2/24/16

7 Beauty Tips Using Apple Cider Vinegar Externally

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of those awesome products with oodles of great benefits.  I've listed the top 7 beauty tips I use apple cider vinegar externally.  It is not only good for you externally, but internally as well.  You will gain stronger benefits by using ACV with the mother.  I have personally tried Heinz, Bragg's, and White House Organic.  I prefer Bragg's and White House Organic as each of these are Raw and Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother.  I felt like the results were noticed more quickly and lasted longer.  However, when Bragg's or White House Organic are not available at my local grocery store, I will go back to Heinz.


7-beauty-tips-using-apple-cider-vinegar-externally

 Here are 7 beauty tips using ACV externally.
     1.  If you are prone to greasy hair, be sure to rinse your hair with a 50/50 ratio of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water.  Your hair will be less oily, but further more it will shine. In addition you can use the same mix above as a skin toner.

I personally use this to rinse my hair after shampooing, and before applying conditioner. Years ago, it was my only form of conditioner.  My hair shined after application.  It was softer when it dried. 

Now my hair is dryer and more damaged due to hair dye, and I love the extra creamy conditioners after applying apple cider vinegar.  My hair still shines, and my hair is still softer with the use of ACV.  When I do not use ACV rinse, my hair suffers more from frizziness, duller looking, and it is harder to manage. My son-in-law said it made a big difference in his dry itchy and flaky scalp.  He's sold on it.

Apple Cider Vinegar
     2.  In addition you can use the same mix above as a skin toner.

My husband uses this every night as a skin toner.  He has Rosacea, and this has helped him immensely.  In fact, it has been at least a year since he has had any flare up, and he feels it was due to apple cider vinegar.

I find it helpful when I have big zits pop up on my face to disappear within a day or two after applying acv to them.

     3.   Got achy sore feet?  Add 1 cup of ACV to a basin of water.  Soak feet for 15 minutes and they will feel much better.
We haven't tried this yet.  Will need to try it tonight when we watch a movie.

bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar
Bragg Organic ACV

     4.  Looking for whiter teeth? Then gargle with ACV first thing in the morning.  It helps remove stains and brightens your teeth, freshens your breath, by killing bacteria in your mouth and gums.  Brush as usual afterwards.  If you substitute baking soda a few times during the week, this will help whiten your teeth further.

My husband and I both do this one.  It not only helps whiten our teeth, but we use it after lunch in which we each have 1 whole clove of garlic on our sandwiches.  Neither of us have experienced the typical garlic breath when we rinse with ACV right after lunch.

     5.  Body deodorizer.  Apply 50/50 ratio of ACV/Water on cotton ball and wipe under arms or other places you want to remove body odor.  OR add 1 cup to bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes.  This will help detox your body and you will feel very relaxed yet energized afterwards.


We have applied ACV to our underarms in place of deodorant on occasion.  I actually am unable to use traditional deodorants and antiperspirants due to lymphatic system issues. ACV does work wonders.

     6.  Help reduce fine lines and age spots.  Yes this works as long as the age spots aren't any deeper than the top layer of skin.  It will also help tighten skin around eyes to reduce those fine lines.


Since we use this as a skin toner, we've noticed many benefits including those listed above.

     7.  Helps reduce the pain from sunburn.


We so seldom burn that we have not had the opportunity to test this out.  

Hopefully you will find at least one or more ways to add Apple Cider Vinegar to  your daily beauty routine. I believe you will find you will like it just like we do.
white-house-organic-apple-cider-vinegar

WhiteHouse Organic ACV

2/23/16

10 Health Benefits from Resveratrol by NeoCell

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that provides at least 10 health benefits, and often times is referred to the "Fountain of Youth."  It is very effective at warding off many diseases associated with aging.  Resveratrol helps reduce cell oxidation and repairs DNA damage.  It offers specific benefits for both men and women.  
resveratrol-antioxidant-neocell
Resveratrol Antioxidant by NeoCell
"Neocell Resveratrol Antioxidant uses only the finest red wine grapes, grape vine and seeds from the Bordeaux region in France. The addition of Muscadine grapes, French Grape Seed extract, and Pomegranate extract make these amazing fruits a unique blend containing natural and powerful antioxidants which contributes to a healthy lifestyle."

10 Health Benefits for Men and Women:
  1. Aids in Weight Loss
  2. Anti-Cancer properties, specifically breast cancer
  3. Heart Disease, helps lower blood pressure
  4. Helps with Type 2 Diabetes
  5. Helps with Heart Disease and in the prevention of Strokes
  6. Helps fight skin damage
  7. Eyesight Safeguards by preventing abnormal growth of blood vessels that are damaging to eyesight
  8. Keeps Mind Sharp by increasing blood flow to the brain
  9. Boosts Testosterone
  10. Helps circulatory system
The primary reason why I chose to take Reservatrol was to help improve my circulatory system.  I have the coldest hands and feet year round due to lack of proper circulation.  I've taken grape seed extracts years ago until they became hard to find in my local health stores. Then I started reading about all the great benefits of Resveratrol and how much better this is than just taking grape seed.

In just 2 weeks I've noticed some major improvement, but not where I expected it.  I lost weight.  I lost and have kept off 3 of the 6 pounds I'm trying to drop.  What a nice surprise. My diet and exercise program have not changed.  Taking Resveratrol by NeoCell was the only difference.
10-health-benefits-from-resveratrol-neocell
NeoCell Resveratrol
5 capsules = 1 serving taken once daily
My husband commented at how surprised he was that my recall was better than normal. We have been under a lot of duress lately, and he said he couldn't believe just how sharp my mind was.  Usually he's the one that remembers everything, and now I was.  

My blood pressure was slightly above normal prior to taking Resveratrol, but now it is below normal, but still in a healthy range. 

I had hoped to also see improvement in the lessening of spider veins in my ankles.  They are improving, however slight it seems right now.  But there is definite improvement.

And yes, the primary reason for me taking this in the first place has been helped. One particularly cold night my husband was surprised at just how warm my hands and feet were and his were so cold.

My conclusion is that Resveratrol by Neocell, does work.  I noticed improvement the first week.  I highly recommend doing research on the benefits and side effects prior to taking this product. There are certain blood thinning drugs including aspirin that could interfere while taking Resveratrol.  I'm not a doctor.  I only share with you what my experiences were in taking this product.  

I recommend this product.  I did receive this free in exchange for my honest opinion.  





2/22/16

Hot Raspberry Lemonade Recipe

Hot Raspberry Lemonade
Hot Raspberry Lemonade
Raspberries are one of my favorite fruits and a hot raspberry lemonade sounds delicious. I haven't personally tried this recipe, but I'm thinking when I do, I'll make some changes.  First off, I'll mix up regular lemonade, either from a powered mix, or frozen.  Then I'll add flavored raspberry powdered drink mix (like Kool-aid) or powdered raspberry Jello.  I will not dilute the raspberry powdered drink mix nor the Jello.  Just add the powdered mix to the diluted lemonade mix till I like the flavor.  Then, I'll heat it up.  This sounds delicious for the month of February.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups powdered lemonade mix with sugar
1 carton (1.3 ounces) raspberry soft drink mix (May want to try Crystal Light)
Directions:
Mix above ingredients together and store in airtight container. Mix 1 tablespoon mix (or to taste) with 1 cup boiling water.

UPDATE:  I did make this recipe using raspberry powered drink mix (like Kool-aid).  I added the entire package, just the powder, to a frozen can of lemonade reconstituted.  This is delicious either hot or cold.  

2/18/16

Proven Way To Help Sleep and Stay Calm

I've tried a variety of natural remedies to help me sleep and stay calm, and I finally found a proven way to do so. Magnesium is a vital mineral for our bodies.  It it needed for at least 300 different body functions to take place.  Magnesium Citrate Powder is the most easily absorbed magnesium for the body.

proven-way-to-help-sleep-and-stay-calm
Bulk Supplements Magnesium Citrate
I love this product.  I suffer from mild insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.  My husband makes sure I take this every day so I can sleep at night.  When I miss, I'm up all night.  And I usually miss when we are on vacation, or on the weekends.  Magnesium brings balance and controls stress hormones. That's one of the major reasons why people don't sleep well in the first place. Magnesium is a precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help provide healthy sleep patterns.

I find that taking this right after lunch is the best time for me.  It won't keep me up all night, and allows time for this to work through my system.  The magnesium citrate offers laxative benefits as well.  An added bonus, if you will.

Normally my legs are constantly moving.  Doesn't matter if I'm standing or sitting, they are moving. That is, unless I've had my Magnesium for the day.  I love to walk, and that's because my legs can move.  When we go on vacations, it's real easy for us to walk at least 5 miles a day, and I love every minutes of it.  My legs are happy legs. :)
keep-calm-and-be-happy
When I do not take my magnesium, my legs are bouncing and moving.  My husband hates it when we get in bed and my continuous moving legs keep him awake.  Wasn't so bad with a water bed, that just rocked him to sleep.  Now I keep him awake.

In addition to the above, I find that I'm more calm throughout the day when I get my daily dose of magnesium citrate.  It helps relax my mind.  Right now that is critical.  Magnesium relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood.  I have heard that it is very beneficial for those who suffer from seizures.

There are so many wonderful benefits from taking magnesium.

Below are just a few more:
  1. Helps with diabetes and regulates sugar levels
  2. Helps hydrate body
  3. Helps enzymes work better
  4. Keeps bones healthy
  5. Treats back pain and cramps
  6. Helps with migraines
  7. Remineralizes Teeth (I use this is my homemade toothpaste. No more sensitivity.)
  8. Keeps bones healthy
I have never experienced any side effects from taking magnesium citrate.  I have been so impressed with the results I have received in helping me to sleep and stay calm.  It is a regular in my daily diet. There is no flavor. This dissolves quickly in water. Makes it easy to mix with juices, smoothies, green drinks, etc.  My husband and I highly recommend this product.

2/17/16

Frozen Juice Mixing Hack

This frozen juice mixing hack is better than those mixing pitchers you can purchase. So many times I want to serve frozen concentrated orange juice for breakfast, but forgot to remove the can from the freezer the night before.  I could run the can under hot water for several minutes, but then I'm wasting money I have to pay to heat the water, let alone the money I have to pay to watch the water go down the drain.  I could also just fill up my sink with hot water, but again, a waste of money.  I could remove the metal lid, and zap the can in the microwave, but then I usually have a mess to clean up afterwards.  There are pitchers that can be purchased especially for mixing the frozen orange juice like mentioned above, but I have discovered a way that makes it easy with tools I already have.
ojeasymix2
frozen-juice-mixing-hack Empty the contents of the frozen orange juice    into a pitcher.  Add 1 can of water.  Take a potato masher, and mash the frozen concentrate.  Once the frozen juice is completely mixed with the water, you are ready to add the rest of the water, mix and serve. So Easy!
potato-masher-orange-juice
orange-juice

2/12/16

Hot Lemonade Recipe

I like lemonade.  Hot. Cold, Flavored. Lemonade is the favored drink of my hubby's when we go out to eat, or on special occasions at home.  We have tried and created new lemonade flavors over the years.  I'll be sharing those recipes on this blog.

Here is one of my favorites for the cold winter months. My husband always requests this when he isn't feeling very well.  It helps him get better very quickly.


Hot Lemonade
Hot Lemonade
Ingredients:
4 cups water
3 cups fresh lemon juice (about 15 lemons) OR use lemon juice from concentrate
1 3/4 to 2 cups sugar
1/4 cup honey
Cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Combine first 4 ingredients in a 3- or 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW 3 hours or until thoroughly heated. Whisk well before serving. Serve warm with cinnamon sticks.

2/11/16

4 Ingredient Super Easy English Toffee Recipe

Desiring to make my Forever Valentine's something special this year, I made his favorite-English Toffee.  With Valentine's just a few days away, this 4 ingredient recipe makes it super easy and fast to make. I'll be getting a great lunch, and a shrimp and oyster dinner. Of course, hubby will be there.  But I want to make him his top favorite decadent candy, Toffee, or as he calls it Butter Brickle.

This is super easy to make, and turns out great every time.

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter (margarine may be used, but to me doesn't taste as great)
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (I've used almonds, walnuts and pecans with great success)

Directions:

Butter a 9x13 inch dish.  Sprinkle chopped nuts into dish. 

english-toffee-recipe4-ingredient-super-easy-english-toffee-recipe

Heat sugar and butter to to boiling in a heavy 2 quart saucepan, stirring constantly. 

Reduce heat to medium and cook 5-7 minutes or 300 degrees F. 

Be careful not to burn mixture.









4-ingredient-toffee-recipesuper-easy-english-toffee

Pour this mixture on top of nuts. 

Quickly spread in dish and top with the semi chocolate chips. 

The chocolate chips will begin to melt as you spread them across the toffee mixture. 


 May top with additional nuts as desired.



english-toffee-butter-brickle
4 Ingredient English Toffee

May want to score the toffee into sections.  Let cool approximately 1 hour.  Break into bite sized pieces if did not score. Eat and Enjoy.  Store in airtight container if it lasts that long.


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2/10/16

Why I Love This Diffuser (And You Should Too)

Details:  There are so many reasons why I love this InnoGear Diffuser, and you should too.  InnoGear offers a 500ml water capacity Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. It can run up to 8 hours in high mist mode and 17 hours in low mist mode continuously. Will scent a 430 square foot room and help humidify up to 270 square foot room.


innogear-color-changing-diffuser

Mist is cool almost dry.  Has 4 timer settings, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 180 minutes and continuous mode. Option for strong or weak mist.

Has 7 LED Color Changes.  Makes a great romantic night light, or regular night light.  Can set to keep a specific color on.

Runs quiet and has auto shut off.

My Review:  I'm always looking for great diffusers.  This one is so cool, literally.  I love the 7 different colors that rotate as diffuser is running.  I also like being able to select a favorite color and let it stay that way.  The mist is cool and dry feeling.  I placed this on my bamboo flooring and not a single drop of moisture any where on my floor.  I had this running for 120 minutes straight.  


innogear-500ml-water-capacity-diffuser
Notice Mist at Top of Diffuser
One of the features that I like is that I can use the filtered water from my fridge instead of always having to use distilled water.  My husband was excited that he could smell the essential oils within a couple of minutes in his office, (second floor back bedroom), while the diffuser was in another bedroom on the first floor.  He's the first one to turn on the diffuser each morning.  He sets the timer for 120 minutes.  Sometimes he will set it again in the late afternoon.  His favorite scent for our house is lemon essential oil, although eucalyptus is a close second. 


large-room-essential-oil-diffuser

We both love how the InnoGear 500ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser can fill our first and second floors with any essential oil scent we choose in just minutes.  It is awesome. This is certainly larger than 430 square foot room, but we do have a grand family room (aka...a 20 foot ceiling open to the upstairs) which allows for this diffuser to work very well for us.


cool-dry-mist-diffuser
Weak Mist
Now my husband is excited to find other essential oil scents for our home.  We have tried aroma therapy oils in this diffuser, all with great results.  Of course, the aroma therapy oils require more than just a drop or two, as they are not as highly concentrated as essential oils.  Changing out the various scents is as easy as washing the water tank with dish soap and rinsing well.

The feature I really like, next to the 7 LED colors this diffuser has, is that it is also a humidifier that has an option to let off a weak or a strong mist.  The mist is a cool dry mist. Currently we live in a very humid climate, and I was very worried about putting more moisture into the air.  I no longer have this worry at all.  Even my husband was concerned about it, and seriously kept checking the floor and furniture all around the diffuser every 5 minutes.  After the first hour he realized that the mist was "dry" and therefore, no moisture on anything.  He's sold.  Yeah!!!



love-this-diffuser-by-innogear
Strong Mist
Innogear Color Changing EO Diffuser
Another great feature is the waterless auto shut off.  We never have to worry about the unit burning up, or any thing else more serious.  This is an all around great product.

Pros:  Awesome diffuser that covers a large area.  Like the dry cool mist.  Like being able to use filtered water from fridge.  Very easy it is to change out the water/eo mix.  Oh, and did I mention I love the changing colors.

Cons: None.

My Rating:  A Huge Thumbs UP!!!  
Disclaimer:  I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  I highly recommend this product. Makes a great gift for Valentine's, House Warming Gift, Wedding Showers, Weddings, New Mothers, Great for College Kids, Families, Anniversaries, Birthdays, etc.


2/1/16

Impressive Mini Milk Frother by Ozeri

Details:  Ozeri's Deluxe Milk Frother and Whisk is a very impressive mini milk frother.  It comes with stand and 4-frothing attachments.  It is made from Stainless Steel.  It is petite yet powerful.  Can whip up foam in as little as 10 seconds. Great for all the various types of coffee products, hot chocolates, shakes and frappes.

Foams all kinds of milk including whole, regular, skim, soy, almond and coconut.  Comes with an egg beater to whisk eggs, soups, dressings, sauces and other non-solid food items, as well as a propeller-shaped attachment for mixing cocktails.

impressive-mini-milk-frother-by-ozeri

milk-frother-attachments

My Review:  Like I've mentioned before, I really like hot chocolate.  I especially love the foam from the milk in hot chocolate.  However, the foam never lasts long.  It was exciting to try out this Deluxe Milk Frother the last couple of weeks when I made hot chocolate.  First of all, this is the best for mixing hot chocolate powder in milk.  It's completely mixed with no lumps in under 5 seconds.  Go longer to get lots of bubbles on top.  It's awesome.  When I was half way through with my cup of hot chocolate, I just placed the milk frother back in my cup and had more bubbles.

pumpkin-spiced-hot-chocolate
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate
The egg beater works great too.  It only takes seconds and eggs are whipped up fine and dandy. I personally think that you wouldn't want to use this to beat egg whites till stiff.  I believe the batteries would run down first.  But for whisking up whole eggs with milk for omelets or scrambled eggs works wonders.

Using it to make dressings and sauces are easy-peasy too. Like with any mixer, be sure to give yourself plenty of headroom in your container your mixing in so as to avoid any messes.

milk-frother-mint-hot-chocolate
Ozeri Milk Frother
Mint Hot Chocolate
This product was a lot more fun to use than I anticipated.  I'm finding so many uses for this impressive mini milk frother.   Makes a fine gift.

Pros:  Love how quickly it mixes and froths.  This petite little unit has 2 speeds.  It was hard to get used to at first.  I kept pushing the button thinking I was turning it off, when in fact it sped up.  Liked how it came with the 2 AA batteries and has a satisfaction guarantee.

Cons:  The biggest complaint is that it was very hard to change out attachments.  I wasn't sure just how sturdy they would be and didn't want to bend or break them.  I've decided they are tougher than I thought, but still required using hubby's help to remove attachment the first time.

My Rating:  A Big Thumbs UP!

Disclaimer:  I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  I do recommend this product.  It's fun to use.