Monday, June 30, 2008

A new slideshow!

jdeniceholland

Lavender Essential Oil

For information on other oils please refer to my essential oils website: www.youngliving.com/deniceholland or click on the Whole Living tab to the right

Friday, June 27, 2008

Summer's Healthiest Meals

Seafood is low in calories and high in protein and heart-helping fats that keep you feeling full. It's also easier to cook than you think! Chef Anita Lo invites us to a party at her beach house to share her light, easy recipes.
Think of your dream meal: It's probably tasty, healthy, slimming and a snap to cook. Put more seafood on your plate and you'll bring that dream to reality—in fact, it's one of the best strategies for weight loss and overall nutrition, the top diet goal cited in a survey of self readers. Most fish and some shellfish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which, studies suggest, are good for your heart, sharpen your thinking and fight disease-causing inflammation in the body. Plus, seafood contains only 20 to 50 calories per ounce, so it's great for your waistline, too. Swap in surf for turf twice a week, as most experts advise, and you'll drop extra pounds easily. But many people pass up seafood because they think it's hard to fix, says chef Anita Lo, co-owner of Annisa, Bar Q and Rickshaw Dumpling Bar, all in New York City, who is renowned for her flavorful fish dishes. Her simple, elegant recipes take the fear out of fish and cook up in as little as 30 minutes. Reel in a fresh, healthy meal—dessert included—no fishing pole required.


Brown Rice With Shiitakes and Scallions
Serves 8
Ingredients:
4 whole dried shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and caps sliced, or 1 cup dried shiitake slices
2 cups short-grain brown rice, rinsed
1 piece dried kombu (seaweed), rinsed (optional)3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (green part only)

Preparation:
Soak shiitakes in 3 cups hot water until soft, as directed on package (at least 25 min­utes). Save soaking water. Strain soaking water through a fine-mesh sieve into a large saucepan; add rice, shiitakes, kombu (if desired), soy sauce and salt. Bring to a boil, stir and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until all liquid has evaporated and rice is tender, about 40 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to rest 10 minutes. Stir in scallions and serve immediately.



Grilled Shrimp With Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce
Serves 8
Ingredients:
24 jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined
8 wooden skewers, soaked in water 20 minutes
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup tamarind paste (found in Asian markets)1 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp fish sauce
1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sugar

Preparation:
Heat grill on high. Thread 3 shrimp on each skewer; season with salt and pepper. Dipping sauce: Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Grill shrimp until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Serve with dipping sauce on the side.



Sautéed Snow Peas, Sugar Snap Peas and Pea Shoots

Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 tbsp canola oil
6 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock (or water)
1/3 cup oyster sauce3 cups snow peas, strings removed
4 cups sugar snap peas, strings removed
5 cups pea shoots

Preparation:
Heat oil in a large, shallow pan over high heat. Cook garlic 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning. Combine stock and oyster sauce in a bowl; add to pan. Add peas; cook, turning peas constantly, until bright green and crisp, about 2 minutes. Divide among 8 bowls; top each with a handful of pea shoots.

Reach Your Goal!!!





Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Everyday Italian

I love Giada....she is so classic!

What do you say girls?? Italy? Very soon??




Personality Types


Personality Types Impact on Response to Stress
What's stressful to one person may be all in a day's work for another. The difference appears to lie in our perceptions of various events. Mental health professionals believe personality plays a significant role in how we perceive stress.
People with "Type A" personalities, for example, are rushed, ambitious, time-conscious and driven. Studies suggest these traits, if not properly managed, can create stress-related illnesses. In contrast, the "Type B" personality is a much more relaxed, less time-conscious and driven person. Type B personalities are able to view things more adaptively. They are better able to put things into perspective, and think through how they are going to deal with situations. Consequently they tend to be less stress-prone.
The Development of Personality TypeBut where do these differences in personality come from? A variety of social, biological, psychological and behavioral factors influence the development of our character. Scientists agree that a largely genetic personal chemistry, or in-born temperament, influences an infant to react to its environment in ways that can be assertive or shy. Such tendencies are further influenced by experiences. The combination of inheritance and experience form an individual's characteristic way of behaving, feeling and thinking — his personality.
Studies also show that men and women handle stress differently — a difference that some scientists attribute, in part, to estrogen. This hormonal difference may also account for the fact that women are three times more likely to develop depression in response to the stress in their lives than are men. Women, unlike men, also tend to have stronger social support networks to which they turn during times of stress. These social supports may help explain why women, in general, seem to be better able to cope with stress than men.
Early Experiences Impact Stress ResponseRecent research suggests that our response to stress could be influenced by our experiences in the womb. Scientists have been studying mechanisms by which maternal stress — and the resulting high levels of cortisol in her body during pregnancy — could affect the development of the baby. According to the research, if a mother has high cortisol levels, the fetus will have similarly high levels. As a result, this exposure could effect the level of receptors for stress-related substances in the brain, which may make them more susceptible to stressors later in life.
Even after birth, a mother's response to stress affects her baby. Research shows that if a mother is stressed or very depressed during the early weeks of her baby's life, she may not establish a good relationship with her child. Worse, there could be long-term consequences on the child's stress response, behavior and intelligence.
Chronic Stress Has Serious Health ImplicationsEven people with the most adaptable personalities can experience the effects of long-term stress if they lack a sense of control over aspects of their daily lives. Scientists studying stress in the workplace, for example, have found that those who perceive that they have the least control over their working environment suffer from the highest levels of stress-related illness. Experts recommend that managers work to ensure that their employees have some sense of empowerment in order to relieve an unnecessary source of chronic stress.
Caregivers of elderly or chronically ill family members are another group subject to chronic high levels of stress. For example, studies done on caregivers of Alzheimer patients show that chronically high cortisol levels significantly weakened their immune systems. Mental health professionals suggest that caregivers try to set very small goals in the care or recovery of their loved ones and take respite from their responsibilities to lessen their stress.

Fashion Show Summer 2009







Fashion Show 2008-2009

Eco-Chic Ideas for Your Home

Grouped together on a tray and filled with leaves and flowers, weathered bottles and jars make an easy table dressing. 1. Collect your own bottles of various shapes and sizes over time (mustard jars, perfume bottles, and jelly jars all work well) or salvage some for just pennies at thrift stores. 2. Randomly fill some of the containers with leaves and flowers and place them on a serving tray or platter, packing the jars tightly together.

Clear glass Mason or spaghetti-sauce jars serve convenient receptacles for cotton swabs, bandages,soap bars, and other bathroom necessities. When you're in a rush to get ready, it helps to be able to see what's inside.

Blueberry Yogurt Fool

Hmmm....sounds good!


Yogurt adds a healthy component to this fool, an old-fashioned dessert. If you don't have thick Greek-style yogurt, put 2 cups of regular whole milk yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl and let drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator. The volume should reduce to 1 cup.

Per serving: 306 calories; 4 g protein; 15 g fat; 44 g carbs; 3 g fiber.
Prep: 15 minutes Total: 25 minutes
Serves 4



Ingredients:
1 1/2 pints blueberries
1/3 cup honey, plus more if desired
Juice of half a lime
5 fresh mint leaves plus 4 sprigs for garnish
1/2 cup cold heavy cream
1 cup thick Greek-style yogurt
4 teaspoons finely chopped pistachios

Directions:
  1. In a blender, combine 1 pint of blueberries, honey, lime juice, and 5 mint leaves; puree. Press mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove skin and seeds. Discard skin and seeds. Taste and add more honey if desired. Transfer to a container, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, about 10 minutes.
  2. With an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the cream into the yogurt.
  3. Using a light hand, fold the blueberry puree into the yogurt mixture about three quarters of the way, leaving a swirly pattern of dark purple streaks through the white yogurt mixture.
  4. Spoon into 4 glasses and chill. To serve, sprinkle with pistachios, and garnish with remaining blueberries and mint sprigs.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Go Green on a Shoestring

Going Green



Stella McCartney Going Green

Designer Stella McCartney is no stranger to ethical causes. A vocal animal rights advocate and the daughter of two famed vegetarians (the Beatles' Paul and his late wife, Linda), McCartney refuses to use fur or leather in her eponymous clothing line, a rare stance in the high-end market. (Her label is part of the Gucci group.) The ethics-driven focus reflects her lifestyle: For this 35-year-old eco-minded mother of two, sustainable is the only way to go.

McCartney's skin-care line, Care, is the latest example of a personal-professional synergy. It started with her first pregnancy. "You stop dyeing your hair; you switch to all-natural products. But after you have the baby, you go back," she says. "I wondered, 'When do you stop caring about what you put on your skin?'"

Care launched in March 2007 at Sephora and caters to those who'd say "never." It contains no endangered plants, genetically modified ingredients, petrochemicals, paraben preservatives, or synthetic fragrances -- and it mandates 100 percent certified organic active ingredients. But unlike many natural-product lines, Care feels luxurious. "Skin care shouldn't be a sacrifice," says McCartney, who lives in London. As her day-to-day choices prove, living the green life doesn't mean giving up the good life.

More Eco-Minded Impacts McCartney Makes

  • She follows a strict vegetarian diet and wears only cruelty-free clothing (often of her own design).
  • McCartney enjoys a healthy mix of workouts. "I do a bit of everything," she says. "I swim, do Pilates, ride my horse. And I ride my bike to work when I can."
  • For a big environmental impact, McCartney recently changed her power source, at home and work. "I switched to Ecotricity, a form of wind power, for my house, shops, and studio last year," she says.
  • Her stores also recycle and use 100 percent biodegradable shopping bags; the packaging for the Care line is totally recyclable, too.
  • "I buy organic as often as possible," McCartney says of her food-buying habits. "Sometimes it's just not practical, but I do what I can. I shop at Whole Foods in the U.K.

Monday, June 23, 2008

See It, Feel It, Be It

5 Guiding Questions

When applied to any area of your life, these five questions could be revolutionary. This is a fabulous journaling exercise, one that you can do regularly. Considering each area of the Lifestyle Map, ask yourself the following questions:
  1. POSSIBILITY. If anything were possible, what would you create in this area of your life?
  2. CHANGE. What needs to be let go of in terms of your (insert lifestyle domain), both materially and emotionally?
  3. GRATITUDE. What can be more appreciated in terms of your (insert lifestyle domain), both materially and emotionally?
  4. INSPIRATION. Where and how do you find and give inspiration in this area of your life?
  5. AUTHENTICITY. How can you more fully express your (insert lifestyle domain)?

Every person and experience in your life, molds you into the person you are today. I look at each moment as an opportunity for growth and refinement. Feel free to change. Change is the cousin of courage. It takes some steam to say "I was that, and now I am this." Change is not a sacrifice, it is essential to fully living. It's OK to let go, and it's marvelous to move forward. Change can be redeeming. Forget about what they might think at the office, and don't worry about whether your partner can keep up with you or not. Step forward into your life.

PRACTICE: Consider how you've changed in the past year or over the years. And let it be known. Write out a change tally for yourself. For example: Stopped caring so much about what the neighbors think; improved the energy of the living room by getting rid of that chair I never really liked; I now spend my money on experiences instead of stuff; I no longer tolerate criticism; I'm plenty more compassionate.

Have a "How have we changed?" jam session with a good friend (this is an especially potent conversation to have with life partners). Talk about what you've outgrown and come to know and love and left behind. You may be amazed at who you've become.


Last weekend was fabulous. Adrienne and I started out Friday night with a phenomenal bottle of wine followed with great conversation. We talked about our love for the traveling including missing NYC badly. We both would love the opportunity to live there. I know for myself that I need that type of experience before I feel that I can be content. I guess we will just have to see how the cards play out, but for now we are living it up in the South!

The next morning we headed out very early on a LONG road trip to catch up with friends in Evansville, IN. It was nice to visit with friends that I haven't seen in a while. Shar joined in with us at dinner as we filled ourselves up with hot Italian bread and wine! Our conversation was flowing with anticipation as we were discussing plans we had made for later in the evening. And as usual, Adrienne, the cougar cat, finished off dinner with an outstanding dessert. She is famous for having a bit of a sweet tooth! Our evening ended with a lovely walk by the water. There were groups of people that were gathered around by the water front talking and laughing, along with fireworks going off for everyone to watch and awe over. Adrienne and I downed our ice coffee drinks, in an effort for much needed energy, as we made our drive back home. I will admit that I dozed most of the way home. Ok, well I slept! Thanks, Adrienne, for driving.

We were so tired Sunday, so after lunch we took a nap. Which as the picture shows, was very rejuvenating and relaxing! Adrienne snoozed with her kitty cat, Jupiter. I love those cats! After our nap we went to Cheesecake Factory. I had my usual Chai Tea latte, and Adrienne had a pomegranate mojito and Godiva chocolate cheesecake. The atmosphere was fun! It was perfect weather, so we sat outside. We've decided that next time we have to go back for brunch. I'm always looking for an excuse to get together....so hopefully soon!

All together, I thorughly enjoyed myself! Thanks again, my girls, for a fabulous time.

Simply Crafted

YOUR FOUNDATION (80%) is the core of who you are, your essential self. This is part of you that feels like first nature, even if you resist it. It is the part of you that is often the most obvious and steady. It shows up in what you most strongly believe, in what you most often choose, and in the most frequent themes of your fashion and taste in decor. For many people, it's easy to express and practice the spirit of their foundation word. For others, it represents an aspect of their life that they need to give themselves full permission to embrace and to be.YOUR CREATIVE EDGE (20%) makes all the difference and is what moves you forward. In keeping with the 80/20 principle, it's your 20% that goes out and gets the results. It also tends to be a trigger for our greatest lessons and struggles. For example, we may be longing for all the great stuff that Harmony or Play or Adventure brings us. And yet it may be that our personal blocks are wrapped up in being harmonious or playful or adventurous. We tend to either repress or overcompensate with our creative edge.

Your foundation word represents your being. Your creative edge is how you express and distinguish your being. In terms of aesthetics, it's your accessories and your accent pieces. It's your jewelry or the artwork on your walls. It's a touch of color in your hair or the red leather boots that say, I can be wild when I wanna be.

In terms of spirit and the way you relate, your creative edge is most often the impression that you make. It's what drives and inspires you . And the beauty of the 80/20 principle is that you don't have to be living on your creative edge at all times. In fact, to do so would lead to overkill and burnout. Think of your creative edge as a powerful force - a little bit goes a long way.


As is your desire, so is your will.
As is your will, so is your deed.
As is your deed, so is your destiny.
-THE UPANISHADS

Friday, June 20, 2008

Popular medicinal herbs (Part One)

The following list includes herbs that are commonly grown or easily found



Aloe Vera
This grows wild in arid regions of Europe, America, and Africa. It will not tolerate frost, but can be cultivated as an indoor plant in northerly regions. Personally, I find it rather ugly, buts its healing powers are very effective in the treatment of sunburn and other minor burns. The gel extruded when the leaves are cut can be applied to all sorts of wounds. It forms a protective layer, encouraging skin regeneration. When ingested, aloe vera is thought to be an effective intestinal cleanser. In this case, it is best to buy ready-made preparations from a reputable source. Aloe vera is also used in hand creams and shampoo.

Aaron's Rod (Verbascum thapsus)
Also know as great mullein, this grows widely in Europe and North America. It is used to treat urinary tract and kidney infections, and also to ease catarrh. Gather the flowering tops of the plant in summer and dry them. They can be made into cold compress that can be used as as anti-inflammatory dressing for wounds and stings, or into a calming tea.

Allheal (Prunella vulgaris)
This plant, also known as self-heal, woundwort or sticklewort, grows wild throughout temperate regions of the world and is easy to establish. Allheal is useful for treating sore throats and inflammations of the mouth, but its history is rich and varied. It has been used to treat ailments from quinsy to diphtheria, and wounds caused by careless handling of farming tools.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The name of this popular herb is derived from the Greek Basilikon photon, which translates as "kingly herb." Cultivated for over 2,000 years, it originated in India, and was introduced to Mediterranean countries via the spice routes. Its medicinal uses are limited, but its oil is said to combat mental fatigue, and vinegar flavored by its leaves can be added to bathwater as an antiseptic. Its main use, however, is in salads and cooking. The leaves aid digestion as well as adding exotic flavor. The juice of basil leaves rubbed on skin acts as an insect repellent.

Celery (Apium graveolens)
Although more commonly known as a salad vegetable, celery stems have a calming effect on the cut and are helpful in the detoxification of the kidneys. Eaten raw, celery has a beneficial effect on arthritis.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
A lovely, low-growing plant, chamomile resembles a daisy. Collect and dry the flowers from June to August. Chamomile is commonly used for its sedative properties, but it also relieves morning sickness, hemorrhoids, mastitis, eczema, and hay fever. When planted in close proximity to ailing plants, chamomile is reputed to help in their recovery.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
A spice rather than an herb, cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, native to Sri Lanka and southern India. Its strong flavor is due to the essential oil that makes up 1 percent of its composition. Principally employed in cooking, cinnamon is also used as an insect repellent, to ease the symptoms of colds, and to aid digestive problems; but use it sparingly.

Cloves (Syzgium aromaticum)
Cloves, also, are a spice rather than an herb. They have extraordinary healing and pain-relieving powers, and medicinally no other substance has been found to equal their efficacy in relieving toothache. They are also used as a local antiseptic. Lesser known is the effect of cloves on relieving nausea-two drops of the essential oil in water are said to stop vomiting. Cloves stuck into an orange are traditionally used to repel moths.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Also known as Saracen's comfrey. Mainly used in poultices to heal wounds and reduce bruising, comfrey is also used in the treatment of athlete's foot and mastitis. It leaves contain allantoin, an agent that stimulates healthy tissue formation, which probably explains why it is often used in the manufacture of skin-softening cosmetics.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
A native of southern Europe and the Middle East, coriander, also called cilantro, was brought to northern Europe by the Romans, who used it with cumin and vinegar as a preservative. Easily grown from seed in light, well-drained soil, coriander thrives in a sunny position and has many culinary uses. Medicinally, coriander leaves aid digestion and stimulate appetite. The dried seeds can be applied in a poultice to relieve joints.





Domains of Life


It was so nice to visit with my beloved friend, Cary. Our lives have been so busy that catching up has almost been impossible! Cary has so much class to her personality. She truly is one of a kind. I have gained so much from our friendship. She exposes things for what they really are. She tells me the truth of the situation regardless if I like it or really want to hear it. She knows that's what I need and essentially expect, from her in our friendship. Cary is the type of person who looks beneath the surface of your life. I realize that she helps me to wonder, to remember, and feel.


All of this reminds me of one of my favorite books, Style Statement, which guides you to make connections and draw your own conclusions. The book provides a Lifestyle Map which represents the major domains of self-expression and relating. I have included the map and information, so that you can do the exercise yourself. You visit the eight domains of life via the Lifestyle Map. The questions in each lifestyle section are divided into two categories: "What works well for me" and "What does not work well for me." Becoming aware of this kind of contrast is an effective way to clarify what you value most. In this way, meaning and themes will start to emerge, and new insights might pop into your mind. This process is all about pattern recognition.

When you're answering questions in the "What works for me" section, be thinking: I am attracted to...I am inspired by...This feels right to me...I am compelled by...I feel desire for...I feel satisfied by... When you're answering questions on the "What does not work for me" section, be thinking: I am repelled by...I dislike...This doesn't feel right...I have no patience for...I feel dissatisfied...I experience displeasure...

To define your Style Statement, you need to enter each section of the map to explore various questions. When you have determined your actual Style Statement and you're ready to work it into your life, the Lifestyle Map can be a brilliant tool for assessing and adjusting your lifestyle. You can use it as the basis for your yearly goals, a weekly to-do list in your day timer or on the fridge, or as a guidepost for your journaling or reflective time.I have included the topics in the Lifestyle Map that you are to consider so that you can do the exercise yourself. Keep in mind that YOU are at the center.
  • Home [Dwelling space.] + Stuff [What you own, collect, desire.]

  • Fashion[Clothing. Adornment.] + Sensuality [5 senses.]

  • Spirit [Divine life. Inspiration.] + Learning [Seeking experience and knowledge.]

  • Service [Work. Philanthropy.] + Wealth [Income. Outflow.]

  • Relationships [Friends. Romance. Family. Colleagues.] + Communication [Tools for interacting.]

  • Creativity [Ideas. Creations.] + Celebration [Occasions. Gifts]

  • Body [Food. Exercise] + Wellness [Care and healing]

  • Nature [The elements] + Rest & Relaxation [What calms and entertains you]

"All art is an attempt to identify yourself. You try out many characters on the way to finding the one that most fits you and therefore, is you."

-BONO

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Hmm....Shar look familiar??

Fashion

























The designer: TwinkleThe look: Retro, Faux Bob
When David Cruz, lead stylist for the Twinkle show, thought about creating the hairstyle for this collection, he envisioned the World War II era. “There are a lot of tweeds coming up in the fall and the structure of this collection felt military,” Cruz says, “although Twinkle has very soft and pretty sweaters on top, with a lot of layering.”
His creative vision evolved into a quirky, faux bob. Cruz starts to design the look with a 3/8-inch barrel curling iron to create tight coils throughout the entire mane. “Then, I twist part of it up in a French twist, but you’re not going to see it from the back,” says Cruz, also a Redken stylist. “I’m also teasing the top and side into a rounded shape so it looks airy and quirky, but still contained and organized. When you come to the front it looks almost like a 20s finger wave that’s been brushed out a little bit.”
Call it your own: This style is even easier to achieve for those with naturally curly hair, Cruz says. Start by creating a side part, then mist the front of your tresses with your favorite styling spray or gel and mold a grouping of curls into an s-shape. Add a few pins to lock in the shape, then let the section dry and remove the pins. As for the rest of your textured tresses, allow them to dry naturally or speed up the process with a diffuser. Next, creating the faux bob. Loosely pull those free-flowing curls back and secure them with a ponytail at the end. Then, roll it under and into itself until you reach the base of your neck.“Pin that in to secure it and you have what looks like a 20s bob, but more modern,” Cruz explains. “Even if a few pieces come out it will look pretty and a little disheveled, but not crazy.”

Skin lotions and face packs

Here are some easy recipes for my favorite beautifying skin lotions and face packs.



Marshmallow hand lotion
This is a wonderful lotion for dry, chapped hands.

1/2 cup (28g) marshmallow root

cold spring water

2 tablespoons ground almonds

1 teaspoon milk

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

lavender oil or olive oil


Chop the marshmallow root finely and soak in cold spring water water 24 hrs. Stir and strain well through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Add one tablespoon of the marshmallow juice to the ground almonds, milk, and cider vinegar. Mix together with a few drops of lavender oil if you want a scented lotion; olive oil if you do not. Pour into a clean, dry, screw-top jar and keep in the fridge, using as required.




Chervil skin cleanser
This is a wonderful cleanser for keeping your skin supple and preventing wrinkles. Infuse a handful of fresh chervil leaves in boiling water and cool, then use the chervil water to cleanse the skin.



Honey and fennel face pack
A sticky face pack made with fennel and honey is said to prevent wrinkles. Chop a bulb of fennel, including the leaves, very finely. Mix with two tablespoons of solid honey, and apply. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash off.



Tires eyes
To cool your eyes, make eye pads using thick slices of cucumber. Another option is to use cotton pads soaked in cold milk. Lie down, place the pads on closed eyes and relax for a while.



Borage facial
For a monthly deep facial clean, pour boiling water over a handful of borage leaves in a large bowl. Make a tent with a towel draped over your head and, keeping your eyes tightly closed, steam your face for 10 minutes. If it's too much for you, come up for air when necessary. Rinse your face with cool chervil water.



Strawberry face pack
The juice and flesh of fresh strawberries make a lovely face pack, and are said to whiten skin and lighten freckles. Mash the fruit and spread all over the face-lying down so that it doesn't slide off. After 20 minutes wash off the face pack- or eat it!!


GIRLS, I THINK IT IS TIME FOR A SPA PARTY!!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

For the Bath

You will find that your pantry essentials are not just useful in the kitchen, but in the bathroom as well. Many bath and beauty preparations will benefit from the addition of fresh or dried herbs. Making your own bath preparations is very simple, will save you a great deal of money, and will ensure you are bathing in the purest of ingredients.


Basic body scrub Smooth, blemish-free skin is easily achieved with the help of just a few basic ingredients. You can be sure that homemade scrubs are pure, with no added chemicals, and can be made to suit all types of skin.

  • 5/8 cup (225g) coarse salt crystals

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • juice of 1 lemon or lime

Mix all the ingredients together and rub all over the body once a week to exfoliate skin, concentrating on problem areas, such as knees, feet, and elbows; then shower off. The lime or lemon juice in the mixture acts as a bleaching agent, which will whiten your finger and toenails. The scrub can also be used as a cuticle softener, on both feet and hands. For extra therapeutic benefits, add some fresh or dried herbs or essential oils to your body scrub:

  • comfrey, for rejuvenation and softening of the skin
  • lavender, to promote restful sleep
  • elderflowers steeped in water, to whiten and soften the skin, and to lighten freckles
  • mint, for a fresh and invigorating sense of well-being
  • rosemary, to invigorate and energize
  • vervain, to alleviate nervous exhaustion
  • thyme, for its antibacterial properties



For more information on essential oils and products please visit www.youngliving.org/deniceholland

Refreshing morning bath tonic For an extremely invigorating tonic, add crushed wormwood leaves to cider vinegar and leave to infuse. Store in a glass jar with a nonmetallic lid. Add this to running bathwater in the morning for a fresh start to the day.

Bath teas Infuse fresh bay leaves in boiling water and add the strained bay tea to a hot bath to relieve aching limbs. For healthy skin, pour a cup of strong rosemary tea into bathwater.

Deep cleanse with fennel For a really deep cleansing, use fennel seeds and leaves with oatmeal in your bath bag:

Oatmeal Bath Bags

Organic oatmeal flakes make a wonderful skin softener when added to bathwater. Make a selection, and if you can bear to, give some away as presents; but be sure to indulge yourself as well. You will need: cheesecloth, organic oatmeal, herbs-either flowers or sprigs, ribbon or string

  1. Cut some squares of cheesecloth each measuring approximately 8 x 8 in. (20 x 20 cm).
  2. Place a handful of oat flakes together with some herb flowers, or a sprig or two of your chosen herb, on each square of cheesecloth. Gather up the corners and tie securely with ribbon or string to form a bag.
  3. Make the ribbon long enough to tie to the faucet so that the running hot water deluges the bag. Alternatively, just drop the bag in the bath, immersing it in the water, and squeeze it gently until the water turns milky soft.

Coarse salt not only makes an excellent exfoliant, but also softens bathwater. Fill jars with natural coarse salt and add either olive oil or scented oil. Lavender oil makes very beautiful bath salts and, if used at night, will promote restful sleep. Other herbs, oils and fresh or dried flowers can be added to make unique customized bath salts-try rosemary oil with a sprig of rosemary, or rose oil with dried rosebuds. If using fresh herbs or flowers, use within one or two weeks, before the flower petals or leaves lose their color

Monday, June 16, 2008

Choose You

Are You the Individual That You Think You Are?

A powerful choice is one that honors your mind, body, and soul. Everyday is filled with opportunities to choose powerfully. So instead of feeling just shy of your potential, uncomfortable in your own skin, or like a big fat fake, you can use the truth of your Style Statement to steer toward the big-as-life you. And then you may hear yourself saying some incredible things:

I love what I do.
I feel so alive when I wear this color.
I'm taking salsa lessons, and I feel so good!
My home is my sanctuary.
I called it like I saw it.
I saved a fortune.
I made a fortune.
That's so me.

Liberating yourself does not necesaarily mean that you have to barrel toward the fringes of the mainstream or claw your way up to the corporate ladder. Sometimes it's wise to suit up and shut up. Company dress codes, annual taxes, common courtesies-some kinds of conformity can be beautifully righteous and purposeful.

Ironically, when you know who you are on the inside, it can be much easier to roll with outside forces. Unexamined conformity, on the other hand, is downright lazy. Choice is like a muscle. If you work it enough, you make stronger decisions-decisions that carry you forward in the direction of your dreams.It helps to be reminded just how terrifically "you" you are. Positive reinforcement will light a fire in your belly and get you across the finish line almost every time.

To combat overstimulation, overconsumption, and overwhelment, you have to be ruthlessly committed to who you really are. Unwaveringly devoted. Loyally, royally you.

**Please refer to Style Statement for more information on this material**

Style Statement

The following information is from one of my favorite books, Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte, which was designed to inspire you to discover the two profoundly descriptive words that capture your essence. Based on the 80/20 principle, the first word represents your foundation, your 80%. The second word is your creative edge-the 20% of your image that motivates and distinguishes you.

Your style statement defines your authentic self. It is a compass for making more powerful choices, a guide for designing a life that reflects your whole being.Self-expression is not an either-or formula. You can be traditional and avant-garde, opportunistic and socially responsible, serene and flamboyant. It's all good if it's all real. It is infinitely better to be fully yourself with myriad contradictions than to be an indirect, inauthentic version of yourself. Identities are crackled, colorful kaleidoscopes. And it's the whole package of talents and flaws and preferences that make us infinitely more interesting.

In a consumer-driven society that overloads us with must-haves and must-dos, your Style Statement is a grounding rod. You'll have far fewer what was I thinking? moments. Consider your Style Statement a direct line to your inner wisdom and better judgement. With inner clarity, you stop wasting time, energy and money striving to be what and who others-be they media, community, or family-tell you to be.

Authenticity is a force of nature. When you channel it to intentionally design the look and feel of every aspect of your life, your outsides begin to match your insides. And something truly magical happens. You continue to become more genuinely yourself, and you have more of what you want.