work.  I became a consultant two years ago because I loved their anti-aging products.  But as time went on, I became a fan of their balancing cream which has eradicated my hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and other things that are a major pain to a menopausal woman.  I love that their makeups and nail polish are phthalate and paraben-free.  I love their shampoos and their health products.  And I keep the bad products that are cowering in my bathroom cabinet to bring with me to my demonstrations to show others how simple things such as shower gels, lotions and hair products contain poisons that, over time, will tragically effect your life and the lives of your loved ones.

You can see more about Arbonne at their site.  If you contact me personally, I will give you a 20% discount on your first order.  I believe in their research and the products they offer that much. And it doesn't matter where you live.  We ship via good ol' UPS. So email me and I will give you unlimited access to all kinds of great things - that will not poison you or your children.

Copyright 2009 liamsgrandma

When Pigs Fly

I have no idea if I had the swine flu or not.  I think not.  But people are so crazed over this swine flu thing that they think anyone who is sick has it.  And, well, I'm one of those people who is on that hysteria wagon - except when it comes to me and whether or not I had it; I simply worry about everyone else. 

Now, some 10 days since the onset of this thing, I still have vestiges of the cough, the sore throat, the glassy eyes, and the state of confusion.  Scratch the last part of that sentence.  I am ALWAYS in a state of confusion. The illness simply justified it.

I took a photograph of myself about 5 days into it and sent the photo, via text message, to my sister-in-law.  That was the most frightening photo I have seen in a long time.  Of anything.  And my sister-in-law is recovering nicely in a rest home where they promised her that the satanic photo was completely destroyed and an exorcism of the highest caliber was performed on her phone.  And they guaranteed that no one would ever hurt her like that again.  At least that's what my copy of the restraining order said.

That photo was so scary that it had to be only through blind love that my husband, children and grandchild could remain in the same room with me.  Not since I saw the previews of "Throw Momma from the Train" have I been so frightened.  In fact, I never watched that movie for the sheer fact that I couldn't handle seeing the woman who played Momma.  She freaked me right out.  When the previews would come on the television, I'd be all over the couch feeling around the cushions, the pillows, my husband's hair, looking for the remote to get that off the screen.

With that said, you know I won't post that photo here.  In fact, I deleted it right after I sent it to Robin and regretted sending it to her immediately after doing so, and for good reason, as previously stated.  I'm not photogenic as it is and with the flu, accompanied by a 5 pound weight loss off of a 125 pound frame (due to the flu), hair that hadn't been styled (at the time) in 4 days (I showered, ok? But there was no use of hair products for 10 days straight), skin that was pale, lips dry and cracking, and one eye seemingly bigger than the other (can eyes have swollen glands???), well, truly, I was a sight all right. 

And the older I get, the worse I respond to symptoms.  Like the coughing.  The other day I coughed so hard, I peed in my pants a little.  When it happened, I froze while in my "cough-induced doubling over" pose (not to be confused with yoga's Downward Facing Dog) and felt my eyes get as big as dinner plates (even the one with the swollen gland).  Could it be?  Did I?  How bad is it?  As I hobbled, cross-legged to the bathroom and peeled off my pants, it wasn't so bad.  But it took time because I wasn't going to re-dress without a shower.  20 minutes later and as the second wave of coughing descended, I was prepared.  I sat on the couch, cross-legged, my hand between my legs, with pressure applied.  Now is that crazy or what?  But it worked.  Had anyone walked in the door at that moment seeing me bent over, legs entwined like a pretzel, holding my privates, and coughing until my eyes watered, they might think I was performing some type of masochistic sexual maneuver.  Only thing is, I wasn't enjoying it.  Not one bit.  And it was obvious.

What I learned from this experience is that the flu, like so many other things that come and wreak havoc in our lives, serve a purpose.  They humble us.  Because when we're sitting as still as possible, holding our crotch, coughing until tears fall like rain, and a booger the size of New Hampshire has apparently settled itself just inside your right nostril, right where a swipe of the hand won't catch it so you have no idea it's even there because you're too afraid to even look at yourself in the mirror, but the Green Peace guy at the door can't seem to speak proper English through all of his stammering because he is so upset about that booger the size of New Hampshire that, try as he might, he can't take his eyes off of it, kind of like not being able to look away from a bad accident, and you think that the reason he has scampered off is because you vehemently say, "No solicitors, PLEASE.  I'm sicker than a dying dog on it's best day," and you close the door, dust off your hands as if you've had some freaking accomplishment that day because, for crying out loud, you can barely get off the couch let alone answer the door and chastise a Green Peace guy.  And then when you finally decide to go into the bathroom and give yourself that smile of confidence in the mirror as you pass by on your way to the toilet, you stop in mid-gait and realize that something bigger, more powerful and more heinous than any words you could ever say were what scared off that Green Peace guy.  

And, after slinking back to the couch for Round 3 of your coughing seizures, you realize that nothing can be more humbling, more bubble bursting, more self-esteem deflating than a booger the size of New Hampshire.

Copyright 2009 liamsgrandma

Flu Season Warriors - Zinc, Echinacea and, yes, Mushrooms as Immune System Boosters!!

It's that time of the year again and I am one of those who is trying to stave off the flu. I feel it; it's there - scratchy throat, a little stuffy, some body aches and a headache here and there.  But so far, so good.  As you should know by now, Maggie is one who likes to live life as naturally as possible.  That includes how she eats, what she puts onto her skin and hair and how she combats disease.  Here are some effective ways to keep that nasty virus away by fighting it with the shields and swords of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, all contained naturally in what we eat and drink.  

If you are already experiencing symptoms and it is Day 1 or, at the furthest out, Day 2, run (do not walk) to your nearest drug store.  Ideally, the best time to kill a virus that has made it past the first string of warriors is when you begin to feel the symptoms. Otherwise, you may still get sick, but taking the following measures will sharply reduce your illness.

First, purchase Cold-Eez zinc lozenges. I say Cold-Eez because it's readily available and has worked for me in the past (like you wouldn't believe).  Research has shown that zinc boosts the immune system in a big way - but don't overdo it. Research has also shown that we need only 15 mg per day of the stuff; anything over that could actually suppress our immune system.  So do it right, ok?  Nipping your illness in the bud with zinc can actually chase it away.  Starting it after you have your full-blown illness will reduce the amount of time you are ill.  It may also reduce the effects of the illness.  For more great info on zinc, go to this link and this link.  Remember that zinc is found in a daily vitamin like Centrum.   You may need a bit more (but not more than 15 mg/day) when you are coming down with something.  Follow directions properly on items such as Cold-Eez.

Echinacea is also a great method of fighting illness.  This beneficial herb is found in the root of the Purple Coneflower plant and has been used for centuries to combat colds and flu symptoms.  Echinacea is so widely used today that you can find the supplement in the grocery store, drug store and, of course, in health food stores. Warning:  If you are already on antibiotics, check with your doctor first before starting Echinacea.  If you are taking steroids, such as prednisone, again, check with your doctor.  It is usually not recommended to take Echinacea if you are already taking either of these medicines. For additional information on Echinacea, click here and, for real nerds, click here, where you can read not only about boosting the immune system, but also about some of its other benefits, such as accelerant healing in skin grafts and treatment of a variety of inflammatory skin conditions such as wounds, eczema, burns, and Herpes simplex.  

Finally, mushrooms (yes, mushrooms!) have been proven to assist our immune system and to help prevent cancer.  They also act as anti-aging heros (which makes them a huge hero in my book!).  I often hear people remark, "I thought mushrooms had no nutritional value; they're just a fungus that tastes good."  And, I might also add, they provide shade for toads on a hot summer's day and a stool for those darling little sun worshipping amphibians.  Take these wonderfully variant edibles seriously and start adding them to your soups, salads and chilis, to name a few dishes.  You will be glad you did.  For more information on the health benefits of mushrooms, click here.  

Other methods of keeping our immune system happy during cold and flu season are:

• drink at least two glasses of orange juice a day;
• drink at least 3 cups of green tea a day.  Now don't wince; a lot of green teas are flavored these days.  One of my favorites is Republic of Tea's Goji Raspberry Green Tea.  Not only do I get a nicer flavor and the full benefits of a green tea, but I also get the benefits afforded me by the raspberry and Goji berry.
• drink 8-8 oz. glasses of water per day.  It really is easier to do than you think.
• Take a multi-vitamin daily. 
• Get fresh air, take walks and bundle up when it's really cold out there.  You'll feel great when you come back home. 
• On kinder, milder days, turn down the heat and open your windows for 30 minutes. Air the place out! 
• Avoid fast food and processed food - ALWAYS.  You may be surprised at what is processed food (more on that in another edition of Maggie's Health and Beauty Tips).
• Get to the health food store and get some Green Magma or try Garden of Life's Perfect Food Berry.  I drink this everyday and feel great.  It's great for the skin and hair as well.    
• Keep your stress at a minimum - easier said than done.  I know this to be so true of myself and something I struggle with daily. 
• Above all, be happy.  It helps us to maintain good health.  Find joy in small things and throw the garbage away into imaginary trash bins.   

Copyright 2008 liamsgrandma

Curcumin, Resveratrol and Omega 3

For anyone who likes to take care of themselves and who doesn't want to give in to those things that we are supposed to refer to fondly as "laugh lines," "love handles," or "sun brow," and to those who know the real definitions of "road map," "chicken neck" and the like, here's a few tips.  Tips on how to reduce puffiness that tends to occur more often in our later years but it also occurs in the younger set based on what is put into the body, and tips on general anti-aging steps.  And believe me, I read and read and read because I ain't givin' in to 50 easily when it comes next year.  And, yes, 50 is now truly the new 30 because we are learning more about how to take care of ourselves, both on the inside and the outside.

First, cut out or radically decrease alcohol intake.  It puts on pounds and those pounds show dramatically in the face.  It increases puffiness ten-fold, especially around the eyes.  Who needs that?  Granted, a glass of wine now and then is ok, but I don't even recommend one glass per day.  It'll show in your face - trust me.  I read a lot and I try things, so when I reduced cocktails to once a month and a limited amount at that, I looked a whole lot better.  I will say that red wine contains powerful polyphenols and antioxidants which lend themselves to good heart and skin health as well as cancer prevention.  Again, a glass a day is fine but, even better and so you don't get that awful puffiness, skip the once a day glass, purchase red wine supplements or resveratrol supplements at the health store.  I prefer that option.

Next, have salmon once a week.  You can bake it, grill it, poach it.  It tastes great and it shows in your skin.  But don't stop there.  Take fish oil supplements which are incredible promoters of healthier, younger looking skin.  I take a fish oil supplement twice a day with a meal.  It is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which promote skin health and, as an added benefit, brain health.  So you not only look smarter, you are smarter!  

Finally, for today's recommendations, I urge you to go to your health store and buy Curcumin in supplement form.  Curcumin is found in turmeric and, well, you could sprinkle your foods with turmeric but it really doesn't taste good on everything - I tend to only like it in eastern recipes or chili.  So go with the curcumin supplement, twice a day, with a meal.  Curcumin is a mega dose of natural anti-inflammatory which translates into reduced puffiness around the eyes, and your face in general, as well as the rest of your body.  An added benefit of this wonderful spice is that it reduces inflammation around the joints.  When taken regularly over a period of time, Curcumin has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.  Even if you don't have arthritis, it helps to prevent it.  Your skin will thank you and your joints will thank you.  There are also studies linking prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and prevention of and treatment for Multiple Myeloma (a form of bone cancer) with use of Curcumin.  See:

http://www.alzheimersupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/2173

and http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7196105/fulltext.html

So get out there and get yourself some fish oil, Curcumin and Resveratrol.

Copyright 2008 liamsgrandma