THE PASTURE FENCE!

Phase 2 of Wit's End Farm is finally underway.  It's been a long time coming, Phase 1 of building Wit's End Farm took us much longer than we had anticipated, but we're here now, and I'm very excited to be moving forward with the pasture.

Clearing the fence line!  3-16-2015

You know, sometimes life, health, and other unexpected opportunities for growth present themselves, and we have the choice to either adapt, or to struggle against the situation.  As circumstances slow us down, we can choose to take that time to be still, to seek out what lesson there is to learn in each challenge.  Life isn't always about moving forward, but sometimes it's about learning how to get back up and press on after being knocked backwards.

Just the beginning...so much more to come!  3-16-2015

Having had Bill's youngest brother Jim here for several months was such a blessing. Not only for the work he has helped Bill with, but for his positive attitude and easy-going spirit.  God is certainly looking out for us.  What brought Jim here to us this time was a year of great loss for him, but he has turned it into a positive by focusing on helping others while waiting for direction for his future. There's a great lesson in there somewhere.

Setting some fence posts!  4-2-2015

So, with that said, time marches on, and the clearing of the fence line does as well. And it is a slow march, but they head out each day with the resolve to conquer a few more feet, and it's getting closer and closer.  As of the writing of this paragraph, and the photo below, it has been ten weeks of hard labor, mostly on the fence line every day.  There have been some days they worked on other things, like clearing out the garage so my car could be parked inside, and like planting fifteen or so trees and bushes that had been in need of a permanent home before the rains come.  And other stuff like machinery repairs, lawn maintenance, and some time off for much needed R&R.  But the major focus has always been the fence.

The last section to be cleared!  4-16-2015

Today is April 16th, and it is after 7:00 PM, they will be coming in soon for some dinner, so I need to get to it.  Got to keep these men well fed.  More later.

Now that's a lot of cleared brush and trees!  4-28-2015

And there it is burning down to nothing!  4-28-2015

They've been working very hard, today was a very long day.  Just about 9 hours straight of cutting, clearing, and stacking very heavy trees and logs.  I am amazed at my husband at 69 years old with an artificial heart valve, a pacemaker, and a bum knee, he can still work like a 50 year old man.  He loves this kind of work, too.  They are telling me that it won't be long now until they can string a line and dig more fence post holes on the last side.  Hopefully, they're right.

Yes, another pile of debris 5-22-2015

And, there it goes up in flames again 5-22-2015

September, 2016

And the clearing, and the burning, and the digging and the planting continued on for 2 1/2 more months.  Just before Jim left, the boys worked very hard on putting in the agricultural water lines.  Our son and daughter also helped out on this project.  That was a whole lot of digging and laying down lines, but it was another necessary evil to be conquered.  I took a long pause from this blog post, so will try to catch up on what's been happening. Jim met and ultimately married a wonderful woman.  He left us in August to tend to his own life. Waiting on God for direction is never a bad thing.  They are very happy together, and we love her dearly.

Jim and Teresa

Building the fence has taken a long reprieve for Bill to have a knee replaced in February 2016.  It hasn't been an easy recovery for him, but now, September 2016 he is slowly getting back to being himself again.  Our daughter moved up here from Florida (July 2015) which has made us very happy.  Now all of our little family can be together again.  She had to deal with some medical issues, (she inherited my hips,) and we have taken some time out to help her recover.  She bounced back pretty quickly.

Jim and Teresa came down recently and put in a very long day working on the fence line with Bill. They dug many more holes and planted several posts, and did more clearing.  And, time still marches on. 

March, 2018

And here we are again.  I don't know what we have been doing the last year and a half.  Helping our daughter and grandchildren some, working on the pasture in between life's happenings.  Getting a little side hobby going making bath and body products.  That one took a lot of time and research.  It's going pretty good right now.  I pray that it continues to do so.  I think there was a little vacation in there somewhere, at times  I miss Florida, and it helps to go back for a few days, that's all I need.

Jim and Teresa came for a working weekend again this month to help with getting the pasture up and running.  Bill chose to have him help with digging the trenching and laying down the lines for the electric to the pasture fence and the outbuildings.  They worked so hard for 2 1/2 days, but it turned out to be the springboard to getting this project done.

             











May, 2018

And, so, we work on to the goal of a hobby farm that would be able to sustain if the need arose.  For that one would need some animals of a sort.  We've had chickens for several years, and we do love the wonderful eggs they provide.  My dream of looking out onto a beautiful pasture with cows peacefully munching away has been with me since childhood.  My dear Mother used to tell me stories of how it was her job as a little girl to bring the family milk cow in from the pasture at the end of the day.  I guess that influenced me greatly, with my love for animals of all kinds, and my great love and respect for my dear Mama.  Since I am the youngest of seven children, I was enamored as a little girl with the tales of my siblings adventures on a farm my parents owned for a few years before I was born, and on our grandparents farm as well.  That was all before my time, I was just one year old when my folks sold the farm and moved to the suburbs.  So, fortunately, my wonderful husband has worked very hard to bring both of our dreams to fruition.  Here are a few pictures of this dream's fulfillment.

Dolly, our Jersey Heifer

Ginger, a Guernsey Heifer

Bella (aka Bossy) our Belted Galloway Heifer

And here they are, all three loving the life of a cow!

So, yeah, that's not all, there are some sheep too!  Yep, we dove right in, no testing the waters with a toe this time.  At our age, sometimes waiting just doesn't make sense.  I'm not too sure about the sheep just yet, I think maybe they'll grow on me over time.  They're cute for sure, it's just that sound they make, "Baaa",  sounds so demanding.  But, little Opal, Pearl, Ivy and Willow will have the life of luxury here on our little piece of heaven making babies.  When they grow up, that is.

Pearl and Opal chillin' in the clover

Mama Ivy and baby Willow, checking out their new digs 

Will there be more to this story?  Well, phase 2 of Wit's End Farm took us quite a few years, so, the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, yes, there's more in the plans.  Now with all the agricultural water lines in, certified, and working well, and electricity out to the fence, chicken coop, and shed, we're ready to take on Phase 3.  A bit more fencing, a bit more work, building a barn, and I see some adorable little goats in our future.  And, of course a donkey, why, doesn't everyone want a donkey?  Now, there's a sound that just makes me giggle, "Heeeeeee Haw, hee haw hee haw".  So, so darn cute!  What?  Is it just me?  I adore that sound, and can't wait until that day comes along.  Ducks and geese?  Rabbits?  Yeah, maybe, why not?  Swine?  Mmmm, not sure about that one.  Til later...as we work on phase 3.

COCONUT OIL SOAP!

Coconut Oil Soap - da Lime in da Coconut

Welcome to the newest soap here at the Farm!  I do love a soap that is simple, quick to cure, and as gentle as it comes.

This soap breaks the rules of soapmaking.  It's made with one oil, coconut oil, and it uses aloe juice in place of water.  It makes a smooth and creamy lather that cleanses well and leaves your skin soft and hydrated.  Normally, this soap would be considered a no-no, but in this formula it works, and it works beautifully!  This soap is 20% superfatted.  That means there's 20% of the coconut oil free floating within the soap (that the lye hasn't converted into soap) to moisturize your skin, so it's not drying at all.

If you've read any of my other posts, you are aware of the tremendous benefits of coconut oil.  It's moisturizing, cleansing, antibacterial, and is an antioxidant, all so good for your skin.

Coconut Oil

The other major ingredient in this soap is aloe juice.  The aloe juice replaces water that is usually used in soaps.  The aloe juice helps this soap to be soothing, healing, and is an antioxidant and antibacterial, all to help promote healthy skin.

Aloe Juice

That is it, a simple, pure, and unadulterated bar of soap that anyone can use.  Can I just say that the coconut lime fragrance is refreshing, and reminds me of Spring, Sun, Beach, and things growing green.  

Coconut Oil Soap - da Lime in da Coconut

I will be making this soap in at least one more fragrance, it will be a soft delicate scent that we all love and recognize, Baby Powder.  Stay tuned, it's coming soon!

HOMEMADE ANTI-AGING SUPER SERUM!

This brand new product has been in testing for months, and we are finally ready to put it out there for you to try.  We think you will be extremely happy with the results.

Anti-Aging Super Serum 1 oz.

Some of the ingredients in this formula were very new to me, and as I researched them I found that some of them are very new to the industry, while others are tried and true oldie goldies. Bear with me while we explore the benefits of each ingredient in this formula.

Chamomile Flowers and Tea

Chamomile Tea poses powerful healing, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, and moisturizing properties. It also proves to be very effective in treatment of acne, wounds and scars on the skin surface. It accelerates the healing process of minor wounds and also has disinfectant properties. It was initially used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans as a healing salve for treating wounds. Chamomile tea is an excellent all-natural skin bleach. It helps to lighten your complexion and helps to make it more radiant. It tightens the pores and reduces the severity of many problems of the skin. Because of its calming and antioxidant properties, chamomile tea is found to be very effective in soothing skin irritation and eczema. Placing cooled chamomile tea bags under the eyes helps in reducing eye puffiness.

Photos of before and after Hyaluronic Acid use

Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body.  It is found in the highest concentrations in fluids in the eyes and joints.  It can hold up to 1000 times it's weight in water. Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues, including the skin.  The Hyaluronic Acid that is used as medicine is extracted from rooster combs or made by bacteria in the laboratory.  The Hyaluronic Acid that we use is pure Hyaluronic Acid - no parabens, vegan and is made in the USA.  Hyaluronic Acid is used for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer when applied directly to the skin. There is also a lot of interest in using Hyaluronic Acid to prevent the effects of aging.  In fact, Hyaluronic Acid has been promoted as a "fountain of youth".

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the "plant of immortality". Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant . It has been found that Aloe Vera does in fact have many properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions.  It's good for flaky or dry skin, hair and scalp problems, and sunburn through its powerful ability to heal. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps to retain and replenish moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, it assists the skin  in faster healing. Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for those with oily skin. For women who use mineral-based make-up, Aloe Vera acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to application. Giberellin, a hormone in Aloe Vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring. It fights aging and lessens the visibility of stretch marks.

Witch Hazel Flower

Witch Hazel According to Wikipedia, "The leaves and bark of the North American Witch-hazel, Hamamelis Virginiana, may be used to produce an astringent, also referred to as Witch Hazel, and is used medicinally. This plant extract was widely used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and is a component of a variety of commercial healthcare products.  It is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. Witch Hazel is used in skin care. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent.  It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis, eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, to prevent sweating of the face, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids."  It is a natural astringent that can help control acne by reducing inflammation and decreasing oil and redness in the skin.  It can lessen bacteria growth while speeding up the healing of scars, scabs, and infection.  I personally have found that it helps to minimize the look of large pores, and helps to make the skin appear smoother and younger.

Vitamin C that we use is Triple Action Vitamin C which is three forms providing enhanced action. This is powerful anti-oxidant care for your skin being the most advanced professional serum available for maximum effect.  It provides anti-oxidant benefits needed to help eliminate free radicals on your skin; helps to reduce age spots, freckles and skin discolorations.

Anti-Aging Super Serum 1 oz

Niacinamide  occurs when the B3 vitamin called niacin combines with amino acids of another molecule causing a chemical reaction producing niacinamide.  We can get our recommended allowance of vitamin B3 from eating fish, cereals, nuts, some breads, and, of course, our daily vitamins.  But it is most effective for treating problems of the skin when used topically.  According to the websites Livestrong.com and The Beverly Hills MD Blog, it reduces the signs of aging, provides relief for rosacea, and is an effective treatment for acne.

Vitamin E Oil is a heat stable antioxidant.  There have been studies that have shown that this form of Vitamin E is the best antioxidant for cosmetic applications.  It has a higher amount of gamma tocopherols compared to pharmaceutical Vitamin E pills. The source we use is both all natural and plant based.  “Vitamin E has been used in skincare for so long that it sometimes gets overlooked when newer, more exotic-sounding ingredients are advertised in products, but the truth is, it’s a highly beneficial ingredient for the skin, especially when it’s combined with other antioxidants.” From Livestrong.com

CoQ10 - According to WebMD, our regular multivitamins may provide all we need to keep our skin healthy.  However, depending on each one of our specific deficiencies, sometimes even the very best multivitamin may not contain everything we individually may need to keep our skin looking it's very best. CoQ10 along with high levels of Vitamins A, C, and E can be much more beneficial if added daily to our beauty regimen.  In most folks over the age of thirty, the levels of CoQ10 are below the optimum which results in a lesser ability to make collagen and elastin. In addition, CoQ10 starved skin may be more susceptible to damage by free radicals. It is a relatively small molecule that can more easily penetrate the cells of the skin. Therefore, it can boost the skin's ability to repair and regenerate thereby reducing the damage of free radicals.

A gorgeous flamingo!

Astaxanthin is the reddish pigment that is part of a group of chemicals called carotenoids.  It occurs naturally in some algae, and it's what causes the red color in slamon, lobster, trout, shrimp, and other seafoods.  It's what gives flamingos their gorgeous color! It is known to reduce the signs of aging, reduce wrinkles and age spots, and improve the overall health of the skin, and helps to reduce damage caused by the sun.   In laboratory studies, astaxanthin has been reported to be typically at least 10 times more potent as an antioxidant than the other standard carotenoids.

Anti-Aging Super Serum 1 oz

Sinus Essential Oil and Fragrance Oil Blend has been added for it's ability to wake up the skin and stimulate circulation, helping to bring a healthy glow to the skin, and promoting a cleansing from the inside through heightened circulation of the blood.  Use nightly under your favorite moisturizing cream for best results.  You may want to take a look at our newest Revitalizing Night Cream for a real boost of moisture to your skin.

Carpe Diem!

MINT EMULSIFIED SUGAR SCRUB!

Mint Emulsified Sugar Scrub

Let me start out by saying that I love, love, love this scrub.  I have made many a scrub, but this one tops them all.  It's a gentle scrub, great for the face, and leaves your skin feeling soft and slightly energized.  The fragrance is soft and delicate, and the sugar provides a gentle scrub.  I found the recipe on one of my favorite supply websites, Wholesale Supplies Plus.  It's a winner in my book, and here's why:

Avocado Oil

• Avocado Oil:  I've extolled the benefits of this wonderful fruit oil before, but it's so good I'll share it again.  Cold pressed avocado oil is one of the richest sources of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.  Not only is avocado oil extremely good at hydrating and softening your skin, it is often recommended as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, eczema and other forms of skin inflammation.  It's an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It also facilitates in the healing of scars, diminishing of spots, removal of stretch marks and shrinking of large pores. Avocado oil can increase collagen, reduce wrinkles, and heal damaged skin.  The avocado, actually a fruit, is rich in proteins and fats, sterolin, lecithin and potassium. The natural oils in an avocado can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to soften and hydrate dry and flaky patches.

Mango Butter

• Mango Butter:  Mango Butter is extracted from the fruit kernels of the mango tree. Pure Mango Butter is thought to exhibit excellent moisturizing properties while countering the drying effects of bar soaps and cleansers! Mango Butter is well suited for use in homemade sugar scrubs, lotion bars, soaps, cuticle creams and more!  In skin care, we love mango butter for its moisturizing essential fatty acids. It's rich in oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 acid; and stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. These are ingredients that the skin readily recognizes, absorbs, and uses to help add moisture to the skin.  It both tightens and firms while providing super nourishment to the skin.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E:  Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process. If we can fight off free radicals, then we can reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking. It has basic antioxidant properties that everyone needs.  The term vitamin E actually refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds that have different antioxidant abilities. Because vitamin E helps ward off sun damage, it can reduce the signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. Vitamin E is also known as a wound healer.

Sugar

• Sugar:  Sugar scrubs have a few benefits over salt scrubs. For one, small sugar granules are generally gentler than salt, which can cause microscopic tears in the skin.  Secondly, because of sugar's natural humectant properties, these scrubs are more hydrating than salt scrubs, which can strip skin of natural oils.  Exfoliation is necessary as we age, it removes dry and dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.  It is one of the most important aspects of your home skincare routine for face and body. Exfoliation not only helps many skin problems, it also increases blood circulation, which in turn helps you to achieve healthy and glowing skin.  By exfoliating first, then moisturizing, you are getting the nutrients right where your skin needs them.  Moisturizing dead skin cells is of little benefit to your skin.

Mint Emulsified Sugar Scrub

So, I have just completed the three step process that you need for healthy, glowing skin after you have cleansed:   Exfoliate to get to your healthy skin; Clay Mask to pull impurities, shrink pores, moisturize, and nourish; Moisturize to nourish and protect your skin from the free radicals and impurities floating around in our atmosphere  that can cause premature aging.

LAVENDER CLAY FACE MASK!

Lavender Clay Face Mask

Most facial masks that I've used leave my skin feeling dry and taught, or the more gentle ones don't seem to do much.  I have a recipe for a facial mask that is so gentle, but still very effective, that you may want to use it every day, but probably don't need to.  It's full of nourishing ingredients along with ingredients that will pull impurities from your skin without leaving it dry or taught.  Lavender Clay Face Mask has the ingredients that will increase collagen and reduce wrinkles, it will ease inflammation and moisturize, it won't clog pores, and will prevent free radical damage, it absorbs excess oils and stale sebum, and helps to prevent aging via magnesium.  Simply apply to a clean and dry face, wait for it to dry, twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse off and apply moisturizer.  May I recommend my Revitalizing Night Cream!  I love the way my skin has responded to these latest products.

Let's take a look at what's in this little amazing jar:

Avocado Oil

• Avocado Oil:  Cold pressed avocado oil is one of the richest sources of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.  Not only is avocado oil extremely good at hydrating and softening your skin, it is often recommended as an effective treatment for acne and blackheads, eczema and other forms of skin inflammation.  It's an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It also facilitates in the healing of scars, diminishing of spots, removal of stretch marks and shrinking of large pores. Avocado oil can increase collagen, reduce wrinkles, and heal damaged skin.  The avocado, actually a fruit, is rich in proteins and fats, sterolin, lecithin and potassium. The natural oils in an avocado can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to soften and hydrate dry and flaky patches.

Argan Oil

• Argan Oil:   Argan oil is most commonly used as a skin moisturizer to hydrate and soften skin. With its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, Argan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. It absorbs easily and is non-greasy and non-irritating, which makes it a great natural moisturizer.  It is considered to be a dry oil meaning it absorbs quickly.  One of the main reasons that Argan oil is so therapeutic is because it’s rich with vitamin A and vitamin E.  However, Argan oil is also packed with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to skin, Argan oil benefits include easing inflammation while moisturizing the skin.  When applied externally, tocopherol from the vitamin E helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin.  

Evening Primrose Oil

• Evening Primrose Oil:  Research shows that people with eczema don't have the normal ability to process fatty acids.  This results in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA.  A benefit of Evening Primrose Oil is it's ability to help naturally cure various skin ailments because the essential fatty acids in Evening Primrose Oil help with hormone imbalances.  It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness in the skin.  It is a good moisturizer with a low comedogenic rating.  It is one of the best oils for anti-aging due to it's ultra-moisturizing qualities that can help keep the skin supple, smooth, and soft.  It has strong anti-oxidant properties that help prevent free radical damage which helps to prevent premature aging. 

Kaolin Clay

• Kaolin Clay:   Kaolin clay is a fine and light clay that has natural absorbency properties. Kaolin, also called China clay, is named after the hill in China, Kao-ling, from which it was mined for centuries.  When applied on skin, it will absorb excess oils and stale sebum on the skin and within the pores.  It is a naturally occurring clay mineral used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties. Kaolin's absorbent properties make it a popular ingredient in clay masks.  White Kaolin clay, also known as White Cosmetic clay, is a very fine and light clay that has natural absorbency properties. White Kaolin clay is found in virtually all powdered and dry cosmetics and most wet cosmetics, including soaps, scrubs, poultices, deodorants, facial powders and masks.  Kaolin is one of the State of Georgia's largest natural resources. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 8 million metric tons of kaolin are mined from Georgia each year, with an estimated value of more than $1 billion.

Purple Brazilian Clay

• Purple Brazilian Clay:  Brazilian clay is a type of kaolin clay that comes from Brazil. They come in a variety of different colors, including red, purple, black, and gold. The clay is naturally colored — they don’t contain artificial dyes or pigments. Instead, the color comes from the minerals that the clay has absorbed over time. Because Brazilian clay is available in a variety of natural colors, it’s often used to add color to homemade soap, skincare products, and cosmetics.  Purple Brazilian clay is a great option for people who want to help prevent aging skin. It’s chock full of magnesium, which promotes healthy cell maintenance — an essential part of maintaining a youthful appearance. Also, purple Brazilian clay helps prevent your skin from absorbing impurities, which is why it’s often used in soap and facial cleansers.

Well, it seems that I need to look into a great face soap recipe that includes Purple Brazilian Clay!  Stay tuned, it may be coming soon!

REVITALIZING NIGHT CREAM!

Revitalizing Night Cream

We have a new baby born here on the Farm!  No, it's not what you are thinking, but it is still very exciting!  I haven't made a new face cream in quite a long while.  I've been feeling like I needed something different, something better.  So, I hit the Internet and began to look around for some new and better ingredients that would do what I needed them to do.  And, voila, here it is!

Revitalizing Night Cream is exactly what it's name says it to be.  After cleansing my face at night and applying the new cream to my face, I woke up the next morning in love with my skin.  I am excited to see where this cream will take me.  I believe it's the best face cream I have made, and far better than much of what is available out there in the retail market place, and a far better value.

Come along with me and let's look at some of the ingredients in this little miracle-like jar:

The Aloe Vera Leaf

• Aloe Vera Juice:  To start, there's no plain distilled water in this formula.  I decided to see how much better it might be if I used all Aloe Vera Juice to replace the water.  We all know the benefits of Aloe Vera to the skin., it treats sunburn, it acts as a moisturizer, it treats acne, it fights aging, it lessens the visibility of stretch marks, it's nutrient rich for good health, it soothes in periodontal disease, it aids in digestion.  Aloe Vera has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin inflammation and promote the growth of new cells.

The Jojoba Plant

• Jojoba Oil:   Jojoba Oil moisturizes skin.  A jojoba oil benefit is that it plays the role of sebum and moisturizes our skin and hair when our body stops doing it naturally. On the other hand, too much sebum, which happens during puberty or when hormone levels are high, can result in oily skin and acne.  It may seem counter intuitive to put oil on your face, especially if you're prone to breakouts, but jojoba oil might actually make oily skin better. Jojoba oil moisturizes skin all day, so it's ideal for dry faces, too. Jojoba oil is very mild, and you can apply it directly to your face.  Following are five properties of Jojoba oil:  (1)  Long-lasting moisture: Studies have documented that jojoba oil improves the feel of skin, and provides a substantial long-acting, 24-hour skin hydration effect.  (2)  Nutritious:  Jojoba oil contains nutrients like vitamin E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, which all nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors.  (3)  Gentle:  Jojoba oil is recommended for people with sensitive skin because of its gentle nature.  Applying jojoba to compromised skin can help keep it moist.  (4)  Anti-aging:  Because it is the perfect moisturizer, jojoba oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  (5)  Conditioning:  Jojoba Oil is also used in many hair products because it's moisturizing and conditioning properties extend to the hair, making it soft, shiny, and manageable.  Those with frizzy or damaged hair should love jojoba oil.                   

Evening Primrose Flower

• Evening Primrose Oil:  Use of this oil as a remedy for eczema began in the 1930's.  The most common course of treatment is easing symptoms, often with herbal supplements, such as evening primrose oil. It is also a treatment for psoriasis and acne.  It's excellent for the overall health of the skin. This seemingly magic oil is known to be a great moisturizer. Not only does it make the skin soft, but it also supplies it with essential nutrients and healthy fats, helping to make your skin look youthful and flawless.  The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil also help reduce swelling, redness, itching, and rashes on the skin.  Evening primrose oil is known for treating hormonal imbalance in the body. This, in turn, helps reduce acne and breakouts on the face.  By applying this oil to your face every day, your breakouts will start clearing up faster than normal.  Using this oil topically, or in the form of capsules, has been thought to improve eczema within just a few short weeks.  The fatty acids present in this oil can help to nourish the nails and prevent them from cracking.  Just rub a few drops of this oil on your fingernails as well as toenails every night.  I would suggest that you use what's left on your hands after applying to your face to massage into your nails and hands, and even your hair.  I do.  Evening primrose oil is known to lighten the skin and reduce hyper-pigmentation or any dark spots.  It can help to normalize your skin tone when needed.  There's so much more out there on this special oil, but I'll leave it to another time.

Grapes, Seeds, & Grape Seed Oil

• Grape Seed Oil:  Grape seed oil is the oil that's extracted from grape seeds. - It's non-comedogenic, which is just a fancy word for "it doesn't clog pores".  It is high in linoleic acid, which has been thought to reduce clogged pores!  It is known to treat acne, tighten skin, help diminish dark circles around the eyes, moisturize, reduce scars, restore collagen and fight aging.  Second, it has a great amount of vitamin E, about twice as much as olive oil!  This means it provides antioxidants for your skin. It is thought that grape seed oil has the ability to help oily skin. 

If I were to stop right here, we would have an amazing product for your skin, whether you have aging skin like me, or youthful skin that is fighting acne, or just about anything in between.  But, there's more...

Hyaluronic Acid = Moisture

• Hyaluronic Acid:  Body collagen declines as our skin ages, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles and discolouring. Maximizing collagen levels keeps skin more supple. Hyaluronic acid keeps collagen synthesis up, retains moisture in the skin, both contributing to the anti-aging benefits to the skin.  Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating fluid that's naturally found in the skin, eyes, joints, and connective tissue. Because it has a very high capacity for holding water, 1000 times it's own weight, it is used to give structure and moisture to damaged tissue in skin care products.  Hyaluronic acid isn't harsh or skin-stripping, in fact, it has the exact opposite effect.  It is a powerful humectant, or moisture-binding ingredient, that keeps skin plump, hydrated, more youthful looking. 

Horsetail Herb

• Horsetail:  Also called Snake Grass and Puzzle Grass, Horsetail is a perennial herb that contains silicon which is a trace mineral required by the body for glowing skin, stronger bones, and  flexible joints. The ability of this herb to help tighten, firm and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles make it a perfect choice for my Revitalizing Night Cream.  What makes horsetail stand out in the cosmetic world is that it's reported to contain more silicon in the form of silica and silica acids than any other herb, in a form that's easily absorbed by the body.  Horsetail promotes a tighter and firmer look, cleansing properties help minimize the appearance of large pores and tone the look of skin, improves skin texture with a moisturizing effect, it's good for sensitive skin, it's a natural source of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C.  It's antioxidant activity protects from free radicals in the environment.  

• Vitamins C and E:  Just in case there's not enough in the above ingredients, I've added more to give your skin an additional boost.  Actually, twice as much as was in this product's predecessor. 

You will see the difference when you choose to use this Revitalizing Night Cream.  I have been using my products for years now, but I noticed a difference the first day after using this Revitalizing Night Cream.  It just keeps getting  better and better.

Carpe Diem! Lil and Bill