Sunday, March 31, 2013

Day #7 - The 45 Minute Refresh

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay

In a recent post I talked about Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay and its detoxing affects. I first used it for a body wrap and immediately noticed how it tightened my skin. Upon further researched I found several recipes for different types of facials using the clay. I tried the 45 minute application using the original and seemingly one of the more popular and simple recipes, Father Kneipp's Apple Cider Vinegar recipe. That's it, that's all. I figured I would try staying forever young by dipping my face into clay and seeing what happens. So far, I still have the same ole' face BUT I look 2 days younger. Success!

Brief History

Clays have been used for centuries to beautify and refresh when used as a facial mask.
Cleopatra used clay from the Nile river and the Arabian desert over 1800 years ago, as part of her beauty ritual.
German and Roman spas have been using clay packs and treatments in the spas they built 4,000 years ago. Many of these spas still exist and use clay even today.
Pliney the Elder devoted an entire chapter of his Natural History" to the many uses of clay for pimples, black heads and skin tightening.
Many famous naturopaths, such as Kuhn, Just and Kneipp have contributed to the revival of the uses of clay through their natural treatments for arthritis and skin ailments.
The use of clay with apple cider vinegar can be dated back to the southern French priest of the16th century, Kneipp, and his natural treatments using clay packs and poultices.
Throughout history the use of clay, specifically green clay or bentonite, is well documented.
AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. http://www.aztec-secret.com

List of Recipes


1. Father Kneipp's Original Recipe

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar (raw, organic is best) in a bowl. You should use glass, plastic or wooden bowls and spoons - no metal! Apply to face and/or body and allow to dry up to 45 minutes. Rinse well with warm water only.

2. Antioxidant Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with brewed GREEN TEA and 500 mg. of Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (open up a capsule). Apply to skin, allow to dry and rinse. *Green Tea is currently being studied for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and cancer killing properties.

3. Foot Facial

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with brewed Pau d'Arco Tea and 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Apply to feet, especially in between the toes, let dry 30 minutes and rinse well in warm water.

4. Honey Mask

Mix equal parts Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar, add1 tablespoon raw honey. Apply to skin, allow to dry10 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask is similar to a mask used by Cleopatra in her beauty ritual.

5. Sensitive Skin

Mix equal parts Clay with distilled water, 1 tsp Kukui Nut oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to skin and let dry 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. On fair skin people, the face might turn slightly pink.

Sun Burn: Add an additional cup of distilled water to mixture and use the liquid to ease the sting of sunburn. Omit the lavender oil.

6. Mask/Scrub

Mix equal parts Clay with apple cider vinegar. Add 2 tbsp of uncooked oatmeal to mixture (you may need to add a little more vinegar or water). Apply to skin and let dry 10-15 minutes. Rub off face using circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.

7. Energy Bath

Add 1/2 cup of Clay to bath water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. This is truly a revitalizing experience that excites and awakens your cells.

8. Refreshing Facial

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with distilled water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon minced cucumber (remove peel). Apply to skin and allow 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

9. Honey Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply to skin, allow to dry 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask is similar to a mask used by Cleopatra in her beauty ritual.

10. Relaxing Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with air equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and distilled water (example: 2 tbsp clay, with 1 tbsp vinegar and tbsp water). Add 5 t0 10 drops of your favorite aromatherapy, relaxation or calming blended oil to the mixture. Apply to face, allow to dry while relaxing in the tub for 10l minutes or more, rinse well with warm water.

11. Problem Skin Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of tea tree Oil. Apply to skin and allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and apply Tea Tree Oil directly to blemish.

12. Body Pack

Mix one pound Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with one pint of apple cider vinegar add water to thin. Apply a thin coat of the mixture to the body and allow to dry 15-20 minutes. Rinse well in the shower. One pound will do 2 people--HAVE FUN!

14. Insect Bites & Bee Stings

Make a thick paste of clay and distilled water, re-apply as needed. Also good for abrasions, skin irritations, bruises, sprains, diaper rash, acne, and fungus.

NOTE: For bad acne or bad complexion, the first few applications will make it worse as it is drawing  http://www.herbalhut.com

PROS: It definitely leaves your skin feeling very clean, fresh and tight. 

CONS: The apple cider vinegar recipe isn't a pleasant smell and you will smell like the rec room at a senior citizen facility. It dries very quickly, flakes and it was a wee-bit itchy at first. Still worth it.  


Slowy mix your measured liquid ingredient forming a nice even consistency.


Stay refreshed, Peeps!


Saturday, March 30, 2013

Day #6 - Product Review: Save Your Do GymWrap



The Alarming Truth

I read an eye opening article online at MedicalNewsToday that stated the following,"The main reason why many African-American women avoid exercise is because of hair care and maintenance, according to a study published in JAMA." The research, led by Amy J. McMichael, M.D., found that complications of hair care is the main reason why African-American women don't exercise as much as they'd like to (medicalnewstoday.com). The online article further discussed a study given to 103 African-American women age 21 to 60 where they each participated in a questionnaire asking about their physical activity and hair care regimen. The detailed questionnaire asked about specific exercises they did and for how long as well as how much money they spent on their hair. An alarming 40 percent said that they did not exercise due to the fact that it causes them issues with their hair even though they knew the importance of exercise.

I will be the first to admit going to the beauty salon paying a hearty sum for a simple style and not wanting to ruin it by sweating it out at the gym. My hair is not chemically treated with a perm (a chemical hair straighter) it is natural and has to be straightened by a pressing comb. I do however wear a weave with my natural hair out at the top to blend in with the weave hair. Even with a little hair out, physical activities and sweating can be challenging to manage a put together look. And let's face it I'm no hairstylist and trying to recreate the "fresh out of the salon" look does not always work. Most of my workouts are at the gym located on the premises of my workplace and takes place on my lunch break. So picture this...I walk downstairs around 12ish with big sexy flirty hair, the hottest shoes ever, a super cute dress on, great make-up...have an AWESOME workout, totally like Richard Simmons on steroids!...around 1ish walk up stairs with hair LOOKING like Richard Simmon's hair on steroids. NOT a good look BUT nice workout! No honey, no. I do not think it is vanity wanting to maintain your appearance but I do think it can be a form of neglect by sacrificing your health. What's having a great hairstyle when you are not honoring your body, your temple. Nice hair and hypertension? Huh? There has to be a happy medium. And there is...

Necessity Is the Mother of Invention

The brilliant Nicole Ari Parker (Boris Kodjoe's wife...ah Boris...my sweet, sweet, Boris) listened to our cries. Face with the same dilemma of maintaining her hairstyle while working out, Nicole saw a need and took the ye ole' Economics 101 route...supply and demand. She taped into a market and capitalized. Success! The beautiful and oh so smart Nicole Ari Parker created the trademarked Save Your Do GymWrap. The SYD gymwrap works wonders! I was skeptical at first but then I took a passive look at my thighs and hair and immediately became a believer. I view it as an investment which also makes me responsible for my health. There are no more excuses...well, let’s be real, I can make some up to avoid skipping the gym for a day. Anywoo, I found an online special for $40 and received the full triange and band gymwraps in a handy-dandy carrying case that came in the mail in less than 2 weeks. I use it religiously and there is a BIG difference. I pin my hair up, place the wrap on and after my workout my hair is practically dry. Depending on how intense your workout is your results will vary but for the most part your hairstyle will be salvaged. Your hair is tight and your body is right! Win, win!

How Does It Work?

The SYD gymwrap has edge control technology, wicks away moisture, allows heat to escape, lets cool air in, keeps your hair flat and save your hairstyle. (http://www.saveyourdo.com) Starting at $24.95 and up in different fashionable colors. You can choose from the full triangle gymwrap or the band gymwrap

PROS: intact hairstyle if used properly & overall feeling of awesomeness

CONS: Results may vary based on how you treat and wrap your hair before putting on the SYD gym wrap and your grade of hair.

Happy Wrapping, Peeps!


 
 



Friday, March 29, 2013

Day #5 - Let's Get Intimate

Fancy Me Panties

This is one of those subjects that had me going back and forth on how to approach and share. I even went as far as bouncing it off of someone who knows this topic well, a man. I started to think about the journey to womanhood, the destination and ultimately being content with my findings. I don't know why approaching this phase in my life is bringing on so many waves of emotions and insecurities but it is. And instead of listening to and accepting the "girl you're fine, you look great" responses, I want to identify and pay attention to my self-doubt and slowly crawl from beneath its cloud of negativity that it can bring on. Basically re-frame the negative and accentuate the positive when I can. And that is why I want to talk about PANTIES!!! Yay! Such a poor segway but it works for me!

I can recall the times when my mother would undress in front of me and I would look and wonder why her bras were so white, cotton-y and saggy. Always soft looking with a strip of sad white lace on it and when it was laundry day I would see lent balls stuck on the inside. They were not the prettiest things in the world. Nonetheless she wore them with...dun, dun, dun...GRANNY PANTIES!! (gasps) She was so in her 20's and 30's and was so not a granny. Sigh. But hey, that was how she rolled and unfortunately I thought that was how I should roll...with white saggy, lace-y, cotton-y bras and granny panties for tweens. (kill me now!)

One day in my 20's I remember watching a talk show with Tyra Banks as the guest. I cannot recall which talk show it was or what the show was about but to this very day I remember the one thing that changed my life FOREVER. Tyra said, and I will paraphrase, 'a woman should always match her panties with her bra. Invest in a good bra in the basic colors (black, white or beige) and buy several pair of underwear of that same color and will you always match. There is no excuse.' WHAT SAY YOU TYRA??!!! My first thought was,"what the hell does she know?!" THEN I thought, "you big dummy, she IS Victoria's Secret she knows a lot." Fair enough. My life was never the same, in a good way. I got some cash and brought my first fancy bra from Victoria's Secret with matching panties in different styles of the same color. I got hooked and it got expensive. Damn you Tyra! That was a smooth marketing gimmick for VS!! That was then, this is now.

Looking good under all the layers of self-doubt is an instant confidence booster. Even if my skin looks like prepubescent back acne, I'm bloated, icky, gross, downtrodden, I know that I can come home take off the hectic day and be reminded that there is a wee-bit of sexy underneath. It's like seeing a red balloon fly by...yay, how pretty?! Time has changed and I am no longer in my 20's with money to burn to be sexy. My money and priorities have changed but I still have that desire to stay sexy...ON A BUDGET LIKE A MOFO!! And since I am a part of the A-Team (A-cup...whoop, whoop!), I can get away with bras that are inexpensive and still of good quality. Keeping with Tyra's advice 20yrs later (wowsers!) I still match my panties with my bras but now I do it differently. And too, I am reminded of my mom saying "if you get in a car accident you will want to have on clean underwear." I can 'one up' that and say "if I get into a car accident and perish I will be matching! I will be dead sexy!" (such a bad joke, just bad BUT funny!)

ForeverSexy Under $20

I love me some Forever21! I particularly love their pretty bras & panties. I went there this week to do a little lingerie shopping. Bras start at $7.80 in ALL sizes and panties are 3 for $9.80. Whether you purchase your bra at Forever21, Victoria's Secret, Big-Juggs-R-Us, try creating a color story that will add to your collection of sexy. Women typically wear their bras more than once before laundering so a good bra is a good investment. Panties are changed daily so the wear-and-tear is inevitable. Creating a color story and occasionally picking up new panties will keep your collection nice and fresh. Same bra, awesome new panties, always matching, under $20. No brainer!

***TMI ALERT, TMI ALERT*** There is NO such thing as "period panties". Period. (pun intended). Purchase 5 pairs of all black full briefs and wear those with your black bra. You DO NOT want to be caught on a hot date (which will be a lukewarm date if it lands on those days) with huge floral undies. He will tell his friends.

The World of Panties

There are so many styles of undies so here is a list to keep your collection looking fierce!

Full briefs (a.k.a Granny Panties)
Boy Shorts/Boy Leg
Thongs
G-strings
V-strings
T-back
Tangas/Cheekys
Hipster/Hip Huggers
Hi-cut/French cut
Bikinis/String bikini


Forever21 Demi Bra $7.80 and up

Stay sexy, Peeps!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Day #4 - Slimming Body Wrap Review & DIY

As bikini season approaches as well as turning 40, I decided to look into this body wrap craze. What I researched online seemed promising and well worth the try. The promise is immediate results, a firm taut bod and the loss of inches. Sign me up please and thank you! In addition to countless amounts of day spas offering body wraps, you are also able to purchase at-home body wrap kits. Hey now!
I called a local day spa for pricing with the hopes of booking an appointment. The price seemed fairly reasonable for a 50 minute one-time herbal full body wrap. Somehow I still was not convinced on spending the money. I mean, what if I get hooked and want to do it once a week? $80 a week for a body wrap is not in my budget and nothing is more frustrating as wanting something that I cannot afford. Well, heck I guess I live most of my life in frustration if you think about it. However, I do firmly believe we are worth it and we should treat ourselves but logically speaking it is a temporary approach to loosing inches off your waistline. So basically I can spend the moola and then eat myself back to pre-wrap size…all in a day’s work. Shame. So I looked into purchasing an at-home body wrap kit where I can get more bang for my buck and more than one application. I was still not satisfied with the price. It was practically double the price of a spa treatment. Hmmm… perhaps I am sliding into the penny-pinching phase of my life, too.
Anywhoo, I began my quest to research, price compare and review. And alas, I found an affordable DIY approach that yielded awesome results! I am beyond excited to share. First I must say that there are different types of body wraps treatments out there; detox, weight loss, cellulite, paraffin, herbal, seaweed, contouring, etc. There are several applications out there as well; clay, mud, herbs, algae…etc. You also have the option to wrap with saran wrap or ace bandages. It is a matter of figuring out what results you are looking for and having access to the products needed for a good wrap. Fairly simple? Let’s see!
DIY At-Home Clay Body Wrap for Under $30
Ingredients:
1 cup - Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (a.k.a. Bentonite clay) – $4.99 web special at Vitamin Shoppe http:/www.vitaminshoppe.com
1 cup - Lavender Scented Epsom Salt – $1 at the Dollar Store (Los Angeles area)
15-20 - Ace Bandages (count depends on your size) - $1 each at the Dollar Store (Los Angeles area)
2tb sp. - Olive Oil - $1 at the Dollar Store (Los Angeles area)
1 cup - Water
Instructions:
Take a nice hot shower and exfoliate your skin with a loofa to open your pores. I used a home-made sugar scrub for an extra spa-like treatment and exfoliation.
Fill pot with water and *lavender scented Epsom salt on medium heat until warm, immerse your ace bandages in the pot until all bandages are evenly coated. Remove pot from heat, set aside to cool.
Combine **Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, olive oil and 1 cup of water into an old mixing bowl forming a paste. Set aside.
Get a measuring tape and record your pre-wrap inches. Be sure to measure the areas you are intending to wrap.
Rub clay mixture over desired area to be wrapped. You can put it on your entire body OR targeted areas. I went for the full-Monty. After the clay is evenly spread over your desired area, lightly wring out ace bandages rolls and begin wrapping your body from the bottom up. The scent of the lavender bandages and its warmth on your skin is AMAZING!   
Have your wrap area already prepared. I used old cotton sheets and tons of towels in which I covered my couch in. Lie on your couch and have someone wrap you tight like a burrito and then cover you with blankets. You are creating a thermo effect that aids in the loss of inches. You do not want to sweat or become uncomfortably overheated. Use wisdom and proceed with caution. Typically body wraps are 45-50mins long. Make it a pleasant experience by lighting some candles, listen to some soothing music or watch a favorite television show. My DIY experience was so awesome, I fell asleep!
After your 45-50mins experience, remove the wraps and take a hot shower to clean off the clay.
The results? My body felt AH-MAZING!!!!! My skin was so smooth and tight!!! I was feeling so good, I let my fiancĂ© get his rub on! Oh yeah, did I lose any inches? YES!!!!! I lost 1.5 inches on my waist and thighs in one session! I didn’t measure anything else I was too thrilled about my waist & thighs! I read for even better results, drink PLENTY of water for 48hrs to help flush toxins and try to avoid caffeine and sugar. Will I do it again? Oh, hells yes! I have enough products for several wraps.


PROS: Um, inexpensive awesomeness!!! Perfect for getting into that stubborn dress!
CONS: It is a temporary approach to weight loss and a bit messy. And of course maintaining a proper diet and workout regimen yields lasting results, blah, blah, blah…
*You can use sea salt and add your favorite essential oil for aromatherapy or plain sea salt. I wanted the added soothing relief of the Epsom salt & lavender scent and I was not disappointed! Awesome!
** Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay has a deep pore cleansing effect and eliminates toxins contributing to a slimming effect. It leaves your skin soft and tight. This stuff rocks!
Aztec Clay, Olive Oil, Scented Epsom Salt & Ace Bandages

Prepping for body wrap

The human burrito...that's a wrap!!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Day #3 - Tummy Flattening Detox

Did you know that average human can carry approximately 5-10lbs of undigested waste, fecal matter and toxins in their colon? The colon, our internal plumbing system is 5ft long and is comprised of the large and small intestine and without the proper diet, waste can become impacted into the folds of the colon causing some health conditions, bloating and belly bulge. Some brave souls opt for a colonic for cleansing, me not so much. I prefer things going out than in. Yes, I said that.
When I decided to change my lifestyle to a plant-based diet I wanted to kick start my journey with a proper cleanse. Of course this was after eating my famous roast beef and feeling a bit uncomfortable, stuffed and sluggish. Before I go any further, let’s have a moment of silence for my famous roast beef. Okay, I am back. I did some research and I wanted to find a gentle, natural and effective cleanse. Trust me, the internet is inundated with all kinds of products claiming great results and finding what’s best for you can be a bit of a task. Before I gave up on my search I stumbled over a review of Trader’s Joe’s Complete Body Cleanse. This particular cleanse supports detoxification for the entire body including the intestines, liver, gall bladder, lymph, blood and digestive systems. The cost is $15 at Trader Joe's and around $17 if you order it from Amazon.com.  
I was sold mainly because of the promise of not running to the potty like a maniac. Right on! Trader Joe’s Complete Body Cleanse is a 2 week program that includes the following; Digestive Formula, Liver Formula and Fiber Formula. Cleansing your liver makes sense being that the liver is the first line of defense against toxins. Bonus! TJ’s CBC is safe to use 4 times a year for best results. You are probably wondering will you lose weight. Uh, yeah! AND you will find that penny you swallowed when you were 5yrs old. Ew.
You will lose impacted undigested waste, water weight AND being that there are dietary suggestions that come with the detox, you will shed some fat. And since there is a regimen of pills to take you will increase your water intake thus assisting with your flush and in turn contributing to weight lost. Win, win! Now nothing is easy. Some foods will be challenging to take out of your diet for 2 weeks BUT it is well worth it. Oh and combine that with your workout routine, fruit and veggies, honey please. FAB AB ALERT!!!
PROS: complete cleanse, clear skin, war on belly bulge, gentle and thorough without running to the potty.

CONS: if you do not like taking pills you may not like this cleanse. It is for 2 weeks and you will have to take at least 12 pills a day as directed, sounds excessive BUT it is worth it. Your tummy will thank you.
*Consult your physician and read the label for any health restrictions*

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Day #2 - CrossFit to 40

Exercise is an essential part in maintaining a healthy mind and body no matter how old you are. It assists in combating health conditions and disease and there is also that added bonus of having a nice physical appearance. Regular physical activity yields countless benefits. It improves our mood, maintains weight control as well as boosts energy. So what are these crazy kids up to today as it pertains to popular workout programs? CrossFit seems to pop-up in most search engines. CrossFit describes its strength and conditioning program as “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement." (Wikipedia) Workouts are typically 20 minutes of intense and demanding exercise that concludes in all-out physical exertion. They combine movements such as sprinting, jump rope, push-ups, sit-ups, burpees and squats. Equipment used includes barbells, dumbbells, pull-up bars, medicine balls and kettle bells.
The result? Lean muscles, weight loss and a hot bod. The catch? Classes can run you about $185 - $225 a month with drop-ins around $20 a class. The DIY? Create your own CrossFit program with little to no money. Find a nearby park or recreational center, buy a jump rope, run sprints on the race track, use the bars under the bleachers for pull-ups, do a few sets of sit-ups, squats, push-ups and so on.  Having a workout partner to join and motivate you will help you reap the same benefits with money left to treat yourself to something shiny & sparkly. I have the pleasure to be a part of (c)RossFit. (c)RossFit [the “c” is silent] is a CrossFit-like program designed by my fiancĂ© who dons the last name Ross. I know, I know, bear with me. Somehow, unlike the popular programs I researched online, his seems to be a bit more intense. One would think he is telling me something. Anywhoo, it’s free, 20mins and once a week. I can’t beat that.  Happy CrossFittin' Peeps!
  
*always consult your physician before starting a new workout program.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Day #1 - Product Review - ScentSations by Tracy

ScentSations by Tracy offers handmade natural soaps and body products for the entire family. Owner/Operator, Tracy E. Matthews is bringing a fresh and clean approach to everyday living and beauty. With a flagship at-home business hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, ScentSations by Tracy is storming its way into local stores throughout the area and online retail shops.

With products that are carefully prepared and infused with essential oils, natural clay & extra virgin olive oil, most skin issues are either treated or relieved. Your skin will feel refreshed & renewed. What’s unique about ScentSations by Tracy, is her use of non hypo-allergic & animal cruelty-free products. Tracy sent me an assortment of body soaps; oatmeal, eucalyptus & tea tree and it made bath time for the entire family a spa-like experience.

Check out ScentSations by Tracy. Your skin will thank you. http://tracyscents.com (602) 552-3517