Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.
Avocados have both monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
These healthy fats help to maintain the water level in the epidermis and supply the ceramides and fats that keep the bricks and mortar of the skin healthy and intact. This translates into less itchy, healthy-looking, glowing skin.
...so break out the guacamole' or put a healthy dose of avacodo on your next salad or try them on a sandwich...or just have one for a snack if you want they are yummy!
(Try to remember they have a lot of calories, recommended serving size is 2 tablespoons which is about on fifth of an avacado)....
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Art of Service
So I’ve been reading “Minding Your Business-Profits that Restore the Planet” by Horst M. Rechelbacher (Founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients.) This book is full of very wise ideas about social responsibility in business as well as a personal manifesto about managing ones personal life as a holistic corporation. He calls this corporation “I, Inc.” which exists within a larger conglomerate-the ecosystem of all our relationships with others, with society and with nature itself. It’s pretty heavy reading at times!
There are so many good ideas and principles presented in this book, but the one that has really got me thinking is “The Art of Service.” I can relate to his experience of having a service job at a young age and how it taught him how to treat customers, relate to them and show them respect. “When we serve without expectation of reward, everyone gains. And those who serve in this fashion benefit the most, often in unexpected ways.” These words really rang true for me. I have spent my entire adult life in some sort of service industry. As an esthetician, I have found that when I provide service in earnest and really put my entire focus on my client and meeting their needs it can be rewarding and sometimes in very unexpected ways. The feedback I receive from clients can be so insightful and helpful to me. I am also blessed with some of the greatest people as clients, which I believe is part of my unexpected reward for all my service.
He makes an interesting point as well about the decline of service in today’s world. “The ideal of service has been greatly devalued, and those who serve are often viewed as lesser or even lower class. As a result, the quality of service has declined.” Please try to think about the people in your life who provide you service and really think about how it makes you feel. Whether it’s that voice on the other end of the customer service line you waited for on hold for a while to talk to or the waitress serving your lunch or the nail tech giving you a pedicure or the guy who fixes the brakes on your car.
“When service is devalued, life and relationships are devalued, and an essential quality of our humanness and our business is lost. When service is devalued , work and business are engaged grudgingly, regarded merely as ways of getting by or getting rich. And the higher purpose and spiritual opportunity of service that work and business are called to, that are their very reason for being, are lost.”
Mr. Rechelbacher makes an extremely valuable argument about serving others and the effect that this art has upon us. Service through altruistic acts bestows immediate and long-term emotional and physical health benefits upon the giver and receiver, with the giver benefiting more than the receiver and it even transforms the personality over time. In many studies altruism is specifically cited in alleviating ailments including, insomnia, migraines, ulcers, arthritis, anxiety, depression, lupus and even cancer.
I think I’ve always had the spirit of service in mind in my career. Now having seen the idea depicted so articulately in this book, I think I will be view the “art” of my service in a whole new light with much more intension and conviction. I hope you’ll do the same whomever you serve and as Bob Dylan said “You gotta serve somebody.”
There are so many good ideas and principles presented in this book, but the one that has really got me thinking is “The Art of Service.” I can relate to his experience of having a service job at a young age and how it taught him how to treat customers, relate to them and show them respect. “When we serve without expectation of reward, everyone gains. And those who serve in this fashion benefit the most, often in unexpected ways.” These words really rang true for me. I have spent my entire adult life in some sort of service industry. As an esthetician, I have found that when I provide service in earnest and really put my entire focus on my client and meeting their needs it can be rewarding and sometimes in very unexpected ways. The feedback I receive from clients can be so insightful and helpful to me. I am also blessed with some of the greatest people as clients, which I believe is part of my unexpected reward for all my service.
He makes an interesting point as well about the decline of service in today’s world. “The ideal of service has been greatly devalued, and those who serve are often viewed as lesser or even lower class. As a result, the quality of service has declined.” Please try to think about the people in your life who provide you service and really think about how it makes you feel. Whether it’s that voice on the other end of the customer service line you waited for on hold for a while to talk to or the waitress serving your lunch or the nail tech giving you a pedicure or the guy who fixes the brakes on your car.
“When service is devalued, life and relationships are devalued, and an essential quality of our humanness and our business is lost. When service is devalued , work and business are engaged grudgingly, regarded merely as ways of getting by or getting rich. And the higher purpose and spiritual opportunity of service that work and business are called to, that are their very reason for being, are lost.”
Mr. Rechelbacher makes an extremely valuable argument about serving others and the effect that this art has upon us. Service through altruistic acts bestows immediate and long-term emotional and physical health benefits upon the giver and receiver, with the giver benefiting more than the receiver and it even transforms the personality over time. In many studies altruism is specifically cited in alleviating ailments including, insomnia, migraines, ulcers, arthritis, anxiety, depression, lupus and even cancer.
I think I’ve always had the spirit of service in mind in my career. Now having seen the idea depicted so articulately in this book, I think I will be view the “art” of my service in a whole new light with much more intension and conviction. I hope you’ll do the same whomever you serve and as Bob Dylan said “You gotta serve somebody.”
Thursday, March 10, 2011
It's good to know the make up of your makeup...
So many people come in talking about Bare Minerals. This seems to be the most recognizable mineral makeup on the market. Could it have anything to do with all those infomercials that are constantly playing on tv? Anyhoo, I have tried bare minerals and I must say I did NOT look anything like those women on tv. Maybe I need to carry some tv studio lighting around with me?
My intension is not to bash Bare Minerals here. It does bug me that Sephora stamped them with their “natural” seal of approval, when their foundation actually contains things like Laurel Lysine a “conditioning agent” and Calcium Silicate a “bulking” agent. While these may be a little more “natural” than what’s found in your drugstore brands, I’d hardly classify them as minerals.
Minerals are, by far, the healthiest way to wear makeup. Minerals are a physical sun barrier. By sitting on the surface of the skin and reflecting light. Because of this reflective quality they are a natural UV blocker causing most UV rays to bounce off the surface of the skin. Liquid makeup or moisturizers that contain non-mineral SPF such as Oxybenzone allow chemicals to soak into the skin. These chemical sunscreens also allow UV rays to penetrate the skin where a reaction occurs with the chemical to “protect” you from the sun. Technically you may not get a sunburn, but I promise you there is plenty of damage occurring in your skin cells during this reaction, not to mention some chemical sunscreen ingredients are endocrine disruptors which can lead to certain kinds of cancers in women. Mineral makeup is not only a great sunscreen, it is naturally anti-bacterial and will not expire or go bad on you.
There are so many mineral brands out there that are miles above Bare Minerals in quality of ingredients. I prefer brands with only mineral ingredients in them. Skin Essentials carries Alima Pure which contains only minerals, no fillers or bulking agents. It also does not contain Bismuth Oxychloride (also in Bare Minerals foundation), which while it’s a mineral, it’s the one that makes you shiny and in some cases way too shiny. Other quality choices of minerals are Jane Iredale Cosmetics and Colorescience Mineral Makeup.
My intension is not to bash Bare Minerals here. It does bug me that Sephora stamped them with their “natural” seal of approval, when their foundation actually contains things like Laurel Lysine a “conditioning agent” and Calcium Silicate a “bulking” agent. While these may be a little more “natural” than what’s found in your drugstore brands, I’d hardly classify them as minerals.
Minerals are, by far, the healthiest way to wear makeup. Minerals are a physical sun barrier. By sitting on the surface of the skin and reflecting light. Because of this reflective quality they are a natural UV blocker causing most UV rays to bounce off the surface of the skin. Liquid makeup or moisturizers that contain non-mineral SPF such as Oxybenzone allow chemicals to soak into the skin. These chemical sunscreens also allow UV rays to penetrate the skin where a reaction occurs with the chemical to “protect” you from the sun. Technically you may not get a sunburn, but I promise you there is plenty of damage occurring in your skin cells during this reaction, not to mention some chemical sunscreen ingredients are endocrine disruptors which can lead to certain kinds of cancers in women. Mineral makeup is not only a great sunscreen, it is naturally anti-bacterial and will not expire or go bad on you.
There are so many mineral brands out there that are miles above Bare Minerals in quality of ingredients. I prefer brands with only mineral ingredients in them. Skin Essentials carries Alima Pure which contains only minerals, no fillers or bulking agents. It also does not contain Bismuth Oxychloride (also in Bare Minerals foundation), which while it’s a mineral, it’s the one that makes you shiny and in some cases way too shiny. Other quality choices of minerals are Jane Iredale Cosmetics and Colorescience Mineral Makeup.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Calling all Exfoliators..and Nylon Magazine
While vacationing in sunny Florida I read an article in Nylon magazine:
"Doctor' Orders" (January 2011 Issue) which was advice from skincare experts including 2 Dermatologists, an Internist and a "Facialist" (not sure why they didn't call her an Esthetician?)
Anyhoo, usually these types of articles are bogus claims that all kinds of cheap drug store products will save your horrible skin. I was pleasantly surprised that this one, while still mentioning their fair share of OTC stuff like all these magazines do, (who do you think pays for the ads in these mags after all?) it also had some great skin advice that I don't usually find in the fashions mags.
Dr. Sabena Toor, the Internist warned against Microdermabrasion:
"Go Easy: I hate microdermabrasion- I just don't like anything that abrasive on the skin; you should think of your skin as a piece of silk. Encouraging cell turnover with good products without tearing at the skin is important because too much abrasion can increase breakage of blood vessels, capillary damage, and collagen breakdown."
This is such unbelievablyy wonderful advice! In my experience as an Esthetician I have seen countless casualties of Microdermabrasions and refugees of many other types of over-exfoliating!
Go Easy!!!
(We like Ultrasound facials as a safe and healthy, yet VERY effective alternative.)
While you're at it, stay away from the home peeling agents and walnut shell scrubs and all other methods of commercial-skin-torture!
There were lots of other surprisingly good pieces of advice about nutrition in this article as well as my favorite obvious solution: Get facials! I also enjoyed tidbits about music and books as well as some very bright funky and wearable makeup looks!
I declare this one not your average fashion mag!
check it out at www.nylonmag.com
"Doctor' Orders" (January 2011 Issue) which was advice from skincare experts including 2 Dermatologists, an Internist and a "Facialist" (not sure why they didn't call her an Esthetician?)
Anyhoo, usually these types of articles are bogus claims that all kinds of cheap drug store products will save your horrible skin. I was pleasantly surprised that this one, while still mentioning their fair share of OTC stuff like all these magazines do, (who do you think pays for the ads in these mags after all?) it also had some great skin advice that I don't usually find in the fashions mags.
Dr. Sabena Toor, the Internist warned against Microdermabrasion:
"Go Easy: I hate microdermabrasion- I just don't like anything that abrasive on the skin; you should think of your skin as a piece of silk. Encouraging cell turnover with good products without tearing at the skin is important because too much abrasion can increase breakage of blood vessels, capillary damage, and collagen breakdown."
This is such unbelievablyy wonderful advice! In my experience as an Esthetician I have seen countless casualties of Microdermabrasions and refugees of many other types of over-exfoliating!
Go Easy!!!
(We like Ultrasound facials as a safe and healthy, yet VERY effective alternative.)
While you're at it, stay away from the home peeling agents and walnut shell scrubs and all other methods of commercial-skin-torture!
There were lots of other surprisingly good pieces of advice about nutrition in this article as well as my favorite obvious solution: Get facials! I also enjoyed tidbits about music and books as well as some very bright funky and wearable makeup looks!
I declare this one not your average fashion mag!
check it out at www.nylonmag.com
Monday, January 3, 2011
One Very Easy, Healthy Change For Your New Year.
No diets.
No workouts.
Just an easy change to your routine that could do you a world of good.
What product do you use on your entire body?
Is it soap?
Body Lotion?
Body Oil?
Well pick one of those and change it out with an organic option.
See that's easy.
What we put on our skin does to some degree absorb into the body that's why I'm saying start with just one thing that use one your entire body daily.
Once you've traded it for a healthy alternative then you've just done your whole body a favor!
See that was easy!
And you don't have to analyze all the ingredient labels on everything in your medicine cabinet or beauty regime, panic-stricken by how you were going to ever be rid of all those chemicals. That all-over body product covers the most surface area, so you can worry about the other things one at a time and explore new options as you run out of stuff.
No need to thank me, just pat yourself on the back and give yourself a cookie.
Unless you're on a diet....sorry....it is New Years!
No workouts.
Just an easy change to your routine that could do you a world of good.
What product do you use on your entire body?
Is it soap?
Body Lotion?
Body Oil?
Well pick one of those and change it out with an organic option.
See that's easy.
What we put on our skin does to some degree absorb into the body that's why I'm saying start with just one thing that use one your entire body daily.
Once you've traded it for a healthy alternative then you've just done your whole body a favor!
See that was easy!
And you don't have to analyze all the ingredient labels on everything in your medicine cabinet or beauty regime, panic-stricken by how you were going to ever be rid of all those chemicals. That all-over body product covers the most surface area, so you can worry about the other things one at a time and explore new options as you run out of stuff.
No need to thank me, just pat yourself on the back and give yourself a cookie.
Unless you're on a diet....sorry....it is New Years!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Fig+Sage Organic Goodness and Eco Finds.
Here is a neat site if you haven't seen it yet and they are having a little give away from organicbeautynow.com which has a nice selection of natural beauty products...in fact it might have inspired me to try that organic perfume from Tsi-La. I'll let ya know what I think.....
Happy Almost New Year!
Happy Almost New Year!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Green Beauty Attempts in 2010
I’m not one for resolutions.
When I do make resolutions they tend to be things I KNOW I can achieve, for instance next year I resolve to get more marshmallows in my diet. They are yummy and fun and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?
I’ve been interested in healthier skin care and makeup for years and I feel like I do relatively well using things in that category that are not only safe and healthy but pretty effective. For the last year I’ve really tried to focus even more and pay close attention to the products I put on my body and I believe it has paid off. I mean, have you seen me? (I know, modest, what can I say?)
I’ve stopped using regular old soap on my skin and now use either 302’s Face & Body Bar or one of many natural soaps I find at the health food store. (Right now it’s Tom’s Moisturizing Bar) They aren’t as bubbly, but they work nicely, smell great and I feel better about not putting frothy sulfates all over my body on a daily basis.
I've used natural toothpaste for years. One of my favorites is Young Livings Theives Ultra toothpaste, but Burts Bee's and Tom's are really nice ones too. I’ve stopped using shaving cream all together, and just use my natural soap to shave with. Again, not as frothy, but it does the job well and I don’t have that pesky stinging sensation when I’m done!
For body moisturizing I’ve alternated between 302 Body Treatment Intensive and Intelligent Nutrients anti-aging body serum which I don’t retail yet but love, love, love! (see previous posting about this product.) I find that even though it’s December and dry as can be out, I don’t have to work that hard at keeping my skin moisturized anymore and all without a bunch of gunky lotions.
I’ve experimented with several natural deodorants. Right now I switch it up between Thai Crystal and Toms natural deodorant. It seems that after a few days I have to switch to a different one because they stop working? I don’t know if this is common or just one of my freakish qualities so I’ve been alternating them. I also must admit there are days I regress and use my Dove antiperspirant because it just works so well. I know it has aluminum in it and it’s not so great for my health but there are some situations I just can’t run the risk of stinking!! It’s a minor weak point in my regimen I guess.
The other weakness in my routine is hair care. I currently own an arsenal of professional hair care products because I possess a cosmetology license and can purchase them at wholesale and my hair looks great when I use them! I have tried Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet shampoo and conditioner and keep in in my shower to use when possible but it just doesn’t meet my beauty standards even though it smells yummy and is free of SLS, has no petro-chemicals. Maybe I’ll keep at it and get used to it? At any rate, I plan to try other natural or organic shampoos in the months to come so I feel I’m bound to find one I can live with. I’ll let you know how that little experiment goes. I am however NOT willing to give up my highlights at this point in time. I just can’t wrap my head around that idea, so to speak. Maybe someday I’ll change my mind but I’m just way to vain about my hair. Nobody’s perfect I guess!
I’m a little slower at making the healthy transitions around the house, but when cleaning products run out I’ve been trying to make it a point to replace them with healthier alternatives. This is an area where I think I need much more information because cleaning stuff all seems to be toxic to me! Guess I better do some more reading on that subject.
Please feel free to make a comment or email me about your green-beauty attempts and what has worked or not worked for you!
When I do make resolutions they tend to be things I KNOW I can achieve, for instance next year I resolve to get more marshmallows in my diet. They are yummy and fun and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?
I’ve been interested in healthier skin care and makeup for years and I feel like I do relatively well using things in that category that are not only safe and healthy but pretty effective. For the last year I’ve really tried to focus even more and pay close attention to the products I put on my body and I believe it has paid off. I mean, have you seen me? (I know, modest, what can I say?)
I’ve stopped using regular old soap on my skin and now use either 302’s Face & Body Bar or one of many natural soaps I find at the health food store. (Right now it’s Tom’s Moisturizing Bar) They aren’t as bubbly, but they work nicely, smell great and I feel better about not putting frothy sulfates all over my body on a daily basis.
I've used natural toothpaste for years. One of my favorites is Young Livings Theives Ultra toothpaste, but Burts Bee's and Tom's are really nice ones too. I’ve stopped using shaving cream all together, and just use my natural soap to shave with. Again, not as frothy, but it does the job well and I don’t have that pesky stinging sensation when I’m done!
For body moisturizing I’ve alternated between 302 Body Treatment Intensive and Intelligent Nutrients anti-aging body serum which I don’t retail yet but love, love, love! (see previous posting about this product.) I find that even though it’s December and dry as can be out, I don’t have to work that hard at keeping my skin moisturized anymore and all without a bunch of gunky lotions.
I’ve experimented with several natural deodorants. Right now I switch it up between Thai Crystal and Toms natural deodorant. It seems that after a few days I have to switch to a different one because they stop working? I don’t know if this is common or just one of my freakish qualities so I’ve been alternating them. I also must admit there are days I regress and use my Dove antiperspirant because it just works so well. I know it has aluminum in it and it’s not so great for my health but there are some situations I just can’t run the risk of stinking!! It’s a minor weak point in my regimen I guess.
The other weakness in my routine is hair care. I currently own an arsenal of professional hair care products because I possess a cosmetology license and can purchase them at wholesale and my hair looks great when I use them! I have tried Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet shampoo and conditioner and keep in in my shower to use when possible but it just doesn’t meet my beauty standards even though it smells yummy and is free of SLS, has no petro-chemicals. Maybe I’ll keep at it and get used to it? At any rate, I plan to try other natural or organic shampoos in the months to come so I feel I’m bound to find one I can live with. I’ll let you know how that little experiment goes. I am however NOT willing to give up my highlights at this point in time. I just can’t wrap my head around that idea, so to speak. Maybe someday I’ll change my mind but I’m just way to vain about my hair. Nobody’s perfect I guess!
I’m a little slower at making the healthy transitions around the house, but when cleaning products run out I’ve been trying to make it a point to replace them with healthier alternatives. This is an area where I think I need much more information because cleaning stuff all seems to be toxic to me! Guess I better do some more reading on that subject.
Please feel free to make a comment or email me about your green-beauty attempts and what has worked or not worked for you!
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