Nautica Goes Green!

I’m a little behind on the bandwagon with this one, but having just saw an ad for this cologne that was released last April, I thought I would share anyway!

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Nautica has released the first Eco-Friendly Fragrance called Oceans. It’s special biodegradable, water-based formula is not only good for the environment, but also for your skin! It’s gentler and longer lasting than most alcohol based colognes, and the packaging is made from biodegradable materials.

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It smells really good too! Very fresh and clean. It’s ingredients consist of Ocean Air, Lemon Tonic, Sea Salt Rose, Lavender Reef, Geranium, Amber Crystals and Regatta Accord. The scent is not incredibly unique, but if you are looking for an environmental friendly fragrance for your man, this is it!

Photographer: Mikael Jansson

Model: Luke Flynn

5 Natural Ways to Avoid Getting Sick

Tis’ the season… for cold and flu outbreaks! Just about everyone I know has been sick this season, and H1N1 is still a legit scare in the U.S.  Recently, I have been keeping taking extra care of my immune system because I cannot afford to get sick. Even though this is a beauty blog, healthy=beautiful, so here are several of my tips to keep yourself cold and flu free for the holidays!

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1. Echinacea

Echinacea is the best known herb for strengthening your immune system and warding off infection. It comes in the form of capsules and tea, but I take the liquid drops. 20-30 drops in a glass of water, and you’re good to go! I wouldn’t recommend taking Echinacea everyday because your body starts to get immune to benefits of the herb. Once a week is a good dosage during the season, take it more frequently if you start to feel yourself getting sick.

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2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is at the top of many people’s immune booster lists for a reason. It makes your body produce more infection fighting white blood cells and anti-bodies and helps to prevent the entry of bacteria and viruses! You can get your daily dose of Vitamin C by taking a daily vitamin supplement, and Emergen-C powder is also really good! Of course, natural fruit and veggies is the absolute best way to get this vitamin! Broccoli, Papaya, Oranges and Kiwi contain the most Vitamin C.

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3. Airborne

Chances are, you know what Airborne is and you probably have taken it before. Many don’t know that it actually is all natural and contains a special blend of over 17 vitamins and minerals that help support our precious immune systems! I am a believer in these miracle tablets, and take them at the first sign of sickness.

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4. Apple Cider Vinegar

As an age-old, home remedy for tons of ailments from diabetes to acne, of course Apple Cider Vinegar is on the master list of immune boosters. It works by balancing your body’s PH to make it more alkaline (instead of acidic). Disease, cold and flu have an almost impossible time living in an alkaline environment, so trust the ACV! Make sure you buy raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with “the Mother,” which are just live enzymes. I use Bragg’s version and take 2 tablespoons in a glass of water (add honey for taste).

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5. Acai

Although Acai has gained recent popularity as a weight loss supplement, the berry has been around for ages as an immune system ally.  It destroys free radicals (pollutants that can damage your cells) and is a natural protector against disease and bacteria. My favorite way to take Acai is through this juice available at Sam’s Club. I take a shot of it twice a day and it taste sooooooo good!!

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Of course, exercise, enough sleep and a healthy diet are the best ways to ward off sickness, a little outside help is always appreciated and welcomed

A Great Thanksgiving Beauty Treatment

I love creating my own DIY beauty treatments out of things laying around my house. Since Thanksgiving is right  around the corner, why not use some of the traditional food on your face! And no, I’m not talking about Turkey or stuffing, ew

Cranberries are a wonderful source of antioxidants which can minimize inflammation and slow down the aging process. They are also full of vitamin C which helps to build collagen. Even if you pass on cranberries as they make their way around the dinner table, I would think twice about the benefits they can give your skin.

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What You Need:

1 tbs Plain Gelatin

1/2 Cup Cranberries

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1. Mix all your ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Make sure to mix and mash the cranberries well and stir the ingredients until they have a paste like texture.

3. Place the bowl in the fridge and keep an eye on it. It will need to thicken but don’t let it set all the way. Wait about 20 minutes.

4. Massage the mixture into your face. Avoid your eye area.

5. Relax for 15-20 minutes letting the mask penetrate your skin.

6. Peel it off!

7. If you need to, rinse your face with warm water and moisturize.

Make the Most Out of your Jack O Lanterns!

Pumpkins are full of Vitamins A, C, and Zinc. According to researchers, they contain over 100 ingredients to help make your skin look and feel younger. They also have tons of antioxidants which help fight against free radicals! Tomorrow, instead of throwing away your Jack O Lanterns, get one more use out of that old pumpkin, and make yourself beautiful!

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To do so, chop your pumpkin into several blocks, boil the blocks in hot water for up to 10 minutes. Make sure the pumpkin is soft enough to mash up, and then follow these easy steps:

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BEAUTY TREATMENTS:

Pumpkin Body Scrub:

1/2 Cup- Cooked Pumpkin

1/2 Cup- Brown Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon- Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir. It’s a good idea to lay out some newspapers on your bathroom floor because this could get messy. Take your mixture and massage into your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and your skin will be exfoliated, healthy and glowing!

Pumpkin Face Masque:

3 Tablespoons of cooked or canned Pumpkin

1 Teaspoon of Honey

1/4 Teaspoon of Milk

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and massage into your face. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Wash your face with your normal cleanser, if needed.

Taking Extra Virgin Olive Oil Out of the Kitchen

I am all about discovering unexpected beauty items in my kitchen, and with winter (slowly) approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our skin from the drying cold. Olive oil is not only great for cooking, but try slathering it on your body to receive tons of added bonuses!

1. Remove Makeup

Say you are staying the night at your man’s house, and have nothing to remove your eye makeup before bed. No worries, all you gotta do is book it to the kitchen and grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, pour it on a cotton ball and gently rub off your makeup. Go lightly at first because if you use too much, it could get in your eye and sting. I use this tip in a pinch and find that it works even better than most removers, especially when dealing with stubborn mascaras.

2. Moisturize Dry Spots

Olive Oil is an awesome moisturizer. Period. It’s all natural, contains no chemicals, has no unpleasant scent and is packed with antioxidants. If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, try rubbing some EVOO onto your feet before bed, cover with some socks, and wake up to smoother, softer heels. Sometimes I rub it on my face and chest before I go to sleep. It soaks in really fast, and leaves my skin feeling super moisturized in the morning. Try using Olive Oil to combat any dry spot, and notice how quick and efficiently it gets the job done!

3.  Add it to your Bath

4.  Condition Your Hair

5.  Soothe Chapped Lips

Using Lemons As Part of Your Beauty Routine

The boyfriend and I got a random hair up  our butts today to make homemade lemonade. I’m not sure why, maybe it was the 150 degree heat, maybe it was the huge bag of lemons on sale at Costco for $5 that peaked our curiosity, but the whole act inspired me to write about the benefits of lemons in the world of beauty..

Believe it or not, lemons can be used to provide many cheap and effective beauty treatments. Did anyone ever spritz their hair with lemon juice and sit in the sun with hopes blonder locks?? I spent many hours with this citrus juice on my head when I was young, and believe it or not it did work! Unfortunately, my dark haired lovelies should not try this at home because it could turn your hair orange.

Here are some other beauty rituals you can incorporate lemons into:

1. Lighten Dark/Ashy Elbows and Knees.

For some reason, elbows and knees can sometimes be a lot darker than the rest of your skin. Lemon are a natural bleach, and with some patience, they can help lighten the darkened areas. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on you elbows or knees twice a day.  I’ve also heard that lemon juice can reduce the appearance of freckles and age spots!

2. Make Homemade Skin Masks

My boyfriend was laughing at me today because while juicing, I started rubbing the rinds all over my face to see what it would do. He thought I was going crazy lol! I love finding natural, homemade skincare recipes, and am not afraid to test any fruit or veggie. Straight lemon juice might be too strong and acidic for sensitive skin, but mixing it with other items laying in your pantry will give you some awesome and cheap face masks!

Dry Skin: Mix lemon juice and honey together. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off for a smoother, brighter complexion!

Oily Skin: Mix one egg and half a lemon together in a small bowl. Apply to face (avoiding the eyes!) and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove Blackheads

Lemons contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which is found in most acne medications. Cut a lemon in half and rub over any blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, try a light wash. Mix 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts water and splash on your face. Rinse it off and you will notice reduction of blackheads in several weeks.

4. Brighten Your Nails

Lemons act as a natural astringent, and can effectively whiten yellow or discolored nail beds. What you need to do is squeeze several lemons into a small bowl, insert fingertips and soak for 5-7 minutes. This little beauty regimen strengthens nails too. Added bonus!

So when life gives you lemons, mash them up and rub em’ on your face and elbows!