Rosewater: A Little Known, But Very Powerful Solution.

Day 10: Take Care Of Yourself

As women, we have a natural instinct to care for everyone else, and put others needs first before our own. This is a wonderful quality to a certain extent, but it can be emotionally and physically draining at times. When life is busy, and our to do list seems to be pages long, it can be difficult to prioritize time for ourselves. However, this is a big reason why we can end up feeling depressed, tired, and at times, resentful. It is crucial to take time to care for your own well being, physical health, and emotional state of mind. Taking time to do this will result in a happier, and more energized lifestyle. Here are some ways to take time out for you.

Take A Bath

After a long, stressful day of work you come home to a messy house. Your first thought is to get to work, and clean. By the time your done, its time to cook. Once dinner has been served and eaten, now its time to scurry around and finish a few other things before bed time. What you have done is productive, but you don't feel accomplished, just exhausted. We often ignore what our bodies are telling us when there is so much to be done and so little time. After a long, busy and stressful day, our bodies need a little break. This doesn't have to be long, but just enough time to de-stress and regroup. A perfect way to do this? Before tackling the chores, kick off your shoes, and soak in a hot bath with a glass of wine. Taking merely 20 minutes to relax is going to completely recharge your battery, and its good for you to be still and rest for a little bit before getting back into busy mode.

Make Time For Things You Enjoy

Everyone has a hobby, I don't care what it is. Wether you enjoy reading, surfing the web, photography, crafts, drawing, writing, etc, everyone has something they can do for hours and not even realize a minute has passed. It is crucial that even when life is hectic, we cannot neglect our hobbies. Making time to do the things you love is going to give you something to look forward to, and can restore happiness when things are tough at work. Try and schedule some time out for yourself to do the things you enjoy!

Pamper Yourself

Bills are due, money is tight, we are in a recession. Trust me your not the only one dealing with this, its a common factor in most peoples lives now days. When you do have spare money, its hard to justify spending it on something as petty as a manicure, massage or trip to the salon. What you end up doing is saving the money for the disaster you know is bound to happen, and eventually you feel run down as you feel you have no money for the luxuries in life you so desperately want. This is such a typical situation, but i am here to tell you that even with money tight, there are still small ways to pamper and reward yourself for being so responsible, and such a hard worker. Set a monetary goal for yourself each month. If you save a certain amount of money from each pay check (hell, this could be even just $10) then at the end of the month, if you reached your goal, you can go splurge a bit with that money. By splurge, I mean, shopping, new pair of shoes, mani pedi, massage, new hairstyle, whatever it is that will make you feel good about yourself inside and out.

Spend Some Time Alone

If your a mother, and even if you are not, finding time to be alone is hard. We tend to feel guilty for wanting to be alone when others demand so much of our time. However, making time to be alone is very important for your mental health and well being. When we are alone, it is much easier to de stress, and enter a state of relaxation. Also, when alone, you have the freedom to do as you please which is a needed break from the constant doing what everyone else wants during the week. If you have kids, find a babysitter for a night and have some me time. No kids? Don't make plans this weekend, and make sure you spend some time by yourself, and do whatever you feel like doing!

Care For Your Outsides

This may sound silly and superficial, but studies show that when you do something to care for your outside appearance (Such as an at home facial, scrubbing your feet, painting your nail etc) It boost your mood. Lets be honest, when you feel good on the outside, it effects how you feel inside as well. Next time your feeling run down, give yourself a facial or a pedi, and get an instant boost in morale.

Get Enough Rest

This is so important. Now days, its so hard to get a decent nights rest with all the stress we encounter on a daily basis. Make sure you are giving yourself time to get a good 6-8 hours of rest each night. Have trouble sleeping? Chamomile tea before bed will relax you, and help you hit the sheets. Also, Melatonin is a natural remedy you can take that will be sure to help you sleep well without feeling groggy the next morning.

Take Care of Your Insides

Physical activity, and a healthy diet is crucial for mental well being. Working out releases endorphins which promote energy and happiness, while eating healthy is going to give you more energy, promote your immune system, and leave you feeling good. Don't forget, we only have one body so taking care of it by being active, and eating well is very important!

Whatever way you decide, make time for yourself. Don't forget that you are a strong person, a hard worker, and you deserve to be cared for. Making time to care for yourself is just another step on your way to leading a happier and more energized lifestyle!

How To Get Healthy Hair: Top 10 Tips For Luscious Locks

Lets face it, we put our hair through the ringer. Dye jobs, highlights, daily blow dries, flat irons, curling irons, perms and more. Its a miracle we aren't bald by now with all the crazy things we have done with our hair, yet it still holds on. We don't quite realize all the damage that is being done to our hair on a daily basis, so all the more reason to try our hardest to keep it as healthy as possible.

Our hair defines who we are, so keeping it healthy is super important as it will boost our self confidence, and keep our hair looking beautiful throughout the ever changing seasons. As a former hairstylist, i have seen the two extremes: virgin, healthy, beautiful hair on one side, and on the other, damaged, breaking and fried locks. Here I will share with you some great insider tips on how to keep your hair healthy, and beautiful.

1. Protect Your Hair From Heat

This is one of the most damaging factors on your hair. Heat breaks hair, dries it out, and leaves strands looking dull and crispy. Breakage most often occurs due to the damaging heat we inflict on our hair on a daily basis. Luckily, there are great ways to protect our hair from our beloved flat irons, blow dryers and curling irons. There are some great heat protectant products out there that act as a shield to guard your hair from damaging. My personal favorite is TIGI Headrush. It smells amazing, adds beautiful shine to the hair without weighing it down, but most important, it protects your hair from heat damage, and can prevent breakage.

2. Limit Styling

What I mean by this, is try to skip the blowdryers, flat irons and curling iron for a day or two. Luckily, beachy waves are really in style right now and there are a lot of great products to help you achieve this summery look. Another great thing about it, you don't need any heat stylers to achieve the beach wave look. Don't dig the natural wave look? No problem, try a nice top knot on day old hair, or a tousled braid works amazing on dirty hair as well. The best part is, no harsh heat needed!

3. Deep Condition

I recommend doing this at least once a week. It doesnt have to be a fancy salon conditioning treatment, as a matter of fact, simple olive oil mixed with regular conditioner can have just as much benefits as the fancy treatments that you get at a salon. Whatever you use, make sure you apply it at the ends first, and sparingly to the roots (to prevent flat hair). Leave on for about 15-30 minutes and rinse. Let hair air dry for maximum shine and softness.

4. Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex is not only good for hair growth, but its beneficial for our insides as well. B Complex promotes energy, healthy nervous system, good digestion, and promoting nail and hair growth. Vitamin B is also good for your mental health as it decreases anxiety and depression. With all these amazing benefits, Vitamin B Complex should be in every girls medicine cabinet.

5. Skip A Wash

Washing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils which are essential for hair growth, and healthy cuticles. Thin hair? Oily Scalp? A Dry shampoo is for you. With so many different types available to you, why not opt for the easy route? All you have to do is spray in the dry shampoo, and style. No blow drying, no heat styling, no fuss. All those celebs out there with their gorgeous, shiny hair? Guess what, they sometimes only wash their hair twice a week!

6. Use Good Products

I know that professional hair products can be expensive, but when it comes to your personal appearance, don't go for the cheap stuff. Professional salon products really do make a difference, the ingredients in professional products are specially designed for different hair types and can really do wonders if used consistantly. If your hair is dry, a moisturizing shampoo will do wonders. Flat hair? A bodifying shampoo will give you the lift you need. So save up the money and don't skimp when it comes to the health of your hair!

7. Don't Over Do The Protein

When people here the word protein, they instantly think strength. While this is true, its a little known fact that too much protein can actually cause breakage. If your hair is dry and brittle, go ahead and purchase a protein infused shampoo or treatment, but make sure it is evenly used with a moisturizing product. For example, a protein shampoo should be followed by a moisturizing conditioner or vice versa. Protein can dry out the hair and cause it to break, so a moisturizing product should always be used as well.

8. Limit Hair Coloring

This is the hardest one, especially for me. i love to color my hair, and with the ever changing trends i know I am not alone. Unfortunately, whenever you are putting any kind of chemicals on your hair, a certain amount of damage is going to occur. Going lighter? Even more damage. If you are obsessed with bleach blonde hair, and get your monthly highlights, think twice. Your hair will end up looking like Christina Aguilera...fried. Ever notice how Paris Hiltons hair never grows long and she is constantly needing extensions? Thats because she is constantly bleaching and highlighting her locks to get that platinum barbie look. Im not saying give up the highlights all together, but try and go a little longer in between highlights. A good tip, if you tend to get an all over color with highlights as well, try this: Next time you need your roots touched up, instead of getting highlights as well, ask your stylist for a toning gloss. This will refresh your highlights and can actually condition your hair as well.

9. Eat Healthy - Drink Water

As for all things body related, it helps to eat healthy. Treat your insides well, and your outsides will reflect it. Water keeps the body hydrated, and will keep hair luscious and shiney. A few good foods that can promote hair growth would be:
Salmon- Filled with omega 3 fatty acids, salmon is great for your hair, skin and nails
Dark Green Veggies: Dark green veggies are filled with healthy vitamin A, B, & C. These vitamins are needed by your body to make sebum, a substance made by your hair follicles that acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Poultry: Such as chicken and turkey, which are full of protein and will make for strong hair with maximum growing power
Eggs: The incredible egg contains vitamin B and biotin which are essential for healthy hair, skin and nails.
There are lots of foods out there that will promote healthy hair growth. Eating well is not only going to make you look beautiful, but you will feel beautiful as well.

10. "If You Want It To Grow, Let It Go."

I heard this on the Tyra show back in the day, and I thought it was the cutest and most true statement about hair I have ever heard. Everyone thinks that in order to get Blake Lively's ultra long hair, they have to go as long as possible without cutting it. This is such a common misconception, and if I could get one thing through to everyone out there, it would be that if you want long hair, you MUST TRIM YOUR ENDS EVERY 12 WEEKS. Im sorry to use the all caps, but it is so, extremely important! When ends start to split, they split all the way up until the entire strand just breaks off. Not only will hair start to break, but your hair is going to look fried and the color will look mucky as well. Theres nothing worse than damaged and split ends, so please, cut them off! Afraid of the stylist cutting too much off? Next time you go in for a haircut, instead of telling them you want a trim, tell them you want a "DUSTING" of your ends. In nice terms this means, "BARELY TAKE ANYTHING OFF". Trust me, they will get the point. And if they end up cutting a tad too much off, it wont be enough to notice.


Luckily for us gals the natural look is in, and hotter than ever. The reason this is so awesome? Well it gives our poor strands a little break from the constant heat styling, coloring, and product abuse. Following these ten tips will guarantee your hair will be long, and luscious in no time!


Sources
http://www.foodforhealthyhair.com/

DIY Beauty: Face Mask's

I would kill for one day at a spa to get the works. Im talking face mask, waxing, massage, and just a day of utter relaxation. However, I am a single mom. I just don't have the time, nor can I justify spending the money at a fancy spa when obviously buying stuff for my son is a higher priority. Im sure most women feel the same way, that is why when i came across a few recipes for DIY face mask, I jumped all over it.

 

Yes the relaxation factor might not be the same as it would at a spa, but trust me, the ingredients in these face mask are not too far off from what you would get from a pro. Natural ingredients, and the antioxidants found in certain foods can do amazing things for your skin, and you probably have all the ingredients just sitting in your kitchen.

So this weekend, turn off the TV, put on some music, grab a glass of wine and give yourself an easy DIY facial. I guarantee your friends will notice the difference come Monday, and aren't you the genius who didn't have to spend the big bucks to achieve a glowing complexion!

Egg Nog Mask

This recipe featured in Teen Vogue is said to hydrate, tighten, cleanse and exfoliate in just ten minutes! Plus, who doesnt love the smell of oatmeal, and the hydrating effect it has. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 packet of oatmeal
• 3/4 cup of Egg Nog
• 1/2 tsp of Flax Seed Oil
• A couple of dashes of clove powder

                                      Oatmeal Yogurt Mask

When I worked at a salon, we actually used to make this mask for people using these very ingredients purchased at a grocery store. This is why I am telling you, you can get the same great results at home that you can get at a fancy salon for basically free! This mask is amazing, its hydrating and will cleanse and rejuvenate the skin...(and it smells amazing!)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (we used strawberry)
• A few drops of honey

Combine ingredients, warm honey before adding to mixture.

Honey Mask

My mom used to use this at home recipe on me, and it was great. A little messy, but definitely made a huge difference. Honey is a natural antioxidant and it has an amazing way of rejuvenating depleted skin. Honey will also tighten your pores, and remove dead skin leaving your face feeling silky smooth.

How to:

• Place a warm washcloth on top of face for a bit to open up pores
• Warm up honey, and pour over skin, smear around to get all of your face.
• Leave honey on for about 15-20 minutes
• rinse with warm water
• Place cold wash cloth over face to tighten and seal pores

Kiwi Mask

Kiwi has a great way of brightening up lackluster skin. Kiwi is loaded with Vitamin C, which is not only great for your insides, but amazing for the skin as well. Like honey, kiwi is also a natural antioxidant, and can slow down skin aging when used frequently. And hello, it smells so good it makes me want to go to a beach!

Ingredients:

• Kiwi
• Yogurt (Plain, organic)
• Orange Juice
• 1 tsp of almond or olive oil

Directions:

• Puree Kiwis First
• Mix all ingredients together
• Place on top of skin, leave on 15-20 minutes and rinse
• Rinse with cold water to tighten pores

Source: http://www.wholeliving.com/136436/buy-or-diy-facial-masks-every-skin-type/@center/144874/diy-beauty

White Sugar Scrub

Sugar is a gentle yet effective exfoliant. It is known to remove dead skin without irritating or damaging. Using an exfoliator can leave skin looking fresh, and will provide you with a better makeup application.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Sugar
• 3 Tbsp Warm Water

Directions:

• Combine ingredients together, and mix well. 
• Gently apply to skin, rubbing in circular motion
• Rinse with cold water to tighten pores.

Source: http://beauty.about.com/od/fragrance/r/agingmask.htm

Hope you enjoy these natural, DIY face mask! They are all super easy to do, and cheap. It is also fun to gather your friends for a girls night in, and perform these face mask on eachother :)