Wordless Wednesday

Another sign of spring?

No More Skin Excuses!

Beauty, the saying goes, is only skin-deep. But the importance of skin goes a lot deeper.Here are some bad habits that can play havoc with your complexion.

*Skipping suncreen—The primary culprit behind aging. The best way to keep skin looking youthful-- wear sunscreen with a SPF of 30 that’s labeled broad-spectrum. It should contain either avobenzone, helioplex,mexoryl,,titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

*Not removing your make-up—the 2 minutes it takes to remove your make-up and cleanse your face helps ensure good skin for years. Sleeping with your make-up on can result in enlarged pores and acne.

*Not exfoliating—Getting rid of dead cells helps soften wrinkles and brightens your skin. Watch out for aggressive scrubs that can cause redness and irritation. (walnut shells) Exfoliate just once or twice a week.

*Using hot water—high temps strip skin of its natural oils causing dryness. If you can’t give up your hot shower,wash your face first with lukewarm water and keep it out of the shower stream.

*Using outdated beauty products—Replace eye products at least every 6 months.

*Ignoring your neck—like your face, your neck is vulnerable to UV damage. It’s also a good idea to moisturize your neck when you moisturize your face.

* Not changing your pillow cases often. Maybe you always wash your face before you sleep but if you don't shower before going to bed, dirt from your hair will spread to your pillow. If that's the case, make sure you replace your pillow cases regularly.

*Being a couch potato. Exercise is very important as it helps increase blood flow. It also allows oxygen to circulate throughout your body, which will in turn keep the skin healthy and vibrant

*Smoking. Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles

*Not Shaving carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.

*Not getting enough sleep. Your body needs time to restore and rejuvenate the cells inside. This restoration and rejuvenation time is important for your skin. Your skin will look dull once you fail to give it proper rest and sleep.

By following these skin care tips,  your skin will feel great and look healthy. Do you have a favorite skin care tip?

Your Dream is Important

Love the message of this little video!

12 Things Every Woman Deserves in Her Life

I was reading Glamour Magazine's article by the same title and I thought I could come up with my own list of 12 things I think every woman deserves. Here is my list:

1. At least one really good friend who can laugh and cry with you.

2. At least one fun, funky purse. Doesn't matter what size.

3. Fresh flowers on your table. (dandelions count)

4. Someone special to share a sunset and sunrise.

5. A flattering profile picture.

6. A flattering low maintenance haircut.

7. A trip to a place where you can wear flip flops, have a tropical drink and hear steel drum music.

8. A child to love, an old person to get advice from.

9. Something sporty--a car, a bike, a motorcycle...

10. Recognition for something you're good at. Doesn't matter if it's a medal, trophy, newspaper article, blog post or a kind word from a co-worker or boss.

11. Time to read a really good book or watch a chick flick when you need some girly R & R.

12. Every woman deserves to look in the mirror and like what she sees. The media doesn't help with that so we need to let our daughters and granddaughters know that beauty comes in many forms.

What would be on your list?

Wordless Wednesday

The view from my kitchen window last night.

Thank goodness I have a fenced backyard or I would have nothing green left!

Share the Wealth (of Knowledge)

I am always so grateful when other bloggers share their knowledge and expertise. I have fun reading about baking,crafts, photography and inspiration among other topics.(Yes, I do read a lot of blog posts!) I was tickled when I came across a blog post that contained tips and tricks to improve your blog.

Kendra over at the Key Lime blog has put together a tutorial of sorts. It is laid out so well that I think anyone that blogs could follow it. I'm a very visual learner so I really appreciated the images to go along with the text.

If you are looking for some good general information to improve your blog, look no further. Head on over for some great inspiration. Then come back and tell us which tips you used. (Notice the size change in my images?)

An Apple A Day

You’ve heard the old saying but what does an apple really do for you? If you use it in a facial mask, it will replenish moisture. An apple’s acids help smooth fine lines. (In a blender puree 1 chopped green apple with the skin on and ½ cup sliced green grapes. Add 1 T. lemon juice and ¼ cup aloe vera. Keep blending until a thick paste forms. Apply to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.)

The apple’s skin is packed with an antioxidant called quercetin. This antioxidant may protect your lungs from pollutants. So think twice about peeling your apples and maybe improve your lung function.

Dandruff a problem? Then use apple cider vinegar directly on your scalp after washing your hair. Leave it on for 1 minute, then rinse off. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly.

Love to bake, don’t love the calories? Use unsweetened applesauce for half the butter or oil in cake recipes. Your dessert will be naturally sweeter and moister with much less fat. Applesauce is cholesterol and fat-free. 1 cup has almost as much fiber as 1 cup of brown rice.

Late night? Use chilled apple slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness just like you would cucumber slices.

One of our favorite scents at Gathered From The Garden is our Green Apple--a fresh,crisp scent. We especially love it in our Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. An little of our apple lotion a day, keeps the dry skin away!