While I was cruising around the internet, I found a wonderful DIY homemade, natural salt scrub recipe.  I just had to share this with you.  It’s so simple to make and great to give as a quick, last minute Christmas gift!

These days, I’m all about exfoliation.  Scrubbing your skin mildly with a salt or sugar scrub will make your skin look radiant and smooth.

If you want to make this as a gift, you can use cleaned out jars from last week’s groceries, mason jars from your local craft or natural food store or even jars found at thrift stores, garage sales or swap meets.  The possibilities are endless.

So here’s how you make it:

1. To create about 16 oz. of salt scrub, you will need 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, coconut oil or even olive or canola oil and roughly 10 drops of your choice of essential oil.  I like lavender and peppermint, but you can use whatever scent you like best. 
2. Pour 1/4 cup of salt into your jar.
3. Add about 5 drops of essential oil and add some carrier oil.
4. Then, continue to add some more salt and a few more drops of essential oil.
5. Stir and add remaining salt.

That’s it!  What could be easier than that?  If you’re giving the salt scrub as a gift, simply hop on your computer and create a festive, decorative label and top off with a bow.

Have a healthy, happy holiday season!

Tags: coconut oil, essential oil, exfoliation, homemade salt scrub, last minute Christmas gift, salt scrub, sugar scrub, sweet almond oil

Moisturizers are used to prevent the natural oils our bodies produce and water from escaping,
and reducing the look and feel of dry skin. If you are looking for an inexpensive,
natural way to moisturize your skin, try the following homemade, organic moisturizer
recipe to reduce dryness and fight the signs of aging:

Ingredients

• 4 oz Shea butter
• 2 oz organic olive oil
• 2 tsp organic Vitamin E oil, 5000 IU
• 1 tsp active royal jelly (can be found in the refrigerated section at
• most health food stores) drops organic lavender essential oil

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients with a blender until creamy and smooth.
2. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

By following a few easy, time-saving tips, you can begin to repair your skin
and slow down the visual aging process, naturally.

Another simple, natural way to moisture your skin is by mixing ¼ cup
natural aloe vera gel and 2 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin. Jojoba
oil is also great for adding moisture to your skin. Simply apply a small amount
to your face immediately after washing.

Tags: aging, aloe vera, homemade, lavender essential oil, organic lavender essential oil, organic moisturizer

Now, I don’t usually write product reviews, but I felt that this particular product is worth mentioning.  Avalon Organics has a fabulous new Vitamin C facial cream that’s chocked full of powerful antioxidants. Their Vitamin C Renewal Facial Creme - 2 oz
helps to protect skin from premature aging and sun damage, as well as hydrate and nourish skin for a soft, smooth feel.  It has a thick, rich texture that glides on evenly and absorbs quickly.  It’s great to use as a base, before applying foundation, too.

There are no mineral oils, petrolatum or propylene glycol in this product and all of the ingredients exceed EU Directive standards for cosmetics safety.  Avalon Organics’ Vitamin C Skin Care line is also free of parabens, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances.  Formulated with organic borage, flax and sweet almond oils, Vitamin C, lemon bioflavonoids, melatonin and organic white tea antioxidants, the renewal facial cream enhances skin texture for a visibly soft, radiant glow.

What healthy skin care products do you use to fight the signs of aging and protect your skin?

Buy Vitamin C Renewal Facial Creme - 2 oz Today !

Tags: antioxidants, Avalon Organics, facial cream, protect skin from premature aging, protect your skin, sun damage, vitamin C

Have you recently noticed fine lines and wrinkles pop up on your face that were never there before?  If so, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.  As we get older, the collagen production in our skin starts to slow down and elastin loses its spring.  Outside environmental factors such as sun, gravity and hot water also play a role in the aging process.

But don’t give up on your  skin just yet.  There are plenty of natural ways to help slow those signs of aging.  One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from further damage and help bring back the shine is by using antioxidants. 

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells by inhibiting the interaction between oxygen molecules and the different substances they contact. They assist in skin repair and help strengthen blood vessels.

You don’t need to spend alot of money on antioxidants.  Many can be found in their natural forms in the foods you eat every day.  Here are some of the most common antioxidants found in food:

Vitamin A:  Found in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots and collards.

Vitamin C:  Commonly found in oranges, can also be found in limes and other citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, leafy green veggies, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin E:  A fat-soluble vitamin, can be found in nuts and seeds, whole grains, leafy green veggies, liver oil and vegetable oil.

Selenium:  Which is most commonly associated with fish and shellfish, is also found in red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic.

In addition to antioxidants, keep your healthy skin glowing by limiting your sun exposure and avoiding smoking. 

If you would like to read more about the positive benefits of nutrition and overall skin care, I recommend reading, “American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide,” by  Roberta Larson Duyff and the ADA (American Dietetic Association).

Tags: antioxidants found in food, fight the signs of aging, natural antioxidants, protect your skin

Ever walk down the aisles of the whole body section of your local health food store, look at the pretty little bottles of essential oils all in a row and wonder, “What are Essential Oils
and why and how do people use them?”

Essential oils are used in a variety of different ways from enhancing a massage to many bath and beauty products. Today, I want to focus in the diffusion and the inhalation methods.

The diffusion method is characterized by some sort of vessel heating up and releasing the fragrance of the essential oil. Several options range from a Car Diffuser that plugs into the cigarette lighter of your car to a terra cotta ring placed over a light bulb to help disperse the scent.

The inhalation method is used with water. Place 3 drops of oil in a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, close your eyes and inhale the steam through your nose. In certain instances, you can place a small drop of essential oil on a cotton ball and sniff it that way.

There are a few contraindications about using essential oils that are good to know. People with certain conditions should use caution with essential oils: the terminally ill, substance addicts, people with certain chronic illnesses, pregnant and nursing mothers and children . It is recommended that you check with your doctor AND an professional aromatherapist before using these on yourself if you have any of these conditions.

Here are a few popular essential oils and their uses:

• Lavender is used for cuts, insect bites, anxiety and insomnia. It is the only essential oils that can be directly applied to the skin without an addition of a carrier oil.
• Peppermint is used for headaches, nausea, fatigue and mental tiredness.
• Black Pepper is useful for colds, muscle aches, tiredness and lack of concentration.
• Eucalyptus is useful for colds, bronchitis & sore throats.
• Tea Tree is good for insect bites, rashes, bacterial, fungal & viral infections.

If you’d like to know more about the history, benefits and cautions associated with aromatherapy, I’d recommend picking up a copy of Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Susan and Valerie Ann Worwood. It is a great way to get started with using essential oils yourself.

Tags: A Quick Introduction to Essential Oils., Aromatherapy, oils, sent

I recently attended a workshop entitled “Understanding Men” (don’t laugh) and I’d like to share a piece of information with you.

The instructors in the workshop broke down the fundamentals of attraction, both physical and mental. The number 4 physical attribute a man finds most attractive is: Shiny Hair. Yes, shiny hair. Forget the large breasts, full lips, thin thighs and tight booty– men like a full head of hair that gleams in the light. Below are a few ways you can acheive that healthy shine and make the men in your life putty in your hands.

Diet: No, not as in cutting calories, but eat more foods rich in Omega 3’s. Foods like salmon, avocado, flaxseed, nuts and almonds contain a high amount of these omega’s that contribute to that shine.

Clarity: The products you use on a daily basis like gel, hairspray or mousse can cause buildup in your hair which takes away the shine. Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week.

Condition: Dry, brittle hair does not shine. Make sure you condition every time you wash– if you feel the conditioner weighs your hair down, only condition the bottom half–hold your hair like you’re putting in it a ponytail, and just condition that bottom half.

Drying: Hair is sensitive when wet. When you towel dry your hair, squeeze out the excess water and blot dry. Do not rub! Your hairs will break and you will damage the cuticle.

Products: Try a shine spray. Many different product lines carry them. Just like with conditioner, only use on the lower half of your hair to avoid making it greasy or weighing it down.

Shine on, ladies!

Tags: beauty, hair, style