Oatmeal...It's not just for your belly

Oats (Avena Sativa) 

We all think about food as a source of sustenance that we intake to survive. We eat because we have to  and because we enjoy it,  some foods more then others. I love food and am willing to try all ethnic types of food at least once. Food keeps us strong from the outside in providing the body with much needed nutrients and vitamins. When done right, your bod can thrive, becoming strong and healthy from inside out. However, did do you know that you can nourish your body, particularly your skin from the outside in with food?

Yes, it is true. Certain foods when placed on the skin can aide in healing, rebuilding and nourishing it. If you have been reading my blog long enough, you know this already. If you're new to the blog, (Welcome!)here you can benefit from some of the DIY remedies and treatments that I have posted for skincare.

Food is an amazing thing and elements of nature can absolutely help the skin from the outside in. Sunburn? Everyone knows that Aloe is great for soothing sunburn. They even use it in hospitals for burn victims. It's that powerful. From inside out, it's great for those dealing with stomach issues among other things. 

Oatmeal is a great way to nourish yourself at breakfast because it fills you with less for a longer period of time, proven to help lower cholesterol and aid in increasing lactation for breastfeeding mothers. However this grain isn't just for eating. It is used in many skin care products, from your soaps to lotions and more. It's scientific name is Avena Sativa or colloidal oatmeal. "Colloidal Oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal. It is often used to relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to poison ivy or insect bites. It can also be used as a soak, compress or wet dressing. When oatmeal is used in cosmetic and personal care products (rather than OTC skin protectant drug products), it may be called Avena Sativa (Oat) " Learn more click here 

Popular brands that use Avena Sativa in their products, Aveeno (Most known for using Oatmeal), Kheils, Dove. JĀSÖN and way more. Why do they use it? What is it that they know about Oatmeal for skin care that more of us are learning or already know?

Well here are some of the top reasons:

it has anti-inflammatory properties, helpful for even the most sensitive skin types

contains saponins, a cleansing agent, and can therefore be used as a mild soap

is moisturizing and helps remove dead skin cells. i.e. skin scrub (exfoliant)

it can help treat acne, eczema, rosacea and rashes

After all this, are you still not convinced? Well here is a DIY recipe that you can try to see just how wonderful oatmeal on your skin can work. 

Oatmeal Olive Oil Mask

2 Tbsp Organic Oatmeal  (Ground into fine powder. I use my coffee grinder.)
1 Tbsp Organic Olive Oil  

Combine into a paste and brush a think coat onto skin in upwards motion
Let dry completely and rinse with Luke warm water. You can use a cloth if having trouble taking mask off. Just rub off with gentle upwards circles.
Follow with your favorite skin toner & moisturizer.

Even before you put your moisturizer on, you will notice your skin softer and brighter. Any redness you had prior should be less noticeable or gone. This mask can be used daily to ease dryness or inflammation on face. This winter has done its best to dry out my skin but I have been combating it with masks like this one. If you are worried about your skin being to greasy from Olive Oil, you can substitute with Plain yogurt. However, I find that the Olive oil works well especially when followed with the skin toner afterwards. 

Alternative mask check out past post Oatmeal Fig and Papaya Mask

Hope you try it out and let me know what you think. Have an issue with your skin? Drop me a line with your question. I am happy to help solve your skin care issue. 

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Until my next post,...

Be Blessed, Be Healthy and Be Beautiful!

Saving my pennies for...

So after having the twins, I have lost a good amount of weight. Still have 5 pounds to go but I feel great. For one exception, (Why is it that there is always an exception, right?)

My skin hasn't pulled back the way I had hoped, as it did the first time around. It's a self-esteem buster at times. Muffin top was one thing. You could get the right pants or top on and you wouldn't have to look at it. When you are naked it's fine because you can't tell, no pressure. However, Muffin top with shriveled saggy skin is an entirely different look. So what is a girl to do?

As an esthetician, I am constantly learning about the skin and new skin care products and treatments. I personally like to concentrate on less invasive procedures for myself and as recommendations to others. I support those who want to go under the knife to enhance their beauty but it's just not for me. I accept my body for how it is. Small chest, big bootie. I'm absolutely okay with my curves or the the lack of, it's what makes me, me. Plus, I have never had any complaints. HAHA!

However, it doesn't mean that I am just going to let myself go and be okay with certain things that can be improved on naturally or with a little advance technology. In an effort to be "Fit at 40", I am trying my best to eat right and find time to exercise more. This loose skin seems to be sticking around. Much like my cellulite but that has been an issue my entire life so lets not get into that.

In the case of my loose skin on my belly, here is what I have found and you can bet I am saving my pennies for this one. The Reaction High Frequency Laser treatment. Here is what they claim.

Reaction™

The new generation in body contouring & skin tightening treatments

Reaction™ offers multiple treatment applications for the industry's most-wanted aesthetic treatments:

• Cellulite treatment (YOUR SEEING THIS RIGHT. BONUS!!)
• Circumferential reduction
• Skin-tightening for aging & lax skin on the face and body
• Skin tightening treatment for appearance of stretch marks

Can it do all of the above? I mean, if this is true...WOW! Women everywhere should be running to their local plastic surgeon or dermatologist/Aesthetician Laser centers, signing up for treatments. Does it work? 

I'm a "proof is in the pudding" type person but I don't just take the account of a person or company telling me it works. I do research and so should every consumer before they buy into any advertisement or story. So here is a link to a clinical study done on Radio High Frequency (RHF) lasers CLICK HERE. If you don't care about all the medical jargon, skip to Safety and Conclusion for found results.

After reading this, I would have to say, Yes, it does work. It works for the person who already takes great care of themselves physically and just needs a little help touching up. In my case, tightening up.  It boosts collagen,  helping turn back the clock. In addition to my research I have my own experiences with lasers. In the past, I worked at a popular Aesthetic Laser chain in New York City and the laser treatments for fat reduction, skin tightening and peeling worked fabulously. Clients always came back for their treatments wanting to look younger or slow down the effects of gravity.

There are risks. Clients can get burned and scared, so make sure you qualify for such procedures before you even walk through the door. Make sure you go to a reputable clinic with a Doctor on staff.  Some skin types can not use certain lasers because of the high risk of burning. I want to reiterate, do your research before you make any decisions on lasers and skin care treatments. The more you know the better.

For me, I qualify for this type of laser to reduce sagging skin after having the twins 18 months ago.   I've lost almost all the weight with just 5 - 8 pounds to go. Exercise can help with the pounds reduction but a laser like REACTION can help with the skins loss of elasticity. My skin is a #4  on the Fitzpatrick scale, medium brown, therefore I don't have to worry to much about skin burning (all though there is always the risk if you go somewhere with lack of training or care.)  Professionally, I would avoid using heat inducing lasers on skin types higher then a 4, as the potential risk  of burning is higher.

The pennies are going in the jar but I would love to hear from anyone that has used a laser like this one to reduce fat and or tighten skin. First hand testimonials are the best way to obtain information. Please share your experience below.

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!

Saying goodbye to 2014 and way more

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015!

This time a year is always when we take a look back to reflect on all that has passed. Remember those that may not be with us anymore or a life that seems so distant to us.

Just before Christmas, I spoke with my Aunt, recalling christmas' long ago. The loud celebratory New Years parties. My family really knew how to party back then, perhaps to much. Either way, it was fun. As time passed, the parties became less and less. Division amongst family began. We all grew up and seemed to go our own ways. For what ever reasons that may be. Some for good reason, others just because they think they have good reason.

But I have also been thinking about my grandmother on my fathers side who once said to me, "Diga lo que tienes que decir ahora, que despues de la muerte uno no puede hablar." Translated "Say what you have to say now, because once your dead you can no longer speak." Now more then ever, I really get what she was telling me. She was always unapologetic. Proud in the knowledge she had of herself and of her God. She was the real deal. An inspiration to me. Both my grandmothers had their own strengths. Mama Sijo (paternal grandmother) was a force to be reckoned with, Abuelita Gloria, (Maternal Grandmother) was one of the most compassionate women I have ever known. My first memory of what caring is, is from her.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

I spent my entire young life with people telling me to hold my tongue. When Mama shared these words of wisdom, she was in her 90's, I realized I was worrying about what others thought of me. Trying to be cool or accepted by others, even my own family. What kind of life is that? I've learned that when I spoke freely, it wasn't always what my heart was speaking. So now more then ever,  I am truthful with myself first and then others. It may not always be sweet and I might not sugar coat my thoughts but it's the truth. I avoid the gossip at all cost. That's what causes trouble. I say what I think, it may not always be right, may not be welcomed but it's the truth, as I know and feel it.

Freud believed that everything comes back to the parents. Perhaps it is true, in that we are all reflections of our parents/upbringing. The lessons our family taught some good, others bad. Some of us spend a lifetime hating our parents for the poor examples they laid out. Others are lucky to have great parents straight out the gate. Me, mine were good. They had their moments but they loved us. My grandmothers, they were the best examples of them all.  They are what I reach down into for when I am at a low. I am trying to show that to my children. Realistically, I know I can never be the best. I am not in a competition with anyone, I'm simply trying my best for them. The past is in the past, why should I punish my children for how my parents raised me. So I chose to shed my skin, leave the past where it belongs, hold on to the great memories I have and let go of the ones that are often to hard to recall. Remembering that I am living a blessed life.

Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.

Overall this has been a great year. We settled in to our house, NoNo turned three,  the twins started walking and talking. Twins turned one, they were baptized, my husband officially moved down and started his new job. It's been a year full of special events and change. Though the year started out rough and was challenging, physically, emotionally and mentally, we all managed to get through it.

Most importantly, this year, I have come to terms with my life and who I am as a person. The highs and the lows of it all. The shadows of my past. Learning to speak only my hearts truth. To show compassion to others who show only their ignorance. I may fail at times but I am trying my best to be in the moment and enjoy life now. My kids are small but I know they won't be forever so I try to spend as much time as I can with them and take this time all in.

So whatever you may be dealing with, I hope that you have strength within you to overcome it. That you learn to feel and listen to your hearts truth and live an authentic life. Only we can set the path of our lives. The obstacles that come are just challenges to see what person we choose to be. I chose truth in order to be happy. I hope you do too.

For those reading this, I wish you a wonderful New Year. May life bring you peace, joy and a chance to start anew. Goodbye 2014, hello 2015!! Be sure to Comment, Like, Share, and Subscribe. Thanks so much for coming by.

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

#HappyNewYears2015

Christmas come and gone

Christmas was beautiful and simple. I do hope that you all had a lovely one too. There is no greater joy then looking into your children's eyes and seeing pure happiness in them. 

Christmas Eve was a quiet dinner at my sisters. Christmas Day we opened gifts with the kids and later hosted a brunch. What was on the menu? I made Dominican style chocolate Oatmeal drink (Chocolate  avena), sorullos (puertorican Corn fritters), greek yogurt pancakes, cinnamon waffles, oven baked bacon, omlettes and fruit grinch's. Seemed to go well because it was almost all gone.

The kids opened some more gifts. I loved seeing the kids expressions when they discovered what their gifts were, eyes so bright. To see my handmade gifts received well by them was so great. I made a hooded scarf, an Anna (Frozen) hat and an infinity scarf with matching boot cuffs.  

Post Christmas, not as good. Spent day in urgent care with my eldest. His eyes tired and body weak. So sad. Turns out the flu bug got him. He was pretty bad for a bit but is turning a corner this evening. Now just hoping that the twins don't follow. As for me, drinking a whole lot of echinacea tea.  Fingers crossed folks. 

That's it. No soapbox this holiday. Life is what it is and I'm happy with it. I'm blessed.

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

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

It's the most wonderful time to PEEL!

The holidays maybe the most wonderful time for kids but to us adults, it can be frustrating and time consuming. With all the planning, decorating and shopping one can get overwhelmed. So why not take the focus of the major To Do Lists and give yourself a pampering treat. The holidays are fine but I don't want to look broken down and aged. Who does, right?

With that said, I have taken sometime to give myself a gentle peel, twice in the past two weeks and am recruiting others in my circle. I peeled my husband for the first time ever. For the longest time, I told him "You are like my personal billboard. If you walk around with wrinkled, marked and pimpled skin, what will people think of my skills as an aesthetician?" Nag, Nag, he always refused, but I finally got him to do it. To start him off, I did a very gentle Salicylic peel with one pass. Not sure he could handle anything else. He has oily skin and enlarged pores so to start I thought this would be a great fit. It's still a struggle for him to wear sunscreen so I went easy to start.. He seriously doesn't get the importance of sunscreen. Trust me when I say, he won't leave the house without his Aveda Pomade in his hair, but sunscreen, always forgets. 

In any case, I am in peel mode. Planning to peel my sister in the next coming days. Already gave her a peel at the start of the season. She is brave and a seasoned pro to peels, so I am going full force on her. She will look like a twenty something soon enough. LoL! She looks younger then she is already so shouldn't be to hard. Maybe they will start carding us again M. (Small inside joke. HAHA!)

Now not everyone can afford to go out and get peels every month. If you have minor skin issues, for example small dark spots, fine lines starting to show, you can use items right out your fridge to give you gradual but effective results. 

Prefered brand for me.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PEEL

Ingredients:

1Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic is best)

1Tbsp Lemon Juice (Fresh is best)

Tools:

Small Clean bowl

Gauze, fan brush or cotton round (Either will do)

Mix and apply with gauze, fan brush or cotton round, starting from the neck up in a gentle upward and out motion. Avoid getting to close to eyes or using on open cuts, abscessed/ recently popped pimples. It WILL burn. 

Leave on for about 10 minutes. You will feel a tingle on your skin. If you feel pain, remove at once with warm water. If your face still has a "burning" sensation you can use water and baking soda to stop the acid effects. (1 TBSP baking soda to 1 cup Water. Stir and apply.)

It is the holidays, why not drink a cup of Hot Apple Cider while you wait for those ten minutes to pass. The aromas of the Cider will help you forget how stinky the vinegar is too. Always follow with a serum or moisturizer. Do I have to remind you to wear your sunscreen? Wear your sunscreen unless your going to bed of course. 

This should leave skin tight, glowing and will gradually shed within the next few days. You can repeat ever two weeks or until you have achieved the results you are seeking.

However, if you a results now kind of person see your dermatologist or Aesthetician and see what kind of peel they recommend for you.

Happy Peeling and happy holiday prepping.

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!

Post Thanksgiving Mask

My inspiration for mask.

Manuka (Raw) Honey

So I hope we all survived Thanksgiving better then most turkeys did. As I enjoyed a slice of pumpkin pie, it was more like I scarfed it down because I had to rush home with kids. 2/3 were crying because they were so tired. In any case, I thought of a relaxing Pumpkin Mask that would be wonderful for the skin.

Nutmeg - Anti-inflammatory/Acne reducer

Pumpkin Puree

Try 2 tablespoons of Pumpkin Puree mix with 1 tablespoon of raw honey(I love Manuka Honey) and a pinch of Nutmeg.  After washing your face, use this as a dual scrub/mask for about 10 minutes. Gently scrub skin in a circular motion from neck up to forehead. Try not to lick it off your face until then. You will be tempted but don't do it. Then wash off with Lukewarm water and pat dry with clean cloth. Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer and SPF for daytime. 

It's a great mask to moisturize skin, reduce inflammation from perhaps to many eggnog's and heals acne inflammation or pain. You could add a bit more nutmeg to left over mask and you can use as a body scrub. Waste not, want not. 

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!

Thanksgiving is here! What are you thankful for?

Get up and dance I says.... hehe!

Today is a day to give thanks. Granted history is a bit twisted on what actually happened this day but lets hold true to the grand marketed day,  Thanksgiving.

Since it is about giving thanks, I thought I would look back on the last year or two and summarize the many things I can give thanks for. My mom loves to make us go around the table and say what we are thankful for. She loves that stuff. It's not a terrible tradition but it can put you on the spot if you don't take the time to tell yourself often what to be grateful for through out the year.

The year my mom started this tradition,  I was taken so off guard, that I was said "I guess I am grateful for the fact that I didn't burn up in my car." (It had spontaneously caught fire while parked at a mall a few weeks prior. Not even kidding.) In any case, after that I realized I had way more to be thankful for so now I try to be prepared for when my mom asks, "what do you have to be thankful for?"

Two years ago, I was thankful that the people I love were not taken by Hurricane Sandy. And though we all had some loss to deal with, the fact that our lives were still intact was one great thing to be thankful for. When something like that happens and you lose so much, I think it is hard to remind yourself that there is still much to be thankful for. That year, I was certainly thankful because I know it could have been even worse and it was for so many.

Last year, I was grateful for my family. For the support I was given by them in a very difficult time during bed rest. That the twins were born healthy despite being born early and placed on Life supporting machines for a bit. Again, in the hospital I was reminded that life could be worse. There I was able to see the smallest of lives fighting to live. It still breaks my heart. Yet, I also was able to see many of them strive, like my own two. Every day I look at them and am reminded of the miracle that was provided to me. To be told "You will have no more children." and then actually become pregnant. And though I suffered miscarriages, here they were. All three of my children, my personal miracles. So yeah, I was really thankful last year for all that I had been blessed with.

This year, I am thankful for my family and friends. For those that have stayed a part of my life through out it all. Who chose to make the effort to love me still. To keep in touch even when it got hard or time consuming. For helping me with the kids either by sending packages filled with clothes, diapers, giant strollers, etc. (So appreciative!) Coming over to help me with them, letting me get a minute to myself (supermarket run) or pampering me with an hour of beauty to myself. To attempting to speak with me on the phone even when I have kids screaming or crying in background. Especially to those who came from far away to see me and my family. To acknowledge that in any way you still care enough about me to be apart of my new life here, no matter the distance. I once said to someone "Geography isn't what keeps us apart, it's us." So to all of you that made and continue to make the effort to stay connected, Thank you. I am truly thankful to have you in our lives. You are appreciated and loved.

For Mom, Dad and M. Wow! You have been my biggest supporters and helpers. I love you so much. Thank you. To my in-laws, for taking your son in and helping us along with so much. Thank you. We love very much.

Also, for my husband, who puts up with my attitude more then necessary. (Sometimes it really feels necessary. Just saying.) I love him so much and am thankful that we are now a complete family again. The year and a half living in two separate zip codes while he searched for employment here was rough. Very. The struggles we have been through have made us stronger. He seriously drives me nuts sometimes but I am sure he can say the same. Either way, we can honestly say we have tested our relationship over and over again. We are stronger for it. For that, I know I am thankful.

Lastly, I am thankful because after everything that has gone on this past year. I can hold my head up and know that I am stronger for it. I can handle anything life tosses my way. To do it with real  courage, dignity and without complaint. (I mean really, who really is listening when you complain all the time?) Life gave me a whole lot of lemons this past year but I fought back and made a whole lot of lemonade. (You get that this a metaphor, right?) And though I may cry from time to time, I'm still okay. Life is good. We are good today. For me, if my family, immediate or otherwise is okay, I'll take it. That in itself is enough to be thankful for.

As my parents get older and closer to meeting the end of their lives, as I approach what I hope is the middle of my life, I realized a few things. Most importantly that you can't hold on to baggage from your past. Acknowledge it, accept it for what it is/was and let it go. (Please don't start singing that song!) You can't change people or live life to please others. Appreciate what you have before you because the "wanting" is always what gets you in the end. It blinds you sometimes. I no longer buy into the bullshit that if I just give a little bit more of myself or whatever, that people will see I have something to offer. I live my life as I choose best and no longer complicate it by trying to get others to care about me or even acknowledge my existence. Finding explanation for other peoples actions is not my job. It really is like the song, Let it Go, isn't it? "Let it go, Let it go....." (haha! Try getting that out of your head now.) Oh yes and laugh. Laugh as much as you can.

So I hope that many of you reading have something to be thankful for and that you appreciate the life you have. My wish for you all in the new year is that you can do just that if you haven't already. Allow yourself to be happy, however that may be. And always, be thankful.

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