Just Checking

How many times a day do you check your phone? A few times a day? Every hour? Can’t go more than five minutes? 

You're not alone; most of us are exactly the same way. 

Whether we're shopping, banking, texting or checking email, the weather or the time, it's estimated that Americans check their phones 8 billion times a day.

All this phone time can lead to some not-so-fun stuff like skin break outs, crappy sleep and even poor health(!).  
Germs transfer from surfaces to your hands and fingers to your phone to your face - YUK! - and that can wreak havoc on your skin. With all that phone time, don't forget to clean your machine.

Checking your before bed and keeping it close by as you sleep can not only ruin a good night's sleep but it's now believed to lead to serious sleep problems, including sleep disruption and deprivation. And that can lead to some serious health issues.

Bottom line: give your phone a rest so you can get some too. If not, don't be surprised if this happens! And in between phone checks, don't forget to do this and this!

Be Kind To The Skin You're In. 

Sweating the Small Stuff

From the minute my alarm goes off, my mind races with everything I have to do and still haven’t done. Mondays are the toughest: an impossible game of catch-up. The list just keeps growing.

I find myself repeating "baby steps" under my breath more often than I'd like. But then I caught this clip from SNL.

"Because baby steps" do lead to milestones. 

Size Matters. The little to-dos are easier to put off but they are just as important as the big ones. Pick 3 small tasks or goals each day from your to-do list (e.g., drink one more glass of water, don't eat Halloween candy for breakfast, call a friend, take the stairs) and check 'em off.  The small stuff may feel inconsequential, but it leads to the bigger stuff and the sense of accompaniment breeds motivation. Boom!

Intention is Key. Every intentional act leads to another and creates a positive ripple effect. You make things happen. You are in control.   Need Inspiration?  Check out some of these small to-dos, they can some pretty BIG effects:  - Forks over phones at dinner.  - No more excuses -> let's do this! - That's random... and so very cool.  Be Kind to the Skin You're In.

When Egg on Your Face is a Good Thing

Week of October 4th 

I’m no whiz in the kitchen... 
but I know a home-cooked meal is better than dining out or ordering-in because I know exactly what goes into the meal, and into my body. 

The same can be said for skincare. Who doesn’t love a sumptuous moisturizer or mask – the delicate fragrance, creamy texture, the promise of better, younger, firmer, brighter, tighter - you get the point - skin… but that ingredient list is a whopper. 

My inner chef and budding DIYer loves a good deal and some of the most basic foods in your fridge have some seriously surprising topical skincare benefits. 

So, before your next trip to Sephora, take a stroll down the grocery aisle for some of the best kept beauty secrets (not to mention, at a fraction of the cost!).

Pardon Me, Is that Egg on Your Face?

In addition to making delicious, protein-packed omelets, the nutrients in eggs are also great for nourishing the skin.  An egg white facial will tighten pores, remove dead skin cells and even helps reduce whiteheads and puffiness around the eyes. 

For Normal-to-Combo Skin: Take 2 eggs, separate the whites from the yolks and then whisk the whites until frothy.  Apply liberally to face in an upwards motion and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

For Oily Skin: Try mixing 1 tsp. of citrus juice (lemon or grapefruit) and two egg whites. Whip the egg whites until frothy. Apply mask to a freshly washed face, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

For Dry Skin: Try mixing 1 tsp. olive oil with one egg yolk and a dab of warm honey. Mix the ingredients until creamy. Apply mask to a freshly washed face, leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water, and pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer.

Is that Eau de Salade You're Wearing?

You may smell like salad dressing, but the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for the skin (and hair) are undeniable. ACV is known for its restorative and cleansing properties, ability to improve tone, blood circulation to the capillaries, soothe itchy skin conditions and acne as well as maintain elasticity. It’s also a natural anti-fungal and an antiseptic. Need we say more?  Here’s more.

Tip: After washing your face, take a cotton ball, dabbed in ACV, diluted with water (1 part ACV, 2 parts water), to balance your skin's pH before you apply a moisturizer.

One More Reason Not to Quit Coffee Just Yet.

Caffeine is a morning must, but it also has some kick-ass skincare benefits when applied topically.  So before you run out to buy caffeined skin creams, rev up your body scrub by adding cooled coffee grounds for a cellulite-fighting exfoliator.  

And then there’s urine therapy. #nojoke

Be Kind To The SkinYou’re In.