10 tips from what I learned from doing the Oil Cleanse Method

Hello friends! This post is a bit of a long read, but if you have/had skin issues and thought of trying the Oil Cleanse Method, then first read this post.

You might have noticed that there haven't been lots of close up photos on the blog lately. That's for a couple of reasons..first we have all been extremely busy and second I (Renee) have been suffering through one of the worst skin breakout ever. It hasn't been this bad since my teen years. : (

Why is that?

because I decided to be fearless and toss out all my skin care products. I absolutely don't recommend it unless you are brave and can deal with skin break out issues nonchalantly. I tried going completely natural with my skincare regime, using the Oil Cleanse Method, (OCM) honey and natural apple cider based toner.
The OCM method involves mixing oils and massaging/steaming them into your skin. If you are curious check out the link here

 I did it every evening for two months and here's what I learned:

5 Tips from my experience with the OCM 

1. Don't stray from what you know. I have been using the same skin care regime for the past ten years and in a brief moment of insanity thought: my skin's okay let's switch it up! If that thought ever pops into your brain, don't act on it! Stop and think about the consequences, seriously long and hard...and then go talk to your sisters, mother, friend,  before going completely au natural.

2. The OCM method and going natural cost lots of $$ initially and becomes a skin obsessing addiction. I spent hours reading other blogs and learning about the OCM method, adding more and more essences, oils and toners to my online shopping basket. I did a natural homeopathic liver cleanse (it cost $90.00) and took two different kinds of  expensive acne related supplements under my natural path's direction. I read different blogs and was always finding something else I should purchase.

3. Doing the OCM was relaxing, but made my skin worse. Much worse. I knew there was going to be a time of flare up initially, but it was supposed to go away after two weeks. Mine didn't. It got worse. I waited the right amount of days, switched oils and tried again. I researched and ordered more oils. Nothing worked. I used avocado oil, hemp oil, castor oil, made a moisturizer with almond oil, used carrot seed essence and jojoba oil. Breakouts galore popped up and just got worse. I had to admit that while it might work for some, it doesn't for me. Cue the next point which was hard to accept:

4. Going natural isn't for everyone.  I washed my face with just organic honey, sprayed an apple cider toner on my face ( which stank like smelly socks and made the bathroom stink too) and it didn't work. I regret buying all those oils and now am researching how to make soaps with them so they don't go to waste..I needed a good wake up call from my sister Elese who said: "Go back to what you know and stop the granola thing!" Thanks oh wise one : )

5. My skin loves Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) Ten years ago I had a bad flare up with acne and went to the dermatologist. He recommended B.P and said my skin wasn't bad enough for Accutane. I found this website Acne.org and decided to give it a try. It worked and my skin had stayed clear for ten years. I re-ordered my trust B.P three weeks ago and miracles of miracles-my skin is clearing up.  Seriously if you know what works, keep at it! I have now sworn Leah, Charlotte and Elese to shake me silly when I get another crazy idea like that in my head. I have learned, I have grown and I won't go back. OCM and going natural is for some people, but is not for me. Find what works for your lovely skin and stick with it : )





























Let's talk skin care!

Have you tried OCM? What was your experience? Share with us! Did it work? Not work?

Rummage Sale Finds

This past week we spotted a sign. Two words that made our hearts beat with excitement:

Rummage Sale! 

It's beginning again friends and we can't tell you how much we missed a really great rummage sale. This past Saturday we were lucky, because there was not one, but two local churches holding sales! Yahoo! It was our first time going to both and we are so grateful we went. 

Be still our little shopper hearts! It was a blast and we had so much fun. We walked into the first one at Parkdale United Church here in Ottawa and were overwhelmed. There were tables and racks of clothing, a stage full of books and tables of cut lace, doilies, fabric and dishes everywhere. This sale happens twice a year, and if you are in the Ottawa area you should most definitely keep your eyes open for it.  The next one is in the Autumn and we promise to keep you posted about it. 

The second sale was at St Mathias, just down the street. There were books galore, more clothing and lots of jewelry. Our mama found the cutest doily coasters and a pink dress for our sweet baby girl.  St Mathias also has this sale twice a year. We are so grateful we walked in, and love that our money went to a good cause too, as all proceeds went to the two local parishes. 

What else did we find at the rummage sales? 

Embroidered lace handkerchiefs, napkins, tablecloths and place mats

Books!

A lovely old platter 

A neat glass vase 

unique pots for our orchids 

a yellow baby girl dress from Eatons 

a Scandinavian wool sweater with the neatest  buttons 

and lots more clothes!  

A Friday Ritual

One photo without explanation. A moment captured- a time to be still, to breathe and remember.

Happy Friday! :)

These Busy Spring Days

We hope you are all enjoying your Easter week! These past few days we have been very busy, and so don't have a regular post for you today. Leah has just finished her exams, Charlotte is in the midst of preparing for shows (which we will announce next week) and I am caught up at work with planning a luncheon for 120 people and organizing two weekend trips.  Today we have a few spring pictures, which we hope will inspire you to go and enjoy the beautiful day!

Lovely Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue pie appears in our home only once a year. It is an Easter favourite and usually is our dessert for Easter dinner. This year was a bit different, what with the babies and family changes, and so the classic lemon pie was made on Easter Monday. We like to make a graham wafer crust instead of a pastry crust, but you can use what you like. We find the graham wafer crust a nice alternative and compliments the sugary lemon sweetness perfectly.
While at our local grocery store we found Kinnikinnick Gluten Free Graham wafer crumbs! You can find them here or check them in your local store. : ) We were thrilled because normally we have to find crackers and grind them ourselves. We copied the recipe off of the box and it worked perfectly.

Do you have a favourite pie that appears at Easter? What is it? Share with us, we would love to hear from you!

Lovely Lemon Meringue Pie


You will need:

1, 9 inch baked pie shell of your choice.

For the Filling 

1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar 

6 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp of salt 

2 cups of water

3 egg yolks, lightly beaten

3 tbsp of vegan margarine 

1/2 cup of lemon juice 

1 tbsp grated lemon rind 

For the Meringue 

3 egg whites

1/4 tsp of cream of tartar

6 tbsp of granulated sugar 

How to make it:

Filling: 

Step 1: In a saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in water. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Step 2:  Reduce heat to medium-low; boil gently for 3 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

Step 3: Remove from heat Whisk a little mixture into egg yolks; whisk back into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes (there should be no taste of starch or yolk)

Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in butter, lemon juice and rind. Let cool slightly, about three minutes. Pour into baked pie shells. Let cool slightly while making meringue. 

Meringue 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350'F

Step 2: In a bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tbsp at a time., until stiff and shiny peaks form. Spread over the pie, making sure to cover the filling right to the crust. Use a knife or spatula to create soft peaks on the pie.

Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until meringue is nice and golden.

Let pie cool for two hours before serving.


























Voila! Enjoy! 

Easter Gratitude

It has been quite a joy filled Easter weekend for us Crazy Daisies. Our hearts are bursting with all the excitement and joy. We hope you all have had been celebrating and treating yourselves to Easter chocolates : )

We are grateful for: 

A mama who makes her kiddies Hot Cross Buns every Good Friday, and along with our Dad, delivered them to the new parents. 

We are grateful for: 

A parish community like St Mary's which celebrates the Easter Tridium to the fullest capacity. We all get so excited to ring our bells during the Gloria! It sounds like heaven. 

We are grateful for:

Leah's beautiful violin playing during the Easter vigil. It gave us goosebumps. 

We are grateful for: 

Family. On Sunday our Great- Great- Aunt met her Great, Great, Great niece. : ) It was special to see our 98 year old Auntie kiss the teeny feet of her little niece.  

We are grateful for: 

The Spring weather! It was such a treat to go outside and not wear a coat. Hurray for sunshine! 

We are grateful for: 

Amazing waffles, crepes, ham and scalloped potatoes that our creative and talented parents made. There is nothing like leftovers from such delicious meals! 

We are grateful for: 

Our dedicated Dad who lovingly saved a pew for us at the Easter vigil. He patiently waited for an hour while we got ready. We love you.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter friends!
We hope you have had a joy filled Easter weekend! We are all in chocolate- sugar- comas and so will be back tomorrow with an actual post. : )
We wish you a relaxing day full of leftovers, friends and family.
Hurray for Easter celebrations!