tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64843278913202346942024-03-13T06:05:19.891-04:00Skin Care for Your Soul™Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-58949600980866569792015-06-01T13:08:00.001-04:002015-06-01T13:11:06.807-04:00Coming Full Circle: Autumn Moon's New Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.plantglamour.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnoJDGkMgec/VWyOUh2vhxI/AAAAAAAAB7M/lUUVrhbawmA/s400/PLANT%2BGLAMOUR%2BIMAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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6 years ago, I started this blog to save my sanity. I was 35 with two kids under 4 years old. I was watching my girls during the day and working nights and weekends as a skin care therapist to help support our family as we struggled through the impact that the recession was having on the automotive industry and local economy here in Detroit. Our friends were losing their homes. They were moving across the country to find work. We were struggling just to put diapers on our kids. I was also still reeling with overwhelming grief over the loss of my brother, Vince, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2007.<br />
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Skincareforyoursoul.com was a space I could retreat and clear my head from all of the noise. It was a grounding force to keep me moving forward and a positive, creative outlet during a time when I felt defeated by life.<br />
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I never expected anyone to actually read this stuff. But they did. And this past six years has been amazing. I have met people I would have never met if it wasn't for this space - folks from across the globe. Beautiful, kind, wonderful people.<br />
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A lot of joy has been woven into this space. And a fair share of tears, too.<br />
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But, the time has come for me to slip on my wedge heels and continue on the journey.<br />
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My children are growing. We are recovering from the crashing economy. Some of our friends have even moved back to Detroit. My family is starting fresh on our new family farm.<br />
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This past 6 years has changed me forever, and while I will take brief glances in the rear view mirror from time-to-time for bearings, it is time to buckle in and look at the road ahead.<br />
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Autumn Moon Aesthetics was a baby I birthed back in 2003, offering botanical skin care therapy and custom-blended cosmetics. The beautiful union of plants, skin, color, scent and texture - the elements of my craft - are what started this journey for me. They are what fuel my passion and creativity. Much like paints for a painter - these are my vehicle for expressing myself in this life.<br />
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So, today, I'm celebrating them. And in the process, remembering that person that started Autumn Moon 12 years ago. And honoring her.<br />
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So with that, I am excited to share with you Autumn Moon's new home: <a href="http://plantglamour.com/">PLANTGLAMOUR.COM</a><br />
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It's still me. In fact, it is more me than the me that has existed for these past years. And it is a title that expresses my vision - celebrating the magic, alchemy, beauty and allure that plants bring to our bodies, faces and spaces, both now, and in all of the ages past.<br />
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<a href="http://www.plantglamour.com/" target="_blank">PLANT GLAMOUR</a> will offer:<br />
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<li>An online boutique for Autumn Moon botanical skin care, handcrafted cosmetics, fragrance and more.</li>
<li>Information on botanical skin care, aromatherapy, beauty trends and recipes for botanical skin care at home.</li>
<li>Information on local and online workshops I will be offering, as well as interesting local plant and beauty happenings.</li>
<li>Opportunities to work with me one-on-one to meet your skin care and gorgeousness goals, including custom, handcrafted skin care and cosmetics.</li>
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The SCFYS blogpot will stay for a time, as I move content over to the new site, but will no longer be active. If you would like to join me on this new journey, you can sign up <a href="http://www.plantglamour.com/" target="_blank">at the new site</a> to opt in and I look forward to seeing you there. If you decide not to journey with me, please know that just by being here for this time and in this place you have touched my life deeply, and I thank you for that.<br />
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Much love,<br />
Camille<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-60679874893254607982015-04-30T13:59:00.000-04:002015-04-30T13:59:24.324-04:005 Ways to Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here in Michigan, spring has arrived. The icy winter days have given way to a softer, sunnier outdoors. The birds are singing and early spring plant life is peeking its way out into the world. The grass becomes green again and we can open the windows and take a deep breath without our nostrils sticking together from the frigid temperatures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We celebrate renewal with springtime rituals, both old and new. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Walking barefoot to see plants peeking out for their very first time in the herb garden of our new farm. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgh6mW9h90k/VUJsJCX9fbI/AAAAAAAAB5M/Dgb7wUC0ihE/s1600/Scarlet%2BBeebalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgh6mW9h90k/VUJsJCX9fbI/AAAAAAAAB5M/Dgb7wUC0ihE/s1600/Scarlet%2BBeebalm.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And playing with our 5-week-old chickens. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zahs3LBOd4/VUJsRp97LUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/5xjIcah3y5s/s1600/French%2BFry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zahs3LBOd4/VUJsRp97LUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/5xjIcah3y5s/s1600/French%2BFry.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And counting the buds on our new family apple tree, awaiting arrival of blossoms in a few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is safe to say that the transition from winter to spring in Michigan is one of the most dramatic - and most anticipated - changes of season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Those dramatic changes in weather can also cause dramatic shifts in your skin, as the spring temperatures and humidity begin to make their climb toward summer. The result can be skin that is out of balance - still dry and flaky from the winter months, yet feeling the effects of the warmer, more humid days with increased oil production and seasonal breakouts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are 5 ways to bring winter skin into springtime balance...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1. Switch to a lighter skin care routine</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the days become warmer, begin to transition your skin to products with a lighter touch. The same rich moisturizers and lotions that your skin may need for winter become too heavy for spring. Switch to lighter serums and lotions, as well as moving to a lighter foundation for daily wear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2. Exfoliate</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The dry skin of winter may still be lingering on your bod. A barrier of dry, flaky skin keeps your products from working optimally and, when mixed with humidity and increased oil production from warmer temps, creates a recipe for breakouts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exfoliate your face 1-2 times weekly with either a mild physical exfoliant, like a scrub or gentle cleansing grains (scrubbing gently) or an exfoliating enzyme mask that you leave on and rinse off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Treat your body once a week to a thorough exfoliation with a circulation boosting DIY sugar scrub. Mix 1 cup cane sugar with 1/2 cup olive oil (adding a few drops of essential oil if desired). Massage the scrub thoroughly in a circular motion onto damp skin in the shower from the neck down - taking care not to slip and to be gentle on the delicate bits. ;) Rinse off with warm water, towel dry and apply your favorite light lotion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>3. Go "bare-faced" a few nights a week.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The time when we are sleeping is prime skin regeneration time. Although nourishing night serums or lotions do help to enhance our skin's health and appearance, take a few nights a week to allow skin to breathe freely and perform its natural detoxification and renewal process, allowing it to naturally regulate moisture balance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>4. Continue to stay hydrated.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Transitions to warmer days require extra internal hydration to keep skin in proper balance. No amount of lotion applied to dry skin can make up for not drinking enough fluids. Be mindful to increase your fluid intake with water, herbal teas and coconut water accordingly, even more so if you drink caffeine or alcohol or are working out regularly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>5. Wear your sunscreen.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These mild, breezy spring days with the first rays of sun on our skin can glamour us into forgetting we need to apply sunscreen. Although a few minutes a day of sun on bare skin is good for Vitamin D levels, don't forget to wear a natural zinc-based sunscreen. Every. Single. Day. Unless you want wrinkles. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What is your favorite springtime ritual? How do you celebrate the coming of the warmer, brighter days?</i></b></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-89570891465877116742015-03-05T12:34:00.003-05:002015-03-05T12:38:25.528-05:00I Tried It: The Great Guasha Experiment<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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I am always fascinated by international and cultural skin care treatments and was very intrigued when my plant sister, Sherry, sent me a link to an article on "Guasha," an ancient practice of cleansing and purifying the skin to promote overall wellness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Historically, <i>gua sha</i>, is a traditional Chinese practice of using a tool, usually a spoon, a bone or pieces of jade, to vigorously scrape a prepared paste or oil off of areas of the body to release stagnant energy. This is thought to open up pathways of healing through the skin. In practice, the treatment sometimes can cause abrasions and bruising. This is a very simplistic explanation, of course, and does not honor the rich history and background of the practice of this treatment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After more perusing the interwebs, it seems an alternative form of <i>guasha</i> is being practiced in the form of more of a body scrub delivery system, using baking soda and vodka (and sometimes crushed shells and minerals). The premise is that this treatment kills unwanted bacteria, fungus, etc. on the skin and opens up the pores to promote healing of the whole body by allowing skin to purge toxins more efficiently. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hmmmm....I have put stranger things on my body. Let's give it a go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I happened to have both items at the ready so I whipped enough aluminum free baking soda with vodka to make a thick paste. All I had on hand was premium vodka that was a gift, so, hey, fancy for a body scrub, huh?</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c287Vi6Brg/VPiTeGeupFI/AAAAAAAAB3g/qAhkKzn5v00/s1600/guasha%2Bpaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7c287Vi6Brg/VPiTeGeupFI/AAAAAAAAB3g/qAhkKzn5v00/s1600/guasha%2Bpaste.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My gorgeous guasha paste.</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The process to perform the treatment is to shower for a moment, then turn off the water and apply some of the paste spread onto a loofah in vigorous circular motions to the body, starting at the feet and moving up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The slight smell of a distillery was a little odd, but, since I'm taking one for the team here, I forged ahead, while pondering offering this as a spa treatment alongside a shot of vodka and a caviar face mask... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, after a thorough scrubbing, including my face (gently for 30 seconds only, rather than the 3-5 minutes I saw recommended), I rinsed, got out of the shower and applied a light layer of coconut oil to my entire body, as suggested.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is my verdict on this treatment:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>THE PROS</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I expected the paste would be brutal, it actually had a nice creamy feel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The thorough scrubbing was very invigorating and my skin felt very smooth and toned afterward (I suppose the vodka had the same toning effect as an aftershave on skin tissues). I felt peppy and ready to start my day!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>THE CONS</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My skin did feel dry and tight afterward, even with the application of coconut oil, as I suspected it may, using alcohol as a body cleanser.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My skin was smooth, but not moisturized, as it would have been with a traditional oil-based body scrub.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It smelled like I was at the bar. Should I ever try this again, I may add a drop of essential oil to cut the booze odor.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is advised to perform this treatment several days in a row, which seems excessive and so drying/irritating, that it makes me want to cry a little.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>THE BURNING QUESTIONS</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By scrubbing vigorously with a treatment containing alcohol, a strong solvent that strips the skin of lipids and protective moisture, how much are we compromising our skin's natural protective lipid barrier, resulting in damage to the skin?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since skin houses good bacteria, are we effectively killing them off, also, causing an upset of the natural bacterial balance of skin? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Is the excessive scrubbing reaching a tipping point of over-exfoliation, thus compromising the skin's healthy balance and function?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arguably, I am looking at this from the perspective of a skin care therapist without any actual facts or experience regarding the treatment as a wellness application. This practice has been going on since ancient times and I trust the healing foundations for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, this is the kind of stuff that keeps me up at night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So overall, I'm not sure I would try this again. I would much prefer to exfoliate with a treatment that, removes unwanted dead skin cells and debris, allowing pores and skin to function optimally, while still moisturizing and protecting the skin and it's delicately balanced lipid barrier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would you try this treatment? Although, I would not recommend it, if you do try it or have tried it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yours in exfoliation,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Camille xoxo</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-87790695362659660482015-01-05T13:23:00.001-05:002015-01-05T13:43:54.095-05:00CHANGE IS NOW: An Exciting Announcement from Autumn Moon<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For many I know, the theme of 2014 was profound change. Moves. Deaths. Divorce. Sure this stuff happens every year, but, this year it just felt, well, different. Like we are all moving forward, closer and faster, to where we are supposed to be in our lives and as a group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2014 was messy. It was ugly. But one thing I felt that was really different this year is that we did it together. And with a new sense of kindness. We carried each other when we couldn't do it on our own. And sometimes, we were carried by people we barely knew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Perhaps it is social media, binding us all closer together and giving glimpses into each other's lives that normally would never be revealed, prompting support that would have never taken place in the dark? Not sure. But, despite the negativity and chaos of the headlines each day, I choose to look in another direction. I think the energy of now is moving in a positive way to one of community and sharing and support of fellow man. And that is cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2014 was a year of big change for me, personally, with a very emotional move and scary health challenges for loved ones. Everything stopped in its tracks - my business, my energy, my focus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, it was also the kind of change that, eventually, kicked my arse into line, pushing me forward again into a new creative direction. This change was intent on birthing something positive into the world for others to enjoy. I listened to the voices inside, as well as the cheerleaders by my side (of which there are many and I am grateful to you all). I had a HUGE realization that - the perfect time is NOW. Duh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We fool ourselves a lot into thinking that we will make changes when the time is right - when there is more money, more time, more whatever. But really, that time is NOW. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me and for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So with that, I am very excited to announce that I have opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnMoonAesthetics" target="_blank"><b>a new Autumn Moon online etsy boutique</b></a>! This will replace my previous Poppyswap store and will have items added regularly in rhythm with the seasons, inspiration and alchemy that may occur during this journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, that's not all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am also offering two botanical body care memberships to bring glamour to your doorstep.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/207379233/the-painted-pout-lip-treat-of-the-month?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0M7e6b3lI/VKrPXzxrSKI/AAAAAAAAB0I/T85zdlFNigo/s1600/paintedpoutlogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Some of you may remember <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/207379233/the-painted-pout-lip-treat-of-the-month?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">:::THE PAINTED POUT:::</a></b> - the 3-month handcrafted lip treat membership that I offered last summer. That was so much fun, that I have brought THE PAINTED POUT back to add allure to your lips and some sass to your step. Membership pricing remains the same as before at $49 for 3 shipments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those looking for even more luxurious pampering, I am now offering the <b>:::PLANT GLAMOUR BEAUTY BOX:::</b> - a 3 OR 6 Month handcrafted botanical luxuries membership.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Membership (normally $117 for 3 months and $210 for 6 months) includes a monthly themed body-care box containing 3 (or more) products crafted from the finest ingredients, including plants from our family farm and from the fields and forests of Michigan. A unique experience to honor yourself and take treasured time to care for your body with 100% natural products.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC-PiiwahwI/VKrQWVB1kNI/AAAAAAAAB0U/s3dN2C4kcmE/s1600/Custom%2BBlends%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC-PiiwahwI/VKrQWVB1kNI/AAAAAAAAB0U/s3dN2C4kcmE/s1600/Custom%2BBlends%2BCollage.jpg" height="132" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Surprises in your PLANT GLAMOUR box could include:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A luxurious botanical body butter</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A skin-smoothing body scrub</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- An "at-home" facial kit</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A botanical perfume</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A handcrafted, natural lip color</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- An aromatic facial mist</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A regenerating, anti-aging facial oil</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A floral facial steam</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A scented bath milk</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A natural cosmetic kit (shadow, blush and lip color)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;">- A renewing eye serum</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To celebrate these new memberships with you, <b>I am offering 10% off subscriptions to THE PAINTED POUT and the PLANT GLAMOUR BEAUTY BOX from now through January 15 in my etsy boutique! Simply use the coupon code: MEMBERSHIP10 at checkout.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Click on the icons below to be taken to the ordering page for each membership:</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/207379233/the-painted-pout-lip-treat-of-the-month?ref=shop_home_active_12" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0M7e6b3lI/VKrPXzxrSKI/AAAAAAAAB0I/T85zdlFNigo/s1600/paintedpoutlogo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/216653971/plant-glamour-beauty-box-3-month-monthly?ref=listing-shop-header-1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuemo0R5YdQ/VKrSIqya58I/AAAAAAAAB0g/i4g38aJor_U/s1600/pg%2B3%2Bmonth.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/216651176/plant-glamour-beauty-box-6-month-monthly?ref=related-0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDRtrz9htPY/VKrT7bHyF0I/AAAAAAAAB0s/W4fqqWPV-hU/s1600/pg%2B6%2Bmonth.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am feeling very aligned with this new boutique and this new direction and I hope that you will join me in a membership and take sacred time for yourself. Let this new year of change be a luxurious one full of loving self-care. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Botanical Blessings and much love to you all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">- Camille</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-6410514150648756742014-11-24T09:50:00.001-05:002014-11-24T09:55:32.748-05:00Top Tips to Help Dry Winter Skin<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">While I wouldn't change a thing about living in Michigan - it is beautiful - the weather sure is fickle. While last week was 9 degrees and snowy, today is 55 and rainy. Drastic fluctuations in temperature are certainly the norm here - and it is also a perfect recipe for dry skin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">When the temps drop, indoor forced-air heat can quickly dehydrate your skin. Go outside and chilly outdoor temps cause skin to loose moisture to the air. Icy winds chap and irritate. Then it warms up again and your skin is left saying: WTF?!? And the cycle continues...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I have heard from several of you over the last week that your skin is disgruntled and dry. So here are a few tips I have compiled to help you on the road to happy, hydrated skin:</span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">General Tips to Prevent Dry Skin</b></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Hydrating your body from the inside is the first step to preventing dry skin.</i> </span></td></tr>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="text-align: center;">Drink plenty of water and/or coconut water to help keep your skin hydrated. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies to also increase hydration in your body.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Try to avoid caffeinated drinks, as they dry out your skin. If you must have your coffee in the morning (and, believe me, I understand!), drink an extra glass of water for each cup.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Try to avoid alcohol, as it also dehydrates your skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">When headed outside, cover your skin as much as possible with clothing. Cover any areas of exposed skin with a thick lotion to prevent moisture loss.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day, especially before you go outside.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Keep baths and showers short and warm (not hot). Hot water dries skin out by stripping your skin of its natural oils. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Add fatty fish, like salmon, to your diet or take a good quality fish oil. The good omega-3 fatty acids help to keep skin moist.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Avoid using harsh cleansers, soaps or exfoliants. These will only further strip your skin and lead to dryness.</li>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">General Tips to Treat Dry Skin</b></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exfoliating dry skin first is key to allowing your products to work more effectively.</span></i></td></tr>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gently exfoliate dry skin with a brush, loofah or exfoliating gloves as part of your body cleansing routine in the shower before using any topical treatments (oils, lotions, etc.). Dry, flaky skin needs to be removed from the surface of skin to allow topical treatments to work more effectively. Be SUPER gentle if your skin is overly sensitive and use these items only a few times a week. Avoid them altogether if you have any rashes, open wounds or general irritation.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Avoid cleansing your entire body every day, especially with a foaming soap or body wash, as they can strip your skin. Skip a day of sudsing, or wash only those most important bits daily. ;) </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Better yet, use a body wash of 1 part honey to 1 part oil (jojoba or coconut is lovely) a few times a week in place of your regular soap.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Apply lotions, body butters, oils, etc. immediately after showering while your skin is still damp. You want to capture the water and seal it into your skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Layer your products to protect skin from loss of precious moisture to the elements - start with an oil, followed by a rich lotion or body butter.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Avoid using products with artificial ingredients, as they can dry and irritate skin, too.</li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Helpful Ingredients For Dry Skin</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Calendula oil and beeswax salve is a great dry skin healer.</span></i></td></tr>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Humectants like honey and vegetable glycerin</b> help to pull moisture from the air into your skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Oils like olive, coconut, hazelnut, grapeseed, jojoba, sesame and sunflower</b> work to replace lost moisture, while being easily absorbed into skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Oils like rosehip seed and carrot seed</b> help to increase cell regeneration, repairing damaged tissues.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Products containing beeswax</b> add a breathable, protective layer to skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Essential Oils like chamomile, lavender, ylang ylang and sandalwood</b> help to soothe and heal dry itchy skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Aloe Vera</b> soothes, heals and stops itching from irritated, dry skin. Just be sure you use the pure aloe gel, not the stuff full of colors and added fragrances.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Hyaluronic Acid</b> is an ingredient found naturally in skin, it attracts and retains moisture in your skin, while plumping and softening, which is great for dry skin and wrinkles (bonus!).</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Fruits and Veggies like avocado and banana</b> help to add moisture to skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Fruits and Veggies like papaya, pineapples and grapes</b> help to naturally exfoliate dry skin due to their natural fruit acids and enzymes.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Herbs like calendula, chamomile and lavender</b> are soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory for dry-irritated skin. A nice <b><a href="http://skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2011/09/making-plant-infused-oils-for-skin-and.html" target="_blank">oil infused with these</a></b><span id="goog_1767005376"></span><span id="goog_1767005377"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> is great for dry skin.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Herbs like rose, licorice, marshmallow and chickweed</b> are cooling and demulcent (they form a soothing, protective layer on dry skin).</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b>Sea Kelp </b>is amazing for skin when used externally. It's gelatinous texture soothes, hydrates and protects dry skin.</li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I hope this offers some helpful ways to hydrate, repair and protect your skin during these upcoming months.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">xoxo,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Camille</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-37644492038487789402014-11-14T12:51:00.001-05:002014-11-14T12:51:21.685-05:00EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU, DEAR READERS: 50% OFF Your First ADAMA MINERALS Order!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, remember <a href="http://skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2014/11/i-tried-it-adama-purify-glacial-mud-mask.html" target="_blank">my review of the fabulous clay-based products</a> at <a href="http://adamaminerals.com/" target="_blank">ADAMA MINERALS</a>? Well, the kind folks at their company have created an exclusive offer just for YOU - Autumn Moon/Skin Care For Your Soul blog readers!<br />
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<b>Receive 50% off your first order when you enter "autumnmoon" as the coupon code at checkout (www.adamaminerals.com). </b></div>
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Treat yourself - or someone you love - to a gift of healthy, good-for-you products! Enjoy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-27290378302413996152014-11-13T10:05:00.000-05:002014-11-13T10:06:55.007-05:00I Tried It: ADAMA Purify Glacial Mud Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently had the pleasure of trying a selection of products from <a href="http://adamaminerals.com/" target="_blank"><b>ADAMA</b></a> - a body care line crafted with 100% Calcium Montmorillonite clay blended with herbal extracts, essential oils, butters and other loveliness. Their extensive line of products with unique formulas captured my attention and after experiencing the products first-hand - I am loving them!<br />
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My very, very favorite product is their <a href="http://www.adamaminerals.com/mud-face-mask?search=glacial%20mud%20mask" target="_blank"><b>ADAMA Purify Glacial Mud Mask</b></a>. I have used many, many clay/mud masks on myself and clients over the years and this one is spectacular. In addition to sustainably harvested, mineral-rich glacial marine clay, this firming and exfoliating mask is also created with skin-soothing and protecting ingredients like comfrey, chamomile, calendula and sea kelp.<br />
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Wanting to really put this product to the test, I took it with me on a girlfriend's weekend to Northern Michigan with a group of my best buds since 4th grade. After a stunning fall day of driving the shore of the Traverse City Bay and visiting <b><a href="http://www.pondhill.com/" target="_blank">Pond Hill Farm</a>, </b>we snuggled down in our cozy rental for a little old-fashioned girl's night - PJs, wine and a little spa time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/154532_10204173523971752_8853548628808088662_n.jpg?oh=317a6f466a0d82676266c25fa1b95fee&oe=551FD578&__gda__=1423160228_5548b67a5c2b64c9c1c73c022d959488" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/154532_10204173523971752_8853548628808088662_n.jpg?oh=317a6f466a0d82676266c25fa1b95fee&oe=551FD578&__gda__=1423160228_5548b67a5c2b64c9c1c73c022d959488" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl's night with my goofy forever friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ADAMA mask is formulated for all skin types, which was great since the four of us each have very different skin, ranging from oily to dry and hormonal/acne prone. After a gentle cleanse, we each applied the mask generously. It applies gorgeously, gliding over skin. And unlike other clay masks on the market, this mask offered deep cleansing benefits without being drying or irritating. Our faces were left soft, smooth, glowing and balanced. I still noticed the benefits to my skin even days later. This one is a keeper!<br />
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In addition to this mask, there were two other products that I fell in love with from the <a href="http://www.adamaminerals.com/" target="_blank"><b>ADAMA</b></a> product line. <a href="http://www.adamaminerals.com/anti-itch-remedy?search=ancient%20clay%20repair" target="_blank"><b>Ancient Clay Repair</b></a> - a nutrient rich clay treatment cream for irritated skin containing oregano, tea tree and eucalyptus oil - quickly healed an angry mosquito bite on one daughter, itchy skin on the other and razor burn on myself. <a href="http://www.adamaminerals.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=204&search=white+coconut" target="_blank"><b>White Coconut Body Butter</b></a> - blended with coconut extract, shea and cocoa butters and mongongo oil - smells insanely delicious and keeps skin soft and protected for hours with just one application.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diYYCKLmR4w/VGTHfhlOTEI/AAAAAAAABzc/DQRpEhD6Xf4/s1600/ADAMA%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diYYCKLmR4w/VGTHfhlOTEI/AAAAAAAABzc/DQRpEhD6Xf4/s320/ADAMA%2B1.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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In addition to being created with mineral-rich clay, <a href="http://www.adamaminerals.com/" target="_blank"><b>ADAMA</b></a> products are also vegan, paraben/sulfate/gluten free. Looking forward to trying more!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-6697061515525176752014-11-05T11:49:00.000-05:002014-11-05T11:51:21.301-05:00When Life Gives You the Finger...It has been some time since I have written a post here at this ol' blog. For these past few months, life has been, well, pretty darned full of the stuff life throws at you.<br />
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I will give you the Cliff Notes...<br />
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We sold our home of 13 years at the same time my husband, Jim, had a serious bike accident and our 13-year old Husky, Zoe, was fading from kidney problems. We said goodbye to our dear neighbors and I said goodbye to my home skin care studio, as well. We had four days to move from the old home to the new home. We moved to the new home and just a few days later, had to say goodbye to our beautiful, precious Zoe. Shortly after, during a routine test, Jim found out he was having concerning issues with his blood and was sent to a hematologist. And all of this came full-circle in the midst of a brutal Mercury Retrograde - just in time for our wacky summer to be over and school to start. Phew.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR-3xxbv0Lc/VFpN4xdkx8I/AAAAAAAABys/m0T4iKyuxFc/s1600/Zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JR-3xxbv0Lc/VFpN4xdkx8I/AAAAAAAABys/m0T4iKyuxFc/s1600/Zoe.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our sweet, sweet girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I guess you could pretty much say that life gave us the finger. For several weeks, I thought I was losing my mind and wanted nothing more than to sit in the corner sucking my thumb.<br />
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I missed my old home - the home I brought my babies home to. I missed my sweet dog. I missed my neighbors. I missed my studio, my business and my clients. My husband was unable to walk, making moving into our new home a challenge. And his blood test made us fear the worst. I was struggling to keep a cheery face for my kids, who were making one of the biggest transitions of their life, so far.<br />
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Life has a way of sometimes trying to appear that it is bringing us down. But, when you take a step back, take a deep breath, remember that we are resilient creatures (physically and emotionally) and really take the time to look at things - you are given the bigger picture.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFdrfhSdqEc/VFpTg3q8MQI/AAAAAAAABzE/mudMN8zmZ-k/s1600/pine%2Bgrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFdrfhSdqEc/VFpTg3q8MQI/AAAAAAAABzE/mudMN8zmZ-k/s1600/pine%2Bgrove.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Our new home is set on a beautiful 4+ acres of land with a quiet pine grove and an oak forest. When it was "go time" for our lightning-fast move - our village of friends was there at the ready, lifting, hauling and sweating to help move our lives from one home to the next. Since we didn't move far, our old neighbors have been close by to keep in touch - stopping by often and having us over for dinner. And we have met wonderful new neighbors. My husband eventually got back on his feet and was able to walk again. We found that the strange blood test was due to anemia, which we are working to resolve. The loss of Zoe still makes my heart ache, but my heart is also warmed knowing that she stuck with us long enough to make sure we got to the new house safely.<br />
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Plus, we got this super-sweet picture of my husband right before he crashed head-first into the ground. Somehow he forgot he wasn't 13 anymore when he went over this awesome bike ramp. So thankful that he has recovered from his injuries.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRLU3fkFCDg/VFpRCmxPBjI/AAAAAAAABy4/_vbZfL7Mv_Q/s1600/photo_1%2B(23).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRLU3fkFCDg/VFpRCmxPBjI/AAAAAAAABy4/_vbZfL7Mv_Q/s1600/photo_1%2B(23).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of these things make me smile.<br />
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We have the power as to how we react to what life throws at us. We can choose to wrap ourselves up like a burrito in the crap of it all - or rub our eyes clear and look at how life is actually doing us a solid.<br />
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So, I guess the moral of this story is: When life gives you the finger...smile and wave back. :)<br />
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Wishing you a big-picture, warm-fuzzy, smiley kind of day!<br />
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Much love,<br />
Camille<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-17706109737807832742014-03-05T14:47:00.000-05:002014-03-05T14:52:50.097-05:00REDRUM!: A Seasonally Affected Sugar Scrub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWxuSmToZVU/Uxd9Rm9hbSI/AAAAAAAABpA/Lwxr6W-EiqQ/s1600/REDRUM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWxuSmToZVU/Uxd9Rm9hbSI/AAAAAAAABpA/Lwxr6W-EiqQ/s1600/REDRUM.jpg" height="341" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just read <a href="http://nation.time.com/2014/02/25/detroit-winter/" target="_blank">an article in Time Magazine that talks about how Detroit has been the U.S. city hit the hardest by this extreme winter</a> - the harshest since 1950.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is truly no shock to me. This has been a rough one here, folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know many of you reading this do live here locally, however, some do not, and may not understand how crazy this winter has been here in Detroit. For those who do not live here, it looks and feels a little something like this:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh-pQZTDTW8/Uxdv93cxsvI/AAAAAAAABoE/Opek7D05NSs/s1600/shining-cold-movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh-pQZTDTW8/Uxdv93cxsvI/AAAAAAAABoE/Opek7D05NSs/s1600/shining-cold-movies.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The up side to the weather? We can re-enact scenes from <i><b>The Shining</b></i> in our very own homes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The down side? We are all REALLY re-enacting scenes from <i><b>The Shining</b></i> in our very own homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, about a week ago, we have all pretty much lost any scraps of sanity we had left. Did I mention I don't remember what grass looks like or that I haven't taken my hat, scarf or socks off for the last 3 months?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This weather has taken its toll, not only on our mental states, but most definitely on our skin. Even the most devoted lotion appliers are feeling the flake and itch of lizardy bodies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, today, I invite all of my seasonally affected - and non-affected - friends to treat yourself to this simple, lightly foaming sugar scrub I recently concocted in a moment of winter desperation. This can be used in place of soap in the shower. It emulsifies nicely, whisks away dead, flaky skin and leaves behind a layer of protective moisture, without stripping the skin of needed oils, like soap can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope it gives your skin a bit of winter respite. I crafted it with only a few simple ingredients, since my frozen fingers could only open a few jars...</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">REDRUM!: A Seasonally Affected Sugar Scrub</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>3T organic sugar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>3T carrier oil (I used olive, but you can also use coconut, sunflower or avocado)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>1/2t castille soap (I used Dr. Bronner's Lavender, but you can use any scent or unscented)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>4-5 drops of a mood lifting essential oil, such as peppermint, lavender or rosemary (optional)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mix all ingredients well. Apply to damp skin in gentle circular motions, taking care to avoid sensitive areas, broken skin, irritations and the like. Rinse off with warm (not hot) water in the bath or shower, taking care as things can get a bit slippery from the oil in the scrub. Gently towel dry and slather a RICH, protective lotion to your entire bod to seal in moisture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although this winter has been absolutely brutal, it has also been very beautiful. I joke about it only so that I don't cry and roll up into a ball in my down comforter for the rest of the season. But, we have been truly blessed with a gorgeous, Normal Rockwell white winter with fluffy snowflakes and glittery icicles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">AND, we no longer have to worry about shaving, so there's that...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLrkUjQbBHk/Uxd7bGGK-sI/AAAAAAAABoc/gvcf2-TF8Rs/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLrkUjQbBHk/Uxd7bGGK-sI/AAAAAAAABoc/gvcf2-TF8Rs/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, and we have been able to build a second home...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhW2Z7maAck/Uxd8OK46BoI/AAAAAAAABoo/Nzi7bveMDaI/s1600/second+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vhW2Z7maAck/Uxd8OK46BoI/AAAAAAAABoo/Nzi7bveMDaI/s1600/second+home.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And have TONS of time for indoor dressup...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEPrWBRKeUA/Uxd90jiR80I/AAAAAAAABpI/IAX4T8a4gNc/s1600/dressup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEPrWBRKeUA/Uxd90jiR80I/AAAAAAAABpI/IAX4T8a4gNc/s1600/dressup.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am so thankful for a warm home and loving people to share it with (that also let me put my cold feet on them to warm them up.) :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>How are you experiencing this weather? What gives you solace and keeps you from losing your bloody mind? </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Is the weather warm and shiny where you are? Really? Please tell me what it is like?!? ;)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Warm, wintery, wonderful wishes to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-10739766788759200962014-02-12T14:51:00.002-05:002015-02-03T10:37:38.618-05:00DIY Sweet Lovin': Edible Chocolate Body Paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdmAYwprl6c/UvvOn3m921I/AAAAAAAABm8/8-A4B04EYsM/s1600/DIY+Body+Paint+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdmAYwprl6c/UvvOn3m921I/AAAAAAAABm8/8-A4B04EYsM/s1600/DIY+Body+Paint+Image.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The loviest, doviest day of the year is nearly here. Are you ready? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is a quick and easy, last-minute DIY idea to kick your swoon-fest up a notch - DIY Chocolate Body Paint!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DIY Edible Chocolate Body Paint</span></strong><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">1 oz organic chocolate (white, milk or dark to allow for different colors, or you can even tint white chocolate with a natural food color, like India Tree)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">1 t organic coconut oil (or more to get your desired consistency)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Gently melt ingredients in a glass bowl set in a warm water bath inside of another pan (the fancy word for this is a "bain-Marie" ). Stir and use while still slightly warm (but not hot - please test the temperature before painting any body parts, for goodness sake!!!). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Alternately, you can use 1 t or more of cocoa powder in place of the chocolate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">You can double the recipe for more paint and any extra can be stored in a covered container and rewarmed for later use. You can even use leftovers as a moisturizing and toning face mask.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Have a super-sweet, chocolatey, sticky, love filled, ooey gooey Valentine's Day!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><b>XOXO</b></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-33041878636147623862014-01-23T13:18:00.000-05:002014-01-23T13:21:28.964-05:00I Tried It: A. Vogel Milk Thistle Complex, Molkosan Vitality & Golden Rod & Knotgrass Tea BlendThis past Monday marked the end of my A. Vogel Fourteen Day Detox and, I've got to say, it was just what I needed! By re-incorporating loads of healthy foods, plenty of fluids and exercise, my body feels back in balance after the indulgent holiday. My energy is back to normal levels. My skin and eyes are clear. And I don't feel like a big, gooey, bloated blob anymore.<br />
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What I loved most about the plan was that it was healthy, nourishing and realistic. I am not an advocate of radical "cleanses." I feel that those types of regimens focus on unrealistically depriving the body, while also upsetting it to various degrees. My thought is that the body does not need to be "cleansed" - it needs to be supported in its functions through nourishing foods, clean living and herbal allies.</div>
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To assist me with my detox, the kind folks at <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/" target="_blank">A. Vogel</a> provided me with 3 supporting herbal products - <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/milk-thistle/" target="_blank">Milk Thistle Complex</a>, <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/food/molkosan-vitality/" target="_blank">Molkosan<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; bottom: 0.5em; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span> Vitality</a> & <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/golden-rod-herbal-tea/?shop_artikelid=7251&shop_anzahl=1&type=w&t=1240380040" target="_blank">Golden Rod & Knotgrass Cleansing Herb Tea Blend</a>. </div>
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Allow me to share my experiences with these products with you!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Milk Thistle Complex</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6-FHTv22Ec/UuFZ78y5T_I/AAAAAAAABeQ/sowIyDaJOJs/s1600/milk+thistle+complex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6-FHTv22Ec/UuFZ78y5T_I/AAAAAAAABeQ/sowIyDaJOJs/s1600/milk+thistle+complex.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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Milk thistle has always been one of my plant besties, so I was really excited to try this blend of artichoke, milk thistle, dandelion, boldo and peppermint. This blend is supportive of the liver, which - ahem - I kinda needed after the holidays.</div>
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I LOVE this tincture! I have an affinity for bitter plants, so this was right up my alley. It has a wonderful bitter taste with a hint of mint on the back end. I replaced my usual bitters with this blend during the two weeks and was very pleased. While I took the <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/milk-thistle/" target="_blank">Milk Thistle Complex</a> in a bit of water as recommended, I also snuck a few drops daily - straight up - every once in awhile to savor the bitter flavor (not exceeding the recommended daily dosage of drops, of course). In fact I'm sneaking a drop right now. </div>
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Skin eruptions are directly related to liver function (along with other factors, of course), so this was a wonderful ally to help clear up that holiday breakout.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Molkosan<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; bottom: 0.5em; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20.649999618530273px;"> </span>Vitality</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY2Mmd-Iyrw/UuFaB8c-w_I/AAAAAAAABeY/5NUI-5bjutw/s1600/molkosan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY2Mmd-Iyrw/UuFaB8c-w_I/AAAAAAAABeY/5NUI-5bjutw/s1600/molkosan.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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This was, by far, the most intriguing and unique product of the three. <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/food/molkosan-vitality/" target="_blank">Molkosan<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; bottom: 0.5em; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.649999618530273px;"> </span>Vitality</a> is a prebiotic powdered drink made from fresh, organic whey that has been fermented with a specially selected lactobacillus and also includes soluble fiber to help maintain healthy bowel function and to benefit digestion. </div>
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The powder is mixed with a bit of water and taken about 20 minutes prior to eating. It has a very "lively" and tangy orange flavor that is best taken mixed with a bit of juice. It is also lactose, gluten and calorie free and vegetarian, so it can fit into several different dietary lifestyles.</div>
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Let's face it. Healthy Poops = Healthy Body & Skin. This product surely gets the digestion moving on its merry way, and helped me feel light as a feather - and with a flatter tummy - after just a few days. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Golden Rod & Knotgrass Cleansing Herb Tea Blend</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYU2AcCIldo/UuFa4COXswI/AAAAAAAABeg/O7QWlUbm94Y/s1600/golden+rod+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYU2AcCIldo/UuFa4COXswI/AAAAAAAABeg/O7QWlUbm94Y/s1600/golden+rod+tea.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/herbal-remedies/golden-rod-herbal-tea/?shop_artikelid=7251&shop_anzahl=1&type=w&t=1240380040" target="_blank">Golden Rod & Knotgrass Tea</a> was my best buddy during the detox. Given the cold temps we've had the past few weeks, a warm cup of this tea was a welcome escape that I enjoyed daily. And golden rod is one of my energetic plant allies, so I felt very comforted by this tea.</div>
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This tea contains golden rod, birch leaves, knotgrass, horsetail and wild pansy - a blend supportive of cleansing your system from the inside. This tea is described as "A gentle blend of five herbs, known for their positive effect in kidney and bladder function, will relieve fluid retention and contribute to an overall cleansing of the system, without strong detoxification reactions."</div>
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It has a beautiful color and a very mild, soothing, slightly sweet taste that feels like a nice cozy blankie.</div>
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Overall, I am so glad that I completed the detox plan. It was extra fun completing in in tandem virtually with others, including my lovely contact at A. Vogel, Annemarie.</div>
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Sometimes we just need a little kick in the pants to get back on track. :)</div>
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<i>Disclosure: The above products were provided to me by A. Vogel for the purposes of testing and reviewing. All opinions in this post are my own personal experiences and I received no monetary compensation.</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-71254978316143645432014-01-14T11:17:00.003-05:002014-01-14T11:18:16.613-05:00A. Vogel Fourteen Day Detox: Update & Inspiration<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exKQt5x0D_s/UtVhAzsVINI/AAAAAAAABc4/W0JGmjbe36A/s1600/Happy+Detox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exKQt5x0D_s/UtVhAzsVINI/AAAAAAAABc4/W0JGmjbe36A/s400/Happy+Detox.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today marks one week down of the A. Vogel Fourteen Day Detox,
so I wanted to touch base with you all. Have you joined along in the detox? If
so, how are you doing? Have you noticed any changes in your skin, your body, your mood or energy levels?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to say, I had a bumpy start to the detox, being
snowed in and all. Stuck inside with the chilly temps lended itself to eating
whatever wouldn’t run away from me. And the ever-repeating daily phone messages
cancelling school for snow days (we had 6!) had me reaching for a few glasses
of that leftover holiday wine. :/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, when the kids returned to school and life got back to “normal”
(is it ever really normal???) it was easy to get back on track. And, truly,
this plan is so user friendly and flexible in that it supports you in making
healthy, nourishing choices for your body, rather than depriving yourself on “cobwebs
and cucumbers,” as Ali, the nutritionist behind the detox plan so perfectly put
it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, here is what I have realistically incorporated into my whole life detox plan this past week:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Omitted white flour, sugar and any processed or refined foods</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Included 4-5 extra servings of fruits and veggies (50% raw/50% cooked) per day (8-9 total)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sucked down a nutrient packed smoothie, when I was in the smoothie groove</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Focused on hydrating, mainly with herbal teas, but also filtered and coconut waters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Incorporated lean protein sources - fish, turkey, beans and tons of sushi</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Attended yoga and spinning class 2 times</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Practiced meditation to calm my monkey mind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cut back social media to only 10-15 minutes a day (not counting writing this blog)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Luxuriated in 2 energy clearing epsom salt baths, following a good dry body brushing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Received an intuitive crystal reading from my friend Brandi (aka The Crystal Whisperer) to guide me in letting go of the old and letting in fresh new energy for the new year (for local folks, she does readings at <a href="http://crystaltreasuresonline.com/" target="_blank">Crystal Treasures</a> and is amazing!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tried to be in bed around 10pm, although <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9545064-the-story-of-beautiful-girl?from_search=true" target="_blank">this book</a> had me up reading a bit later a few nights</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spent time with positive and uplifting friends</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wow! It feels good writing that down. Progress. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, what results have I seen so far? Well, after an initial ghastly breakout (which I expected after scarfing down all that holiday junk - toxins have to exit somewhere and it is often times through your skin),
some bloating and a feeling of being mildly uncomfortable with life in general
(all of which are normal with a detox), I can see the indulgent holiday behind me now with
clearer skin, a clearer outlook ahead and a lot more energy. And I lost 2 pounds. Bonus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What has inspired me this week (clockwise from left to right)?</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_4q_7kDObk/UtVdThZf8yI/AAAAAAAABcw/W8bcCbgJ8sw/s1600/Detox+Inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_4q_7kDObk/UtVdThZf8yI/AAAAAAAABcw/W8bcCbgJ8sw/s400/Detox+Inspiration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A raw fennel and apple salad from my favorite raw foods blog - Rawmazing <i>(photo by Rawmazing).</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A super easy and yummy <a href="http://energywebring.com/2013/12/10/bath-salt-detox/#more-639" target="_blank">"Fresh Start" detox bath salt recipe</a> - a Pinterest find from <a href="http://energywebring.com/" target="_blank">Energy We Bring</a> <i>(photo by Energy We Bring).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">New, fancy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121767168/dragonfly-lotus-leggings-yoga-original?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">dragonfly lotus yoga pants</a> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Carouselink?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">Carouselink</a> on etsy (photo by Carouselink).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1XCS0g6J4A" target="_blank">This version of "Ong Namo"</a> by one of my favorite artists, <a href="http://www.snatamkaur.com/" target="_blank">Snatam Kaur</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.poppyswap.com/detail.asp?id=6877&n=OMETEPE--Sweet-Island-Botanical-Perfume-LIMITED-Ed" target="_blank">Ometepe perfume</a> handcrafted by Ananda at <a href="http://www.poppyswap.com/storeprofile.asp?userid=195" target="_blank">Amrita Apothecary</a> - delicious (photo by Amrita Apothecary).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I head into week two of the detox, I am going to also begin
incorporating a few supporting herbal products provided by the kind folks at A.
Vogel. So stay tuned for a review on how these work out! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Until then, Happy Detox! Be kind to yourself and breathe life in - and out - of your heart. Let me know how the beginning of 2014 is shaping up for you!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-23687477191231993842014-01-11T16:39:00.000-05:002014-01-11T16:47:45.018-05:00Why New Year's Resolutions Suck: 3 Skin Care "Intentions" You Can Start Right Now!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The season of resolutions is still fresh and real. Does this make anyone else feel super anxious? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This time of year has always made me uneasy. Don't get me wrong - I love a fresh start. I have always just felt that the "New Year's Resolution," as a construct, is flawed. They often set one up for feeling like they have failed if they eat that one piece of cake they said they wouldn't. Resolutions can also often feel so out-of-reach or rigid that it is easy to give up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I prefer to set "New Year's Intentions" - clear statements as to the things that will get my focus and attention for the year to come, realizing that there will be bumps along the way and curves and roadblocks along the journey - and it's all good however it turns out, as long as I gave it my all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, today, at the risk of sounding like a New Year's Resolution Slacker, I'm offering 3 realistic, easy and accessible "New Year's Skin Care Intentions" that you can start right this second. These are 3 of the most important things you can do to keep your skin happy and healthy and every time you do them, your skin will thank you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because I am a Virgo by sign, I will organize these for you by intention and action steps because sometimes I'm OCD like that. If you are a Pisces, perhaps, you can write these intentions on a napkin and either make origami out of it or lose it somewhere in your purse (not poking fun at Pisces - I've got a ton of Pisces influence in my astrology and this is something I would do). If you are a Capricorn, you could make a pie chart of this information and give it to someone else to tell them what to do (OK, I'm poking fun of my husband here). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyhoo...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb05-fxCQB4/UtGwMEaTR0I/AAAAAAAABcM/jLz0oza3gSg/s1600/hydrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb05-fxCQB4/UtGwMEaTR0I/AAAAAAAABcM/jLz0oza3gSg/s1600/hydrate.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For those of you that have been reading this blog for awhile, you know I never shut up about hydration. But it's true. One of the easiest and best things you can do for your skin is to keep your body hydrated from the inside. (Interestingly, this is the #1 thing that my skin care clients have mentioned they are going to work toward this year.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Skin needs proper internal hydration to stay supple, moist, fresh and to properly do jobs like feeding and making skin cells. And NO amount of moisturizer or fancy pants treatment can reverse the effect of poor internal hydration on skin.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Intention:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>This year I will strive to keep hydrated, for my skin and entire body health.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Action Steps:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Each day, I will work to include 3 <u>extra</u> sources of hydration in my diet (this can be in the form of water (especially coconut water), caffeine-free herbal teas, juices, <a href="http://skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2013/11/healthy-skin-challenge-ie-hydrate.html" target="_blank">herb/fruit infused waters</a>, kefir water, kombucha or other healthy fluids.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>For each caffeinated or alcoholic beverage I consume, I will consume an additional serving of a healthy fluid.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIcPJq4xK_Y/UtGwgkSBzWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hgSvIEy7bc4/s1600/Dry+Brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIcPJq4xK_Y/UtGwgkSBzWI/AAAAAAAABcU/hgSvIEy7bc4/s1600/Dry+Brush.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One of the most often skipped steps in skin care is exfoliation. Just as topical moisturizers can't help fix dehydrated skin, they won't be as effective on skin that is not properly exfoliated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Skin on the face and body should be exfoliated at least once a week (or more for appropriate skin types - but please note that TOO MUCH exfoliation is actually detrimental to skin). Removing this layer of dead skin regularly is crucial to assisting the skin in functioning properly and allowing your skin care products to do their job. Slapping moisturizer on top of old, dead skin cells is like trying to clean your oven with a cotton ball - not very effective (that was a horrible analogy - sorry!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Intention:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>This year I will plan to exfoliate the skin on my face and body once a week.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Action Steps:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Once a week, I will exfoliate the skin on my face with an exfoliant suited to my skin type. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are about a million trillion types of exfoliants out in the world, so it is difficult for me to recommend one that is appropriate for each one of you, but the following is a quick, simple exfoliating mask recipe that is good for all skin types (granted you aren't allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A small amount of ripe papaya</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A few chunks of pineapple</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A dollop of yogurt or cream(milk)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A drizzle of honey </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Smash it all together in a bowl with a fork (or use an immersion blender) and apply to clean skin for 15-20 minutes. Remove with a clean, warm, damp cloth. Rinse face with warm water to remove any residue and follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Once a week, on the rest of my body, I will use a body scrub and/or some other exfoliation technique, such as dry brushing, to keep my skin fresh from icky dead skin cells.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2012/01/dry-skin-workshop-day-2-3-steps-5.html" target="_blank">Check out this post from the past</a> for tips on dry brushing and a recipe for a simple, effective body scrub.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Si99N990hbo/UtG0lgfFZ7I/AAAAAAAABcg/QL1Jl4ACKYo/s1600/solar_protective_moisturizer_spf30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Si99N990hbo/UtG0lgfFZ7I/AAAAAAAABcg/QL1Jl4ACKYo/s1600/solar_protective_moisturizer_spf30.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A large part of skin care is protecting skin from the elements - sun, wind, extreme temperatures, environmental pollutants, dirt, debris and general funk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We all know it is important to wear sunscreen to protect from the sun's rays, but another good reason to wear sunscreen and other treatments that protect the skin - moisturizers, body butters, lotions, etc. - is to allow a barrier between the skin and life. This buffer can help protect delicate skin tissues from the elements and from skin sucking in environmental pollutants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another important reason to use these protective coatings is to allow skin to maintain proper moisture balance by helping to keep the vital moisture in the skin, rather than evaporated into the environment (the fancy word for this is Transepidermal Water Loss).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>Intention:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>I will use protective treatments on my face and body daily to help protect it from the environment.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Action Steps:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Each day, I will apply a protective moisturizer to my face and body, followed by healthy sun protection.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again, it is hard to recommend one particular product that works for each of you, but some of my protective favorites are: <a href="http://www.devitaskincare.com/store/solar-protective-moisturizer-spf-30-25-oz-75ml-p-17534.html" target="_blank">DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+</a>, <a href="http://3rdrocksunblock.com/" target="_blank">3rd Rock Sunblock</a>, and <a href="http://www.deepsteep.com/cgi-bin/shop2/sc_searchz.cgi?user_id=29087&database=db_shopping.exm&template=shop_prod_sr2.html&0_option=1&0=07" target="_blank">Deep Steep Body Butter</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, and one last intention to add - more of a mantra, really:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>I will not freak out if I don't do this stuff every day, but every day that I do, my skin is that much healthier. :)</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few of my intentions this year? To get back into a regular yoga practice and to write an eBook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now, where the heck did I put that napkin???</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-47363786134809014382014-01-07T11:12:00.000-05:002014-01-07T11:15:48.923-05:00New Year's Reboot: Antioxidant Skin Care Smoothie<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, today feels like a great day for a life "reboot" for the new year, as I start on the <a href="http://avogel.co.uk/fourteen-day-detox/" target="_blank">A. Vogel Fourteen Day Detox</a>. After a rather indulgent holiday break, I'm starting the day off fresh with one of my favorite healthy smoothies. It is loaded with antioxidant ingredients to help protect your skin, so I wanted to share my recipe with you to help you in your own reboot today. :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiGm97G8Nyg/Uswi7hlzQSI/AAAAAAAABaQ/GR3aGoQCP_A/s1600/skin+care+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiGm97G8Nyg/Uswi7hlzQSI/AAAAAAAABaQ/GR3aGoQCP_A/s1600/skin+care+smoothie.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blueberries are one of the best foods around to support healthy skin. They are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrients) that help to neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells.They are also loaded with Vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C aids in the repair of skin tissues and the development of collagen, while fiber helps to move toxins out of the body through the digestive system, so that they don't contribute to skin troubles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Goji berries are another "superfood" that helps to nourish skin from the inside out. They help the skin to resist damage from the sun due to the high amounts of astaxanthin. They are also a wonderful source of Vitamin A, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and assist in healthy skin cell growth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bananas benefit the skin with antioxidant protection from Vitamins C and B6 and potassium, which helps boost skin's circulation. Almond milk contains antioxidant Vitamin E, which can help speed skin healing. Fresh romaine greens are also loaded with Vitamin A, which also helps regenerate skin by supporting cell turnover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you prefer, you can soak the goji berries in warm water ahead of time to make them softer, but I love them straight up, as they give you little chewy surprise bits. You can also make this smoothie your own with the addition of a plant-based protein powder, powdered vanilla or vanilla extract, maca powder, a few dates, a few shavings of dark chocolate, a touch of honey or whatever else your imagination dreams up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, drink up for skin health! Cheers!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP7PbzoetV0/Uswk3YHkbhI/AAAAAAAABac/K2KUv9cKj8o/s1600/smoothiecheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uP7PbzoetV0/Uswk3YHkbhI/AAAAAAAABac/K2KUv9cKj8o/s1600/smoothiecheers.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>How are you "rebooting" this New Year? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I'd love to hear in the comments below!</i></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-67866205146727041842014-01-05T12:52:00.000-05:002014-01-05T12:54:52.010-05:00Happy 2014 & True Confessions of a Naughty Skin Care Therapist<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year, dear friends! I hope your holiday was full of joy, love and sweetness of life! I'd love to hear how you spent your holiday season.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrptVzQFO3Q/UsmTaeowQhI/AAAAAAAABZg/8Mb_52e7kDs/s1600/Up+Norf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrptVzQFO3Q/UsmTaeowQhI/AAAAAAAABZg/8Mb_52e7kDs/s320/Up+Norf.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how we show you where we are in Michigan.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am back to work and back to blogging after a wonderfully relaxing 17-day winter break. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The holidays mark the only time of year that my family is able to be together for a longer stretch of time than just a weekend. This year we decided to maximize the chill-out factor by escaping to our family cabin in Northern Michigan ("Up Norf"), which is one of the most calming and beautiful places on the planet. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLoIKuywZt0/UsmYG5iL5MI/AAAAAAAABZ4/XOvHejUqjis/s1600/Pines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLoIKuywZt0/UsmYG5iL5MI/AAAAAAAABZ4/XOvHejUqjis/s320/Pines.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the pines from the cabin in late October. <br />
Why not a snowy pic from this holiday vacation? <br />
Because I was far too lazy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cabin backs up to state forest with vast stretches of pine, a myriad of plant friends and tons of wildlife. Even though the snow and chilly temps kept most of the critters in hiding (including us!), we were able to watch the squirrels and birds play and hunt for deer and elk tracks in the deep snow. We also played countless games of Monopoly, UNO, and Pictionary with the kids, assembled puzzles with my mom, crafted with paper and fabric, loomed bracelets and re-watched as many Harry Potters that we could before our eyes went blurry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, mostly, I spent this vacation being very, very naughty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember back in November when we were all completing the Healthy Skin Care Challenge? Remember all of the "DOs" and "DONTs" that we diligently worked to incorporate into our lives? Well, for the past two weeks, I DID all of the DONTs and none of the DOs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8qYcUaQlk/UsmWfJePujI/AAAAAAAABZs/aA1DIU3yjCE/s1600/DID!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8qYcUaQlk/UsmWfJePujI/AAAAAAAABZs/aA1DIU3yjCE/s320/DID!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This holiday was sponsored by wine, cheese and carbs. I stayed up late, drank coffee each morning like my life depended on it, devoured pie and Amish coffee cake (this area of Michigan is known for its amazing Amish community bakeries), sat on my butt and went to bed nearly every night without even waving a washcloth at my face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And it felt good. Reaaaaallly good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, at least at the time. Now, I am paying for it with a lovely post-holiday breakout and dryness, dark circles under my eyes from inadequate hydration and about 5 extra pounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do I feel guilty? No way!!! We are born into this world human and part of living this crazy life is to indulge from time-to-time. For many of us, the past few weeks is that time. Celebrating the holidays with friends and family is a priceless gift. Live it and enjoy it to the fullest, while balancing it with a healthy lifestyle year-round.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, tomorrow the kids are supposed to go back to school (although we are expecting a foot of snow and low, low temps, so odds are another snow day - or a few!). But tomorrow, I am ready to return to our regular, healthy, daily routine and breathing a little sigh of relief that the holidays only come once a year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, want to join me in rebooting for the New Year?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My friends at <b><a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/" target="_blank">A.Vogel</a>, </b>a well-known herbal remedies company in the UK, have invited me to take part in their <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/fourteen-day-detox/the-plan/" target="_blank"><b>Fourteen Day Detox</b></a> that starts, tomorrow, January 6 and I would love for you to join me! (See my review of some wonderful A. Vogel skin care products <a href="http://www.skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-tried-it-vogel-echinacea-creme-and.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPw2RWPaqfk/UsmOjcCT1OI/AAAAAAAABZQ/icxRFbWzEBo/s1600/Leaping+Detox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPw2RWPaqfk/UsmOjcCT1OI/AAAAAAAABZQ/icxRFbWzEBo/s320/Leaping+Detox.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This will be us after the 14 days! Yippee!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, don't worry, this isn't some crazy, intense starvation cleanse - it is a sensible, balanced plan to help folks get back on track by supporting healthy digestion, increasing hydration, boosting intake of nourishing foods (including nice, warm, comforting foods for winter) and getting your body moving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The program is free and includes daily email support, including healthy meal ideas and recipes, as well as expert tips, advice and support. Although, they have herbal products to assist in your detox progress, they are not required and you can take as little or as much from the plan that works for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can sign up for the plan straight away <a href="http://www.avogel.co.uk/fourteen-day-detox/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>! I would love for you to join me on this journey into the new year! We can all be here to support each other. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">May this year be full of love and happiness - and a little indulgence, here and there!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-78802384861862898232013-12-11T13:21:00.003-05:002013-12-11T13:21:38.654-05:00Great DIY Herbie Holiday Gifts & Giveaway Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="holiday3" height="400" src="http://mountainrose.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/holiday3.jpg" width="361" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Want to whip some some easy, herbal handmade gifts? </span><a href="http://mountainroseblog.com/diy-herbal-gifts/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Check out this blog post from Mountain Rose Herbs!</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will surely be making some of the Cocoa Calm lip balm and the ginger brew! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Are you making any handmade gifts this year? I would love to hear about it! :)</b></span><br />
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**********<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Congrats to, Kim A., the winner of the DeVita Solar Moisturizer SPF 30 giveaway! Woohoo! I will be in touch with you soon to get you the goods! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope you are all happy, healthy and enjoying your holiday season! xoxo</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-20087278130139141572013-11-30T12:39:00.000-05:002013-11-30T12:47:46.825-05:00HEALTHY SKIN CHALLENGE #5: Clean Up Your Skin Care & A Giveaway!<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu0ptqYnQRc/Un-6g14eInI/AAAAAAAABTM/rIaxL0U_Loc/s1600/SkinChallenge.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i>Welcome to the fifth, and final, installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of </i><i>National Healthy Skin Month!</i><i> </i></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">TODAY'S CHALLENGE: </b><b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">CLEAN UP YOUR SKIN CARE</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnTc6jfTjtw/Upoe3eTxyeI/AAAAAAAABXM/AyFR3nxpj4s/s1600/Face+Mask+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnTc6jfTjtw/Upoe3eTxyeI/AAAAAAAABXM/AyFR3nxpj4s/s320/Face+Mask+Girl.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are so many skin and body care products on the shelves these days, it can be overwhelming to make the right product choices. The correct skin products for your skin type aside, simply choosing a product that is healthy for your skin, body and the environment can prove to be very, very difficult.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Many products (such as lotions, shampoos, nail polish and toothpaste) in the mass market contain ingredients that are suspected to contribute to cancer, reproductive issues and skin irritation, just to name a few concerns. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">A great resource to quickly assess the safety of your body care products is the </span><a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep<span style="background-color: #f9f0e3; color: #9b6190; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: text-top;"><span style="background-color: #f9f0e3;">®</span> </span>Cosmetics Database</span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">. This handy tool allows you to search over 80,000 body care products to determine their safety. You can also look up ratings for individual ingredients.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lD6-MXA06n8/UpoYVUNzsVI/AAAAAAAABW0/8fVeJ0y2_Lc/s1600/sdlogo2012_03.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The database rates products and ingredients with an easy numbering system (from low risk to moderate risk to high risk) that is calculated based on the overall health hazard, as well things such as cancer risk and immunotoxicity. This data is based on what is known about the product's ingredients and scientific studies that may have been completed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Not all products are included in the database, obviously, and some ratings may not be accurate due to little being known about individual products or certain ingredients. The rating can also vary depending on how the product is being used. For example, some ingredients may be more dangerous when inhaled rather than used topically on skin. </span></span><br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #383838; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-center;">
Hazard score key:</h3>
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://static.ewg.org/skindeep/img/draw_score/score_image2_0_1_1.png" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 10px;" /></td><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://static.ewg.org/skindeep/img/draw_score/score_image6_3_1_1.png" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 10px;" /></td><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://static.ewg.org/skindeep/img/draw_score/score_image10_7_1_1.png" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 10px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Low hazard</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Moderate hazard</td><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">High hazard</td></tr>
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Data score key:</h3>
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="100"><div id="data_avail_box" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 3px;">
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Data: <span style="color: #dd2028;">None</span></div>
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</td><td rowspan="5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="center"><img src="http://static.ewg.org/skindeep/img/curly_score_key.png" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 10px;" /></td><td align="left" rowspan="5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="center"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
Data availability rating: the scope of ingredient safety data contained in Skin Deep<span style="vertical-align: text-top;">®</span>, and the number of studies available in the open scientific literature</div>
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="data_avail_box" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 3px;">
<div id="score_style_small" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Data: <span style="color: #e66e25;">Limited</span></div>
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</td></tr>
<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="data_avail_box" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 3px;">
<div id="score_style_small" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Data: <span style="color: #e69d25;">Fair</span></div>
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</td></tr>
<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="data_avail_box" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 3px;">
<div id="score_style_small" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Data: <span style="color: #b9c441;">Good</span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="data_avail_box" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 3px 0px 0px; padding: 3px;">
<div id="score_style_small" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
Data: <span style="color: #85c441;">Robust</span></div>
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</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So the database is not entirely accurate (and some even argue that it sensationalizes the issue of product safety), but, with that being said, it can still be a good resource to begin incorporating healthier skin care into your daily routine, as it offers a ton of options for healthier choices. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Say, for example, you want to explore a healthier nail polish option. Traditional nail polish contains not-so-yummy ingredients like </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and toluene (ingredients shown to contribute to cancer, birth defects and nervous system damage). Select <b>"Nail Polish" </b>from the <b>"Nails"</b> menu and you can browse a list of nail polishes available, starting at a <b>"0"</b> risk rating (and continuing up to the higher risk product offerings). </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czwa6AoWUc4/UpogfrGG0zI/AAAAAAAABXg/v9Gn5ifKIy8/s1600/WaterColors+Non-Peel+Off+Polish-Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czwa6AoWUc4/UpogfrGG0zI/AAAAAAAABXg/v9Gn5ifKIy8/s1600/WaterColors+Non-Peel+Off+Polish-Full.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Honeybee Gardens WaterColors Nail Polish from Skin Deep Database.</span></i></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, your final challenge for Healthy Skin Month is to grab the skin and body care products you are currently using and research their safety in the EWG database.</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> If there is a product that appears to be suspect, use the database to find a healthy alternative. Many healthy alternatives are available for purchase online or at your local natural foods store. And don't forget handcrafted products from individual artisans, like those that you can find either locally at farmer's markets or online on sites like </span><a href="http://poppyswap.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">Poppy Swap</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">. These products are often superior to anything you can buy at a store and you can talk to the crafter to find out all of the details about the product and ingredients used.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Have fun with this! Make slow changes, one product at a time, or go for the gold and overhaul your entire product stash all at once. Whatever you are comfortable with and makes sense for you. :)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>...AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY!!!</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7w-1pGf0b6Q/UpobrU5SWwI/AAAAAAAABXA/ymu4Qfd3tBo/s1600/solar_protective_moisturizer_spf30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7w-1pGf0b6Q/UpobrU5SWwI/AAAAAAAABXA/ymu4Qfd3tBo/s320/solar_protective_moisturizer_spf30.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ from Skin Deep Database</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I hope you have enjoyed the </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Healthy Skin Challenge</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> and have incorporated some healthy changes into your life that will make a big impact on your skin's health. To celebrate, I am giving away a package of </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">! A great all-natural, year-round daytime moisturizer plus sunblock with good-for-skin ingredients like organic aloe gel and glycerin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below with one healthy change you have made during the Healthy Skin Challenge. I will choose a winner with a random generator on Friday, December 6 at Noon.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Blessings and happy skin!</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-22834406302744927622013-11-22T12:33:00.001-05:002013-11-22T12:36:59.692-05:00Healthy Skin Challenge #4: Ditch the Four SKIN SINS!<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu0ptqYnQRc/Un-6g14eInI/AAAAAAAABTM/rIaxL0U_Loc/s1600/SkinChallenge.jpg" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i>Welcome to the fourth installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of </i><i>National Healthy Skin Month! </i></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tips on how you can improve the health of your skin, along with challenges and recipes to jump-start your progress. </i></div>
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<i>*******</i><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">TODAY'S CHALLENGE: </b><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">DITCH THE FOUR SKIN SINS!</b><br />
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While I love focusing on the positive things you can do for your skin, I would be remiss if I didn't talk a bit about the things you may be doing each day that might not be supporting your skin's health. While it can be hard to incorporate a good habit, it can be even harder to stop a bad one. It sure sucks being human sometimes. :/</div>
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Have you incorporated some new good habits over the last few challenges? Kick ass! Keep up the good work! OK, now on to the bad stuff.<br />
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Let's start with the "Dirty 4"!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJSHfaMIp6s/Uo-RwxD0wOI/AAAAAAAABVc/DDZiVEePwtk/s1600/Wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJSHfaMIp6s/Uo-RwxD0wOI/AAAAAAAABVc/DDZiVEePwtk/s320/Wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee out all of the fluids your body (and skin cells) need to stay hydrated.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Excessive alcohol can deplete the body of vitamins and minerals skin desperately needs to maintain health.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">It causes capillaries to dilate, causing redness and flushing, which over time, can become permanently broken capillaries and veins - and permanent discoloration of the skin. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Alcohol speeds up the aging process, causing premature aging by weakening skin's oxygen levels and defenses against free radicals.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIo86TdXA4A/Uo-SMa42pPI/AAAAAAAABVk/LJS7JY9LLL8/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIo86TdXA4A/Uo-SMa42pPI/AAAAAAAABVk/LJS7JY9LLL8/s320/Coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Like, alcohol, caffeine (in the form of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate or other beverages) is a diuretic, with excessive consumption causing dehydrated skin.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Coffee contains tannins, which some believe prevents skin cells from receiving nutrients from food.</span></span></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvmUgiPPuxE/Uo-SitD2PuI/AAAAAAAABVs/Yqjn3pPNY7k/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvmUgiPPuxE/Uo-SitD2PuI/AAAAAAAABVs/Yqjn3pPNY7k/s320/sugar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Excessive sugar intake has been shown to cause connective tissue damage in the skin, as well as inflammation, through a process called glycation (a process which creates end products called AGEs). Hmmmm. A-G-E?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Glycation happens when sugar molecules in your system bombard the skin cells, attaching to fats and proteins.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The proteins most prone to glycation are the same ones that keep your skin firm and supple - collagen and elastin.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Glycation also makes skin more susceptible to UV damage, as it creates free radicals.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">For many, the results of glycation (hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, etc.) can begin to show up around the mid-30s. For diabetics, this can happen sooner (lots of information discovered about glycation was through studies of diabeties).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Sugar is sugar. It doesn't matter if it is spoonfuls of the white stuff, honey, agave, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, fruit or vegetables. But, ideally, to slow down glycation you should definitely stay away from things containing refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup (AKA The Devil). </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Skin care products that include green tea or other collagen builders/boosters can help your skin to deal with the glycation process and slow things down a bit.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAtDh1yLrJs/Uo-S22cxyjI/AAAAAAAABV0/iHQhjUQ_v5I/s1600/cigarettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAtDh1yLrJs/Uo-S22cxyjI/AAAAAAAABV0/iHQhjUQ_v5I/s320/cigarettes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Smoking affects the blood vessels, depleting blood/nutrients to the skin cells (which also causes skin discoloration).</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Chemicals in cigarettes and cigarette smoke cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging - wrinkles and saggy skin.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Cigarette smoke builds up in pores, causing blockages which impair skin function - leading to sallow, dehydrated, dull skin. I can usually tell a cigarette smoker by the appearance of their skin alone.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Smoking causes those lovely "smoker's lines" around the lips and mouth.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Man, that was a total downer. OK, I'm going to include just a few other thoughts...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>A Few Other Things that Suck the Life out of Healthy Skin</b></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Not taking your makeup off at night - Your skin repairs itself from the daily grind while you sleep. A face full of makeup won't allow your skin to properly breathe, detoxify and repair. Rock that stuff during the day, though, baby! ;)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Scrubbing your face too hard/too much - Your skin is not your kitchen sink. Excessive cleansing, exfoliating or harsh scrubbing will actually cause more issues than it will help. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Washing your face too infrequently - While every skin is different, skin does need a certain amount of proper and thorough cleansing to remove dead skin cells, debris and environmental pollutants.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, if you are still with me after all that bad news, I want you to breathe a sigh of relief now when I tell you that, while it IS possible to follow these ideal rules to a tee - and my hat goes off to those who do - I would be a total lunatic if I did! And most people I know would, too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In a world full of DO's and DON'Ts - sometimes there just has to be some "OH, WTFs"! Now, I'm not telling you to go out a swill a box of wine or drink a pot of coffee right now, but what I'm getting at is that there is a place of <b>healthy moderation</b> where we can, at least for a moment, throw caution to the wind. In our house we call these "Sometimes Foods."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Have a cup of coffee once in awhile. Enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner. In fact, coffee and red wine are actually loaded with antioxidants (although this doesn't change their effects in excess)! Have a tasty treat to celebrate a special occasion. We are only human! </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">It is when we get into excess - something our culture knows well - that we can get into a funky place. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">But you really should never smoke. For reals.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So here are a few real-world tips to navigate these guidelines (obviously, check with your doctor to make sure these are appropriate for you and your dietary needs):</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h60Bp9Hftls/Uo-TRyckGJI/AAAAAAAABV8/SS3dFcKlxY8/s1600/orange+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h60Bp9Hftls/Uo-TRyckGJI/AAAAAAAABV8/SS3dFcKlxY8/s320/orange+chocolate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Limit caffeine to one serving a day (one cup of tea, coffee, etc.) or go decaf.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Limit alcohol to once in a while.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Limit sweets like cakes, pies, cookies and such to only special occasions. For a daily sweet treat, focus on fresh or dried fruit, so you are also getting the fiber and nutrition. Some of my faves: Orange slices with just a drizzle of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. Pomegranate seeds with a squirt of lime juice and a sprinkle of vanilla extract. Medjool dates stuffed with walnuts. These are all decadent and delightful while still offering good stuff for the bod.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Throw out your cigarettes. You will be healthier for it and your body is so awesome it can even begin to repair some of the damage you may have done while smoking.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Have some quick, natural cleansing cloths handy for those party nights you struggle to remove your makeup. Swipe your face before your head hits the pillow. :)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Incorporate a nourishing and supportive skin care regime into your daily routine. More on that in our next challenge!</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Remember that we are human. Remember that life is to be lived. Not from a bubble, but in the real, live flesh. Enjoy life AND be healthy and good to yourself at the same time. You deserve it. :)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-69312399539018918752013-11-18T11:47:00.002-05:002013-11-18T12:35:50.575-05:00Healthy Skin Challenge #3: Nourish Your Skin<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu0ptqYnQRc/Un-6g14eInI/AAAAAAAABTM/rIaxL0U_Loc/s1600/SkinChallenge.jpg" /><br />
<i>Welcome to the third installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of </i><i>National Healthy Skin Month! </i></div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tips on how you can improve the health of your skin, along with challenges and recipes to jump-start your progress. </i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">*******</i></div>
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<a href="http://%C2%A9%20hpphoto%20%7C%20dreamstime%20stock%20photos%20%26%20stock%20free%20images/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W380WkognQo/UopBkdG0GAI/AAAAAAAABUU/YHnVpItHYx8/s320/Fruits+and+Veggies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">TODAY'S CHALLENGE: </b><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">NOURISH YOUR SKIN</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">At this point in the Healthy Skin Challenge, you should be more hydrated and well-rested, but you are probably wondering why I haven't actually mentioned anything about skin care yet. What's up with that?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I am a true believer that skin cannot reach optimal health until we first address healthy lifestyle changes that promote healthy skin from the inside out. Absolutely, what we put on our skin is important, but without the framework of a healthy lifestyle, even the best quality skin care products alone can only do so much. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">You can cover a turd in gold, but inside, it is still a turd...:)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Tips for Optimal Skin Nutrition</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">One of the largest influences on the health of our skin is incorporating optimal nutrition into our daily routine. This is done by nourishing your body with healthy foods every day - most notably, a wide variety of raw fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, raw nuts and leafy greens, probiotics and healthy fats. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">How do these foods promote healthy skin?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Fruits & Veggies</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Loaded with antioxidants (like Vitamins A, C & E), fruits and veggies help </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">to fight off the free radicals in the body that cause the aging process. Antioxidants can also help protect your skin from sun damage.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Fruits and veggies, loaded with fiber, also </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">help the body to naturally cleanse and detoxify itself, which results in healthier, glowing skin.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://%C2%A9%20saschad%20%7C%20dreamstime%20stock%20photos%20%26%20stock%20free%20images/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mfwx0z_3vA/UopCr5SbGuI/AAAAAAAABUg/hUB3nH0bV0E/s320/walnuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Raw Nuts</b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Nuts contain vitamins and minerals that promote good skin tone and texture.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Phytonutrients and fatty acids in nuts help to make skin more supple and elastic.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Nuts contain healthy doses of Omega-3s and Omega-6s (healthy fats) that help to reduce inflammation in the body (inflammation is a large contributor to many health issues, including skin issues such as acne and eczema).</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Leafy Greens</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Leafy greens are loaded with phytonutrients, including beta carotene and lutein. Beta carotene aids in skin regeneration and there is evidence that lutein can reduce the occurrence of wrinkles.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://%C2%A9%20katherineerickson%20%7C%20dreamstime%20stock%20photos%20%26%20stock%20free%20images/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91edu4Gnllo/UopDZVNAHoI/AAAAAAAABUo/uUsqn4SDqGw/s320/greens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Probiotics</b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, dairy or <a href="http://www.inner-eco.com/" target="_blank">coconut kefir</a> and fermented foods like sauerkraut promote healthy intestinal flora. A healthy balance of good gut bacteria is important in maintaining healthy skin and managing skin issues such as acne and eczema (among other health issues). <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/fermented-foods-zm0z13aszmat.aspx#axzz2l0wKFNAw" target="_blank">Here is a great article from Mother Earth News about incorporating fermented foods into your diet</a>.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Healthy Fats</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Skin needs fats and oils in the diet to stay healthy and properly lubricated - be gone the "fat-free" craze of the 90s that left folks with dry, shrively and unhealthy skin!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Essential fatty acids, found in healthy things like nuts, flaxseed, coconut oil, olive oil and avocado help skin cells to maintain a healthy membrane, which allows water and nutrients in to plump up and feed the cells, while allowing toxins to pass out. Without adequate fats in the diet, cells loose their happy, plump shape and result in dry, saggy baggy skin. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Healthy fats in the diet can actually help to balance oil production for those with acne and oily skin. If there are not enough fats in the diet, skin's oil production goes into overdrive to compensate, resulting in clogged pores, blemishes and full-blown acne.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://%C2%A9%20melis82%20%7C%20dreamstime%20stock%20photos%20%26%20stock%20free%20images/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wegKYcV4qjw/UopEBP3ZUzI/AAAAAAAABUw/TaSSfELd-OI/s320/avocado.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>So what about the stuff we eat that works against our skin? Stay tuned for the next challenge to find out more! </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>But for today's challenge...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Over the next 3 days, begin to incorporate the following into your daily diet (Obviously, please omit any items that you may be allergic/sensitive to, do not fit into your preferred diet/lifestyle or are contraindicated by a certain medical condition. Please consult with your doctor.):</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">7-8 daily servings of fruits and vegetables (half of these being raw)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 daily serving of fresh greens (spinach, kale, romaine, chard, etc.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 serving of salmon or walnuts per week</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 daily serving of a probiotic food (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, etc.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 daily multivitamin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 daily fish oil supplement (or a vegan/vegetarian Omega-3 supplement)</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Phew! It sounds like a lot. But don't freak! It really isn't that hard to to incorporate this stuff into your daily routine. Here's how it can be done...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Breakfast:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>The Ultimate Smoothie (taken with a multivitamin and Omega-3 supplement)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 banana</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1/2 avocado</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 large handful spinach</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 small handful walnuts</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 cup yogurt or coconut kefir</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1T coconut oil</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1-2 medjool dates (optional, for sweetness)</span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Lunch:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Add a side salad of leafy greens and chopped veggies of your choice to your lunch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Dinner:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Add a salad with leafy greens and </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">chopped veggies of your choice</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">, along with 1 or 2 cooked/steamed side vegetables with dinner.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%C2%A9%20Pkruger%20%7C%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.dreamstime.com/%22%3EDreamstime%20Stock%20Photos%3C/a%3E%20&%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.stockfreeimages.com/%22%3EStock%20Free%20Images%3C/a%3E" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfwAwugFzCA/UopESTky3pI/AAAAAAAABU4/EsDsA1e8iTo/s320/salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Snacks:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Snack on fresh fruit and cut veggies. Add a dip like homemade ranch or hummus if you are feeling crazy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">See? Easy! :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Um, I left out desserts, though, right? No freakin' way will I leave out dessert! But you will have to wait until the next challenge for that. ;)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Happy, healthy skin to all! </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>How are you doing with the challenge so far? I'd love to hear from you!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>What are your favorite ways to incorporate healthy foods into your diet?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-755749363969740402013-11-13T10:36:00.000-05:002013-11-13T10:37:34.769-05:00Healthy Skin Challenge #2: Catch More Z's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu0ptqYnQRc/Un-6g14eInI/AAAAAAAABTM/rIaxL0U_Loc/s1600/SkinChallenge.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i>Welcome to the second installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of </i><i>National Healthy Skin Month! If you missed Challenge #1 you can find it <a href="http://www.skincareforyoursoul.blogspot.com/2013/11/healthy-skin-challenge-ie-hydrate.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><i>Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tips on how you can improve the health of your skin, along with challenges and recipes to jump-start your progress. </i></span></div>
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<i>*******</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPJN-Xjoy2M/UoOGHDelO8I/AAAAAAAABTs/TWhylU_lrmY/s1600/Sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPJN-Xjoy2M/UoOGHDelO8I/AAAAAAAABTs/TWhylU_lrmY/s320/Sleep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">TODAY'S CHALLENGE: </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">CATCH MORE Zs!</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">We all know how important it is to get good sleep every night. It sounds easy in theory, right? But for many of us in this fast-paced world, getting a solid night's rest is a struggle.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">While we sleep, our skin is regenerating and repairing itself from the stresses of the day (environmental irritants, physical stress, etc.). It is when we sleep that our skin fights off the free radicals that cause the aging process (i.e. wrinkles, loss of collagen and sagging skin). Lack of sleep also causes a rise in the bodies level of cortisol, a stress hormone, that contributes to accelerating the aging process and acne. Not getting enough rest also makes skin more susceptible to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">People joke about getting their "beauty rest," but there really is a lot of truth in how sleep affects our skin. Getting more sleep is good for your body for many reasons, healthy skin being one of them.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>For the next week, go to bed an hour earlier than usual. Ideally you should be in bed by 10pm and try to get AT LEAST 8 hours of sleep. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Combined with boosting your fluid intake from our last challenge, take note of how the added rest makes your skin appear. Does it look more vibrant and clear? Is there less redness or more even skin tone? Does it feel smoother and softer?</span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">TIPS:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Limit your caffeine intake to before Noon, so that you are not wired into the afternoon and evening.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Avoid too much alcohol before bedtime. While a glass of wine can be a nice way to unwind, too many glasses can actually disrupt your sleep (darn).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Designate the two hours before bedtime as sacred relaxation time. Rather than cramming more chores into your already busy day, honor yourself by taking this time to unwind - close the computer and turn off your phone, curl up with a book and a cup of tea, do some gentle stretches, a guided meditation or that yoga video you always wish you could get to, take a relaxing bath, chat with your best friend - whatever gives you relaxation and comfort to prepare your body for rest. Keep it simple, so that your nighttime routine flows easily.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Limit electronics (TV, computer, etc) before bedtime so your brain isn't overly stimulated.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Keep your room dark and cool for optimal sleep conditions. Layer your bed with several weights of blankets so you can add or subtract layers for your perfect level of warmth.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Consider using a guided meditation, relaxation audio or white noise soundtrack/app to fall asleep (see below for suggestions) .</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">If you are like me and have a nighttime hamster bladder that wakes you up to pee during the night, try to not turn on the light as it can jolt you awake and keep you from easily falling back asleep. :/ Also, try to limit fluids past 7pm.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Consult a medical professional if you have chronic issues falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. They can help determine if you have a sleep disorder or other health condition that can affect your sleep.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>MY PERSONAL RECIPE FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S REST</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>8:00 PM</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">With your chores for the day complete, sit down for 10 minutes in a comfortable position in a quiet location and close your eyes. Allow your brain to run through what happened during your day - what went well, what could have gone better, what tomorrow may bring. At the end of the 10 minutes, make a conscious decision to let everything you just processed go. The day is done.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp0JgOFzvQw/UoOZJ1cSnyI/AAAAAAAABT4/tS6l2YK_20M/s1600/Tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp0JgOFzvQw/UoOZJ1cSnyI/AAAAAAAABT4/tS6l2YK_20M/s320/Tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">8:15 PM</b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Prepare a cup of tea. Chamomile is a great choice for relaxation that you can easily find in your local grocery. For a bit more of a sleepy time kick, try <a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/tea_bev/tea_bev.php" target="_blank">Fidnemed Nightime Tea from Mountain Rose Herbs</a>. This tea blend includes hops, passionflower, skullcap and valerian - herbs that promote sleep and relaxation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>8:30 PM</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Pour yourself a hot bath (not too hot!). While the water is running, mix a few drops of <a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/aroma/f-l.php" target="_blank">lavender essential oil</a> into 1 cup full of Epsom salts. You can find Epsom salts at any local drugstore or grocery and, nowadays, it is sometimes easy to find a good quality lavender oil there, too. If not, you can find it at your local natural foods store or <a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/aroma/f-l.php" target="_blank">online</a>.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%C2%A9%20Sierpniowka%20%7C%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.dreamstime.com/%22%3EDreamstime%20Stock%20Photos%3C/a%3E%20&%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.stockfreeimages.com/%22%3EStock%20Free%20Images%3C/a%3E" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V47fAzg6ad0/UoObZJp2xoI/AAAAAAAABUE/V82QFbgNsaU/s320/lavenderbath.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_1880399332"></span><span id="goog_1880399333"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Light a </span><a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/candle/candlelight.php#irc_can_p" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">yummy candle</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">, add the salts to your bath, hop in, sip your tea and take a 15-30 minute soak with that book you have been wanting to read - a real one made of paper and ink is recommended for the complete experience. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>9:00 PM</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Complete your bedtime routine - take the time to apply a luxurious lotion after getting out of the bath - you deserve it! Put on your robe and fuzzy slippers and curl up on the couch with your cup of tea for a few more decadent moments of reading.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>9:30 PM</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Crawl into bed and turn out the lights. Using whatever device you listen to music on (smartphone, mp3 player, etc.), fire up your favorite relaxing music, guided sleep meditation or white noise soundtrack. Here are a few of my favorites:</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nature-sounds-relaxation-tibetan/id401430357" target="_blank">Sounds of Nature White Noise for Mindfulness, Meditation & Relaxation</a> on iTunes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/omvana-meditation-relaxation/id595585396?mt=8" target="_blank">The Omvana App</a> for iPhones (allows you to create custom mixed relaxation tracks from a library of meditations, relaxation audio, nature sounds and more!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/relax-melodies-sleep-zen-sounds/id314498713?mt=8" target="_blank">Relax Melodies App</a> (create mixes of 50 nature and white noise sounds)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif;">Hopefully, by now, you are asleep. Nuh nite. Rest well... :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What do you do to get a restful night's sleep?</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-42799307683713142622013-11-10T11:42:00.001-05:002013-11-10T11:56:07.407-05:00Healthy Skin Challenge #1: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Welcome to the first installment of the Healthy Skin Challenge in honor of National Healthy Skin Month! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tips on how you can improve the health of your skin, along with challenges and recipes to jump-start your progress. </span></span><br />
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<img height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GD8fvbC8Y7c/TKNhk3rjeMI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Tn3KyEgxLQs/s400/iStock_000010137980XSmall.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 21px;">TODAY'S CHALLENGE: BOOST YOUR HYDRATION!</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Drinking enough pure water and keeping the body hydrated assists the skin in eliminating toxins. If the body is not eliminating these toxins properly, they can begin to be purged through the skin, which can cause or contribute to conditions such as acne or eczema. Water also carries nutrients to support healthy skin cells. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When the body is properly hydrated, it can help your skin to stay hydrated (along with a proper skin care regime). Drinking adequate amounts of water can also help to alleviate dark circles under the eyes, which are frequently caused by the body being dehydrated. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Some professionals recommend drinking 8 glasses a day, however, my thoughts are that you should drink what feels right for you - it may be more or less than 8 glasses. Listen to your body as to how much water to take in. In addition to pure water, the fluid intake can also be in the form of natural juices or herbal teas. Also remember that you may need to drink extra water if you have been exercising or drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip it throughout the day to keep thirst at bay. When you feel thirsty, you are already getting dehydrated.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, drink an extra helping of water, as caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and can cause your body to lose fluids.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Jazz up your H2O! Water doesn't have to be boring! Try these recipes this month to increase your fluid intake...</span></span></li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP6cx3moLxg/Un-0sDvPhGI/AAAAAAAABS0/TUix_DQQr2A/s1600/apple+cinnamon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FP6cx3moLxg/Un-0sDvPhGI/AAAAAAAABS0/TUix_DQQr2A/s400/apple+cinnamon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apple Cinnamon Soother</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Apples and chamomile pair beautifully in this comforting, cold-weather treat.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 chamomile tea bag</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 apple (cut into chunks)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Place the tea bag in a quart mason jar, cover with hot (almost boiling) water until the jar is about 3/4 full. Fill the remainder of the jar with with apple chunks, cinnamon and vanilla bean (if using). Cover the jar and place in the fridge overnight (or up to 24 hours for more flavor). Strain and serve warm or cold with a few drops of liquid stevia for a sweeter beverage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.motherearthliving.com/~/media/Images/MEL/Editorial/Blogs/Your%20Natural%20Home/DIY%203%20Easy%20Herb-Infused%20Water%20Recipes/5-9-12-lemongrassmint" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5-9-12-lemon-grass-mint" border="0" height="295" src="http://www.motherearthliving.com/~/media/Images/MEL/Editorial/Blogs/Your%20Natural%20Home/DIY%203%20Easy%20Herb-Infused%20Water%20Recipes/5-9-12-lemongrassmint" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 21px;"><b>Lemongrass, Mint and Vanilla Infused Water</b></span></span><br />
<i style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">A refreshing and invigorating way to hydrate!</i><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1 large stalk lemongrass, chopped coarsely and crushed slightly</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped coarsely</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1/2 vanilla bean</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">A few drops liquid stevia (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Place ingredients in a half gallon pitcher and place in the fridge to infuse overnight </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(or up to 24 hours for more flavor)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">. Strain and serve chilled with a sprig of mint and a few drops of liquid stevia for a sweeter beverage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Chug-a-lug more water starting today and get ready for our next challenge coming soon!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Do you have any favorite ways to get hydrated?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-14351696977487806292013-10-18T10:20:00.000-04:002013-10-18T10:23:15.412-04:00Spooky "Lotion & Potion" Bottles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2M6xXDGHxes/UmE8mTzRoZI/AAAAAAAABPA/hwacXcQgHXw/s1600/potion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2M6xXDGHxes/UmE8mTzRoZI/AAAAAAAABPA/hwacXcQgHXw/s400/potion2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Today's Halloween body craft fun is an updated flashback to one of my favorite posts from a few years ago. It is a quick DIY on how to create your own spooky "lotion & potion" bottles for containing your handmade body care goodies....</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In the spirit of Halloween, my daughters and I recently crafted our own spooky apothecary bottles to store various handmade lotions and potions. It was a very fun, easy and inexpensive project. Here is how we did it...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">First, we scoured our house, the recycling box and the local thrift shops for interesting looking bottles to reuse. We chose a variety of sizes to give us several storage options. We also looked for clear glass, as it would showcase the product inside. I also prefer glass to plastic as it does not leach any unwanted chemicals into finished body care products.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Each bottle got a good hot soak in the sink followed by a scrub with a copper dish scrubber until they were crystal clear. <em>Note: If you have any stubborn old label adhesive on the glass, we found that coating it with olive oil for 10-15 minutes before soaking and scrubbing works great.</em></span></span></div>
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Second, we searched the Internet for fun "potion" labels and downloaded some amazing <a href="http://lovemanor.com/blog/gallery/24761036@N00/xayon/mirco/27460230@N02/caress/tucats/clintriter/tisdale53/clintriter/clintriter/damselfly58/nenae/magdaibartek/28558269@N08/nandete/clintriter/sporkwrapper/15099384@N05/silviainacio/28497805@N05/clintriter/clintriter/clintriter/sporkwrapper/soapmaker/27695964@N03/marialuisa/tat2dqltr/caress/georgedthompson/soapmaker/damselfly58/justgeorge2/23187053@N04/clintriter/13591803@N04/14797809@N06/groups/our_cat_companions/album/72157602788222231/potion-labels-misc.html" target="_blank">labels by Love Manor</a>. They have a selection of outstanding old world designs with a very tongue-in-cheek, spooky flair. And if you are a fan of Halloween and/or Halloween inspired home decor, you will <b>definitely</b> want to check out the <a href="http://lovemanor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Love Manor Blog</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK4rb0HiPBA/UmFCWGQup7I/AAAAAAAABPs/2RLnCT39k80/s1600/werewolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DK4rb0HiPBA/UmFCWGQup7I/AAAAAAAABPs/2RLnCT39k80/s320/werewolf.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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Last, we printed the labels out in sizes to fit each bottle, carefully cut them out and adhered them to the glass with Scotch Spray Mount. As an optional step, you can seal the label with Mod Podge (we are going to experiment with the crackle finish Mod Podge). This gives the finished piece a bit more character, durability and resistance to any water or product that may come in contact with the label.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6urbUtXIyIc/UmE_MxS7CFI/AAAAAAAABPM/6Dq-W8Xd7TA/s1600/potion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6urbUtXIyIc/UmE_MxS7CFI/AAAAAAAABPM/6Dq-W8Xd7TA/s1600/potion1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">We temporarily set our bottles out in the parlor for a final viewing, but next week they will be in our powder room gruesomely holding bath salts (Graveyard Dust), cotton balls (Swamp Fog) and body wash (Life Renewal Potion)!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Have you created your own potion bottles? Post your fab pics on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AutumnMoonAesthetics" target="_blank">my Facebook Page</a>!</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-65287472057750717272013-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-09T08:00:04.325-04:00Buttery Sweet Halloween Bath Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6wbN_yRjuE/UlQiLcgh_KI/AAAAAAAABNY/cN1G42I0b4A/s1600/Bath+Candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6wbN_yRjuE/UlQiLcgh_KI/AAAAAAAABNY/cN1G42I0b4A/s400/Bath+Candy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today's Halloween bodycraft recipe could not be any easier (or affordable). It is a deliciously sweet, moisturizing bath treat that will leave your skin soft after lounging in the tub. It is candy for your bath. Not your belly. So, there is no guilt. Not that anyone should feel guilty about eating candy. Because I'm pretty sure chocolate is a food group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The only ingredient needed for this fun project is cocoa butter. The best that I have found is the certified organic, fair trade <a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/butter/butter.php#but_coc_w" target="_blank"><b>cocoa butter wafers from Mountain Rose Herbs</b></a>. They come in small wafers that allow for easy measuring and faster melting. And the delicious cocoa aroma far surpasses any cocoa butter I have ever smelled. And at the time of this post, they are only $4.75 for an entire pound, which would make about a bazzilion bath candies (approximately).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To make these spooky melts:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Select your molds. I used silicon ice cube tray molds that I found at the dollar store. You can also find these at pretty much any major craft store for around $2.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gently melt the <a href="http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=124260&Redirect=/butter/butter.php#but_coc_w" target="_blank">cocoa butter</a> in a small glass bowl (preferably with some sort of pouring spout so you don't make a mess like I did) in a pan full of water.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccpRFSd76Vc/UlQomf186wI/AAAAAAAABN0/SYeUzpVxdwo/s1600/melting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccpRFSd76Vc/UlQomf186wI/AAAAAAAABN0/SYeUzpVxdwo/s320/melting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When the butter is totally melted, carefully remove the bowl from the pan with oven mitted hands, as it can be hot. Wipe the water off the bottom of the bowl so it doesn't drip into your bath candy when you are pouring.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Carefully pour the melted butter into your molds, filling them just to the top and taking care not to overflow.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6uaxKTkGck/UlQpIbMLVGI/AAAAAAAABN4/_9MrRpxgWPE/s1600/molds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6uaxKTkGck/UlQpIbMLVGI/AAAAAAAABN4/_9MrRpxgWPE/s320/molds2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let them cool until hardened (they will cool faster if you stick them in the fridge - but do not freeze because they will crack when trying to remove them from the mold). Pop the candies out of molds while wearing non-latex gloves, so that you don't get fingerprints on them. Handle them as little as possible as they will begin to melt on body contact!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Voila! Place the finished candies in paper candy cups and package them in a decorated candy box for gift giving, if you wish</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To use the bath candy, simply drop one into a tub full of warm water and then soak your bones. It will melt into the warm water and moisturize your whole bod, while imparting your skin with the luxurious scent of cocoa. Just be careful when exiting the tub, as it can get a little slippery from the butter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have some cocoa-y, bath candylicious fun! I'd love to see what you create! Post pics of your bath candy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AutumnMoonAesthetics" target="_blank"><b>on my Facebook page</b></a>!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-31931529822981908132012-07-10T22:24:00.001-04:002012-07-10T22:24:28.949-04:00A Bittersweet Blogcation & Photo Contest Winner!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXGCJlu3cWI/T_zZTcLYfMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/nD_1514cneM/s1600/Butterfly+Bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXGCJlu3cWI/T_zZTcLYfMI/AAAAAAAAA1U/nD_1514cneM/s400/Butterfly+Bush.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jennifer's beautiful Butterfly Bush!</i></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.” </span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/425914.Shauna_Niequist" style="color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Shauna Niequist</a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/13747943" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way</a></i></span></b>
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Summer is in full swing! If you haven't noticed already, I have been a little absent from posting for a few weeks. The kids got out of school mid-June and we have been spending as much time as we can playing outdoors, eating popsicles and heartily enjoying the beautiful (albeit terribly dry) Michigan Summer of 2012.<br />
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This summer has, thus far, been bittersweet. On June 21st, we suddenly lost our dear friend and neighbor, "Miller." He was one of the kindest souls I've known and he is missed dearly by our family, especially my daughters who used to spend time daily with him in his garage talking about life, school, unicorns and stuffed animals.<br />
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It was a terrible way to start the summer, but then the "down" was replaced with an "up" this past week when out-of-town friends, who we haven't seen in years, stopped in for a few days, bringing joy with their two little boys and the familiar warmth of seasoned friendship. This was coupled with a surprise visit from my sister-in-law and our wee little niece.<br />
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Bittersweet.<br />
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This summer is proving to be even more bittersweet for me on a personal level. It is the last summer with both of my girls before they are both in school full time. Sigh. I don't know where the time has gone. I want to hold on to these past years of watching them grow and blossom - and not let go. But at the beginning of September, I will watch my eldest continue on in her school path as a second grader and will walk my littlest into her kindergarten classroom for the first time. Watching them both growing in spirit, cheering them on while fighting back the tears, knowing I'll be missing my little sidekicks.<br />
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Bittersweet.<br />
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So, I have made the decision that I will be taking a break from blogging for the rest of summer. A blogcation, I guess you could call it. This is again, very bittersweet for me, as I will miss it.<br />
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But these first few weeks of summer have been a reminder to me that life is short and we need to squeeze every bit of the sweetness out of it. Hug your neighbors and tell them you love them. Stay up all night with a bottle of wine and your dear, old friends talking about the good times (and when I say old, I mean friends from long ago - not old, like OLD, OK, Kevin and Sharon? You are both still fabulous!). Cherish time with your family - life twists and turns, shifts and changes and our families can be our rock.<br />
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I'm going to go dance in the dewy fairy grass with my babies for a few weeks. Until then, I leave you with the beautiful <b>winner of the recent photo contest (above)</b>. Thank you Jennifer for sharing your gorgeous butterfly bush! It captures the sunshininess of summer. :)<br />
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Much love and hugs to you all! Have a wonderfully sweet summer!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6484327891320234694.post-51573835206380218822012-06-20T20:54:00.001-04:002012-06-20T20:56:02.230-04:00Balmers Anonymous (BA): Bella Bitch Balm<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_716181123"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1dBX5uCLQs/T-JvrNNZldI/AAAAAAAAA08/2bllin8SivY/s320/Bella.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.gunnylove.com/productdetails.php?productid=25" target="_blank"><b>Sass for your lips.</b></a></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I love lip balm. In fact, it is a love that probably borders slightly on obsession. At any given time, I have handfuls of lip balm in my purse and every room in the house. And I have a special relationship with each and every one of them. I have special balms for morning. Special balms for evening. Special balms for dropping the kids off at school. And special balms for just about every other special time of life.</span></div>
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I know there are more of us out there, so I've started a new feature - <b>Balmers Anonymous (BA)</b> - which will periodically cover reviews of balms I have loved and you may love, too. BA was inspired by my friend, herb wife and fellow BA member, <b>Briana</b> (of <b>Rose of Wellness) </b>and the creator of the balm receiving this inaugural review - <b><a href="http://www.gunnylove.com/productdetails.php?productid=25" target="_blank">Bella Bitch Balm</a></b>.</div>
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I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Briana at the 2011 <b><a href="http://traditionsinwesternherbalism.org/intro.html" target="_blank">Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference</a></b>. She is a spitfire of a gal, wise beyond her years and she has created one rockin' balm! Put on your sassy pants for this one!</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.gunnylove.com/productdetails.php?productid=25" target="_blank">Bella Bitch Balm</a></b>, inspired by Briana's beautiful Alaskan Malamute pup (who also modeled for the label), is a 99% organic balm containing luxurious ingredients such as rose infused olive oil, mango butter and rosehip seed oil. It also contains alkanet root, which stains your lips a lovely natural rose hue and cayenne, which adds the lip plumping sass.</div>
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This balm earns the coveted kitchen countertop placement, since that is the room where I spend much of my time.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.gunnylove.com/productdetails.php?productid=25" target="_blank">Bella Bitch Balm</a></b> is available at <a href="http://gunnylove.com/"><b>Gunnylove.com</b></a>, a super sweet artisan marketplace from Gunnison Valley, Colorado. Check out the other neat-o stuff they have there.</div>
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I heart you, Briana, and your Bitch Balm, too. :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2