Never Tried Bok Choy? You might want to give it a look.

If you're like I was, the name Bok Choy is familiar...something to do with Chinese food...but you've never purchased it and cooked with it. It's the unknown vegetable. But you may want to step out of the box and give it a whirl. It happens that there are a lot of health benefits to adding this cabbage family item to your normal diet. It has lots of beta-carotene, is rich in Vitamin D, C, A and K, potassium, calcium, dietary fiber, and is low in fat and calories.


Take a look at these facts:

• It has powerful antioxidant carotenoids that guard free-radical damage to organs and skin
• Bok Choy can decrease the risk of lung cancer thanks to the beta-carotene it contains.
• Studies have show that the lutein and zeaxathin in bok choy will help lower the risk of developing cataracts and help protect the eyes.
• The Vitamin A contained in the vegetable is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
• Women should make bok choy a part of their regular diet because it is an excellent source of calcium.
• The Chinese cabbage is also a rich source of Vitamin D, which helps to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, with ensures that the bones and teeth will remain healthy.
• It can also provide excellent amounts of folate and B6 which decrease the risks of heart disease and strokes.
• The minerals found in bok choy like potassium help reduce the risk of circulatory diseases and regulate the blood pressure.
• It is an excellent source of dietary fiber.
• It’s fat-free and is very low in sodium.
• Aids in healthy digestion

Mildly flavored with a tender sweetness, it's a welcome accompaniment to many meals without being overpowering.   It can be found fresh year-round in supermarkets.  The green leaves of bok choy are great for salads and soups. Many say that bok choy has a vastly superior and richer taste compared to other types of cabbage.   Need some help with how to use it?  I like to saute it in olive oil with other vegetables and cheese for an egg scramble.  And below are links to some other ideas and recipes!

Let me know what you think!
LJ

Bok Choy Lentil Soup:
http://recipescollected.com/2010/11/bok-choy-lentil-soup-recipe/

Salmon with Almonds and Bok Choy:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1745,156167-240201,00.html

Bok Choy Salad:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1643,146176-231200,00.html

Citrus Shrimp:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1945,156186-250200,00.html

Rebounding to Fitness!

Jump Your Way to Health

I have always liked to jog to stay in shape, but in recent years have found it to be too rough on my joints.   Then I happened upon some interesting information about Mini Trampolines, also called Rebounders.  Scientific studies have shown that jogging/bouncing on a Rebounder is a more efficient exercise (68% more efficient, according to NASA) than the ground.  It also has the up side that it is very gentle on joints.   So I put a Rebounder in my living room (so that I could watch TV while jogging) and have found it to be one of the best ways to exercise.  I can use it anytime of day, for as little or long as I want, and I don’t have to brave weather conditions or get shin splints.  And if you are not a jogger, the studies have shown that even gentle bouncing can increase your level of health.  Among the many areas it profits: it builds bone/spine mass, eases arthritis pain, increases metabolism, stimulates the lymphatic system to release bad cholesterol, and strengthens the heart muscle. 

I love the fact that I can get a great work out without having to go to a gym (saves time and money) and that I can do it so easily…all topped off with the fact that it is much gentler on my joints.  So if you find that you are concerned about your joints, and/or don’t have time to go to a gym, you may want to try bouncing your way to fitness!

If you want more information on Rebounding, here are some great links to check out:

 “It is especially healing for the ankles, knees and low back, without the shock of regular exercise. Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cited rebounding as being 68% more efficient than regular running exercises. Rebounding is more playful than it is a job of exercise.”

http://www.lightparty.com/Health/BouncingForHealth.html


"....you can exercise quite vigorously on a trampoline without feeling out of breath, but still gain the same benefits you would from jogging on pavement. This is good news for people who just can't go running because of health reasons such as arthritis.  It avoids the shinsplints and knee problems associated with exercise on a hard surface. It also has the beneficial effect of restoring bone mass and can actually stop osteoporosis...."
http://www.busywomensfitness.com/rebounding.html

The Secret to Lovely Skin? Baking Soda

Did you know that Baking Soda 

is an excellent (and cheap!) 
facial exfoliant?

I'm sure that by now you have read in a million magazines that skin exfoliation is one of the most important elements in routine beauty care.  Skin exfoliation is actually a natural process, through which the body sheds dead surface skin cells to reveal the new healthy ones. However, this important process often times slows down due to various factors (shifting hormones, age) and makes the skin look dull or encourages breakouts. In the case of dry skin, dead cells accumulate faster (than other skin types) and hinder the shedding process and moisture absorption...and in case of oily skin, the natural exfoliation process is hindered as the dead cells get sticky, making it difficult to shed.  Hence, it can be said that natural exfoliation process needs some 'assistance' from us most of the time.

To 'assist' my skin over the years, I've tried quite a few different exfoliants... with mixed results:  either they are too harsh and make matters worse, or they don't get the job done.  So this last year I decided to try using a home remedy that I kept reading about:  Baking Soda.  And by-george, I've had the best experience with it of all of the things I've tried.  It's a fine enough powder to be gentle, it's ph neutral, and it's darn cheap!  (And you can use it to bake chocolate chip cookies when you're done exfoliating!)

If you want to give it a try for yourself, here are some tips:

•     Mix 2 teaspoons-ish of baking soda with 2 teaspoons-ish of water (or your facial cleanser) to make a smooth paste.
•    Apply the paste all over the face with your fingertips.  (Note:  leave out the areas surrounding the eyes, as the skin is very sensitive there.)
•     Gently and moderately rub your face in circular motions covering small areas at a time (I always include the lips).   Concentrate more on areas that breakout.  Don't be too rough with the scrubbing, a gentle action will get the job done.
•     Once you finish scrubbing, be sure to rinse off all of the paste with water.  I wipe my face with a wet wash cloth after I've rinsed, to be sure I've wiped away any lingering dead skin cells.

My experience with this has been the best skin I've had in a long time, fewer blemishes, and more change in my purse.

(I use Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda, as it is all natural and aluminum free.)

You'll Love the Way You Smell: All Natural Hazelnut Vanilla Lotion

Giovanni Hydrate Body Lotion:  Hazelnut Vanilla

A friend turned me on to this lotion about a year ago, and I'm HOOKED!  I am not a coffee lover, but whenever someone is brewing a pot of Hazelnut Vanilla coffee, I think it is one of the most engaging scents.   And this lotion smells just like a freshly ground pot of Hazelnut Vanilla coffee....all over your body.   Giovanni has a great line of natural products, free of sulfates and parabens...they get it.  So you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin....as well as have people want to stand close to you. :-)

I buy this product at a local discount store called Savemart, which is not a national chain...so for those of you not near that store, here is a link to Giovanni's website that lists retailers that carry their products: http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/locator.php.  You may want to take a look at the packaging of the bottle to make it easier to spy at the store.  When you find it, unscrew the top and take a whiff...it's a little slice of heaven that will make your day.  Yes, you are going to pay a little more for this product, anywhere from $7 to $8, but for me it is totally worth it for both the peace of mind of the ingredients and the amazingly awesome scent.  If you can't find it anywhere in a store, you can order it from Amazon or vitacost.com. 

As always, if you try it, let me know what you think.  I'd love your feedback.

Take Care! 

A One-Two Punch: Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil's one-two punch comes from the fact that it is  both Anti-Viral AND Anti-Bacterial...killing both virus and bacteria in one punch.  (It is also an anti-fungal). I don't think there is anything better to keep your home and your skin clean and free of germs.  I use it (diluted) on any fledgling break outs on my face, but I use it the most in spray bottles to kills germs and freshen the air in my home....I spray my kitchen garbage can, keep a spray bottle by the commode, spray my mattress and sheets, my tub and sinks, I clean my toothbrush with it every so often, and use it as a bug repellent. I'm always thinking of some new use for it. You can pick it up at your local health store, or order it online.

Historically, Tea Tree Oil was used in World War I and II (before antibiotics were invented) to stave off infections.   Wikipedia has this to say, "Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action, and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree oil is best used diluted.  It should not be ingested"   ‌http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

Here is a list of just some of uses for Tea Tree Oil:

1. Use a diluted dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath...or a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion (and it keeps the water sterile).
6. Use a tea tree oil rinse to control dandruff and dry scalp.
7. To freshen the air combine 12 drops of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
8. To disinfect, add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser
9. A few drops added to each load of laundry to leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
10. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
11. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
12. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.  Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.
13. Use a drop or two to clean your toothbrush
14. Spray on mattresses and sheets to kill dust mites.

***Please Note:  Tea tree oil should be diluted a bit before placing directly on skin, and should not be ingested.

Boi-ing Concealer by Benefit

Boi-ing Concealer by Benefit

I have been using this concealer for over 8 years, and haven't found anything that compares to it.  I mainly use it to cover up blemishes or break outs.  From talking with different make up artists, I have found that concealer #2 (medium) is usually the best color for most people...I know it is for me.  It is a quality product that stays put until you wash it off.

Recently a good friend came to visit me, and we were putting on our make up together getting ready to go out to hear some music.  She was lamenting a recent break out spot, and I said to her, "I can make that magically disappear".  I put some concealer on my finger and dabbed it on her face, and she was astonished that you could no longer see the break out...that's how well it works.  Needless to say, she is a believer and user now.

If you want to give it a try it for yourself, you can go to Sephora and try some of the tester they have there.  Don't be put off by the price...my concealer usually lasts me from 18 months to 2 years.  I consider that worth the price, especially for all of the grief it saves me when I need to cover something up!

Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

I really don't like DEET, I just don't think it's good to have those toxins entering your blood stream through your skin.  If you feel the same way, I have gathered some information on 'natural' ways to keep the mosquitoes from biting.  I'm hoping that at least one of them works for me this summer.  Let me know if you try them out!

1. Rub the peel of an orange or lemon over your exposed skin.  The Limonene (a natural oil in citrus zest) will interrupt the mosquitoes' sensory perception and they will ignore you.
2. Catnip oil is fun for kitties, but apparently not so fun for mosquitoes.  The oil from catnip has been shown to be repulsive to all sort of bugs, including mosquitoes, and an Iowa State University study showed that the oil from catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET at keeping them away.  You can put the oil in a spray bottle or just rub it on.
3. Geraniums are never bothered by bugs, as they find their smell distasteful.   Therefore many people have had success using Geranium Oil as a deterrent to mosquitoes and other bugs.  

You can purchase these products at your local health store or online!

Never have a sinus problem again? It happened to me...

XLEAR - Xylitol Sinus Nasal Spray

They come in winter....then spring...then summer...i guess there is not a season exempt from sinus problems.  I know, I used to get sinus congestion and infections all the time.  But all of that changed one day at my local Savemart, when an enlightened nutritional expert took me to a shelf.  He pointed to a product called Xlear, and told me that so many people were helped by this product that they have a hard time keeping in stock.  Being impressed, and desperate, I took it home and started using it religiously.  Not only did it clear up the problem that I was having at the time, but I have not had a problem with sinus congestion in the past 4 years I've been using it.   I turned my sinus suffering sister onto this product when she visited, and now she's hooked, too.

The ingredients of Xlear are simple and natural, with xylitol being the difference from other sprays.  Xylitol appears to stave off the possibility of infection by soothing and moisturizing the nasal passages in a more effective manner than saline solution alone.  I think that a key to using this product is to start using it at the very early stages of any hint of a sinus problem, to nip it in the bud.  It has been my experience that this is all it takes to keep things from developing into full blown suffering.

Why does it work?
When infectious germs in the sinuses adhere to mucous membranes and nasal tissues, they can lead to infection and disease. Research suggests the addition of precise amounts of xylitol to saline nasal spray makes it much more effective in moisturizing and clearing the nasal passages.  Since xylitol reduces the germs, pollutants and irritants from sticking to the tissue, regular use of xylitol nasal spray results in fewer respiratory infections and easier breathing. The concentration of xylitol stimulates our own defensive washing of the nose. Additionally, xylitol decreases the concentration of salt in the airway surface fluid which helps our own antibiotic substances there to be more effective—the problem with saline solution alone.  It has been found that nasal irrigation with a xylitol based product results in a decrease in cohesion of bacteria.  (http://www.xylitol.org/medical-benefits-of-xylitol)
 
You can also check out more information on the Xlear website (http://www.xlear.com)

If you can't find Xlear at your local store, you can order it online!

Cellulite - Fix It For Free!

It's the season for all things leg-bearing:  swimsuits, shorts, sun dresses, and short skirts.  Cellulite probably slipped your mind during the winter, but now it rears it's dimply face again!  So I thought I'd share with you some information that I recently got from our TV friend Dr. Oz.  It's a temporary treatment of cellulite, so you will have to keep doing it throughout the summer, but I can live with that!  Especially since I can make it with just ordinary household staples.

Here is Dr Oz's recipe:
Combine 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds with 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a bowl.  Next, apply olive oil to an area you want to work on, then massage the coffee grounds/brown sugar mixture into that area using firm, circular motions for up to 5 minutes.  Then rinse it off.

Of course the best place to do this would be the tub or shower to avoid a mess.  :-)

If you try it, let me know what you think!

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Luminizing Pen: The Number One Staple of My Make Up Kit

Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Luminizing Pen #2

The first thing I reach for when I am applying my make up each day is my Yves St Laurent Luminizing Pen.  I kid you not, it makes all the difference in the world. I use it under my eyes, on my forehead creases, and always on the deep lines between my nose and mouth.  I have tried other cheaper "pens", but they could not deliver by erasing lines, brightening, or helping under eye problems.  Other luminators can make the creases in your face worse.  But this pen leaves no trace.   So I cough up the forty bucks because it is worth it...but on the bright side, it usually lasts me 8 to 9 months.   For something that good, that lasts that long, I consider it affordable.  

  What it is:  A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.   Seriously....the first time I put this on in a department store, I literally saw the nasolabial fold lines between the nose and mouth DISAPPEAR!

What it does:  Loved by models, makeup artists, celebrities, and women everywhere, the award-winning Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ECLAT Radiant Touch is like eight hours of sleep and an instant pick-me-up in a magic wand. With a few strategically placed strokes of TOUCHE ECLAT, the complexion immediately looks rested, rejuvenated, and radiant.

What else you need to know:  TOUCHE ECLAT banishes shadows and tired-looking eyes by adding light and creating an instant lift to the eye area. TOUCHE ECLAT widens eyes when used between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose, and creates fuller looking lips when used in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. It's formulated for all skin types and for anyone who wants instant radiance, luminosity, and lift. 

They have different colors to order. I've tried #1 and #2, and prefer #2 (I have medium skin tone).  I was told by the a YSL rep that #2 is the most popular color. 

You can order your pen from many site on the internet, or go to your local Sephora store!

Let me know how you like it!

Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle

Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

I can't recommend this stuff highly enough.  It seems like the more I read about it, the more I find benefits inside and out.  Scientific studies are continually showing us that oils are necessary for our health, and Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil's molecular structure is such that it provides more health benefits than any other oil.

Here is the long list of benefits:

• Reduces risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and related illnesses.
• Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions.
• Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.
• Supports immune system function.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Helps control diabetes.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Supports healthy metabolic function.
• Provides an immediate source of energy.
• Supplies fewer calories than other fats.
• Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Has a mild delicate flavor.
• Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).
• Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
• Helps keep skin soft and smooth.
• Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
• Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function. 
• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonDoes not contain cholesterol.
• Does not increase blood cholesterol level.
• Does not promote platelet stickiness that leads to blood clot formation.
• Does not contribute to weight problems.
• It is not hydrogenated

If you would like to see more detailed info on Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil (EVOCO) you can check out this website: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Something you should know is that EVOCO comes in a solid form, and will turn into "oil" only when it it is heated to 76 degrees. This allows it to have a longer shelf life.  You can melt it over a stove or in the microwave before using.

These are some of the ways I use EVOCO in my life:

1. I use a tablespoon in the pan when making popcorn.  It does not leave a coconut taste on the popcorn, but I get the health benefit.
2. I use the oil on any part of my body that needs extra moisturizing, including my face, my feet and as a conditioner for my hair.
3. I use it when baking to cut down on the use of butter.  If the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, I use 1/4 cup butter, and 1/8 cup of EVOCO.  (I use less coconut oil than what the recipe says for the butter equivalent.) 
4. I melt a tablespoon in a pan and pour it over vanilla (or better yet, Häagen-Dazs pineapple/coconut ice cream).  The oil mixes with the ice cream and gets a thin hard shell over it, and it is beyond delicious!
5. The flavor is mild and not overpowering, so sometimes I just like to eat a spoonful out of the jar!

A couple of important things:

• you need to buy it in a container that does not expose it to light or it will lose its potency
  
• you want to make sure it is "organic" so that no pesticides will be in it
• and you want to make sure it is "extra virgin", so that the healthy fats will be available

EVOCO can be found in your local health food store, or you can order it online. I use the Jarrow brand.

Love Love Love FROWNIES!

FROWNIES

I have been using Frownies for years, and I can always count on them to give my facial indentations a plump lift.  They can be used on the forehead and crows feet, but my main concern is to plump up the nasolabial folds (parenthesis) around my mouth that are getting deeper and more pronounced as the years go by.

Personally, I skip the Frownie box that says it's for the mouth area, and get the 144 count box for the forehead/eye area (see box at left).  Having used both products, I've found that the forehead/eye patches cover more area around my mouth folds for a better result.  But feel free to try their mouth area patches if you prefer.  You can also cut these patches to any size you would want to amend them to.

My tip for you:  the Frownies company will tell you to use the Rose Water Hydrator spray that they sell, and it's not bad stuff.  But to be cost effective, I have found that using spring or distilled water in a small spray bottle is just as effective (I add a little rose essential oil, but you don't have to).  I ususally wear them overnight, but you can get a nice result from just wearing them for 3 hours.  I like to put them on just before a special event for a little extra plumping.  The results are not permanent, but they definitely help with plumping lines when you use them.

You can read more about Frownies at their official website:  http://www.frownies.com/ , but you can get them for a better price at Amazon.com.  The box above will take you to the place on Amazon that I use to order.  I choose this one because you can get free shipping if you order $25 worth of Amazon products.

Box Directions
Apply moistened Frownies® to frown lines and wrinkles on freshly cleansed face. Use daily or nightly leaving patches on for a minimum of three hours

 Product Description

Reduce wrinkles while you sleep!
Frownies® on... Frown lines gone!™
Use on Forehead and Between Eyes
144 Facial Patches
2-4 month supply
Dermatologist Approved
Makeup Artist Recommended
The Original Frownies
Unequaled quality since 1889
No animal testing
Contains: Unbleached natural kraft paper with water-activated gum adhesive.
The secret of Frownies has been passed along by generations of women and men in entertainment and the public eye who rely on this amazingly effective method to maintain a youthful appearance.
Frownies® Facial Patches are the safe, natural way to dramatically reduce or eliminate expression lines and creases by relaxing and retraining facial muscles while you sleep.
Guaranteed results in 30 days.
Made in the USA 

Everyone loves EGYPTIAN MAGIC, including Hollywood!

EGYPTIAN MAGIC

I'm starting off with the product Egyptian Magic, as everyone just loves it....both men and women.  I first heard about Egyptian Magic in an article years ago that said that Madonna won't go anywhere without it...which peaked my curiosity.  Since then, I've found that plastic surgeons, hair stylists, dermotologists, and dozens of beauty magazines recommend this product highly.

This cream can be used anywhere on your body - face, body, hair - for any kind of problem, with a successful result!  Many people use it to reduce scars or burns, to soften skin, as lip balm, or to condition their hair.  I use it mainly for anti-aging skin hydration.  I like that it is mild around my eyes, that it has all natural ingredients, and that it lasts a long time (which makes it cost effective).  It takes about 15 minutes to absorb, so I usually use it at night.  It looks salve-like at first, but when you rub it between your hands it melts into a luscious oil.  All of my friends have gotten on the Magic bandwagon and are now EM junkies.

The link to the Egyptian Magic website http://www.egyptianmagic.com/ will give you a lot more information and sales copy, but they won't offer the best price.  They best price I've found is on Amazon, and it's free shipping! 

Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
LJ