Over the years I have maintained certain self-care and beauty regimes that have been very helpful for me to be my best possible self. On this page you will find a list of items and practices that are part of my daily life. I will continue to add more as I try new things. *Each photo of the product is the actual shopping link, so just click on the picture to order, or for further information.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I hope to support my family through writing this blog, and appreciate any purchases made because of my suggestions. I will receive a small percentage if something is purchased within 24 hours of clicking on the link. Thank you for your patronage. *Please note: I will only recommend a product if I have used it, love it, and truly believe in the quality and results.

Skin Care

Many, many years ago when I was just a teenager, my mother told me I needed to take good care of my skin so that I would age well. Back then we used Noxema and Ponds creme for almost everything, but over the years a better choice of skin care products have become available, and I think for being the grand age of 57 & 1/2 years young, I am doing well. Here is a photo of me all scrubbed up without any make-up or filters.

The most important thing I want to say, is to use something! Taking care of your skin is important for your emotional and physical well-being. Always make sure you read the ingredients as anything you put on your skin immediately goes into your body. I only use products I have researched, they must be organic, or at the very least all natural without toxic chemicals or additives. I feel the same way about food, but I will leave that for another discussion. It’s never too late to start caring for yourself, and it certainly has nothing to do with gender. I tell my sons this all the time.

Every morning and night I use this creme, and have done so for many years. It comes in either 5,000 IU, or 25,000 IU. Sometimes I switch back and forth, but lately I have been using the higher strength. If I ever forget and leave the house, I can feel a tremendous difference in the comfort and softness of my skin. This is my absolute favorite moisturizer. If you buy it on Amazon it is significantly less expensive, and I always make sure I have an extra one ready so I never run out. I have included both strengths if you want to see which works best for you.

At the end of the day whether I have worn make-up or not, or even left the house for that matter, I wash my face with a gentle cleanser. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a long time. I use either of these two products, each as good as the other, but will buy one depending on my needs. I have encouraged my son Kai to cleanse his face every night, and he has noticed a significant difference in the clarity of his skin whenever he does. Both brands are wonderful!

After another selfie in broad daylight, I noticed some fine lines on my lips. Sighhhhh, it can be difficult watching yourself grow older in close up. Luckily, I found a wonderful intensive lip treatment that I put on every night as part of my beauty regime, which makes my lips feel soft and smooth. I have also worn a daily lip balm for more than 20 years, so by using both products my lips should stay well-hydrated and protected. I have included a link for one of my favorite daily lip balms that I think you will love.

*Growing old is a beautiful gift….I just want to do it as gracefully as possible*

Oral Hygiene

Another thing I practice religiously is oil-pulling. There is a lot of information available, so I will include a couple of links for you to do your own research. This is a wonderful way to maintain the health of your mouth. During the summer of the pandemic I began experiencing tenderness while flossing. Prior to this, I had been oil-pulling on and off for several years, so it was the first thing I thought to try. Within one week my mouth was completely better, and I have been doing it every morning ever since as preventive care. Some history: About 7 years ago I was told I had the beginnings of several cavities, which was very stressful as I didn’t have dental insurance, so I was unable to do anything about it. After some research, I discovered the practice of oil-pulling, and I tried it on-and-off for the next few years. A couple of years later I went to the dentist (a different practice) for an examination and they took x-rays. I was told I had zero cavities! Call it a miracle, but I firmly believe oil-pulling works. Besides regularly brushing your teeth, I highly recommend oil pulling as part of your daily care. You can use different oils, but the one I like best is coconut. This particular brand is a little more expensive, but tastes delicious, and is of the highest quality. Here are a few links for you to do your own research:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323757#takeaway

https://www.verywellhealth.com/oil-pulling-5083468

Speaking of mouth care, when I was 35, my dentist explained to me that everyone needs to floss every day if they want to maintain healthy teeth and gums. He scared me enough that I have only missed a couple of times in the last 22 years. I have used different kinds of floss, but recently I discovered that many are toxic to our health, and are not environmentally resourced. Here is a link, but you can also do your own research:

https://askthedentist.com/safe-dental-floss/

For this reason I found a brand that I really like. I love the quality, and feel better knowing I am making a healthy choice for myself, and the environment. It’s organic too! This link is for a package of 3 which will last you a long time, but you can probably buy only one if you prefer.

Supplements

Several years ago I began having slight pain and stiffness in my fingers and knees. Being the curious person I am, I started looking into ‘all natural’ ways to feel better. Besides changing my diet to foods that are less inflammatory, which are known to contribute to many health problems, including arthritis and other serious issues (see my page: https://ravenwolfsong.com/holistic-self-care/, to read my personal story). I began adding Collagen to my diet. At first I went with the higher brands, and bought whatever was on sale, but after a little more research I will only use a chosen few. Over the last 2 years I have added one scoop (which is less than the usual prescribed amount, to my morning breakfast of oatmeal; gluten free and organic, or I add it to my tea). I always get the unflavored kind, so I don’t taste it at all. I no longer experience any joint discomfort, my nails are white and strong, and I feel it has kept my hair and skin beautifully healthy. I highly recommend and will definitely continue using as a supplement. *At first my tummy was a little sensitive to taking it without food, which is why I now add it to my hot cereal. You will have to experiment with whatever works best for you.

Here is a wonderful article that I found very helpful: https://smarter-reviews.com/lp/sr-collagen?tr=Z2Bog9Z&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-OeBBhDiARIsADyBcE626IwiwGPxoSLj59b2mp-gcUEqIQJ5adLVIY9Av9U8AAhZqYGCdaUaAgJ-EALw_wcB

After I read this article, I bought and tried the number one brand they listed, and noticed a huge improvement in my nails, which I thought were already in good condition. The first one is more expensive so I switch between it and a couple of the other brands they mention in the article, depending on sales and availability. Here are my top favorites!

Walking for Exercise

For many of you who follow my blog/magazine, you will already know I like to walk several miles around my neighborhood every day. I also love to go on hikes throughout the New England area where I live. One of my all time favorite accessories is a bag that I use to carry my water bottle. I try to stay hydrated throughout the day so bringing this everywhere I go is super convenient. I have purchased two sizes that I really like, one is very specific to the water bottle I carry, and the other is wider and more flexible if you own a few different size bottles. Both have an extra pocket for small items. I have walked many miles with my bottle carrier and it is very comfortable, while also leaving my hands free to take pictures and pick up pretty rocks. Totally worth the purchase, and a practical way to remind yourself to drink water.

Another bag I like to carry with me when I need more than the side pocket of my water bottle bag, is this nice messenger one. It’s perfect to carry my phone, wallet, headphones, keys, pepper spray, unsalted peanuts for the crows, and several other treasures. It has two zippered sections, an internal zippered pocket, plus several outside zipper pockets. It comes in different styles and colors. I carry this with me on my walks….I am sure I am a colorful sight with both my water and messenger bag, but at least I can comfortably carry everything I need. I even use it for shopping .*It is listed under ‘men’s messenger bags’ but I think the style is nice for everyone.

*Each photo of the product is the actual shopping link, so just click on the picture to order, or for further information.*

That’s it for now, but I will continually add on to this page, so stay tuned!

Please note: I am not a Doctor, nor do I play one on t.v. Anything I recommend is based on my own years of experience, and I am not advocating anything for medical purposes. Please be responsible for your own health and consult your personal physician before taking any of the listed supplements, or following any of the practices.