1. Anti-aging
Did you know that studies have shown seaweed extracts to be effective at protecting against ultraviolet radiation damage as well as reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles?? No wonder mermaids always look so youthful.
2. Effective against hyperpigmentation and redness
Seaweed contains natural tyrosinase inhibitors, which disrupt the process that causes hyperpigmentation. Inflammation and redness can also be reduced through the use of seaweed-derived ingredients!
3. Moisturizing
The amino acids found in seaweed provide moisturizing effects for the skin, and seaweed extracts also works to protect the skin barrier, keeping moisture in.
Don't just take our word for it (or the word of the studies linked above) - try it for yourself! Each product in our Mermaid Collection contains seaweed extract to help provide these benefits to your skin. Hurry though - the Mermaid Collection is only available in the summertime!
]]>1. Store hair ties or bobby pins.
2. Keep thumbtacks and pushpins safe.
3. Try your hand at candle-making.
4. Keep your makeup brushes tidy and on hand.
5. Corral safety pins...
6. ...or paper clips.
7. Keep ribbons and tags organized.
8. Or keep your spare change out of your pockets.
9. Keep flash drives in a tin.
10. Or bring Cheerios in your diaper bag - mess-free!
11. Corral pens and pencils...
12. ...or lipsticks and glosses. (Psst! This pic shows a new Balm in Gilead product that will debut with our Mother's Day Collection on Saturday!)
13. Grow an herb garden.
14. Create a coloring station.
15. Know where to find the balloons for your spouse's birthday...
16. ...or package their gift with tissue paper and a ribbon.
17. Store hand warmers for the winter months.
18. Keep all those command hook bits and pieces in one place.
19. Store cupcake liners...
20. ...baby bows (I'm partial to these ones)...
21. ...or bracelets.
22. Use one as a reusable lunch container.
23. Create a simple toothbrush holder for the bathroom.
24. Or keep your biodegradable facial sponges clean and dry before use.
25. Use a jar as a cute vase.
26. Organize jewelry for traveling (once it's safe to, of course!).
27. Store batteries...
28. ...or phone cords.
29. Create a countdown/advent calendar.
30. Brighten someone's day by leaving "Sunshine in a Jar" on their porch!
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Take It Easy
1. Take a relaxing bath.
2. Write in your journal.
3. Paint your nails.
4. Meditate.
5. Watch one of your favorite movies.
6. Try some yoga.
7. Do a face mask.
8. Read a book or magazine.
9. Listen to a podcast.
10. Enjoy a foot spa at home.
Have Some Fun
11. Try to break some world records.
12. Learn how to do a magic trick.
13. Bake a treat.
14. Follow a Bob Ross video with whatever art medium you have (including crayons!).
15. Rearrange your furniture.
16. Memorize a poem or song lyrics.
17. Play a board or card game.
18. Recreate old family photos.
19. Learn how to make some origami animals.
20. Try a new hairstyle or makeup look.
Find Ways to Connect
21. FaceTime with your parents or grandparents.
22. Write an old-fashioned letter to a friend or family member.
23. Host a book club, Bible study, or fitness class via Zoom or by going live on social media.
24. Leave a treat or note on someone's door/porch.
25. Send an encouraging quote or scripture to a loved one.
26. Play an online game with friends.
27. Have your friend guess what movie you're thinking of, using emojis as clues.
28. Send a surprise gift to a friend or family member.
29. Wave, make silly faces, or dance with a neighbor through the windows.
30. Learn about your ancestors through FamilySearch, by talking with relatives, or by looking through old pictures.
Engage With Your Littles
31. Read a book aloud to your kids.
32. Show your children where you grew up using Google Maps.
33. Have a dance party.
34. Have your child teach you how to do something, like play Smash Bros or do a Tik Tok dance.
35. Do a puzzle together.
36. Take turns quizzing one another on times tables, vocabulary, science questions, etc.
37. Blow up a balloon and try not to let it touch the ground.
38. Wrap up toys and let your toddler unwrap them (a genius idea courtesy of @prefacingmotherhood on Instagram).
39. Go on a virtual field trip.
40. Create an obstacle course.
Do Some Good
41. Buy a gift card to a local restaurant or shop to support them during this low traffic time.
42. Symbolically adopt an endangered animal.
43. Check on the elderly in your community to see if you can go to the grocery store, post office, etc. for them.
44. Come closer to Christ through study and prayer.
45. Clean out your closet and donate unwanted clothes to DI/Goodwill.
46. Tutor someone via Skype, FaceTime, etc.
47. Send a care package to a loved one.
48. Share a skill or service for free via social media outlets or Youtube (e.g. do a drawing tutorial, teach a dance class, share tips on maximizing tax returns, etc.)
49. Drop groceries off at someone's house.
50. Send flowers, a card, or a treat to someone who works in healthcare.
I hope this helps you find joy amidst the uncertainty. Remember, this too shall pass!
Sending love to all--from a safe distance, of course ;)
-Madi
]]>Over time, I have come to understand that God has not lifted this trial because I can use my experiences to help others who are likewise suffering. My frustrations at feeling left out and/or taken advantage of in the beauty and skin care industries led me to try making my own moisturizers and soaps. When I'd found that my formulas were able to clean and hydrate without irritating my skin further, I knew that I had something that others could benefit from.
So that's where Balm in Gilead Skin Care came from. Ever since those first days of experimenting in the kitchen, I've been striving to create a wide range of products that can help people like me to feel pampered and taken care of.
If you've sighed as you pass Bath and Body Works knowing that all of those delicious-smelling lotions will just aggravate your skin, if you've eyed those colorful crazy Lush bath bombs just wishing you could use one without flaring up, if you've winced at the thought of having to wash your cracked and inflamed hands with burning soap,