Archive for the ‘Natural Beauty and Skin Care’ Category

WISH for International Women’s Day - March 8, 2010

Friday, March 5th, 2010 by stacey

The Green Smoothie Queen

Behind every great woman there are about three or four other great women. Since before the history books were written, women have come together to share wisdom, support and even resources.

And while modern life and luxuries may have eliminated many of our needs for support, no amount of technological “advances” can take away from our need to connect, share, and inspire one another. In fact, it’s quite the opposite:

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the biggest WISH there’s ever been is coming true. On March 8, 2010, women from all around the globe are invited to attend W.I.S.H., the Women’s International Summit for Health - a series of free on-line interviews with leading health and wellness experts who answer the most pressing questions faced by women today.

http://www.wishsummit.com/

Women's International Summit for HealthFor 10 days, thousands of women will come together to hear the stories and share the wisdom of a star-studded list of 40 speakers. Exploring the subjects of sensuality, spirit, food, and relationships as much as fitness, beauty, health, money, attitude and family.

Whether it’s the kids, the cellulite, the hot flashes or steamy romances, W.I.S.H. brings women together to find the solutions and to recharge their batteries.

Register free before March 8, 2010 and join us for the world’s biggest empowerment party EVER!

http://www.wishsummit.com/

Wishfully yours,

The Green Smoothie Queen

365 Days of Green Smoothies With Jessica - February Update

Saturday, February 27th, 2010 by stacey

The Green Smoothie Queen

I think it’s time for a little inspiration this marvelous Monday morning!  In January, I was thrilled to introduce you to Jessica Mauk.  Jessica is a green gal after my own leafy heart.  She’s really stepping up to the plate this year and is taking on 365 days of green smoothies!

Each month, she’s going to share with us a little update about her progress and what she’s learned, so here to tell you more is the fearless chlorophyll challenger herself.  And if you like the idea of green smoothies, but just can’t see yourself doing 365 days just yet, then perhaps our upcoming 10-Day Challenge will be more to your liking!  It’s a live challenge starting on St. Patrick’s Day, so order yourself a green jug now and get ready to chug down some shamrocks!

- by Jessica Mauk

jessica mauk 365 green smoothie challengerHello everyone!  I now have two months under my belt in my 365 days of smoothies challenge.  I can not wait for spring to hit as I’m getting a little tired of frozen fruit and I’m longing for all of those luxurious greens that are so abundant at our local farmer’s market each year.

So, in addition to this new supply of energy that I’ve found, what are a few things that I’ve learned or noticed in my two months of drinking a quart a day?  My fingernails are growing like weeds, green weeds!  I’ve never had strong or long nails in my life.  They always split and tear as soon as they eek out just slightly above my fingertip.  Now, I actually have to file them back a bit.  I’ve also noticed that if I drink a green smoothie about an hour or so before bedtime I sleep so much more soundly and I wake up refreshed and ready to tackle my day.  I can honestly say, after only two months of my challenge I will never go back to a S.A.D again.

I have found heaven on earth and it’s green!

To read more about Jessica’s challenge and her year of green smoothies, please visit her blog: http://365smoothies.blogspot.com/

Green Smoothie Valentine - Be My Green Valentine!

Sunday, February 14th, 2010 by stacey

I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to get you all for Valentine’s Day.  It’s a gift I hope will fill your hearts with more joy, more life, and more enthusiasm.  It’s a gift you’ll definitely be able to share with those you love.  I’m going to keep you in anticipation until tomorrow… (I’m such a tease!) but come back tomorrow m’luv.  For today, enjoy yourself… enjoy the beauty of the day.

Remember, your greatest love is you…

- by Kate Nicholson

Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Love today!

Select your favourite fruits and greens and blend them up.  Add some cacao.  Add some maple syrup.  Add some vanilla.  Add whatever you fancy.

Indulge yourself!  Fill a lovely, elegant glass with your smoothie, put it on a tray with some flowers, and go right back to bed with the Sunday papers.

Later, when you’ve showered and massaged, and dressed in your favourite clothes (the ones that make you feel sexy and feminine), go out for a long walk.  Explore the city if that’s where you live.  Go to a gallery or museum.  Go to the cinema.  Sit in a stylish café with a cup of green tea and a good book.  People-watch.  Be amused by your people-watching.  We’re a funny old species.

If you live in the country, pull on your boots and go for a tramp across the fields.  Sit by a river. Try your hand at painting the scenery.  Who knows, you could surprise yourself with your hidden talent!  Anyway, the point is, do something just for you today.

Make yourself a sumptuous meal this evening.  Light some candles.  Think about inviting love into your life.  Tell yourself over and over how fabulous you are.  Before you go to bed tonight (and every night) say out loud, “I am beautiful, radiant and loving. I attract wonderful people and experiences into my life.”   After all, you gorgeous goddesses of green smoothies, if you don’t love and appreciate yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?

Valentine’s Day kisses to Kate Nicholson for her inspirational Valentine’s Day Week of love and pampering!  Be sure to leave her a comment and send her thanks and hugs!

Green Smoothie Valentine - Day 6 - True Love

Saturday, February 13th, 2010 by stacey

See…  I think they have the colours for Valentine’s Day a little off if you ask me.  If Valentine’s Day has become a day associated with affairs of the heart, then, and I just * may * be a little biased, but I think  we should be giving each other beautiful gifts of GREEN.  Kate is going to tell you a little bit about the heart chakra today, but I just can’t resist letting you know that the heart chakra is associated with my most favourite, luscious  colour.  Take a moment to feed the hearts of others and your own Sunshine.  Enjoy this gift with love…


- by Kate Nicholson

In yoga, the heart chakra is associated with unconditional love, peace, forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance. According to www.spiritual.com.au it is “essential to affection, warmth, nurturing, friendship and familiarity…it is the seat of your ability to feel joy, unity, laughter and especially love - the very highest power in your life. It expands your capacity to be generous, sensitive, forgiving, and tolerant.” Today, treat yourself to a long yoga session, focusing on opening the heart chakra. Feel the love radiating from you. Give someone a gift today - anything from the coins in your purse to the homeless guy on the street corner, to a compliment to a co-worker. In return, it will give you the gift of happiness - and the beautiful benefits of that are visible for all to see.

And remember that your first true love is YOU.  So today, give yourself a little gift too.  Buy yourself a big bunch of flowers. Try to find some beautifully scented ones. Tidy the house. Dust, hoover and polish, then spend the evening relaxing with some soothing music. Treat your feet to a soak in a bowl of warm water with a handful of rosemary leaves added. Afterwards, massage your feet thoroughly; each toe and every inch of skin on each foot and ankle - think of all those reflexology points that you’re gently comforting and soothing, and of the effect that will have on the rest of your body - before putting on some soft cotton socks and lying back to enjoy the oasis of tranquillity you have created today by giving to others and to yourself.

Day 6

Give your love freely…

The True Love Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • Punnet of raspberries
  • large handful of mixed lettuce leaves
  • 1 tsp bee pollen
  • 1 tsp raw honey

Directions:

Blend with water and buzz with true energy all day.

Green Smoothie Valentine - Day 5 - Light of My Life Smoothie

Friday, February 12th, 2010 by stacey

I’m starting to think that every week should be a countdown to Valentine’s Day.  Pampering, beauty, relaxation…

And healthy, yummy green smoothies…

This is my kinda holiday…

- by Kate Nicholson

Treat yourself to a candlelit bubble bath tonight. Take a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon into the bath with you. Slap on a face mask. I have a friend who swears by honey. She simply rubs a spoonful of the stuff over her face, avoiding the eyes and mouth areas, leaves for a short while, and then rinses off. She has a radiant, even complexion. Add a couple of cucumber slices over your eyes, and you’ll look good enough to eat!

Day 5

From a sunbeam to the bounce in your step…

Light of my Life Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 - 3 peaches
  • chunk of cucumber, peeled if not organic
  • 1 stick of celery

Directions:

Blend with water.  Enjoy a peachy day!

Green Smoothie Valentine - Day 3 - The Dawn of Love

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 by stacey

I’d love to write you something smart and sassy, but I’m too busy taking Kate’s advice and looking in the back of my fridge for that elusive bottle of almond oil.

I know it’s in here somewhere!

- by Kate Nicholson

Today’s pampering involves touch: A self-massage with scented oils. Angela Joyce on www.ehow.com does an excellent series of videos on self massage.  Make your own massage lotion with sweet almond oil or olive oil as a base and add a few drops of your favourite essential oils. (Check with a qualified aromatherapist as to which are safe to use if pregnant or breastfeeding). Close your eyes and enjoy a sensuous experience. You have beautiful skin, and all the smoothies you drink are making it even softer and suppler!

Afterwards, when you’ve showered and put on a fluffy dressing gown, sort out your underwear drawer. Throw out those old grey, stretchy elastic items, sistah! Time to treat yourself to some fabulous sexy new sets! Even if no one else sees them just yet, you’ll know just how delicious and desirable you look under those work clothes!

Day 3.

For new beginnings…

The Dawn of Love Smoothie

Instructions:

  • Punnet of cherries
  • Head of mild lettuce
  • 1 tsp spirulina (optional)

Directions:

Blend with water to desired consistency.  Feel your heart peek over the horizon.

Green Smoothie Valentine - Day 2 - The Bewitching Potion

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 by stacey

How does the saying go?  Cleanliness is next to goddess-liness?  With loving tips to care for the beauty that is yours outside and in, we continue to pamper you on your green way to Valentine’s Day.

- by Kate Nicholson

Start the day with a scrub in the shower. Mix a handful of salt with some sweet almond oil and use in circular motions over the body to exfoliate and leave your skin glowing and smooth. (Don’t use on your face though - too harsh). You can add a couple of drops of lavender (skin rejuvenating) or rose oil for extra lusciousness. (Rose is reputed to attract love).

Smile at yourself in the mirror before you leave the bathroom and blow yourself a kiss! You look fabulous!

Walk tall and smile at everyone you meet today.

Day 2.

Give yourself the glow of health and energy…

The Bewitching Potion

Ingredients:

  • Kale, stripped from stem
  • Punnet of blueberries (that’s a charming word for “wee basket” in case you were wondering)
  • 1 tsp cacao powder

Directions:

Blend with water to desired consistency.  Feel yourself radiating health and happiness and others are going to notice!

Raw Skin Care

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 by stacey

When you’re a Green Queen, you get pretty excited right away when you realize how much clearer, healthier, and brighter your skin becomes on a diet of greens, but of course, there is no end to the lovely raw food tricks you can use to make yourself feel and look royal.  So today, I’m happy to share with you a contribution from the lovely Lisa.  Just try to keep your fingers out of your toiletries!!


- by Lisa Bolard

Before I got serious about going raw, I didn’t give any real thought to the fact that the skin is the largest organ of the body.  I’ve since realized that as a major organ of your body, what you put on it should be given some importance.  It might not be the same as ingestion through the mouth, but your skin gives and takes nutrients and harmful substances, and it should be accorded appropriate consideration.  Vibrant skin is the result of a healthy body, and no chemical process or makeup can be a substitute for healthy skin.

There are many ways to care for your skin that do not involve costly products (most of which have all manner of unhealthy ingredients).  It is key to remember that no matter what you topically put on your skin, it will never be healthy if you eat and drink an unhealthy diet.  Removing processed foods from your daily food intake and adding high water content foods to your regular diet will go a long way to improving your skin.  The second thing to remember is that it is ideal to only put things on your skin that you feel good about putting in your mouth.

If you want to evaluate your existing skin care products, here is a list of things that you should avoid in any skin care (or makeup) product:

  • Mineral Oil, aka paraffin, paraffin wax, petrolatum (these prevent the skin from breathing)

  • Dioxane - a derivative of coconut

  • Fragrance

  • Parabens, such as methyl, proply, butyl, ethyl papaben (these all create long shelf life)

  • Alcohols:  ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol (these dry and strip skin of natural cover that protects against moulds, viruses and harmful bacteria

Here are some foods that have helpful properties for the skin:

  • Almond oil:  for dry skin, removes old pimple scars

  • Apples:  good for preventing fine lines, treats itching or cracked skin

  • Apricots:  use juice for sunburn, itching, or eczema

  • Cucumber:  use juice for skin eruptions

  • Honey:  Use 1 tsp with water for blemishes - also adds a nice glow

  • Paw Paw:  Use as a rub for glow; or use juice of the entire fruit for pimples, whiteheads and acne

  • Potatoes:  grate and create poultice for blemishes; wrinkles, blackheads

  • Tomatoes:  Use for 1 hr on face for pimples

RAW FOOD RECIPES FOR BEAUTY

Shrinking Large Pores: 1 Tbsp tomato juice with a few drops lime juice; Use for 15 minutes

Whitening Lotion: 1 Tbsp cucumber juice with few drips lime juice; dash of turmeric powder for 30 minutes

Tonic for Sensitive Skin: 1 Tbsp cucumber juice and 1 Tbsp milk, few drops rose water; use for 15 minutes

Tonic for Oily Skin: 1 Tbsp apple juice, 1/4 tsp lime juice; Use for 20 minutes

Cleaning Pores: massage peach skin/peals on skin every night; don’t rub off; also tightens muscles to prevent sagging

Cleansing Lotion: 1/4 tsp lime juice plus 1 tsp milk, 1 tsp cucumber juice; use on face for 15 minutes

Wrinkles: Mash banana and add 2 Tbsp warmed honey and make paste

Removing Scars and Blemishes: Orange or Tangerine juice; blanch and grind almonds and make paste with the juice; optionally mix in 2 Tbsp milk, 1 Tbsp carrot juice; apply thickly on face/neck for 30 minutes

Astringents: A few tablespoons of any of the following, boiled in water:  Geranium leaves, oak bark, pine needles, and sunflower leaves

Basic Skin Food: one avocado mashed, 1 tsp flaxseed oil, 1 tsp honey all mixed until smooth and creamy; Apply to face and use for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water


Milk Thistle

Thursday, December 17th, 2009 by admin

Milk Thistle is a flowering herb, originating in the Mediterranean. The active ingredient is called silymarin. If you want to consume the herb directly, you harvest the seeds. It can also be taken in supplements or in tea, and it can be combined with other herbs for beneficial effects.

milk-thistleThere haven’t been extensive studies on the medicinal value of this herb, but it’s been used with great affect by people for several conditions which afflict the liver including cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. It can be helpful in detoxing the liver, and can reverse liver damage, and protect against damage from agents such as alcohol or other toxins that tend to lodge themselves in the liver.

Milk Thistle has also been credited with improving blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in people with type two diabetes. Benefits may also include improvement of adrenal disorders such as Addison’s Disease or Cushings, and improvement of IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome). This herb has been shown to be an anti-inflammatory and it’s an antioxidant. Antioxidants are more powerful than many vitamins and are able to remove free radicals from the body which cause cell damage, and which cause disease and symptoms of aging.

A word of caution is warranted. If you are allergic to ragweed, you should probably avoid ingesting milk thistle. Furthermore, this herb can act similarly in the body to estrogen, so some women should avoid taking this. Women with fibroid tumors, endometriosis, a history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancers should avoid milk thistle. It might also be safest to avoid taking it if you are pregnant or nursing. That being said, the same estrogen-effect could be helpful for men with prostrate cancer.

Vitamin Cocktail for the Skin!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009 by admin

By Tracy Neely

Vitamin Cocktail for the Skin

spa5Today I woke up feeling refreshed and wanted to do something extra special for my skin. I love the smell of apples as they simmer, they remind me of the holidays so I decided to create a skin refiner (exfoliant) that will leave your skin feeling simply marvelous.

Apple (Green)

Apple’s are a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenol, which are powerful antioxidants. Malic acid an alpha hydroxy acid derived from apples, provides antioxidant actions and assists in skin exfoliation, to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Green apple also contains Vitamins A, B and C to brighten and tone the skin as well as Quercetin to calm redness.

Lemon Zest

The zest of the lemon is the outer skin which contains volatile oils and when blended with honey makes an extremely powerful exfoliant for the skin.

Honey

Honey is a by-product of honey bees when they collect the flower nectar in their mouths and the nectar mixes with enzymes and then it is turned into honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been heated for pasteurization, filtered or strained to remove the wax, pollen or propolis. Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and binds water to the upper layers of the skin.

Yogurt (Whole Milk, Plain)

yogurtYogurt is a cultured product made from the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. Fermentation of the milk sugar (lactose) produces lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid. Used in skin care treatments, lactic acid has the ability to digest skin cells and improve the texture of skin making it one of the best alpha hydroxy acids for sensitive skin. Yogurt is an effective ingredient in skin care treatments and allows the outer layers of your skin to release and shed over a few days, stimulating new cell growth in the skin’s deepest layers. With its natural antibacterial and antifungal agents, it assists in getting rid of germs and bacteria that plague the skin.

Recipe

  • 1 Green apple
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp yogurt

Core and slice green apple and place in a blender. Add the lemon zest, honey and yogurt and blend into a creamy smooth mixture. Apply entire mixture to a cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes, if you have sensitive skin leave mixture on between 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse will cool water and apply your favorite moisturizer.

Enjoy!

Tracy

**Tracy Neely is the founder and owner of Nourish & Flourish Healthy Living, a holistic nutrition and wellness consulting business located in Orlando Florida. Tracy’s love for raw foods led her to implement raw food cooking demonstrations within her consulting business.Tracy is a mother of a wonderful little boy and a wife to an amazing man and enjoys doing yoga, juicing and creating green smoothie recipes, reading books and going for walks with her family.