Oranges- Oranges are part of a large group of citrus fruits that are loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production which protects against wrinkles. Collagen is a protein that forms the structure of skin. As we age collagen begins to breakdown, which causes the skin to sag. Consuming extra vitamin C can keep the skintight and prevent premature wrinkles. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells. Therefore vitamin C can fight against inflammation and reduce prematurely aging skin. Include fruits with loads of vitamin C in your daily diet such as oranges, kiwi, grapefruit, Clementine’s, tangerines, lemons and limes.

Sweet Potatoes- Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which in the body is converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A acts like an antioxidant to prevent cell damage and premature aging. It helps skin to produce new cells and rid the skin of old cells. As cells age they lose their ability to hold moisture, causing skin to look dry. When old cells slough off the new cells underneath are bright and give skin a youthful appearance. Vitamin A also has been used for years to fight against acne. Acne medications such as Retin A contain vitamin A to reduce the appearance of acne on the skin. By consuming vitamin A and beta-carotene from fresh fruits and vegetables the body can reduce the appearance of acne on the skin. These vitamins appear in red, orange and green vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach.

Almonds- Almonds contain vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. These components keep the skin soft and give it a youthful appearance. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which fights against skin aging free radicals. Vitamin E also protects the skin from sun damage due to exposure to UV sunlight. With too much exposure to the sun, skin can become dry and wrinkled, however vitamin E helps the skin to hold onto moisture making it more supple and younger looking. When paired with selenium, it enhances the antioxidants abilities that both vitamin e and selenium have on the skins appearance. Choose from a variety of nuts such as almonds, pistachios and walnuts to give your skin a softer and more youthful complexion.

Whole Grains- Whole grains contain B vitamins and rutin to help clear the skin and keep it moisturized. Rutin is an antioxidant found in buckwheat, which helps to combat inflammation related skin damage. Inflammation can actually age skin faster especially in the cases of inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis. By reducing inflammation within the skin you can stop prematurely aging skin. Biotin, a B vitamin found in wheat germ is necessary for cell growth and division. It increases the rate of metabolism, which assists cells in processing fats. Biotin is known for maintaining healthy skin, hair and muscle tone and low levels of biotin in the body are known to cause dry and scaly skin. The use of processed and refined flour in foods has shown to increase insulin in the body which in turn can encourage acne, however by switching these with whole grains you can limit the appearance of acne on the skin, ultimately improving your complexion.

Oysters- Oysters contain omega 3 fatty acids and zinc both of which help to keep skin looking smooth, clear and glowing. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the look of inflammation and dryness. A low omega 3 fatty acid intake can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Omega 3 fatty acids are also heart healthy because they keep arteries clear of blockage. Good circulation is vital to keep skin looking beautiful therefore when nutrient rich blood is able to circulate throughout the body easily the skin and all other parts of the body remain healthy and functioning properly. Zinc is an acne-fighting mineral. Sebum is the oily substance in the pores, which causes the appearance of acne. Zinc helps to metabolize testosterone, which affects the production of sebum. Zinc is also vital in the new cell production and sloughing off dead cells. Once dead cells slough off the skin is left with a youthful glow. Other seafood to include in your diet is salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, and sardines.

Author: Sarah Labdar

Dealing with stress on a day to day basis can bring out the worst in most people but thankfully we have the tools and the ability to decrease our levels of stress in a variety of ways.

The healthiest way to reduce levels of stress and increase relaxation is in some form of physical exertion. By reducing tension and increasing oxygen levels we can not only help our mental health but our physical health as well.

Feeling the Quiet

But exercise does not only include pumping iron or jogging miles, it can be gentle, rhythmic, and quiet as in Tai Chi and Yoga. Both provide the benefits of a healthy workout but at a pace that people of any age can participate in.

Both Yoga and Tai Chi originated and were practiced in the eastern regions of our world centuries ago and both involve freeing the body of tension and promoting flexibility. They include mindful and practiced breathing techniques as well as meditation for mind and body control. When done in conjunction with each other they can help release pent up stress and anxiety.

By developing a slow and rhythmic routine, lean muscle mass can be developed by using isometric tension. This form of progressive resistance increases core strength and muscle mass but it also alleviates tension throughout with its gentle stretching. Relieving tension promotes physical calmness and a more balanced state of mind.

Scheduling 20 minute sessions every other day can reap positives rewards quickly and in time, daily sessions will keep tension from building and the bring about the release of stress faster. All it takes is commitment.

Beginner Basics

Tai Chi and Yoga require very little for a beginner however it is advisable to attend a session with a reputable instructor for proper technique in movement and form. Though gentleness is the key to success, you should have the permission of your primary care physician before you tackle any new exercise.

There are many community centres that offer programs from beginners to a more advanced levels. There are also many DVDs available that can provide the basics depending on your level of fitness. The key is to start slow and maintain form with fluidity of motion.

Improving the mind, body balance has become an important part of our health and well-being. In the stressful times of today, reducing our stress must be one of our top priorities for a healthy body and a longer life.

Experiencing nasal stuffiness or a sore or scratchy throat? Are you constantly sneezing and coughing and perhaps feeling a fever or headache coming your way?

Usually spread by direct hand-to-hand contact, the common cold can bring us down with its symptoms. Work, close proximity with sick people and the changing weather may be the culprits. Since most of us work indoors in close proximity to each other, we are easily susceptible to the spread of the cold virus.

Hydrotherapy Benefits

We all turn to remedies that we are used to – that soothing chicken soup, meds prescribed by our doctors, fruits and plenty of water, or simply a day’s rest. But have you tried a nice warm, bath soak? Today’s recipe, a cold/flu bath soak, provides relief from the common cold.

Hydrotherapy (or balenotherapy) (hyperlink) uses water in various states and temperatures to maintain health and promote healing. A bath soak can provide stress relief, alleviate sleeping problems, and even lower blood pressure! Immersing yourself in warm water calms your internal organs and endocrine system because it stimulates the nerves on the spinal cord.

It also helps to soak in a warm bath to relax strained muscles and bring some relief to your clogged up respiratory system.

Eucalyptus, Epsom Salts And Rosemary

Today’s bath soak uses Eucalyptus oil, widely used to treat congestion and respiratory distress, providing relief to sore muscles. And then we have the excellent Rosemary Oil, that helps relieve pain and is an excellent inhalant, guaranteed to give instant relief and decongestion to your body.

Add a bit of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), which are a natural way to treat skin problems, relax the nervous system, and draw toxins from the body while making skin soft and smooth. This is indeed an amazing bath soak!

Prevention is always better than a cure, as they say. So follow these tips to stay healthy and cold-free:

Wash your hands frequently. Be equipped with a good hand sanitizer (hyperlink to DIY sanitizer) to clean your hands always.

Dispose of all tissue used (correctly! think green) to blow your nose immediately after use.

Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing. Don’t add to the contamination by spreading germs around.

Rest. By not resting your body you may be worsening the symptoms or delaying your body’s recovery.

Drink plenty of water, and avoid salty food.

Humidify dry air. Moist air decreases swelling of the respiratory tract and helps to clear our mucus. If you work in an airconditioned office all day, lower down the thermostat or take walks outside the room.

Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking is bad for you to begin with, and smoking while being sick only worsens the situation.

And, the next time that cold virus catches you, soak up in this soothing bath’s goodness. Enjoy!

EUCALYPTUS & ROSEMARY COLD RELIEF BATH SOAK

Ingredients:

3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 cups Epsom Salt

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
2. Prepare your tub by filling it with warm water.
3. As your tub fills, pour the mixture into your tub.
4. Soak in this soothing, relaxing bath.

A Tribute To A Working Woman’s Hands And Feet

Women of this generation have their hands full – literally.

Today, we’re busy climbing the corporate ladder, running a business, travelling for a cause, saving the world! It’s amazing how much stuff we juggle and to some this is admirable, but the truth is, many of us are just beat.

Nowadays, it’s a luxury to be able relax, breathe, and be pampered. And special pampering is what the busy working woman’s hands and feet need!

A working woman’s hands are the most used and abused part of her body. From the time we wake up in the morning until the end of our day, we use our hands to do everything – preparing breakfast, washing the dishes, carrying stuff around, driving the car, typing, preparing coffee. Oh the harshness that our hands are exposed to! And what about our feet? Wearing high heels to work everyday can take a toll on the heels and soles of our feet, and affect our entire body.

It will not, therefore, come as a surprise that our hands and feet are prone to look worn out, tired, and rough.

Pampering for both the hands and the feet should be a part of a working woman’s routine. A weekly exfoliation should be on top of our pampering list, and today, we’ve got an amazing hand and foot exfoliator for you -featuring oatmeal!

Oatmeal For The Skin

Here’s the thing about oatmeal: its grainy little flakes perform super skin exfoliation! Oatmeal removes dead cells and can even get rid of irritation and redness. After a good oatmeal scrub, your skin will be left soft and glowing! Today’s recipe combines salt with baking soda with oatmeal to make an amazing exfoliating scrub that’s perfect for dry, rough, tired hands and feet!

A good way to start the hand and foot exfoliation activity is to soak your hands and feet in warm soapy water for around 10 minutes to soften it, then start scrubbing. Another option is to apply your exfoliating scrub is right after taking a shower, when your skin is still soft. This DIY oatmeal hand and foot exfoliator is great for weekly use! Enjoy!

OATMEAL HAND & FOOT EXFOLIATING SCRUB

Ingredients:

2 tsp. oatmeal
2 tbsp. sea salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add 3-5 tbsp. of water to make a paste.
3. Apply the scrub to your hands or feet, rubbing it gently for a minute or two
4. Rinse and pat dry.

Well neither way is the answer. Eliminating frizz and restoring beauty to your hair can be done in the comfort of your own home and for relatively cheaper prices than a salon would charge you. Plus they are all natural so you know the ingredients that you’re putting on your hair. Store bought or salon products for frizz contain chemical ingredients that don’t work very well and can leave your hair worse off than it already was. So the next time you notice a frizz decide to do something about it before you leave your home.

1. Mayonnaise – One of America’s most beloved condiments is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to reduce frizz and condition your hair. Because mayonnaise contains a ton of fatty acids it actually repairs damaged hair and conditions the entire hair shaft. Apply a good amount of mayonnaise to your hair and scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes. Wash it out with cool water to close the cuticle leaving conditioning and moisturizing ingredients within the hair.

2. Olive oil – Olive oil along with other fatty acid oils such as safflower, coconut and castor oil can be used to reduce frizz and add shine to your locks. By using these oils on your hair you will have healthier, stronger hair. Massage your scalp and coat your hair with one of these natural oils, then wash with regular shampoo and conditioner. They can also be used on the fly in between washes for frizzies and fly-aways. Apply a few drops of oil into your hand and run your hand throughout your hair from scalp to end.

3. Egg – Eggs are filled with protein that will do wonders for damaged hair. Whip and egg, both yolk and white, together. Add a tablespoon of water and continue to whip until it becomes foamy and frothy. Apply mixture to wet hair and massage gently. Leave it on the hair for 20 minutes and wash with a good shampoo.

4. Banana & Avocado – Bananas are filled with antioxidants and minerals. Avocados contain good fatty acids. When you mix and mash over ripe bananas and avocados you create a paste to reduce frizzy, dry hair. Massage this paste into your hair and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash out.

5. Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar are both acceptable to be used to reduce frizzy hair. Vinegar smooths out the cuticles, which reduces frizz and creates a better pH balance for your hair. White vinegar can be combed through your hair, then condition as normal. Rinse with cold water. Or apple cider vinegar can be combined equally with water and applied after a shampoo and condition, then rinsed.

6. Honey – Honey is a natural humectant. It attracts and holds water molecules to create moisture. Combine 1 tablespoon of honey in 1 quart of water. Pour over freshly shampooed, wet hair. Condition normally and rinse with cool water to hold the moisture in your hair.

7. Beer – Although, most people wouldn’t waste beer this way, but you can rinse dry frizzy hair with beer. Or you can simple spray beer onto your hair with a spray bottle. Either way your hair will be less frizzy and shiny.

8. Carbonated water – After washing your hair normally, rinse your hair with carbonated or sparkling water. It reduces frizz because of its low pH levels, which bring your hair back to an acceptable pH.

Author: Sarah Labdar

Another benefit from using this body spray is for hydration and rejuvenation at any time especially during work time to positively enhance your mood and stimulate your senses.

Before you make your own body spray,first select what essential oils you want to use.

Lavender body spray: Can producing a calming effect on the body. Excellent for sleeping disorders.

Rose and Ylang ylang body spray: Has an excellent aphrodisiac effect. Good to lifts up your romance mood.

Lemongrass body spray: Can relieves nerves and ease stress. Lemongrass is good for insect repellent.

Sweet orange body spray: Its fragrance works well in any season. In summer, it induces a beautifully fresh and light mood. In winter, Its scent enhances the festive atmosphere.

Peppermint and Ginger body spray: Excellent for mental stimulation, muscle soreness, headaches, congestion and sinus problems.

How to make aromatherapy body spray?

You need:

* A mister bottle

* 4 drops of essential oils

* A cup of water

Just fill the mister bottle with a total of 4 drops of oils. Add a cup of water. Shake well before use.

If you prefer to use witch hazel. You can use this recipes

* 1 tablespoon witch hazel

* A total of 10 drops of oil

* 8 oz. of distilled water

This wonderful body spray is designed to keep both men and women smelling really fresh. Simply spray it all over (except for eyes) after a bath or shower to help enhance your mood.

Author: Liani Widjaja

First of all if you have healthy skin then congratulations, many people don’t and would love to be in your position. The main concern for you now is to preserve that healthy skin and to delay the ageing process for as long as possible.

It doesn’t matter how good your skin is, sooner or later time is going to take its toll, for some the results will be more drastic and noticeable than for others. As we age the first thing we will notice is that our skin starts to develop very fine lines and wrinkles. As time progresses, the skin will become thinner and more transparent, it will lose its ability to retain moisture as well as it did so may become dry and itchy. We will also start to lose collagen and our skin will become saggy as the skin loses its elasticity and eventually we may develop age spots and lesions.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t delay these effects and limit the damage that time and age can do to your skin.

What are the factors that influence the ageing process?

Genetics play a role in how quickly you will start to see signs of ageing in your skin this is why you can see two people of the same chronological age but who have very different skin. However, genetics isn’t the only factor that can affect how quickly our skin ages and neither is it the most influential.

Possibly the greatest influence on ageing is environmental factors the biggest being the effect of solar radiation from the sun. Just look at the skin of anyone who has spent many years outdoors or in a hot climate. However, exposure to cold, wind, and pollutants can also damage our skin. Environmental factors can give our skin a ‘weathered’ look and skin that feels rough and dry to the touch.

So what can you do to preserve healthy skin?

If you already have healthy skin then you have been doing something right up until now so the main focus is to prevent your skin from becoming damaged. Ageing skin is more fragile than youthful skin so could be more susceptible to damage than before. Here are the main points you have to consider.

Moisture

Ensure that your skin always has enough moisture because as our skin ages it can become dehydrated and dry. This involves making sure that any loss of moisture is replaced, and helping your skin to retain what moisture is there. There is a loss of ‘barrier integrity’ as we get older which basically means our skin has less of an ability to retain moisture. To help combat this it’s important to use a good quality moisturiser on a regular basis and to keep your body and your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Diet

Diet is extremely important as your skin needs to have the right nutrients from the inside as well as on the surface. If you are already eating a healthy diet then to give your skin and your health in general an extra boost you could try supplementing with Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. Sebum, the skin’s natural moisturiser, is composed mostly of fatty acids and one of the first signs that you aren’t getting enough of these nutrients in your diet is poor skin.

There are other benefits to taking fish oil too as fish oil is anti-inflammatory so will not only provide your skin with essential nutrients, it will also help to combat any inflammation in the skin. Fish oil is a natural mood booster which is why it has been shown in studies to be so effective for depression, so you also get the feel good factor too.

The Sun

Avoid the sun. This has got to be the number one rule for preserving healthy skin. A bronzed skin may look healthy and radiant when you’re young but tanned skin is skin that has already been damaged and although the effects may not be noticeable to start with, your skin will age fast, really fast.

Daily care of the skin

Finally on a daily basis you need to make sure your skin is cleansed and moisturised. Never be tempted to wash your face with soap and water as this can quickly clog the pores and dry out the skin.

Try to buy skincare products that are as natural as possible as the chemicals in some products can damage the skin. You could also look for skin care products that contain Palmitic acid which is an Omega 7 fatty acid found in some vegetable oils, particularly Seabuckthorn oil. Palmitic acid is present in sebum but the amount decreases as we get older. Some research suggests that Palmitic acid can play a role in rejuvenating the skin.

AHAs may offer some help against damaged skin too, these are Alphahydroxy acids which are often found in skincare products in the form of lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and glycolic acid.

If you look after your healthy skin now then the chances are that you will be able to keep it that way for many years to come.

What do these elements have in common with aromatherapy fragrances for your home? Aromas make they way through air, so it is sort of an air-based system. Anyway, aromatherapy can easily involve any of these four elements, since every single aroma has its own associations. You know, it’s like in the ancient times, when people associated things, being their way to understanding life. Maybe we forgot associations, and do not have them anymore in our lives. Aromatherapy fragrances for your home can easily bring new associations to your home, thanks to every single aroma being associated to some of the four elements, and maybe even more.

No matter what perfume you use in your own aromatherapy, you use the element Air. You can add something special to your own aromatherapy fragrances for your home if you mix these classical elements, if you choose two of them, or for a perfect harmony, you will mostly choose all four.

Aromatherapy fragrances highly influence your state of how you feel, your mood and your nervous system. Different perfumes have different effects on people. For instance, jasmine is causes you to feel agile and alert.

Now, let’s see how elements are mostly used and mixed.

Air
People often use Air only, without involving any of the other classical elements. This can be done in several different ways. You can choose to spray a scent in the air or you can use different mixtures and special oils created for this purpose. These mixtures and oils mostly need to be heated. Since they are heated, you will need to use candle. Some people argue about this method involving the element Fire. Practically, it’s up to you, you’re the one to decide whether it does involve Fire or not.

Air and Fire
When Air and Fire are both involved, it’s pretty logical that you will most likely use some perfumed candles or other aromatherapy products which first need fire to produce the scent. Of course, this perfume diffuses through Air, so Air is also involved.

Air and Earth
If you have a sachet, then you have Air and Earth too. A sachet is in fact a mix of herbs and flower petals, diffusing aromatherapy fragrances. These sachets may be used to perfume rooms or your clothes too. Since herbs and flowers are plants, related to the Earth, they bring the element Earth in your home with aromatherapy fragrances.

Air, Fire and Water
This is very similar to Air and Fire only. Mostly, you will have a candle heating a dish above that candle. In that dish, you add water and aromatherapy oils, so after water has been heated, your perfume diffuses through Air, creating a special atmosphere. These oils are very concentrated, so you need to use them with water.

Harmony: all of the classical elements together
You can choose to have a perfect harmony by bringing all of the four classical elements in your home with aromatherapy fragrances. If you need all four elements, you will use a so called potpourri. A potpourri is very simple as construction: you have a candle heating a dish above, but a deeper dish, then in the case of oils. You only need to add a herbal mix and water, so Earth, Water and Fire all work together, scenting your room with a very nice perfume, through Air.

Author: Liani Widjaja 

Your body will love you for this… Besides the pleasing aroma & relaxing qualities within this exfoliant; You will find that it is also loaded with lots of great essentials for you skin, leaving you smooth, soft & relaxed.

Ingridients: 

• 1/2 cup Bolivian Pink Salt, Fine
• 1/2 ounce Pumpkin Seed Oil
• 1/2 ounce Cranberry Seed Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fruit Fiber
• 1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fruit Seeds
• 1 ounce Polysorbate 20
• 1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fragrance Oil

Directions:

In a medium-to-large sized bowl, combine the Pumpkin Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, and Cranberry Fragrance Oil.  Stir until completely blended. Then, add the Bolivian Pink Salt and stir thoroughly, leaving no clumps.  Lastly, Add in the Cranberry Fruit Fiber and Cranberry Fruit Seeds to the mixture, stir until well combined.

My favorite method of use:

Place a towel on the floor and one on the toilet, turn on the shower, warmly. Step into the shower & rinse {shower if necessary}. Turn off the shower, step out {do not dry off},Draw a bath with warm-to-hot water. As the tub is filling up, begin to scrub your body all over, avoiding sensitive and/or broken skin.  You can sit while scrubbing. Once you are thoroughly scrubbed, and the tub is drawn: Climb in and soak for 15-20 minutes. Once done, you can rinse off in the tub or shower. Pat dry and moisturize.

Happy Holidays

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/3 cup of mineral oil
• 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
• 1 drop of green food coloring

Mix it throughly together in a bowl, be sure all the sugar is moistened. Simple, easy and you will love love love it.

                                                            Merry Christmas

Resource & Credit:

Heather @ Life in the Motherhood