Showing posts with label organic beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organic beauty. Show all posts

Sunday, June 24, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY



Food SPF?

Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts helps prevent frying your skin in the sun...

Science shows us that foods high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E helps anti-age damaged skin and protects the layers of your skin!

Vitamin C Foods
  • Melons
  • Tomatoes
  • Citrus Salads
  • Red/Green Peppers
  • Spinach
-The Lycopene in Tomatoes soaks up the free radicals and helps prevent DNA damage
-The antioxidants in dark leafy greens helps rid of the free radicals from the sun
-Citrus salads are rich in bio flavanoids which help strengthen the tiny blood capillaries in the skin and prevent broken veins. 


Vitamin E Foods
  • Avocado
  • Almonds
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Pumpkin Seeds
-The fats found in seeds, nuts, and avocados help build collagen which helps keep skin elasticity


Eating these foods before, during and after playing in the sun will help provide your skin with the right nutrients to protect 

Examples:

Snacks:
-Peppers, Tomatoes and Guacamole Dip
-Spinach with Tomatoes and Seeds
-Melon Salad mixed with Almonds

What is your favorite Summer Time snack?




Saturday, June 16, 2012

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY



One of the reasons I LOVE blogging so much is I get to talk with many women out there who need advice and I get to help them whether it be with a simple recipe or maybe just some advice on a new workout routine!

Attorney, volunteer, beautiful, compelling, passionate, smart....just a few words to describe...



I got to know Krissy Froelich through my blogging and let me tell you ladies this chick is so inspiring her story has changed the way I look at my own passion! 
Read the interview and you will understand why I almost had tears in my eyes at this remarkable woman 

Tell me about yourself.
 I went to law school at William and Mary in Virginia and graduated in 2003.  I clerked for the Supreme Court of Kentucky for a year and then moved to Charlotte, NC, where I began to work as a real estate finance/mortgage backed securities attorney.  I moved to Chicago in  2006, and continued practicing the same type of law.  In late 2008, my work level dropped significantly as the real estate and mortgage industries began to suffer.  In 2009, I was laid off from my firm due to a lack of work in my practice area.  It was very difficult for me to find a similar position, given that all my experience was in real estate and banking, two industries that were in great decline then.  I had never planned on choosing a new career at age 30, and this was a very difficult time in my life.  I eventually decided to view this time as an opportunity to pursue a career that was more in line with my personal interests and felt more meaningful to me and decided I wanted to go to esthetician school. 

I attended both Florida College of Natural Health in Miami and Douglas J Aveda Institute in Chicago.  While I chose esthetics because of my love of beauty and skin care products, what I discovered I truly loved was being able to help people relax and feel more confident about their appearance.  While in school, I worked part time in the accounting department of a real estate development firm and when I finished school, they offered me a full time position.  While I love working there and was excited for the opportunity, I missed working in the esthetics industry.  

How were you able to keep esthetics in your life?

I had heard of American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better " program and decided to volunteer as a way to keep esthetics in my life and help people at the same time.  Through this program, I teach a monthly two hour class to women in cancer treatment on how to care for their skin-Skin goes through a lot of changes with cancer treatment and it causes many changes to people's appearance, including changes in the pigmentation of the skin and loss of hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.  



The women are all given a kit of skin care and makeup products, and I give a basic makeup application lesson as well.  For the women, it is a chance to focus on something other than cancer, and a chance to begin to feel comfortable with their appearance again.  Teaching women how to draw their eyebrows back on is a huge thing-They generally remark that they feel "more like themselves" again.  

In the last session I taught, I had a woman who said she just wanted to look "normal" and "not sick" when she went to her son's baseball games.  I truly believe that when people are happy with how they look, it creates a positive change in the rest of their life and I am happy to have the opportunity to help people have a fun, positive experience during a difficult time. 


What are some tips that every lady should know?

My number one tip for everyone is sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!!!  The sun not only causes skin cancer, but it causes age spots, wrinkles, and causes a loss of elasticity in the skin.  Basically, any physical trait you associate with aging is caused or made worse from the sun.  So, at LEAST an SPF 15, but preferably an SPF 30, everyday.  It should be applied not only to the face, but also the neck, the chest, and the back of your hands, as they all get sun exposure and show age.  Stay out of tanning beds, unless you want to look like leather.



Women should also find a skincare routine that works for them and stick with it-If you aren't getting the results you want, you are either not using the right products or are not applying them correctly, so you should talk to an esthetician about what changes you should make.  You don't have to spend a ton of products to get results-There are some excellent drugstore lines, and I always advise to spend money on products that matter-Such as anti-aging or anti-acne products, serums, eye creams, and other treatment products, as those stay on the skin.  You can save on things like cleansers, which are rinsed off.  You should also make time for yourself and see taking care of your skin not as a luxury, but as a regular part of maintenance/prevention-The same way you have routine doctor checkups.  And having fun and enjoying life makes anyone more beautiful.

What inspires you? You inspire me so much!

I am inspired by people who follow their dreams, whatever those dreams may be.  I am also inspired by people who have a positive attitude.  I have the most amazing, beautiful, generous friends anyone could ever have-Through every challenge in my life, they have supported me, made me laugh, pushed me when I needed it, helped me become a better person, and I am grateful for them everyday

How can I contact you to learn more about skin care and where are you sharing your knowledge currently?

 I am also now fortunate to have an esthetician position at Ambra Salon and European Spa, which is a beautiful spa in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.  

I am there every Sunday and you can call 312-337-5055 for an appointment or go to ambrasalonandeuropeanspa.com.  

I can also be reached at krissy_froelich@yahoo.com for any questions!



Interested in Volunteering?
Here a few opportunities to help with your search:
  • Look Good, Feel Better
    • Certified beauty expert? Share your knowledge, skills, tips and tricks with ladies who will appreciate your advice and give them the confidence they deserve
    • If you are not certified, there are other ways to help out with this organization as well just check out the link and see how you can make a DIFFERENCE!
  • Volunteer Match
    • Volunteer Match is for those who live in the United States to find an organization they feel passionate about! Grab some friends and get out of bed Saturday and change someones LIFE!
    • Other opportunities for technology pros living anywhere in the world. A lot of these organizations need help with web design, marketing, brand design etc. Even if you are in school this could be a great way to share your new skills
  • Liga MAC
    • Help support low income families and work "mano y mano" hand in hand and help kids stay in school, get medical care and so forth
  • Los Cabos Humane Society
    • Live in Cabo and LOVE animals? Here is your chance to make a difference in an animals life and help out a great cause

Krissy has inspired me to start using my skills and knowledge to help others! I volunteered at a charity event called Dressed to the K9's during the holidays and had a great time helping with the party. I really want to be apart of a charity and volunteer time to helping out! I am thinking of bringing my Ballet skills back to life! I used to volunteer in high school and teach ballet and it was so much fun showing girls how to be princesses :)

How can you start sharing your skills with others in need?




Monday, June 4, 2012

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY


If you have goals, dreams and desires and never start the actual goal or take the first steps towards obtaining your goals, dreams and desires you really do not have ANY right to complain that something has not happened.

For instance..I dream, I desire and I want abs! I work hard at the gym, eat extremely clean but lack cardio sometimes and I honestly know I can push myself harder but do I?


Well...sometimes...but right now I am on a mission to get these abs I have always dreamed for and desired

I stopped complaining and am now on a MISSION to eat organic, healthy foods and explore my natural surroundings while pushing myself EXTRA hard at the gym and adding more cardio to my lifestyle.

I hate the treadmill, elliptical etc. so I switch it up every 10 minutes at the gym but STILL ugh! 

So now I am off to a new LOVE of hiking, and exploring Cabo San Lucas by foot

Today I went off with two of my girlfriends and hiked (scaled) LOVER'S BEACH



 For those of you who have yet to experience the MAGIC of Cabo San Lucas need to come to this beach! You either have to hike (scale rocks) to it or you can take a water taxi (which I always have)




Little girl in a huge pile of rocks!



The man pictured here has so much swag it became photo worthy! Socks and snorkeling! 


Ashley and Nickie about to Scale Rocks



By the way I am BAREFOOT on rocks YES!


I did it!

I felt so accomplished and just super connected to my spiritual, natural self which is always good :)

My challenge to myself is to start trying new things and explore my element and explore just ME more!

I love the fact that I spent time with my girlfriends, worked out, checked off a ( I have never....) and began a new routine for myself.

As the quote above says...Begin NOW so start today....

MAKE THAT LIST RIGHT NOW!

and start checking things off...

What is stopping YOU from starting your new beginning?

Why?





Friday, May 25, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY


If you watch the news or read news articles, I am sure you have heard the famous DANGEROUS BEAUTY scares that are sweeping the nation that make you never want to wear makeup or wash your hair again because it could cause cancer, lung disease, heart failure, seizures...what have you...

Me being a beauty freakazoid and now conscious wife..I have been weeding out my beauty products one by one and finding new products to replace them!

I thought it would be easy being that I already know a handful of natural beauty remedies. When it comes to certain products like shampoo, deodorant and hair spray I am just so UNSURE! So if you know of anything that is good for dyed blondes and wavy curly hair or stinky armpits let me know ;)




Switched out the old mouth wash for some organic sesame oil! It has been working out wonderfully. My results have been shiny white teeth, clean gums and have yet to be sick :) You can read more about it here.




Clinque Total Makeup Remover has been a staple for years, but I decided to try Vichy because the Clinique product contains Phenoxyethanol (can cause reproductive toxicity and banned in Japan).  I have heard a ton about Vichy and the natural ingredients and how it actually works so I thought I would give it a try! I am LOVING Vichy!!



I used to use those Neturogena wipes everyone and there sisters uses but decided to try out the Yes to..products and what can I say....I have always been a fan and still am after using this nourishing facial towelette. Although it does not totally remove my water proof mascara like the Neutrogena wipes I feel it does a good enough job considering it does not have PEG 4 and PEG 6 (known to cause hives and eczema)in it.




Friday, May 18, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY





What in the world am I doing with curlers in my hair?

Today's fabulous friday is a topic I have struggled with for MANY, MANY years! As you can tell from some of my pictures, my hair is short one day and then long the next (thank you clip in extensions)! This is because I have been struggling for as long as I can remember with hair growth! I not only dye my hair blonde, I love to curl it and straighten it because my hair naturally is a kinky mess.

Friday, April 20, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY



Sesame Oil? Vitamin E Oil? What is with all the oils!?!

Fabulous Friday is all about the oils today!

SESAME OIL

I have been using Sesame Oil in my mouth! 
I have been taking a tablespoon of this nutty tasting oil and swishing it around in my mouth and through my teeth every morning before I brush my teeth.
What it is supposed to do is latch on to all the germs, tartar, bacterias and toxins and removes them when I spit it all out. Because of this technique, your teeth will become whiter, gums pinker, cleaner teeth and protects the immune system!
The best part is, ITS WORKING and way cheaper than Crest White Strips! My teeth are really starting to look better and I really like the taste and the way it feels in my mouth (is this just me?)

*Tip: Spit it out in the toilet as I have been doing it in my sink and its starting to hold onto dirt more because of the oil

The only thing is, you must swish for 20 minutes! It takes forever, but I promise you the benefits are WELL worth it! I started this technique because of an article I read online at http://www.everydayglow.com This technique was practiced in India as part of the Ayurvedic technique. I really enjoy doing this every morning and I am loving my teeth more and more everyday! I head to the dentist on Thursday and I will see what my new dentist says! I also really like this technique because Crest White Strips and other products as such contain SO many chemicals such as aluminum which can't be good for you!

After about 1 month of Oil Pulling


VITAMIN E OIL

My skin has been so dry and I have so many FABULOUS bug bite scars since I guess I scratch at night! I started wearing socks on my hands which has helped tremendously! The other product that has helped my scars is Vitamin E Oil. I got my bottle at Trader Joe's and I really love it because I am starting to see a big difference. You can also purchase Vitamin E in capsule form and from what I have heard its much cheaper! You just need to poke the capsule with some kind of sterile needle.



My goal is to get rid of these "beautiful" scars ASAP since I am getting married in 15 days and who wants to see a bride with red scars all over! I put the Vitamin E oil on with a cotton swab randomly all day. According to ehow.com, it takes about 2 months for the scars to really fade. I have been practicing this technique for about 1.5 months and already see results so hopefully in the next few weeks they are totally gone!

Have you tried either of these oils? Let me know what you think and comment below!





Sunday, April 1, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY


I am getting ready for my wedding and doing so well! I am almost done just working on my beauty routine so I look FABULOUS for my special day! 35 days and counting...wow! I still can't believe it! I can't wait to share with you pictures of a life changing celebration! I have been working on my natural tan a bit and of course I got burnt! I know better...I own a sunless tanning business but sometimes you just want to be a bit tanner so here are some pre prep ideas you can use to lay out a bit before that special day and before your spray tan.



Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen! Rene Davis, who does my facials out here in Cabo, you can contact her at skintherapybyrene@hotmail.com has this wonderful sunscreen that I use daily on my face called Doctor D. Schwab Umbrella High Environmental Moisturizer and the best thing about this product is it does not clog my pores. All other sunscreens I used always ended up making me break out and I could never find one to protect my face daily that would keep my lovely pale skin pale haha*

On my body I use Resort & Spa Skincare which I got when I swam with the dolphins. The great thing about this sunscreen is its natural and biodegradable so I always use this when laying out. Since its only SPF 15 I apply it quite often during a lay out session.

I apply both products focusing on my face, shoulders and neck/chest area.

I than put a nice moisturizing conditioner in my hair as I figure since I put a hat on I should moisturize my hair while I am at it! I also think the heat from the sun helps the conditioner penetrate my hair deeper.

I suggest laying out before noon or after 3 PM. The sun between 12-3 is the harshest on your skin and who needs a burn or damaged skin cells?

I keep my face and hair completely covered as I figure makeup and a spray tan do the trick and I avoid sun spots, wrinkles and burning on my delicate face.

I drink at least a liter of water to keep my skin and body hydrated the entire time and I keep a water bottle near me as well (glass of course)

After I am done its moisturizing time. I heat up some coconut oil and mix aloe vera with it and apply to my skin to get a nice moisturized feeling. I damp up a cool towel and wipe off the coconut oil and apply aloe vera again. Seems like a lot but I promise its so worth it!

From this base tan, I plan to spray tan of course to get that gorgeous even glow which I love! Pictures coming soon :) 35 day countdown....

Hope everyone is enjoying Sunday and having tons of fun with April Fools!


Friday, March 30, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY

Aloe Vera rocks! It is the ultimate beauty secret and so easy to grow and find! We all know if helps heal a sunburn but did you know it can help your hair grow, beautify your skin, anti-age you and its just all around an amazing plant. Aloe Vera also can help your digestive system, sustain blood sugars, help your joints out and clean out your ulcers. Of course is best in pure form, grown by yourself but there is also bottled versions at health food stores and even walmart. 

Some quick facts about this beautiful plant:
-An Anti-inflammatory and it has an ability to absorb nutrients in the digestive system.
-Strengthens and improves immune system because of the essential enzymes, vitamins and minerals it    contains
-45% reduction of blood sugar levels for diabetics proven by
-It is also said that aloe vera can help repaid elastin and collagen in the skin and joints.

The thing is there is one problem, you have to grow it yourself to get the FULL benefits. Sure you can take a supplement but what better way to test out your green thumb than growing your own beauty secret! If all else fails you can always just purchase a plant at Home Depot, this is much easier for those of you who don't have a green thumb like myself :)

Just be sure to get one that has matured a bit as the youthful Aloe Vera's may only have first aid properties. You really want one that has a ton of leaves because once you cut the leaf off it will not grow back. 

How to Cut off A leaf:
-Cut Away with a Sharp Knife
-Trim thorny edges and slice across its width
-The inner gooey gel is the good stuff!
-Keep reaching for more gel by scratching the surface with a clean knife to rupture more cells with more juices.

Enjoy your Aloe Vera :)





Sunday, March 25, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY


 Sunless tanning is the ticket to achieving that perfect skin tone without harming your skin! Star Systemz uses cruelty-free, vegan all organic and natural products. This way you are achieving your perfect glow without being sprayed with harmful chemicals.
So before you start rubbing yourself down with self-tanner consider the fact that it might be harmful chemicals you are lathering onto your skin and not an all organic Star Systemz spray tan :)

Currently running specials, book your appointment to find out more details!


Friday, March 23, 2012

FABULOUS FRIDAY


 We all have a cabinet full of beauty products but did you ever think that what foods you are consuming promote beauty and can actually do more for you than that expensive face cream. When I entered high school, I always had acne and looking back it was most likely because all I consumed was Del Taco, McDonalds, and greasy pizza. Your skin is your largest organ and will tell you how your insides are doing if you just pay attention. Of course I was breaking out, I am allergic to cheese and the amount of grease and chemicals I was consuming was disgusting. Now I eat a clean, dairy free diet and my skin is clear and clean :)


Here are some foods you should add to your diet to create a healthier skin tone and get rid of that acne!


Avocados- Contain the fats essential for cell rejuvenation which is essential for the building blocks of new skin
Grape Seed Oil-Contains oligomeric procyanidine which improves skins elasticity 
*Add some grape seed oil to your vegetables, the great thing about grape seed oil is it doesn't smoke when cooked on high heat.
Millet-Highly nutritious seed which contains silica which is amazing for hair, skin and nails
*Cook millet and put some olive oil in there into a blender makes a great stuffing for peppers!
Apricots-Rich in phytochemicals and contain folate, calcium, vitamins a & c, iron and potassium which provide the vitamins to promote collagen
*Snack on them or add chopped apricots to give your salad a healthy boost

Brazil Nuts- Helps promote skin moisture and prevents sun damage
*Eat 3 (100 calories)  a day to promote skin moisture, eat as a snack
Cucumbers- Contain tons of Vitamin C and manganese necessary for increasing collagen production
*Add some to your sandwiches, salads, dip in hummus for a snack
Add these items to your grocery list and start seeing results as soon as 4 weeks! So much cheaper than those facial creams and a great way to add stuff to your salads and snacks!

Enjoy your weekend and have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!




Sunday, March 11, 2012

SUNLESS SUNDAY


Tons of events are coming up! Its bikini season and its time to shine and show off that body you have been working so hard on! 

Nikki Beach White Party is April 13th and just around the corner! Feel confident rocking white and get a spray tan! White is such a difficult color to pull off unless you have some sort of glowing tan. Be the star shining at this party and book your appointment early! 

Host a party at your home before an event! Have a beauty pre-party and be the hottest group at the party! Star Systemz will set up the catering, drinks and spray tan appointments! Groups of 5 or more receive a discount! Contact and book an appointment at http://www.starsystemz.com or by emailing Courtney at courtney@starsystemz.com

Shine like a Star with Star Systemz!