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November 29, 2011
Winter is setting in, and the weather is turning chilly to super frilly, which means that taking extra care of your skin is a must. Finding products that your skin can savor will literally save your skin. If we don’t pay attention or pamper our skin during the winter months, we will see the effects on our skin immediately, such as dry hands, chapped lips, brittle hair and even watery eyes. Making sure you have the right products to combat the cold will help you feel beautiful all season long.
We scouted out to find and test the best winter wonders. Add these beauty products to your holiday list and you and your skin will be singing “Joy to the World.”
Best Mouthwatering Moisturizer:
Holiday harsh skin prepare to get creamed with Farmhouse Fresh Sweet Cream Body Milk. This light fluffy moisturizer smells like holiday joy in a jar. It has Salight velvety notes of warm sweet cream. A true treat to moisturizer each morning, afternoon and night. In addition to hydrating the skin and making it luminously smooth, the high-quality ingredients provide other cosmetic benefits. It is non greasy, light weight loaded with Vitamin E and E, plus it’s infused with a blend of natural oils that provide lasting softness to skin: Rice Bran oil, Jajoba Seed oil, Sweet Almond, Avocado and Sesame.
Best Beautiful You Bath Soak:
Duck out of the cold and into a hot creamy milk bath with our favorite Farmhouse Fresh Powder Milk Bath Soak. This unique product makes bath time a buttery bliss. Add a capful into your tube and hello smooth bath water and welcome instant calm to any irritated skin. This jar is pure wholesole goodness – down to the Chicory Root that soothes upset skin and reduces inflammation and swelling. With Sweet Almond Oil, you’ll feel perfectly soft. Select vibrant Blueberry or Nectar fragrance. The fine sifted pure whole powdered milk is rich in twenty essential amino acids, vitamins and the sweet fats that make milk the ultimate skin softener.
Best Winter Wonder Gift Set:
Bliss Happy Spa-lidays Snow Wonder Gift Set
Snow showers are predicted with this spa-inspired wintry washing and moisturizing duo, infused with Bliss’ flurry-inspired fragrance for a blizzard of bathtime fun. Put snow in a bottle and spa it up. Meet Bliss Winter Wonder Body Butter and Bubble bath gift set. This scent-sational set includes
- Snow Wonder Soapy Suds, 16oz
- Snow Wonder Body Butter, 6.7oz
- Shower Poof
Shop Sephora.com
- Shannon Kaiser
If you didn’t see our Daily Retreat & Renew Tip yesterday, you’re in luck! Here’s a recap:
Essential oils are the most powerful and precious natural substances on earth – and we use them today for aromatic and healing properties.
They are assimilated and utilized by the human body whether it be toward stress, illness, depression, sleep deprivation…you name it basically!
As essential oils travel through our bodies they affect our very cells, effects which are profound and life altering. Today science and innovation have made it possible for us to experience the benefits of these life altering oils at the flip of a diffuser switch.
The powerful natural oils arrive in the body just as they existed in the plant, with all of their therapeutic properties in tact. It is very important for the oil to go from the plant to the body without altering any of the natural healing properties.
So, how do you be sure you’re getting all of the great properties of essential oils? Try Cold Air Nebulizing Diffusers! Diffuser World Incorporated in Enoch, Utah uses their patented nebulizer technology to diffuse Essential Oils directly from the bottle into the air in a micro-fine mist.
We at HL&S love these diffusers because they are super easy to use, durable, quiet and very effective. AND they are made in the USA. They also use just a few drops of essential oils, meaning your investment lasts longer! We recommend you work with the seasons like we do here, diffusing their aromatic orange and fir oils during the holiday season and lighter more clean smelling oils during the warmer months.
Order Your Diffuser TODAY and you will not only get free shipping but FOUR FREE 15ML Bottles of Pure Essential Oil (a $100 value) with every $99 purchase. AND if you spend $149 or more you will ALSO receive a FREE Aroma-On-The-Go Car and RV Diffuser (great stocking stuffer!). And with your order, if you add the code ‘HEALING’ into the discount coupon box, you will receive an additional 5% off your entire order.
Now that’s a Cyber deal!!!
- Kayleigh K.
November 28, 2011
Have you ever traveled to a spa retreat and thought there was something missing? Sure, you can take a bath in luxurious setting with exotic bath salts, try yoga at sunrise each morning and enjoy the relaxation that comes with spa-ing away from home.
We found a great complement to this scenario – the Aquiesse Portfolio travel candle collection.
Inspired by the rich, coastal regions of Central California, these 2 ounce candles are totally affordable luxuries – $5 a pop – and made with wax derived from soybeans and coconuts for a creamy texture (we wiped our finger across the top and dabbed it on our wrists, which doubled as a moisturizing perfume).
We tried the Rioja, which is infused with the essential oils of red currant, cassis, citrus and French oak. The travel candle is small enough to pack for when you want that extra oomph of aromatherapy and/or ambiance on the road, and a burning time of 20 hours.
Buy these candles online at CandleLuxury.com or at Bloomingdale’s or Planet Beauty. They also make great stocking stuffers!
 The Aquiesse Portfolio travel candle is a great complement to a relaxing spa vacay. - Kayleigh K.
November 25, 2011
Forget about standing in line and fighting other customers for a deal on Black Friday.
Focus your energy on your beauty and wellness ritual! Recently we came across an amazing online supply store that not only has great prices but also has everything you’d ever need to make all of your own at-home beauty solutions. It’s called MountainRoseHerbs.com.
We recently scored some super affordable emulsifying wax, carnauba wax (for essential oil candles), fair trade cocoa butter, dead sea salt, French green clay, apricot kernel meal, lemon essential oil, and cobalt and amber jars to store our spa-at-home concoctions. Just about everything is certified organic and fair trade.
Check it out!
- Kayleigh K.
November 23, 2011
Today marks an epic day in the fashion world. The most demanding of Divas, Miss Piggy, is setting the new trend. “Excuse moi!”
America’s favorite Muppet friends hit the big screen in Disney’s The Muppets, November 23, 2011. Thanksgiving week, we give thanks to Miss Piggy and her high profile approach to life for the newest OPI nail colors.
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, Fozzie Bear and Gonzo the Great are dueling out adventure one pretty little finger at a time. Inspired by the film’s lively and colorful characters, OPI launches twelve limited-edition Nail Lacquers for Holiday 2011.
Miss Piggy lends her name to three super high-shine pink-based hues, ranging from bold red flecked with silver to a multi-dimensional strawberry shade.”
Animal-istic - This wild bright red cannot be tamed!
Meep-Meep-Meep - Missing out on this fuchsia would make you weep, weep, weep!
Wocka Wocka! - The popular deep berry makes everything fun and merry!
Pepe’s Purple Passion -This deep, decadent shade is the best purple ever, okay!
Designer, de Better! - And this light metallic bronze is ready for the runway.
Warm & Fozzie - A feel-good shade of metallic copper.
Rainbow Connection - The rainbow glitter of your dreams.
Excuse Moi! - Ahem! This pink glitter has something to say!
Gone Gonzo! - The aqua-blue glitter is taking over the world!
Fresh Frog of Bel Air - A glitter that prefers the greener things in life.
Divine Swine - The finest, most fabulous magenta glitter ever.
Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It! - Red glittery fun for everyone!
In celebration of “The Muppets” movie release, many Spa’s including Bliss Spa are offering Muppet-themed manicures, utilizing shades from the new limited-edition OPI collection.
We took this collection for a test spin for the movies opening day and we have gone gonzo for these original colors. We painted our paws with bold Meep-Meep-Meep, Animal_isitic, and Wocka Wocka, and we were blown away by the deep rich colors with high gloss shine. Our fingers looked superb even after digging to the bottom of the popcorn bag. We give this collection two thumbs up.
Your fingers will be getting Miss Piggy With It, as you enjoy your fabulous Muppet Makeover.
OPI The Muppets Collection, $8.50, available November at OPI.
 OPI Collection - Shannon K.
Last week, we taught you how to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into beauty treats.
One of those was a pumpkin facial. Pumpkin contains antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as other cancer-fighting carotenoids. Pumpkin boasts B vitamins, Niacin, Riboflavin, Ascorbic Acid, and Vitamins A and C. Pumpkin is known for it’s amazing exfoliating and anti-oxidizing abilities.
But if you prefer to have all of the benefits of pumpkin without the DIY, you have to try Farmhouse Fresh’s Splendid Dirt Pumpkin Mud Mask! We tried it this week. First of all, you open the jar and it just smells like a pumpkin and brown sugar dollop of goodness. That’s probably because it’s 99.6 percent natural (and NO artificial fragrances, and paraben and sulfate free (we hate those nasty sulfates that are neither eco-friendly or good for our bodies).
The mask has two bentonite clays, pumpkin puree, and active yogurt cultures that instantly boost overall radiance by deep cleansing pores. It’s tingly at first, and the bright orange coat on your face will dry and be left smooth and without the blotchy redness of a peel. It’s super smooth.
Of course, even though it smells yummy as dessert, you’ll want to resist the urge to use this more than once a week to keep your skin unaccustomed to the treatment and avoid drying out your skin, like with any mask.
This tops our list of holiday favorites!
 Photo courtesy of Farmhouse Fresh - Kayleigh K.
November 22, 2011
Holiday weight gain is one of the expected side effects of the season. One day a year, every year, Americans unit together to eat generous helpings of home cooked comfort food and give thanks for life and loved ones. But this year you can smile through the holidays with easy ways to detox after Thanksgiving.
The idea of joyfully stuffing our face with family has become a tradition that extends beyond the pilgrims. Thanksgiving is not a day for dieters. In fact it is one of the only days where it is okay to eat more and chuck guilt out the window.
The average American consumes over 3,000-3,5000 calories during the famous Thanksgiving meal. But the human body is comfortable on 1,000-2,000 calories a day. So when we gorge ourselves on heavy calories it tricks our brain into thinking we are still hungry. Therefore, we often eat more than our body is prepared to handle. Creating the infamous holiday weight gain.
When eating this excesive amount of food in one sitting the human stomach naturally expands. Do you ever notice how easy it is to go to the fridge and make a leftover turkey sandwich after the big feast, but your body has already consumed more than enough calories for one day. The holiday weight gain is a slippery slope, which starts with the instant gratification of eating as much as we can on Thanksgiving.
Trying to maintain a steady level of energy is the key to happy holidays. Sticking to a detox plan will help you stay balanced, stress free and eager to enjoy the holiday parties.
After the meal:
- Brush your teeth – Studies show that brushing your teeth after a meal will help you stay away from seconds. By giving your mouth the fresh clean feeling it signals to the brain you are done. And the natural sweetness of the toothpaste helps trick the body into curbing sweet cravings.
- Drink your favorite tea – Ginger, peppermint and chamomile all help improve digestion. Sipping a warm beverage after the meal will ease the body and digestive track.
- BFF nature – Go for a nature walk with the family after or before you eat your meal. Getting out and enjoying the beautiful day is an easy way to keep the calorie count on the down low.
The next day:
• Move it to lose it – Black Friday is famous for shopping and fighting the crowds. This year try fighting the bulge with movement for the body. The day after Thanksgiving is a day to focus on deals and savings. So start your day right by making a deal with yourself, and put exercise as your number one priority.
• Eat less play more – Sticking to a 1,500-1,800 calorie diet the following week after Thanksgiving will help you maintain your current weight. So watch what you eat and get out to play more. Rather than going to the fridge to pick at left over’s pick up toys and play with your children or pets.
• Avoid alcohol and sugary sweets – For the week or two after Thanksgiving consider reducing or eliminating your use of alcohol and sweets. This will help you feel more natural energy and keep the cravings far away. Plus eating too much sugar and alcohol can cause damage to your beautiful smile. Keep smiling through the holiday with a balanced diet and healthy attitude.
 Detox After Turkey Day [Image: hungamaplus.com]
Visit Dr. da Costa, at Harmony Dental, a dentist in Beaverton, for more information on smiling through the holidays.
Ever have an essential oil lying around, but not sure what to do with it or how to use it?
That’s what happened to us here at HL&S. We had some rosehip seed oil, which is high in vitamin C and antioxidant with anti-aging properties, and decided to play with a clay mask. After all, rosehip oil is milder than other essentials like tea tree and lavender as a base, so we went to town making a soothing mask (or cleanser if you rinse it off quickly) for sensitive skin.
Here’s what you do:
1. Mix together 1 tablespoon of Redmond Clay or another similar white mineral clay, 3 teaspoons of rosehip oil, a few drops of lavender oil and a teaspoon of raw honey. This makes enough for about 3-4 applications. We used lavender oil for its astringent properties on oily skin, but feel free to sub for another – sandlewood or grapeseed, for example.
2. Add warm water until the mixture is creamy, and apply to your face after you’ve removed makeup. Massage in a circular motion around your face. Leave on for 15 minutes for deep cleaning or wipe clean with a warm washcloth.
3. To preserve the remaining mixture, add a few drops of lemon (which is also astringent and refreshing). Voila!
- Kayleigh K.
November 19, 2011
Last week we told you about Eminence’s yam and pumpkin enzyme peel, and that not only was it packed with vitamins but it also tasted good enough to eat. We love this product line because of its commitment to natural ingredients. They are truly amazing, capitalizing on the beauty secrets of our grandmothers and keeping their recipes as simple and pure as possible.
Since then, we’ve tried out another one of its products we can’t wait for you to try – Eminence’s blueberry soy night recovery cream. It is meant for application before bed. It’s not too thick, though it can be thinned with a little water. It smells delicious and feels like a nutritious smoothie for your skin!
Eminence says the cream is clinically tested to decrease wrinkle depth by more than 40 percent, and those who don’t have deep wrinkles may notice a difference in the elasticity of their skin.
You can’t deny the benefits of blueberry and soy milk for skin care! A 2 oz jar (which can last several months) costs about $60 on Amazon.com.
 - Kayleigh K.
November 18, 2011
We are obsessed with ginger right now. From the holiday cookies to the gingerbread lattes, ginger is in our hearts and minds. But ginger is not just reserved for the cute little cookies at Christmas time. It packs a powerful punch and many Spas across the world are turning up the spice with the ginger nice.
Not only does ginger have amazing health benefits, but Spas are keen to the healing perks as well. Such as the Rockhouse Spa in Negril, Jamaica, which offers a unique treatment menu revolving around this magnificent ingredient. The Rockhouse Spa mimics the properties bohemian sheik vibe, ultra laid back and 100% Caribbean.
The staff is attentive and in tune with the demands of savvy spa goers. Including the ginger inspired developed aromatherapy massage and scrubs. Ginger is probably one of the world’s most popular medicines and cooking ingredients. A perennial herb that is native to China and India, ginger root has been used for centuries in Asian cooking and for its therapeutic properties.
Some of the natural benefits of adding more ginger in your life include:
Aids in Digestion – Ginger helps break down proteins to rid the stomach and intestines of gas. It also aids in the digestion of fatty foods and alleviates High Blood Pressure. Ginger has a warming quality, which improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels, which facilitates the flow of blood throughout the body.
Treats Nausea and Morning Sickness – Ginger has been widely shown to prevent as well as treat motion sickness, relax the stomach and relieve the feeling of nausea. Many ginger candies are sold at airports and on cruise ships to help with travel induced motion sickness.
Lowers LDL Cholesterol – Studies prove that ginger can lower cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver. Its extract can help reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
Improves Quality of Skin – Spas are turning to Ginger in part because it can increase skin’s radiance and decrease inflammation that may contribute to conditions such as psoriasis and acne. Ginger is an antioxidant, which means it naturally inhibits harmful free radicals that cause skin damage and aging.
Want more ginger in your life?
Here are our favorite ginger products
1. Ginger Desert Essence Toothpaste, Natural Tea Tree Oil toothpaste
2. Invigorate Yogi Ginger Tea
3. Cawston Press Apple & Ginger Juice
Image: dailyfitnessmagz.com
- Shannon K.
For more tips on keeping beautiful on the inside and out, visit Dr. Lance Bailey at Clackamas Downtown Dental Care, A dentist in Clackamas, OR.
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