More than ever, it's hard for us to know exactly what ingredients are in the products we use. We keep coming across studies showing that going a more natural route for beauty products will benefit our health in the long run. Ditch the chemical ridden products that line your shelves, and start this new year out with natural beauty alternatives. Vanessa has been a HUGE advocate for all-natural err'thang. She makes our cleaning products, toothpaste, and most of our beauty products, too. I can always count on her to say "Don't buy that, I can make it" whenever we're in the store. Which, in fact, turns out to be true.

We wanted to share with you guys some of our beauty alternatives that we've come up with in hopes that you can start incorporating them into your lifestyle. Part of our journey of full-time living in an RV is to be more conscious of things, more aware. So we began taking a look at what we were putting into, and on, our bodies. For people that are more results-oriented and need to see big changes in order to stick with something--this isn't it. These are long-term commitments that you are making to your health. Going from ingesting chemicals to not ingesting chemicals isn't going to be a huge reveal externally. But, keep an eye out for minor changes, small ways you might feel better and lighter.
 
Take a look at some of the natural beauty alternatives we've come up with.

1. Deodorant
You may not have known, but there are very hard chemicals found in deodorant. Recent reports link these products and high rates of breast cancer. A safe and effective alternative is with baking soda! Simply mix baking soda with equal parts coconut oil for a great natural alternative.

2. Teeth Whitener
It's been a growing obsession to have the whitest teeth, yet most over-the-counter whiteners are just filled with unhealthy ingredients. An all-natural alternative comes from combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a watery paste, then a few drops of clove essential oil. Peroxide and baking soda are both natural bleaching ingredients that can offer you a healthy smile with no adverse health issues.

3. Toothpaste
Did you know that conventional toothpastes have recently been linked to cancer and thyroid disease? Many also contain sugar, which ironically leads to cavities. How weird. A natural alternative can be used by mixing baking soda and peppermint liquid castille soap to make a thicker paste. Voila, healthy teeth the natural way.

4. Body Lotion
This one's quite a shocker. Have you ever wondered where that lovely smell comes from in your body lotion? More often than not it's from chemical compounds that end up being absorbed in the skin and stored in fat tissue. A wonderful natural alternative is pure organic coconut oil. It's naturally antibacterial and helps with wrinkles and dry skin, too!

5. Body Scrubs
Sloughing off dead skin to create a healthier surface is something most women aim to do. Yet those expensive body scrubs are filled with dangerous additives, perfumes, and dyes, that may be doing more hard than good. Instead, try some more natural exfoliants like Epsom salt or coffee grounds. One of our favorite homemade body scrubs combines sugar, coffee grounds and coconut oil.

6. Make-up Remover
Make-up removers purchased over-the-counter have harsh chemicals that can end up completely destroying your skin. Instead, a simple solution to remove leftover make-up is through organic extra virgin olive oil. It not only works to remove make-up, but it also moisturizes the skin at the same time.

7. Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Have you ever actually tried to read the backs of these shampoo bottles? Some of the ingredients are extremely hard to pronounce. And you know what they say...if you can't pronounce it, your body doesn't need it. A more natural solution can be found with apple cider vinegar sprayed onto your scalp before washing your hair.

8. Hair Spray
It's so hard to get that perfect coif to hold without using chemicals. Alas, we have an all-natural solution. Mix a cup of boiling water with 1-4 teaspoons of sugar and let dissolve. Pour into a fine mister bottle and spray away! Not only does it hold hair naturally, but it also adds a little shine.

9. Lip Balm
Keeping your lips moist is a crucial part of every winter season. In order to do this naturally, combine beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and almond oil over low heat. Once it cools, you're all set for an all-natural lip moisturizer.

10. Shampoo
Many shampoos on the market contain chemicals that clean your hair, but also remove all the natural oil that helps nourish your hair. To try an all-natural hair cleaner, use soapnut to make a paste with warm water. Apply to your hair and wash as normal.

11. Lipstick
Using lipstick every day may be staining your lips with chemicals. Instead, try crushing pomegranate seeds and mixing in some milk cream. Apply every day and your lips will be naturally red and full. 

And there you have it. A few VERY simple ways to incorporate more natural beauty products into your life. Sometimes, when you're living in an RV you find it easier to just load up on over-the-counter products and save yourself the hassle. But, you're body may be suffering! If you just take one day out of the month and make your products, you'll not only reap the health benefits, but also the financial ones as well.

​Happy New Year, everyone!

Wanted to send out warm wishes to everyone on this special day. Although we may not be celebrating with all who are near and dear to our hearts, we're sending light and love your way. It's been an incredible past few months for The Roamans and there is so much more in store in the upcoming new year. Thank you to all of our supporters and those who continuously offer words of encouragement. Thank you to our sponsors who make traveling a possibility. Thank you to our families who understand and respect our need for a nomadic lifestyle. And most importantly thank you to Maude, our small RV, who has kept us safe and sound on the road.

We hope everyone has the happiest of holidays today no matter where they are on their own journey.

Merry Christmas from The Roamans! 🎄❤️

Fun fact: Vanessa is a former Miss Teen USA. That's right, at the age of seventeen with a final question answer that earned her a standing ovation, before millions of viewers on national TV, Vanessa captured the honored title of the Miss Teen USA 2002.

Last night's Miss Universe 2015 competition is drawing a lot of attention due to the now infamous Steve Harvey winner announcement flub. So, in keeping with pageant tradition, I decided to interview Vanessa and share her thoughts on last night's debacle. 

I am! 2002 was a good year.

Empathy in the form of heartbreak, agony, and embarrassment. What an unfortunate order of events for both contestants. Publicity stunt or honest mistake? Brilliant television.

Winning an internationally recognized title alone warrants the feeling of total shock and disbelief, but to graciously accept the position of 1st Runner-Up only to face resurrection at the expense of another contestant, I'm sure that Pia is in awe across the board. A bittersweet win.

Unfortunately, given the amount of press surrounding a televised event of this magnitude, rather than the media focus being on Pia herself and what she brings to the table as Miss Universe, we've shifted our interest to the crowning moment taking entirely away from the person behind the title. On the up-side, with "all publicity is good publicity," Pia has a unique opportunity to redirect this already glaring spotlight onto more important issues.

A competition at this level is an investment. I doubt that this moment is something Miss Columbia will soon forget. However, much like Pia, there is an opportunity here for Ariadna to steer attention toward greater things. A make-or-break that requires you to strike while the iron is hot.

Authenticity is key. Be yourself, maintain your humble nature, and enjoy every moment. Welcome to the family, Pia! 

Have a question for Vanessa? Leave it in the comments below.

This past week, we made it down to South Florida and finally hit the beach. It's been a long time coming, and we desperately needed some sun, sand, and surf. But, the most exciting part of the entire beach bum venture, was that we finally were able to hang our hammock from Hobo Hammocks.

We absolutely can't stop raving about these hammocks. What initially drew us to them was the social movement that the company is working to promote. For every hammock that is sold, a meal is provided for the homeless. The idea came about when Jake, the founder of the company, and a friend decided to live out of their hammocks while studying for the National Board Dental Exams. Although they chose to be voluntarily homeless, the circumstances allowed for Jake's wheels to start turning, and he decided to make a difference in the lives of those who were permanently homeless.

But besides having such a strong impact on their community, we also love Hobo Hammocks simply because their product rules. They have a ton of different colors to choose from, along with a double hammock style. The double hammock fit us both comfortably. Like two little snug pups, we swung back and forth in the breeze of the Atlantic. The hammock is a parachute-like material, with dual vibrant colors for each. We chose the Sunset color, which is a bright orange and red. It looked so lovely against the sand and sky. A definite stand-out among the earthy tones of Mother Nature.

Hobo Hammocks has a lifetime guarantee, if you needed ANOTHER reason to love this brand. When you buy a hammock, you're literally buying one for life. If ever the hammock breaks or malfunctions, all you need to do is send it back in and they'll ship you a replacement for free. So you also get security and longevity with every hammock.

At first, we were a bit apprehensive taking our hammock out of the bag, because it was so securely packed. But after it came water-falling out with ease, we realized hanging it would be a cinch. Even if you're struggling to find out just how the heck to hang the dang thing, the Hobo Hammocks website has some videos and instructions to make it a simple process. We literally hung ours in about 2-3 minutes. Each hammock comes with straps and carabiners, which are SUPER convenient and durable. Imagine, 2-3 minutes and you'll be swinging your little heart out.

When we were finished, we just rolled up the hammock like before, and fit it back in the already-attached pouch. Voila. That's usually my nightmare to be honest... fitting things back into their original form. Don't even get me started on newspapers. Grrrr. 

We can't wait to take our hammock everywhere with us, however, you don't need to be travelling to enjoy. Everyone can benefit from swinging. Seriously. Just disconnecting for a few minutes and letting something else carry the weight for a while is both relaxing and rejuvenating. 

If you're diggin' on these hammocks and are looking to purchase one for you or a friend, we have you covered. Click on this link to get one of your very own: Let's Buy a Hobo Hammock

So it happened-- Maude got her first tattoo. We finally we able to stick some decals onto our small RV making her the official spokesperson for The Roamans. Take a look at her new ink.

However, it isn't just the fact that Maude's got some permanent Roaman love strewn across her baby body. It also marks the new contest called...... Spot The Roamans!

The rules are very simple. If you see us on the road, all you need to do is:

1) Snap a selfie with Maude's new tattoo
2) Post it on Instagram
3) Tag @the_roamans
4) Hashtag #spottheroamans.

Super easy, right?

The contest will run between now (yes, right now!!) through April 1st, 2016. Snap your best selfie, and we will choose one at random as the winner.

But now the most important part: the prize. One lucky winner will receive a personalized care package straight from us. This includes a few of The Roamans' favorite things valued at over $150. Favorites things may include hammocks, adventure gear, artisan soap, and so much more!

The gauntlet has been thrown, people. Spot the Roamans on the road and win.