3 Tips for a Fabulous Complexion

As we get older and assume more responsibilities (yikes!), sometimes our beauty regiment takes a back seat. Here are three ways you can improve your complexion, so when you have no time to apply make up you’ll still look beautiful.

I hate to repeat the obvious, but, drink water!! The more water you drink the better your skin looks and feels. Eight ounces a day is the tried and true way. Besides increasing your water intake, cut back on caffeine-especially sodas and your skin will thank you for it! Also eliminate fried, greasy foods. Read more at http://buzz.prevention.com/community/naturally-beautifully/3-tips-for-a-fabulous-complexion

tales-of-the-transitioning-vegetarian-and-the-picky-two-year-old

I am a transitioning vegetarian. I have given up red meat, I am now working on eliminating poultry and eventually fish. However, my two year old is a carnivore to his very soul. I take the blame, of course, because I did not start him on a vegetarian diet. However, imagine my shock when my sweet prince went from eating anything you put in front of him (even Cheerios from the floor!) to becoming the most finicky eater on the planet. In my naiveté, I never imagined my son’s transition would be difficult! I mean, how do we go from eating food that has fallen on the floor to being picky?

The following are my tips to help other mommies and care providers feed your picky eaters veggies.
Read more at http://buzz.prevention.com/community/naturally-beautifully/tales-of-the-transitioning-vegetarian-and-the-picky-two-year-old

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Simple Tips for De-Stressing Your Life

Let’s face it, stress happens! Between working, participating in civic activities, taking care of your home and family and managing to maintain some sort of social life, stress is bound to creep up some where in your day. The following tips will help you minimize stress.

Plan your day. Organizing your life and concentrating on what’s important will help keep you focused and will minimize the stress (or guilt) of not accomplishing your daily goals. Read more at http://buzz.prevention.com/community/naturally-beautifully/simple-tips-to-de-stress-your-life

Indian Cuisine for the transitioning vegetarian

I have been addicted to Indian cuisine since the late '80's. Now that I am on a personal quest to stop eating meat, I realize, unlike many others, that I can sacrifice meat with out sacrificing spice!

Besides the Taj Mahal, Saree's, call centers, and Bollywood movies (if you're unfamiliar run out and get a movie today!) the Indians have gifted us with their cuisine. Curry, lentils, dahl, yogurt, tandoori chicken, etc! But Indian cuisine also makes it easier for a transitioning vegetarian to enjoy meatless meals with out fore going flavor.

In my desperate search to leave garlic, curry and chili anything in my veggie dishes I ran across a gem of a dish that is fairly easy to prepare. It's called Cucumber Curry. I know for the uninitiated it seems strange but the mix of spice and the texture of cucumbers and the nuts (yes there are nuts in it) make this a must try (and love). It can be served hot or cold.

You'll need:
1/2 cup of water
4oz creamed coconut (coconut cream)
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1tsp sugar
1 lrg cucumber
1 lrg red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup salted peanuts (crushed)
4 tbsp veg oil
2 dried red chillies
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp black mustard seeds
4-6 curry leaves (or 3 tbsps curry powder)
4 garlic cloves
salt
and uncrushed peanuts to garnish

Preparation

Bring water to boil in pan and add coconut, turmeric, sugar and salt. Simmer until coconut dissolves and mixture becomes a smooth sauce.

Add cucumber, red pepper, and crushed peanuts and simmer for 5 minutes; transfer to a heatproof serving dish and keep hot.

Heat oil in a Karahi, wok or frying pan. Fry chillies, cumin and mustard seeds until seeds start to pop.

Reduce heat, add curry and garlic and fry for 2 minutes. Pour over cucumber mixture and stir well. Garnish with peanuts and voila!! Meatless meal with plenty of flavor..

Shopping Organic On a Budget

With the prices of grains, veggies and fruits on the rise, it's becoming hard to save money at the grocery store. With the tips I've picked up over the last year, you'll be able to shop organically with little cash.
The first tip is to clip coupons! Consumer Reports recently stated that the average American spends nearly $5,000 a year on groceries. With organic product sales on the rise, coupons for organic foods are more common than they were a few years ago. Online coupons from your organic food makers are another way to keep some money in your pocket. If you're looking for a list of organic manufacturers that offer coupons, visit the Organic Consumers Association Website, organicconsumers.org. Read the rest at http://buzz.prevention.com/community/naturally-beautifully/shopping-organic-on-a-budget

Soy Butter

Soy Butter is a "very soft butter" (100% Pure with no additives), which exhibits excellent spread-ability on the skin and moisturizing, making it ideal as a body butter. It is butter like material that is actually hydrogenated soybean oil (or soy lipids). Soy Butter helps hold in the skins natural moisture while softening dry and damaged skin.Soy lipids are high in natural vitamin E (an antioxidant). Antioxidants may help restore damaged tissue and regenerate skin cells. The lipids also allow for rapid hydration and cell regeneration. They are high in lecithin, which is instrumental in skin repair and regeneration. Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, the saponins and the natural Vitamin E in soy have been well researched by scientists for their antioxidants and phytoestrogenic properties.The phytoestrogens naturally present in soy lipids are beneficial in the regeneration of skin and help keep women looking youthful as they increase female hormones in skin. The antioxidants in soy lipids also help in eliminating free oxygen radicals that can lead to skin damage.

You Need Soy Butter If...• You want hydrated, softened skin• You want a clear, luminous complexion• You want softer, shinier hair• You want a gentle lotion for children and infants• You want a healthy cooking or baking butter that is high in protein

visit http://www.naturallybeautifully.com for product!

The Need for Natural Beauty

Nowadays, it seems as if everyone is going green and striving to live and eat healthier. Large cities like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago have launched campaigns to inform its citizens on how to help dramatically shrink their carbon footprint. Individual consumers have started buying organic products; are eating healthier, exercising daily, are carpooling, utilizing mass transportation and recycling at record breaking numbers. However, one aspect of living a healthier life is being neglected in our new health conscious world. The forgotten aspect is what we put on our bodies on a daily basis.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Our skin is busy every day cleaning and re-stocking moisture as we go through our daily routines. Skin absorbs the artificial ingredients in our laundry detergent, the chemicals in our perfumes, smoke and pollutants in the air, sunlight, and makeup. We buy and use beauty and bath care products sold in stores and salons with out questioning the products safety. The beauty industry is unregulated by the FDA or any other government agency. It is legal and extremely common for companies to use ingredients that are known or suspected to be carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins in their products. Some man-made compounds used by the cosmetic industry have been linked to cancer and reproductive disorders, while others may irritate the skin or cause it to age prematurely.

In-Cosmetics magazine recently reported that the average woman absorbs five pounds of chemicals from body care products and make-up every year. Studies conducted in the UK and France have shown absorbing chemicals is more hazardous than swallowing them. British biochemist Richard Bence recently said, “If lipstick gets into your mouth, it is broken down by the enzymes in saliva and in the stomach. But if the chemicals get straight into your bloodstream, there is no protection.”

A few of the chemicals suspected to be dangerous include parabens, which are preservatives used in skin and hair products, including soap, shampoo, deodorant and baby lotion. Parabens stop bacterial growth and are suspected of mimicking the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen, which is known to facilitate tumor growth. Traces of the chemical have been found in breast tumor samples but the link to cancer is still controversial.

Another chemical suspect is sodium lauryl sulphate, which helps soap, shampoo, shaving foam, toothpaste and bubble bath, to lather, is a known irritant. Another potential irritant is benzyl alcohols, which are used to scent and preserve perfume, makeup and hair dyes. Cocamide MEA, which binds the ingredients of many high end moisturizers, is also a suspected irritant.

In our collective quest to live healthier lives and save our environment, we cannot afford to neglect one of the most important and critical ways to heal ourselves and environment. Consumers must stop supporting the beauty and body care companies that use known carcinogens and harmful irritants in their products and demand better for their health and environment.

Nine Ways to Grow Your Hair

Are you dreaming of long flowing locks but your hair seems to be in a state of hibernation? Well here are nine tips to get your hair growing.
1) First and foremost, you are what you eat. For healthy skin, hair and nails, you must improve your diet. Avoid foods that have high sugar and fat. Eliminate smoking, caffeine and sodas which weaken the body and hinder hair growth. Exercise; reduce stress, gets lots of sleep and you are well on your way to maximizing your hair growth potential. You can either take a good supplement that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals or you can make up your own formula. Some recommended supplements are:
· Vitamin B-complex - 50 mg. of the major B-vitamins (including folate, biotin and inositol)
· Vitamin B-6 - 50 mg. of vitamin B-6
· Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - one to two grams daily
· Vitamin E - 400 to 800 IU daily
· Beta-Carotene - 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily
· One recommended daily dose of magnesium, sulfur, zinc
· Silica (horsetail) - 300 mg. daily
Nettle-250mg. three times daily
· Flaxseed oil - one tbsp daily or one tablet
· Beta-Carotene - 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily

2) Do you know what the secret to long hair is? Strong hair! That means getting rid of all damaged ends. So, suck it up and head to the salon for a good snip. How much to cut? Unless your hair is very thick or very curly, have the stylist trim until your hair is all one length (as short as the shortest layer in your hair). All-one-length hair stays healthier and that means you can grow it without having as many trims from here on out. Thick- or curly-haired girls will want to keep a few long layers to help weigh hair down.
Furthermore, cut your hair 3 days before the moon is full. It’s no secret the moon pulls the tides but what is lesser known is the moon’s subtle effect on the growth of all living things. Lunar gardening and lunar agriculture are proven practices. Since the 1st century A.D., gardeners and farmers planted their crops during favorable moon cycles to achieve maximum growth and yield. Their thinking was, if the moon could have such a strong effect on the ocean, then plants, composed of a good deal of water, must at least be affected to some degree.
For humans, water accounts for 60-80% of our body weight. If the moon affects all bodies of water then it will certainly have an influence in the cycles of our lives, including our hair. While it’s true the hair shaft is dead material and almost entirely protein, the moon does have an effect on hair since the hair follicles are made of epithelial tissue that is comprised mainly of Hydrogen and Oxygen, the two elements that combine to form water. So you may think I am crazy but ask any farmer and they will tell you cutting by the Moons phases works!
3) I know a lot of women and traditional hair stylists won’t agree but washing your hair daily is not healthy! Daily washing strips your hair of the natural oils that it needs, therefore making your hair dry and brittle. Even a daily moisturizing shampoo does this.
If your hair is extremely oily and you feel you need to wash it daily try a dry shampoo. Great natural clays & powders to use as a dry shampoo are Multani Mitti, Shikakai Powder and Bhringraj Powder.
4) Treat your hair lovingly. Treat it gently avoiding any unnecessary brushing, combing or handling.
5) Avoid using excessively hot water, hot blow dryers or other hair care tools that may stress the hair.
6) Give yourself a weekly scalp massage to stimulate your hair follicles.
7) Do a series of ongoing hot oil treatments with Ayurvedic oils such as amla or brahmi to protect the hair's shaft.
8) Get plenty of rest and sleep to help your hair grow.

Brazillian Beauty Secret

Babassu oil comes from the seeds of the babassu tree. The babassu tree is a palm tree that stands approximately 20 meters tall; it is native to Brazil in South America. Babassu trees are considered a major industrial and economical resource for the region.

The babassu tree is primarily grown for its light yellow clear oil, which is commonly used in the food and beauty industries. Babassu oil has similar properties to coconut oil and is used similarly. More and more, babassu oil is increasingly being used as a replacement for coconut oil for a variety of different reasons. People use it to cook with, use as beauty treatment and as home remedy.

Babassu oil comes from the kernels of the Babassu palm and is non-drying. It is high in lauric and myristic acids. These acids have melting points that are close to the human body temperature so, when applied, babassu oil draws the heat from the skin to initiate melting. Therefore, the transfer of the heat creates a cooling sensation on the skin. Babassu oil also forms a protective, soothing coat when applied to the skin as well as a pleasant, smooth feeling.
Babassu oil is considered to be a superior emollient that is beneficial for either dry or oily complexions. It gently moisturizes the skin without leaving an oily sheen or greasy feel.

Babassu oil is made up of about 70% lipids. It is cold pressed from the kernel and is produced without chemicals. The fruit of the babassu is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products. The oil from the seeds is commonly used for cooking and in making soap. The babassu tree's leaves are even used to provide thatch for houses as wells as woven mats for the walls and floors.

For all these reasons and more, the babassu tree is major industrial, economical and human resource for Brazil as well as being the source of babassu oil known for its healing properties throughout the world.

Try this fabulous babassu skin soothing, toning & moisturizing recipe:

3 TB natural Shea Butter

1 TB pure cocoa butter

1 TB Babassu oil

1 TB virgin coconut oil

Put ingredients together in a container and melt in the sun, a double boiler, or in warm water. Stir together. To make a softer, more spreadable cream or body lotion, add more coconut or babassu oil. You can also substitute more coconut oil for the babassu if you don't have it. For a thicker, creamier consistency, use more Shea butter.

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How Shea Butter Benefits You

Shea Butter can provide relief from everything from just dry skin to many minor dermatological diseases (if you have a serious skin condition, you should see a doctor). It has been clinically shown to provide benefits. Here are some of the benefits of Shea Butter for the skin:

Daily skin moisturizer (face and body)
Dry skin relief
Dry scalp
Skin rash- including diaper rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itching skin due to dryness
Sunburn
Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels)
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Minor burns
Eczema
Sun and wind protection
Even skin tone
Reduce blemishes and scarring
Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
Preventing bumps after shaving
Reducing acne (especially in combination with African Black Soap)
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue
Helps restore elasticity to skin
Restores luster to hair

Selecting & Using Cosmetic Clays

Clays have been used for centuries by a variety of different cultures as a method to help beautify the skin. They are available as a fine powder and are present in almost all traditional beauty products and regimens. Clays exfoliate, clean and invigorate the skin while improving circulation. Clay has the ability to absorb excess oils, dirt and harmful toxins from the skin. The additions of herbs to clays add even greater benefit.
Cosmetic clays contain minerals, and each clay has a different effect on the skin. Regular use of clay masks will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow. Most clay has the ability to absorb toxins from the skin but differ in levels of absorption.
Clays are commonly used in facials and mud wraps, but can be added to body powders and soaps. Cosmetic clays come in a variety of hues, ranging from white to deep blue. This array of colors makes them a popular choice as a natural colorant in soap, lotions, creams and bath salts.
Clays that are suitable for dry, sensitive or normal skin are Pink Kaolin, White Kaolin, Yellow Kaolin, and Rose. Clays that are suitable for oily skin are Bentonite, French Green, Green Illite, Red Kaolin, Blue Montmorillonite, Red Montmorillonite, Moroccan Red, and Multani Mitti (Indian Fullers Earth). Clays that are suitable for all skin types are Dead Sea, Rhassoul and Sea clays.
When purchasing clays, be sure to purchase clays that are cosmetic or medicinal grade. Technical grade clays often have dangerously high content levels of lead and should be avoided.
The following facial mask recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your specific skin type and personal preferences.
Using Clay in Soap
Adding clay to soap gives it a creamy dense lather that makes it ideal for shaving. Bentonite and French Green clay are often used for this purpose. Clay is useful for adding natural earth tone colors to soap. Use it at a rate of on table spoon per pound of soap.
Clay Mask Recipe
2-3 oz. Clay
1-2 oz. Herbs
Water
1-2 drops Essential Oil added at the time of application (optional)
Choose clays and herbs that are suitable for your skin type. Citrus peel powders add astringency, rose petal powder adds fragrance, yellow sandalwood powder helps dry skin and neem powder helps acne. Other ingredients that can be added are milk powders, honey powder, oatmeal and sea vegetables. Mix the powdered ingredients to make 4 oz. of dry clay facial and store in a 4 oz. jar. Clay masks should not be stored pre-mixed with the wetting agent.
To use, add approximately 1/2 oz. of the dry clay facial herb blend to a small bowl and mix enough warm water or hydrosol to make a paste. Add a drop or 2 of essential oil if desired. Apply to the skin in a gentle circular motion, and leave it to dry for about 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water. If the skin feels tight, a light oil such as camellia can be applied afterwards. Experiment with other wetting agents. Strawberry puree will act like an alpha-hydroxy. Cucumber puree cools the skin, yogurt cools and softens the skin, and milk removes dead skin cells and softens the skin.
Take a moment to pamper and heal your skin. Your body and significant other will thank you for it!

10 Minutes Dedicated to Miley Cyrus?

10 Minutes Dedicated to Miley Cyrus' pictures on MSNBC? Geez, Miley is a sweetie so this is not against her but geez! I watch the news to learn about what's going on in the world, not to know what Britney, Brad, Angelina or Miley is doing! Does anyone else notice how our news has woefully began to be more of an entertainment magazine?

I digress, my blog for today is about the safety of cosmetics. Visit http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.php?key=28972098&message=Successfully+updated+Supporter+information to see what dangers are lurking in your medicine cabinet.

It's finally here!

Geez. I finally get a blog for www.naturallybeautifully.com and have no idea what to write..Unlike these other bloggers who wax poetic, or spout off their not so welcomed political views..I got nothing!!! Usually I am not at a loss for words-but when I finally find the time to get my blog, I am drawing a blank...Isn't that the breaks?!

Since, I am at a loss, what I will say is I wish everyone would rage against the machine that sells you products that are cancer causing; rage against the machine that slips cloned meat in your country's supply with out even telling you, rage against the machine that is so worried about profits they could care less if you, every day citizen lose your home, your car or even if your kids will have an earth to call their own...rage against the dying of the night....

Anywhoo, next posts I promise to offer natural recipes, tips on starting your own businesses, my opinion of the world and hopefully entertainment/education.