I've gone soap free

While Carbolic is still my favorite soap to use, I've gone soap free for the past 3 weeks, and am loving it. I use a home mad bath scrub, and it is working wonderfully well for me.

Here is why this scrub is a sensible, minimalist solution:

1.       No chenimcal load - it is skin-friendly and non-toxic

2.       It is cheap

3.       It is soil-friendly

The thing is extremely simple to make. You will need

1.       Dried green peas (Rs. 44 per kilo)

2.       Raw rice (Optional – and the cheapest you can find)

I like to use just peas, but rice adds it a coarser texture that you might like. Dry grind peas and rice separately, mix together. If you want it finer, grind further, or sieve. A kilo of mix should last you a couple of months.

Refrigirate the powder to preserve it - remember, no chemical preservatives = risk of worms. You can also add a tablespoon of salt to the mix - this will keep worms away, and will add a safe anti-microbial kick to your scrub.

Fish out a couple of spoonsful before every bath.

While this mix is absolutely complete for you bathing needs, you can, if you wish, add a bit of powdered wild turmeric (curcuma aromatica) for anti-microbial action - about a table spoon for a kilo of ground mix. Wild turmeric doesn't stain clothes the way cooking turmeric does.

Add whatever other herbs you think will boost your scrub with fragrance or healing properties. Frankly, the basic scrub is what will get you clean.

That's it. I follow my usual coconut oil moisturizing routine at the end of my bath, and deodorize with alum. 

John's phone - is this minimalist?

I actually don't know, I need you to help me.

This phone has to be the world's simplest phone. Only calls, no texting. Big number keys and - this is so cute- an actual paper address book with a tiny pen.

Look at it. I mean, really, look at it. It is absolutely adorable. After you are done gushing, let us revisit the offering here.

No screen, which means you can't see who you are about to suffer for the next 45 minutes. That's what kills it for me. Next, no texting, and I am not sure that is even minimalist - personally, I'd rather text than talk. More effort, so I am encouraged to keep things brief.
*My bad - caller number is indeed displayed, on the top of the phone. See this for a detailed review.

The pen and paper book is clearly a gimmick. But, incredibly, won't it do?

Battery life of 3 weeks? Whoppa, that's impressive.

Now wait for it: 100 of your best greenbacks for this guy. Really? 100 dollars?

Which brings me to a deeper question. Unless you move into a cave, and probably even then, you will use email. In that sense, is a smart phone, say an iPhone actually a truer minimalist solution? 1 light weight fix for most of my tech needs. (Full disclosure: I own a Blackberry curve *blush*)

What do you guys think?

I am still interested to see a text only phone, by the way.