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The Best of Crunchy Betty (So Far)

crunched by on October 6, 2010
filed under Home Remedies, Household, Life, Consciously, Natural Beauty Recipes, Skin

Hi, kids. It's me again.

Maybe you’re new here.

Maybe you’ve stopped by a time or two.

Or maybe you’ve been with me from the very beginning. (Bless your little pea-pickin’ hearts.)

Regardless of where you are in your crunchy life, I thought this might help you out.

These – of the scads o’ entries Crunchy Betty holds thus far – are what I consider the best, most authoritative, and most helpful posts I’ve done. Up until this moment. There are so many to come, too. So, like, stick around, yo. You never know what might happen next. (Seriously. Look at my life.)

Before we get to the meat of it all, I have one last thing to say.

My original intention with doing this was to highlight crunchtastic comments from each of the posts – as a way to thank you guys for really, really being there with me on this. However, you people leave freakin’ novels sometimes! And it seemed most of my favorites were the ones that were over 100 words.

So I had to ditch the idea (looks like the need for brevity is a theme in my blog right now). Instead, I’m going to give the name of one of my favorite commenters after the link, and if you so choose, you can go on a treasure hunt for it.

Plus, that way you get to read all the other amazing comments! And, to be honest, sometimes the comments here are the best part.

Please note: Just because I picked one for each post doesn’t mean I didn’t love YOURS with all my heart.

Enough talking, Leslie. Brevity.


General Reference Posts

Facial Masks and Treatments

Hair Masks and Rinses

Household Recipes and Home Remedies

Miscellaneous Crunchiness

Holy Crunchola, People

First, I was amazed by how many posts I had to wade through. I don’t remember writing this much. I think I’ve been blacking out and blogging.

And what’s linked here? It’s not even HALF of what is on this site. So keep poking around.

Secondly, this took me HOURS to do, because I had to stop and cry several times because of all the wonderful things y’all have said over the months.

Here’s to many, many months more – of me, rambling. And you, being awesome.

To close this off, I have a question:

What didn’t you see here, in this ginormous list, that you were hoping to see? What haven’t I covered yet that you’d like to know?

And, moreover:

I heart you.

All.

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    • Katie

      Hello lovely!

      I’ve just started reading (and commenting!) a few weeks ago, but I’ve read through everything a number of times and loveloveLOVE this blog! I’ve been using chemical-free cleaners in my home for about a year (Norwex is excellent!!!!!), but have never extended it to myself! With your help and inspiration, I’ve made a number of changes in my life in only two weeks! One positive change leads to a mountain more. In the past two weeks, I have:

      - Ditched the conditioner entirely. Carrot hair masks? YES YES YES!
      - Ditched the body wash. Instead, I’m scrubbing myself down daily with coffee grounds from the day before. Your Mocha Coffee scrub? Yup, that’s the best.
      - Ditched 90% of the shampoo. I’m now using 10% ‘poo and 90% marigold/chamomile infusion. And it feels sooo goood.
      - MADE MY OWN CURLY-HAIR HAPPY HAIR GEL!!!
      - Undergone the great homemade deodorant experiment. It wasn’t so successful for me, but I’m going to wait until it gets a bit colder and try again — perhaps I’ll sweat less then and let my body detox!
      - Ditched all chemical moisturizers, facial scrubs, bath stuff, etc.
      - Ditched dishwasher soap and turned to a homemade version.
      - Ditched laundry soap and turned to a homemade version.
      - Cured my keratosis pilaris (http://www.bumpsonarms.com/) with coconut oil — who knew???!!?! Two weeks later I have the most lovely arms that I’m not afraid to show off!
      - Lost ~ 7 lbs. This newfound mindfulness is spreading to my diet, also!

      My Mom was diagnosed with Leukemia about seven years ago. When seeking answers to the great big question – What did I do to deserve this? – all she could come up with on a material level was chemical use. We were told countless times by doctors that it almost assuredly all came down to chemical use in the home.

      The kicker was that once she was sick, we needed to continue using chemicals to keep the house as sanitized as possible. Or so the doctors told us.

      She passed away in March and while it was the hardest thing EVER, it also propelled me to start being much more mindful about myself. It feels so wonderful — after years of taking care of nothing but my Mom, it feels so delicious to be taking care of myself in a non-toxic sort of way. So thank you, eversomuch, for guiding the path that I wish my family would have taken years ago. Hopefully I can make steps that will keep my family as safe and healthy as possible.

      As for what I’d love to see on your blog — I’d love to see flax seed hair gel. I can’t believe how simple this is! I made it about five days ago and it’s so lovely. You can add aloe to it, but I chose not to and I’m glad that I did. I DID add rosemary and mint essential oils (because what could possibly smell better??), but aside from that I kept it JUST flax gummy stuff. All of my hair woes and ails have been cured! It’s the most incredible product for my curls. The recipe that I used is here: http://www.flaxmatters.com/recipe.detail.php?id=93. It also worked GREAT as an under-eye treatment.

      As a bonus… what would you do with the leftover flax seeds that are still super gummy? I added some other seeds and spices and dehydrated them into GF crackers, but is there a crunchy use for them, I wonder?

      Thanks a bunch, my wonderful crunchy guru. I pass your wisdom along to all I know! Congrats on creating such a passionate and successful community.

      • Crunchy Betty

        Wow, lady! I think you topped the list of favorite comments (that are definitely over 100 words) here. Thank you for sharing so much!

        I’m sorry to hear about your mother. But it’s SO great that you’re honoring her by doing things differently. I really admire you for that.

        And this flax seed hair gel, I will have to try. My next experiment is going ‘pooless, so we’ll have to see how that works in. Fiance uses a lot of product, though, so maybe he’ll be my guinea pig.

        Big, giant, crunchy love!

    • http://litasworld.com Jen @ Lita’s World

      WOW! I love that you did this combined list of favorites. It will be a permanent bookmark on my Delicious list and on all of my computers so I know just where to go to indulge in your wisdom and oh-so-useful recipes! EXCELLENT!!

      • Crunchy Betty

        Some day you’ll have to school me on the ways of Delicious. I’ve tried it a time or two, but I’ve never been able to make it “stick.”

        Mwah! Thank you for all the love – and it’s right back atcha, sister-in-green.

    • http://adventrueswiththreegirls.com Jessica Anne

      Holy Crunchola for sure, Batman! That is a lot of fabulous crunchiness right there. Bookmarking this page for future reference. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

      • Crunchy Betty

        Haha. Yeah. Made me tired to do it, thinking of all those hours written. It was a GREAT exercise, though, in realizing how much I HAVEN’T covered.

        It appears I think a lot, and when I think about something, I just assume I’ve written it.

        Not the case.

        PS – I love it when you Batman me.

    • http://www.ginabaynham.com Gina

      I love your blog and I love the comments that people leave!

      I only wish I had time to comment more often. Recently I have been reading your articles on my mobile phone in the work coffee room and then meaning to log back on from the home computer when I get home so I can comment. Unfortunately I’m usually so tired and the kids need me so I don’t end up making it back. The comments are in my head they just never make it onto the keyboard!

      • Crunchy Betty

        Aw, see, Gina – you were here with me at the beginning, so you’re always in my heart, even if you’re not commenting.

        And, to be honest, I need to be better about commenting to. A while back, I made a pact that if I read a blog post all the way through, I would HAVE to comment. Then, like all grand pronouncements, I broke my will and just started reading without saying anything. Gotta get back in the good habits.

        Thank you for the reminder.

        Big love!

    • http://oldtweener.blogspot.com/ Sherri

      What an awesome collection of articles, several of my favs for sure! I agree with Gina, too….always reading and re-reading favs, not always commenting (although apparently I comment when boys are dumb!).

      I just love your creative twist on things and the great ideas that I never, EVER would have found elsewhere. You rock.

      • Crunchy Betty

        Here’s what I figure: When you comment, I get so excited by what you say, it kind of counts for, like, five comments at once.

        So you’re MORE than good.

        (Also, you definitely do NOT comment when boys are dumb … or else you’d be commenting ALL the time – because aren’t they always?)

    • http://freshradiantskin.com Ethnic Beauty from Michelle

      Hey Missy- This is quite informative. I’m going to need to take time out to read some of the older posts since i’m a newbie :-)

      In the meantime, how would you like to share 5 Foods You Have in Your Kitchen that Should Be On Your Hair with my newsletter subscribers? Of course, I’ll properly attribute it to the infamous Crunchy Betty Blog!

      Michelle

      • Crunchy Betty

        That would be lovely, lady. You’re more than welcome to use whatever you’d like.

        All in the natural beauty sisterhood.

        Mwah!

        • http://freshradiantskin.com Ethnic Beauty from Michelle

          :-) Cool. I’ll include the recipe in my next newsletter

          Thank you mam!

          Michelle

    • http://www.funnyorsnot.com Poppy

      Well you know I’m a fan darling and I was stopping by today to dig through your archives to find a nice treat for my super dry hair tonight and what a nice surprise to already have the work done for me with a “best of” page. Thanks.

      • Crunchy Betty

        I hope you went with coconut oil. That’s what I would’ve told you to do. Coconut oil.

        Although with your hat-wearing, dry-shampoo experience … I hesitate to recommend anything.

        Heh.

    • Beth

      I am a new reader and am hooked! I have been going “green” and less toxic all of over the house and lifestyle for many years and the personal care and beauty products have been the last frontier it seems. In our current world, I know I’ll never be done – undaunting and exciting at the same time! I love that homemade rules here and all of the positive encouragement. I am looking forward to trying many of the recipes listed and might even post a food on the face picture. If you knew me, you might understand just how much this means in the way of love for your blog. Would NEVER do this sort of thing but I am inspired!

      BTW – looking, looking and looking for an oil cleanse recipe/recommendation – where can I find?

      • Crunchy Betty

        Woot! I would LOVE to see your fancy face all covered in food. And being in the Gallery – it’s a badge of honor. A reason to be proud. Or something like that. Heh.

        You found the oil cleansing post, right? That was in my early, early blogging days and a little discombobulated. I need to redo it with my up-to-date bloggy skillz. (They’re clearly SO sophisticated now. HA.)

        Mwah!

    • http://mumsyjr.wordpress.com mumsyjr

      I’ve been wandering the site for only a week or so, but I already need to give you a big thank you!
      Due to a very long tale of woe, involving a dead-beat ex among other cheerful things, I sometimes have no money for things like…cough syrup for my kid, or shampoo for me. I do, however, get food stamps and since a lot of the ingredients in these recipes and remedies are “food” items I can get those and still have clean hair and something to give said kid for her cough.
      So thank you. This is making a rough time in my life, a little bit less crazy-making.
      :)

      • Crunchy Betty

        Aw, sweetie. I’m sorry to hear of the tough times. Y’know, just keep looking up – keep finding those little things that make you feel like you’ve got the personal responsibility part covered. The more you engage in the things that make you feel good, the better it gets with time, right?

        You’ll be happy to know that I’m about to post my latest adventure – going no ‘poo. And, from everything I’ve read, it’s SO much better for your hair. And – it uses baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Two food products. You should do it with me!

    • Nicole R

      I am in love with your blog! The one thing that I would LOVE to see, is a baby section. I try so hard to keep my daughter (and in less than a month my son) away from chemicals and preservatives. I want her to get the best start in life I can, without all the “crap” they dump into our food. You would think babyfood would be basically (I am picky so i want it totally) preservative free… but pick up a jar and it isnt even close! A friend brought the chemicals (and your blog eventually lol) in her shampoos, wipes, diaper creams, gas drops, tylenol… to my attention which of course now has me pondering yet more changes in our lives lol. I agree with mumsy, that part of what makes this great is its covered by food stamps and/or is edible so its even less waste! I love more bang for my buck.

    • Julie

      Wow I am so excited to try this. I just started switching over to homemade/natural products and realized today that my toothpaste is probably full of chemicals. I didn’t even realize there was any concern or debate over fluoride going on! However, I did receive fluoride tablets growing up (because we had well water), I am 25 and have never had a cavity or dental issue, I always attributed it to the pills since I only take average care of my teeth and my family doesn’t have the greatest teeth. It is something I will defiantly have to read up on for future reference.