• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

3 Tips To Avoid Hair Product Build Up

April 19, 2013 by Dawn Michelle

Ever since I stopped using commercial hair products, I noticed that my hair no longer feels gunky at any point during the week.  My hair also doesn’t split and break as easily either as it is not being weakened by synthetic ingredients.  I believe that it has a great deal to do with not using any chemicals in my hair care.

I’ve noticed that you can’t even find a lotion in a natural grocery store that doesn’t contain cetyl alcohol or some other form of synthetic wax.  These same synthetic ingredients are in hair care can build up on your hair.

In even “natural” hair products the list of synthetic ingredients go on forever.  We’ve become so accustomed to these chemicals on the ingredient’s list that we don’t even think twice about them.  Then using “gentle” shampoos to remove product build up for a fresh start is really replacing one synthetic for another.  These “natural” shampoo brands contain ingredients that leave a film on your hair strands.

Using clarifying shampoos to remove product build-up dry out hair and also leave behind a chemical coating.  Deep conditioning the hair with commercial products to put back in the moisture that the clarifying shampoo stripped from the hair, and using synthetic leave-in products to moisturize and then an oil or butter to seal in the moisture all becomes a cycle of excessive hair care and product build-up.  Not to mention product build-up causes limp, dull, and dry hair with an irritated scalp.

Here are a few tips to simplify your hair care and get off the cycle of hair product build-up:

1. Detox Your Hair

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to detox your hair is with bentonite clay and raw apple cider vinegar.  Mix even amounts of both ingredients to create a yogurt like paste.  Apply to wet hair in sections and leave on for at least 20-30 minutes.  This step also serves as a deep cleansing for your hair and scalp.  After thoroughly rinsing, you can follow with a natural conditioning product.  You can also consider switching to a gentler way to cleanse your hair and scalp that will not build-up on your hair nor strip it of its natural oils.

2. Keep Your Scalp Clean & Moisturized with Water

No matter how dry your scalp may be, it still has the ability to produce it’s own natural oils.  Just like drying skin care can create an imbalance causing excessive oily or dry skin, the same is true for hair care.  Gentle hair cleansers such as herbs or clays are the best for naturally healthy hair and scalp without creating any imbalance.  On a day where your hair or scalp need moisture, yet to avoid doing a complete hair wash, rinsing your hair and scalp in warm water while massaging your scalp will keep it feeling refreshed and moisturized as water is your best moisturizer.  If you have very curly coily hair, you can rinse your hair in loose braids or twists to avoid tangles.  Follow with a light leave-in of your choice.

One of the reasons why some avoid wetting the hair often is because of hard water or the feeling that it will dry out the hair.  Get a shower filter to purify hard water and also detox the synthetic coatings from your hair which don’t allow water to enter your hair properly.  You can transition your hair to a simple hair care regimen that will normalize sebum production with 100% natural products.

Hair products that contain synthetic waxes or other synthetic ingredients create imbalances with our hair and scalp.

I believe conditioner washing hair is a great way to transition from chemical shampoos.  Yet it can still clog the pores on your scalp and cause other scalp and hair problems which is why many (including myself) do not stick with conditioner only hair washing.  I used to wash my hair with conditioner, yet found my scalp to be very irritated and itchy.

Washing your hair with water soluble natural herbs or clays at least once a week will cleanse the hair gently and not disturb the natural balance of your scalp nor irritate it.  Outside of water, aloe vera, and essential oils, I don’t believe that it is helpful to put any oil on your scalp after it is clean.  Daily scalp massages with your finger tips will increase your natural sebum production and allow your scalp to balance and heal itself.  A clean healthy scalp ensures healthy hair growth.

3. Use One Leave-In Hair Product

At some point you must realize that hair companies create many different products for hair care to keep you interested in what’s new, to cater to different hair needs, and to keep you confused and always wanting the next best thing.  I remember when I first heard the phrase “cocktailing products,” a salon term for using a variety of hair products for a desired result, I thought it sounded so chic.  Now I’m realizing that using a multitude of leave-in hair products usually creates dry, sticky, oily, and gunky hair with product build-up.

I’m finding that the healthier my hair is the more it will curl on its own without curl defining products.  Most recently I’ve been using a natural oil alone for creating soft manageable curly hair.  Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil all penetrate the hair shaft and will keep your hair flexible and moisturized.  Ceramide oils such as wheat germ oil, hemp seed oil, and sunflower oils also keep hair extremely soft.

Finding a natural oil that you like to condition the hair is the easiest way to keep your hair moisturized without product build-up.  It is usually when mixing natural oils with products containing heavy natural waxes such as beeswax or other synthetic conditioner ingredients such as cetyl alcohol or quaternary ammonium salts that create product build-up.  Using a final hair rinse such as aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and water, or an herbal tea after cleansing helps with closing the hair cuticle and maintaining moisture so that you do not need to use multiple leave-in products.  Read this for more 100% natural hair conditioner ideas.

When you are not stripping or suffocating your hair with synthetic ingredients you will not need to use as many hair products in general.

What do you do to prevent hair product build-up?

*Mountain Rose Herbs Herbal Facial Kit GIVEAWAY!–Enter by April 23rd!

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Leave a Reply to Josephine Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Adrienne says

    April 19, 2013 at 10:50 pm

    I have a 3c TWA. How would it be like if I brush it with a boar bristle brush? Will it smooth it? Is it damaging over time? It’s wiry and sticks out at weird angles in front. I’d like to keep it down sometimes….

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 21, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      Hi Adrienne,

      I think it is better to use a seamless wide tooth comb to detangle curly hair or simply finger detangle. When I had short hair I would use two plastic hair styling combs to pull the sides of my hair back like a mini mohawk as my main hair style, or I would just rock an afro. The beauty about curly coily hair is that every piece of hair does not have to be put into place. It has a mind of its own and to let it be free is also freeing emotionally.

      I’ve started fresh (as in shaved off my hair) about four times over the years. It is important to just enjoy the process and keep your hair moisturized and soft. If you want a smoother look in the front you can use aloe vera gel and a satin scarf to set it. I would not use anything that tugs or pulls the hair tightly though. I have seen the edges of my hair thin with constant tugging in the past.

      Also know that you don’t have to buy a ton of hair products for your hair. I remember when I first had cut off my relaxer in college that I used cocoa butter lotion on my hair too and thought nothing of it. There was no YouTube or blogs to get information on natural hair care and I didn’t even worry about it then because there wasn’t much to compare it to. Keep things simple and find two products/ingredients that will cleanse your hair and moisturize it. Just enjoy the process and find some super cute earrings as you watch your hair grow, change, and blossom!

      Best,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  2. Adrienne says

    April 22, 2013 at 12:56 am

    Thanks for your advice! I’ll keep it simple for now. You mentioned lotion, right? I like Everyday Shea, Shea Butter Baby Lotion, Gently Unscented. It’s strange how it comes out creamy and turns watery when it’s massaged into skin. It sinks in instantly and leaves my skin feeling moisturized without greasiness. Do you think it would make a great instant conditioner? When you used lotion did it build up?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 22, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Adrienne,
      I used the example of using body lotion as a moisturizer for my hair when it was really short years ago to share that you can keep things really simple. I’ve used 100% Pure body lotion in my hair most recently for braid or twist outs and it made my hair super soft and smell beautiful. In general I’m finding that I just like using an oil and that’s it as a leave-in yet you can use aloe vera gel or flax seed gel and an oil. I give examples of 100% natural conditioners and leave-ins in this article. Most store bought lotions contain cetyl alcohol or other fatty alcohols which can build up on hair. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  3. Jesus-in-the-City says

    April 23, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    Hi Dawn!

    Right now I am using shampoo soaps andi really like them. I use the herb garden shampoo soap from Chagrin Valley which is made of all types of herbs and stuff and then for a conditioner I use their butter bar shampoo bar which is made of only butters and oils. After I wash, condition and detangle my hair in the shower, I us my own homemade moisturizing milk to moisturize and seal my hair. It’s homemade and also made of butter, oil and some herbs.

    My hair feels very soft, there is no build up and that feeling lasts for the week until next wash.

    My goal is to keep things as simple as possible! A lot of this is thanks to you and your blog and encouragement. The only thing I’ve not found the time to keep up with is my henna treatments. I’m nearly 9 months pregnant, still running after 22 month LG and hours and hours of hair treatment doesn’t fit my schedule and probably won’t for the next few months, but I’m happy with the other results I’m seeing and when I can, I will add henna back into the routine. I’ve got 9 more packages of red raj henna to use up so I’d better 🙂

    God bless!

    Love,
    Aja

    Reply
  4. nana says

    April 26, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    Hi,
    Have you made your own conditioner with Guar Gum, oil, and Water? I saw a recipe for it at http://www.pistachioproject.com/2012/03/homemade-conditioner.html Does Guar Gum cause buildup? Can it be made into a cowash conditioner?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 30, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      Hi nana, I’ve heard about using guar gum as a conditioner before and used it a while back, yet don’t favor it as much as more recent creations. Here is a list of 100% natural conditioners that you may like to try. Have a great day!

      Reply
  5. Daisy says

    April 30, 2013 at 8:29 am

    My regimen for me has become quite stable. I don’t use bentonite and ACV by together because it’s too drying and I never quite have build up so my hair just ends up excessively dry and brittle. I instead use ACV and water and spray it on my scalp. I gently massage the product in my hair while also finger detangling. Then I leave it in for a couple of minutes. I tend to kind of saturate my scalp and roots with the stuff. (It’s amazing how the smell no longer even bothers me). After wards, I’ll put my clay mixture (I kind of make my own terresentials type of clay wash using green tea, some essential oils and bentonite clay. I randomly decided to one day try green tea and it was amazing! These really clarify my hair but also leave it so soft. I’ve found adding essential oils to bentonite clay works wonders. Hair is not only clean but so soft and moisturized. I follow up with my holy grail conditioner which is Shea moisture restorative conditioner. Heavens help me this conditioner is amazing. If it took on a human form, I would just marry it right then and there. It’s too good to be true. This is my regimen every two weeks. I wash my 4A hair once a week but my regimen for the next week is different. I focus more on deep conditioning and conditioning my hair. I just clarify with ACV (while also detangling) and while the ACV is still in my hair, I put in my deep conditioner, then rinse that off and condition with a regular conditioner then I’m done. Leaves hair, soft, clarified yet also detangled.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 30, 2013 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks Daisy for sharing your hair regimen! I know that this will help someone. I love its simplicity and am so glad that it is working so well for you!

      Reply
  6. Lana says

    May 3, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    Hi Dawn,
    On the subject of oils, I would love some advice. I have fine, extremely curly hair that often gets very frizzy between washes. I am trying to find something that will calm the frizz and moisturize, but so many things will work for a moment and then wear off. I’ve tried mixing beautiful curls leave-in with water and spraying it into my hair, just setting my hair, beautiful curls shea butter and coconut hydrating oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and devacurl set it free spray and nothing has a lasting effect on calming the frizz! For reference I’ve been using giovanni conditioner and no shampoo, but plan to switch to shea moisture raw shea butter restorative conditioner. I use devacurl ultra defining gel as well.

    Anyway, I’ve heard pure argan oil and camellia oil are great for hair…and read about camellia oil on your blog. Is there one you recommend over the other, and if so, why? Or how do they work differently or do they have different benefits? I really need to calm frizz, and adding moisture would help too. I tried to do some Internet research and didn’t find much contrasting them.

    Thank you so much, Dawn, and I hope you’re enjoying the sun! 🙂

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 4, 2013 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Lana,

      I’ve finally gotten to the point where I embrace my frizz. I’m no longer on the quest for perfect curls. I don’t use gels much anymore unless I’m performing and plan to wear my hair out. In that case I use flax seed gel. In terms of oils I haven’t used argan oil before. I have also just tried avocado oil which is really nice. Avocado, coconut, and olive oil all penetrate the hair shaft and therefore are really beneficial to hair health.

      I’m also a big fan of wheat germ and hemp oil (both ceramide oils) for deep conditioning or mixing with other oils. Camellia oil is also wonderful for hair health and shine as well as being a very light oil with a light lovely scent.

      I’ve found that braid out styles are the best way to keep my hair controlled, smooth, and tangle free. I don’t always love the wave pattern that braids give my curls yet in the end my hair is always healthier with this setting method. You also might find this article helpful.

      Enjoy your weekend!

      Reply
  7. Lana says

    May 3, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    Sorry, I meant just *rewetting my hair.

    Reply
  8. Charlotte says

    September 24, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    I have fine, loose, long long hair and while the whole concept that hair does not need product has always sounded great to me in theory…it doesn’t really work for me. I need conditioner and oil on my hair to keep it from tangling too much because my curls are not tight enough to rely on braids alone. I have to detangle daily no matter what and I need all the slip I can get to avoid breakage. I can do oil alone if I want volume for a day…like serious volume…but most of the time leaving conditioner on is best. I have not had success with alternative cleansers so I prefer a natural ph balanced sulfate free shampoo. I have not eliminated splits, knots or breakage entirely but my hair looks far better than ever. Not sure if perfect hair is in my luck of the draw. My solution for frizz is to comb my hair out with oil or a spritzof conditioner, water and oil. The secret is the combing. It evenly distributes product and gives your hair back its shape. Works for me.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 26, 2013 at 9:07 am

      Hi Charlotte,

      Thanks so much for sharing what is working so well for you! I’m not sure 100% frizz free hair even exists for anyone especially with wavy or curly hair without a lot of product. I honestly think my consistent use of henna is what allows me to use less products but I am never 100% frizz free unless I slather my hair with flax seed gel. In general I’d rather just use an oil for my hair.

      Henna makes my hair easier to comb through and style in general. Henna acts as my traditional conditioner/deep conditioner and keep my hair strong. It is only wonderful though if you are interested in the red tones henna provides to hair since it is also a hair dye. Cassia is comparable yet benefits only last a week versus henna lasting a month at a time.

      Best wishes!

      Reply
  9. blah blah says

    February 19, 2014 at 8:59 am

    This is coming from a guy, so take it for what it’s worth. I stopped using soap a long time ago. It started when I got seaborrheaic dermatitis (oily dandruff) that would cause itchy scalp and then it migrated to my face (cheeks). It was embarassing having an itchy rash on my face. Dermotologist gave me a steroid cream, and said I’d have to live with it. I didn’t like that answer. Figured it was the stuff I was putting on my hair/body. So, I researched, and started by using baking soda as a hair/body wash one time. The difference was amazing. All this dead skin sluffed off my hair and face. What was left was clean, fresh skin. I figured that what was happening was hair/body soaps and shampoos and conditioners were over-drying my skin. When I’d get out of the shower, the skin was still drying out, essentially the top layer dying. Then the oils of the skin underneath it would get trapped and natural bacteria and yeast on teh skin would start to munch on it causing an itchy reaction. So, I decided to kick the soap and ‘poo to the curb. I used baking soda every other day, and on off days I just rinsed with water. But, I still found I had a bit of build-up. And, baking soda would still be a bit drying. So, I started thinking. I have a bit of an anthropological background. I figured humans evolved to take advantage of what was around them. So… water (obviously), plants (of course) … and dirt. Sounds outlandish, but some modern tribes put clay in their hair as a styling product. They put dirt / clay on their bodies as a way to keep insects away and to clean their skin. So, I went outside, got a bowl of dirt, and showered. It worked pretty good. Sounds crazy, b/c people think dirt is “dirty”. Dirt is actually very clean. It’s when there’s stuff IN the dirt that it’s dirty. Dirt has natural probiotics in it. It’s an natural exfoliant. I tossed the dirt in a plastic cup, added water, then doused it on me. It doesn’t over-dry like baking soda. It neutralizes odors. It wicks away excess oil. If I feel dry after a shower (like in teh winter), I apply a bit of olive or mineral oil. Works like a charm. Cheap. Effective.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 20, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      Hi blah blah,

      Thanks for your comment. Clays are incredible for hair and skin care. I love using rhassoul and bentonite clays specifically. One of the issues with baking soda is that it is extremely alkaline to use for beauty care and although it is inexpensive and a great exfoliant, it reeks havoc on the skin and hair’s natural pH system. I’m glad you found another solution that works well for you.

      Best wishes!

      Reply
  10. Josephine says

    May 25, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Hi Dawn,
    I use the camellia Seed Powder to wash my hair since April. The result is really good; my hair look more healthy and its really can remove the oil on my hair. But I found my scalp has some build up (mainly on the back of my head), when I scratch them out, I found them something look like the blackhead (half black and half white). Are they blackhead or skin buildup? Do you have any suggestion how can remove them? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 26, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Josephine,
      Apple cider vinegar hair rinses are great for clarifying the scalp. You can also infuse apple cider vinegar with herbs. White vinegar can also be used. I always get organic and raw vinegar if possible. Also scritching the scalp which in essence is a light scratching of the scalp is very beneficial. Most likely the back of your scalp is where your scalp produces the most natural oils/sebum. I share a bit about scritching in my most recent hair regimen article and also in other water only related hair articles. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  11. Josephine says

    May 27, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Thank you for your prompt respond. Btw, I just love your Blog!!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 29, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      You are so welcome Josephine amd thank you! <3

      Reply
  12. Aweng says

    July 21, 2016 at 4:18 am

    Nice article. Thank you very much for the helpful information. I’ve been using coconut oil in my hair and it looks great. It made my hair smooth and shiny.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 26, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      Hi Aweng,
      Thank you! That’s awesome that coconut oil works so well for you. I like to keep my leave-in to only one product or simple ingredient mix. Less has always worked best for me. Have a beautiful day and best wishes!

      Reply
  13. Jill says

    June 22, 2018 at 2:12 am

    50% vinegar will burn through your hair!! :O Never do that! 5ml in 150ml is the max you can use and it will not clean the hair, it will close the cuticles.

    Also, clay absorbs oil, but it cannot remove modern conditioning ingredients and silicones. You need sulphates for that (you can go sulphate free after that if you plan on avoiding these conditioners and styling products)

    Reply
    • Jill says

      June 22, 2018 at 2:13 am

      pH is so important people. vinegar is very acid, that’s why it DESTROYS your hair. Natural doesn’t mean gentle.

      Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 9, 2018 at 1:16 pm

      Hi Jill,
      Thanks so much for sharing this. Best wishes!

      Reply
  14. Njoki Mwithi says

    July 1, 2018 at 12:01 am

    The advice sounds great, thank you so much. Ever since I started using multiple products on my hair, I’ve found that after only a few days my hair gets tons of flaky, waxy buildup and I constantly have to wash it. I’ll try and use the essential oils or natural detoxing methods you recommended, but is there any completely natural leave-in I could use for my hair at night? I saw you recommended basically using none, but I really worry about my hair drying out at night, especially because I live in an extremely dry desert climate. Thank you again!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 9, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      Hi Njoki,
      In general I have noticed with my hair that the gentler the hair cleanser the less leave-ins necessary to combat dryness. Even still you will need something living in a dry desert climate. For starters I would either spritz or even rinse you hair daily with water. You could use a simple DIY leave-in like this one. I shared a few other options here too. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  15. Belusochi Joe-Ikechebelu says

    October 14, 2018 at 12:34 am

    My daily current hair regimen for moisture involves olive oil, coconut oil and peppermint oil added to distilled water. Is there any other thing you would recommend

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      October 19, 2018 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Belusochi,
      It’s mainly finding what works best for your hair. If this moisture combo is keeping your hair healthy then you’ve found a winner. I can’t use coconut oil personally and don’t use olive oil for my hair. Distilled water is great for your hair especially if you are doing eating with hard water. One of the best ways to keep your hair moisturized in my opinion is to keep it clean and free of product build up. Product build up blocks moisture no matter how many things you put in your hair even if you are moisturizing daily. So having a good hair cleanser is key which doesn’t dry out your hair. I hope this helps!

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven