Sweat: Leg SOS

High Heels, might be a gift from the beauty gods. Heels transform the look of a woman by elongating the natural lines of the body, lifting the ass, and blessing the wearer with an extra shot of confidence. Heels are the ultimate beauty booster. Unfortunately the look of long lean glamour given to a shoe fanatatic from high heels comes at a price. 

High heels are the ultimate short term solution; they lift for an evening, week or even month. In the long run the beauty cost of always wearing high heeled shoes is pricey and beauty stumping. High heel shoes force the foot into a permanent flexed position. The hyper flexed foot can cause pre-mature arthritis through  hyper tension of the calf an Achilles tendon. 

Fortunately the painful beauty stumpers of always wearing high-heeled shoes can be prevented through foot and leg articulation exercises. This 10 minute workout is the perfect antidote to legs burdened by the pains of heels. The routine is lengthening, toning and stretching. Follow along and enjoy long lasting leg beauty. 

Beauty: Coconut Oil Hair Rescue

Coconut Oil, is a beauty super supplement. The rich oil is not only great for cooking; but when applied directly to skin, hair, or nails the oil penetrates deep into the hair and skin cuticles to provide a rich moisture. Coconut oil is an amazing product that helps recover dry damaged hair. Coconut oil can be found at most grocery stores. Buy the big size. It may seem pricey, but you will get a ton of use out it. 

I like to do a hair mask, at least once a week. I sped a lot of time outdoors, breathing in the fresh mountain air. Fresh air is good for my soul, but not always as kind to my hair (or skin). Winter weather wreaks havoc on my locks; as does the changing seasons.  To fight weather damaged hair, I make a coconut oil rescue hair mask. 

Coconut Oil Hair Rescue Mask:

-1/4 cup Coconut Oil

-1 tbsp molasses

-1 tbsp honey

- a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils

Both honey and molasses are both humectants; which means that they naturally attract and hold onto water molecules. The honey and the molasses when applied to the scalp helps hair retain moisture; which aids hair in achieving a healthy bounce. 

Eucalyptus and peppermint oils, both have a calming effect. They are favored essential oils for the treatment of head aches. Adding a few drops of each or either will give you that zen feeling.

In a small bowl combine all the ingredients. Apply to hair, before you plan on showering. I usually like to mask my hair right after a workout. Once you have the mask applies, cover it with a shower cap, or re-use a plastic bag to wrap hair up. Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes. 

Love, your beautiful hair!

Beauty: Antioxidants, the future of youth!

The list of celebrities who have seemed to found the fountain of youth is endless. Like a scene is "Death Becomes Her," Celebs and savvy women alike are keeping quiet about their anti aging secrets. Many, starlets, have endless cocktails of facial rejuvenation products. While it may not be economically feasible for the average lady in lust for teenage skin there are certain key ingredients that are proven to enhance skin complexion, elasticity, and radiance. Love your self, and celebrate your beauty with a youth enhancing at home facial. After all, the secret for age-less skin, is self love, and regular facials. 

Home Made Antioxidant Mask:

10 blueberries

1 half of a lemon, fresh squeezed

1 tbsp soy/dairy yogurt

1 tbsp arrowroot powder

In a small bowl, microwave the blueberries until super juicy and leaky. Squeeze in the lemon juice, and the yogurt. Mix until well combined. Gently dust in the arrow root powder, and stir until smooth. 

Transfer the mix into a storage container/jar and let the mask sit for at least 20 minutes. The arrowroot is a starch so it helps to bond the mask. 

Gently apply the mask liberally to your face. I like to apply masks with a foundation brush. Let the mask soak on your skin for 25 minutes, before rinsing off with a warm face cloth. 

Benefits of the Mask: 

Blueberries:

When applied in a mask form to skin, help protect and repair element damaged skin. Blueberries are rich in anti-oxidants which help fight free radicals, preventing signs of aging.   

Lemons:

 The citrus acid in the lemon is a natural exfoliant, and the vitamin C helps remove blackheads while brightening skin.

Soy/Yogurt: 

The  yogurts pro biotic properties help sooth skin irritation, and is antibacterial. If you are using soy yogurt the soy has added skin benefits due to natural occurring phytoestrogens which help in the regeneration of skin cells.The calcium in the yogurt helps combat dry skin. 

 Arrowroot Powder:

 The starch adds just a splash of potassium, to help fight fluid retention (great for puffy eyes) and folate which helps naturally tighten skin.

Enjoy, your  beautiful, fresh, and youthful skin.