Honey, I gotta tell ya….

Cleopatra had it right. Fill a bath with milk and honey, and sit in it while the world goes by. Skin needs to be kept hydrated in order to remain soft, supple and elastic. Age, life's stresses, and everyday pollution really stretch our skin to the limit and affect its ability to stay moist. Skin becomes dry, cracked, and yes… those dreaded wrinkles appear.Honey attracts and holds on to moisture, making it a natural humectant.

Honey is also good for sensitive skin. But, the benefits of honey for beauty don't stop there. Studies show that honey has good antioxidant properties. Antioxidants not only play a part in protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but are also rather handy when it comes to skin rejuvenation. Its antimicrobial talents make it good for skin break-outs without drying the skin.

Honey makes an excellent mask that is convenient and easy to use. It is especially appropriate for dry and damaged skin. It can be used as frequently as desired.

Basic Honey Mask

½-1 teaspoon of honey per facial
Pat and massage honey onto the skin, spreading it evenly over your face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Give it a try... Honey, you know you're worth it!

How to Properly Apply Perfume

Have you ever had to endure someone's heavy, heavy fragrance? My husband works with a gal who uses so much perfume that their hallway smells like her for an hour after she has walked through. Here is a video to learn how to apply perfume the right way. Jerry might have to find a subtle way to get her to watch it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d-XoKhGwNA

Winter Protection

Now that temperatures are bitter cold for most parts of the country, we have to switch our focus to protection; protect your skin, your nails, and your hair.
Protect your skin: Lacking the sun’s exposure and the light of day for the most part, your skin needs some extra attention in the colder months. A good multivitamin is a great way to get your vitamin D, essential for healthy skin. If you don’t have at least 20 minutes of sun exposure on your skin each day, you need to be taking a multivitamin that contains the highest amount of vitamin D you can find. Moisturizing is also key. Keep lotion or a body butter on you at all times. Keep some at work. Keep some in the car. Keep some on your night stand. Moisturize as often as you can to avoid overtly dry, flaking skin. Drinking lots of water will keep your skin looking healthy as well. H2O puffs the skin back out and makes wrinkles less noticeable.
Protect your nails: Winter nails can look dirty and unkempt unless you are putting some time into them. The easiest and prettiest way to protect nails is to put polish on them. Polish protects the nails from the elements and keeps them from turning brittle. Even if you aren’t a fan of nail polish, you should at least throw a clear coat on your nails to protect them. A great cuticle oil applied regularly will keep hang nails at bay. Keep in mind that nothing ruins a look faster than brittle nails that lack attention.

Protect your hair: Hair, too, can really ruin your day if you’re not taking proper measures to take care of it. Don’t wash your hair everyday. Exposure to too many elements, such as chemicals in your shampoo or even exposure to hard water combined with the cold air can leave your hair frizzy, brittle, and unattractive. If possible, get your ends trimmed every other month. Also go for the extra conditioning with a deep conditioner or a hot oil treatment.
Take the time to protect your skin, nails, and hair. Stay pretty and make the effort to protect your nails, skin and hair. They'll thank you for it!

For great products check out: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

How To Look Your Holiday Best
Here are some easy tips on how to look your best at all the holiday festivities you'll attend.

*The simplest way to update last year's little black dress? A touch of gold nail polish. Essie Shifting Power (Essie.com), a metallic shade, is perfect. Gold polish gives all skin tones a healthy, vibrant glow.

*True red lips are the fastest way to dress up your look. They're univerally flattering because of the balance of warm and cool tones. L'Oreal (Lorealparis.com) has Colour Riche Lipcolour in True Red.

*For maximum-lasting lipstick,first line your lips with a liner and then fill in the center of the lips. The liner will provide a base helping to lock lipstick in place. Finish off with a little gloss.

*If you want to have a healthier winter look, add a bit of self-tanner to your daily moisturizer in the morning. A warmer tone will appear within the next four hours.

*Add a little shine to your holiday look. Dust a shimmer powder on your cheekbones and eyelids.

*Wear a little more eye make-up. A wash of shimmery shadow will cause light to bounce off your skin, obscuring fine lines. Open up your eyes by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler and add two coats of mascara.

Try these to look your gorgeous best. And of course, the simplest beauty tip--use your beautiful smile!!

Fly Right

As we head into the holiday season many of us will be traveling. Flying across time zones can throw your circadian rhythms out of whack, resulting in fatigue, headaches and not feeling yourself. To prevent jet lag, adjust your bedtime by an hour each day leading up to your departure. (matching the sleep schedule you'll follow when you arrive at your destination) Stay awake on flights if it's daytime at your arrival place, try to sleep if it's nighttime where you are headed.

Some of the newest research on neurophysiology indicates that elevating your temperature can help reset your circadian rhythms (day/night cycles). Exercising, grabbing a sauna or relaxing in a warm bath helps that process.

Eat carefully.Pressurized cabins can have odd effects on your gastro intestinal system. Avoid gas producing foods preflight, such as apples, apricots, beans, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower - even milk if you’re lactose intolerant. And pack high fiber snacks in your carry-on, such as dried fruit, nuts and whole grain granola bars.

Avoid alcohol. Because of altitude, pressurization and dehydration, one drink during your flight has the alcoholic equivalent of nearly two and a half on the ground. Instead drink water--drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight. You can also supplement with melatonin to help reset your natural rhythms.

Keep moving. Blood clots are a serious health threat on long flights. Force yourself to get up and move around the cabin on a regular basis. Flex your legs and rotate your ankles while you’re seated. Do knee bends while waiting in line for the lavatory. Spend layovers walking through the airport.

Most everyone experiences jet lag at some point but following these suggestions will minimize your discomfort.

Let Your Hands Do The Talking

Do your hands reveal your age, disguise your age or do they add years to your look?
What makes hands look older than their years? They actually get more use and abuse and less pampering than your face. Here are some solutions to make your hands look timeless and beautiful.

Sunspots—UV damages pigment producing cells causing brown spots to form. Slather on that sunscreen!!

Veins—To minimize the color contrast between your skin and the dark veins try using a concealer or use a self tanner. Jewelry and manicures help give you a younger look too. Keep nails short (1/8 inch long). Shorter nails soften the appearance of veins.

Dryness—As we age our skin produces less lubricating oil and loses its ability to hold moisture.
Apply lotion throughout the day. Rub it on immediately after washing your hands to seal in moisture. Before using household cleaners or doing dishes apply lotion or a hand cream and pull on cotton-lined gloves.


Gathered From The Garden has the most wonderful Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. It’s our best seller! It is loved by doctors, nurses, teachers, and others who need to do frequent hand-washing. It comes in many fantastic fragrances. Once you try this lotion, you’ll never try another! $10.00/8oz. or $4.00 for a 2 oz. purse size.
Our Satin and Silk Shea Butter Lotion is excellent for dry skin too. It would work great to put on your hands before gloves to do those chores. $12.00/8 oz.
www.gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Champagne Hair Rinse

I was out shopping at New York & Co. this weekend looking at their sparkly sweaters when I thought of New Year's Eve and Champagne. Thinking of Champagne made me think of this cool rinse...

This is an old French secret for making hair shiny, silky, and healthy. If you have light-colored hair, it brings out the golden lights in it. It will not dry or damage the tresses.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup champagne 1/2 cup hot water

Directions: Mix; after shampooing and rinsing well, pour the mixture through the hair. DO NOT rinse again. You can use a conditioner before using the Champagne Hair Rinse if desired. The hair is left looking vital and lustrous, with pale champagne highlights.

Champagne Hair Rinse courtesy of Recipe Goldmine

The Weight of the World on Your Shoulders--Your Purse!

I recently went to a baby shower and one of the games we played was to see whose purse weighed the most. I came in second--mine was close to four pounds! I hadn't really thought about how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders until then.
The Sept. issue of Good Housekeeping magazine (goodhousekeeping.com) says that your purse should weigh less than three pounds and be toted on alternating shoulders throughout the day. This is according to the American Chiropractice Association.
Good Housekeeping suggests lightening your load. You should dump the contents of your purse and reorganize. Toss your loose coins into a pretty jar or dish at least once a week. Streamline the make-up containers you are carrying around. Keep small items and feminine products in a zipper pouch. Sort through receipts and coupons. Find more tips in the Sept. issue.

I have tried these tips and have lightened up a little. It seems like I just need to have so much stuff with me. Nailclippers, mirror, hand sanitizer and my glasses case and contact case to name a few...My family just expects me to travel with everything they need! I guess I could remove the keys from my keychain that don't seem to have a purpose.

How about you? How heavy is your purse? Does it feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders? I would love to carry one of those cute little purses but I think I would have "stuff" withdrawal. Maybe if I give up a few things little by little I can eventually get there. For now, I'll have to settle for something smaller than a suitcase!!

Ahh...a Home Spa

Now that colder weather is setting in, it feels like bath not shower time. It is so easy to have a spa-like experience in your own home. Follow these tips for an ahh-mazing time.

1. Choose just one room in your house where you can be alone and quiet. The bathroom is the usual choice, but it can be anywhere. Prepare your space ahead of time so you can relax during your spa time. Clean, declutter, and dust the space. It doesn’t have to be perfect; but your mind needs to be at peace, not looking around at reminders.
2. Set yourself up with a pile of big, fluffy towels and a couple of washcloths. You'll want at least one extra large towel for your body and another towel for your hair. If your towels are looking a bit shabby, invest in a few new ones. There is nothing like a good, luxurious towel for your home spa experience. pioneerlinens.com has an incredible selection of towels!
3. If you don't already have one, invest in a plush bathrobe and nice slippers. This is a one-time expense that will make you feel pampered each time you treat yourself to your at-home spa.
4. Decide on a theme (relaxing or energizing, for example), then set the mood with music and lighting. Choose a tranquil or energizing CD, depending on the mood you wish to create. Light several aromatherapy candles in a scent such as lavender (for relaxation) or citrus (for rejuvenation.) When you set the right mood, you will intensify the effects of your other spa treatments.
5. Put aside at least 20 or 30 minutes to fully enjoy your luxurious home spa. Fill the bath with hot water and turn on the shower for additional steam Add bubble bath, bath confetti, or aromatherapy bath salts for a softening effect. The bath salts help to cleanse and detoxify your body.
6. Turn off the overhead lights, light the candles and turn on the music. Wash your face with a warm face cloth and apply your facial mask. Then take off your robe and slip into your hot bath. While your facial mask is working, start with your exfoliating scrub or pumice and let yourself relax. The entire body should be scrubbed at least weekly. Exfoliation should be done in a circular motion, beginning with the feet and up the legs, then hands up the arms, down the back finally up the front to the heart. It is usually best to rinse with tepid or cool water after the scrub to further activate circulation.
7. When the time for your home spa has come to an end, rinse off the facial mask and dry off with your luxurious towels. Then take time to moisturize from head to toe. 9. Conclude your experience by wrapping yourself in your soft robe and enjoying a cup of your favorite relaxing or invigorating herbal tea, selected to compliment your homemade spa experience. Choose peppermint or citrus tea, for example, to end a relaxing home spa or select jasmine or chamomile tea for a relaxing home spa.

Creating a home spa is so simple and affordable that you will have no excuse not to indulge at least once a week. When was the last time you pampered yourself!!

Quick Takes

Here are a couple of short little tips from Prevention Magazine (prevention.com)

*Wash your face to ward off wrinkles

A new British Skin Foundation study found that 50% of women don't wash their faces at night. This habit can make you look older. It can enlarge pores and further irritate dry skin. To clean away signs of aging, gently rub your cleanser onto damp skin and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

*Exercise to Help a Charity

Eric Harr, author of Goal Digger Fitness, will donate $5 to the humanitarian organization CARE for every hour you exercise and log at www.care.org/workout--up to $1 million. This could bring clean water, build a home or educate a child in developing nations around the globe. You can build a better world while you are building a healthier body!!

*How to find the right bra

A professional bra fitter can help or on your own keep these in mind:

It's important to choose a bra that's tight in the band. That's where most support comes from. (I didn't know that!) A bra with a seam gives more support.(I didn't know that either!) Check out unfamiliar brands. American bra companies produce just seven cup sizes, European brands offer 14 cup depths that allow you to get a better fit.

That was just a little potpourri of interesting items. For more information check out Prevention Magazine.

Anti-aging Perfume?

In addition to products that claim to lift, firm and get rid of wrinkles we now have a fragrance that is supposed to make you "smell younger". Harvey Prince has launched a new perfume called "Ageless Fantasy". It's the world's first anti-aging perfume. It is designed to make women "smell younger" using mango, cherry and pineapple scents. Apparently using these scents will make others perceive you to be 8 years younger. (How did they decide on that number and those particular scents?) It's also advertised as "prescription-free youth". Although you may smell much younger, the perfume won't make you look younger.

Boy we sure are obsessed with being younger aren't we? In this month's issue of MORE magazine (more.com) Jane Fonda,Sharon Stone and Tea Lioni are featured. Jane is 70, Sharon is 50 and Tea is 42. All reveal how they make their age work for them, not against them. There is no mention of any work done on their faces or bodies which I think is pretty cool. They focus on their careers and talents and not on their looks.

I am very happy to be getting older and having some wrinkles. This is a great time in my life. I don't really need people to perceive that I am 8 years younger. (a little younger maybe...if I'm honest) I am taking care of my face and body--avoiding the sun, exercising, using a good moisturizer and eating healthy. I think I would rather look healthy than look many years younger.

In the article in MORE, Tea says that "aging gracefully to me isn't about accepting or doing only a little bit of Botox. I think it's a spark--a way of being." Well said!

Recipe for a Self Tanner

If you go to nikileighspa.com you will find lots of fun recipes in the "recipe vault". Here is a fun one that sounds almost too good to be true. A self-tanner you can make yourself. I haven't tried it but it sounds pretty easy. Only two ingredients!

Recipe for a Self-Tanner

• 1 tablespoon white unscented lotion
• 1 tablespoon pure cocoa powder

Mix the lotion and cocoa powder together until very smooth and creamy. Apply to skin using a makeup wedge. You will have a natural glow! Your tan will last until your next shower.

What do you think? If you try it let us know how well it works. Or if you go to the "vault" and try any other recipes give us your opinion of those too. It's pretty cool to be able to make these in your own kitchen!

Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn

I don’t remember watching Audrey Hepburn movies when I was younger but I have seen snippets of her movies. She always seemed so full of grace and charm. She left behind these Beauty Tips that still work today.

Beauty Tips by Audrey Hepburn:
For attractive lips,
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anybody.Remember: if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every woman is at risk. Breast cancer doesn't care if you are old, young, wealthy, poor, educated or uneducated, etc. It can't be prevented or cured. One out of eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. This is a good time to reflect on screening, risk factors and what you can do to make a difference with your own health.
Risk Factors:
*A family member with the disease raises your risk.

*You're still at risk even if you don't have a family history of breast cancer.

*Getting older raises your risk for developing the disease. More than 75% of breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

*Being overweight increases your risk.
Screening

*Getting a mammogram annually starting at age 40 is the best way to catch the disease in its earliest, most treatable stage. Women who get regular mammograms reduce their chance of breast cancer by 63%.

*Self-exams. Women should check their own breasts so they can know what's normal for them and then they will be able to tell if something changes. They can then contact the appropriate caregiver for evaluation.
Take Charge of Your Own Health

*Exercise. Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives lower their risk.

*Watch the scale. Women who gained more than 20 pounds after menopause were more likely to develop breast cancer. Those who lost 20 pounds or more cut their risk by 57%.

*Get regular mammograms and do regular self-exams.

*Limit the alcohol. Cap it at three drinks a week.

*Eat better: Think high-fiber and low-fat; veggies and vitamins; and lean meat and other sources of protein. Eating 3 or more servings of red meat a week has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

*Know the risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT): For every 10,000 women taking HRT (yes, even the bio-identical kind), eight preventable breast cancers occur. Understand your personal risks versus benefits before popping that pill.

Some fun pink products that promote awareness are on the market. Dove chocolate "Promises of Hope"candy is wrapped in pink foil. Chinet Casuals are pink paper plates. Breast cancer survivors designed boxes of Celestial Seasonings Cranberry Pomegranate Green Tea. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Candle is available at Pier One stores.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month started out as a weeklong event in October 1985. It has grown into a monthlong chance to remember those who have died from breast cancer and to honor those who have survived. Pass this info on to the women in your life. You can help make a difference!

Let Your Hands Do The Talking

Do your hands reveal your age, disguise your age or do they add years to your look?
What makes hands look older than their years? They actually get more use and abuse and less pampering than your face. Here are some solutions to make your hands look timeless and beautiful.

Sunspots—UV damages pigment producing cells causing brown spots to form. Slather on that sunscreen!!

Veins—To minimize the color contrast between your skin and the dark veins try using a concealer or use a self tanner. Jewelry and manicures help give you a younger look too. Keep nails short (1/8 inch long). Shorter nails soften the appearance of veins.

Dryness—As we age our skin produces less lubricating oil and loses its ability to hold moisture.
Apply lotion throughout the day. Rub it on immediately after washing your hands to seal in moisture. Before using household cleaners or doing dishes apply lotion or a hand cream and pull on cotton-lined gloves.


Gathered From The Garden has the most wonderful Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. It’s our best seller! It is loved by doctors, nurses, teachers, and others who need to do frequent hand-washing. It comes in many fantastic fragrances. Once you try this lotion, you’ll never try another! $11.00/8oz. or $4.50 for a 2 oz. purse size.

Our Satin and Silk Shea Butter Lotion is excellent for dry skin too. It would work great to put on your hands before gloves to do those chores. $12.00/8 oz.

Just For The Guys

The first thing people notice about you is your face. Healthy skin is so important for a great looking face. Men are often overlooked when you talk about skin care. Skin care for men is not just shaving cream, soap and after shave lotion I'd like to share some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin.
#1 Keep it clean.

Men have oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. This means you get dirtier. It is very important no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good. Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck! Remember it is very important to moisturize the under eye skin as it secretes no necessary oils on its own. Once your skin begins to get smoother and softer, shaving won’t be such a chore.

#2 Keep it toned.

Because men are outside more than women are the environment is more of a factor to their skin's health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

#3 Treat your skin.

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin's needs. All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment. After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

#4 Protect your skin.

Healthy skin is young looking skin. Avoid over exposure to the sun. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face (and a lip balm with sunscreen).

#5 Exercise
There are many beauty benefits of working out. First is the obvious - you’ll stay in great shape. But increasing your heart rate everyday will also improve your mood - and people definitely look their best when they’re happy and smiling. Another interesting thing is that exercise doesn’t just make you breathe harder, but also opens up your pores and makes your skin breathe. This will help you develop radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Seems only fair to give the guys tips too. Do you have any others to add to the list?

Fragrance Fun

Here are some tips on wearing your special fragrance perfectly…Ready, Set, Spritz!

*Want just a touch of a fragrance? Spritz it in the air and walk through the mist. Not only will you smell good but your room will too!

*Store fragrances out of direct sunlight.

*Fragrance should only be detectable to you and those who get within 2-3 feet of you.

*Looking for a lighter way to wear a scent? Try one of Gathered From the Garden’s Body Mists.

*Put on perfume before you get dressed. It will last longer and won’t stain your clothes.

*Fragrances have a shelf life of about 3 years. Keeping them in the refrig. can help them last longer. (Isn't that a ‘cool’ tip!)

*Store a bottle of fragrance in your lingerie drawer. It’ll make those undies smell alluring.

*Gently apply your fragrance to pulse points behind your ears, knees, wrists. Your scent will last longer.

*Layer your fragrance. Use Body Mists and Lotions in the same scent. Gathered has both in your favorite fragrance!!

Honey, I gotta tell ya….

Cleopatra had it right. Fill a bath with milk and honey, and sit in it while the world goes by. Skin needs to be kept hydrated in order to remain soft, supple and elastic. Age, life's stresses, and everyday pollution really stretch our skin to the limit and affect its ability to stay moist. Skin becomes dry, cracked, and yes… those dreaded wrinkles appear. Honey attracts and holds on to moisture, making it a natural humectant. Honey is also good for sensitive skin. But the benefits of honey for beauty don't stop there. Studies show that honey has good antioxidant properties. Antioxidants not only play a part in protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but are also rather handy when it comes to skin rejuvenation. Its antimicrobial talents make it good for skin break-outs without drying the skin.

Honey makes an excellent mask that is convenient and easy to use. It is especially appropriate for dry and damaged skin. It can be used as frequently as desired.

Basic Honey Mask

½-1 teaspoon of honey per facial
Pat and massage honey onto the skin, spreading it evenly over your face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Give it a try... Honey, you know you're worth it!

Cleansing Your Face

You should always take off all of your makeup before you go to sleep. Cleansing oils are one of the quickest and most painless way to remove all traces of makeup. After you remove your makeup with a cleansing oil, (without wetting the face first) use a gentle cleansing cream/soap (Gathered From the Garden has some wonderful ones!). This will remove any residue the cleansing oil leaves behind. Double cleansing is crucial to maintaining great skin.
When I first heard about double cleansing I was a little skeptical. Using an oil to clean my face sounded heavy. With some research, I learned that oil makes an excellent cleanser because it cleans gently without stripping your skin of its vital natural protective layer. Because oil attracts oil, excess oil is gently lifted off of the skin, along with dirt and other impurities. Japanese and Korean women use cleansing oils to remove makeup—even waterproof mascara. Ever notice how beautiful their skin is? The oils Gathered uses are VERY light including jojoba oil which isn’t really an oil at all.
After cleansing, follow up with a toner and a good moisturizer. Gathered carries both of these too.

Rescue Your Closet--Update Your Look

The more I thought about those two well-dressed women in Paris, the more I thought about how well-dressed I am or am I? Taking a look in my closet you'd wonder how I manage to get so many clothes in such a small place. Do I need some updating?
Redbook magazine's August issue has some advice and I found more with some research. Here are some tips to help you get started on updating your look and saving your closet!
*Clean out your closet (ouch). Don't throw out everything. Keep the items that fit well and make you feel good when worn. Some items of clothing are classic. They never go out of style--keep those too. You can use accessories over and over. They can help achieve a different look by wearing them with something new. Clear out the clothes that don't fit anymore, that you haven't worn for a year or that you know were just impulse buys and too trendy.
*Read fashion magazines. Check out what the celebrities are wearing. Look at their day to day wardrobes, not their red carpet outfits.
*When buying new clothes choose what fits. You can't go strictly by size. While my husband is always a 42 L and has a shirt size of 16 1/2 --34/35 I am not a true size 4. Sometimes I can get into a Junior size 5-especially pants or capris. When buying shirts or blouses, I can wear anything from a S to a L!
*Shop someplace new. Widen your scope by checking out boutiques, small shops or department stores you don't usually shop at. You might find some surprising pieces.
*Update your haircut. This is probably the easiest to do and you get instant results. Take a friend along or if you see a style on someone you like ask for the name of the salon and stylist. If you get a cut that isn't quite what you had in mind, relax, it will grow out. ( I know of several people who haven't changed their hairstyle since highschool.)
*Don't give up. If you try a style change and it just doesn't work for you take it back. As you experiment and step out of your safety zone you'll see fashion in a whole new way. You'll come to see what clothes and makeup bring out the best in you.

If you are in need of a major overhaul then I suggest you check out getlifestyled.com. They've got experts who can come and help you big time.
Now I need to take my own advice and head to my closet for some major rescue work!

Fashion in Paris

I had the great fortune to visit Paris this summer. It was everything I imagined and then some! To learn more about this great city before I flew over, I checked out parisdailyphoto.com There is a new photo of Paris posted every day along with a short explanation.

Now that I am back I still occasionally go to that website. I like to see if any of the photos are of places I actually saw there. Today's photo showed two women walking in Luxembourg Garden. (I did visit that lovely place!) One is an elderly woman and the other one a young woman. The short explanation remarked on the way the women are dressed. The photographer says that in Paris people are judged by the way they dress. I'd say that both women would be judged quite stylish! It is true about fashion there. We never saw any French women wearing jeans and most had a style all their own.

I hope when I get to be the age of the older woman in the photo that I can still pull off a look that good!

Sole Searching

Did you know that your feet contain one quarter of all the bones in your whole body? Did you know that women are nine times more likely than men to develop foot problems because of their shoes? Feet have to endure tremendous pressures of daily living. An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons on them. They are subject to more injury than any other part of the body, which means we need to protect them with proper footwear. Here's some interesting info on shoe styles.

*High-heels--If you frequently wear high heel shoes they can tighten and shorten your Achilles tendon. This will lead to pain when you walk in flat shoes or no shoes. Wearing high heels can also cause permanent damage to the calf muscles. If you must wear them (my sister loves heels!) only wear them for about 20% of the time. Wear them to work, out on the town but change into comfortable shoes at home. Alternate with good quality sneakers or flats for part of the day.

*Peep-toes--If your toes are getting crowded in the narrow tops, the edges of your toenails can get pushed into surrounding skin tissue which can cause pain and possibly infection. Always cut your toenails straight across and not too short.

*Ballet flats--These shoes very definitely do not have much arch support. This can lead to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the shock-absorbing tissue in your arch. You'll feel sharp, stabbing pain. If you must wear these shoes, add over-the-counter arch support inserts or get made-to-fit your feet orthodics. (I love mine!) They will help to distribute pressure more evenly.

*Flip-flops--You see them everywhere, in every season, on every age. The gripping action of your toes means your foot works harder than normal. It can eventually lead to problems such as tendonitis and can cause hammertoe, a permanent buckling of the toe. (Sounds awful!) You shouldn't wear flip flops for more than two hours a day because the seemingly comfortable spongy soles provide little support for your feet.

Activity should have a bearing on your shoe considerations; wearing the right shoe for a particular activity is probably as important a factor in your choice of shoes as any. If you go to http://www.foothealth.ca/footcare/footwear.htm you'll find more info on shoes. This site also says "Perhaps the best shoe for women is a walking shoe with laces (not a slip-on), a polymerized composition sole, and a relatively wider heel with a rigid and padded heel counter, no more than three-quarters of an inch in height." Sounds like my kind of shoe!

Surprising Uses For Vinegar

I was reading in Health magazine (health.com) about some uses for vinegar. They suggest using it as a Nail Polish preserver. If you rub your nails with white vinegar before you apply your polish it will take some of the moisture out of your nail. This will help your polish adhere. They also suggest using Apple cider vinegar as a blemish buster. It can flush out dirt and tighten pores to prevent breakouts. (You'd have to be ok with the smell--which won't last long.) Wash your face then apply vinegar to your nose, cheeks and chin with a cotton ball. They have a few other suggestions for vinegar that are not beauty related.
Has anyone tried using the Apple cider vinegar for blemishes?

Beauty Busters

You have probably thought about goals for nearly every part of your life-- but have you worked up a plan to boost your health and beauty ? This list of beauty boosters will help you get on the fast track to happiness both inside and out.
*Invest in a quality hairbrush.
Did you know that a cheap hairbrush could literally tear your hair out? Even the most healthy scalp loses a minimum of thirty hairs a day, so ensure that your hair will stay where it belongs -- on your head -- with a quality brush designed for your hair type. Boar and nylon are the most commonly used bristles in hairbrushes. Natural boar bristles are good for long, normal, fine and damaged hair; while the nylon variety tend to be better for short, coarse or heavily-damaged hair. Look for brushes with widely-spaced rows of bristles, as they glide through the hair more easily. Another hint: Buy yourself a wooden comb. Choose one with widely spaced teeth. It will stimulate scalp circulation while eliminating static.
*Moisturize your skin every day
Your skin, the largest organ of your entire body, needs special care and attention. Especially in the winter months, skin loses moisture and can easily become dry and flaky.
*Get enough sleep
Not getting the right quantity -- or quality -- of ZZZs can affect your appearance. Dark circles under your eyes will appear, and other annoying skin issues can flare up and broadcast to the world that you aren't sleeping well. As if that wasn't enough, without enough rest, your cells don't have a chance to repair themselves, which will make your skin look dull and dry, and age more quickly than it otherwise would.
*Scrub your way to soft feet
Taking time out for salon pedicures is not always in the budget, time or money wise, so agree to take matters into your own hands... or, in this case, your own feet. Purchase a foot file (it is a bit like a giant nail file) and vow to scrub any areas of your feet with dry or rough skin once or twice a week. Use the file after a bath or shower -- or in the shower when your feet are wet -- because warm water softens the skin.
*Make time for you, because you're worth it
Never forget that the most important person in your world is little ol' you. Make time to rest, relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Vow that once a month you'll plan a special treat, all for you. It might be dinner with a friend, a massage, a visit to a museum -- what ever works for you. Remember that "me time" is the fuel that keeps you going in this hectic world. You have a lot to do and lots to be thankful for. When you make yourself a priority in your own life, you and everyone around you will reap the benefits.

Care for Your Hair

Having perfect hair has always seemed like an elusive dream to me. Someone else's hair always seems to have a better cut, better color or better texture. Sometimes this has been due to a new stylist I've tried and haven't been satisfied with. More often it is probably because I haven't given my hair the kind of care it deserves.

Here are some common mistakes (I am guilty of some...) that many people make in dealing with their hair.

* Washing Your Hair Everyday--Your hair only needs to be washed every other day or even every third day. Washing daily can strip away oils. If your hair is naturally oily, use a mild ph-balanced shampoo. I found out that all shampoos fade color so I will not be washing my hair as often!

* Not Getting Haircuts--Your hair will look much healthier if you get regular haircuts. It's a good idea to trim those split ends.

* Using Too Much Conditioner--Too much conditioner weighs your hair down. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out the conditioner. If you don't, it will counteract your other styling products.

*Overheating/Overdrying--Yes, I'm guilty of this one. Blow drying, curling, using a straightening iron are all hard on your hair. Use a blowdryer on damp, not dripping wet hair.

If you are using a round brush, hit your ends with the Cool setting. The cool air will set your style and you will have less frizz.

* Ponytail and more ponytails--This causes stress and breakage at the band. Never use an uncovered elastic (even covered ones can damage hair) and NEVER sleep in your ponytail. Alternate the fastening point 1/2 inch up or down from time to time.

* Brushing too much--Never brush wet hair. Use a wide-toothe comb on wet hair. Hair does not need to be brushed 100 times.

*Using Hair Spray--Hair spray contains polymers that lock out humidity. It's the polymers not so much the alcohol that dries hair. Use just enough to hold your style.

* Wrapping Your Hair in a Turban--Yikes! I was doing this every time I washed my hair! This is very hard on your hair. Notice those little baby hairs around your forehead? That's partly where they come from. The weight of your towel pulls at your roots and causes breakage especially since your hair is wet. Use your towel to gently squeeze off the excess water. Let your hair air dry as much as possible. To be environmentally friendly, use old t-shirts to gently squeeze out excess water.

I can't restore my hair to the color or texture I had as a young girl but I sure can take better care of what I have now. Do you have any other hair mistakes to add to our list?

A Colorful Bath

The power of color can be wonderful–colors can evoke emotional, behavioral and physical responses. Take a “color bath.” This relaxing method allows you to bathe your body in the energy wavelength of a chosen color and create a therapeutic bath according to Blissful Bathtime: Therapies for Rejuvenating Mind and Body (Storey Publishing, 2002) by Margo Valentine Lazzara. When you work with color, your body becomes sensitive to it and grows more open to meditation and healing.

Lazzara recommends using natural, vegetable-based food coloring in your bathwater. (You can purchase these at Health Food Stores.) Several drops added to the bath won’t affect your skin and will tint the water a gentle hue. You can use colored salt or baking soda to make an easily dispersed color bath salt. Perhaps you'd enjoy a color bath combined with some favourite water proof stones and perhaps some herbs or scented oils.

Each color has its own particular attribute. Add Rose and aqua colored baths if you want to relieve tension. Purple and dark blue should only be used for a short time --ten to twenty minutes at most, as they can be depressing if overused. Orange is very invigorating and deep clear greens are very restful. You can add flower petals to the bath. Be careful that the bath water is not too hot as this can destroy the properties of the flowers like roses. A handful of fresh flowers provides you with a color energy bath. Let the blossoms float around on the surface of the water so they can visually stimulate you.
The author also notes that candles are many people’s favorite bath accessory. They are soothing and beautiful, and the flickering candlelight can bring a sense of peace and serenity to the room. Choose candles in colors that promote the mood you desire.
This makes me want to go out to my garden, gather lots of blossoms and jump into the tub for a relaxing soak! Have any of you tried a "color bath"? What color or colors did you use?

Scrubs--Who Doesn't Love 'Em

Normal skin cells shed every 28 days through the natural process of exfoliation. Use gentle scrubs when you have rough spots or dry, flaky patches. Chunky salt scrubs buff away dirt and dead skin cells. Sugar scrubs provide a gentle scrubbing action.
If you have sensitive skin, use a washcloth or just your hands. If your skin gets callused or tough consider using a stronger skin slougher.

Gentle: Shower puffs, made of vinyl or plastic aerate a body wash to produce lots of foam fast. They give the body a light rubdown. To preserve yours, rinse it and wring it out after each use and hang it in a dry place. Discard it after six weeks of use.

Medium: Natural sponges are marine invertibrates; they tend to be less abrasive than polyester sponges.

Rough: Loofahs are best for sloughing off callused or dry, flaky areas. Natural loofahs are made of the fibers of the washrag gourd; synthetic ones can be plastic or vinyl. To sanitize, run loofahs through the dishwasher.

Tip: To prevent bacterial growth, zap your body sponge in the microwave for two minutes each week. Discard it after six weeks.

I've been playing around with some fabulous butters to create scrubs. Coffee butter (smells like a fresh cup),lime butter (good enough to eat!) and lavender butter (more of a subtle lavender smell). I'll keep you posted when they are perfected and for sale.

Why Should You Use Our Handmade Products?

Our handmade products are created with care and only the finest ingredients. We don't do animal testing (just family and friends). Our products are made fresh. We are always adding new products to our line. I've spotlighted just a few of the wonderful ingredients that we use:

Shea Butter: This is for use on all skin types to moisturize severely dry skin. It has a high content of vitamins A,E&F that helps heal and soothe irritated, itchy and broken skin. Shea butter is doctor recommended for eczema, dermatitis, rashes and psoriases. The amount of time required for optimum results varies with each condition.

Mango Butter: This is a soft solid with a very slight sweet scent and an excellent emollient. It has a protective effect against UV radiation (as does shea butter). Mango Butter has been shown to improve dry skin, rashes and peeling after tanning.

Goat Milk: Goat Milk is an extraordinarily gently and tender even to the driest of skin. It is renowned for its richness in proteins, vitamins and minerals. It contains caprylic acid which is said to help prevent bacterial invasions of the skin. The alph-hydroxy acids found in milk have rejuvenation and softening properties. Goat Milk contains over 50 nutrients including vitamins A,C,B1,B6,B12 and E.

Dead Sea Mud: Our Dead Sea Mineral Mud is as authentic as you can get, extracted from shores of the Dead Sea and imported directly from Jordan. Dead Sea Mud is World renowned as a source of non-soluble clays, carbonates, sulfides, and organic compounds. It is also extremely rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. Spas have been using it for years to combat bruising, joint inflammation, sore muscles and to extract toxins and poisons.

Sweet Almond Oil: This oil is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It is very nourishing for dry or inflamed skin conditions. it is an excellent emollient known for its penetrating, moisturizing and restructuring properties.

Kaolin Clay: Clays have been used for centuries as a natural agent to help beautify the skin. It has the ability to absorb excess oils, dirt and harmful toxins.

Essential Oils: These contain the true essence of the plant they were derived from. Essential Oils have powerful anit-bacterial and antiviral qualities that do not leave behind dangerous toxins like some pharmaceutical drugs. The oils have beneficial effects upon many conditions including colds, flu and stress. The oils should never be taken internally or be applied undiluted to the skin.

Nail Manicure Kit

Manicure Kit, Nail Manicure Kits, Beauty
By: Luizaclose

Well manicured nails can make be the difference between a great first impression and a poor one. The way you keep your nails says a lot about you as a person, so keeping them is tip top condition is a must. If you want to make sure your nails always look nice, put together a little manicure kit that you can take anywhere. Here are some nail essentials that you should be sure to include.
1. Glass Nail File: For perfectly filed nails, it’s best to invest in a glass nail file. Although they tend to be a little more expensive than your average emery board, they are better for your nails. Glass nail files leave your nails smoother and less jagged than other types, are easy to sterilize, and are much better for acrylic nails.
2. Base Coat: While it may not seem very important to put that thin layer of clear polish on your nails before your vibrant colored polish, it actually essential to healthy and great looking nails. A good base coat can help protect your nails from staining, especially when using dark colored polish. It’s also a great way to ensure healthy nails that won’t split, peel, break, or become brittle. When purchasing a basecoat, look for one that contains aloe vera, or vitamin E to help fortify your nails. Nails that are healthy will look great and the base coat will help nail polish go on smoother and stay on longer.
3. Top Coat: A top coat for your nails will help keep nail polish looking great by preventing chipping and helping polish last longer. A top coat can help keep polish on during work, washing dishes, or other activities that can be destructive to a manicure.
4. Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover: Non-acetone nail polish remover is important for a couple reasons. While a normal polish remover would suffice for simply taking some unsightly polish of your tips, it’s not recommended when removing nail polish from acrylic nails. Non-acetone polish remover is also a great way to help ensure your nail polish adheres to your nails properly. Remove any unwanted oils from your nails by taking a cotton ball dipped in non-acetone remover and wiping it across your nails. This primes the nails for painting. To make sure you’re always prepared, it’s good to have this multi-use remover on hand.
5. Nail Clippers/Tweezers: A good pair of nail clippers is an essential tool for your nail health and over all comfort. A pair of nail clippers that isn’t really up to par can lead to jagged edges and painful hangnails. Likewise, tweezers are also essential for keeping clean and healthy fingers nails and toenails.
6. Cotton Pads: Cotton pads are a great thing to keep in your nail kit. These cotton pieces can be used to remove nail polish, prime nails for applying polish, or help keep toes separated during a pedicure. They are inexpensive and are more practical than paper towels or tissues when removing polish.