Special Guest Blogger Paula Hunter shares her simple and refreshing drink recipes
Summer is in full swing, with temperatures soaring (and staying!). In such sweltering heat, it is paramount to stay hydrated and refreshed. Of course, the best way to do this is to drink plenty of water. But we all know water can get boring. Try some of these tantalizing recipes to help you stay cool, liven up your water, and help your body stay hydrated.
These recipes work well stored in mason jars or pitchers and will keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Citrus Water
1 orange
1 lime
1 lemon
Slice the fruit into rounds, and then cut in half. Add to the bottom of the pitcher or jar, and muddle slightly with a muddler or wooden spoon. Press gently to release the juices, but keep the fruit intact. Fill with ice and cover with water. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate.
Raspberry Lime Water
2 limes, quartered
6 oz raspberries
Squeeze the juice from the limes into the bottom of the jar or pitcher, and then add the limes and raspberries to the juice. Muddle gently with a muddler or wooden spoon. Fill with ice and cover with water. Stir, cover and refrigerate.
Pineapple Mint Water
Spring or two of mint leaves
1-2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
Place the mint in the bottom of the jar or pitcher; you can either add the whole sprig or tear off just the leaves. Depending on how strong you want the mint flavor to be, you may add more or less to suit your tastes. Gently muddle the leaves with a muddler or wooden spoon to bruise the leaves and release their flavor. Top with the fresh pineapple and gently muddle again. Add ice and water, stir, cover and refrigerate.
Blackberry Sage Water
1-2 sage leaves
6 oz blackberries
Place the sage leaves at the bottom of the jar or pitcher, and muddle to release the flavor. Add the blackberries and muddle again, being careful not to pulverize the fruit. Add ice and water, stir, cover and refrigerate.
Watermelon Rosemary Water
Sprig of rosemary
1-2 cups cubed watermelon
Place the sprig of rosemary in the bottom of the jar or pitcher, and muddle gently. Add the watermelon, and muddle again. Both the watermelon and rosemary will release their flavors without much muddling. Add ice and water, stir, cover, and refrigerate.
When ready to drink, simply pout the waters through a small strainer of strain through cheesecloth. Add green, white or black tea bags to the water for even more flavor and anti-oxidants.
Other fruits and herbs that work well:
Kiwi
Any citrus
Berries
Thyme
Basil
You can also make fruit and herb infused ice cubes. Lemon, blueberry, and mint make great addition to any drink without overpowering their tastes. Simply place lemon slices or blueberries into ice cube trays, and then top with water and freeze. To use mint, place a mint leaf in each compartment, then top with hot water to infuse. Once the water cools, remove the mint leaves (they turn dark,) add new leaves, and freeze.
“I’m melting!” screeched the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz. No one wants to feel like that when they’re out in the sun wearing make-up. Try these tips to keep your face looking cool and fresh.
1. Start with a clean face. Make sure your skin is just washed and free of any oily residue from cleansers or moisturizers. The more pure the canvas, the more pure the finished work of art (you!).
2. Less is more. Skip the heavy foundation. Not only is the natural look preferred while you’re having fun outside, it also helps to prevent makeup from melting. Apply a light layer of our Pressed Powder Mineral Foundation on your complexion before applying the rest of your makeup. This acts as a barrier on your skin against the heat, making it harder for your makeup to melt off right away. I prefer to use our Kabuki Brush to apply the powder, as it yields a more even, flawless result.
3. Blot, blot away! Instead of attacking forehead sheen with a ton of powder, makeup artists first take away excess oil with blotting papers. And blot, don’t wipe. Wiping only smears your make up. I always have napkins or tissues on hand to blot away “the shinys”. If your skin is still a little shiny after blotting, follow up with a light dusting of pressed powder. This keeps skin from looking cakey.
4. Stay hydrated. A quick spritz of our Hydrosol Face & Body Mist goes a long way to refreshing and resetting your make-up, and it feels and smells great. Plus it’s 100% natural.
5. Stick it to the lips. Personally if I know I’m going to be outside for any length of time, I use our JobaColors Lip Liner all over my lips and follow up with a light coating of our Orange Mimosa Lip Balm. The lip liner seems to last longer on my lips, and the lip balm gives my lips a dewy appearance. If you prefer a lipstick, apply a light coating of foundation powder on your lips before applying your lipstick. The powder helps the lipstick adhere to your lips longer.
6. Keep it light. Color that is. Have you ever been embarrassed by your dark eye shadow melting, forming dark creases on your eyelids? With neutral eye shadows like the shades in our Cosmopolitan palette, this issue is easier to conceal. Lighter shades are still prone to melting but hiding it and fixing the problem will be more convenient for you.
7. No floating heads. Don’t neglect the rest of your body. That means making sure that arms, legs, and décolletage are smooth and glowing too. Avoid the “floating face effect” which is when your face is an entirely different color than the rest of you. Ensure that doesn’t happen by using less make up, and brushing a little bit of our Mineral Bronzer on your shoulders and chest.
Mask
It all started when my aunt bought me a plant called lovage. “It’s an herb,” she explained. Kooky Aunt Pat and her “herbs”. Being the inquisitive type, I decided to do some research on herbs….and never looked back. Soon I learned that herbs had uses other than culinary. I could make stuff with them! Before long I was combining chamomile and calendula to make a hair rinse, green tea, oatmeal and lavender to make bath bags and ultimately yarrow, peppermint and bay to make our now famous Herbal Aftershave.
Working with basic natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen is my true love. There’s no reason to drop big bucks at a beauty store or trendy spa, when all you need for beautiful skin is at the supermarket.
Homemade skin treatments aren’t a new idea. Thousands of years before commercial products were available, ancient Egyptians made powders, ointments and lotions by combining plant extracts with natural oils. In China, a combination of ground orange seeds and honey was used to help keep skin clear [source: National Honey Board]. And in the 2nd century, ancient Romans combined animal fats with starches to make facial creams.
When making your own facial mask, it’s important to know your skin type so you can choose the most beneficial ingredients for that type.
Normal skin does not feel dry or oily. At midday it still looks fresh and clean. Only occasionally does it have dry patches or break out. Oatmeal, fabulous as a bath soak, also makes a great face mask for normal skin. Grind it a bit in the food processor, add water to create a paste, and then allow it to sit on your face for a few minutes. Liquid face masks are also very simple and great for normal skin. Many celebrities swear by olive oil. Use extra-virgin, and spread it on your skin. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Skin is left feeling luxuriously smooth, and fine wrinkles are less noticeable. You can also try a honey- olive oil combination. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with water water. Gently pat the face dry. Unflavored plain yogurt is also great for toning any type of skin. Apply a thin layer and let sit for ten minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
Dry skin has a thin texture and can feel dry to touch. It can feel tight after being washed, and by midday flaky patches may appear. Honey is the number one ingredient, in my opinion, for dry skin. It’s a humectant, meaning that it will help skin retain moisture. One of my personal favorite facial remedies involves applying raw honey to my face. I apply it in a thin layer, and leave it on for about 15 minutes. My dog Ginger used to love when I made this mask; so I’d have to make sure she was in another room or else I wouldn’t have any honey left on my face. Rinse with warm water and enjoy how very soft your skin feels. Flax seeds also make a wonderful one-ingredient mask. Flax seeds provide powerful, good-for-your-health omega-3 fatty acids. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of flax seeds and just enough water to cover. The seeds will swell and the water will become gelatinous. Spread the gel on your face. When dry, rinse off with warm water.
Oily skin often feels greasy. After washing it feels fine, but by midday it looks shiny. Break out spots can be frequent. Combat oiliness while firming your pores with an egg white mask. Whip the whites of two eggs into a light foam. Spread a thin layer of the foam to your face. Allow the foam to become firm, then simply rinse the mask away. Your skin will feel tighter and pores will be diminished. Oily skin can benefit from occasional gentle exfoliation. Try a tomato facial. Puree one ripe tomato with a teaspoon each of lemon juice and instant oatmeal. Spread the mixture across your face, allowing it to set for about 15 minutes. Then rinse away to reveal fresh skin. Other natural exfoliators include papaya and pineapple which both contain an enzyme called bromelain which removes dead cells and cleanses pores.
Combination skin is normal with a few dry patches and a few oily patches. Dryness is usually on the cheeks and oiliness is usually on the T-zone. Most women have combination skin. Green tea is great for combination skin, and has long been touted for its anti-aging and wrinkle fighting properties. Dissolve a single teaspoon of green tea powder (matcha) into a half teaspoon of water so you’re left with a thin, smooth paste. Spread the paste across your face, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse away, revealing radiant skin. Sweet smelling roses are perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin. Mix together 2 tbsps of rosewater, 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat), 1 tbsp honey. Apply mixture to skin and allow to remain for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water. I found the following recipe on line. It was created by facialist Chanel Jenae of Santa Monica. In the article, Jenae says pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. She uses pumpkin pulp in her facial peels at her salon “to brighten, calm breakouts, and soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.”
Purée the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg (this acts as a binder). Stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk. Mix well. Apply the mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. Rinse with cool water and moisturize as usual.
Most face masks, whether homemade or bought, seem straightforward: Simply smooth the mask onto your face, then rinse off after a period of time. But properly applying the mask can make a big difference.
Gently rub the face mask into your skin. The massaging motions will help increase blood flow, improving your skin’s appearance. To get the most of your massage, apply light pressure to your jaw line with your fingertips. Slowly move upward until you reach your forehead, then start again.
Other benefits of massage include a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, which can in turn lower blood pressure and boost your immune system, although this is more likely to occur if the massage covers more than your face.
After the massage, let the mask set for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the specific recipe instructions. Set a timer. When the appropriate time period has passed, rinse the mask off with warm water using a washcloth.
Don’t be afraid to add other spa-like experiences to your home beauty regimen. In addition to facial massage, set the tone for your face mask by changing your surroundings. Dim the lights, gather a few candles and play some soft music. Relaxing in the tub for a warm soak while your mask is doing its magic can help you unwind by providing a stress-busting experience without the hefty price tag.
Or consider having a natural beauty ritual party. Each guest can bring their favorite natural mask recipe, while the hostess provides basic ingredients like oatmeal, honey, eggs, yogurt, tea and some herbs from the garden. Play some cool music, whip up your own masks and kick back with some girl talk. Just don’t let anyone bring a camera!!
Summer means shorts, bikinis and generally showing more skin. I’m overly conscious about my weight all year, but it’s less practical to cover up with an oversized sweatshirt in the summer. So this time of year I really try to watch what I eat and improve my diet (ironically as I write this, an employee comes in and puts a chocolate cupcake on my desk….*sigh*). Smoothies are a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Protein smoothies derived from natural sources are an excellent component of wholesome eating.
Fruit and veggie smoothies are easy. You can pretty much throw any appealing combination of them into a blender with some ice and you have an instant tasty treat. Fruits are a natural source of energy. They also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The antioxidants in fresh fruits help combat pollutants and harmful substances in the body. Adding fruits to your drinks and smoothies is a great way to boost your energy levels and help your body get rid of toxins. Fruits are also rich in many vitamins such as C, E, A and B-complex.
I personally find that protein smoothies sustain me longer and can make a healthy meal substitute. Protein sources can be any kind of nut butter (all natural – no added hydrogenated oils or sugar), whey protein, tofu, tahini (especially for folks on a raw diet) and yogurt.
And try adding wheat germ or ground flax seed to your smoothies. They contain essential fatty acids that are good for the heart. They also provide dietary fiber to help the body flush out toxins and prevent colon cancer and digestive problems. Vitamin E in wheat germ and flax seed nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Healthy omega-3 fatty acids in these foods help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
If you feel the need to splurge, you can make a dessert smoothie without sabotaging your diet. A base of either ice cream or sherbet can make a smoothie go from delicious to decadent.
Melissa’s Favorite Smoothie – I usually make this for breakfast and it keeps me feeling full all morning
1 ripe banana
1 T. natural peanut butter
1 c. milk
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
4 ice cubes
Shove it all in a blender and blend until smooth. If you need a chocolate fix, add a squirt of Hershey’s syrup before blending. The Wrinkle Fighter – This berry-based beautifier will get a thumbs-up from your dermatologist for its skin-smoothing combo: anti-aging vitamin E from wheat germ, sun-damage- fighting omega-3 fatty acids from flax seed, and vitamin C from berries. Vitamin C is essential for making collagen, tissue that literally holds your skin together and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Plus, the oleic acid (a type of monounsaturated fat) in avocado has been linked to reducing wrinkles. (courtesy of Women’s Health)
1 c blueberries
1 c pitted cherries
1/2 c strawberries, hulled
1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp wheat germ
2 Tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt
1 c ice
Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 153 cal, 5.6 g fat(1 g sat), 23 g carbs, 35 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein
The Immunity Builder – Loaded with boosters like beta-carotene and vitamin C from mango, cantaloupe, and pineapple, this smoothie primes your infection-fighting army for action. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Finally, the duo of almonds and almond milk delivers plenty of defense-fortifying zinc. (courtesy of Women’s Health)
1 c peeled, pitted, cubed mango
1 c chopped cantaloupe
1/2 c cubed pineapple, fresh or canned
1/3 c ground almonds
1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1 c ice
Garnish with sliced almonds after blending.
Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 150 cal, 6.8 g fat (0.5 g sat), 22 g carbs, 41 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein
Detox Smoothie – This recipe is definite to cleanse your liver and flush out the toxins in the bowel and bladder, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
1 cup papaya (not too ripe) cubed
1 cup watermelon, deseed and cubed
1/2 cup beetroot juice
1 tablespoon of spirulina
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
Adult Indulgence Smoothie – Banana Colada (sometimes you just want a fun smoothie)
I love this time of year. The plants in the garden are kicking into high gear, most of my spring cleanup work is done and the weather is consistently warmer. The one thing I hate about this time of year is ticks.
I live in a wooded area in Pennsylvania. I’m fortunate enough to have several acres, and I spend most of my free time cutting grass, tending to gardening beds and keeping the woods from taking over my property. I know I should use insect spray and sunscreen and all that stuff, but I’m a get it done NOW kind of person. I get home from work, check on the cats and immediately go out to start on yard work. Thankfully I haven’t gotten sunburned, but I can say I’ve had a few ticks on me already this year. All deer ticks. I usually catch them before they bite, but on two occasions this month, they got me before I got them.
This past weekend I was taking a shower and noticed the out of place black spot on my ankle. I knew what it was. I did everything you’re supposed to do. I used a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and tried to grip the tick by the head, as close as possible to the point where it makes contact with the skin. But I couldn’t grab it. It had all but buried its whole body in my skin. I won’t burden you with the gross details, but I did manage to get the sucker out. I immediately put our Unscented Herbal Aftershave on the wound. It’s my go-to product for all skin conditions: rashes, cuts, scratches, bites, stings, etc. It has always worked well for me and I feel confident that the site has been cleaned thoroughly. Due to the threat of disease, I followed up with a generous dab of tea tree essential oil. And I’m keeping an eye on the bite to make sure it heals with no rash.
I don’t kill bugs. I always say there’s a purpose for them, and who am I to interrupt that purpose? I catch spiders and let them free outside; drives the girls at work nuts. But I gotta tell ya, I just don’t see the purpose for ticks! Hate those blood suckers.
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