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Don't wait until summer is here to realize the condition of your skin could use a little help. It was a long, drying winter of cold air, hot showers, and household heat. Now is the time to get your skin ready for tee-shirt, shorts, and swimsuit season. From the top of your head down to your toes, the largest organ on your body requires daily care. No matter your age, if you feed and water it well, your efforts will be rewarded with more supple, sexy skin.
Spring is here and it's never too late to adapt the E-X-H-A-L-E approach every day. All the steps work together to maximize the appearance of your skin, and while it won't wipe away wrinkles, the overall texture will improve. I've been following this regimen my whole adult life and it works for me, so I want to share it with you.
Remember, it doesn't matter how beautiful your make-up or clothing is, if your skin looks dry, flaky, cracked, or rough, nothing you put on will look good. Once you begin to see the results of the 6 steps to exhaling your way to beautiful skin, you'll stick to it all year long... And I bet you'll feel better, too. It's true, when you look good, you feel good.
Take a deep breath and let's get started!
E = Eat Well: Think anti-oxidant rich foods, like blueberries, almonds, and greens. Check out the Mayo Clinic's list of foods for healthy skin. Incorporate items from this list into your diet, or boost the intake of your favorites. It is also important to cut out foods that have no nutritional value; empty calories will only make you fat and won't help your skin or your body.
X = eXfoliate: As beauty treatments go, this is a MUST-Do on a regular basis. Different areas of the body, require different levels of exfoliation. This process helps the skin absorb moisture while sloughing off the old, surface layers of skin that look dull and dry. Pick a schedule and stick to it, you will start to recognize when a particular area is in need of a scrub.
Scrubbing: Always be gentle on the face, neck, and decollete area; look for products that use sugar or are marked "gentle." For the hands, you can make your own hand-scrub using olive oil. The torso, arms, and legs can deal with grittier scrubs made with salt or coffee grinds. Even if you only use a washcloth or a nylon scrubby with body-wash, you must remove the dead cells. $$aving TIP: If you have bath salts you might not use in the tub, put some in a dish and mix with olive oil to use on your elbow, knees, and feet.
Shaving: You may be a fan of waxing, but it is good to shave. Think of it as exfoliation with an extra benefit - you remove the hair and the surface dead cells - leaving behind a clean slate ready for topical hydration. NOTE: No further exfoliation is required after shaving.
H = Hydrate: The jury is out on "how much" water is the right amount to drink on a daily basis. Only you know what your body needs, but be sure to get plenty of it. If you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, water will help counteract the dehydration which will definitely be reflected in your skin. Also, hot water is for pasta only! Give up the hot showers - use warm water with a cool rinse - your skin and hair will thank you.
A = Apply: Moisture, moisture, everywhere! From conditioner in your hair to tingly peppermint cream for your feet, you need to add moisture all over. Pick natural based products you like so you are more apt to regularly use them. The more you feed your skin, the more resilience you will see.
L = Layer: The only way to truly protect your skin is to keep it covered. This means clothing, makeup, and sunscreen working together to maximize protection.
Look for SPF treated clothing for long days in the sun, include a hat that you can take anywhere. Besides saving your scalp, and cutting down on squinting, the right size brim will help protect the rest of your face and the back of your neck. If you avoid hats because of the hat-head issue, then check out The Joys of a Summer Hat & How To Avoid Hat Hair.
Find a makeup you like that has sunscreen in it. I like mineral makeup with SPF coverage that powders over a light layer of facial sunscreen. I've tried every combination, and this seems to be the best option so I don't go out looking like a Kabuki dancer. Besides your face and neck, wear sunscreen all over, and reapply as needed. TIP: Don't forget the back of your hands! Buy a tube of hand cream with sunscreen to carry in your purse so you can reapply after hand-washing.
E = Exercise: It's hard to feel sexy when your tushy is mushy. Your skin will benefit from getting the blood pumping and tightening up the muscles that support the skin. Let the sweat glands help clear out the pores and detoxify your body. Whatever your choice of movement, you'll reap the benefits in a multitude of ways, like sleeping better and burning fat.
This beauty regimen works from the inside out. Most women do at least a couple of these steps already, so adding the extras are just a matter of adjusting your routine and choices. The process does take a little effort but the benefit makes it all worth it. So let out the breath to EXHALE your way to beautiful skin. Start today, and you will begin to see more supple, sexy skin tomorrow.
BONUS: To hear more about the EXHALE program, listen to Fall and Winter 2011: Beauty Tips & Fashion Trends.
[The claims made about specific products or procedures on or through this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with a health-care professional before taking or administering any new product or treatment to yourself or anyone else.]
CLICK HERE to Listen to the Here We Are Radio Show episode, Moving? The "Must Do's & Don'ts" of Staging & Selling A Home with Real Estate and Home Staging Expert, Susan Devaney, CEO of Moving Mavins.
If you are thinking about selling your home, or you have the overwhelming task of moving a senior family member, this is the show for you...
First, Susan walks us through important Must Do's & Don'ts of staging and selling a house with clear direction, specific advice, and helpful suggestions for getting it all done. Learn how to "see your own home," keep money in your pocket, give your house universal appeal, and implement safeguards.
Next, she shares the unique Moving Mavins process of relocating an elderly family member with dignity. Find out how her company handles this difficult and often, emotional transitional phase to obtain a smooth, successful moving experience for all involved.
Selling a house is a business decision for you and your family. You need every advantage in today's slumping economy and Real Estate market. No matter where you are in the moving cycle, this show will give you a new perspective on your house, AND a checklist that will save you time, money, and stress!
A Product Review by Here We Are
Some products are so good, there isn't much to say except, skip the others and try Method's Daily Granite, Granite + Stone cleaner. If you've selected natural stone for your home, it makes sense that you'd want to clean it with as natural a product as you can find. This may be the answer for all your solid surfaces.
I've tested this product on various shades, grades, and types of stone, (as well as Formica), with terrific results. You can see in the picture a few of my granite, marble, and onyx samples, which all received many spritzes of this product in preparation for this review. NOTE: For long term wear and care of granite and marble, it is recommended that you seal your natural stones before use.
The fragrance is "free of phthalates and other dirty ingredients, not irritating to skin or toxic in use" with a light citrus scent called, "orange blossom". The company lists the ingredients on the product page, and overall, they are mostly natural.
The product wipes up clean without leaving behind a sticky or cloudy residue. I've used both paper towels and a lint-free cotton cloth with good results. You should see enough shine that you can tell where you missed when cleaning. I also think it leaves a bit of a barrier because I notice water beading up more readily after I've used it.
It's cost effective, at $5.49 for 12 fl. oz., this small bottle lasts a long time. Plus, I haven't had a headache or a sneezing attack after using it... and I can't say the same thing about other cleaning products on the market.
If you are always spritzing your counters, then the Daily Granite offers an opportunity to clean greener on a daily basis. Shine on!
EXTRA: The first HWA review was Method's Wood For Good. I'm still using the "good for wood" product and highly recommend it, too.
{Product Review Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid review. No consideration of any kind was offered to or received by LUCIMAC Productions, the parent company of Here We Are, in connection with this product or review.}
This recipe for Pineapple Coconut Angel Food Cake makes the easiest cake you'll ever bake. The clean-up is a snap, too, because you'll only use 1 bowl, 1 spoon, and a bundt pan.
Ingredients
16 oz. box of Angel Food Cake mix
20 oz. can of crushed pineapples
1 cup shredded coconut
Baking Instructions
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F - be sure to arrange clearance to use a lower rack. TIP: The box called for placement on the lowest oven rack, but I used one up from the bottom with fine results. NOTE: If you are using a dark metal pan, then bake at 325F and add a few minutes if needed. For this recipe, I used the regular oven setting, not convection.
2. Pour the can of crushed pineapple AND juice into a large bowl. TIP: if you only have a can of chunky pineapple, crush it down in the bowl using your spoon.
3. Slowly pour the cake mix into the pineapple, stirring gently. NOTE: The mix will foam up. Mix well but don't beat.
4. Pour HALF of the mixture into your bundt pan. Make a small "river" in the batter and layer in the coconut.
5. Cover the coconut with the remaining cake mixture, smooth the batter with your spoon.
6. Immediately put the pan into the oven and bake for 40 - 45 minutes (also check the box recommendations according to your pan size). Test with a toothpick that the cake is dry and springs back at the touch.
7. Carefully remove the bundt pan and hang the cake pan over a glass bottle. Let cool completely to remove. TIP: Figure about an hour and a half to cool. NOTE: If you haven't done this before (like me), when you take the cake out of the oven, flip it over - the cake should hang the way it would look when you put it on a cake plate - SEE the picture at right for a clearer understanding... Be sure to use a glass bottle, not plastic which might melt. Also, I used a cotton dishtowel tucked around the neck of the gin bottle to help anchor and level the bundt pan in this position (not visible in pic).
It's light, fluffy, and not too sweet. It was so tasty that it was gone before I remembered to take a picture! Serve with a drizzle of chocolate icing, a dollop of whipped cream, or nothing at all... It's that good and that EASY!
EXTRA: If you like coconut, check out Coconut Macaroons, The 30 Minute Cookie Recipe. Fast & simple!
Announcements, Update, & Reminders
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Moving Made Easy: Typically, moving is never an easy experience... Some say it is as stressful as divorce or death! If you've been thinking about selling your home and moving during this slumping housing market, you don't want to miss this important Here We Are Radio Show topic, Moving? The "Must Do's & Don'ts" of Staging and Selling a House.
My guest, Susan Devaney, CEO of Moving Mavins will share her expertise on getting your own house in order AND how to approach the overwhelming task of moving a senior family member. Join us on Friday, April 8 April 15 at 11:30 am EST to learn important tips from this Real Estate and Relocation expert that will save you money, time, and stress when selling a home. Note: Sorry for the change in date, an unexpected scheduling issue arose.
A Home Away From Home: HWA is now available on the Kindle! If you prefer reading blogs on your Kindle, HWA can be fully downloaded so you can catch up on our better, brighter, easier information even when you're not wirelessly connected. Perfect to keep our Recipes or Shopping articles handy when you're at the store! NOTE: There is a 14 day free trial period, then a small monthly connectivity fee.
UPDATE
Gift of The Month: We are waiting on a response from the March gift recipient of the book, "Paint It Black" by Janet Fitch. We will announce the name in the May Announcements article.
In honor of the recent article, Bathroom Renovation: Welcome To The Jungle, the April gift is a fun, useful set of notepaper by Tri-Coastal Design with a sassy leopard print motif. I got one as a gift and liked it so much that I bought one for a lucky HWA email subscriber, see the picture under GIFT OF THE MONTH in the right-hand sidebar.
REMINDERS
Moving Winter Sweaters Into Storage: As we move into the spring, it is time to wash your winter sweaters and store them away. If you are unsure about washing your cashmere items at home, check out You Can Dare To Wash Cashmere... In The Washing Machine for a step by step how-to on keeping your lovely woolens wearable for next year.
Flower Of The Month: April's flower is the Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus). Blooming in a variety of colors, its general meaning is good-bye, but its secret meaning is "thank you for a lovely time." A pretty alternative for saying Thank You!
Here are sweet-peas, on tip-toe for a flight:
With wings of gentle flush o'er delicate white,
And taper fingers catching at all things,
To bind them all about with tiny rings.
~ John Keats, Poet (1795-1821), I Stood Tip-Toe Upon A Little Hill
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