Monday, January 23, 2012

Oatmeal Face Mask

This is a fantastic moisturizing mask that is very simple and leaves your face glowing
 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oatmeal (preferably organic)
1 tbsp plain yogurt
Honey

Mix the oatmeal and yogurt in a bowl then slowly start adding the honey.

It should look sort of like this:

***Extra steps**
Dry skin?: Add more honey
Oily Skin?: Add a few drops of lemon

Finally, apply the mask to the face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then remove with some warm water and a washcloth.
See? Simple mask you can make at any time, hope you have fun trying this recipe out! ~


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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

DIY: Peppermint Tea Toner

Peppermint Tea Toner



A very easy and refreshing toner for all skin types!

Ingredients:

1 jar
1 cup Warm Water
1/2 cup Witch Hazel (Agua Maravilla)
1 tbs Lemon Juice
1 Peppermint Tea Bag

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Interesting Product #2: Nail Mat

Nail Mat For Relaxation?

Ok so I know that usually when people think of a relaxing evening they don’t think about  lying on a nail mat. But you would be surprised about how fantastic it actually is!

    Nail mats have been used in Eastern spiritual and physical healing for hundreds of years but most recently this concept was given a new look, being turned into a more convenient portable mat. The traditional nails have been replaced with small lotus flower shaped disks with tiny plastic spikes that are attached to a padded yoga mat.
Now, the way this works is similar to acupuncture. The pressure you get from the spikes encourages your body to release endorphins (which suppresses pain and removes acid from the body, this helps with joint pain) and oxytocin (also known as the love hormone ;D) which makes you very relaxed.

The average nail mat has approximately 6,000 spikes but you can get mats that have 7,000 - 8,000 spikes. The higher the number of spikes the more comfortable it is but it also becomes less effective.

Benefits:


Relieves neck, back, muscle and joint pain
Helps with Insomnia
Relieves Headaches
Helps with Digestive problems
Helps with Cellulite
Reduces Inflammation
Eases Depression

    There are various positions you can try while using this mat. Each position is useful in relieving a different symptom. You can lie face down, on your back, you can sit on the mat, and even stand on it. Try out different positions and see which one works the best for you.

Reccomended Use:


  Start by lying on it for 5 minutes and then work your way up to 20. The first time it may feel uncomfortable but DO NOT give up, as you continue to use it this feeling will go away.
*For best results do not wear thick clothes while using the mat, it works best when your skin is touching the spikes.*

Price:

    Prices can go from 20 to 60 dollars per mat. But don’t worry! If you search hard enough you can find more affordable mats out there. I got my mat for $7 at Marshalls (Super Deal!).



References:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1267079/Beautiful-torture-The-ancient-bed-nails--sold-Harvey-Nicks-health-aid.html
http://iwellville.com/remedies/2011/4/5/acupressure-mat-latest-shortcut-to-relaxation.html
http://www.metro.us/boston/life/article/635275--study-nail-mats-do-tackle-muscle-pain
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576242782763737972.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/the-shakti-mat-at-the-sharp-end-1835279.html
http://www.squidoo.com/nailmat
http://www.barefoottyler.com/2010/09/padma-nailmat-review.html

Interesting Product #1: Oolong Tea


    Oolong tea has been used for many many years in China and Japan and even England for its various health benefits. This tea comes from the same plant as Green tea Camelia Sinensis but it is different because of the way it’s processed after harvesting. The name Oolong comes from Chinese meaning “Black Dragon” because of its long, dark and curly demeanor.

    There are different types of Oolong tea, but the most popular ones are produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Northern Fujan  and in the central mountains of Taiwan. The flavor varies depending on how it was produced. You may find that some oolong teas have a sweet fruity taste while others  taste like an earthy black tea.

Benefits:

Helps burn fat
Reduces Stress
Reduces Bad Cholesterol
Aids in the relief of allergies
Helps fight cavities
Helps fight against signs of Aging (Dark spots, wrinkles, etc.)
Beneficial for Diabetes Patients
Reduces High Blood Pressure

    The Caffeine content in oolong tea really depends on the type of leaves used and the preparation method. But Oolong Tea does have less caffeine than coffee or even black tea. Nonetheless you should not exceed your intake. Remember, too much of a good thing is bad. Start with one cup every day and see how you feel.  It is a delicious tea with many benefits so you should give it a try. * For best results steep for 3 to 4 minutes*

Types of Oolong you May Find:

        Name                                                                                      English
Da Hong Pao                                                   Big Red Robe (Most Famous in China)
Shui Jin Gui                                                     Golden Turtle
Tieluohan                                                         Iron Arhat
Bai Ji Guan                                                      White Cockscomb (Fun Fact: Named after a
                                                                      rooster who  gave up its life while protecting a
                                                                                                Child)                                                          
Rou Gui                                                           Cinnamon
Shui Hsien                                                       Water Sprite
Huang Mei Gui                                                Yellow Rose
Qi Lan                                                              Rare Orchid
Jin Suo Chi                                                      Golden Key
Ban Tian Yao                                                   Half Day Perish
Fo Shou                                                           Buddha Hands
Tie Guan Yin                                                    Iron Goddess of Mercy (Well known world-wide)
Huang Jin Gui
Pouchong
Jin Fo                                                               Golden Buddha
Huang Guayin                                                  Yellow Goddess of Mercy




Refrences:

http://www.oolongteainfo.com/best-oolong-tea/
http://www.teadiscussion.com/types/oolong-tea.php
http://www.oolongteainfo.com/
http://www.oolongtea.org/e/
http://www.adagio.com/oolong/
http://whatisoolongtea.com/
http://www.teamuse.com/article_060601.html


Here is the video review I made, it is more of a general explanation of what is written in this article: