my bucket list

I think somewhere down deep in my soul there is a circus performer, which was officially confirmed this week when I signed up for my first flying trapeze lesson.  There is a school not far from my house and every time I drive by it, my inner Cirque du Soleil screams "Get on your stretchy pants and get up there!"

Jilly's daughter and I share birthdays in January, just five days apart, and i knew she would be the perfect companion for this death defying adventure.  So for our 18th and 38th birthdays, we did it!
 

The first time up the very long and very skinny ladder was TERRIFYING!  It was so freakishly high!  When I got to the top, there was a very small platform with an instructor on it.  I gripped that bar like I held onto my first thin mint, and the rest is history. 

Another instructor stood on the ground making the calls, and we were told to do exactly what he said.  I may or may have not paid attention to his liking:)  Although I thought I was the model student.

I honestly thought we'd barely be swinging on the bar with both hands by the END of our hour and a half session, but the very first time on the bar we were leaping off the platform, swinging by our legs with no hands, and doing a back flip dismount.  It was RIDICULOUSLY fun!!!!

Me and Jaci practicing our take off. Again.  Apparently our fellow colleague didn't need as much practice.   

Well I can officially check that off my bucket list! 

Speaking of bucket lists,

I've always wanted to make my own deodorant. 

I realize this is not the world's most glamorous topic but we're all friends, right?   

Here's the deal.  I have been looking over the last three years for a deodorant that really works and I've tried just about everything on the market. After being let down time and time again, I did some research and  made my own. 

And guess what?

It works so amazingly well and I'm so passionate about it, I HAD to tell you.

First of all, you know the chemicals they put in antiperspirants are simply not good for our bodies.  They contain aluminum, a heavy metal that can travel to your lymphatic system and cause things like cancer and Alzheimer's.  Boo. And aside from aluminum, most deodorants contain parabans which are toxins that can potentially disrupt hormones (maybe that's why I want to claw my husbands eye balls out once a month?) 

Aside from aluminum, most antiperspirants contain parabens, antimicrobial agents derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Some studies say that repeated exposure to toluene may cause hormone disruption. Plus, parabens act like the hormone estrogen in the body. - See more at: http://www.veria.com/healthy-home/green-living-qa-is-antiperspirant-and-deodorant-bad-for-you#sthash.KZqOb33Q.dpuf

Aside from aluminum, most antiperspirants contain parabens, antimicrobial agents derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Some studies say that repeated exposure to toluene may cause hormone disruption. Plus, parabens act like the hormone estrogen in the body. - See more at: http://www.veria.com/healthy-home/green-living-qa-is-antiperspirant-and-deodorant-bad-for-you#sthash.KZqOb33Q.dpuf

Deodorants without antiperspirant are better for you but also contain harmful ingredients like propylene glycol, talc, steareth, and triclosan.

Do not fret, hope is here. 

DIY deoderant requires three simple ingredients that you might even have lying around the house. 

Take 3/4 cup baking soda and pour in an 8 oz jar with a lid.

Mix the baking soda with 1/2 cup vegetable glycerin.  You can find it at any health food store like Sprouts, Whole Foods, etc.  Some Wal Marts and Walgreens sell it too. 

Add about ten drops of your favorite essential oil (I like peppermint) and mix it all together. 

It should be the consistency of thin paste.

It naturally will separate a little so you'll need to stir it up every so often.  Apply about a teaspoon with the palms of your hands to your underarms and congratulations, you're no longer going be smelly or die prematurely.

NOTE-

this is not an antiperspirant so if you have serious sweat issues, this may not be the answer. 
an 8 oz jar costs about $3.50 and will last approx 4 months.
keep the lid on while not in use. 

Oh, and PS, you can also use it as a tooth paste.  Wanna know why people always ask me how my teeth are so white?  B.I.N.G.O.

And that concludes my most random post to date.