Beautiful You

Beauty Treatments on a Budget

As we get older, our lives are enriched with so much joy, love, sorrow and pain. These "life" experiences give us wisdom and insight into living. You learn how to extract the love you are given just as it is taken. During this process, we mustn't let our own essence, our unique sparkle, be taken from us by something called time. Truth be told, as much as we'd like to think our age is only a number, we know that that number does in fact, affect us. Should we simply stoop over and watch, as our bodies slowly transform into bodies  we don't like or want to recognize? I feel we should stand up for our inner selves! Be as young as we feel! You can age with grace and dignity as long as you do everything you can, to remain as healthy as you can, and particularly by taking special care of the only skin you'll ever have. We know we will go to great lengths to preserve our bodies. The only lengths you'll need to travel for the following recipes are to and from  your fridge to your pantry. I've used and recommend every one. Most of the ingredients you'll probably already have and anything you don't you can simply pick up on your next trip to the grocery store! The results are amazing, really! Your skin will be as special as you are. Not to mention (but to mention!) how inexpensive they are! So here they are and I hope you enjoy using them, as much as I always do.

Egg Mask

Ingredients
1 whole egg or egg white
2 drops olive oil
drop lemon juice
1/2 tsp. honey (can soften first)
1 small piece avocado or tsp. raw oatmeal (optional)

Preparation

Mix all ingredients together in small bowl. Apply to face and neck. Let dry for about 20 minutes. Remove with warm washcloth and splash face with cool water until thoroughly removed.  Apply moisturizer.

Cost :$1.10

Apricot Oil Mask
Make a soft paste out of of 2 drops each of (frankincense,sandalwood or,musk,etc.) rose and neroli (orange blossom) oils, (use according to desired fragrance combination and consistency...), 5-6 tsp of apricot oil, 1 tsp clear melted honey and about a tsp. of finely ground almond ( just put some unsalted quickly through the blender). This makes a really nice moisturizing face mask,if left on for 10-15 min., or if you use more almond, it makes a great scrub too!

 Aloe Skin Soother 
 In the Southwest, and many tropical regions of the country,  people keep an aloe plant because the gel from the leaves soothes dry, irritated, or burned skin.

Aloe vera gel is an anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It has more than 99% water, which is why it’s so soothing.

Aloe is also a temporary skin-tightener, which makes this a great “mini-mask” when you’re prepping for a party or after a day at the beach, especially if you’ve had too much sun.

The optional lavender oil also soothes burns and adds a lovely fragrance. Chamomile oil calms inflamed skin.

Ingredients 
1/4 cup aloe gel (fresh or pure bottled)
2 vitamin E capsules
1/2 teaspoon chamomile or lavender essential oil (optional)

Preparation
1. Keep aloe gel chilled in the refrigerator – where it’ll last about 4 weeks – because cold makes it more effective. When you’re ready to apply the mask, cut open the vitamin E capsules and mix contents with the aloe gel and essential oil.

2. Apply to a clean face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and moisturize.

Cost: $1.05

Tip: Aloe also reduces puffiness beneath eyes. Lie down for 5 minutes and gently pat back and forth on the under-eye area with your fourth finger. (It exerts the least pressure.)


 Butter Cream for Face and Body

Ingredients
cocoa butter (preferably Palmers brand)
few drops vitamin E (capsule or bottled)
few drops of olive oil
few drops aloe vera (preferably fresh from plant)
add a little witch hazel if desired for toner.

Preparation

Blend together and keep covered. Does not need to be refrigerated. It's nice to warm it slightly before you apply to a clean face. Massage generously over face, neck and body. If you have time for a mini home facial,  try holding a towel over your head and steaming your face over a pot of boiled water first, (about 10 min.) than applying egg mask and finishing with cocoa cream. Your skin will feel renewed and you will be absolutely glowing!

Homemade Facial Scrubs

Cornmeal recipe 

few tsp. white or yellow cornmeal

drop of cream or milk

touch of honey

Apply liberally to dampened face in circular motions,(about 2 min.) taking care to reach earlobes and curves of nose.   Rinse thoroughly  with warm water followed by cool. Feel the softness!

Sugar Scrub

 Few tsp. brown or white sugar

few drops of orange, and/or lemon/lime juices 

little water, witch hazel to make pasty consistency

Sugar scrub should be refrigerated.

Use same way as cornmeal scrub.  A few drops of any scented oil (spearmint, flower scents are pleasing) is a nice way to add variety and a luxurious fragrance to the scrubs or cream. Both are wonderful and effective exfoliants.(removes dead skin cells from surface)Try them in the shower over your entire body! Get pretty bottles or jars and give them away as gifts or as part of a gift basket!  Once you've tried them you'll never  go back to high priced scrubs with harsh chemicals, artificial colors and dyes... You'll love them! Guaranteed. (:

Here are a few easy to find  natural oils that are beneficial to have handy:

* Lavender oil
 This is the most popular essential oil and with good reason. Lavender oil is a superb product to use on burns, insect bites, sunburn, wounds and other skin complaints and irritations. Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used neat, or straight (not diluted) on the skin, and is great to help with regeneration and rejuvenation of skin cells. Emotionally it has a calming and soothing effect and is an exceptionally pleasant smelling oil.

 * Tea tree oil
Originating in  Australia, historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves. It can be used effectively with bacteria, fungi (athletes foot) and viruses. Check to see if it  surpasses the “Australian Standard” by having less than 15% 1,8 cineole and more than 30% of Terpinen-4-ol. This powerful essential oil is effective in various ways to fight infections and skin problems, such as mild to moderate skin blemishes and acne. It is a good staple to have in your "medicine" cabinet.

*Almond oil
 This light and deeply moisturizing oil has a softening effect on the skin and can be used on the face and body. Almond oil has excellent emollient properties and helps to balance water and moisture loss in the skin. It can be used neat on the skin and also makes an excellent massage base oil.

* Apricot kernel oil 
 Also rich in the same essential fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid found in olive oil, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is a good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. Known for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is also sought out for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Apricot kernel oil is also popular as massage oil and it used as carrier oil when used with essential oils for aromatherapy.

                

 

Good Health For Good Life

Good Health For Good Life

Everyone knows how good it feels to simply feel good. We also know how bad it feels to feel bad. All too often, people take feeling good for granted. But today with more and more of today's population being baby boomers and older, people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good health for longevity. This is achieved through preventive maintenance, self- discipline and lifestyle changes.
We’ve all heard the expression, “At least you still have your health,” without our health, we certainly wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we enjoy in the same way. It is essential to take advantage of all the learning opportunities we are given i.e., education through television, the internet, books, magazines, health clubs, etc. in order to live up to our true potential. Lifelong good habits start at an early age, so teaching young children the basic guidelines about eating right, exercise and proper hygiene are important lessons that will remain with them all throughout their lives. Naturally, it is always a good time to add positive changes to your lifestyle. Similar to changing the oil in your car, when you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, less red meat, and drink six to eight glasses of water a day, you can “flush out” toxins and free radicals at a faster, more efficient rate then when food is sitting stagnantly, or moving slowly through your digestive system. As they work as a whole, all of the body's systems will benefit. You won’t feel tired and sluggish, similar to a car when it has a clogged gas or oil filter and dirty oil. Metaphorically speaking, you'll be a super high powered race car, revved up, full of pep, and coming up a real winner. It is imperative to make smart choices in our lives: Pick a piece of fruit over a donut, limit sun exposure, have an earlier bedtime, take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a daily multi-vitamin, etc. These are only a few of the many things you can do to improve the quality of your life. Simply becoming more aware of how and why you do things can give you more of a purpose in life. Small changes begin to add up to big differences.
Self-discipline and determination are paramount to your success or failure in all of life’s ventures. Focus and commitment is not something that comes in a book or bottle. Start believing in yourself today and tomorrow’s possibilities will be endless! Following through to achieve your goals, being realistic in your expectations, and harnessing your strengths, will help you succeed in all areas of your life.
Lastly, lifestyle changes will happen gradually and begin to feel natural, not rehearsed. Using low-fat substitutes, drinking water instead of soda or juice, walking, playing outdoor games... Essentially, just using your body in new and different ways, will all be welcome changes.
When these changes lead to a new improved energy level, glowing skin, weight loss, with a more meaningful existence, you’ll know that you are on your way to accomplishing and emerging into a long, happy, prosperous, high caliber life you know you deserve!

How To Make Infused Olive Oil

How to Make Infused Olive Oils

Here are some simple ideas to help you enjoy and create your own favorite herb infused olive oils. First, you'll want to start with a nice light extra virgin oil. Traditionally from the Mediterranean, commonly from Italy or Spain, extra virgin oil comes from the first pressing of the olives. It is the highest quality oil and contains the most antioxidants (vitamin E, C, and beta carotene) This healthful and flavorful oil is perfect for salad dressings, sauces, marinades, or dipping breads, vegetables, or cheese.

Virgin oil comes from the second pressing. The term "pressing"means the olives are pressed with a mechanical technique and without the use of heat, steam, or chemicals. I recommend using extra virgin and virgin oils uncooked so as not to spoil the richness of flavor. When used in cooking, however; regular or pure olive oils that have been chemically-refined are usually the least expensive and best for frying, or when flavor is not crucial. Using these elementary guidelines, you can take flavor to the next level by simply adding any number of fresh herbs, spices or fruits. If you happen to grow your own fresh herbs in or around your home you have already saved yourself some time and money from the start.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Fill a saucepan with enough oil to fill desired amount of bottles.

2. Place a few sprigs of herbs of your choice (or a combination ) into the oil.
3. Simmer on low-med heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Take off the heat and let cool for 15 minutes-20 minutes.
5. Place a few of the sprigs in the bottle for embellishment.
6. Using a funnel, gently pour oil over sprigs in bottle.
7. Top bottle with decorative or cork bottle stoppers.
8. Store in a dry cool place, away from direct light for up to 2 months.
9. Putting a label on bottom with date is optional, but recommended.
10. Savor and enjoy!
These herbs work great by themselves or in any combination:

• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Marjoram
• Sage
  Sage

How To Make Garlic Infused Olive Oil

Follow steps above, substituting step #2 with the garlic (whole or chopped), putting a few small pieces into the bottle adds a rustic look and also helps you identify what the flavor is. Garlic olive oil must be refrigerated to prevent botulism. Remember a few small cloves go a long way! For an oil with a real kick try adding chili peppers, using with care, as you don't want to overpower the delicate nature of the extra virgin oil.

There are a variety of fruits and spices you might also want to try such as any berry, blue or purple fruit; lemon/limes and even oranges add an interesting burst of citrus to your dish, especially on seafood or in meat marinades. Try experimenting by adding a little ginger or a few black or colored peppercorns. Bear in mind, if using fruit, the oil must also be kept in the refrigerator. Epidemiological studies have reported lower rates of breast cancer in people from the Mediterranean region, where a lot of olive oil is produced and consumed. At 120 calories of monounsaturated fat per tablespoon, extra virgin olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed than other types of olive oil. For preparation and presentation, it is easy to find flasks or bottles anywhere from a simple yard sale or flea market to a mall, kitchen or specialty store. Oil and vinegar cruets are easily available and also work well.
.
Infused olive oil is an economical and creative way to delight yourself, family and friends. It makes an ideal gift for any cook or aspiring cook, and will add a decorative gourmet touch to their kitchen as well. Just wrap in colored saran wrap, or foil paper and wrap with pretty ribbon and you've got a thoughtful gift that will enhance many meals and be remembered for a long time after it is given. So let the infusing begin and I hope you have fun doing it! Enjoy.

Photo credit: Crate and Barrel