My Cali Style Burger

Light Cali Style Burger

So I love grilling outdoors but I don't always enjoy the heaviness of a burger and hot dogs just don't sit well for me anymore. Yet sometimes, I want the burger feel. You know what I mean? The wrapping your hands around freshly warmed buns and that first bite of what feels like summer. However, sometimes that delicious burger you just bit into leaves you feeling like you swallowed a brick and can't digest it without a gallon of seltzer.

My goal was to come up with something that could freeze as easy as a beef or turkey burger and grill as equally fast. My solution, a light Salmon burger garnished with Guacamole, tomato and Kale sprouts. It's oh so good tasting and oh so good for you.

Here's the thing you could bake some salmon and then make the burgers (more power to you) but I also wanted to save time in the process. So although I usually try to avoid most canned foods, this was a corner I was willing to cut to save time and money.

Recipe to my Cali Style Burger
Makes about 10 patties

2 Cans     Wild Alaskan Salmon (1lb Fresh Sockeye Salmon)
1/4 Cup   Italian Style Bread crumbs
1/4 Cup   Olive Oil Mayonnaise
1 tbsp      Minced Garlic
1 tbsp      Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp     Fresh Rosemary Chopped
1/4 tsp     Salt (optional)
1/4 tsp     Black pepper

Mix with hands and let rest in refrigerator for at least an hour before making into patties. Cook however you like. I usually precook them on stove to ensure they stay together and then freeze for another day. To warm up, I defrost night before and put on the grill or microwave.

To garnish, I like them best with Avocado, Kale Sprouts and Tomato for that extra kick of healthy. It's delicious! Trust me you will love them. Let me know if you have tried it would love to hear from you. And if you put your own twist on it. Always happy to hear new ways of making things.

Please take a moment to comment, Like, Share or Google+ my posts. Thanks so much for coming by.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra's Milk Bath

Now I am not sure how much truth there is to this, as it was way before my time but it has been said that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt loved to take Milk Bathes. If we remember the movie with Elizabeth Taylor playing Cleopatra, there is a scene where she is taking the famous milk bath. History or myth states that it was specifically,  Donkeys milk. I don't know about you, but I can't imagine some poor soul milking donkeys to benefit her skin. What could possibly have been the benefits of it and does it still hold up today?

Since I can't get my hands on donkeys milk (not that I want to) I decided to share information on another type of milk with perhaps not so well known facts. Buttermilk. We know that Buttermilk is used in many foods, especially a family favorite, pancakes. It is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium. Rich in Lactic Acid and low in fat. Many people hear buttermilk and think that it is fatty but so not the case. Buttermilk is the remaining byproduct after making butter, so much of the fat has been removed for butter. It is a probiotic food that contains the type of bacteria which instead of being harmful, has great health benefits. So if you are lactose intolerant or have digestive issues, Buttermilk is a great option for you. I like to mix some in to my kids bottles when their stomachs are acting up. Works great. 

Buttermilk on your skin? Yes, used as a facial mask it softens, brightens and exfoliates the skin to give it a younger appearance. At the same time, the natural acids, work as an astringent. Lactic acid lightens blemishes, dark spots while tightening the sagging skin by boosting collagen. One company that stands out in its use of Buttermilk is Burt's Bees. Many of their lotions contain Buttermilk. 

Want to reap the benefits from this powerful ingredient, Make your own buttermilk Mask or scrub.

Buttermilk Avena Mask

2 Tbsp Buttermilk
2 Tbsp Oatmeal (Finely Ground)
1 tsp Honey

Mix into a paste, let dry on skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Pat dry and follow with your favorite skin Toner. 

Buttermilk Coconut Scrub
(You want to make this as needed)
4 Tbsp Buttermilk
4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Raw Sugar
Mix in a bowl and off to the shower you go.
Rub scrub all over your body in circles moving upward to exfoliate skin and rinse.

NOTE: If you can manage, let it sit on skin for a bit before rinsing off. So when you jump in shower wet your skin and turn off the water. Apply scrub and shampoo your hair. By the time your ready to rinse your hair,  turn water back on and you can rinse away scrub as well. 

Hope you will make use of this fabulous natural ingredient. I promise that you will love the Buttermilk. You may not want to fill your tub with it but a mask or scrub is absolutely doable. 

Please take a moment to comment, Like, Share and Subscribe. Thanks so much for coming by.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Bioré charcoal heating mask review

Wow, is all I can say to parenthood. Adding the twins to our lives certainly has left very little time for the things I love or even like to do. With three kids under three it's been a real challenge some days to even get dressed but I am getting the hang of it now and starting to find some time to write again. 

Recently on one of my diaper purchasing outings, I seen this product and wanted to try it out. Hopeful that I would be able to share my review with you. Two months later, here it is. Hope you find it useful.

Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask 

Can't say a bad thing about this product. From the convenient individual packaging to the brand, this self heating mask made with charcoal works great for mild/average follical (pore) issues.  Here's why...

Charcoal works great on the skin because it absorbs excess oils, detoxifies by pulling out toxins from the skin and tightens skin. When the pores get clogged with oils, make up residues and whatever else, pores get stretched out. Over time your skin loses it's elasticity and the pores will keep the new stretched out skin. Scarring. However, a charcoal base mask or product can help by expelling all of that build up,  allowing pores to appear smaller. 

Earlier I mentioned that it's great for mild/average pore issues. What I meant is that it works for anyone with no acne to a mild cases of acne. If you have excessive acne (chronic) it will help detoxify skin some but you will still need some stronger treatments to reduce bacteria growth in pores. See past posts on Acne for more suggestions and ideas.

St. Ives had a heating a mask that I tried and used for a while but I never was able to get through a tube with out the remainder hardening and rendering itself useless. The fact that Bioré has thought of individually wrapping each treatment mask makes a whole lot more sense to me. It reduces over use of product by providing consumer with exact amount for treatment and reduces waste of product as well as your money. 

My skin tends to be very dry so while following instructions I start and focus on my T-zone for a bit. Rubbing in gentle circles and then working product to outside of my face. Leaving it for a about 2 minutes or so. Then removing as directed. Followed by a toner and moisturizer. This is great for a once a month treatment to detoxify and tighten skin. Perfect for in between facial treatments or for at home pampering. 

Professionally, charcoal is used all the time to detox skin. In treatment rooms, it is considered an add on treatment. That means they charge you an additional $10-$20 depending on spa for its use. It definitely works so it is worth it if your looking for the extra pampering time. However, if your wallet is looking to save for your rainy day fund, this is a great product for at home.

Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask in packets of 4 cost about $6 and can be found in most pharmacy stores, Target stores and online. I purchased my box at my local CVS for $5.99.

Again, I really like this product and I think that if you give up a latte for the day you can buy yourself a box and see. Just how well it works. Test it out for yourself and let me know what you think. 

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Product Review: Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask

While wandering the product aisles, I have often seen these little pouches for facial masks but never grabbed one to try them out. Since I had some time, I grabbed one and new that at one point I could try it prior to jumping into the shower. Considering that now a days shower time is the only alone time I get anymore, I try to fit in a quick pampering session in.

Their claims:

 - Restores radiant skin

 - Contains natural ingredients

Made with natural, botanical ingredients, Freeman Feeling Beautiful products help you look and feel your best. This enzyme mask, with Pineapple extract and AHA's gently exfoliates while lightly moisturizing, leaving your skin soft, supple and younger-looking. 

Key Ingredients:

Pineapple Extract  - Contains the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between skin cells to exfoliate skin. However, bromelain used alone is a more effective source of exfoliation, and does not have the irritating properties of the pineapple.

 

Sea Kelp - Rich iodine, mineral, anti-oxidant and natural anti-inflammatory aspects, kelp is believed to moisturize, soften and help skin retain its moisture.  Kelp also contains elements that help remove toxins, soothe and can easily penetrate the skin for instant hydration. It also aids in keeping skin smooth. This nourishing extract has no adverse side effects and works well with other antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamin C and E.

 

Alpha Hydroxy Acid - Similar to microdermabrasion - erasing fine lines and giving the skin a smoother appearance
Note: It is important to note that the effects depends on the percentage of AHA used. The higher the percentage the better and longer the effects last. Consumers use an AHA of ten percent or less. Trained professionals, Dermatologist or Estheticians can give a AHA treatment like a Glycolic peel ranging from fifty to seventy percent.

The Freeman Beauty lab is a familiar name in home beauty products that has been developing products for over 30 years. With that much time in the business you know they must be doing something right. Right?

The packet I chose was the Freeman Beauty Feeling Beautiful Pineapple Facial Enzyme Mask in the travel size for $1.99. This is a great way to try out a product before committing yourself to a large tube or tub. Following the instructions I cleansed my skin then while my skin was damp I gently scrubbed the mask into my skin and let stand for a few minutes before washing it off.

My final thoughts:
I have to say that I liked it. The product gives you a gentle exfoliation, slight tingle and it does leave your skin feeling refreshed and prepped for serums, gels or lotions. I don't think it left my skin glowing but I did feel refreshed. By refreshed I mean that it did the job of scrubbing away the dead skin cells on my face and neck. There by allowing my skin to absorb my Vitamin E serum afterwards much faster.

So if you are looking to fit in a Microdermabrasion like treatment, I suggest you try this. One packet can be used 3 times. I would use this every other day and I say it works for all skin types except for skin with extreme acne or lesions. Be sure to gently rub skin in upward circular motion from decolletage to forehead. Trust me it matters. Scrubbing up and down harshly can lead to damaged skin and scarring.

Check out the attached link to the Freeman website where they currently have a promo code for 25% off on their products. Happy shopping!

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful! 

Looking for ideas and products to review

Since I am now pregnant, I am cautious with which products I use that aren't otherwise considered to be "Natural". Recently, I posted about a Shea butter that I tried out and am still using. Now that I am on bed rest, I am wondering what products I can try that are actually in the house.

Placed on bed rest, they recommended that I occasionally drink Milk of Magnesia. Magnesium is known to reduce or prevent premature labor as well as help the body expel faster. Gross, I know but then I remembered reading something about Milk of Magnesia for oily skin in one of the natural skincare books I've read. After some research, I discovered that my pregnancy brain hasn't forgotten everything. I was correct in thinking that you could use Milk of Magnesia on your skin, not just as a stimulant/laxative. Yes, I know gross. It is useful for anyone with oily, acneic skin problems or seborrheic dermatitis.

*It is important to note that if you have an allergy to Magnesium this is not the skin care product for you.

How it works:

To understand why it works, I think we should look at the active ingredient in this case Magnesium. Some contain Zinc as well which is also great on the skin. It is important to mention that you want to use a sugar free, flavor free Milk of Magnesia. Flavored brands have added mineral oils that can be contradictory for someone trying to manage oily skin. Magnesium is great for detoxification of the body so theoretically, it would work well for the skin. And that is just what it does. It absorbs all the excess oil from the skin and dries out pustules (pimples) much like a clay mask would do, drawing out all the impurities while also calming skin. Great on sensitive skin because you don't have to rub as hard to get the mask off, therefor not aggravating the skin. Suggested use of this mask is no more than one to two times a week as you do not want to over dry your skin.

D.I.Y. Milk of Magnesium Mask:

1. Shake bottle to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed together.
2. Pour about 1 tbs of Milk of Magnesia into a small container.
3. Apply to face (chest, back, upper arms) with a cotton pad or a facial brush.
4. Leave on for 20 minutes and remove using lukewarm water and a soft washcloth.
5. Follow up with a oil free moisturizer.

*This mask is only recommend for oily/acneic skin. Do NOT use if you have dry skin. Do NOT use if you are allergic to Magnesium or Zinc.

Surfing the web, I seen that some people use it as a skin toner or a make up primer. If you suffer from oily skin or acne, it is worth trying so long as you place a very light amount on. It is chalky and leaves a white film. As a toner, you can rinse gently after a minute. For make up use, I would suggest you use an extremely light amount using your finger or cotton ball.

A reminder that I have not used this mask. I do not suffer from oily skin as my skin tends to be on the drier side. I only have read about it. I will do my best to try it tonight on my mom and update with her comments. Reminder, I'm on bed rest with limited mobility, so it may not happen tonight. If you try this out, please share your thoughts.

I'll do my best to try more products out, find more ideas or suggestions for all that are reading. Feedback and ideas are always welcome.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Happy, Be Beautiful!

Homemade body oil spray

Moisten skin after shower

With the winter fast approaching my skin has been starting to dry out at bit. Plus, I am super guilty of taking the occasionally long hot shower. I know its horrible for my skin but sometimes my muscles are just screaming for it.

In any case, I like to lather on Coco or Shea butter or both sometimes. In addition to my normal routine, I wanted to use something while still in the shower or just after the water gets turned off. So I made my own oil body spray. It works great and is made with natural ingredients. Only problem is that it has a short shelf life. I remedied that by placing the product in a smaller spray bottle. The kind you use for the air travel. Only make small batches at a time.

1 part Glycerin
4 parts Grape seed oil
and 2-3 drops of any essential oil of your choice.
4 oz travel size spray bottle

Pour directly into bottle while making. You can eye ball really since it is only 4 oz or if you like to be precise, you can use a measuring cup to be exact.

Shake and spray directly on your body after showering or taking a bath. Or apply to hands and rub in to avoid the slippery tub. Pat skin dry. Moisturize as normal. It's just an added layer of moisture for your skin. It is really great to do especially after exfoliating using a scrub or luffa.

NOTE: Spray tub with a tub cleaner after spraying in shower otherwise, it can be slippery for the next person who has to use the shower/tub.

Pumpkin, it's not just something to eat

It's that time of season when pumpkin is in high demand. Did you know that Pumpkin is great for your skin? It has a number of benefits ranging from wrinkle-fighting properties that help slow down the aging clock. Its rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, E, and A that cleanse, nourish and hydrate your skin.

Below is a Pinterest article on a wonderful Pumpkin Sugar scrub for the body.

http://www.tothemotherhood.com/2011/09/pumpkin-sugar-scrub-recipe.html?m=1

Also, here is a yummy Pumpkin facial mask by Bethenny Frankel. So good you'll want to eat it and the best part is that you can.

Bethenny Frankel's Pumpkin Mask

2 cups canned pumpkin

4 tablespoons Greek yogurt

4 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Combine ingredients. Smooth onto face. Rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off mask.  Follow with normal toner and moisturizer.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy, Be Beautiful!

Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

Here is a great mask that is super easy to make that you can make very quickly to heal dry skin, itchy skin and minor acne breakouts.

Cooked Oatmeal

Oatmeal is extremely soothing to the skin, a natural anti-inflammatory. Highly recommended for dry skin, rashed skin to soothe and exfoliate. Great for all skin types. I use it often in a warm bath for my son to keep his skin soft and refreshed.

Ripe Figs

Figs have been used both topically and as a diet supplement due to their high vitamin and fiber content. Figs also have natural Alpha-hydroxy acid properties to help refresh and brighten the skin. Fig fruit contains very high levels of phytochemicals that help fight cancer and filter UV rays, thus protecting the skin. Figs are rich in oils in both the skin and the seeds and they have some mild antioxidant properties, which of course helps reverse damage in the skin.

Papaya Seeds

The seeds of Papaya are believed to have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It contains papain which promotes skin renewal and cell turnover. Papaya benefits skin as it is rich in vitamin A, E and C and anti-oxidants which moisturize the skin and clears it from dirt and dark spots. Papaya can be used as facial scrub for skin brightening and moisturizing or as a face mask to treat acne.

This mask is not only great for your skin but it smells so good too.


Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

1/2 cup Oatmeal (cooked and cooled)
2 small Figs (crushed)
2 Tbsp Papaya Seed (Fresh)

Blend well with fork or food processor (two pulses). Brush on to clean, toned skin. Let sit for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Use a skin toner to rebalance skin and remove excess mask. Use eye serums followed by your favorite moisturizer.

Any unused mask can be refrigerated and used again with in a week. Or you can add a cup of brown sugar and use as a body scrub.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

EJ

DIY Zit Zapper

Don't pop it, zap it!

Whether you are a long time sufferer of Acne or just get the occasional blemish on your face and body this is a great recipe for you to try. It's a natural Honey Vera Tea Balm.  Easy to make and inexpensive. I found the original recipe in The Green Beauty guide and tweaked it so that it has a more powerful antibacterial effect as well as hydrating.

First I will provide you with the recipe and then provide you the reason to why I believe it works. Granted this depends on the level of Acne you have. Either way, it is worth the try before spending hundreds of dollars on other treatments. And remember, the best way to prevent acne is a cleansing routine that is consistent.

Honey Vera Tea Balm Recipe 

1 Tablespoon UMF 16+ Manuka Honey

1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera (preferably fresh Aloe juice squeezed from plant)

7 Drops of Organic Tea Tree Oil
3 Drops of Organic Wild Oregano Oil (DO NOT exceed 3 drops)
500 mg Vitamin C (as a natural preservative)

Whip them together with a fork or a hand held blender for a few seconds until well blended and place in a small container that holds up to 5 ounces. I like to use blue glass bottles for liquids and for balms plastic or tin containers. You can purchase these on amazon for just a few dollars and you can reuse once you run out.

I recently wrote an article about Manuka honey benefits to the body, especially your skin. Some go as far as saying it is nature miracle cure. See the created link to learn more. Synopsis, Manuka Honey with a UMF rating of 16+ is the best for you inside and out. It is extremely healing and hydrating to the skin.

See this link to learn more about the great benefits of Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis). I have become such a great believer of the power of Aloe that I started to grow the plant myself. I am even planting new ones an contemplating selling them to friends and clients for use. It is a must have in the home for treatments inside and out. Especially in the kitchen when we often get those little burns.

Check out the Tea tree oil article to learn more about this great essential oil. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal so it is great for cleansing the skin. Often used for acne and dry scalp issues. Avoid use if you are pregnant, nursing or on male children.

See link for Wild Oregano oil for more information. With Oregano, preferably Wild Oregano oil as it qualities are better have a anti-fungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiseptic and antioxidant component that is great for the cleaning the skin of acne blemishes and excessive sebum (oil). 

I hope that some of you take the time to try this out for yourselves. Please let me know how it works for you. If you have your own tweaks and would like to share them, please do.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

        

Summer Drying Your Skin Out?

While visiting some family these past few weeks, I ran out of my moisturizer. I went a few days without any and wow was my skin totally reacting to the lack of extra moisture. With no time to place an order for L'Bel USA, I decided to do some product hunting and share the results with you.

A local beauty supply store, Sally's Beauty Supply Store, had a variety of skin products all claiming to do many things. My skin is normally dry but it is super dry from the climate and the water here. I have been scratching at it and rubbing trying to find relief.

I tried using fresh Aloe to calm and hydrate my skin but that didn't take care of it all. It reduced a majority of the redness and bumps from inflammation I had developing on my skin but I was still dry and itchy.

So while at the store, my eyes focused in on one product and its straight to the point label "face fix mix: Hydrating Skin Quencher" by Claudia Stevens. Nothing fancy about the packaging and no major promises of turning back time. Just a simple facial moisturizer. Fix my face indeed! For approximately $6, I was willing to try it out.

I applied it on my clean, damp skin and felt my skin gobble it up very quickly. I reapplied throughout the day as needed. After two nights, I felt the itch starting to calm as well as the redness from scratching my skin. This cream works really well with Vitamin E oil which I put on prior.

A week has passed now and my skin is back to its healthy self. With the face fix mix, Vitamin E and plenty of water to drink, my skin is back where I want it to be. For $6, I couldn't be happier with the product. As a humectant, it refreshes the skin without any harsh oils and blends well with extracts or oils. I would recommend it to clients for sure. Face Fix Mix has other products available as well but I haven't yet tested those out. You can order online or pick it up at your local Sally's Beauty Supply Store and to try it out for yourself.

As always, Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!