To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Egg white and lemon: excellent in a meringue, even better on your face!

Eggs and lemons are two of nature’s super foods, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein (in the egg). But both are also excellent sources for natural skincare.

If you’ve been following along so far, you already know that lemon can brighten and lighten your skin, dissolving dark spots and even freckles. But eggs are equally excellent ingredients for glowing skin!

The proteins in eggs can help to heal, rebuild, and renew your skin. They are naturally astringent, which make them a great choice for those with oily skin, and their drawing powers help to remove and clear away blackheads.

You can leave this mask on for up to 15 minutes. You should feel it tightening as it dries. That’s how you know it’s working! Take some time to relax and renew while the mask does its work. You’ll feel and see the difference in no time!

Image via shutterstock

Stuff to Know:

• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use this mask right after you make it. Do not store it or save it for later.

Egg White & Lemon Mask to Firm, Lift, and Tighten the Skin

Ingredients:

• 1egg white
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Steps to Make:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Using your fingers or a gentle makeup brush, apply the mixture in a thin layer to your entire face and neck.
3. Spread the mixture evenly across your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the delicate eye area.
4. Leave on for 5-15 minutes.
5. Rinse well with temperate water.
6. Pat your face dry. Do not rub.

Do you use eggs or lemons in your skin care routine?

Image by Nicolas TACCHI via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

You knew it was coming, didn’t you?

You knew I wouldn’t ignore the physical, mental, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation when discussing natural health and beauty. And yet, some of you resisted. And you’re still resisting because you Just Don’t Want to Meditate. Or you Just Don’t Have the Time. Or you Just Don’t See the Point.

I won’t be coy and pretend it’s easy to learn or to practice. I won’t tell you you’ll gain psychic superpowers or solve all your problems overnight.

I will, however, remind you of the benefits of learning to meditate and of putting that practice to use.

These include:

• Reduced stress
• Strengthened immune system
• Increased productivity
• Greater sense of overall wellbeing
• Feeling of “purpose”
• Enhanced mental, emotional, and psychological stability
• Reduced anxiety, fatigue, and depression
• Regulated blood pressure
• Decreased heart rate
• Lowered levels of stress hormones, like cortisol
• Lowered cholesterol levels
• Regulated breathing and increased lung capacity
• Increased creativity
• Improved comprehension and memory
• Greater sense of living in the present moment
• Greater sense of compassionate self-awareness and acceptance

Beginners often start with a practice called “mindfulness meditation.” This easy-to-learn seated meditation increases your awareness of the present moment and brings calm, steady attention to the natural flow of thoughts streaming through your mind.

It requires no dogma, no faith, no organized religion or belief system—just steady breath and compassion for your own humanness.

Stuff to Know:

• Meditation should be used in conjunction with conventional medical or psychological care, not as a substitute for it. If you are suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, or other psychological or emotional distress, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional before practicing meditation.

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

It can be easier to learn mindfulness meditation by focusing your awareness on only one sensation, object, or thought, such as your breath, a candle, or the concept of forgiveness. Set aside a quiet spot to practice and wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothes.

1. Sit in a comfortable position on a folded blanket, bolster, or firm cushion. You can also sit on a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting in your lap. Adjust your position so your spine is erect. Sit with your head, neck, and spine in one straight line.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Begin to steady your breath by inhaling for a count of five and exhaling for five. After a few of these deep breaths, breathe naturally again. Notice the way the air feels as it travels in and out of your body through your nose.
4. Continually bring your awareness back to your breath, in and out, in and out.
5. Do not force yourself to concentrate. Simply notice when your mind wanders, and then gently bring your awareness back to your breath. Consistently returning to the present moment takes patience and dedication.
6. Be careful not to punish yourself for wandering thoughts. Thinking is the natural state of your mind. Meditation is not a competition.
7. Now bring your awareness to the object of your focus. This might still be your breath. If it’s an object, like a candle, soften your gaze.
8. Maintain your awareness. When your thoughts start to wander, gently guide them back to the object of your focus. Don’t fight the thoughts. Simply acknowledge them and let them pass, like clouds floating by or like ocean waves.
9. Do this exercise for 10 minutes a day, gradually extending your sessions to 20 or 30 minutes.

Remember:

• Start small! Even 1-2 minutes a day will bring you great benefits, when practiced every day.
• Don’t get too comfortable. You don’t want to fall asleep! If you easily doze off when trying to meditate, take the necessary steps to address fatigue and sleep problems outside of your meditation practice.

Do you meditate?

Do you have any tips for practicing meditation or establishing a practice?

Image by Felix Burton via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Sometimes you just need a change. A new perspective, a new path, a new role, a new pair of (metaphorical) shoes.

If you’ve been following along, you know what a big fan I am of going upside-down, such as when practicing Legs Up the Wall. Inverting your body helps the blood flow to your brain and can literally help you change your perspective.

But sometimes, merely putting your legs in the air (ahem) won’t be enough to ultimately implement a change in flow.

If that’s the case, there are some easy ways to work small shifts into your day. As these small shifts add up, quantum leaps might occur!

It’s a simple matter of not doing things the way you’ve “always” done them.

Some easy ideas to try:

• Brush your teeth with the opposite hand.
• Exercise at a different time of day.
• Read a genre you don’t normally read: fiction instead of nonfiction, for example.
• Meet friends for ice cream instead of for cocktails.
• Go dancing instead of watching TV.
• Take the scenic route. Even better, get lost and then find your way home without a GPS.
• Bathe instead of shower.
• Take the kids to the woods instead of the beach. Or to the beach instead of Disneyland.
• Kiss your partner when you wake up instead of once you’re out of bed.
• Shake your hips instead of standing still!

Whatever you do, keep the changes small but meaningful to you. Nobody else in the world even has to know Take note of your increased awareness of the present moment. Enjoy being awake and alive.

What are some suggestions you have to change things up??

Image via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

If you’ve been following my tips so far, you’ll know how much I love making my own face scrubs. Sometimes, I’ll use a bit of face scrub on my chest or upper arms, but I prefer to have a separate body scrub that’s a little bit coarser.

One of my all-time favorites is ridiculously easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients already!

Got olive oil?

Got brown sugar?

You’re good to go

If you don’t have olive oil, you can try a different body oil, like jojoba, almond, or vitamin E. You can also use white sugar instead of brown, but I think the scrubby texture of brown sugar works better for this one.

I like to add a few drops of vanilla or orange essential oil to this scrub. It makes it smell absolutely heavenly, although be aware that it might make you hungry!

The following is my standard body scrub for normal skin not prone to body breakouts.

Stuff to Know:

• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• This scrub should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot and can last for up to 2 weeks.

For a container, I reuse a small plastic jar that once held nut butter. A used jam jar, plastic yogurt cup, or something similar would work, too!

Moe Rubenzahl (Moe Rubenzahl) via Wikimedia Commons

Easy Homemade Body Scrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 drops vanilla or orange essential oil (optional)

Steps

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix together all ingredients.
2. Transfer to your container.

To use:

• Remove a small amount, the size of a couple of quarters, and spread between your hands.
• Apply in small, circular movements to damp skin, all over your body. Scrub for 1-5 minutes.
• Rinse well with temperate water.
• Pat yourself dry. Do not rub your skin. The olive oil will help to maintain and protect your skin!

Do you like sweet-smelling body treatments?

By Ordinary Guy (O.G.) via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

When I was in high school, I read an interview with a beautifully-aged Katherine Hepburn, who claimed that her number one beauty secret was taking cold showers. It sounded nuts to me at the time, but I was young and impressionable and decided to try it. I’ve been ending my showers with a cold rinse ever since, and these days, I can hardly imagine leaving the shower still warm

If you’re not used to them, the idea of taking a cold shower might seem like some kind of horrible, cruel joke.

But that’s just a modern fear! For a long time throughout history, humans bathed in cool rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Many ancient societies, including the Greeks, bathed in cold water for physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits. Some people claim we’re not even biologically adapted to warm ~ or hot! ~ water and that bathing in it can damage our skin and immune systems.

And while it can’t be argued that mild, temperate water is neutral and won’t cause harm or good, there’s plenty of evidence that cold water can be good for our overall health and wellbeing!

A German farmer named Vincenz Priessnitz popularized the concept of “hydrotherapy” ~ bathing in cold water for health benefits ~ in the 1820s, and had Charles Darwin as a huge proponent, in addition to dukes and duchesses, counts and countesses. The easy and free benefits of hydrotherapy caused some tension between natural healers and modern (Western) medicine, who disregarded it as quackery; yet even today, the benefits can’t be disputed!

Some Benefits of Bathing in Cold Water

• Many modern athletes, in particular, take ice baths and cold plunges to help their bodies heal and become stronger.
• Cold water increases circulation, which helps the body to heal from injury and overuse, but also helps to sharpen your mental powers!
• It increases your metabolic rate and stimulates the immune system.
• It’s energizing!
• It makes your hair shiny and gives you glowing, rosy skin.
• It’s been claimed that cold showers alleviate depression.
• Bathing in cold water can increase hormone production and might help with fertility.
• Cold water even stimulates your lymphatic system to remove waste!

How to take a cold shower:

I probably don’t need to explain this in excruciating detail

Start small.

Take a shower at your normal temperature. Gradually decrease the hot water and increase the cold water as your shower ends. Over time, you’ll be able to turn the hot water all the way off and enjoy the cold water for longer and longer periods. A word of warning, though ~ once you go cold, you might never go back!

Stuff to Know:

• This post is not intended as medical advice. If you are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, an eating disorder, severe sleep disruption, or any other mental state that is causing concern to you or your loved ones, please seek the help of a professional.
• Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a fever should not take cold showers or baths. Keep the water temperate, instead.

Do you ever take cold showers?

By Theornamentalist via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

If you’ve ever spent a day pulling weeds or planting trees, you might be familiar with the feelings of pure joy, peace, happiness, and contentment that come over you after only a short while.

And you might think it’s just because you got some fresh air and sunshine… which certainly can boost your mood!

But a more surprising factor behind your gardening smile lies in the soil itself. A British study conducted a few years ago discovered that touching soil actually increases your brain’s production of serotonin, your body’s natural “happiness” chemical! If you’re unfamiliar with the neurotransmitter serotonin, the easiest way to describe it is as a messenger produced in your brain, nerves, and gut that tells your body how to feel and regulates your mood.

Certain foods, healthy sleep and exercise habits, and lifestyle patterns can increase your levels of serotonin, which can give you a mood lift, altering your levels (or perceived levels) of happiness. Researchers found that coming in contact with a certain “friendly” bacteria found in soil also activates the brain to produce more serotonin. According to the study, getting your hands dirty can boost your serotonin levels in the same way antidepressant drugs can!

So the next time you need a lift, ditch the gardening gloves and dig your hands in the soil. Mess up your pedicure and go barefoot in the dirt. Give in to your childish impulses and play in the mud! You’ll do your emotional state a world of good!

Stuff to Know:

• This post is not intended as medical advice. If you are suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, an eating disorder, severe sleep disruption, or any other mental state that is causing concern to you or your loved ones, please seek the help of a professional.

Do you keep your hands and feet clean all the time?

Do you garden?

By Kanko from Nagasaki via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

As summertime sneaks around the bend here in the Northern Hemisphere and temperatures rise, you might be stepping up your skin care routine to include toner. Using a toner after cleansing can help to ensure a makeup- and residue-free face, and it can also help to control excess oil brought on by warmer weather. Many store-bought toners contain alcohol, which can over-dry your skin, causing it to freak out and produce even more oil. But alcohol-free toners are generally gentle enough for most skin types.

However, you don’t need to buy any kind of specialty toner, especially if you have green tea in the cupboard! Steeped and cooled green tea is an excellent cleansing, revitalizing, and gentle skin toner, suitable for all skin types. It contains antioxidants that your skin will drink up, and it helps to restore your skin’s vital pH balance.

Any type of green tea will work: sencha, bancha, kukicha… your personal flavor preference will be just as good as any other, when it comes to green tea toner!

An added bonus: you can use the pouch of a green tea bag to apply the toner, eliminating the need for a cotton pad while providing extra exfoliation powers.

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, use very diluted green tea.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use the tea toner on the day you make it. Do not store unused, soaked green tea.

By Shizuha (投稿者自身が撮影) via Wikimedia Commons

Green Tea Toner for All Skin Types

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of green tea OR 1 bag equivalent loose tea
• 1 cup of fresh, purified water

Steps to Make:

1. Bring the water nearly to a boil.
2. To increase the amount of tea toner you’re making, simply keep the ratios the same.
3. Steep your tea bag (or loose tea in a tea holder) for 3-7 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your tea toner will be.
4. Remove the tea bag or loose tea and allow to cool completely. If using the tea bag as a scrubber, allow the pouch to cool completely, as well. For extra cooling effects, store in the refrigerator until chilled.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Apply a small amount of tea to a cotton pad. Or dip the tea bag into the cooled tea, and use that instead of a cotton pad.
3. Using  small, circular movements, apply the tea to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
4. Allow the tea toner to dry on your face.
5. Apply moisturizer or face oil afterward, as needed.

Have you ever used green tea in your beauty routine?

Do you drink green tea on a daily basis?

By Orco Development, via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Springtime is here! Which means summertime is right around the corner…and that means sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet. If your tootsies have been gathering dust ~ and calluses ~ over the winter, you can prepare to bare them easily with a simple vinegar soak.

Of course, if you’re a runner or dancer and want to keep your calluses, go ahead and skip this section, or bookmark it for after your marathon or big performance

You can use plain white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will soften the tough skin and make it easier to be sloughed off with a pumice stone. Be sure to dilute the vinegar with water, and always moisturize your feet afterward.

Your soft, fresh feet will thank you for it!

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, dilute the vinegar with water even further, up to a 1:10 ratio.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use this solution right away and do not store it. Discard the solution after use.
• Painful calluses, corns, bunions, and other foot problems can be the result of ill-fitting shoes or health issues. If you have concerns about the health of your feet, please see a podiatrist or other foot care professional.

Vinegar Soak to Soften Calluses

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 gallons warm water

Steps to Make:

1. Pour the warm water into a large bowl, tub, or bucket.
2. Add the vinegar and stir.

To Use:

1. Wash your feet first.
2. Place your feet in the vinegar solution and soak for up to 45 minutes.
3. While your feet are sill damp, scrub the calluses in small, circular motions with a pumice stone or stiff, dry washcloth to slough away the skin.
4. Pat your feet dry.
5. Apply your favorite lotion or oil and massage in well. Try coconut oil, almond oil, or vitamin E oil for great results!
6. Repeat daily as needed.

Do you use vinegar in your beauty routine?

Do you give yourself home pedicures or do you prefer to have someone else look after your feet?

Photo by Andrea Drugay

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Red is a temperamental hair color! It likes to make a bold entrance, but doesn’t like to stick around.

If you’re a natural-born redhead, you might notice a gradual fading of your vibrant hue over time. And if you color your hair red, you might notice that it often fades quicker than other colors.

There are a couple of easy home remedies to perk up your fiery hues, without slathering your head with chemicals.

The first, and perhaps most well-known, option is to use henna instead of hair dye. Henna is a plant that’s been used since ancient times ~ think Cleopatra ~ to impart a red luster to locks. It’s an excellent all-natural choice if you’re looking to dye or to replace chemical dyes with something simple and time-tested. However, be aware that it’s a commitment, usually taking several hours from start to finish. Hairdressers claim it coats your strands, making it impossible to ever be stripped, so if you’re a commitmentphobe, stay away.

However, if you’re looking for all-natural, easy ways to enhance any naturally existing red tones or to brighten up fading color, look no further! It’s extremely simple to make your own red-highlighting hair rinse using just tea. If you’ve tried my homemade hair lightening spray, you already know how easy that one is. This one is just as easy ~ even more so because it only contains ONE ingredient!

This DIY spray will impart warm, red highlights. You can use it on individual strands or chunks, or on your entire head for an allover refresh. When used over time, it will keep your color vibrant, bright, and fiery!

If you are a blonde or have blonde highlights, be sure to check out my post on DIY hair lightening spray. If you’re dark-haired, stay tuned. I’ll be posting tips for you, as well! (My hair has been just about every shade in the book, so believe me, I’ve done them all.)

Stuff to Know:

• This rinse is recommended only for hair that is its natural color or has been colored only with natural products, such as henna or herbs. If your hair has been chemically treated or if you go to a salon for highlights or coloring, please talk with your stylist first.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• This rinse can be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot for up to 1 week.

For a container, I used a small plastic spray bottle from the drugstore, which cost $0.99. I had all other ingredients on hand.

Photo by Andrea Drugay

Hibiscus Hair Rinse for Red Highlights

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers OR 3-5 bags of hibiscus tea **NOTE: Celestial Seasonings Zinger teas ALL have hibiscus as the first ingredient! You can use any one of the zinger teas for this hair rinse, but Red Zinger, Raspberry Zinger, or Tropic of Strawberry are your best choice.
• 2 cups purified water
• pinch of paprika (optional)

Steps

1. Boil the water in a saucepan. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
2. Add your tea bags or flowers to the steaming water. Steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your rinse will be.
3. Strain the flowers or tea bags and allow the water to cool completely.
4. As an optional step, you can add a pinch of paprika to the tea. Mix well until incorporated.
5. Transfer to your container. Store the remaining tea ~ or drink it!

To use:

• Spray on dry, clean hair, either all over or in small sections for targeted highlights.
• Comb through. Leave on for one hour, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
• For expedited red highlights, blow dry your hair while the spray is still on it, or sit in the sun while your hair air dries. The heat will speed the highlighting process.

Do you have red hair or red highlights?

Have you ever used henna or other natural hair coloring?

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Tip #13: Floss to Benefit Your Whole Body

Now, everybody knows (don’t you?) that it’s essential to floss (and brush, of course!) your teeth twice a day. So I’m not going to harp on it and I’ll keep this post short

Today’s tip is a simple reminder that flossing is about more than dental health. Yes, we all know that getting rid of the gunk between your teeth helps to prevent bad breath, plaque buildup, and gum disease. Brushing is good, but flossing is excellent.

Protect Your Heart

Preventing plaque buildup can also help protect your heart, your blood, and your overall health and wellbeing. Extra plaque between your teeth can enter your bloodstream and build up in the arteries of your heart. If you’ve heard of plaque buildup in your arteries, it’s the same thing! Plaque is plaque, whether it’s in your mouth or your heart. Gross, huh?

Prevent or Reduce Inflammation

Additionally, when junk builds up in your mouth, you become more prone to cuts and minor oral infections. You might think that’s no big deal, but bodies work holistically. An infection in one part will increase inflammation everywhere, as your body works hard to heal the wound. Inflammation, especially chronic inflammation, is the root cause of many diseases and much dis-ease. Taking care of your mouth and making sure your gums aren’t inflamed because they’re neglected is one way to care for your whole body.

Simply remembering to floss twice a day can be an easy way to help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce inflammation, making this a one of the simplest and most beneficial of the 52 tips so far

Stuff to Know:

If your gums bleed regularly or if you are prone to many mouth infections, even with twice-daily flossing, please see a dental care provider or a doctor. If you have any concerns about the state of your oral health, please consult with a professional.

Do you usually floss before brushing, or brush before flossing?

Do you like “minty” or flavored floss, or unflavored? Waxed or unwaxed?

Well, then! Last week’s rain/slow/sleepy vibe gave way this week to activity and bustling work. I’ll take it!

Not much of an intro this week So let’s jump right into the Must-Share goodies from the last week. Enjoy!

1. Acid Drops, by Dylan Rieder on Vimeo:

Really cool and beautiful hand-painted videos of skateboarders. Everything about this is dreamy: the concept, execution, all of it. Love.

2. This quote:

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. Leann at Healthful Pursuit shared her 5-Minute Breakfast Cupcake:

I don’t have a microwave, so it’s more like 15-20 minutes in the oven, but still… That’s enough time to do other stuff while it bakes and then, YUM.

Plus, it’s gluten-free, grain-free, can be vegan, and is loaded with fiber. Looks like a fantastic way to start the day.

4. Ashley from Edible Perspective shared HER love of homemade beauty products.

As you know, I couldn’t agree more!

It’s wayyyyy easier than you might think.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out my 52 Tips and follow along throughout the year!

5. Simple Acts of Radical Noticing, via Crazy Sexy Life:

Guest blogger Leslie Carr on mindfulness and waking up to our lives.

She’s basically talking about the true heart of yoga. 

In yoga, we teach what is called the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. When you learn to become still, the world opens up. As you begin to wake up to your true self and your true life, you begin to notice things in new ways. With practice, you start understand that you have this new way of looking at the world, which makes it easier (and more necessary) to peel away the layers of programming that make you think you’re someone you might not actually be.

Start with her essay. I’ll write more on this at some point

6. Apartment Therapy shared this amazing half-graffiti hotel room:

Cognitive dissonance, live and in person! I’d love to stay here with my honey, but which side of the bed would I sleep on??

7. Advance copies of the Advanced Style book are in:

Is that a gorgeous cover or what?

If you’re not already familiar with the Advanced Style website, you should be!

These women are who I want to be in 50 or so years. Never compromising their style, glamour, or eccentricities, always staying rad. Plus, they highlight men with advanced style, too.

Can’t wait to get the book, but it doesn’t come out till May 22. Patience, grasshopper.

8. Finally, five questions to help lift a bad day, via The Positivity Blog

Good perspectives when you’re caught in a spiral of melodrama, navel gazing, and self-centeredness.

Eight this week, that’s all I had time for! If you’ve got ones to add, feel free to stick ‘em in the comments!

Have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Tip #12: Use Tea Tree Oil to Zap Zits

When it comes to getting rid of pimples naturally and safely, it can be hard to believe an oil would do the trick. Doesn’t adding oil to your skin make you break out?

Not if it’s tea tree oil! This extract from the Australian tea tree is a useful alternative to prescriptions, pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter chemicals that can kill off acne but can also result in harmful side effects.

Tea tree oil is relatively easy to find these days, in health food stores and natural, eco-friendly beauty supply stores.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from an Australian plant called Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant and can be bought in pure, undiluted form. It can also be added to other health and beauty products, such as shampoo, toothpaste, and lotion.

Tea Tree Oil for Clear Skin

Without getting too technical or scientific, the easiest way to explain how tea tree oil helps your skin is that it kills bacteria that create acne. The oil contains a chemical called terpinen-4-ol, which is antimicrobial. That means it attacks and destroys the bacteria responsible for acne, helping your skin stay naturally blemish-free.

When you apply tea tree oil ~ or products that contain tea tree oil, such as face washes, cleansing pads, or astringents ~ to your pimpled skin, the antibacterial properties go to work immediately. Redness is usually immediately reduced, and milder pimples can disappear overnight!

Additionally, tea tree oil won’t irritate the non-pimpled areas of your skin, as long as you use it as directed. That means it’s even easier to use than some laboratory-produced acne treatments, which can highly irritate your skin!

Stuff to Know

• Do not use tea tree oil without diluting it first with purified water. Using undiluted tea tree oil can cause your skin to become irritated, red, blistered, overly dry, or itchy.
• Spot test before using tea tree oil on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Severe breakouts can be the result of an underlying health issue. If your skin has broken out suddenly, if you have severe or cystic acne, or if you are worried in general about the state of your skin, please do not use tea tree oil. Make an appointment with a dermatologist, a naturopath, or your doctor.

Have you ever used natural acne remedies, such as tea tree oil?

Are you familiar with other health and beauty uses for tea tree oil?

Well, as always, there were some good finds around the web this week. Here you go ~ enjoy!

1. Scientists prove the color pink doesn’t exist, via Time:

Say whaaaaa???

Pink is just wishful thinking has GOT to be my favorite quote of the year so far.

I’ve always had a theory that pink is subversive and now I know why. What an interesting argument!

2. Boing Boing brings us the case for dolphin rights:

In their words… whether or not certain cetaceans—primarily whales and dolphins—deserve to have legal rights under the law, the same as people have. 

Yowza! I’m telling you. We must prepare. They WILL become our overlords… once again.

3. Need a crash course in Mad Men Season 4 before Sunday’s Season 5 premiere?

Click the link above for a comprehensive, 4-minute video that reviews all the good parts.

Trés Sugar helped us out here. Thanks, Trés!

4. Via Copyranter, this fantastic 1960s anti-war Lego ad. Try not to cry.

5. Rawmazing had some deee-lish-looking Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies!

Oh. Em. Gee.

No, I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m gonna! AND I want to try them with cashews instead of almonds. HOW great would that be? Super-great.

6. An excellent essay on Clean Foods, Clean Living via Crazy Sexy Life:

Guest blogger Amie Valpone dishes on clean eating as a clean-living lifestyle, not just a dietary choice. Yes, it takes dedication and planning, but it’s your life. Do you really want to fill your life with processed crap that makes you feel like junk? I don’t

She says:

It’s not about the gluten-free pizzas or the vegan cookies or the dairy-free ice creams. Yes, I’m sure they all taste great. But if these companies are taking out the gluten, dairy, fat or sodium, well … what exactly are they putting in? Kind of scary to think about, isn’t it? Just take a look at the ingredient list, and I’m sure you’ll be blown away (or unable to pronounce) what’s inside.

Let’s start by taking a step back and eating the basics: fresh produce, lean proteins and healthy fats. Challenge yourself to forego the food store for local farmers markets … I bet you’ll be surprised how creative you can get. And the best part? Your taste buds will transform, and you’ll soon realize you don’t need that fake sweetener or that sugary iced tea or those cookies.

Go, Amie!

Plus, she includes a few delicious recipes for Vegan Falafel Balls and Kale Cashew Pesto. Yum!

7. Aromatic Lifestyle dished on why DIY beauty is the way to go:

Save money, customize, reduce waste, and know exactly what your skin is absorbing ~ yes! Excellent reasons.

Check out her post for some thoughts that will get you on the DIY train in no time!

8. A short essay on “need” via The Minimalists:

It’s true. We don’t need much for a meaningful life. We really, really don’t.

9. Hey, romance writers! Read RT Review’s 10 places now accepting manuscripts!

Got a finished ms? Send it out! Set it free! Good luck!

(Entangled Publishing is getting big, big, big methinks.)

10. Finally, Mashable shared a new HowAboutWe, this time for couples.

Been with your honey for a while and need some fresh ideas for dates and quality time? This sounds like a good, cute idea.

Whelp, that’s all for now, friends! Have a wonderful weekend!

What are some great things you’ve seen this week?

Got any fun plans for the weekend?

(stock)

Tip #11: Use Magnesium for Relaxation

When it comes to supplements for relaxation, many people have heard of (or use) hormones and amino acids like melatonin, 5-HTP, or herbs like Valerian. (Note: I’ll be doing a post on amino acids soon, so stay tuned!)

But magnesium often comes as a surprise! In fact, it can be one of the most beneficial minerals to add to your diet, to help combat stress while gaining  a whole host of other benefits. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that’s crucial for a number of bodily functions. It’s found in a variety of delicious sources, including:

• Sea vegetables
• Leafy greens
• Beans and peas
• Nuts
• Whole grains and whole-grain cereals

Some amazing things magnesium does include:

• Regulates nerve impulses
• Regulates body temperature
• Works with calcium to develop healthy bones and teeth
• Helps the body to absorb calcium
• Helps to synthesize and metabolize protein
• Maintains cellular integrity and health
• Produces energy
• Relieves constricted airways
• Improves parathyroid health

That’s plenty! But magnesium also helps to relax the body ~ the mind and muscles ~ making it an excellent recovery supplement for athletes in training as well as a great daily relaxant for those under stress or duress!

Magnesium for Relaxation

At the end of a long day, during stressful times, or after a hard workout, it might be tempting to use alcohol to relax. And it will relax you… to a point. After only a small amount, however, it’s more stressful on your body to drink booze than it is to avoid it! A great alternative is magnesium ~ especially if you can still drink it! Keep reading to learn more.

The recommended dosage for adults is 250-350 mg. Be sure you stay within that range, and lean toward the lower end if you’re not used to magnesium. Taking too much can make you cramp-y and “loose,” which isn’t relaxing for anyone!

There are several ways to add magnesium to your diet. The first, and most beneficial, is to add more magnesium-rich foods to your diet. Snack on seaweed or have a big spinach salad for lunch.

You can also take supplements in pill, capsule, or tablet form.

But my personal favorite (and this is not a sponsored plug, I promise!) is a product called Magnesium Calm. It’s a powdered supplement that comes in different natural flavors and has added calcium for optimal absorption. They’re a little effervescent, and all delicious, but my favorite flavor is lemon. I make it with warm water, so it’s like tea, and drink it about an hour or so before bed. It’s deeply relaxing to my sometimes-overworked muscles, and it helps me to sleep like a baby! 

If you suffer from insomnia, magnesium might be just the ticket to get you through the night. It’s also been shown to be helpful for those with migraines and depression.

Stuff to Know

As with any supplement, you should approach taking magnesium with caution. If you take more than the recommended allowance, you might end up with cramps, diarrhea, or nausea. If you’re taking any OTC or prescription medicines, antibiotics, or diuretics, please check with your doctor before adding magnesium to your diet. If you currently have diabetes, intestinal disease, heart disease, or kidney disease, please check with your doctor before adding magnesium to your diet. Take it easy, start small, and always listen to your body!

Do you ever take supplements to help relax?

Do you have a favorite bedtime ritual?

(istock)

Yogurt and honey make a delicious combo, especially when paired with granola. But they also make a fantastic combination for your face, especially for skin that easily reddens or chaps!

When winter’s winds kick in, skin can easily become chapped, red, and irritated. Add temperature-controlled environments to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for upset skin. And depending where you live, summertime temps can lead to red, dry skin that irritates easily.

Yogurt and honey can soothe and renew your skin, restoring its natural balance and beauty! Yogurt softens and balances the skin; raw honey moisturizes while removing irritating bacteria.

You can leave this mask on for up to 15 minutes. Take some time to relax and renew while it does its work. You’ll feel and see the difference in no time!

(istock)

Stuff to Know:

• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Store this mask in the refrigerator!
• It’s best to make and use this mask right away. However, if stored in the fridge, it can be used within 3 days.

For a container, I re-used a medium-sized yogurt container. A jam jar or something similar would work just as well!

Yogurt & Honey Mask to Reduce Redness and Irritation

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. raw honey

Steps to Make:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients.
2. To increase the amount you’re making, simply keep the ratios the same.
3. Transfer to your container.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Spread a small amount of the mixture between your hands.
3. Apply in an even layer to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the delicate eye area.
4. Continue to layer the mask until it is all used up.
5. Leave on for 5-15 minutes.
6. Rinse well with temperate water.
7. Pat your face dry. Do not rub.

Do you use food products in your beauty routine?

What’s your favorite go-to beauty aid?

(via wonderwalls)

It’s no secret that I love to make my own face scrubs. They’re easy to make! They don’t contain any ingredients you don’t want (chemicals, preservatives). And they can be tossed together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen ~ but whose skin-beautifying benefits you might not know.

Today’s tip is a great example: lemon juice can actually fade skin discolorations! Lemon is a mild bleaching agent, which can help to reduce and even eliminate freckles and blotchy, brown discolorations (sometimes called “age spots” or “liver spots”).

Adding sugar to lemon juice speeds exfoliation, getting rid of that top layer of dead skin cells to reveal the glowing, fresh skin beneath. Be sure to use real cane sugar if you want the exfoliation ~ regular white sugar or brown sugar, but not sugar replacers like agave or stevia ~ because the cane sugar produces glycolic acids, which are natural exfoliants.

Lemon and sugar face scrub for skin discolorations

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, dilute the lemon juice with water by a 1:1 ratio.
• If your skin is extremely dry, add a tsp. of coconut oil to the mix.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• In general, each of the homemade products should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot for 3-4 weeks.
• Hyperpigmentation can be the result of underlying health issues or reactions to certain medications or birth control. If you have concerns about your skin discoloration, please see a dermatologist.

For a container, I used a small plastic jar from my craft box. A used jam jar, plastic yogurt cup, or something similar would work just as well!

Lemon & Sugar Face Scrub for Skin Discolorations

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. sugar (use white or brown cane sugar or coconut/palm sugar)
• fresh juice from 1/2 a lemon
• 1 tsp. raw coconut oil (optional)

Steps to Make:

1. In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients.
2. To increase the amount you’re making, simply keep the ratios the same.
3. Transfer to your container.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Remove a small amount, about the size of a quarter, and spread between your hands.
3. Apply in small, circular movements to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin for one minute. Avoid the delicate eye area.
4. Rinse well with temperate water.
5. Pat your face dry. Do not rub.

Do you use lemons in your beauty routine?

What’s your most-wished-for beauty aid?

(M. Minderhoud, http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

It sounds like a frat party practical joke, doesn’t it?

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

This post is in honor of today’s Mardi Gras celebrations! Come tomorrow, many of you will be putting down the bottle for the next 40 days and might find it grueling to stare at that beer in the fridge, just teasing and taunting you. I know, many more of you won’t give it up, but bear (beer?) with me, because at some point in your life, it’s likely that you will have leftover, stale, or flat beer that would otherwise go to waste.

To some of you, I know that sounds completely absurd. Who in their right mind has leftover beer? If you’re a hardcore beer drinker who would rather chug backwash than watch any ounce of hops hit the floor, you’re welcome to skip right over this post

If you’re a beer liker, however, or a beer snob who doesn’t know what to do with cans of PBR after a house party, or if you’re a teetotaler who would otherwise use beer to prevent slugs in the garden… then, read on.

Rinsing your hair with beer will give it extra volume, shine, and manageability. It can be used on all hair types and is safe for color-treated or processed hair. You can use fresh, flat, stale, or old beer; ales, porters, flavored beer… whatever you have on hand, try it out.

Stuff to Know:

• Use room-temperature beer, not beer from the fridge or cooler.
• One full bottle or can of beer is plenty, even for long hair.
• Normal and oily hair will not require conditioner. The sugars from the beer will strengthen and smooth your hair. If your hair is extremely dry, use a light conditioner after the beer rinse.
  

  (Adrian Scottow, http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

Beer Hair Rinse

1. Wash your hair with shampoo as you would normally do.
2. Make sure all the shampoo is rinsed out. Gently squeeze excess water from your hair.
3. Pour the beer slowly and gently into your hair.
4. Begin at your scalp. Work the beer through your hair with your fingertips and massage through to the ends of your hair.
5. Work the beer through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Rinse well with tepid or cool water.
7. To reduce any lingering beer smell, place a few drops of essential oil on a comb (try rosemary, lemon, or orange) and gently comb through your damp hair, moving from the ends toward the roots. Rinse again with tepid or cool water.
8. Dry and style as usual.

Have you ever used a “crazy” ingredient in your grooming routine?

Do you know any other good uses for leftover beer or other foods/drinks?

(iStock)

A simple and straightforward tip this week: stretch!

It can be so easy to get stuck on your butt ~ in front of the computer, on the couch, in the car, on a plane… We often spend several hours a day just sitting!

Recent research has shown that the more time you spend sitting, the more likely your health will suffer as a result.

Heath issues related to too much sitting include:

• Greater risk of heart disease
• Slower metabolism, even for those who exercise regularly
• Greater risk of diabetes
• Higher chance of elevated cholesterol
• Higher chance of obesity
• Even a greater risk of certain cancers

Why Stretch?

You don’t have to roll out a yoga mat and do anything crazy. Just stand up and stretch. Some benefits of stretching include:

• A clearer mind and refreshed outlook, preparing you for whatever work or concentration you’ll require in the next hour.
• Reduced risk of injury when you do move or exercise.
• Increased flexibility.
• Increased blood flow.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Reduced muscle tension.
• Increased energy levels.
• Relaxation and stress relief.
• Improved balance.
• Improved posture.
• Improved mood.

(iStock)

Easy Ways to Stretch (and to Remember to Stretch!):

A simple way to combat on-your-butt-itis is to stand up and stretch once an hour ~ no matter what you’re doing or where you are! Here are some ways to help make stretching once an hour an easy thing to remember:

• Set a watch alarm or use a kitchen timer.
• If you’re at your computer, set up StretchClock (for free!) on your browser. This handy reminder will alert you when your hour is up and will even open a short video you can stretch along with!
• If you’re a clock-watcher, stretch at the top of the hour.
• Drink water (perhaps lemon water!) throughout the day. You’ll be standing once an hour, guaranteed, as you make your way to the restroom!
• Stand up. That’s all ~ just get off your rear end for a minute. I’ll bet you a nickel you automatically reach your arms up to stretch your back, spine, and shoulders once you’re standing!
• If you’re driving, it can be tempting not to stop if you’re making good time. But put your health first. Pull off to a rest stop or a scenic view if there is one. Stand up, reach your arms overhead, twist to the right and the left. Touch your toes if you feel like it. Then get back in the car. Feel refreshed? Thought so!
• If you’re flying, it’s crucial to stretch during your flight. Sitting too long on a flight can increase your risk of blood clots, which can have serious health effects. Stand, stretch, walk to the rear of the plane and back ~ that’s all it takes to reverse the negative effects of sitting too long.
• If you’re watching TV, make sure you stand up between programs.
• If you’re watching a movie at home, pause in the middle and take a quick stretch.
• If you’re at a movie theater, it’s probably very unlikely you’ll get up and stretch… but not after reading this post, right??

It’s hard to overlook the benefits of stretching. A simple stand-and-stretch once an hour will bring benefits to your mind, body, and spirit. So don’t just sit there ~ get moving!

Do you spend a lot of time on your feet during the day?

Do you ever practice restorative yoga poses? If so, do you have a favorite?

(via iStock)

Good news, dear readers: I’ve created a separate page on the blog that stores all of the tips I’ve posted so far in a handy, easy-to-access list!

Check out the page by clicking here, or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

I hope that makes your life even the smallest bit easier

Tip #6: Drink Green Juice and Green Smoothies

If you’re new to juicing ~ or new to eating a lot of greens ~ this might sound like a scary post. But there’s really nothing to be afraid of when it comes to juicing or getting enough greens. In fact, it can be downright delicious and easy!

Why Greens?

Dark, leafy greens are absolutely loaded with nutrition. They are incredible stores of vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and even several B vitamins.

They also are rich in minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They are full of amino acids, which help our bodies to repair after strenuous work and which help to keep our brains functioning at their highest ability.

The phytonutrients (plant chemicals) in leafy greens, which include beta carotene and lutein, help to ward off age-related cellular damage and eye problems. Chlorophyll in leafy greens stimulates the production of red blood cells and helps keep the blood clean and fresh.

Leafy greens are also alkalizing, which helps to balance your body’s pH level against the harmful effects of acidifying foods such as alcohol, meat, cheese, coffee, and chocolate (in addition to the acidifying effects of stress, pollution, and everyday toxins). I’ll be writing a post on the acid/alkaline balance at some point this year, so stay tuned!

Leafy greens include:

• Kale
• Chard
• Lettuces, such as romaine or butter lettuce
• Collard greens
• Dandelion greens
• Beet greens
• Wheatgrass
• Barley grass
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Parsley
• Watercress

The fresher the better! And when juicing, always choose organic vegetables because if there are any chemicals on your veggies, they’ll head straight into the juice and be instantly absorbed by your body. Please, even if you don’t regularly choose organic vegetables for financial (or whatever) reasons, give your body a break and choose organic when juicing.

Keep reading to learn more about juicing your greens and making smoothies. It’s important to note I’m talking about fresh juice, not juice that has been pasteurized for safety and a long shelf life. Pasteurization kills many important enzymes and destroys many of the vitamins and minerals in juice. The fresher the better! A juicer or a power blender can be one of the healthiest investments you’ll ever make.

(via iStock)

The Benefits of Juicing

In the last few years, juicing has become a huge trend. I remember when the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer first made its way to informercial land ~ can you believe that was ten years ago? Needless to say, I didn’t buy a juicer back in 2002. It wasn’t until 2007, when an acupuncturist and Qi Gong Master friend passed along the wisdom, “Eat your fruit and drink your vegetables,” (note: see Cautions, below). The argument he made was that eating fruit provided fiber and a slow uptake of natural sugars, while drinking vegetable juice provided a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes while giving the digestive system a rest.

Digesting takes a lot of energy! Giving your body a chance to rest from the exhausting process of digestion and elimination helps to revitalize the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. This, in turn, also helps to rejuvenate your endocrine and immune systems.

If you’re an athlete or if you’re recovering from an injury or illness, drinking a fresh vegetable juice per day can help to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need while putting your body’s energy to use healing and recovering.

Drinking fresh, raw vegetable juice every day also helps your body to more efficiently release toxins that build up during normal day-to-day living. The antioxidants in fresh juice help to remove these toxins and restore vitality to all of your cells, tissues, and organs.

Juicing Recipes

There are literally endless combinations you can try. If you like to mix fruit and vegetables, go for it! If you prefer veggies only, then go with that. I like to add a squeeze of lemon or lime to my juice (which boosts the alkalizing effects even further!). If I’ve been training for a race and sweating buckets, I’ll sometimes add some sea salt. Mix it up to find a recipe that’s right for you. Some of my favorite combinations include:

• Kale-chard-cucumber-celery-green apple (my all-time favorite blend)
• Carrot-beet-celery
• Spinach-carrot-cucumber
• Carrot-apple-celery
• Spinach-apple-carrot-beet

Cautions

It’s important to note that when my acupuncturist friend recommended “eating your fruit and drinking your veggies,” he was speaking to my partner, who was dealing with digestive troubles at the time. The advice helped him rebalance his digestive system, and ultimately his entire body responded positively. HOWEVER, I would not recommend “drinking your veggies” as a total replacement for eating them. Fiber and possibly other benefits are lost through juicing. But when it comes to ingesting vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients (plant chemicals), juicing is an easy way to get a lot in you without having to eat seven salads a day.

It’s also important to note that I’m not talking about juice fasts or juice cleanses, which usually require ingesting nothing but vegetable juice, sometimes for days on end. Every body is different and I can’t claim what’s right for you. But what I’m talking about here is adding juice to your regular diet ~ or if you’re making an exchange, trade a snack for a juice but not a whole meal. Again, I can’t tell you what’s right for your body ~ so, as always, take what works for you and leave what doesn’t!

(via iStock)

Juicing Alternative: Green Smoothies

One way to keep the fiber and get all the benefits of juicing is to make green smoothies. Doing so requires a super-powered blender, such as a Vitamix or a Kitchenaid Pro Line blender (that’s the one we have), which will blend your veggies until super-smooth. The operational word here is “green.” That means you’re not making milkshake equivalents out of just bananas, ice cream, and sugar! (At least, not in place of juicing. Maybe for dessert on a special occasion.)

Green smoothies can also incorporate protein-rich ingredients, such as rice milk or hemp protein powder, which make them a great option for athletes and other highly active people. Keep in mind you’ll usually have to add 1/2 a cup of water or so to get the right consistency for your smoothie. Some green smoothie recipe ideas include:

• Kale-banana-pear
• Parsley-cucumber-apple-banana
• Kale-cucumber-celery-parsley-avocado-seaweed-ginger
• Banana-hemp protein-rice milk-raw almond butter (for a super post-workout meal replacement!)

What if I Don’t Have (or Can’t Afford) a Juicer or High-Powered Blender?

Depending where you live, you might be able to find unpasteurized, fresh green juice at farmers’ markets or at juice bars. If you can’t find unpasterized, the better option than pasteurized is flash pasteurized, which preserves more of the good-for-you enzymes. Around here, we pick up Columbia Gorge’s Organic Pure Pressed Just Greens, when we don’t have the time or inclination to juice our own. Trader Joe’s has a juice called “Very Green” that’s flash pasteurized ~ just make sure you’re buying the refrigerated one, not the pasteruized “Green Plant” juice.

And don’t forget that Jamba Juice has wheatgrass shots! If nothing else, you can usually find a Jamba Juice nearby and get some supergreens that way!

My personal experience with green juice and green smoothies has been nothing but absolutely wonderful! I would be surprised if you didn’t notice a positive change by adding more greens and more veggies in such an easy way. Remember to always listen to your body and do what’s right for you. I hope you find balance and benefits through greens in your own life!

Do you juice or make green smoothies? If so, why? If not, why?

If so, what’s your favorite juice or smoothie combination?

(iStock)

Legs Up the Wall, called Viparta Karani (VIP-uh-REE-tuh kah-RAH-nee) in Sanskrit, is an excellent restorative yoga pose that can be practiced every day by yoga students of all levels. This pose relieves swollen and sore legs, calves, and ankles ~ and can be beneficial for those with varicose veins. It also stretches the hamstrings, spine, and the back of the neck.

By reversing the flow of gravity, Legs Up the Wall relaxes, renews, and rejuvenates the nervous system. It calms the mind, relieves anxiety and headaches, brings serenity and peace, and heightens self-awareness. Ancient yoga texts even claim that the pose will destroy old age.

Practicing Legs Up the Wall for even a few minutes a day can be an easy way to revitalize your mind, body, and spirit!

Stuff to Know:

• If you’re a woman who is menstruating, consult with your yoga teacher before practicing Legs Up the Wall.
• Avoid this pose if you have glaucoma or other eye disorders.
• Also avoid this pose if you have a serious back or neck injury.
• Consult your doctor if you have any medical concerns.
• Be extraordinarily gentle!

How to Do Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)

by Andrea Drugay

You can practice Legs Up the Wall with props or without props. Using a bolster beneath the hips can be more supportive for some people, but others might find that lying flat on the floor is a more rejuvenating stretch. Make sure you have a strong wall or sturdy door with enough space on either side to come into and out of the pose safely.

The following instructions are for using a bolster. If you don’t have one or choose not to use one, simply follow the instructions as below but rest your entire back on the floor.

1. Place your bolster on the floor with the long side against the wall.
2. Sit with your left side against the wall and your lower back resting against the bolster.
3. Turn to the left and lift your legs up onto the wall. Be sure your lower back is pressing on the bolster before bringing your legs up the wall.
4. Drape your lower back over the bolster. Lower your back, shoulders, and head to the floor to lie down.
5. Shift your body so your buttocks scoot close to the wall, close enough for your sit bones to touch the wall. Your lower back should be fully supported by the bolster.
6. Rest your arms at your sides with your palms up.
7. Let your thigh bones relax. Imagine they are dropping downward, toward the back of your pelvis.
8. Close your eyes and breathe gently but deeply.
9. Stay in the pose for up to 20 minutes.
10. When you’re ready to come out, very gently and slowly press yourself away from the wall. Bring your legs all the way down to the right side. Inhale as you press yourself back up. Come into a seated position and take a few deep breaths to reconnect with the present moment.

Do you spend a lot of time on your feet during the day?

Do you ever practice restorative yoga poses? If so, do you have a favorite?

(via http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Picture_of_brown_eyes.jpg)

Puffy eyes in the morning are a common complaint, particularly as we get older. So much time spent in front of the computer, smartphone screen, TV, books, and movie screens can cause eye fatigue, even upon waking. Additionally, extra sodium, sugar, and inflammatory foods like dairy and wheat can cause dark circles, under-eye bags, and puffiness. And I don’t even think I need to mention how alcohol and lack of sleep can cause bloodshot eyes in the morning!

Adding a short and gentle eye massage to your morning routine will help to improve circulation, eliminate puffiness, and give you a bright-eyed start to the day! I do this first thing when I wake up, while lying on my back in bed, but you can do it anytime, anywhere.

Stuff to Know:

• Make sure you’re not wearing contact lenses or eye makeup.
• Make sure your hands are clean and free of debris, grease, and other residue.
• Be extraordinarily gentle!

Quick Morning Eye Massage

1. With clean fingertips, dab a small amount of face oil or cream on the skin under your eyes.
2. Place your left index and middle fingers a half-inch to the outside corner of your left eye to prevent the skin from jiggling, but be careful not to pull or stretch it tautly.
3. Using your right ring finger, very gently massage the inside corner of your left eye using small, circular movements.
4. Change hands and repeat with your right eye.
5. Place your ring fingers on your lower eye sockets, slightly beneath the outside corners of your eyes. Press gently and massage for ten seconds.
6. Place your ring fingers beneath the center of each eyebrow and press gently for 10 seconds.
7. Then, close your eyes and place each ring finger on each eyelid. Attempt to open your eyes against the gentle pressure. Repeat five times.
8. Open your eyes wide. With your ring fingers, press upward on the spot just above each eyebrow for five seconds. Repeat five times.

Do you have any special morning routines?

Do you spend a lot of time in front of screens or books, and do your eyes get fatigued because of it?

Making your own hair highlighter is easy and cheap!

A product at Bed Bath & Beyond caught my eye the other day: John Frieda’s Controlled Lightening Spray. It reminded me of the Sun-In days of my youth, which always ultimately resulted in orange hair. I’ll never forget the day a guy I was friends with came to school with bright-orange hair, the unfortunate effect of Sun-In on dark hair, which he claimed was his older brother’s doing. Oh, the teasing that poor guy had to endure.

I’d imagine the John Frieda stuff works pretty well. But an even easier route that is tried-and-true is to make your own simple lightening spray. It might not work as fast as JF’s but it’s easy and practically free ~ and I’ve been doing it since I was 13 with no orange streaks to name.

It will create lovely highlights, but not bold streaks. When used over time, it can also help to reduce the appearance of root regrowth on lightened hair.

If you are raven-haired or a redhead and want to boost those shades and/or add highlights, stay tuned. I’ll be posting tips for you, as well! (My hair has been just about every shade in the book, so believe me, I’ve done them all.)

Stuff to Know:

• This highlighter is recommended only for hair that is its natural color or has been colored only with natural products, such as henna or herbs. If your hair has been chemically treated or if you go to a salon for highlights or coloring, please talk with your stylist first. You definitely don’t want to create any adverse reactions (see “orange,” above).
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• In general, each of the homemade products here should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot for 3-4 weeks

For a container, I used a small plastic spray bottle from the drugstore, which cost $0.99. I had all other ingredients on hand.

Homemade Hair Lightening Spray

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup room temperature chamomile tea
• 1/2 cup room temperature water
• juice from one freshly squeezed lemon

Steps

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix together all ingredients.
2. Transfer to your container.

To use:

• Spray on damp hair, either all over or in small sections for targeted highlights.
• Comb through. Leave on for one hour, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
• For expedited highlights, blow dry your hair while the spray is still on it, or sit in the sun while your hair air dries. The heat will speed the lightening process.

Do you pay for highlights at a salon or do you do your own?

Have you ever had a horrible hair coloring experience?

It's easy and cheap to make your own face scrubs!

The thing I like best about making my own face scrubs is… well, everything!

For one thing, it’s a lot cheaper than buying one. There is no reason to spend $5 or $35 on a face scrub, when most of what you’re paying for is advertising, packaging, and chemicals. It takes me about three minutes to gather a couple of ingredients and mix up a new scrub every couple of weeks.

Another benefit to making your own is customization. Don’t have jojoba oil? Use olive oil instead! Don’t like lavender? Omit it!

The following is my standard scrub for normal skin not prone to breakouts. If your skin is drier, you might try coconut oil; if it’s oilier, try almond oil.

Simple homemade face scrub

And, as always, remember that natural health and beauty need a solid foundation of wellness and self-care.

Here’s a quick review of  The Basics:

1. Get plenty of sleep
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat right
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Use sunscreen daily
6. Brush AND floss twice a day
7. Exfoliate all over
8. Smile

Stuff to Know:

• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• In general, each of the homemade products should be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot for 3-4 weeks.

For a container, I used a small plastic jar from my craft box. A used jam jar, plastic yogurt cup, or something similar would work just as well!

Simple Homemade Face Scrub

Ingredients

• 1/8 cup very fine sea salt*
• 2 tsp. jojoba oil**
• 8 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Steps

1. In a medium-size bowl, mix together all ingredients.
2. Transfer to your container.

To use:

• Remove all makeup first.
• Remove a small amount, the size of a couple of quarters, and spread between your hands.
• Apply in small, circular movements to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin for one minute. Avoid the delicate eye area.
• Rinse well with temperate water.
• Pat your face dry. Do not rub. The jojoba oil will help to maintain and protect your skin!

* If you don’t have fine sea salt, you can use baking soda!

** If you don’t have jojoba oil, which can be found for $2 or so at health food markets, you can use any pure, organic vegetable oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Do you make your own beauty products?

If you were to create the “perfect” beauty product, what would it be?

(source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ritchyblack)

Welcome to the first posting in my project, A Year of Natural Health & Beauty: 52 Ideas to Enhance Your Mind, Body, and Spirit! During 2012, I’ll be posting one easy, frugal, and all-natural tip each week to help guide you along a path of beauty and health.

Before covering today’s tip, I want to review a few very basic actions that set the foundation for health and beauty. You can plant seeds in a dry, overgrown yard but they won’t thrive, if they even sprout. It’s much better to clear away the weeds, freshen up the soil with worms and loam builder, and then plant your seeds with love and care.

Same concept here.

Of course, smoking, drugs, and self-harm are detrimental, but here I’m talking about common-sense steps that make everything you do in addition to them even better.

The Basics: 8 Tips

1. Get plenty of sleep.

Lack of sleep contributes to everything from stress to weight gain to loss of brain function and memory and decreased sex drive. Getting your “beauty sleep” really does count, as lack of sleep also results in sallow skin, dark shadows, and puffy, bloodshot eyes due to excess cortisol, which breaks down the skin’s collagen and inhibits its ability to repair itself.

2. Exercise regularly.

At least 30 minutes a day of walking, running, dancing, biking, swimming, yoga, Pilates ~ whatever floats your boat, just do it! Break it up into 10-minute segments if you have to. Shopping counts, if that’s all you have time for. So does gardening, cleaning, and having sex. Not only will it help your weight and metabolism, it will help to improve your mood, brain function and memory, and will increase cellular turnover, keeping your skin looking fresh and young!

3. Eat right.

Nobody has summed it up better than Michael Pollan: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Vegetables and fruit provide vital nutrients that help to increase cellular turnover, which is basically your body’s natural fountain of youth. Eat the rainbow every day!

4. Drink plenty of water.

You’ve had this drummed into your head but I’m saying it again. Dehydration shrinks your brain, dries out your skin, contributes to wrinkles and splotches, and can make you depressed and irritable. Hydrate up!

5. Use sunscreen daily.

With all the super-sheer, chemical-free, and fragrance-free options available today, you really have no excuse. I love a tan as much as anyone, but I love my body’s largest organ even more.

6. Brush AND floss twice a day.

Another one that’s been drummed into your head, but sometimes you just need to hear it again. Both, twice, every day. Not just for your gorgeous pearly whites but for your overall health.

7. Exfoliate all over.

Skin covers everything! Even if you’re eating right and getting plenty of antioxidants and vital nutrients, your skin could use some extra help on the outside. Be gentle but be consistent. Your skin will glow from a daily scrub!

8. Smile.

It improves your mood, boosts your immune system, attracts friendly people, and makes you look beautiful no matter what your skin, hair, nails, and outfit have to say.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move forward to the easy, frugal, all-natural tip of the day.

Natural Health & Beauty Tip #1:

Drink Lemon Water

(source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aka)

If nothing else, simply adding lemon to your water makes it more flavorful!  But the benefits of lemon water are so bountiful that this is indisputably my number one health and beauty tip.

• It helps to alkalize the body, balancing the body’s pH level and reducing the acidifying effects of meat, alcohol, dairy, and stress.
• Its antibacterial properties help to control unhealthy bacteria in the body. Balancing bacteria, particularly in the gut, can help keep you healthy all year long.
• When taken with warm water, it aids digestion while calming heartburn, bloating, and belching. It cleans your liver, your body’s most important internal waste-removal organ, and helps to reduce constipation.
• It decreases phlegm and mucus and loosens congestion.
• It helps to cleanse and purify the blood.
• It works as a diuretic, helping the body to flush excess fluid. This can be useful for women who are premenstrual and feeling bloated. It also helps the body to remove waste and keeps the kidneys and urinary systems clean.
• It contains large amounts of Vitamin C and trace amounts of Vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium. For a fantastic sports drink to replace your lost electrolytes, add a sprinkle of sea salt and a smidgen of agave nectar!
• For those who dislike drinking plain water, adding flavor makes it more appealing. Hydrate up!

Caution: drinking too much lemon water can cause your tooth enamel to become fragile. After drinking it, swish your mouth with plain water. Don’t brush your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking lemon water.

I’m thirsty now!

Do you drink lemon water regularly? If so, what benefits have you noticed?

What are some of your basic, foundational, common-sense health and beauty actions?

No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread

Welcome to 2012!

As I’ve been talking about for the last few months, one of my goals this year is to create a yearlong guide to natural health and beauty by posting one tip each week. These will include recipes for homemade beauty items plus tips on nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. I wanted to make sure the tips included in this project are:

• Simple: All tips, especially those requiring steps, should be straightforward, clear, and easy enough for my 10-year-old niece to follow.
• Frugal: Many of the beauty ideas require only ingredients that you very likely already have in your kitchen or pantry! If you need to buy new ingredients, they are probably things you would buy anyway (salt, sugar, oils). Containers can be anything you might normally recycle: used yogurt tubs or jam jars and empty travel-size shampoos work great.
• All-natural: I know that’s a vague term these days and I’m not going to get into details here about the FDA and cosmetics un/regulation in the US. Suffice it to say, for this blog, “all-natural” means the following: for beauty tips, if I can’t eat it, it doesn’t go on my skin; for health tips, the go-to methods are food, exercise, rest, and spirituality, not pharmaceuticals.

I’ll be posting the first tip tomorrow ~ and one per week after that ~ so stay tuned!

In the meantime, here’s a delicious recipe for no-sugar-added banana bread (sans nuts) that I just made this morning. It’s a very basic recipe that could be jazzed up with nuts or extra spices if you wanted. I felt like keeping it simple, and this was the result.

What a great way to start the year right. Enjoy!

No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread

No-Sugar-Added Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil of your choice (or use applesauce if you have it! I didn’t have any, so used oil instead)
• 2 eggs or egg replacer
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour of your choice)
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Mash the bananas until they are mostly lump-free.
3. With a hand mixer, beat together the banana, oil, eggs, vanilla, and water until creamy.
4. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, beating well.
6. Pour the batter into a gently oiled and floured 9×5 inch loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy!

Adjust the recipe as necessary for your needs and tastes. You can determine the nutritional content of your final product using Recipe Calculator.