Archive for June, 2009
June 30th, 2009
No, not that kind of high. I’m a “natural high” kind of gal (and was back in my school days too; no worries, Mom). The feel good buzz that comes from a good chat with a friend, or a squeeze-me-for-real kind of hug, or a knowing laugh shared with another human is totally good for you (like totally dude). Organic. Calorie-free, chemical-free, and you won’t pull a muscle.
Being at this age and stage of life, I have to pay attention to everything I once took for granted. My diet and nutrition need drastic improvement and I’m making baby steps. (Please ignore the McDonald’s Coke on my desk.) (They’re only a buck for a large. It’s an offer I can’t refuse.) I exercise regularly now (and if I have an off-week, I at least think about fitness now, when before it never crossed my mind - so that to me is progress.)
Besides the “eat right and exercise” mantra, the sidekick to good health is good mental health. PMA. Positive Mental Attitude. (Not to be confused with PMS -Pathetic Mopey Silliness.) How does one cultivate PMA? Hang with friends who lift you up. There are plenty of people to bring you down. Misery may love company, but yuck, stay away from the downers. The gripers, complainers, and gossipers are not good for you.
It’s easy to get sucked in the gloom and doom of the negative ones. Sure, the economy stinks and rasing kids can be difficult and bosses can be jerks. But sitting around harping on those topics serves no real purpose. We’re all in this together so if certain friends drain your energy, pay attention to the ones who give you a boost.
All we really need in this world is one friend. If you have a gaggle, great. If you’ve got that one special pal, great. That friend could be a relative or may not be. It does not matter. Some people have their spouse as their best friend. Super. Just knowing that there is someone who will give you a hug and tell you “chin up, shoulders back, you’ll get through this, sweetie,” makes you know that yes indeed you will be okay.
Life is a journey and there are bumps along the path. Sometimes we stumble, sometimes we fall. And sometimes we have a friend laughing their fanny off. “You looked so funny when you fell.” Or we have the friend who picks us up and dusts off without a word. There may even be times when a friend has to dump us into a little red wagon and drag us for a bit.
And then we get our strength back and can take a turn pulling them when the need arises.
I know I need to eat right and exercise so I can be strong when it’s my turn to pull. For now, I am grateful for the friends who are walking along with me on this journey called life.
June 24th, 2009
And that’s okay. What is good for you is to realize that we all need a little down time. We Americans go about life on a helter skelter frenzied pace and we think our busy-ness makes us complete. Wrong. Tap into your inner French girl (or Italian man) and take a nap.
Living in France for a year made a profound impact on me. The joie de vivre must be nurtured or we let it get lost in the chaos. Take time for friends. Take time for good meals and good wine and good conversation. Take time for love. Take time for sleep.
Yes, we must do some sort of work to maintain our lifestyle, but work should not drive our life. I also believe we need find joy in our work, but we’ll save that discussion for another day.
To truly do what is good for you, you first need to tune in to yourself. Be aware of what gives you energy and what drains you. Make effort, little by little, to do more of what energizes you. And when you are exhausted, listen to your body and take a break. A French girl takes a nap in the afternoon with no apologies. Don’t apologize for who you are; honor who you are and what you need.
If you need to stay home on a weekend and recharge, do it. If you need to go a funny movie, do it. If you need to take a road trip, do it. If you need to learn how to knit a pair mittens, do it. If you need to strut your stuff at the karaoke bar, do it. If you need to be with friends, do it. If you need to be alone, do it.
Your assignment: Pay attention. What calms you when you need calming? What excites you when you need excitement? When you start to realize what makes you tick, you can stop going with the flow and status quo, and set your own tempo. When you are true to yourself, you will feel lighter and brighter. And that my friends is good for you.
June 23rd, 2009
It never fails. Every time I make a quick trip to the store or any other public place without wearing my makeup, I run into someone I know. I once had a client say she saw me out one morning getting my mail. I was aghast because I had just gotten out of the shower, my hair was still wet and I was wearing my bathrobe. The client thought it was funny and I tried to laugh. Never, ever would I do this again.
Now, the latest news from the Spring issue of Cosmetics International that a study run by the University of St. Etienne in France and backed by Loreal, found that older women that put on makeup in the morning, are less likely to have accidents than those who risk going outside without wearing cosmetics. The study consisting of one hundred women, aged 65 to 85, showed those wearing makeup stood straighter and were more stable on their feet. The researchers believe the act of putting on makeup helps with stretching, balance and coordination.
Having applied my own makeup since I was twelve, the only stretching I get is lifting my arm and the movements my eyes make when trying to focus on what I’m doing in the mirror. Do you think it may have something to do with confidence and liking the way we look? I, for one, have more energy, feel more attractive and ready for the day! Putting on my face always gives me, along with my shoulders a lift.
Though I’m two decades from sixty-five, I may continue to wear my bathrobe in my driveway and my hair might be a mess but I will put on some makeup. It just might prevent this klutz from tripping on the curb and breaking a limb. At least I’ll think I look better if the paramedics show up.
June 23rd, 2009
Raw plant based foods that are free from chemicals & pesticides are the ideal forms of nutrition. Unfortunately many of us do not consume enough of these daily and therefore choose to supplement with vitamins, herbs and other pills & powders. Many of these supplements sold are void of living enzymes and are also chemical isolates which are more difficult for your body to break down and absorb. There are three categories of herbs: poisonous, medicinal and food grade herbs. Poisonous herbs are not to be consumed. Medicinal herbs can be considered in the category of substitution, meaning to take the power away from the body. In this category vitamins and minerals can be included because they’re isolated chemicals. Many so called natural vitamins sold are derived from petroleum, most minerals and supplements or industrial chemicals from processed rocks. Since they are industrial, nearly all vitamins & minerals put in supplements are not even in the same chemical form as found in food. Rocks and petroleum derivatives are natural foods for plants, but are not natural food for humans. Now there is a time for substitution but it does have its consequences. Your body recognizes & assimilates food grade herbs, vitamins & minerals. Your body simply requires quality nutrients on a continual basis to keep a balanced lifestyle along with exercise, rest and low stress. God made oranges, not vitamin C tablets. Next time you consider purchasing supplementation, check for organic, food grade and/or dehydrated at low temperatures so the enzymes & nutrients are still in tact.
Preparing meals from raw plant based foods is not only good for you but delicious too. You don’t have to settle for only salads & plain veggie sticks. Recreating those comfort foods are amazingly possible and RAWlicious too. Feed the body what the heart craves, your body will thank you. Raw Food classes available, call 815-543-1207 or email: myrawenergy@yahoo.com
June 15th, 2009
BRIDAL MAKEUP: THE CAMERA NEVER LIES
The camera never lies! Bridal makeup means natural makeup for the camera. It is makeup that incorporates techniques used for everyday, print, film and video. When applied with a soft touch, using products that have more pigment (mineral) and fewer fillers, the effect that is achieved is more natural looking up close. If the groom should say to his bride, “You’re wearing so much makeup you don’t even look like you,” you have not succeeded in obtaining an image of classic beauty, breath-taking and photogenic but touchable up close.
LESS IS MORE= NATURAL
The natural look brings to mind an idea of a fresh faced, healthy glow. This neutral makeup is achieved when an artist applies techniques of glamour makeup while holding back on the tendency to color in your features. Using soft washes of color with monochromatic tones, an artist can achieve the most striking effect.
KEY POINTS OF BRIDAL MAKEUP
Creating a timeless and classic look.
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Flawless skin
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Moisturizer: Hydrating, preferably oil-free, and if you tend to get shiny, use a “matifying” formula.
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Classic tones of color.
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Eyebrows: Classically and professionally groomed.
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Highlighting bone structure: Cheekbones, jaw line.
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Water-resistant.
THE CONSULTATION
Brides are bombarded with information on wedding planning and beauty tips. Most brides have dreamt of this day since they were little girls and have a preconceived idea of how they would like to look. Remember, you are seeking the advice of a professional, and as a beauty expert it is my job as a makeup artist to help you achieve your dreams of looking the best you can. Sometimes a bride will come in with a photograph that will give me an idea of what she is envisioning. Sometimes she has no idea what she should do and has been told she “has to wear more makeup for the camera”. Caked on foundation? Tar-like mascara? What exactly does this mean? Absolutely nothing! Please review the first sentence on this page. THE CAMERA NEVER LIES. I will ask questions, and then listen to what you have to say. Remember, you have been dreaming of this day since you were a child.
Your professional makeup artist should ask the following:
1. How do you see yourself looking when you walk down the aisle, and how do you want to look in your photos?
2. Tell me about the makeup you wear on a daily basis: foundation, mascara, blush, lipstick or lip gloss, eyeliner, eye shadow, etc.?
3. Do you do anything with your eyebrows?
This will tell me about your sense of makeup style.
4. Tell me about the color and style of your wedding gown. Is it white, ivory or something else? A-line/Princess, Empire, Mermaid/Fishtail, Ball Gown, or Column?
5. What color and type of flowers are you carrying?
6. Tell me about your bridesmaids’ dresses and the color of flowers they are carrying.
7. Is the wedding taking place indoors or outdoors?
8. Will you be taking photos outside?
This gives me an idea of your personality and the theme of your wedding. The theme could be anything from grandeur, traditional or as simple as walking barefoot through the park.
ANALYSIS
3 months to 6 weeks before the wedding day
Now that you have gained my trust by my listening to your needs and concerns, this is the time to analyze your skin. In order to have flawless makeup your complexion needs to be its absolute best. Now is the time to learn and understand the benefits of a proper skin care routine and regular facials. This is also the time for you to understand the importance of properly groomed brows and why you should remove of excess facial hair.
Tanning is a no-no! Too many brides believe that because they are wearing white they have to have the darkest tan possible. Tanning is dated and actually accentuates fine lines and wrinkles while adding to an uneven skin tone. Remember the CAMERA NEVER LIES! I’ve seen more wedding photos where the bride seems to have disappeared because all one notices is her tan. “Such a lovely bride” is replaced with “My, she’s so tan”. A little color is nice, so either get it sprayed on or from a bottle several days prior to the big day so that the tanning chemicals do not bleed on to your dress. Go lightly. You just want a healthy glow.
THE MAKEUP APPLICATION
A bridal makeup application is really not that different than regular, everyday makeup except that the CAMERA DOES NOT LIE! It will pick up the smallest details and imperfections. There shouldn’t be any questions as to imperfections if you can remember the Three B’s of makeup artistry: BLEND, BLEND, and BLEND even more. Blending means to not see where one color starts and stops. Think transition and flow as one color blends into another color.
Some makeup artists are too busy worrying about the perfect picture than how you are going to look and feel about yourself on your wedding day. As a makeup artist it’s my job to help you look and feel confident, not only as you walk down the aisle but also to feel joy years later when you open your wedding album and see that happy and beautiful bride smiling back at you.
June 14th, 2009
It doesn’t take a lot to look your beautiful best. Beauty is skin deep. When we look our best(our hair styled, make up on, and our skin looks healthy,) we feel better about ourselves. We feel confident, positive and self assured. Lets face it: it is not always practical to look like this everyday.
Here are a few tips to get you started on looking your beautiful best:
- Use a tinted moisturizer. Anyone can use it and it looks very natural.
- Get your lashes tinted. It looks like you have mascara on when you don’t. Be careful its addicting.
- Use a lip gloss or lipstick. Just a very natural color. Your best color is the color that is closest to the inside of your lower lip. Try it!
- Tell yourself your beautiful everyday. You deserve this!
If you still need further assistance ask your Aesthetician for a make up lesson. We love to make you feel and look your beautiful best.
June 10th, 2009
Looking for a healthy way to quench your thirst this summer? Think iced tea to help you stay hydrated in the warm weather– and you’ll also reap benefits from the antioxidants found in tea.
Tea’s health benefits stem from naturally occurring flavonoids, which are potent disease-fighting antioxidants. Tea has been shown to help boost immune function and may help play a role in fighting heart disease and cancer. To get the most from your tea, drink brewed tea (from tea bags) instead of tea mixes. Both black and green tea offer health benefits.
Start with your favorite tea bag and let it steep in steaming hot water for at least 3 minutes, then let it cool and pour over ice. To keep calories low, enjoy it plain or you can add some sweetness with fruit juice, honey, or a low-calorie sweeter. Many types of fruit-infused teas are available, which offer a naturally sweet flavor.
Green Tea Citrus Sangria
4 cups boiling water
6 Lipton Green Tea with Citrus tea bags
2 tbsp. honey
3 cups assorted fruit (such as sliced kiwi, berries and plums)
2 cups chilled white cranberry juice
Pour boiling water over tea bags; cover and brew 3 minutes. Remove tea bags and squeeze. Stir in remaining ingredients in pitcher; cool. Serve over ice. Makes 8 servings. About 80 calories per serving.
Recipe courtesy of Lipton
June 9th, 2009
TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
This Indian wisdom is making the rounds in the email world. It reminds me that in all my decisions, I have a choice. What wolf do I choose to feed? It’s up to me.
June 2nd, 2009
We always hear, you are what you eat. Raw plant based foods have the building blocks and living enzymes our bodies crave that enable us to live exceptional healthy lives. The quality of our food is directly related with the quality of our soil. In our modern conventional world we add chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides to our food & soil which in essence contributes to demineralized soil & food as well as people’s health problems. This modern practice doesn’t really benefit anyone or their health and simply services the pockets of the primarily profit motivated food industry.
It is important to improve the quality of our soil & food supply. We must have minerals in our soil to create life. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, calcium, potassium, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, iron, sulfur, etc. Nitrogen is a powerful component – thick, black, carbon rich soil. We can get these minerals back into the soil by goiing to the sources that have them. One source is crushed rocks and you may go to a gravel quarry and ask for a bucket for your garden. Another source is ocean water and mycorrhizal fungi which can be purchased online. When a plant does not have the salt it needs it has to produce salt from other minerals and can be done through converting potassium into sodium. The presence of these minerals allows plants to reach their potential and when consumed we are able to experience stronger immune systems and optimal health. Preparing meals from raw plant based foods is not only good for you but delicious too. You don’t have to settle for plain veggie sticks. Recreating those comfort foods are amazingly possible and RAWlicious too. Your body will thank you.
