I have a pretty minimal routine, so each item has to pack a punch. Here are my favorites and some ways I save time and money!
Beauty
I have very little hair advice...My hair is really long and extremely fine. It is often unruly and sometimes hard to style. I also don't love the process of doing my hair, so the easier the better.
This overnight heatless curling system from KITSCH works well and is really easy. I love having some curls, it makes me feel a little bit fancy for my days at home!
I also have one of their SATIN PILLOW CASES and it has really helped to protect my hair and skin.
If your hair is difficult to brush, this WET BRUSH has been a game changer for me, especially if I take the time to brush my hair every day...haha! I got the 3 pack of mini size and keep one in my travel toiletries and swim bag as well so I'm ready to rock.
I have really dry skin, especially in the winter so oil cleansing has worked best for me! Here is an article by my friend Caroline that explains how to oil cleanse.
My routine:
Gently dry brush
Oil cleanse or just rinse well with cold water (wakes you right up!)
Slather on some beef tallow from... (I may try making my own at some point) ME!
Finish up with this Gua Sha stone - here's how from Caroline:)
Every now and then, if my skin needs a little boost, I use this mask. It's amazing!
All of the products listed will last a looooong time. Let me know if you try anything!
ALPINE GOLD
I couldn't resist. I had to try my hand at making my own tallow balm. I wanted to control every ingredient and to see if I could make it as well as the brands I had tried before. Not to toot my own horn, but mine is BETTER (in my humble opinion:) and it's now available for purchase.
I've been using my recipe since spring 2023. It is smooth, absorbs well, and can greatly simplify your skincare routine (see my routine). Beef tallow naturally boosts collagen production by providing your skin cells with the vitamins and nutrients they need. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
As farming practices develop over time (not always for the best), the quality of ingredients is crucial. My balm contains only organic, grass fed beef tallow, organic extra virgin olive oil, and is scented with Young Living essential oils (lavender + frankincense).
If you're interested in trying it, send me a DM here. I will only be making small batches at this point. Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@megancouser) to learn when a new batch drops.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
boosts collagen production | antibacterial | anti-inflammatory
clears up acne | highly moisturizing | lightens sun spots
anti-aging | bioavailable vitamins + minerals (B12, A, D, E, K)
Tallow balm can be used to moisturize your body, hands, and face. Please keep in mind, that the use of tallow may be a big change for your skin, especially your face. There may be a detox period and some experimentation required to find out what works best for you.
Here are a few tips!
1 - Exfoliate using a dry brush or other means and cleanse like normal with water, a gentle cleanser, or use the balm to oil cleanse (see below).
2 - Apply a light layer of tallow balm to damp skin or layer on top of your preferred serum.
3 - Massage your skin with a gua sha stone if desired.
1 - Remove make-up with a gentle cleanser.
2 - Apply a pea-sized amount of balm and massage into your skin. If you have time, let the balm sit for 5-10 minutes. If not you can rinse immediately.
3 - Place a warm damp wash cloth over your face and allow it to sit until cool, about 1 minute (for a steaming effect). Repeat if time allows wiping away any excess balm as you go.
4 - Apply a final light layer of balm for lasting moisture.
Wellness
Hahaha this may be TMI...but it's actually super helpful. I got these items while healing postpartum and they have become some of my favorites!
THE SQATTY POTTY - this is great for the health of the whole fam. It helps to properly position the bowels and protects the pelvic floor. Mamas, can I get an amen?!
BIDET ATTACHMENT - I know...hear me out. I got this postpartum because I was tired of the peri bottle and it was only $25 so I thought it was worth a shot. We actually love it! You get really clean and only need a bit of TP to dry off. Bonus, if toilet paper is ever in super short supply you're covered! It is easy to install and use.
Ok toilet TMI over.
We travel a fair amount and have learned (especially when traveling with young kids) that sickness and injury don't wait until you get home. It is always easier to have common meds and first aid supplies with you than it is to find them in an unfamiliar place. I have a designated travel kit of supplies that is separate from my supplies at home. This makes is so much easier to pack without forgetting things and to keep track of your restock needs.
*This is not medical advice.
MED KIT:
I use this bag - it's cute, compact, and fits a ton of stuff
Bach Stress Relief Lozenges - I struggle with a little bit of travel anxiety, these make a huge different.
Bach Anxiety Help for Kids - I also love to have this on hand if the kiddos seem overwhelmed.
Nose Frida - boogies are never welcome and though this thing makes me gag it does get the job done.
Syringe for administering liquid meds
Soothing children's cough syrup (if you're kiddo is under one, be sure it's sweetened with agave, not honey)
Insect bite itch relief cream
Tick key - game changer for removing ticks, be sure to keep the tick in a plastic baggie after removal in case of issues later.
Activated charcoal pills - take these throughout travels or at the first sign of tummy troubles.
Acetaminophen - we use Genexa as it's free of a lot of the junk found in other brands.
Ibuprofen
Bach Rescue Sleep KIDS - melatonin and sugar-free sleep support. This is great for an off night or adjust time zones.
Allergy Relief
Imodium
A few essential oil rollers - tummygize, sleepy blend, thieves
Mini Homeopathics Kit - I am new to homeopathy, but am already seeing so many benefits and learning to implement them for my family has been incredibly empowering. Here are the remedies that I have in my kit. I chose many of them based on this resource from Caroline Potter.
Aconitum Napellus - reduce sudden fever and cough associate with cold/flu
Apis Mellifica - relieves stings, allergies, hives
Arnica Montana - for pain from physical injury, muscle soreness, swelling
Belladonna - reduces fever with perspiration, headache, or inflammation
Chamomilla - for teething pain and irritability
Conium Maculatum - relieves certain types of vertigo, dizziness triggered by head movement
Gelsemium Sempervirens - headache, body aches, and fever associated with flu
Ignatia Amara - for sleeplessness, nervousness, headache due to emotional upset
Ledum Palustre - for insect bites or bruising (good for ticks)
Oscillococcinum - for use at the onset of flu symptoms
Pulsatilla - yellow discharge associated with a cold (ocular or nasal)
Sepia - calms menstrual symptoms, overwhelm, moodiness (can I get an AMEN!)
Spongia Tosta - used for breathing difficulties associated with barking cough
FIRST AID KIT:
Thieves hand sanitizer
Alcohol prep pads
Antibiotic ointment
Tweezers
Small scissors
Bandages in a variety of shapes and sizes
Steri-strips
Tegaderm Film - this stuff is a life save, especially if you get a skin injury and will be spending time in the sand or water.
Gauze pads and a small wrap/tape
Superglue
SUPPLEMENTS:
I've learned the hard way not to take a break on supplements while we travel. Here are my non negotiables.
Beef Liver Capsules - COUSER10 saves you
Sea Moss - easier on the go in capsule form
Isagenix IsaLean Protein Shake
Natural Wellness E-courses
Sauna and Infrared Light exposure
Cold exposure
Exercise Goals, Routines, Ideas
Mouth Taping