Thursday, April 21, 2011

Charity: Women for Women

Hello Family!


I have been a part of Women for Women for over a year.  Because I have a family and a couple of jobs to attend to, my soul relishes with contentment knowing that I am making a difference somehow.  I have seen videos and listened to stories that have broken my heart.  Please visit their site for more information and help the cause.


From their website since they put it so well:

Women for Women International could not provide direct financial and emotional support to women living on the margins of hope without the backing of a global community of dedicated staff, volunteers, generous donors, supporters and friends.
Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 299,000 women survivors of war and conflict and helped them move toward economic self-sufficiency with our year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business development. We have distributed $95 million in direct aid, microcredit loans, and other program services. Since 1993, Women for Women International has mobilized more than 250,000 women and men in 130 countries worldwide to reach out and support women survivors of war – one woman at a time.
Our supporters contribute resources, time, and energy to help to make the future brighter for thousands of women survivors of war. With your ongoing support, Women for Women International will continue to address women’s immediate and long-term needs, work to improve their status and opportunities and see what can be done to create a more just and peaceful world.
There Vision

Women for Women International envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalized; where members of communities have full and equal participation in the processes that ensure their health, well-being and economic independence; and where everyone has the freedom to define the scope of their life, their future and strive to achieve their full potential.

Charity: Invisible Children


I think that bringing awareness to different issues will be a HUGE part of this blog.  I can't imagine myself not talking about ways to help people in need.  As a culture living in a free country we take for granted all of the luxuries that we have...and with that we still find ways to complain and not be happy about our status in this society.  Whether you do help people in the United States or outside, it is important to HELP.  It is important to understand the atrocities that are happening every day in this world and to take the time to figure out what you can do to support.  You will be amazed to know how much you can do by just sharing information with people.

Right now I want to talk to you about Invisible Children.  Joseph Kony, head of a guerrilla group called the Lord's Resistance Army, engages in violent campaigns against children in Uganda.  He has abducted over 66,000 children and displaced over 2 million since the rebellion began in 1986.  Children would flee there homes in packs at night to try escape this VILE, EVIL, DISGUSTING, WORTHLESS man and group.  They would move every night to assure safety and sleep on top of each other every night.

Joseph Kony is no longer in Uganda but has been making his mark in other parts of Africa.  Invisible Children is a charity and a scholarship program geared to help these beautiful children.  They have raised millions of dollars donating 100% to their cause.

You can shop or donate to help end Joseph Kony's power...and I have to say, its been dying thanks to the thousands of people that have been a part of Invisible Children.

I am purchasing from them a canary purse from MEND, which is made by seamstresses at MEND from Ugandan cotton canvas. Each purse will have the name of the woman who made your bag.  You can follow her story and support her goals for her life since her escape from the LRA.

Please visit their site and learn more about the cause and what you can do.




Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Love: A gift for him

What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.  
Ralph Waldo Emerson
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello family!

I am going to share with you some ideas on what to present to your special love without breaking the bank.  Men love thoughtful gifts as well...so don't forget that.

Ever since I met my husband I have been writing poetry.  In the beginning of our relationship everything that I wrote was about him.  For Valentines day I presented him with a handmade book that held inside the most meaningful poems that I ever wrote for him.  To this day he still reads that book.  I think that relationships get really hard and difficult sometimes...I surely am not perfect, but I do think that this poetry book helps him understand my love for him in those trying times.

I have also been writing in a journal for about a year and a half expressing my gratitude for the every day things that he does for his family as well as those things that make me admire him every day that I am with him.  I haven't presented it to him because I want to complete the journal, but I am sure he will be grateful to know that some of the things he thought were over looked, really weren't.


These gifts are inspiring and will keep the love, respect and admiration circulating in your relationship.

Peace & Love!

Hair: New beginnings

Hi everyone!

I have been relaxing my since I was 6 years old.  One day back in 2006 I relaxed my hair at a salon around my area.  The lady kept washing my hair and washing my hair...and after 20 minutes (b/c I know my hair aint that dirty) I looked up and asked her if everything was okay as I touched my hair.  My hair was falling out.  I was SHOCKED.

Anyway, that forced me to cut my hair, to shave my head to be exact. Soon after I discovered what my natural hair looked like.  I felt so liberated, so natural, so brave and so appealing.  I kept it short for a while and then I let it grow down to my bra, thats when I cut it again.  I thought it was funky, fun and quick since I was now a mother of three.  I never really kept it fully natural.  Once it was long enough I would soften my curls with a relaxer.  I would use my hands and run the cream through my hair, leave it in for under 10 minutes and my curls were a little softer.

Going natural helps your hair grows pretty fast and I went from 1 inch of hair to 15 inches of hair that in 3 years...longer than I have ever been able to grow it.

Now I am doing it again but I am going to enjoy the process of truly going natural.  No relaxers, no hair dyes.  Because my hair is so short I am limited to the products that I can use because there is not much styling that I can do.  I will try to use as many natural products as possible and keep you posted.  I will also share information on those products that are not completely natural but seem to work well with my hair.

At the moment I don't use any gels and my curls are pretty tight so I use Cantu Shea Butter Leave In.  I LOVE IT!  Not completely natural but it keeps my hair soft and moisturized.  It maintains the definition of my hair for a couple of days. Try it and let me know how you like it!

Peace & Love!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Makeup: Natural


As a makeup artist I love bold colors and looks.  They ignite my creativity and keep me sane for lack of better word.  But usually you will find me with no makeup or just a natural look.  Below I have listed some products that have worked well with different types of people.

Concealer- I love Makeup for ever lift concealer.  Its a creamy consistency but it dries mat and flawlessly

Blush- Nars Desire.  You will be intimidated by the color, but it is gorgeous if you apply it correctly.  It's bright enough for dark skin and soft enough for fair skin. 

Foundation- Chanel Mat Lumiere.  This is a mat foundation great for oily and combination skin.  Flawless!

Bronzer- Benefit Hoola.  I love this because it doesn't add shimmer it only defines and adds a subtle color.  Not so great for Dark complexions since it will give you an ashy look.  For dark complexions I use the Sephora brand # D65 or Mac Bronzing powder in Refined beyond bronze...this one has a lot more shimmer than the sephora brand, however, I always go with the Sephora brand only because...it works well.

Lips- Stila passion fruit lip glaze.  I LOVE this product.  Its the perfect shade of pink for any skin color.  Its a sticky consistency, if you want something lighter you can get the Stila Pearl shimmer gloss or Sunlight.

Mascara- Revlon Fabulash

Of course I have many others in my makeup kit, but these are the ones that I come back to often.  Try them and let me know what you think!

Makeup: Red Lips

For purrfect red lips, when applying your foundation rub/brush your lips at the end of your application.  This will make the outline of your lips look clean and will give it a little more definition and pop.  This is Ruby Woo from Mac.  Another GREAT product for red lips is Masochist Weightless lip Cream by Beaute .  OMG it is beautiful!!!!  You can order Beaute products online, although they are very expensive the results that you will get will leave you breathless.  



Makeup: Bright Colors

I love to add vibrant colors to some traditional looks like the smokey eye.  I really like golds, purples, blues and greens for the inner corner or even center of the eye to add a little "fun" to the look.  Hope you enjoy!



Thursday, April 14, 2011


Healthy new beginnings!

What is your goal?  Is it to be physically fit, or perhaps taking better care of your skin…a better job, happier relationships, doing something that you love, whatever it is what are you going to do to make that happen?

I have a few goals myself, but personally I am focusing on a couple right now.  One is losing weight and the other is my hobby.  I will document my progress and share it with you in hopes that you can find inspiration. 

There are a few things that you should have in place in order to be successful in your approach

1.     Which goal are you willing to take on at the moment
2.     Schedule.  Knowing when you have time is crucial in order to be consistent and progress
3.     Find affordable resources to help you
4.      Finally, support from friends and family.  Identify whom you can go to for help when the time comes, whether it is babysitting, money, or for encouragement.

I have always wanted to learn how to dance salsa.  I find this dance very passionate and sexy…and who doesn’t want to feel like that every now and then ;) I decided to finally put some time into it.  I found a place close to me that was reasonably priced.  The schedule was perfect, one day a week (for now) since I have so much going on.  My husband agreed to pick up the kids and take care of them on that day, and in order to keep me motivated I have 4 friends that have joined me as well.

I thought that this would be fun for me and healthy, both mentally and physically.  I hate going to the gym, so this is a great way to exercise.

I had my first lesson last Monday and I have to say I had so much fun and was able to sweat some calories.  I will post some videos and information in the future and let you know my progress.

My second goal was to dedicate time to my blog and work on my artistry as a makeup artist.  Right now I have my business cards and am advertising.  Most importantly, I love this hobby and I have so much fun doing it, even if it’s just for me. 

I am a full time worker, a wife, and a mom of three with a limited amount of time to do everything that I need and want to do.  I was a TV junkie and now I have scheduled time to watch TV on Sundays.  I needed to prioritize and television was a comfort that was taking up too much of my time. 

It’s a good thing to take some time out for yourself.  It is even better if you support your partner as well to maintain a balance in the relationship and keep the positive energy moving in your environment.  

DIY Gorgeously: Home Ideas


I believe that beautiful and useful things can be made out of recycled materials.  We often tend to discard of things that can be useful for something else.  Here are some great affordable ideas to inspire you…I was inspired by the jewelry branch.  I will post pictures of mine when its completed.  









Sources:

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Vegetarian/Vegan Sandwich

I recently had a REALLY good sandwich...and was very surprised to like it without the normal sometimes unhealthy ingredients.

Wholewheat bread toasted
Bean sprouts
Avocado
Cucumber (half and cut the long way)
Tomato
Feta cheese (optional)
Italian dressing

You cut everything into thin slices.  I build up my sandwich starting with two slices of cucumber, add tomato slices, add the bean sprouts.  Then I sprinkle a few small drops of italian dressing.  I top with avocado and some crumbled feta cheese.  Try it and let me know how you like it :O)

What's your type of oil?

Part of going natural or using more earth friendly/organic products is knowing the differences and similarities in certain products, which can help you make a more educated decision.

Carrier oils

Acne prone, Oily skin and Combination:

Grapeseed Oil
The antioxidants in this oil are more powerful than Vitamin C and E, which help slow down the process of aging.  Its high in fatty acids, locks in moisture without feeling greasy, its astringent properties tighten and tone skin.  Minimizes dark circles and is great for helping clear up acne because on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Hazelnut Oil
Penetrates the skin quickly, also a mild astringent, great as a sun filter…valuable addition to a natural sunscreen. Helps tighten, regenerate and tone skin.

Jojoba Oil
Penetrates skin and hair follicles rapidly to reduce water loss, helps with the reduction wrinkles and stretch marks. Cleans clogged pores and restores skin's natural pH balance. Lighten skin marks and scars. Helpful in treating acne, eczema and other skin disorders, Helps soften skin and keep skin plump. Natural jojoba oil forms a thin non-greasy lipoid layer on the skin and helps soften it.

Flax Seed
Has high levels of omega fatty acids, unclogs pores and liquefy sebum. Excellent for eczema, psoriasis, soothing to a variety of conditions including sunburn, and moisturizes.

Neem Oil
Relieves redness and itchiness of irritated skin, lightens scars and pigmentation, helps skin problems such as infections, fungus or parasite, and its antibacterial.

Seabuckthorn Berry oil
High in vitamin C and E, essential fatty acids as well as minerals. Regenerates cell tissue and restores skin tissue. Known to alleviate conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and burns and it may also reduce inflammation.

Essential oils

Acne/Oily

Tea Tree Oil
Reduces the production of sebum, which helps in the reduction of bacteria that may cause blemishes.  Have anti-septic properties. It opens the clogged pores and removes the bacteria from the skin surface. It is also a great anti-oxidant. It helps improve the blood circulation, which is very important for the overall health of skin. Really good for the hair…it nourishes hair follicles and eliminates dandruff

Lemongrass oil
Its antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic properties prevent and cure skin infection, prevent acne breakouts and soothe broken or inflamed skin. It is also known to prevent excessive sweating and body odor

Lavender Oil
Lavender calms the skin and promotes new cell growth.  It balances the production of oil. Stimulates circulation, which aids in hair growth, and also helps eliminate dandruff 

Mature Skin

Evening Primrose Oil
It’s considered to be a great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, and the bark of the plant has great astringent and sedative activity.  The essential fatty acids in evening primrose help prevent eczema, psoriasis, nails and hair problems.

Avocado Oil
Avocado oil contains vitamin E.  It gives a soothing and softening effect to the skin, exceptionally good for dry and aging skin.  Increases collagen and its high in sterolins, which studies show that it reduces the occurrence of age spots.

Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is used to prevent dehydration and soften lines in the skin. It is beneficial in treating prematurely aged or dry skin and its rich in vitamin A

Sensitive Skin

Meadowfoam Oil
This oil is rich in vitamin E and anti-oxidants. It has the ability to retain moisture, adds shine to hair and reduces wrinkles. Excellent for the hair and scalp, and has sunblock qualities

Rosehip Oil
Rehydrates skin very well, restores normal skin color, lightens scars and it’s an excellent moisturizer

Dry Skin

Cedarwood
Used topically, the astringent properties of cedar wood oil benefit the skin. It can regulate sebum production, it can be effectively used for skin conditions like, seborrhea and infection of the epidermal cells.  It is used heal nicks from shaving; added to water as a hair rinse it will eliminate dandruff.

Chamomile Skin
Chamomile provides soothing, calming and cleansing action useful for burns, blisters, inflamed wounds, ulcers, boils, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, wounds, and hypersensitive skin problems. Also used for dry, itchy skin and puffiness. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Maca Powder UPDATE!


Hello friends,

I shared some information with you about a root called Maca a couple of weeks ago.  Maca is sold in many places as a pill but I opted for the natural powder version.  In short, it has a positive effect on energy, stamina, and awareness among other things.  I also shared information on the side effects.

I recently decided to stop taking it because it was affecting my sleep.  I normally do have a hard time sleeping and I thought that by reducing the dosage that it would help…but it didn’t.   I found myself restless and tired from not sleeping well or at all some times. 

I wanted to share with you this change and remind you to be attentive to any changes in your health when consuming anything new. 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Catie's Organic Greens & Vitamin C



For about 6 months I have been using Catie's Organic Greens and Catie's Organic Vitamin C Plus.  I don't usually take multi vitamins and I am not good with eating or incorporating vegetables into my meals (which I am working on).   I read about Catie's products in a book called "Force of Nature" by Laird Hamilton (great book btw).  Catie's organics are Vegan and Vegetarian friendly, using Certified Organic products.  It does not contain MSG, Wheat, Salt, Yeast, Gluten, Dairy, Corn, Egg, Sucrose, Alcohol, Stabilizers, Artificial ingredients or Pesticides and its NON- GMO.  It is abundant in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants...and much more...ITS SUPER GREAT!!!  It is said that one tablespoon of the Organic Greens is the equivalent of 7 servings of vegetables. WOW!

It is best to use these products in the morning on an empty stomach for best results, and should be consumed right away.

Here is the recipe to my Organic Smoothie:

1/2 Frozen Banana
1 cup of Almond Milk (You can substitute with any type of liquid that you prefer)
1 tbsp. Wheat Germ
1 tbsp. Flaxseed oil
1 scoop of Protein Powder
1 tbsp. of Catie's Organic Greens
1 tbsp. of Catie's Organic Vitamin C Plus
1/2 tsp. Maca powder (optional)

Its truly a great way to start the day, its quick and easy and holds me down for a couple of hours.  You can only order it online.  Its a about $40 but it is worth every penny and you really can't put a price on your health. If you are looking for some thing to help give you boost and to nourish your body I would highly recommend this very organic product.  Try it and let me know how it works out for you!

Bentonite Clay

Hi Everyone!
Bentonite clay is great for the body, skin and hair. It effectively removes all the toxins on your skin and hair. I use it twice a month in place of a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess oils and buildup; the clay nourishes hair follicles, imparts sheen, makes hair stronger and helps with detangling.  I find my hair is much softer and my curls are better defined after using this product. 

As a facial clay mask it helps draw excess oil and dirt from your skin surface and also unclogs the pores. I use it once a week as a facial mask. Benefits include removal of dead skin cells and increase in blood circulation. It also tightens the skin, has healing properties, has ant-inflammatory and anti-infection properties, and reduces blemishes.

The brand that I use is Aztec Indian Healing Clay.  You can find it at most Health food stores.  I bought mine from Wholefoods.


As a facial mask:
1 cup of Bentonite clay
1 ½ tsp. of honey
1 ½ tsp. of apple cider vinegar
Water (as required to make a paste)
Wooden spoon (metal utensils react with the minerals in the clay)

Mix all ingredients and apply to face.  Let it dry for about 20 minutes and then wash your face with warm water.  You will experience a tingling sensation and will notice your skin to be red…all which will go away within a few minutes.  Please remember to moisturize your skin when done.

Or

¼ cup of Bentonite clay
3 tbsp. of Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. of Aloe Vera Gel (Great moisturizer)

Mix well and apply to face.  Leave for 20 minutes and remove with warm water.

As a hair mask:
1 cup of Bentonite clay (Amount depends on how long your hair is)
Organic Coconut Milk as needed to make a smooth paste (Coconut milk is a great moisturizer)
You can use ACV, water, Herbal infusions…whatever you like.

If you have long hair, part your hair in four and apply to each section.  Leave in for 20 minutes and rinse. Wash hair and condition.
  
Points To Remember:
1.     Do not use metal utensils or bowls when mixing the clay, as contact could reduce the therapeutic effects of the clay.
2.     You can use a deep treatment afterward to better heal and nuture your hair or use a good leave in treatment.
 At the moment I am using Cantu Shea Butter Leave in conditioning repair cream.  It mends my hair and leaves it shiny, soft and manageable.  I like fullness and bounce to my curls so this is all that I apply to my hair.  For those that use gels to maintain a certain look you should give this product a try.  You can purchase this at any beauty store.  It usually goes for $5-$6.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Witch Hazel Toners




Skin Toners have several benefits: Close pores, remove the traces of left over soap and remove impurities from the skin. Toners restore the skins' natural pH balance. Commercial toners are filled with harsh alcohol and other ingredients that can irritate your skin. Make a facial toner at home with these simple ingredients! There are ways of toning your skin naturally and gently.  You can use Witch Hazel or Apple Cider Vinegar as a base.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) contains beta carotene, which helps counter the damage that is done to our skin by free radicals. It is known to help maintain firmer skin help tighten large pores and clear up blemishes. It’s a natural bacteria-fighting agent containing vital minerals and elements that are excellent for the skin and hair. Its an effective natural agent in treating age spots and can help those with acne by killing the bacteria and balancing our skin's pH level. It also absorbs excessive oil from our skin.

Witch Hazel is an excellent natural astringent.  It hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation while sanitizing the skin. However, witch hazel contains at least 14% alcohol (I use Humphreys brand), you can certainly opt  for Witch Hazel Hydrosol which is alcohol-free. 

Witch Hazel Toners:

·      You can use Witch Hazel alone by applying to the face with a cotton ball and cleansing.

or

·      4 tbsp of Witch Hazel mixed with any essential oil that suits your skin type. Amount of drops may depend on which oil you are using, their strength and how many different oils you are using.
4 tbsp Witch Hazel
4 drops of Tea Tree Oil
8 drops of Jojoba or Grapeseed oil

ACV Toners:

·      You can use ACV with water alone as a toner.  Depending on the container that you are using, you can use the equal measurements. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of distilled or spring water. Pour into a container and shake well.  You can use cotton to wipe your face or you can spray it onto your face and pat dry with your hands.

or 

·      You can add green tea infusion to the toner. Green tea is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for your skin. Anti-oxidants are known help counteract wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes. To make it, pour 1/4cup of boiling water over 3 green tea bag. Let the tea steep for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool for a few hours. Mix together with of apple cider vinegar and 1/4, 5 drops of Tea Tree oil and 8 drops of Jojoba oil. Store this toner in a glass bottle.

            1/4 cup of distilled water
            1/4 cup of ACV
            3 green tea bags
            5 drops of Tea Tree oil
            8 drops of Grapeseed oil      

OIL CLEANSING METHOD


For the past couple of months I have been using the Oil Cleansing Method.  I have combination skin and a good friend of mine has very oily skin.  I have always taken good care of my skin but I wanted to use something more organic on my face...so far it has been wonderful.  My friend of almost 20 years has always had oily skin and has spent lots of money trying to correct the problem. OCM has worked for her. Cleansing with oil is a gentle way to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess oils from your pores.

A common misconception about oil and acne is that oil causes acne, but the contributors to acne are hormones, bacteria trapped in pores, dead skin cells, age and dirt. Many cleansers and toners today use harsh chemicals that strip your skin of its natural oils.  The key to OCM is using the right oil to cleanse your skin naturally, successfully and gently.

Always remember that ONLY OIL CAN DISSOLVE OIL.

There are two types of oils, carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are used as a base to penetrate skin and maximize the delivery of essential oils.  Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from botanicals and fruits and when diluted can be beneficial for your skin.

Carrier Oils
Acne prone or Oily skin:
Grapeseed Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Flax Seed, Neem Oil, Seabuckthorn Berry oil, Watermelon seed oil, Perilla oil
Combination:
Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, Hazelnut
Dry, Mature Skin:
Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil
Sensitive Skin:
Meadowfoam Oil, Apricot Kernel, Rosehip Oil

Essential Oils
Acne Prone Skin:
Manuka oil, Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Lemongrass oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosewood Oil
Dry Skin:
Cedarwood, Rose, Myrrh, Chamomile
Oily Skin:
Lemongrass, Clary Sage

The key to OCM is Castor Oil.  Castor oil draws out dirt and bacteria and heals your skin as it has potent anti-inflammatory properties.  It easily penetrates the skin tissue deeply…better than any other essential plant oil.  Ricinoleic acid is effective in preventing the growth of several types of viruses, bacteria, yeast and mold; Castor oil has a high content of it making it an effective treatment for cleansing skin.

For my combination skin I use 60% Castor oil, 20% Grapeseed and 20% Jojoba oil.  We add a couple of drops of Tea Tree essential oil.  This combination has worked well for both my combination skin and my friends’ oily skin. 

How To Do The Oil Cleansing Method

1.     Pour oils into a small container or bottle
2.     Gently massage oil mixture into your face
3.     Place a clean towel under a stream of hot, running water. Lightly wring towel, and drape it over entire face for a few seconds until it cools and repeat two or three times. This opens your pores acting as a steam treatment allowing the Castor Oil to draw the toxins out of your skin, while the secondary oils/essential oils filter deep into the skin, lending it's moisturizing and therapeutic properties.
4.     Rinse towel thoroughly, and begin to wipe excess oil from face
5.     After removing oil mixture, rinse face with cold water to close pores!
6.     Dry face
7.     Spray a natural toner (see apple cider toners)
8.      and Moisturize

IMPORTANT TIPS
·      Always use a clean washcloth to avoid cross contamination
·      If your skin is left too dry it may be time to lower the amount of Castor oil and increase the amount of secondary oils.  Start reducing and increasing in small amounts…10%.
·      It is very important to use water that is warm enough to open your pores.  This is how the oils will penetrate and dissolve any blockage

I cleanse my face this way every night and my friend does it at night and in the mornings because she has very oily skin. You'll know if you're overdoing it by the dryness in your skin. You can customize according to your needs.  After a few times you should notice a huge difference in your skin, specially after the first deep cleansing massage. Give your skin a few days to adjust and adapt to being clean and clear of blockages; understand that the new oil coming from your skin is actually a good sign and will balance out very soon.


Let me know how this works for you or if you have other formulas that you would like to share!