DIY muscle relieving ointment and a Tennis Elbow Brace Review!

Let's face it...we all get muscle aches and pains. In my daily life, I am constantly lifting, carrying, stocking, using a computer, twisting, bending...you name it- I do it! One other thing I always do is try to go as organic and all natural in my treatments of ailments and illnesses. It's very important to me that we do what we can to control the amount of chemicals we place in and in our bodies and this includes how I treat muscle aches and pains. Sure, I could go buy a container of ICY HOT or some other over the counter remedy but the ingredients are pretty lengthy and honestly, for me, the fewer ingredients...the better.

This brings me to this recipe. A super easy, natural muscle ache remedy. It takes just a few minutes to make and is made with ingredients you can easily obtain!

You will need:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 Tbsp. Cayenne pepper
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

What I love about this is that it is sooo easy to make! Take a plastic container and slightly melt the coconut oil. It will only take a few seconds in the microwave. Once it is melted...add the ingredients and stir! Once cooled, the coconut oil will go back to a solid state. You can leave this at room temp or store in the fridge then rub it on achy muscles as needed.

Coconut oil makes an amazing carrier for this ointment as it has tons of nourishing properties for your skin. It is also a very clean oil with no additives. The peppermint oil will provide the cooling sensation.  Cayenne is good for a few reasons. First, it contains capsaicin which helps alleviate pain and, second,  it also promotes circulation which will help muscles rebound and heal. The eucalyptus oil helps with inflammation and natural pain relief.

Now, if you wanna a little relief and pain prevention...you can also try a brace! They are easy to use and provide some relief...which was shocking to me!  I found these awesome tennis elbow braces on Amazon. When they arrived, I opened the box and thought...really, this is it?  Well, I guess it was! They are one size fits all and You got two in a pack so its already a deal. They are easy to put on and You can wear these while doing almost anything as they don't get into the way and don't restrict your motion. I am not sure how they work exactly but They simply seem to provide the right amount of pressure and maybe even help your muscle move in the right way to keep further injuries. These were well made, easy to use and were a great deal!

This tennis elbow compression brace is available from Amazon and you can get it HERE.




Do you have a natural remedy for pain, aches, or illnesses? Let me know!

Swiss Vita 3D Micrite Anti Aging Skin Serum Review & DIY Vegan Anti Aging Mask Recipe

Here I go again...another day, another review! As I have said before, you say it eliminates or even diminishes the appearance of wrinkles...I JUMP ON IN!

This is the second Swiss Vita product I have reviewed and I am still saying that I am impressed. I am at the two week mark with this Skin serum and am seeing results.

I wish that I could find more information about Swiss Vita as there isn't too much on their website...that's where I wish that I could get some improvement for the brand. Some real awareness would be great! Here is what I do know. They stick to strict standards. They avoid additives and are paraben free, have no alcohol in their products, no fragrances and are safe for all skin types.  This is HUGE for me because my skin is really sensitive and tends to break out at the drop of a dime. So far, the Swiss Vita products and my skin are great buddies!

So this skin "serum"...I think its really more lotion like... is packed with super moisturizing ingredients. It instantly makes your skin feel softer and more moisturized. This helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles by plumping the skin below them! It's main "active" ingredient is "phytonutrient AC-11®, which is derived from a natural herb from the Amazon rainforest. This safe, all-natural and water-soluble ingredient has been discovered to aid the body's natural skin tissue repair and slow down the process of skin aging." (taken from Swiss Vita Website). It has only been a little while so I am not certain if my aging is slowing but, as we know, that has a lot to do with stress and environment. My skin gets put through the ringer and this stuff is standing up!

This serum is extremely lightweight and is able to be worn under my makeup. I apply it in both the am and pm and it honestly takes just a small amount at each application. I also love that this company has taken the time to be thoughtful in their packaging. Its packed in aluminum to protect the integrity of the active ingredients. It protects them from light, heat and elements. It stays better longer!

You can get yours at Amazon http://www.amztk.com/swissvita-anti-aging . 

End of the day...I call this product a win!

NOW...If you prefer a little DIY action, no worries... I HAVE SOME AMAZING RECIPES!

Check out this amazing DIY Anti Aging Mask made with ingredients that you probably have in your cupboard! 

GRAB IT HERE

If you prefer something a little more "fall" oriented...check out this amazing PUMPKIN DIY body butter! HERE

I did receive this product for FREE in exchange for my honest review. The opinions and statements contained are my own and never for sale. 

Omni Green Labs Fiber Powder Review

Well, I said I would try almost anything and I didn't imagine in a million years it would be FIBER powder! I mean, nothing against fiber but I had always remembered my grandma talking about it and it's...effects (polite term). I didn't realize that Fiber was important for EVERYONE - even kids!

So WHY FIBER?

Fiber serves a few purposes for us. The first - and most famous purpose - its intestinal health benefits! It keeps things...uh..moving?! Fiber helps your body by acting like a scrub brush in your colon. It is said that many of our illnesses - even CANCER - start in our intestines. Bacteria gets trapped in crevices and festers and turns into other things. Adding Fiber to your diet keeps these things from getting buried in crevices and moving along through your system. You may start to notice you are sicker less often! MAJOR WIN!

Second, fiber is going to help you lose weight by helping you stay fuller longer. When you eat foods like beans and grains that are high in fiber, the sugars in them are absorbed at a slower rate. This helps to keep your blood glucose levels from spiking rapidly which can lead to that hungry feeling which causes overeating. It stays with you!

So...how can one get more fiber in their diet? You can add foods like whole grains, veggies, beans, legumes and fruits. If you are looking for "fiber on the run" - don't worry....it's available! There are tons of options on the market. Pills, supplements and even powders. 

I recently tried the Omni Green Labs Fiber Powder and found that it was easy to incorporate into my daily life! It was very easy to toss a small scoop into water or tea. I found that it wasn't chalky nor did it change the flavor of my beverage much. DO NOT ADD IT TO CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES! It also was extremely reasonable and it did help me to feel fuller longer! I added it to smoothies, water, and juices. 

You can get yours at amazon - HERE!

Whats your favorite way to get fiber? 

New York Biology Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Review

As a blogger, you sometimes get some strange things to review! I have had requests to review foods, candies, body products, makeup, undergarments...you name it...I have had the chance to review it (okay, not booze...can someone work on that please). When I get the chance to review something that I ACTUALLY NEED - it's a no brainer!

I would like to think that every woman has a little cellulite-This is my personal statement and I choose to believe it. Over the years, I have tried many over the counter things to eliminate cellulite and none have had great results. No matter the price range nor the amount of high profile ingredients.  Honestly, the best results have come from my DIY anti cellulite vanilla latte body scrub and DIY slimming wraps (RECIPES HERE)!

I am going to be honest though, I have no clue why the homemade scrubs work best! Maybe the old wives tale about caffeine is why...maybe its the scrubbing...maybe the moisture from the coconut oil... either way, it helped.

BACK TO THE REVIEW---
I was given this New York Biology Anti Cellulite Oil to try, I have to say that I was skeptical at best. Most products tend to cause a reaction or a breakout so I went in with total hesitation. I found that the oil was made from essential oils so that was a checkmark in the WIN column. Over the past few years, I have taken great care to use as few chemicals as possible on my skin so this was important. This massage oil has a light citrus scent - another win.  The oil felt great when I used it - total win. It seemed to lock in moisture after my shower and was light enough to wear under my clothes! As for results...I haven't seem them yet BUT its only been about a week so hopefully I will have an update to post!

I really do like this oil and am going to continue to use it. If I see results, I am definitely going to buy it again! I even think I am going to make one of the slimming wraps (recipe here) and use this as my oil in the recipe. Overall, I do like the product and I am excited to see if it works!

If you want to get your own, you can find it on amazon - HERE!

I received this item for FREE in exchange for my honest review. All statements and opinions contained within this review are my own and never for sale.

New York Biology Retinol Moisturizer

Well, another anti-aging product has made it to my door step for review and I am starting to think that they are trying to tell me something! In true thirty-something fashion...I immediately ripped the box open and began applying while I was still unpacking it! I crossed my fingers and waited...

Well, it has been a few days and I feel like I am already seeing some results. Skin seems a bit firmer and much to my surprise - no redness and no breakouts! This cream is what I would call a medium weight and was light enough to wear under makeup (this is a huge bonus as I can pretty much forget any type of "night routine).

Here are some perks!

• MADE IN THE USA!
• packed with great ingredients like Jojoba, Green tea, Shea Butter & Vitamin E
• smaller ingredient list
• never tested in animals

I was trying to get a solid list of the ingredients but the reflective packaging made it difficult to get the picture. There are fewer ingredients than in most of the products on the shelves AND I saw the little "ORGANIC" note next to a few of the ingredients--this is always a plus for me!

This product is in nice packaging and has what I call "touch" application. You simply press down on the top of the jar and the product comes right out! This is important as it keeps bacteria and germs from getting int your moisturizer.

This moisturizer contains both retinol and hyaluronic acid. You may see these two a lot in anti aging products and that's because they are an amazing tag team! The retinol is kinda bossy-it basically tells your aging cells to behave like younger and firmer cells!  The hyaluronic acid is important because it tells your cells to retain moisture leaving it plump and full. These two also work together to act like a barrier against free radicals. They repair and defend your skin!

So far, I feel like my pores are diminishing, skin darkness is lightening, and so far...the wrinkles are disappearing! I would recommend this to others! You can check it out HERE.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below and I will do my best to get you the answer!

* I did receive this item for free in exchange for my honest opinions and review. I was in no way monetarily compensated and my opinions and review is my own and never for sale.

Organic Orange Creamsicle Body Scrub

By now, I am pretty certain you know that I am obsessed with body scrubs. Body scrubs were something that I had actually never used before I started making my own...I guess I never got the point. Now, however, I am hooked.

This scrub has quickly become a favorite for both myself and my daughter. The scent takes me back to summer when, as a child, the ice cream truck would roll past and my treat of choice was always an orange creamsicle. It smells good enough to eat and luckily..IT IS SAFE ENOUGH TO EAT-although I don't advise it!

This scrub can be made in a matter of minutes and makes a perfect gift for yourself or someone else. I make mine with all organic ingredients BUT you can certainly use conventional for your scrub! The sugar will gently scrub away dead skin while the coconut oil nourishes and leaves your skin the softest it has ever been! It is a high quality product so you will use such a small amount to do your entire body.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Organic Sugar
• 8-10 drops of Orange Essential Oil (Or squeezed orange juice)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Zest of An Orange
• 1/4 cup Organic Coconut Oil

That is seriously it! There really is no trick to it! Toss it all in a bowl and mix it up! The orange zest is just for color and can easily be omitted based upon what you have handy! Don't worry, the coconut oil may solidify BUT will melt in your hands with your body warmth after you take a small spoonful.

I am a pretty - go with the flow type of gal so don't be hung up on the ingredients! No coconut oil, sub olive oil! No essential oil? Squeeze in an orange! This is just a template!

If you prefer to buy it premade...check out my ETSY SHOP!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and will continue to follow my site Frugal Fit Family! You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to the minute with my favorite recipes, organic living tips, and DIY green beauty potions!

LOVE THIS SCRUB? HERE ARE A FEW MORE YOU MIGHT LIKE!

Strawberry Mojito Scrub
Organic Chocolate Mocha Body Scrub
DIY Slimming Wraps



If you love living naturally and could use some extra money--I would love to show you how to earn money by making your home more eco-friendly and by sharing with others. My grocery store not only pays you to refer others but also gives you $100 in FREE products just for learning about what goes into the products! Most companies hide behind what they put in products! There is no "selling"--just sharing about the company and showing others how to get ecofriendly!! I would love to show you how! CONTACT ME!

Meet Hilltop Designs! -Affordable All Natural Body Care

As many of you may know by now, I am passionate about not only watching what goes into my body...but also WHAT GOES ON IT! Your skin is actually the largest organ in your body and, while most people think it is a barrier, the largest conductor of toxins! Why be so cautious about what you are putting in your body when you are slathering chemicals on it?

Anyway, a few years ago, I made the decision to make healthier choices and that included my foods, cleaning supplies and bath and body items. I quickly realized that shopping a Whole Foods - while fun- was not going to allow me to accomplish my mission of  a 100% natural and organic lifestyle...THE PRICES WERE SIMPLY TOO EXPENSIVE!  So, I began to dig in...do a little "google" research and get crafty with some DIY. Now,  I am -what I like to call- a novice when it comes to DIY bath and body products. You have probably seen my many recipes for all natural and organic body scrubs, DIY hair care, and even natural body bronzers but NOTHING could prepare me for what I found at HILLTOP DESIGNS....this company has it TOGETHER- Huge variety, Quality and Premium Ingredients, AND prices to match. I can't thank AMANDA RUIMVELD enough for turning me onto it!

Scrubs, and Bomb, and Lotions OH MY!

A little about the company:
Hilltop Designs is an Up and Coming local business based in the Heart of Southwest Michigan and started by Christine Weber. She creates some AMAZING bath and body creations that are not only good for the body and soul BUT pretty darn good on the wallet as well! They have amazing consultant opportunities as well as PARTY options!

These products are all hand crafted and made with things that are not just gonna leave you with smooth skin BUT also NOURISHED skin. You aren't purchasing a product...you are purchasing an experience!

While they have a HUGE variety of kids items, salts, scrub, balms, and even BATH BOMBS....

HERE ARE 3 OF MY ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE....

#1 100% HANDMADE balm tubes - AVAILABLE IN LIKE 7 FLAVORS and JUST $3.25!

• Made with coconut oil, beeswax, vanilla, peppermint, mint leaves, mint extract, powered sugar, burbon....you are going to have soft and kissable lips! Actually, you can use these in tons of ways--even to grease sticky door knobs!

#2 SWEET CHERRY SCRUB
ONLY $12.50

That's a STEAL!!!

The smell of this stuff is going to make it hard not to try to eat it...but trust me, it's for your skin. Well, if you really want to taste it...it won't hurt you!

#3 HILTOP LOTION BAR - SUNSCREEN
Are you kidding me?
ONLY $7!

Lotion bars are made with beeswax and are a little different than a traditional "lotion". You simply rub it between your hands and the heat from your hand will slightly warm the wax and make it spreadable. Its a HIGH QUALITY lotion so a little will go a long way!




Wanna know more? OF COURSE YOU DO! Simply check them out on Facebook or click any of the links above or HERE  to go directly to their store!

Check them out and let them know that Frugal Fit Family sent you! Shop Small, Shop Smart and most importantly - Shop Safe products!

All Natural Younique 3D Fiber Mascara Review

A few years ago, I made a major life change to be more organic in my and my family's lives by changing everything from our food, our cleaning supplies, and even our lifestyle products. We started out with simple changes like using less pre-packaged foods, choosing items labeled "organic" and eliminating over processed and chemically enhanced foods then progressed into other areas. As things began to get easier, I started looking more closely into everything until finally it came to my personal items like hair care products. Some of those switches were easy like toothpaste, shampoo, lotions - but finally, I hit a trouble spot...my MAKEUP! I found this to be trickier...

WHY SAFER COSMETICS?
Here I was practically obsessing over every detail of what I was putting into my body but totally ignoring what I put onto my body! Your skin is actually the largest organ you have and it is NOT a barrier from the elements...it is actually a CONDUCTOR! Everything your skin comes in contact with is actually absorbed into your body. Studies have even found chemicals from a mother's cosmetics in her unborn baby's blood stream! Now, I am not here to judge or write anything to scare anyone- BUT FOR ME- this was enough to tell me that I needed to be more cautious!

I started with some DIY beauty products. Seriously! I made my own bronzer, self tanner, vanilla latte body scrub, etc. When life got too busy, I turned to the drug stores only to find a very limited selection that was either over priced items OR products that simply didn't work. When I finally found Younique - my heart was full!

Younique is an amazing ALL NATURAL & CRUELTY FREE makeup line that boasts gluten free and vegan items too! You can read more about them HERE. Anyway, they have a HUGE lineup of skin care and beauty items. What's nice is that they are a one stop shop...foundations, eye shadows, brow products, lip sticks, lip stains, eye liners, and so much more. But, that's not what I am here to talk about...we are here to talk about the MASCARA! the 3D FIBER LASH MASCARA to be exact!

Okay, I was skeptical. I have seen the presenters online talking about their results and I have never had luck with things like that. The mascara itself was $29 and that was WAY more than I ever spent on any makeup item but I was too intrigued to say no! It took just ONE USE for me to FALL IN LOVE!

Yea, right. Like I was gonna get these results!

About the mascara...

You actually get 2 tubes and there are 3 steps. The 1st is your "transplanting" gel. You first put this on to lengthen and extend your lashes. You should apply to the top and the bottom of your lashes.  After the gel step....enter the miracle fibers for step 2. It seems like a powder that you brush over top of the gel. This fills your lashes and gives them DRAMA! 3rd step, you set with the gel! You can continue for as many coats as you would like to get the desired effect.


WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOSE, RIGHT?!


Well, here are my results! I hear that the more you use it the better you become at it so I will have to come back and update the post to show how they look after I become a PRO, LOL!

The before is with the BEST selling mascara in practically the world....you know the one. You can see that the definition of my eyes is coming from my eyeliner. You have to look really hard to get see the lashes! THE AFTER....BAM!!! Lashes for days! This was just a regular day with one coat (the 3 steps)!

PRODUCT SUCCESS!! The best $29 I have ever spent! Order yours HERE!

I loved this product so much that I became a presenter! If you wanna learn more, EARN FREE PRODUCTS, or maybe even become a presenter yourself...Check it out HERE! For $99 you get a HUBE presenters kit of makeup...a website...and all of the support you need! As a host...you earn FREE products through your online party and even discounted items!

Have you tried this mascara? If so, let me know!

Yep...LOVE!

Can you tell which Eye has the 3D fiber lash mascara?

Organic Brown Sugar Lip Scrub

I recently became a presenter for Younique Beauty Products and I have to admit...I am in LOVE! Not only are the products cruelty free BUT they are also ALL NATURAL! This was HUGE for me because, up to this point, I would scour the stores looking for safe products to use with very little luck. I would find either super expensive products, a SMALL selection, or products that just didn't work. THANK GOODNESS I FOUND YOUNIQUE!

Anyway...that is not what this post is about. I first fell in love with the 3D Fiber Lashes- when I say love, I mean...LOVE. I would actually fist fight someone for them if they tried to steal them from me, lol. They make my eyes pop and it appears as if I am wearing false lashes even though I am not! So, with the success of my lashes... I decided to progress my way into the lip products (an area of my face I had dedicated to Burts Bees lip gloss). This next love affair came fast and hard - and it was with our "Stiff Upper Lip" lip stain. This stuff stays on for SOOO long and you can even top it with chap stick and our lip gloss without losing the stain!

They had me at "lashes"!

As happy as I was with the lip stain, I was also a little disappointed in my lips! I would have those little flakes of skin on my lips and areas where my stain took darker than everywhere else leaving an uneven appearance. I have always used the safest lip products that I could find so it never made sense to me why my lips weren't flawless. Now..that has all changed!

The simple truth is that your lips are just like the rest of your body! They need attention! Your lips become dry and chapped because they don't produce oil like the rest of your body does. They become damaged and regenerate new cells and sometimes...the dead cells are simply there and chilling out. Using chapsticks and moisturizers will give you a smoother appearance BUT they won't make the flakes go away! So, what do you do to the rest of your body when you want to expose the newest, freshest, and healthiest skin - EXFOLIATE!

Getting rid of these pesky flakes is easier and tastier than you think! There are so many variations of this recipe and you really can make a basic lip scrub by blending any sugar and coconut oil. The coconut oil will leave your lips soft, moisturized and healthy while the sugar helps pull away those dead cells to reveal beautiful-glowing lips!

This really can't be easier.

simply blend the following-
1 tsp. Organic Brown Sugar (or whatever you have on hand)
1 tsp. Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature so you may want to warm it slightly to get a great blend. One you mix it together, add a little to your lips and gently rub it across your lips - back and forth - very gently. Next step, LICK IT OFF! This stuff is safe, edible, and tastes AMAZING! Okay...if you really way to, you can wash it off but why not go for it?


The coconut oil will leave your lips moisturized and will leave a film on your lips....that will leave your lips so healthy!

BONUS - this makes a super cute gift! Add variations like a hint of organic vanilla! Switch it up and use white sugar, coconut oil, and a drop of peppermint for a mojito inspired lip scrub! Toss it in a sweet glass jar and you have a beautifully crafted gift for anyone!

ENJOY YOUR NEW SUPER HEALTHY LIPS! If you would like any information about the Younique products, shoot me a message or check out my site!

My Jouney with my Own Younique Makeup Business!

Hello again everyone! It has been far too long since I have posted anything and to be honest, it is simply because LIFE GOT BUSY! Over the course of the last year, I have put in tons of hours working outside of the home (in a job that I love) and have sadly gotten a bit too far from the things that are important to me...blogging and my natural lifestyle!

No lies, I don't make all of my detergents now a days, I buy some prepared foods (still organic), and my makeup collection...has been coming from the drugstore (not nearly organic)! After some tough evaluations....I knew that I had to get back to normal! It was almost luck that I found Younique products through a friend's virtual party!

So, I logged in. I wondered exactly how many "all-natural" and "cruelty-free" products they could really have. My typical selection at the health food store or drugstore is usually slim pickings :( I WAS FLOORED TO FIND THAT THEY HAVE TONS! Not only do they have tons BUT they have products that WORK!

I mean...just look at the difference between the lashes. One side...average mascara and the other....the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara by Younique!

Anyway, I looked a little further (since I am always about the discount) and found that-for just $99, I could become a presenter - get tons of free makeup - and make money selling something that I am clearly passionate about! Before I got started, I had a few questions...
1) Minimums?
2) Inventory?
3) Could it fit into my schedule
4) How do I make money?

Okay, I honestly had more questions than that BUT I thought I would start there.



There are no monthly minimums which excited me. You only have to sell a little over $100 in three months to stay active! NO AUTOSHIPS!!!

No inventory is necessary!

It's totally on my own schedule! You can do everything online. No house parties are required - you are actually encouraged to host online parties! Your friends can even host parties for you and earn free makeup while you earn BANK! (yes, there are a ton of explanation marks but I just started today, cut me a break lol).

Making  money is easy with younique because they pay you just a few hours after your client pays. PLUS...they provide you with a cool easy pay card so your money can be spent as easily as it was earned!

You start out at a 20% commission rate which is actually pretty darn awesome! They even have car incentives as you grow your business. Right now, I am just focusing on a few sales....hopefully the car comes soon :)

Today is Day 1 for me and my business! I plan to keep you posted and let you know how it goes.

If you wanna host a party or learn more about becoming a presenter...let me know!
Its