The Birdy Blog

Unraveling the mysteries of skin care and life in general

Tips and tricks

Bike to Work Without Becoming a Hot Mess: Tips on How to Stay Cute on Your Two-Wheeled Commute

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Bike to work day for the San Francisco Bay Area is Thursday, May 9th. Over 1 million people in the Bay Area live within 5 miles of their work. For a lot of people the logistics of biking to work get in the way of what should be a really good idea. How do you balance getting all sweaty with the fact that you need to make yourself presentable? My husband is a bike commuter as well as some of my customers. I’ve gotten some tips and hints from my bike peeps to help solve this dilemma. Because being smelly and unkempt at work is pretty much a deal breaker. Reasons to bike to work

  • It’s great for the environment by saving on fossil fuel.
  • Creates less air pollution. Clears traffic.
  • Saves you money on gas.
  • It’s darn good for you.
  • Clears your head, wakes you up and improves your functionality and mood.
  • Makes your butt look fly.

What’s not to love? Bike to work problems to overcome

  • Helmet head
  • Sweat and overheating
  • Odor prevention
  • Changing clothes and wrinkles
  • Time
  • Weather
  • Safety

How to overcome bike-to-work challenges Sweat and overheating After my research and consulting my bikers it seems the consensus is to allow yourself to cool down before you change your clothes. This will prevent any excess perspiration from clinging to you. It takes several hours for sweat to turn to odor so if you freshen up properly this shouldn’t be an issue. See below how some of my customers freshen up after their bike ride. Helmet head If you can’t wear your hair short then invest in or make a dry shampoo. This will soak up any excess oil and allow you to rebrush and freshen up your hair. For the gals: Consider an updo on occasion and buy some hair pins and accessories to give you some options. We know hair can be moody. My favorite hairclip is a Ficcare. It’s $40 but it holds even the most fine and thin hair (talking from experience). It’s one of the best $40 I’ve ever spent for a hair accessory. Changing clothes If you are lucky enough to have a place to stash some clothes you can roll some shirts at the first of the week and hang them to use throughout the week. If you can’t stash your clothes then roll any button-downs and shake them out as soon as you arrive. In some cases you can also adjust your wardrobe to suit your work environment and your new routines simultaneously. In some cases you may change only your top and wear the bottom on the bike. And, in some cases you’ll have to change from bike wear to work wear. How you pull this off depends on your work environment and what kind of space you have to work with when you get to the office. It may take some time and trial and error but you can make it work. Time

  • You may have to get up slightly earlier to get organized but the time you save on commuting is negligible if you’re traveling under 5 miles.
  • You’ll be saving time by exercising while you bike to work.
  • You’ll get a lot more energy by biking to work then you would sleeping in a few minutes longer.

Weather Ride when weather permits. There’s no need to make this difficult. Rain and nasty weather make bike commuting a lot more complicated. Safety There are some fantastic bike groups and clubs that can help make this a snap. They have classes on bike safety, can suggest the best bike routes in your neighborhood and offer lots of great information on bike culture and what gear you need for the utmost safety and legality. Make sure you have the proper safety gear and lights to make you as visible to traffic as possible. Check out these online resources: San Francisco Bike Coalition You Can Bike There Birdy customers speak about some tips and products to help your bike commuting work. To help you keep fresh after a bike ride you need some crucial types of products to help you make this easy and doable.

  • All bikers should apply deodorant before and after a ride.

What Karissa S. does: Before ride

After ride

What David P. does: Before ride

After ride

Additional items David has on hand

I realize that biking to work may not be ideal in every case and situation but if you can make this work the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. And since it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, always follow your mom’s advice and “Wear a helmet, dammit.” :)]]>

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Earth Day 2013 is here! Do you know your Carbon Footprint Score?

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It's Earth Day 2013! Do you know your Carbon Footprint score?Earth Day is on April 22nd and I got to thinking about my carbon footprint. I realized I don’t even know what my carbon footprint is. I googled and found a nifty carbon footprint calculator from the Nature Conservancy. The calculator measures greenhouse gas emissions by estimating how many tons of carbon dioxide my household creates every year according to my habits. I plugged in my info, exerted some “yeahs,” “gasps” “oops!” It was an eyeopener! It included habits I had no idea contributed to greenhouse gases. It’s helped me realize what more I can do to help the environment and reinvigorate my efforts. As I am very concerned about the environment and my impact on it I strive to keep my carbon footprint small. What I do to reduce my greenhouse emissions at work and at home:

  • I use earth-friendly labels that will break down instead of stick around.
  • I use recyclable containers. I eschew any unnecessary packaging.
  • I reuse shipping boxes and recycle shipping peanuts.
  • I never print out anything from the computer unless absolutely necessary.
  • I use my car only when absolutely necessary.
  • I use the power of my feet to do daily and weekly banking etc.
  • I have changed all my lightbulbs to energy efficient light bulbs.
  • I recycle and compost.
  • I reuse and wash all Ziploc bags.
  • I by biodegradable garbage bags.
  • I use only reusable shopping bags for my purchases.
Things I want to do better:
  • Use my car less. I got a bike!
  • I really struggle with the paper towel thing. I don’t have a washer/dryer where I live so it’s tough to deal with reusable rags. If anyone has suggestions on how to change this I would love to hear them!
  • My appliances are getting old and I would like to replace them with more energy efficient ones.
What do you do to reduce your carbon footprint and what can you commit to this year to make it even better?! Birdy loves Earth Day. Being a bird, she is very susceptible to the delicate balance of the environment and likes to celebrate Earth Day like it’s her birthday. So, happy bEARTHday!]]>

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Clueless about Skincare Labels? Hashing out natural oils in your skincare products.

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I know things about stuff. What’s the purpose of natural oils in your skincare and how do your know if they’re working for you? The list is endless..jojoba, sunflower, almond, lions and tigers and bears, OMG! Reading your skincare labels can be intimidating and confusing. It’s not rocket science, but it seems like a person needs multiple chemistry degrees to understand this stuff. Today we’re focusing on some basics to look for in your skincare. Oils soften, soothe and lubricate the skin as well as protect it from the elements. They are excellent at forming a seal and not allowing the natural moisture of the skin to evaporate. Different oils are appropriate for different uses. The skinny on the fat:

  • Plant derived oils penetrate and are absorbed by the skin.
  • They also help to lubricate and retain moisture by forming a seal on the skin preventing the evaporation of your natural moisture.
  • Natural oils are from seeds, nuts and vegetable sources.
  • Oils are a must for every skin type including oily.

Some types of oils you may see in your products:

    • These are some you might see higher up on your ingredient list. Sunflower, safflower, olive, almond, apricot and grapeseed oils. These oils are liquid and all have nourishing properties for the skin as well help carry the other ingredients to penetrate the skin.
    • Most of these common plant derived oils have similar qualities and can be used interchangeably.
    • Coconut oil is hard at room temperature but has similar properties as the liquid varieties. It’s also a good substitute for mineral oil.
    • Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax and most like sebum (an oily secretion your skin produces to keep skin moisturized.) Jojoba is always an excellent choice for all skin types and it absorbs readily into the skin without greasiness and does not turn rancid as quickly as some of the other natural oils. But, there is a world-wide shortage of jojoba so prices have increased dramatically over the last couple years.
    • A variety of other oils are added in smaller amounts for their rich benefits like anti-aging, skin cell repair etc. You may see oils listed like avocado, cranberry, primrose, borage seed and carrot.
    • Mineral oil is a petroleum based product. It does not penetrate the skin but covers it and does not permit the skin to lose moisture, therefore “moisturizing” the skin. It is not a “green” product but can be excellent for dry skin as well as skin in need of repair from extreme weather or recovering from exfoliation. Use coconut oil if you prefer to avoid petroleum based ingredients

Oils for different skin types.

Oily skin: Look for rosehip, jojoba, castor or hazelnut for any oil based product like cleansing oil. For lotions and creams you can use any plant derived oils but I would skip the mineral oil. All oils will clog you pores to some extent but you can combat this by investing in a good clay masque and use it once per week. Normal or combination skin: Use any plant derived oil for your skin care and use clay masque on any problem areas for pore maintenance. Dry or chapped skin: Look for avocado, almond, jojoba, coconut or mineral oil. Use liberally. Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is a gigantic category so always use a patch test with any new product and build up use when first applying to skin. It all depends on what you’re “sensitive” to. Look for Wheatgerm, sesame, apricot kernel, carrot or avocado. You can also use oils from the more common list like sunflower and olive oil. Mature skin: Look for primrose, avocado, jojoba, carrot, coconut, apricot and borage oils. Choices for oils in your skincare from natural sources are plentiful. Oils are chosen for their price, shelf-life, therapeutic value or “sex” appeal on a label. The ones listed above are some of the most common but most of all the naturally derived oils are all good lubricators and carriers for more performance based ingredients and help them to be absorbed into the skin.]]>

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Step out of your winter coat and spruce up for spring

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11 Spring Grooming Tips for Men & Women Bye bye winter! Spring is in full swing! Beauty tips for men and women to tidy up for the season. My allergies are telling me it’s spring. It’s time to get out there and start living life again. Curse the pasty pallor of my skin, I want to breath fresh air again! AAAchoo! Can’t win ’em all…. But I can look good while I sneeze. Since spring is here lets uncover and take inventory of some things to spruce up while we transition through the season. While uncovering your parts from their winter coats there’s a few maintenance tasks that need attending to and are important not to neglect. Here’s a short list to help with the transition: For the Gals:

  • Shape up the eyebrow.
  • If you want to be tan, fake it.
  • Make sure you have moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s your best anti-aging friend.
  • Exfoliate your body with a store bought or homemade scrub and then moisturizer liberally.
  • Get yourself a new lip stick- Poppy red seems to keep popping up but there’s a shade of red out there for all of us! And the pinks are super bold and bright. Ask a makeup artist at your local department store to help you match a color with your skin tone. You may pay a couple bucks extra for a brand name but it is so worth it! Or ask for a sample and match it to one at a drug store.
  • Pay attention to your feet. Spruce them up yourself or get a professional pedicure. Nail color trend- InStyle magazine suggests nude fingers and neon toes.
For the Boys: Now you’re fresh. Get on with your bad self.]]>

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Spring into flip flop ready feet

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sprint into flip flop ready feet. A DIY home spa day for the hardest working part of your body- Birdy Botanicals Tips for a DIY home spa day to get your feet ready for their debut. You’ve heard the expression “Agony of da feet?” Ok, I made that up, but we torture our poor feet everyday by cramming them into pointy shoes, letting them crack from pure neglect or just plain ignoring them. Give them the day off and take ’em to a spa day…at home. Here’s what you’ll need to get flip flop ready:

  • 3 Tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water.
  • Warm water about as hot as your skin will stand.
  • Pumice stone and an emery board. Vitamin E oil or an intense balm.
  • Add Epsom salts to warm water and soak until water cools or rough skin starts to soften 20-30 minutes.
Other items you can add to your foot soak:
  • Tea bags (black or green)
  • honey
  • olive oil
  • coffee
  • lemon juice
Now the details:
  • After soaking, scrub the bottom of your feet with pumice until all dead skin is gone.
  • Dry feet thoroughly and then shape and file toe nails with emery board.
  • Slather with an intense balm, vitamin E oil or vaseline.
  • Immediately slip into some socks and wear them all night.
  • To maintain your makeover be sure to moisturize your feet several times a week.
The worst thing we can do to our feet is ignore them. We have more nerve endings and sweat glands in our feet than anywhere else in our bodies. Be kind to them and they will service you well.]]>

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Is dry winter skin making you crazy?

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Some solutions and fast fixes to keep your skin hydrated and happy! 9 fast fixes for dry winter skin Now that Spring has sprung, Winter decided to join the program. While the seasons are confused, so is your skin. Can’t we all just get along? If your normal products are suddenly leaving your skin too dry it can be a good time to re-adjust your routine and some of your products. 9 Fast Fixes to dry winter skin!

  • Don’t forget the sunscreen. Harmful sun rays still affect your skin in winter.
  • Concentrate on hydration and moisturizing- both your face and body. Use thicker lotions, creams and balms.
  • Skip long hot showers and baths. They suck your skin dry of all its moisture. Stick to warm water and get in and out fast.
  • When outdoors use waxed-base products to help keep the moisture in. Products with petroleum can keep moisture in but don’t penetrate or moisturize your skin. Wax products are better for you and just as effective.
  • Add anti-aging products to your routine. Winter is an evil ager. Big Jerk.
  • Indoor heaters dry out the air indoors. Add a pot of water on top of your wood stove or get a humidifier.
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Taking the old cells away allows new ones to grow.
  • Use a very gentle cleanser. Some of you may need to switch your lathering cleanser to a soap-free mild cleanser.
Remember, alligator skin only looks good on alligators. Here are our most popular moisturizing products that can help restore your sanity and save your skin:
  • 3-in-1 Cream Cleanser – a soap-free mild cleanser.
  • Butter Balm -an intense solid lotion made with organic shea butter and beeswax. It’ll moisturize and help retain the moisture you already have.
  • 3-in-1 Antioxidant Lotion – Great for face, body and hands.
  • Anti-aging Eye Cream – great day or night and has a bit of jojoba oil in it for extra added moisture. Use it around eyes, lips or all over your face and neck.
  • Anti-aging Face Serum– it’s a bit lighter than the eye cream but super hydrating. Add it to your routine if you’re not already using one and apply it under a face moisturizer.
  • Renewal Face Lotion– I use this on my face in the winter when I need extra moisture on my face. Soaks in and leaves it soft without clogging my pores.
Don’t let dry winter skin make you crazy. It’s not good for your complexion or your relationships. I just can’t have that on my conscience.]]>

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The DIY pumpkin honey face mask—you can put it in a pie and wear it on your face!

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See, you can have it all! Pumpkin isn’t just for pies anymore.

Pumpkin is a dynamic and effective ingredient to use in your next DIY facial. Since you’re already cracking a can of pumpkin for your holiday fare, and you’re a multi-tasking dynamo, this is a amazing face mask to put on while you’re cooking, baking or preparing for guests. Pumpkin benefits for skin: Naturally high in Vitamin A and C, pumpkin will reduce the effects of environmental toxins and regenerate skin cells and collagen. In the skin business, vitamin C is used to help the skin readily absorb more vitamins and nutrients. Also, natural pumpkin enzymes lightly exfoliate dead skin cells leaving your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. Use cool or cold puréed pulp of pumpkin. If it’s canned, make sure pumpkin is the only ingredient. I used Trader Joe’s organic canned pumpkin. You should get great results regardless if you choose canned or plan to roast your own.
DIY Pumpkin Honey Face Mask Recipe Eyeball it: 2 T. cooled & puréed pumpkin pulp 1 tsp. honey
And if you just can’t stop there, you can try loads of different ingredients. Add one or all from the list if you desire, or just stick with the basic recipe above: For dry skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Egg yolk
  • Milk
  • Avocado
  • Banana
For sensitive skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Oats
  • Aloe vera
  • Cucumber
For oily skin add:
  • Yogurt
  • Egg whites
  • Lemon or lime juice
Mix chosen ingredients in a bowl. Make sure it’s not too thin so it won’t drip off your face. Add more pumpkin to thicken. Apply on skin and leave for 5-15 minutes. Rinse, tone and moisturize. * Apply patch test first if you have sensitive skin. * Mask may tingle but should never burn. DIY Pumpkin Face Mask from birdybotanicals.com]]>

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The 3 scariest things you put on your face

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The 3 Scariest Things You Put on Your Face There’s a never-ending list of chemical ingredients to avoid in your products. This is a list of 3 ingredients I personally will NEVER allow to touch my skin—if I can help it. Before we begin it’s important to give you some background on me and my experience. Fact: I am not a chemist or any kind of scientist and I have a hard time with the periodical table of elements. Fact: What I can tell you is that I have really sensitive skin and I research lots and lots of ingredients on a regular basis. Fact: I created my line of products for myself so ultimately my goal is to keep myself healthy and well. Sorry, but honestly, it’s all about “yours truly.” What ingredients I steer clear of in my skincare and cosmetics for myself and why: Parabens: What it looks like on the label: Most commonly listed as Methyparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben or Propylparaben. From my research at the American Cancer society, and Personal care: Truth or Scare, The scare about the effects of parabens started when a scientist found paraben chemicals in breast cancer tissue samples. There is NO substantial evidence that parabens cause cancer or mimic hormones but an important fact is that they are the most widely used ingredient besides water in skin care products. Because they are so prevalent in our products then maybe we should just lay off for awhile. Especially since there are other safe preservative alternatives. Phthalates: What is looks like on the label:

  • DBP (dibutyl phthalate): found in nail polish, personal care products
  • DEP (diethyl phthalate): found in perfume, deodorant, cologne and aftershave
  • Fragrance: Phthalates are often hidden in this super vague ingredient listing
Phthalates are a plasticizing chemical used to prolong fragrance on the skin. They’re used in the automotive, construction, household, cosmetic and packaging industries. They’re associated with that “new car smell.” Phthalates have been known to cause reproductive and development toxicity. Synthetic Fragrances: What is looks like on the label: “Fragrance” Anticlimactic, you say? Don’t let that little 9 letter word fool you. Fragrances may be labeled “Fragrance” on your label but they are made up of dozens of hidden chemicals that include allergens, asthma triggers and hormone-disrupters. Kathleen Doheny, a health and wellness journalist for WebMD points out that…
“The fragrance industry has 3,100 stock chemical ingredients to choose from.” Because of the FDA and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, according to Doheny they are allowed to “lump together all fragrance chemicals as “Fragrances.””
And FYI, if you see “Fragrance” on a label, there’s a good chance it contains Phthalates. Where do I get my information? After extensive research I have found a few places that I trust, mostly because they don’t try to sell me anything and they give information about their experts and resources. So now what do we do? Don’t worry. Use common sense and read your ingredient labels.]]>

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Beauty from the Cupboard Tip: Got under-eye bags? Topical caffeine to the rescue!

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Tea Bag

What do you do when a case of puffy eyes attack?!

I was getting ready for an event last night and I took one look at myself in the mirror and freaked out! I didn’t know who’s eyes were starring at me but they couldn’t possibly belong to me! Holy Frog-eyes Batman.It was ATTACK OF THE SWIM GOGGLES! My workout gear got the best of me. I had gigantic, dark, bulging, god-awful bags under my peepers. Oh noooo! I can’t look like this. Ack! I shoved a toothbrush in my mouth and ran into the kitchen. I had to have a cucumber around here somewhere. I rounded the corner from the hall to the kitchen and there was my tea bag from my morning cup sitting on the counter. Yessss!

Topical caffiene is perfect in this situation. Natch!

As I brushed teeth with one hand I stuck the tea bag under one eye and grumbled about how long this would take…I’m running late of course. Results you ask? In the time it took me to take care of my teeth, my eyes looked back to normal. It really worked that fast. TIPS:
  • Go for the black or green teas. Caffeine is a key player to helping reduce swelling and lightening dark circles.
  • Use a COLD tea bag. This will also help the swelling. Whatever you do grasshopper, don’t use a hot tea bag on your eyes.
I finished up by using a Toner. I then applied some Anti-aging Face Serum and finished with Antioxidant Lotion. You could also use the Hydrating Lotion Jelly as an under eye jelly if you have some on hand. Whew! Tragedy narrowly averted.]]>

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Tips for Seeing a Skin care Professional – It's the Ultimate Gift for You!

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Tips on Getting a Facial- the Ultimate Skin Care Gift for You!- Birdy Botancials

Getting a facial from a skin care expert can gives a boost to your regimen.

As the holiday season is rapidly approaching we all want to look our best. During the flurry this time of year we forget to concentrate on number one. Do something nice for yourself. You might want to treat yourself to a real facial from a professional esthetician. Professional facials are a great way to improve your skin and get an expert opinion about whether your skin care routine is working for you. Here are a few tips if you decide to go for it.
  • Do your research. Make sure you are seeing a licensed esthetician.
  • If you book a specific facial be prepared that your skin care expert may suggest a different treatment after talking with you and looking at your skin.
  • Always tell them about allergies or sensitivities. Mention any oral or topical medications you are taking for your skin. Also, tell them if you use any AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids.) A good esthetician will ask you questions before they begin.
  • Don’t book a facial within a week of an important event. You don’t know how your skin will react to a treatment.
  • They may ask about your routine. You’ll get the best results if you’re honest with them. Don’t be shy.
  • Ask questions and to discuss what sort of results to expect.
Relax and enjoy because you deserve it! It’s important to do nice things for yourself. And Dudes! Facials aren’t just for the ladies….. Here are some estheticians I’ve had personal experience with and had excellent experiences with each one. London Elise at Soothe, San Francisco Ellen Olson at Skin and Tonic, Oakland Laura Semrau, Essential Skin Care and Reflexology, Chester, CA (Lake Almanor)(530)258-2585 Do yourself a favor and let a skin care professional pamper you and give you the gift of great skin all at the same time.]]>

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