Priti non-toxic nail polish

Do we really need toxic chemicals in our nail polish? As someone who really cares about organic skin care and what we put on our bodies, I say no! Many nail polishes out there contain Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate. Reproductive toxins, known carcinogens, and toxic chemicals that cause infertility and uterine problems. I can't believe this stuff. Well, narry you fret help is here. I love Priti and it makes me so happy because they are completely non-toxic, cruelty free, and 100% vegan. There are so many beautiful colors to choose from I have a hard time picking which one. Stay well groomed and get Priti!
 

Makeup Box Spring Cleaning

Gee Wiz, does your makeup box look like road kill? I admit it, mine looks horrible. It snuck up on me. It isn't exactly Spring yet, but who says you can't start your Spring cleaning with your makeup stash?

Take everything out of your drawer or box and give it a good cleaning. Wipe down all you palettes or shadows with a tissue with a little alcohol on it. Cream products wipe off/scrap the top layer off with a clean plastic knife or suitable utensil. Hydrogen peroxide will kill a lot of nasties. Also, get new powder sponges and eye shadow applicators (RiteAid, CVS has these) and throw the old ones out. Bacteria can thrive on those and you don't want an inflammed eyelid.

Wow, looks so clean and fresh, I think I'm ready to apply a fresh faced makeup and go take on the world. Well, just my own little world, but I have a great feeling with how I look and feel because I know the makeup I am putting on my face is clean so my clean skin is sparkly fresh.

Oh, by the way, if you don't have a nice makeup box to organize, there is a really pretty black lace one I found at Target right now that really fits the bill. All the best!

Hinoki Wood Oil-Japanese Secrets

Japanese skin is so beautiful. The culture of the Japanese ofuro (bath/soak) is quite lovely. First they scrub down their body with dry brushes to move toxins out of the Lymphatic system, then soap up from head to toe and rinse off all the dirt down a drain in the floor. Here comes the good part. They take a really hot bath in a wooden tub made of special Cypress tree wood and the water stays clean and they soak out all the stresses of the day.

This daily ritual make me long for a traditional Ofuro in my own place. There is one way we can all keep our skin flawless and radiant. Use the natural essential oil of the Japanese Cypress tree called Hinoki oil in a hot steamy bath. This oil is prized for its decongesting effect on the chest and sinuses, it helps relieve stress and tension. Also, it is well know that it has a antiseptic quality for aleviating skin problems, rashes, and other skin irritations. Do not use when pregnant. The relaxation experienced alone makes this natural Hinoki essential oil my top pic for a daily ritual that all burnt out Americans can enjoy in their own home. Now if only we can find a way to finance a nice Ofuro bathing area in every home that would be the cats meow.

Get Those Pearly Whites Cleaned

One of my least favorite things to do when every six months rolls around is to get my teeth cleaned. Yes it keeps a pretty face smiling, however, going to the dentist can make a girl shutter and the thought of instruments poking around and the dreaded drill. Dentists giving you your numbing shot in the wrong quadrant then going to town and you have to tell them you are not numb. Yes, it has happened to me.

Anyway, long story short, I have recently learned that the bacteria that grows in your mouth that leads to bad breath and gingivitis can enter your bloodstream and lodge in your heart valves. Who knew that some heart attacks and stokes can be prevented by just seeing your dentist for a regular cleaning. My wayward days of avoiding the dentist are over and I am on the straight and narrow path when it comes to a healthy mouth and heart!

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Valentine's Day and lunch at the Tortilla Cafe located near the Eastern Market. Guy Fieri reviewed this little hole in the wall and I am telling you the food was amazing. We paid $11.49 for both meals, can you believe it. Completely sharing was part of our first experience with Salvadorian food.

We ordered the pork pupusas that comes with sour cream and a spicy cabbage to top it off. Fried plantains that were to die for. The home fries we the best, salad just in keeping with a happy tummy and beautiful skin. But the best part by far was the chicken tamale. I have never has such a delicate, wonderful tamale in my whole life. Yummy!

I hope you get a chance to go if you live in the Washington DC area.

Ghee Wiz

Ghee has a long history and has been used in Indian cooking for many thousands of years. It is also often used in religious ceremonies and various healing arts in the Indian culture. Ghee also has no hydrogenated oils and is a popular choice for health-conscious people. All of  the milk proteins have been removed during the clarifying process, so it is lactose free. Have you ever tried it? It has a light nutty flavor and goes great with steamed veggies. Has a indefinite shelf life too.

Some believed benefits of Ghee:

• Ayurveda lists Ghee benefits for healthier skin, increased mental clarity and good for digestion.

• Ghee helps your body assimilate nutrient from the foods you eat.

• Ghee has no salt

• Ghee benefits those who are lactose intolerant because ghee is lactose free.

• Ghee is believed to contain anti-cancer and anti-viral properties.

• Contains conjugated linolenic acid which helps to promote weight loss and aids in getting rid of belly fat and

Ghee helps to protect the body from heart disease, especially when used instead of other, less healthy fats contained in butter, margarine and hydrogenated oils.

Tomboy Treasures

I have always been a big fan of color and texture. Things that are weathered and worn out make me feel happy and relaxed. I came across these wonderful woven beach bracelets by Kiel James Patrick. They are available in many different styles and colors. As always, keep those beautiful faces smiling.

Yes, we have no Bananas!

My beloved bananas are in danger. We might not see our regular breakfast banana in ten years time due to a stubborn blight that is killing off this genetically weak variety. There apparently was a tastier variety called the
'Gros Michel', that has already suffered this fate. Wild bananas have many seeds so a genetically engineered variety, I'm sure, is on its way. I don't know if it will taste that same. Until then, I am going to eat as many of these wonderful bananas as I can get my hands on. I will be trying some of the other smaller varieties found at Whole Foods to see if they are palatable. This fruit is high in Vitamins C, B6, potassium and fiber, which helps with healing and repairing skin. Bananas contain tryptophan, which helps the body to produce serotonin - which has a calming effect on the brain. How much do you love your bananas? A seldom know trick is to peel your bananas from the bottom end, it's much easier.

Pure Hyluronic Acid

What is it Hyluronic Acid is a natural moisutizing factor found naturally in the skin that keeps it plump and beautiful. It is also very healing and will flush out a lot of dehydrated debris, old sebum (oil) plugs found in the pores. Hylunia is a wonderful brand that cares about reactive skin and is ultra pure.

What it does Pure hyluronic acid hydrates, soothes and protects irritated or dry skin. It is effective for those with conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Stimulates skin healing for very dry, cracked or scaly skin, wounds and abrasions. Also it will slows down evaporation of the natural hydrolipidic protective skin layer, thereby minimizing environmental stressors, and the aging process.

There has to be a reason they nicknamed it "The Key to the Fountain of Youth"

Goodbye Shower Grout Mold and Mildew

Does your shower ever scare you? Then it's time to clean, but few look forward to the task due to toxic chemicals (volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that we breathe in that make you cough, tired, and actually ages your cells. For a natural alternative, get two spray bottles and fill one with hydrogen peroxide, one with white vinegar. To use, spray your shower with peroxide first then wait a couple of minutes and spray down with vinegar. Try to do this frequently so your shower is sparkly. You will feel nice and clean and your skin feels clean and fresh when you step out of the shower.

Tighter Tummy Skin for 2011

O.K. so I did it. I bought the abdominal belt that does sit-ups for you because I am seeing a little pudge increasing through the years. It has always been hard for me to do sit-ups for a flat tummy because of my neck. It always gets sore for the next couple of days, after I have done sit-ups, and then I give up. HSN got me one night and I realized that they use the faratic current. This microcurrent definitely works and is used in skin rejuvenation treatments in specialized spas all over the world. This is the same current they use for physical therapy and rehabilitation so I am ready to see some results and hopefully one full pant size smaller. I am just starting my six week regime and will let you know how it goes. Sorry no before and after pictures because I am shy.

Home Microdermabrasion

Winter has dried us out and we are in need of renewal in all aspects. It is time to freshen up our homes, perspectives, and brighten our outlook and gain fresh faces to the future. The best way to give yourself a needed lift from all of that dry, flaky skin is to give yourself an affordable gentle at home microdermabrasion kit that you can use for a monthly for a skin rejuvenation treatment. Your skin will love the soft feel and fine texture. And your moisturizer will work better because it will get to those deeper layers to nurture dry skin. Brilliant illumination. Get your glow on. All the Best!

Beaded Doily Glory

My first Beaded Doily

I got a little blue and white beaded doily for Christmas. Immediately I was taken with the intricacy and patience (patience is important with good skin care too) that it would take to make this delicate design. I just had to make one from some beads I had. No pattern, I just went off visual clues. I made some mistakes, but really enjoyed the process. Two others are in the works right now, one is very large and made from purple and turquoise beads. Peaceful.

Jojoba oil

This Winter many people have suffered with dry, itchy body skin that is persistent. Going from those cold outside temperatures to indoor heating and who says a hot shower is bad for you. Well, most Dermatologist say it to people with dry skin, but here is a great idea. Just after your shower and towel dry use plain Jojoba oil all over your dry legs, arms, and the rest of you. It really helps and feels so smooth and natural. Non-irritating, non-comedogenic too. Dry skin bumps will go away and so does the itch. Your skin will feel silky smooth and you will make in through another cold Winter without looking like a withered tree trunk. I get mine at Whole Foods because it is convenient and unprocessed. Give it a try.

A Welcome Relief to Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry, gritty feeling eyes that hurt and have inflammation will feel so relieved with this solution. It's all natural so you can feel good about it. When you try to avoid going on an immuno-supressant (Restasis) for the rest of your life, you try alternatives. I am really surprised at how effective this product is. You need an eye wash cup and distilled water. Boil the water, add drops and let cool to room temperature, then use the wash and in a couple of days your eyes look and feel better. Use once or twice a day. Dr. Christophers Herbal Eyebright Formula is a godsend.